El ingrediente secreto para ganar al ajedrez

Jan Markos, the author of Chess Beneath the Surface, delights us once again with his new book, now co-authored with his friend David Navara.

The Secret Ingredient is a guide conceived by grandmasters to maximize their chess results, focusing on the key elements of practical play that have received little or no attention in previous chess literature.

How exactly can we make better use of computers?

What is the ideal, step-by-step way to prepare against a specific opponent?

How can we optimize our time management at the board?

What is the key skill that separates the best players from those who have yet to reach their full potential?

GM Jan Markos sheds light on these topics, aided by the world-class insights of his good friend, GM David Navara.

Jan Markos is a Slovak grandmaster and coach. His previous book, Chess Beneath the Surface, was the English Chess Federation's Book of the Year for 2018.

David Navara is a ten-time Czech champion and a world-class grandmaster. He excels at combining a fighting spirit with outstanding sportsmanship.

"I learned, and sometimes rediscovered, many excellent practical tips from this quirky and original book. One I particularly liked was Navara's comment when asked to what extent it is possible to employ a tailored preparation against a specific opponent. Navara replies that "a player who is familiar with many openings and comfortable in all types of positions will be able to apply a specific preparation to an opponent much more efficiently than someone with a more limited repertoire. Versatility and psychology go hand in hand in chess." If you want to use psychology, first improve the versatility of your own style." For me, that's the best thing ever said on this subject!

Otherwise, a truly interesting and original work, like Markos's previous book, Chess Beneath the Surface! 4 stars!

GM Matthew Sadler, New in Chess

"I just received this excellent new work by Jan Markos and David Navara. A truly profound insight into the world of a professional chess player with practical value!"

GM Karsten Müller

"This book is suitable as training material and is also fun to study on its own: there is something for everyone... There is no panacea for success in chess, but with this book by Markoš, you have a secret ingredient that will help you in your own way."

Daniël Zevenhuizen, Schaaksite.nl

"I was impressed by the accessibility of this book and thus its potential to benefit a wide range of performance strengths... The examples are kept small, with maximum explanatory text, minimal variations, and key points highlighted in bold."

Paul Hopwood, CHESS magazine

"If you are a strong, ambitious player aiming for IM or GM level, I'm sure you will find this book invaluable. But lower-rated players will also find much to enjoy, from Markos' engaging writing style to a number of fascinating positions taken from grandmaster play, and pick up some useful tips for general improvement along the way. Best of all, you also gain a genuine understanding of what grandmaster chess is all about, taking you beyond the familiar brilliance and sacrifices to the minds and brains of elite players."

Richard James, British Chess News