by David LeMoir, 176pp. (Gambit, 2001)

Read an excerpt here

Some players seem to have an inexhaustible supply of chessboard luck. No matter what trouble they find themselves in, they somehow manage to escape. Among world champions, Lasker, Tal and Kasparov are famed for peering into the abyss but somehow making sure it is their opponents who fall. This book aims to help ordinary players, who may have little time for studying chess, to make the most of their abilities. Unlike most previous literature on chess psychology, this is no heavyweight theoretical treatise, but rather a practical guide in how to lure opponents into error - and thus create what is often called 'luck'.

David LeMoir is an experienced chess player and writer. He twice won the championship of the West of England and was runner-up on four occasions. In 2000, he was County Champion of Norfolk. In a successful career as a business strategy consultant, he has made good use of the strategic and decision-making skills that are developed by playing chess. See also Essential Chess Sacrifices and How to Become a Deadly Chess Tactician.

Ken LeMoir, who provided the numerous illustrations for the book, is a retired technical illustrator whose work has appeared in a wide range of magazines and other publications.

"This excellent book is full of twists, turns, humorous stories, and great examples of luck and how to get some for yourself." - Bob Long

"LeMoir offers both standard and sensible advice, such as not rushing, as well as highlighting some less well known notions, such as that it is ideal to play a considerable sacrifice in a bad position when the opponent is very short of time" - Richard Palliser, CHESS MOVES

"Overall I found the examples informative and easy to understand, perhaps because for the most part they were not played by Grandmasters who think at a level beyond my understanding. I found the author's explanations and thoughts readable and to the point." - Andy Ansel, GM SQUARE and CHESS TODAY

"A delightful book! I like LeMoir's writing style a lot. It is rare for an untitled player to publish a chess book, but this effort shows that practical playing strength is not essential to good chess writing. LeMoir communicates well, and has chosen his examples(a mixture of GM games and games between club players) thoughtfully. I also think that he understands the real life hussle and bussle of chess, and its complex psychology extremely well. Chapter six: Why do defenders fail? Can't analyse, won't analyse is my favourite chapter and resonates with my own experience of defending difficult positions. Furthermore, the amusing illustrations and typical Gambit production quality make this a pleasure to read and to recommend very strongly." - GM Jonathan Rowson