Thinking Sideways : How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life

A must-read book that will teach you how to think and help you succeed at life' - G.T. Karber, author of The Murdle series

Chess is the art of the possible - after all, there are more possible chess games than atoms in the universe.

Chess players are experts in considering their options, allowing them to seize an opportunity, idea or move that no one else saw. Two-time US chess champion Jennifer Shahade calls this 'thinking sideways'. And in today's hyper competitive world, thinking sideways can help you win at life.

In Thinking Sideways, Shahade shows you don't have to be a great chess player to think more like a chess player.

From building mind palaces to crafting decision trees, she reveals the most useful strategies from the ancient game that we can use in our daily lives. Drawing on examples from business, sports and psychology, as well as her own experiences touring the world as a chess and poker player, Shahade transforms our understanding of what success looks like, and how to achieve it for ourselves.

This book is not about playing chess better, or even playing chess at all - it's about how thinking sideways can propel you to success and happiness.

MEDIA REVIEWS

A masterclass in how to use strategic thinking for critical decision-making and to unlock creative potential. Deeply researched and wonderfully written, full of fascinating insights. - Ken Rogoff, former IMF chief economist, chess Grandmaster, and author of OUR DOLLAR, YOUR PROBLEM

Thinking Sideways is a must-read book that will teach you how to think and help you succeed at life. - Greg Karber, author of The Murdle series

Jennifer Shahade is a brilliant, insightful thinker who never fails to entertain and engage. I'm always amazed by the novel approach she's able to bring to any intellectual challenge and discussion. - Maria Konnikova, author of THE BIGGEST BLUFF and THE CONFIDENCE GAME

Relatable and highly engaging. Jennifer is a great storyteller with an effortless ability to weave in science, facts and insights. You don't need to know anything about chess to love this book - Alex O’Brien, author of THE TRUTH DETECTIVE and vice-chair of the Association of British Science Writers

These are lessons not just for chess players, but for all of us. Jen shows how sideways thinking opens up the world. - Carissa Yip, US Women’s Chess Champion and International Master

Thinking Sideways is brilliant and persuasive: a book I've always wanted to write but Jennifer has done it perfectly. A tour de force/masterpiece. - Bruce Pandolfini, US Chess Hall of Famer, author, and consultant for the Queen’s Gambit