How and when to break the rules in chess

Autor: McDonald, Neil; Manella, Noam; Zohar, Zeev
Verlag / Hersteller: Everyman Chess
Erscheinungsjahr: 2019
Sprache: Englisch
Buchumschlag: paperback
Seiten: 564

Master Strategic Principles and Know When to Defy Conventional Wisdom

How and When to Break the Rules in Chess by Neil McDonald, Noam Manella, and Zeev Zohar teaches players to recognise when established opening theory can be bent or abandoned for tactical advantage.

This book addresses a core challenge for club and intermediate players: understanding not just what the rules are, but when and why breaking them leads to winning positions.

Rather than blindly following classical principles, the authors explore unconventional moves and modern strategic thinking that transform how players approach the opening and middlegame.

Highlights

• Learn when to break classical chess rules for concrete tactical and positional gains
• Discover how computer-era chess has reshaped strategic thinking and challenged conventional wisdom
• Apply unconventional moves and ideas at club and intermediate level
• Understand the reasoning behind departures from textbook principles
• Develop sharper, more flexible opening repertoires based on modern insights

A practical guide for players ready to move beyond mechanical rule-following and embrace the dynamic, evidence-based approach of contemporary chess.

FAQ

Is this book about breaking all the rules, or learning when rule-breaking makes sense?
The book teaches players to recognise concrete situations where established principles can be violated for advantage—not abandoning fundamentals, but applying them with flexibility based on specific board positions and modern understanding.

How does this book relate to computer-era chess?
The authors examine how computer analysis has uncovered unconventional moves and strategic ideas that challenge classical chess doctrine, helping players think more dynamically in the modern game.

What level of player will benefit most from this book?
Club players and intermediate players who have learned basic opening principles and are ready to deepen their understanding by learning when and why those principles can be strategically bent.