As we progress as chess players we quickly learn a set of guidelines
which help us to formulate plans, develop typical strategies and
recognize key tactics. However, chess is not an easy game, with fixed
'rules' that can be applied to every single position. In fact, blindly
following such rules proves to be counterproductive and prevents a
player from moving on to the next level, whereas knowing when to 'break'
these rules is precisely the skill which separates the best from the
rest. In this instructive book, Grandmaster Neil McDonald studies in
depth the key components of successful rule-breaking in chess. Drawing
upon his own experience and using illuminating examples from modern
grandmaster chess, McDonald examines how to avoid stereotypical
thinking, how to exploit typical thinking patterns, and how to confuse
and beat opponents with surprising ideas.