Chess for Zebras

[Phil Neatherway]

This book by Jonathan Rowson is very well thought of. For example:-
http://www.chessville.com/reviews/ChessForZebras.htm

So I bought it and I found it virtually incomprehensible.

What do other termites, er, I mean, forumites, think of this book?

[E Michael White]

Phil

Did you play in the tournament with increment time controls, you mentioned some time ago ? If so, what was your view ?
I realise this appears off topic but I take it you applied some of Rowson's thoughts to your play.

[Phil Neatherway]

Mike,

I have played in 2 tournaments recently with incremental time controls. I found that I never really knew if I was in time trouble or not! E.g. after 40 moves you have 15 minutes, each side has rook, minor piece and 5 pawns.

I can confirm that I did not use any of Rowson's thinking!

[John Hickman]

What do other termites, er, I mean, forumites, think of this book?

Om nom nom. My colony happily munched it up. Delish

[David Sedgwick]

Jonathan Rowson's books do seem to polarise opinion a lot - you either love them or hate them.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I quite enjoyed it, myself.

And I say that as someone who *did* find "Seven Deadly Chess Sins" fairly hard going. IMO, CFZ is significantly more comprehensible and better written.

[Paul Dargan]

Also liked it - altough he does stress that you need to do some of the exercises to get maximum benefit from the book - it will appeal to people whose predominant learning styles tend towards theorist/reflector .. i.e. they like ot be able to fit things into models, compare with their view of the world, etc...

This was one of only two books that I had with me as I travelled around Syria for 2 weeks...

Paul

[Geoff Chandler]

And.......????

What is it with you people.
First Robertson telling us all about his game with Brechin and not giving the result.

and now:

"This was one of only two books that I had with me as I travelled around Syria for 2 weeks..."

WHAT WAS THE OTHER ONE?

[Richard Bates]

And.......????

What is it with you people.
First Robertson telling us all about his game with Brechin and not giving the result.

and now:

"This was one of only two books that I had with me as I travelled around Syria for 2 weeks..."

WHAT WAS THE OTHER ONE?

The Koran?

[Paul Cooksey]

The Koran?

I think you get that, and the complete works of Shakespeare, in addition to your own book and luxury item.

[Paul Dargan]

"This was one of only two books that I had with me as I travelled around Syria for 2 weeks..."

WHAT WAS THE OTHER ONE?

Sorry about that...

My statement was not strictly true in retrospect, as I had:

Lonely Planet Guide to Syria and Lebanon in my rucksack together with the book I was thinking of which was....

"A Thousand Splendid Suns", by Khalad Hosseini (of Kite Runner fame) which I'm afraid is on my 'difficult to read' list. Rather like Zadie Smiths "White Teeth" it's a book I have started several times, but never managed to finish!

Paul

[Phil Neatherway]

"A Thousand Splendid Suns", by Khalad Hosseini (of Kite Runner fame) which I'm afraid is on my 'difficult to read' list. Rather like Zadie Smiths "White Teeth" it's a book I have started several times, but never managed to finish!

A bit like Chess for Zebras then!

[Malcolm Peacock]

Jonathan Rowson's books do seem to polarise opinion a lot - you either love them or hate them.

I love them.

[Nick Burrows]

Jonathan Rowson's books do seem to polarise opinion a lot - you either love them or hate them.

I love them.

Me too. I've been reading lots recently, and Rowsons' are 2 of my favourites. As Paul says, they will be appreciated more by those with a philosophical bent.