Amateur’s Mind

The Amateur’s Mind takes the student on a journey through his own mind and returns him to the chess board with a wealth of new-found knowledge and the promise af a significant gain in strength.

Most amateurs possess erroneous thinking processes that remain with them throughout their chess lives. These flaws in their mental armor result in stinging defeats and painful reversals. Books can be bought and studied, lessons can be taken, but in the end these elusive problems always prove to be extremely difficult to eradicate.

Seeking a solution to this dilemma, Mr. Silman wrote down the thoughts of his students while they played actual games, analysed them, and catalogued the most common misconceptions that arose. He then eradicated these mental traps by offering advice, rules of conduct and strategy, and penetrating psychological insight. 

This second edition of The Amateur’s Mind greatly expands on the information contained in the popular first edition. In particular, the addition of twenty-six tests and their detailed explanations, add more than one hundred pages of instruction-rich material.

International Chess Master Jeremy Silman is a world-class teacher, writer and player who has won the American Open, the Natíonal Open and the U.S. Open. The author of thirty-two best-selling chess books including How To Reassess Your Chess and The Complete Book of Chess Strategy, he has also written dozens of articles that have appeared in magazines throughout the world.

Dr. Anthony Saidy, International Master, author of ‘The March Of Chess Ideas’:
“In my amateur days, l never dreamed of getting lessons like these! Jeremy Silman offers clear, eye-opening insights. Silman has walked the walk, and here he talks the talk.”

John Watson, International Master, author of ‘Play the French’:
“Mr. Silman has became the leading chess writer in America. My students swear by his work.”

Joel Benjamin, International Grandmaster, 1987 and 1997 U.S. Champion:
“The Amateur’s Mind is eminently readable and instruction-rich. Jeremy Silman never disappoints those who seriously wish to improve their game.”