Müller/Engel/Rafiee: Player types - The test book

This approach is intended to enable readers to classify themselves as one of the player types and thus find out whether they are active players or more of a pragmatist, theorist or reflector. And ultimately, conclusions can be drawn from the result in order to further develop one's own strengths or to develop an overall more universal playing style.

Because even if you generally win thanks to your strengths, it is definitely worth working on your weaknesses. If there is only one move in a position, you should of course find it. Playing styles are particularly important in positions where there is a large selection. However, they also play a role in choosing the type of position that you should try to achieve based on your style.

Interestingly, a style of play can also be imitated, which may even be the appropriate strategy against certain opponents. For example, certain characteristics stand out clearly in active players, and being able to adapt to them as an opponent is of course very valuable. A good example is Kramnik's victory against the active player Kasparov (at the World Championship in London 2000). Since Kramnik always managed to steer the game in the direction appropriate to his style, his great opponent never had the opportunity to exploit his own strengths in positions with attack and initiative.

While 'Player Types' was about clearly defining the four playing styles, this book aims to highlight the universality of each player. After solving the tasks tailored to the four player types, it becomes clear how your own skills are distributed. GM Vincent Keymer says in the foreword:

"The further development of one's own player personality into a universal player who combines all types of players may remain a utopia, but one that is worth pursuing."