Think Like a Human

Soviet players revolutionized chess after World War II with their deep study of the game. Up through the 20th Century, the search for competitive advantage increasingly centered on opening preparation. With the rise of powerful engines, this trend accelerated and eventually reached its climax during the matches of Magnus Carlsen.

The new generation, competing for the crown after the domination of the Norwegian giant, all have their own ideas about how chess can be understood and played in the 21st century. In Think Like a Human, Tukmakov investigates the styles of the new stars, providing inspiration for how chess can be reinvented in an age of engine perfection.

Grandmaster Vladimir Tukmakov reached No. 17 in the world rankings and won Olympiad gold both as a player (1984) and as a coach (2004 & 2010). One of the most respected chess thinkers, Tukmakov has trained top players and authored award-winning books, combining elite experience with deep insight into the game.