Book Recap #32- GM Rowson's Chess for Zebras a classic book that tackles the challenges of adult improvement, and the differences between playing White and Black (with guest co-host, Professor David Franklin)

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Aug 4, 2023

"Chess for Zebras" is a classic book that tackles the challenges of adult improvement in chess. In this podcast, the hosts, along with Professor David Franklin, discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book. They delve into topics such as the difference between knowledge and skill in chess, the challenges of handling each color, and the underrated skill of "just being." Tune in to find out more about this valuable book for chess players of all levels.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Analyzing 'Chess for Zebras': Strengths and Weaknesses

02:44 • 10min

Discussion of 'Chess for Zebras' and Introduction to Part One

12:53 • 3min

Skill vs Knowledge in Chess

16:06 • 24min

Discussing Part Three and the Concept of Being Protean

40:23 • 2min

Thinking Colorfully About Black and White

42:02 • 20min

Finding a New Author and A Camera Store Ad

01:01:37 • 2min

After a lengthy hiatus, the book review series Chess Books Recaptured, returns to discuss another classic chess book. This time we discuss Chess for Zebras. Originally published in 2003, Zebras is a followup to Rowson’s classic first book The Seven Deadly Chess Sins. While the book has some tonal similarities to its predecessor, it is a bit more narrow in focus. My guest co-host is Law Professor David Franklin. (David also co-hosted our discussion of Seven Deadly Chess Sins) Like me, David is a fan of GM Rowson’s writing, although both of us have our quibbles with different parts of the book. All in all, though, we both find the book highly worthwhile. Key concepts discussed in the book (and on the podcast) include the difference between knowledge and skill in chess, the challenges of handling each color, and the underrated chess skill of “just being.” Tune in to find out more! Timestamps below:

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Chess for Zebras Free Preview:

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Chess for Zebras:

https://www.chessable.com/chess-for-zebras-thinking-differently-about-black-and-white/course/61560/

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02:00- Law Professor and USCF Expert David Franklin joins me. Why did he suggest this book? How is it different from GM Jonathan Rowson’s other chess classic, Seven Deadly Chess Sins?

Mentioned: Book Recap #14- Seven Deadly Chess Sins with David Franklin

04:30- How did Rowson choose the title, Chess for Zebras?

Mentioned: Chess for Tigers by Simon Webb, GM Rowson’s 2023 interview with Chessbase India

08:30- We discuss the major points and framework of the book, as well as the level of players who could most benefit from this book.

13:30- We discuss Part 1 of the book, which focuses on the challenges of adult chess improvement and the “knowledge-skill” gap.

Mentioned: Move First, Think Later by IM Willy Hendriks, The Best of Novice Nook

18:30- As a lawyer, does David think that aging effects his ability to practice law differently than his ability to play chess?

22:30- What is GM Rowson’s recommendation for acquiring skills as opposed to knowledge?

Mentioned: IM Andras Toth

30:00- We discuss part 2, called “A Mental Toolkit for the Exponential Jungle”

Mentioned: GM Tony Miles, GM Johann Hjartarson, IM Dina Belenkaya

34:00- What does it mean to “keep it between the hedges”?

Mentioned: GM Michael Adams, GM Luke McShane, Mentioned Magnus and David Howell’s course: Grind Like a Super GM, Magnus’ Book Recommendations

40:00- Part 3- Thinking Colorfully About Black and White

Mentioned: Andras Adorjan, Mihai Suba’s Dynamic Chess Strategy, GM Vasilios Kotronias