Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Grandmaster Preparation summary
Jacob Aagaard
Brief summary
Grandmaster Preparation by Jacob Aagaard is a comprehensive guide that delves into the advanced strategies and techniques used by grandmasters. It provides valuable insights and exercises to help players improve their understanding and skills in chess.
Topics
Table of Contents
Grandmaster Preparation
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Mental Process of a Grandmaster
In Grandmaster Preparation by Jacob Aagaard, the author delves into the intricate mental process that a grandmaster undergoes during a game. He begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding and accepting the limitations of our minds. He explains that our thoughts are often influenced by our emotions, and as a result, our decision-making process can be flawed.
Aagaard introduces the concept of the 'inner game' of chess, which involves understanding and controlling our mental state during a game. He highlights the importance of being present in the moment and not letting past mistakes or future consequences cloud our judgment. Aagaard's insights provide a fresh perspective on the mental aspect of chess, shedding light on the importance of psychological resilience.
Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making
The book then shifts its focus to strategic thinking and decision-making. Aagaard emphasizes the need for a structured thought process when analyzing a chess position. He introduces the idea of the 'candidate move' and explains how grandmasters are able to narrow down their options to a few critical moves, thus saving time and energy.
Aagaard also discusses the importance of evaluating positions objectively, without letting personal biases or emotions influence our judgment. He provides practical exercises to help the reader develop their strategic thinking skills, encouraging them to focus on understanding the position rather than simply memorizing moves.
Calculation and Visualization
In the subsequent sections of Grandmaster Preparation, Aagaard delves into the critical skills of calculation and visualization. He explains that the ability to calculate accurately and visualize future positions is a hallmark of a grandmaster. Aagaard provides a systematic approach to calculation, breaking down complex positions into smaller, manageable parts.
He also introduces the concept of 'board vision' and provides exercises to help readers improve their visualization skills. By emphasizing the importance of these skills, Aagaard underscores the point that chess is not just about memorizing moves, but about understanding and analyzing the position on the board.
Endgame Mastery and Practical Play
The book concludes with a discussion on endgame mastery and practical play. Aagaard argues that the endgame is often neglected in chess training, despite its critical importance. He provides an in-depth analysis of various endgame scenarios, offering valuable insights into the strategic nuances of endgame play.
Finally, Aagaard emphasizes the importance of practical play, encouraging readers to apply the skills and concepts they have learned in real games. He provides tips on managing time, handling pressure, and maintaining focus during a game. Aagaard's comprehensive approach to chess training, covering all aspects of the game, makes Grandmaster Preparation an invaluable resource for aspiring chess players.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Grandmaster Preparation about?
Grandmaster Preparation by Jacob Aagaard is a comprehensive guide to improving your chess skills and reaching the grandmaster level. The book covers various aspects of chess, including calculation, positional play, and endgame techniques, providing valuable insights and practical exercises to help players enhance their game. Whether you're an aspiring grandmaster or a serious chess enthusiast, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and strategies to take your game to the next level.
Grandmaster Preparation Review
Grandmaster Preparation (2017) by Jacob Aagaard is an insightful read for chess enthusiasts seeking to enhance their game. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring advanced strategies and exercises, it provides a deep dive into chess tactics for serious players looking to elevate their skills.
- Through clear explanations and practical examples, it demystifies complex concepts, offering a practical approach to mastering the game.
- With its engaging challenges and thought-provoking analysis, the book ensures an intellectually stimulating journey, far from dull or monotonous.
Who should read Grandmaster Preparation?
Chess players looking to improve their calculation and decision-making skills
Intermediate to advanced players who want to take their game to the next level
Those who are willing to put in the effort to follow a structured training program
Categories with Grandmaster Preparation
Book summaries like Grandmaster Preparation
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
36 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Grandmaster Preparation FAQs
What is the main message of Grandmaster Preparation?
The main message of Grandmaster Preparation is to elevate chess players' skills to a competitive level.
How long does it take to read Grandmaster Preparation?
Reading Grandmaster Preparation takes time, whereas the Blinkist summary can be digested quickly.
Is Grandmaster Preparation a good book? Is it worth reading?
Grandmaster Preparation is an essential read for chess enthusiasts looking to enhance their gameplay effectively.
Who is the author of Grandmaster Preparation?
Jacob Aagaard is the author of Grandmaster Preparation.
What to read after Grandmaster Preparation?
If you're wondering what to read next after Grandmaster Preparation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz