Applying Logic in Chess
by Erik Kislik
Reading Profile
Should I read this?
Applying Logic in Chess presents a logic-driven method for deciding when an edge exists, how to convert it, and how to engineer psychologically awkward choices for an opponent. The book alternates conceptual argument with annotated positions; its useful part is forcing explicit decision criteria that sharpen evaluative discipline. Main limitation: chapters sometimes linger in extended, repetitive analytic threads and it offers few hands-on drills, so players who want immediate puzzle practice or lighter prose may find it slow-going.
Read this if...
- •a 1600–2000-rated club player preparing for longer time-control games, because the book gives concrete rules-of-thumb to turn vague positional advantages into winning plans
- •a coach designing lessons on decision-making and opponent pressure, because the arguments help explain why certain moves create practical difficulties and how to frame that for students
- •a serious self-learner rebuilding analytic habits after relying on intuition, because the text forces explicit criteria and disciplined stepwise thinking about advantages
Skip this if...
- •annoying if you prefer tactical puzzles, short exercises, or drill-heavy practice—this is idea-driven rather than a puzzle book
- •you'll likely put it down when chapters move into long, repetitive theoretical digressions with few fresh examples—the middle's analytic density is the common drop-off point
- •not for readers who want memoir, light anecdotes, or intuition-first coaching—the tone is prescriptive and abstract rather than chatty
Shortlisted for the FIDE Book of the Year Award Is chess a logical game What constitutes an advantage in chess How can we set problems and create psychologically difficult situations for the opponent These are big questions, and Erik Kislik tackles them and others headon in this thoughtprovoking, thoroughly modern, and original work. He answer...
Before You Buy
Reading Specifications
Difficulty:hard
Audience Fit
- a 1600–2000-rated club player preparing for longer time-control games, because the book gives concrete rules-of-thumb to turn vague positional advantages into winning plans
- a coach designing lessons on decision-making and opponent pressure, because the arguments help explain why certain moves create practical difficulties and how to frame that for students
- a serious self-learner rebuilding analytic habits after relying on intuition, because the text forces explicit criteria and disciplined stepwise thinking about advantages
- annoying if you prefer tactical puzzles, short exercises, or drill-heavy practice—this is idea-driven rather than a puzzle book
- you'll likely put it down when chapters move into long, repetitive theoretical digressions with few fresh examples—the middle's analytic density is the common drop-off point
- not for readers who want memoir, light anecdotes, or intuition-first coaching—the tone is prescriptive and abstract rather than chatty
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View available editions on AmazonKey themes
Why recommended
Recommended by 2 sources and appears in Most Recommended Books.
Recommended by notable people
People and public figures who have recommended this book.
Recommendation Signals
Recommendation proof is sourced from public posts, interviews, reading lists, and cited references.
Dan Heisman
“I have added Kislic's Applying Logic in Chess to my Recommended Book page Don't be fooled by the title; it's actually a coach's "soup to nuts" recommendations/opinions for how talented players can progress to a very strong level. Comprehensive. #Chess”
Appears In
Not sure if this is the right fit?
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Sarah MangusoHow recommendation signals are reviewed
Each recommendation is collected from a public source — interviews, articles, or curated lists — and linked to its original URL. Books with many verifiable recommendations from respected people rank higher.