The Woodpecker Method | Dojo Book Review

Summary

The Woodpecker Method by Smith T Conan is a tactical chess book aimed at players between 1800 and 2100 ELO. It features problems from previous world champions, varying in difficulty from beginner to advanced. The book introduces innovative problem presentation and gamification elements, such as assigning points for moves and using 'red herrings' to avoid tactical traps. However, it has some shortcomings, like the lack of a clear scoring system and the potential for users to give up on problems too easily. The book also explores the concept of repeating problems to enhance learning, which aligns with the evolving training methods in chess.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Woodpecker method book by Smith T Conan is a central tactical book for chess players rated between 1800 and 2100.
• 🔍 The book is used in the dojo for training and includes material for a wide range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
• 🌟 A unique feature of the book is the use of positions from the games of previous world champions, allowing readers to test their tactics against historical greats.
• 🚀 The book introduces a novel problem presentation that includes a wide range of difficulties, from easy to very challenging.
• 🤖 The problems are generated from a database of games, which introduces a mix of high-level and casual games, impacting the human element in problem selection.
• 🎯 The book includes 'red herrings', problems that aren't actually tactical but are designed to challenge the reader's preconceptions.
• 🏆 The author debates the inclusion of certain world championship titles in the book, reflecting a difference of opinion on chess history.
• 📊 The book attempts to gamify problem-solving by assigning points to moves, but this system is not fully developed and can be confusing.
• 🌐 When used on platforms like Chessable, the book's problems are transformed into a more interactive format, but this can dilute the depth of the original problems.
• 🔁 The Woodpecker method advocates for repeating problems to reinforce learning, although the book doesn't provide a clear system for how to do this effectively.
• 📈 The script suggests that the evolution of training methods, including books like the Woodpecker method, may be contributing to the increasing skill level in chess.

Q & A

What is the Woodpecker method?

The Woodpecker method is a technique for practicing chess tactics by repeating problems to improve understanding and speed of finding the best moves.

Who wrote the book 'Woodpecker Method'?

The book 'Woodpecker Method' was written by Smith T Conan and produced by Quality Chess.

What is the target audience for the book 'Woodpecker Method'?

The book is primarily aimed at chess players with a rating between 1800 and 2100, but it can also be valuable for a broader range of skill levels.

What makes the 'Woodpecker Method' book unique?

The book is unique because it presents problems from the games of previous world champions and uses a database to generate problems, which is a novel approach in chess problem creation.

What is the controversy surrounding the 'Woodpecker Method' book?

The controversy is about the book's stance on what constitutes a world championship title, particularly regarding players like Ponomariov, Khalifman, and Anand's first unofficial title.

What is the role of red herrings in the 'Woodpecker Method'?

Red herrings are problems that aren't actually problems, designed to challenge players' assumptions and prevent them from becoming too accustomed to finding tactical solutions.

How does the reviewer feel about the gamification of chess problems?

The reviewer appreciates the concept of gamification through points and repetition, but feels that the book's execution could be improved to make it more satisfying and meaningful.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the use of chess engines in problem creation?

The reviewer acknowledges the use of chess engines for problem creation but points out that it can sometimes lack the human element, making the solutions less relatable to human thought processes.

How does the reviewer suggest improving the 'Woodpecker Method' book?

The reviewer suggests that the book could improve by better reflecting the human element in problem solutions, providing clearer guidelines for repetition, and developing a more effective gamification system.

What is the reviewer's view on the use of the 'Woodpecker Method' for training?

The reviewer believes that the method of repeating problems is valuable for drilling down and learning chess patterns, but it needs to be applied intelligently to the right material.

What does the reviewer think about the evolution of chess training methods?

The reviewer sees the 'Woodpecker Method' as part of an evolution in chess training methods, suggesting that future developments will build on its ideas to create more effective training materials.