Applying Logic in Chess - by Erik Kislik (Paperback)

About the Book

One of the world's top chess trainers offers practical advice on an enormous range of topics, including computer use, preparation and psychology. Erik Kislik is originally from California and lives in Budapest, Hungary. He has worked with many leading grandmasters, including assisting World Champion Magnus Carlsen with his opening preparation.

Book Synopsis

Shortlisted for the FIDE Book of the Year Award

Is chess a logical game? What constitutes an advantage in chess? How can we set problems and create psychologically difficult situations for the opponent? These are big questions, and Erik Kislik tackles them and others head-on in this thought-provoking, thoroughly modern, and original work.

He answers the first of those questions with a resounding 'yes!'. His assessments focus on concrete points: pawn-structure, material imbalance and compensation. Even though the analytical proofs may be complex, he repeatedly shows that these elements are the keys to evaluating positions and forming plans.

As the trainer of players ranging from high-level grandmasters to average club-players, Kislik is very strong on providing practical guidance on topics such as how best to use chess software, choosing hardware, getting psychologically ready for a game and preparing for specific opponents. He is always willing to boldly state his views, even when they run contrary to conventional chess wisdom.

"I was excited by this book because of the way all of the ideas are intertwined and you get very concrete advice ... Everything is applicable and it is easy to see how it applies to the real world." - from the Foreword by GM Hjörvar Steinn Gretarsson.

From the Back Cover

Is chess a logical game? What constitutes an advantage in chess? How can we set problems and create psychologically difficult situations for the opponent? These are big questions, and Erik Kislik tackles them and others head-on in this thought-provoking, thoroughly modern, and original work.

He answers the first of those questions with a resounding 'yes!'. His assessments focus on concrete points: pawn-structure, material imbalance and compensation. Even though the analytical proofs may be complex, he repeatedly shows that these elements are the keys to evaluating positions and forming plans.

As the trainer of players ranging from high-level grandmasters to average club-players, Kislik is very strong on providing practical guidance on topics such as how best to use chess software, choosing hardware, getting psychologically ready for a game and preparing for specific opponents. He is always willing to boldly state his views, even when they run contrary to conventional chess wisdom.

"I was excited by this book because of the way all of the ideas are intertwined and you get very concrete advice ... Everything is applicable and it is easy to see how it applies to the real world." - from the Foreword by GM Hjörvar Steinn Gretarsson.

Erik Kislik is an International Master originally from California who lives in Budapest. He is an expert in computer chess and one of the most in-demand chess trainers on ICC. He has coached many grandmasters and assisted a number of elite players with their opening preparation.

Review Quotes

"Filled to the brim with advice for improvement ... hardly a page is turned without readers encountering something thought provoking" - John Hartman, Chess Life

"I find myself inspired by the underlying message that, contrary to conventional wisdom, adult students can and do improve when they work on their game seriously using good methods that are known to be effective. Entertaining, thoughtful, instructive and original" - Bill Forster, New Zealand Chess Magazine

"Is Applying Logic in Chess a must? For motivated chess players (and their trainers): for sure! The book is packed with interesting training methods and the correct use of engines is discussed in detail. Also on the psychological side (which goals do I want to achieve with chess, how do I deal with defeats, etc.) the necessary attention is given. You do not have to agree with Kislik everywhere, but it makes you think" - Mark Haast, schaaksite.nl

About the Author

Erik Kislik is an International Master originally from California who lives in Budapest. He is an expert in computer chess and one of the most in-demand chess trainers on ICC. He has coached many grandmasters and assisted a number of elite players with their opening preparation.