Few chess books have shaped the way players think as much as Alexander Kotov’s Think Like a Grandmaster. First published in the Soviet Union and translated into English in 1971, this book became an instant classic. Even decades later, with modern engines dominating chess study, players still return to Kotov’s writing for one fundamental reason:
It teaches you how to think.
Not how to memorize openings.
Not how to memorize patterns.
Not how to get quick tricks.
But how to actually analyze a position, structure your thoughts, choose candidate moves, avoid mental traps, evaluate positions, make a plan, and navigate practical psychology at the board.
In other words, Kotov shows you how grandmasters think—and how you can copy that thinking.
Introduction: A Soviet Experiment in Teaching Thought
Kotov begins by describing something unusual for a chess book: a psychological and practical experiment.
He asked strong players to analyze positions aloud—every thought, every branch, every hesitation. Then he compared the thinking processes of masters, grandmasters, and amateurs. The results shaped the entire book.
The core question Kotov wanted to answer:
Can a normal player, through structured study, learn to think like a grandmaster?
Kotov believed yes—because he did it himself.
He writes in the preface:
“Up to 1938 I had never reached master standard. But after a period of serious study, I made a great leap forward… it follows that one can become a grandmaster by one’s own endeavours. One merely has to work hard at it.”
This mindset defines the entire book.
What You’ll Learn from Think Like a Grandmaster
Here are the major skills the book actually teaches:
1. How to Analyze Variations Properly
This is the heart of the book. Kotov’s famous concept, the Tree of Analysis, remains one of the most influential ideas in chess training.
You learn:
- how to identify candidate moves
- how to avoid “tree-branch jumping”
- how to stop re-calculating the same lines
- how to separate forced and unforced variations
- how to avoid “dizziness by success”—when a promising line blinds you
Many modern players say this chapter alone is worth the entire book.
2. How to Judge a Position
Kotov covers the classical evaluation elements:
- open lines & diagonals
- weak squares
- pawn structure
- piece activity
- space
- color complexes
- passed pawns and pawn islands
But unlike modern shortcuts, Kotov forces you to slow down and think systematically.
3. How to Make a Plan
This is where the book shines for intermediate players.
You’ll learn:
- the difference between active and passive plans
- how to adjust your plan when the position changes
- how to use the center (open, closed, mobile, fixed)
- why “planlessness is punished”
It’s strategic training in its purest form.
4. Endgames in a Practical Framework
Kotov is not an endgame encyclopedist like Dvoretsky.
Instead, he focuses on:
- how to think in endgames
- what decisions matter most
- how to avoid panic and time trouble
5. Practical Tournament Psychology
This section is underrated. Kotov discusses:
- trusting or doubting your opponent
- avoiding blunders caused by optimism
- recognizing your own blind spots
- handling time pressure
- studying openings without drowning in theory
- how to prepare like Botvinnik vs. how to prepare like Najdorf
Chess psychology may have evolved since the 1970s, but many principles still hold.
Best Chapters (Ranked)
Based on usefulness for today’s players:
1. Analysis of Variations
Still unmatched. This chapter launched an entire school of thought.
2. Planning
Practical, digestible, filled with examples.
3. Positional Judgement
Clear, structured, and a foundation for modern strategy.
4. A Player’s Knowledge
Outdated in some ways, but inspiring and motivating.
5. The Ending
Short but practical.
Who This Book Is For
Perfect for:
- Players 1300–1900 who want to improve their thinking process
- Students who calculate poorly or “get lost” in analysis
- Chess improvers who rely too heavily on engines
- Self-taught players who need structure in their thought process
- Fans of Soviet-style classical training
Not ideal for:
- Absolute beginners (too dense)
- Players who want quick traps or openings
- People who hate long paragraphs or old-fashioned examples
- Readers who prefer engines or modern explanation styles
If you enjoy books like My System or The Amateur’s Mind, you’ll love this.
Reader Experience
While Think Like a Grandmaster is universally respected, the reading experience varies. Here are common reactions:
Praise
“This book finally taught me what ‘candidate moves’ really are.”
“It forced me to stop calculating like a headless chicken.”
“No other book has improved my practical play as much.”
Criticism
“Dense. Soviet-dense. You need coffee.”
“Kotov sometimes overstates his own ideas.”
“The examples feel old, but the thinking method is timeless.”
Comments
From typical Reddit threads
“It changed how I calculate forever. Hard read, but a necessary one.”
“If you can get through the analysis chapter, you’ll be a stronger player for life.”
“The Kotov tree is basically the original ‘stop blundering’ system.”
“Outdated? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.”
Goodreads Snapshot
With a 4.1 rating, many reviewers call it:
“One of the most influential chess books ever written.”
“The book that separates casual players from serious improvers.”
Taken together, most players agree:
The lessons are timeless, even if the writing style is old-school.
What This Book Will Actually Change in Your Play
After finishing Think Like a Grandmaster, you will likely experience:
- Better calculation structure
- Clearer decision-making
- Fewer impulsive moves
- More awareness of positional weaknesses
- A calmer approach under pressure
Kotov gives you a framework you’ll use for your entire chess life.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- One of the most influential chess books ever
- Teaches you how to think, not just what to do
- Great for disciplined calculation
- Many real examples from master play
- Strategies applicable even in modern engine era
Cons
- Dense and sometimes repetitive
- Examples are old Soviet games
- Not ideal for beginners
- Writing style can feel heavy
- Requires slow, thoughtful study
Final Verdict: Should You Read Think Like a Grandmaster?
Yes—if you’re serious about improving your thinking process.
This is not a casual reading book. It’s a training manual. A mental gym. A classical Soviet workout routine for your chess brain.
If you want to calculate like a stronger player, stop blundering, and understand the structure of thinking itself, Kotov delivers.
If you enjoy modern, light, joke-filled writing?
You may struggle.
But for chess improvement, especially in the 1300–1900 range, Think Like a Grandmaster remains one of the most valuable books ever written.
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I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300. Send me a challenge or message via Lichess. Follow me on Twitter (X) or Facebook.