Reactions to blunders

Originally posted by @paul-leggett
I am reading GM Jonathan Rowson's book Chess For Zebras, and in one place he quotes another GM who says something to the effect of

"You know you are getting better when everyone else seems to be playing worse".

and this thread seems to be in that neighborhood.

As an aside, Rowson's books are awesome. He has changes how I approach OTB ...[text shortened]... reason than that my wife has stopped giving me grief about the $$ I spend on chess books.... 🙄

How good do you need to be for his books to be of benefit?

Originally posted by @eladar
No, I want opponents that make lots of mistakes! I like to win. I just think that is probably a character flaw.

Kick them when they are down. Chess is the only combat sport that allows it.

Originally posted by @littledonkey
Kick them when they are down. Chess is the only combat sport that allows it.

Makes you wonder about people who don't resign.

Originally posted by @eladar
How good do you need to be for his books to be of benefit?

I think any rating level could benefit, but the people who would benefit the most are adult players with tournament experience.

I don't think rating is important for the books. The value to me is that, if you are an experienced adult player at any level, he will make you rethink your mental approach. I think they should be read in publication order, which is

1) The Seven Deadly Chess Sins -whichis the book that opened my eyes.

2) Chess for Zebras which I am working through now, and continues the process.

I purchased both books via the Gambit Chess e-reader app, but now I plan to get the paper versions because I love them so much.

Originally posted by @paul-leggett
I think any rating level could benefit, but the people who would benefit the most are adult players with tournament experience.

I don't think rating is important for the books. The value to me is that, if you are an experienced adult player at any level, he will make you rethink your mental approach. I think they should be read in publication orde ...[text shortened]... Gambit Chess e-reader app, but now I plan to get the paper versions because I love them so much.

Great way to preview books.

I was thinking about getting both of those and a middle game manual.