Chess Behind Bars

At a time when prisons are in the news due to increasing violence, drug taking and low morale, it has never been more important to focus on education and rehabilitation. Chess makes a difference because it is a fantastic metaphor for life. We must think before making our move, and accept that our decisions have consequences. It also teaches us to learn from our mistakes and to develop a more disciplined approach to problem solving. Perhaps most importantly of all, it is a constructive use of time and helps to forge friendships. Chess Behind Bars offers a guide to chess in prisons that will instruct and entertain regardless of your situation. It covers almost every aspect of chess imaginable – from the rules to chess history, from puzzles to famous games, and even some tips for improvement. It is a smorgasbord of chess, seen from an unusual angle. Chess can and does change lives, and Carl Portman believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn the game. After all, the prison community knows that there is a dream behind every door.

About the Author :
Carl Portman is the English Chess Federation’s Manager of Chess in Prisons. In 2015 he was awarded the ECF President’s award for services to chess.

Review :
"Carl Portman is convinced that chess can play an important role in prisoner rehabilitation… His arguments have convinced no less a personality than England’s most famous chess grandmaster, Nigel Short, who has penned an elegant introduction." -- GM Raymond Keene, The Times "Portman understands […] that behind so much criminality is a complete failure to think before acting, or to take responsibility for decisions. What better way to change those people’s mindsets than by introducing them to a pursuit that demands you consider everything carefully before moving — and to take sole responsibility for your mistakes? Portman […] has enlightened the society of criminals with the best of humanity." -- Dominic Lawson, Daily Mail "This is an original work and one that can be read and enjoyed on several different levels. All good books should make the reader think and perhaps even reassess their own take on certain issues and this one raises questions far away from our cosy 64-squared world." -- Sean Marsh, CHESS magazine "A chess book for prisoners might seem a strange idea, but that’s what I have in front of me… a sturdy and beautifully produced hardback of over 300 pages… Chess Behind Bars is far more worthwhile than most chess books." -- Richard James, The Chess Improver "This very interesting book offers a guide to chess in prisons, which will teach and entertain regardless of the chess level of the reader. It covers almost every aspect of chess that one can imagine – from the rules to the history of chess, from puzzles to top games, and many tips to improve your chess level." -- Christos Pilalis, Sportday "I would recommend this book to any person who is involved in prison chess as a volunteer, as a prison worker or as one who may have a relative or friend incarcerated. It is a thoughtful book whose words will magnify the glory of chess." -- Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum "Carl Portman hopes that, once in society again, prisoners will benefit from and remain active as chess players… an excellent handbook, the last 250 pages of which are perfect for any novice chess player or teacher." -- Bab Wilders, Nederlands Dagblad "To me, Chess Behind Bars is saying every time a prisoner pushes a pawn they are doing much more than playing a chess game. They are taking part in a rehearsal for life." -- John Healy, author of The Grass Arena