"I don't think like a tree - do you think like a tree?" GM Anatoly Lein (www.gmchess.com)

"IMPROVE YOUR CHESS NOW" by Jonathan Tisdall offers practical advice on how to apply improvements to Kotov's fabled "tree of analysis" method of calculation.

http://www.jeremysilman.com/book_reviews_jw/jw_improve_your_chess_now.html

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Karpov's "boa constrictor" playing style is solidly positional, taking no risks but reacting mercilessly to any tiny errors made by his opponents. As a result, he is often compared to his idol, the famous José Raúl Capablanca, the third World Champion. Karpov himself describes his style as follows:

Let us say the game may be continued in two ways: one of them is a beautiful tactical blow that gives rise to variations that don't yield to precise calculation; the other is clear positional pressure that leads to an endgame with microscopic chances of victory... I would choose the latter without thinking twice. If the opponent offers keen play I don't object; but in such cases I get less satisfaction, even if I win, than from a game conducted according to all the rules of strategy with its ruthless logic.

(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karpov)