Simon reveals GM secrets such as …
* The simple 8-move setup Simon used to play as white – against everything – and why it was so effective for him. This got him from junior to IM level. (You don’t need a vast opening repertoire to succeed at chess – all you need is the RIGHT openings.)
* The five questions you must ask yourself whenever you read an opening book. This is the difference between memorising an opening and mastering it.
* Not sure what plan to follow? A simple rule that’ll give you the correct answer almost every time.
* Mikhail Tal’s brilliant bishop manoeuvre – We all know Tal for his “crash, bang, wallop” sacrifices, but this quiet bishop move can put unbearable pressure on your opponent’s defences.
* The simple attacking plan Simon’s used to win countless games. (Surprisingly, this doesn’t involve Harry the H Pawn.)
* How to save time when studying openings. This will free up time you can use to improve the rest of your play. Essential advice for busy players.
* Should club players play the same openings as top GMs? Or play lesser-known gambits and sidelines? Simon gives his advice.
* A very rare – and highly-effective – system against the Sicilian that’ll take your opponent out of his preparation. Watch him flounder while you have an easy-to-play attacking plan. See how an amateur used it to demolish a 2660 GM in just 20 moves like clockwork.
* Never lose to a patzer again. How savvy GMs avoid embarrassing losses to much lower-rated opponents.
* The right way to use a computer to review your games. Computers can help improve your thinking, or be a crutch that stifles your development. Simon explains how – and when – you should use one.
* The popular chess training technique that will actually make you a worse player – and what you should be doing instead.
* How to become a positional maestro. Just ask yourself this one question and you’ll instantly know where to place your pieces for maximum power.
* The golden rule for exchanging minor pieces. Follow this rule and you’ll get the better of almost every exchange.
* Ever build up dominant positions only to get sucker-punched and lose? If so, you probably have this common flaw in your chess thinking. The good news is that it’s easily fixed and you’ll soon be converting these positions into comfortable wins.
* The training technique that helped Russia dominate post-war chess – and how you can use it to continually improve from game-to-game.
* The one popular opening Simon would NOT recommend for the average player – and why.