Becoming an IM by Cyrus Lakdawala (hardcover)

This Becoming an IM by Cyrus Lakdawala is an English-language hardcover chess book for ambitious players who want to push their game toward international master level. Rather than covering openings or endgames in general, it focuses on the practical gap between strong club play and IM strength.

What the book is about

For many solid players, the grandmaster title can feel out of reach, but IM is often a realistic target. The real question is usually not whether progress is possible, but what still needs work: openings, tactics, classic games, endgames, blindfold play, or something else entirely.

Cyrus Lakdawala brings those questions into focus and lays out a step-by-step path forward. Instead of scattered advice from different sources, you get a book centred on the move from strong club player to international master strength. Along the way, the author also addresses the mental, physical and psychological side of improvement, not just the chess content itself.

Why it stands out

The strength of this book is its practical approach. Lakdawala writes from experience and is open about his own mistakes and setbacks, which gives the book a direct, realistic tone rather than a detached theoretical one. That makes it easier to recognise the common traps that can slow down even very good players.

It is a sensible choice if you already have a solid foundation and are looking for a structured way to work on your game. It will be especially useful for tournament players, trainers and ambitious chess students building a long-term training plan.

About the author

Cyrus Lakdawala is an International Master and a long-time chess trainer. His experience as both a player and coach shapes the way he guides the reader through the stages of improvement.

Key details

• Product type: hardcover chess book
• Title: Becoming an IM
• Author: Cyrus Lakdawala
• Language: English
• Binding: hardcover
• Page count: 368 pages
• Audience: ambitious tournament players and trainers
• Subject: chess improvement