How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess-Mastery Course

Media:	Paperback
Author:	Jeremy Silman, Siles Press
Publisher:	Siles Press
Release date:	01 April, 1997
List price:	~~$17.95~~
Our price:	$12.21 that is 32% off!

How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess-Mastery Course

Average rating: Stars

This is the book I don't want my opponents to read!

The subtitle notwithstanding, HTRYC is primarily a book on middlegame strategy. There is a brief section devoted to a couple important endgame topics, and at various points Silman talks about when and how to find tactics in a position. However, the bulk of the pages are devoted to Silman's concept of "imbalances" in chess, and how an understanding of imbalances helps players to find the right plan for a given position. Chapters are devoted to different types of imbalances, such as material, minor pieces, space, etc. There are exercises throughout the book, with solutions given at the end.

So far this sounds like a typical middlegame manual, but that is where the similarity with other books ends. The difference has to do with the passion, humor, and devotion that the author displays on every page. I was so affected by the author's obvious love for the game and for teaching chess, that I was inspired to return to tournament competition after more than a quarter century away. His humor is a little oblique and sometimes over the top; most will find it appealing, though a few others may be put off. And this theory of imbalances is not just a gimmick, or another repackaging of ancient ideas. Everywhere Silman comes up with nuances that add value in a very concrete and practical way. For example, he overturns the notion that the purpose of the opening is to develop your pieces; rather, he explains, the purpose is to create imbalances, and to develop pieces so as to make those imbalances advantageous. In this way Silman brilliantly and engagingly weaves together all of middlegame theory into a coherent discipline, one which can be learned by club players, and implemented in actual practice.

I spent several months working through this book over a year ago. As a result I understand the game a great deal better. My rating has gone up 150 points (USCF) and it is still rising. The book reawakened my interest in playing the game, and makes my chess a lot more enjoyable. Silman opened a door through which the secrets of this magnificent game are revealing themselves. I can think of no greater compliment than to describe this book as the one chess book I wish my opponents never read.

There are a few small negatives, none of which should prevent you from buying the book. Early on, the author introduces what he calls the "Silman thinking technique." For such a central subject it receives very little attention thereafter; I think it could have been integrated into the material in a more coherent way. Also, as already mentioned, this is not a "complete" chess mastery course, instead focusing primarily on the middlegame.

Other reviewers have pointed out flaws in the analysis in some of the examples. I agree with some of their assessments; however I do not think that they seriously undermine the book's instructive value. (The classic book "My System" by Nimzovich contains many more errors.) There are typos, but they are not distracting. My main beef is actually with the title of the book: I would have bought it a lot sooner if had I known it wasn't about "reassessing" my chess, but rather improving it.

Some reviewers used a popular computer chess engine to check (and in some cases reject) Silman's analysis. I urge caution, however, as even the best computer engines are still relatively inaccurate when it comes to positional factors. Furthermore, their evaluations can be quite suspect in highly unbalanced positions (usually giving material too much weight). It is particularly invalid to have the computer play out a position against itself in order to assess a position: If the computer misjudges some positional factor for White, then it will also miss Black's refutation!

I recommend this book most highly. It would probably be of most use to those rated between 1400 and 1900.

How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess-Mastery Course - Jeremy Silman, Siles Press

A great book for ppl rated 0-2000 elo

How to reasses your Chess by Jeremy Silman is by far one of the best books ever made on the topic of Chess. I havent read the whole book yet, but fro, what I've read, its great so far! Teaches you the essentials, and accordig to Im (International Master) Silman, this book is supposed to prepare you for "The Amateurs Mind" which is also by Jeremy Silman. From what I've read from Mr. Silman, its recommended to read the FIRST 52 pages of How to reasses your Chess, then read all of The amateurs mind, then go back to How to reasses your chess. To close this paragraph up, i think that this book is a fine book to read, and which should be read every 6 months!

Jeremy Silman, Siles Press - How to Reassess Your Chess: The Complete Chess-Mastery Course

A Fantastic Sharpening Tool for the Advanced Player

First things first. If you aren't at least 1600 USCF, don't bother with this book. Preferrably you should be a Class A player(1800) or better, with a very solid grip on tactics before trying to tackle this book. Silman's "Amatuer's Mind" is a great choice in preparation for this book, along with tactical study of course.

Silman's one-stop shop style of chess strategy is actually very effective. In this book, Silman covers virtually every nuance of the middlegame, focusing mainly on piece imbalances. Since piece play is so crucial at higher level chess, Silman gives great examples of how to create favorable imbalances for your pieces.

For example, a situation arises in a complex middlegame where no tactical shots are present. What to do? Improve your pieces. How? Should I manuever my knight? My bishop? Silman answers these questions. Before long you'll find yourself planning out 3 move sequences to get your knight to that "dream square" or trading off knights for bishops in an open game so that your bishop pair dominates the board.

Silman even includes a brief, but very helpful basic endgame course in the beginning of the book. You'd be surprised at what you don't know!

At the end of each chapter, Silman offers questions based on planning and such(be careful, Silman likes to use trick questions!).

Silman can come as a little arrogant at times, but for the most part his writing is humorous and insightful. I guarantee you that spending time with this book in one hand and playing out the examples with the other, your positional play will drastically improve.

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