The Secret Ingredient

"I learnt – sometimes rediscovered – many great practical tips from this quirky and original book. One I really liked in particular was Navara's comment when asked to what extent it is possible to employ tailor-made preparation against a specific opponent. Navara replies that 'A player who is familiar with many openings and is comfortable in all kinds of positions will be able to apply targeted preparation for an opponent much more efficiently than someone with a narrower repertoire.' Versatility and psychology go hand in hand in chess. If you want to use psychology, improve the versatility of your own style first. For me, that's the best thing that's ever been said about this subject!

For the rest, a really interesting and original work, just like Markos previous book, Under the Surface! 4 stars!" -- GM Matthew Sadler, New in Chess

 "I have just received this excellent new work by Jan Markos and David Navara. Really deep insights into the world of a professional chess player of practical value!" - GM Karsten Müller

"The search for 'The Secret Ingredient' to success, both in life and chess, is what this great book tries to answer. Following the advice given in this book will make each player stronger and each coach more focused on the tasks and challenges we face in life." -- GM Thomas Luther, FIDE Book of the Year award

"This book is suitable as training material and is also fun to study on your own: there is something for everyone… There is no panacea for chess success, but with this book by Marko, you have a secret ingredient that will get you on your way." -- Daniel Zevenhuizen, Schaaksite.nl (full review in Dutch)

"Quite simply, I have not enjoyed and gained so much from reading a chess book since "Under the Surface". That book won the ECF Book of the Year award, and it would not surprise me if this one did too. So many books I have read seek to improve your knowledge. This book will help you to make significantly more of what you already possess." -- Paul Hopwood, CHESS magazine

"Jan Markos is an excellent writer, who uses metaphors to draw you into his world. Each chapter starts a long way from chess, discussing anything from Aesop's Fables, via Andy Warhol, to initiation rites in Vanuatu, and concludes with Markos asking his co-author three questions about the topic in question.

If you're a strong, ambitious player aiming towards IM or GM level, I'm sure you'll find this book invaluable. But lower rated players will also find much to enjoy, from Markos's engaging style of writing to a host of fascinating positions taken from grand master play, and pick up some helpful tips for general improvement along the way. Best of all, you also get a genuine understanding of what grand master chess is all about, taking you beyond the familiar brilliance and sacrifices into the minds and brains of elite players." - Richard James, British Chess News