Risk & Bluff in Chess

Book excerpt: Winning in chess is impossible without taking risks. Winning requires courage and psychology, but above all: calculation. No matter how deep you calculate, you will always reach a point where you must come to an assessment, deal with uncertainties and take a decision. When your main aim is to derail your opponent’s calculation by weaving a web of deception, you engage in the highest form of risk: bluff. Renowned chess coach Vladimir Tukmakov presents more than 100 practical ways that masters and grandmasters have used to push beyond the limits of calculation and take a deliberate risk. He shows how to trick your opponent into believing your bluff. This is the first attempt to understand the nature of risk in chess. After studying this book you will think twice before wasting an opportunity to do what even the greatest players have done: bluff your way to victory.