The 4 Player Types Standard Model - GM Luis Engel & GM Karsten Müller

Playing styles in chess are an important and thus often discussed topic. GM Dr. Karsten Müller and GM Luis Engel take up a model by GM Lars Bo Hansen based on 4 player types – namely ‘activists’, ‘pragmatics’, ‘theoreticians’ and so-called ‘reflectors’. Their respective strengths and weaknesses are explained with the help of many examples, enabling the reader to try and assign himself or herself to one or the other player type.

“In the context of preparing for my next opponent ... certain character traits always play a role, which I try to assign to this player. ... Here it can be helpful and time-saving, for example, to draw conclusions about the type of player and thus also about strengths and weaknesses by (checking) played openings - or to get hints about the probability of (him or her choosing) certain opening variations by means of known player characteristics. These and numerous other considerations are bundled and systematically presented in this work. The division into four prototypical player natures is extremely helpful in answering questions that not only concern game preparation but also, for example, the determination of one’s own characteristics as a chess player. In addition, the work provides amateurs and chess enthusiasts with a helpful guide to form their own picture of this or that player.” (Excerpts from the foreword by GM Vincent Keymer)

• Video running time: 6 hours 50 min(English)
• With interactive training including video feedback