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Grandmaster vs Amateur, edited by Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw, is an English-language chess book that explores how grandmasters and amateurs think differently at the board. Rather than presenting dry theory, it uses annotated games, essays and practical examples to show why stronger players choose better plans, assess positions more accurately and avoid common thinking errors.
What this book covers
The authors examine the gap between professional decision-making and the choices often made by club players. That means you see not only what was played, but also why certain moves and plans work better in practice.
This is a useful read for ambitious amateurs, club players and tournament players who want to improve their understanding of chess and make more considered decisions over the board.
Inside the book
The collection brings together writing from a group of well-known grandmasters, each approaching the subject from a different angle. The contributors are:
- Pavel Eljanov
- Boris Avrukh
- Mihail Marin
- Peter Heine Nielsen
- Tiger Hillarp Persson
- Jacob Aagaard
- John Shaw
Inside, you will find about 35 fully annotated games, along with additional fragments and practical advice. The focus is on typical mistakes made by amateurs and on the thought process that helps stronger players handle the same kinds of positions more effectively.
Edition information
- Language: English
- Format: paperback
- Pages: 200
- Publication date: 11 November 2011
- ISBN: 978-1-906552-84-8
Key details
- Product type: chess book
- Title: Grandmaster vs Amateur
- Editors: Jacob Aagaard and John Shaw
- Subject: differences between grandmaster and amateur thinking in chess
- Content: about 35 fully annotated games, plus additional fragments and practical advice
- Format: paperback edition
- Pages: 200
- ISBN: 978-1-906552-84-8
Tangible precision
Each move strengthens curiosity, concentration, and self-confidence.

