Many view games simply as a hobby, a chance to waste legions of zombies, save the earth from total destruction, or engage in historical war campaigns. However, there is a subset of hardcore gamers who engage in competitive gaming, either to make a living or simply to gain bragging rights (or both). In the golden age of arcade gaming, you may have encountered a competitor who, after losing, cited all sorts of excuses in an attempt to save face. “That was cheap” or “anyone can win with that character” or “you did the same move over and over again!” I’m sure you’ve experienced severe beatdowns too. I remember as a kid getting trumped by that unstoppable Ken uppercut. It’s invincible! No Fair! Instead of simply using logic to figure the situation out, you mash harder and attempt to rush the competition down, only to get beaten that much faster.

“Winning at competitive games requires a results-oriented mindset that many players are simply not willing to adopt. This book walks players through the entire process: how to choose a game and learn basic proficiency, how to break through the mental barriers that hold most players back, and how to handle the issues that top players face.” - David Sirlin

Author (and proprietor of the insightful http://www.sirlin.net) David Sirlin breaks down the idea of playing to win in his book of the same name and it’s an engaging ride as he takes you across the gamut of competitive gaming with cross-references to Sun Tzu’s Art of War. His writing is on-point, interesting, and shows a true understanding of the mindset needed in playing to win (something he says many gamers are simply not willing to do). Whether you are a competitive gamer or a bench-warmer like myself, Playing to Win offers a unique look into the competitive gaming field.