Chess for Hawks - Cyrus Lakdawala (K-5248)

As an 8-year-old boy, Cyrus Lakdawala realized to his horror that he was a dove when his chess teacher reprimanded him for playing an unnecessary defensive move instead of banging out a better and more aggressive one that was not so difficult to find. Since then, Lakdawala has devoted an important part of his efforts as a player to trying to resist his natural tendency to over-solidify positions and avoid complications.

Chess for Hawks is the fascinating and often hilarious story of Lakdawala’s struggle to release his inner hawk. It is also a highly instructional guide that will make you think about questions you may not have thought about before:

-- Does deliberately breaking a rule come easy to you?

-- How good are you at ignoring a threat?

-- And at refusing a draw offer?

-- Why do you miss opportunities to win a won game?

-- Are you able to distinguish between patience and apathy?

-- Do you hate to trade queens?

-- Do you find it difficult to weaken your structure in exchange for initiative or attack?

-- Do you like games with opposing wing castling?

-- Do you know when to trade in initiative for material?

-- Crossing the point of strategic no-return, does that ring a bell?

-- Does your chess playing style fit the rest of your personality?

Cyrus Lakdawala does something no other chess writer has done before: he makes you reflect deeply about your style of play and its consequences. 

After reading Chess for Hawks you will be a stronger player because you have mastered an essential but neglected skill: you will know how to obey the position’s requirements instead of your natural inclination.

Cyrus Lakdawala is an International Master, a former National Open and American Open Champion, and a six-time State Champion. He has been teaching chess for four decades, and coaches some of the top junior players in the US. Lakdawala is a prolific and widely read author. This is his first book with New In Chess.

Jeremy Silman: 
"Lakdawala writes in a charming and highly instructive manner."