Schlaues Schwindeln beim Schach

This Smart Cheating in Chess is a German-language paperback chess book by David Smerdon that focuses on one of the most practical skills at the board: finding real chances in difficult, even lost, positions. It is written for players who want to provoke mistakes, use psychology at the board and keep fighting when the engine verdict looks harsh.

What this book is about

David Smerdon shows that a worse position does not have to mean defeat. When the board looks bad, many players lose confidence straight away. This book argues that the better response is often to switch into “cheating mode” and play in a way that makes life awkward for the opponent.

It explains how to spot hidden resources in a position, how to use practical psychological ideas in real games, and how to play not only against the engine’s first choice but against the person sitting across the board. In many lost positions, the best practical chance is not the move the computer prefers, but the move that creates problems the opponent may struggle to solve over the board.

Why it is useful

This is a book for players who want to improve their results in tournament and club play. Rather than focusing only on perfect moves, it shows how to save half a point, and sometimes even steal a full point, from positions that seem hopeless. That makes it especially relevant for players working on defence, time pressure and games against stronger opposition.

The book also stands out for its accessible, engaging style. It is not a dry manual, but a practical guide to fighting on to the end and increasing your chances in the toughest moments of a game.

Edition information

• Language: German
• Binding: paperback
• Author: David Smerdon
• Subject: practical defence and saving worse positions
• Approach: psychological ideas and practical play against the opponent, not only engine-approved moves

If you are looking for a German chess book that develops practical thinking at the board and teaches you not to give up too early, Smart Cheating in Chess is a strong choice.

Key details

• Product type: paperback chess book
• Language: German
• Binding: paperback
• Author: David Smerdon
• Subject: practical defence and saving worse positions
• Approach: psychological ideas and practical play against the opponent