Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life
Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life
Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life
Description
Description
Essential life lessons from the world of chess--from making smarter choices to building focus and confidence--from a former U.S. champion. Chess is the art of the possible--after all, there are more possible chess moves 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 U.S. 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.
About the Author
About the Author
Jennifer Shahade is a chess and poker champion, author and speaker. The first woman to win the U.S. Junior Open, she also holds two U.S. Women's Championship titles. She is passionate about building life skills and creative work around the games she loves most: chess and poker. A two-time Global Poker Award winner and silver Olympic medalist, she has appeared on Jeopardy! and her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. She is featured regularly on major news outlets, including CNN and NBC, commenting on topics such as the chess boom sparked by The Queen's Gambit. Jennifer lives in Philadelphia.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"Well reported and illuminating."--Financial Times
"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
"Well researched, fun & entertaining."--Erik Seidel, ten-time World Series of Poker Champion and Poker Hall of Famer
"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
"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
"Thinking Sideways is a must-read book that will teach you how to think and help you succeed at life." --Greg T. Karber, author of the best-selling Murdle series
"Jennifer Shahade takes commonly accepted chess axioms, and brings them into real life advice, in a not just entertaining, but surprisingly relevant manner." --Peter Heine Nielsen, Grandmaster and Coach of World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen
"Thinking Sideways is informed, compelling and persuasive: a book I've always wanted to write. A tour de force." --Bruce Pandolfini, US Chess Hall of Famer, author, and consultant for the Queen's Gambit
"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
"An intriguing new book. Shahade is fiercely intelligent."--The Guardian
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Pegasus Books
Pub date:
2026-04-07
Length:
272 pages
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