The Complete Chess Swindler

The Complete Chess Swindler is an English-language paperback by David Smerdon that focuses on one of chess’s most practical skills: finding resources in difficult, and even lost, positions. It is written for players who want to keep fighting, create problems for the opponent and improve their chances of saving a game or turning it around.

The book was named English Chess Federation Book of the Year 2020, which underlines its appeal for ambitious chess players. Smerdon shows that swindling is not just a lucky trick, but a skill that can be studied and trained.

What the book covers

Rather than concentrating only on computer-approved moves, this book looks at the practical side of defending bad positions. It explores how time pressure, psychology, emotions and common thinking errors can change the course of a game when the position already looks uncomfortable.

Practical swindling ideas

You will also find discussion of the kinds of ideas that help in these situations, including the opponent’s impatience, overconfidence, fear and need to stay in control. The book combines these themes with examples and training exercises, making it useful both as a read and as a study aid for practical defence and counterplay.

If you often give up too early after a mistake, or want to make better use of your chances in worse positions, The Complete Chess Swindler is a strong choice. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a chess player who prefers books about real fighting chances at the board.

Edition details

• Product type: English chess book in paperback
• Author: David Smerdon
• Language: English
• Binding: paperback
• Pages: 368
• Award: English Chess Federation Book of the Year 2020
• Subject: practical play in difficult and lost positions