Thinking Sideways
On sale
12th February 2026
Price: £22
Chess is the art of the possible – after all, there are more potential chess games than atoms in the universe.
Great players are experts at exploring 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 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 champion, Thinking Sideways offers a practical toolkit for smarter thinking and transforms our understanding of what success looks like, and how to achieve it for ourselves.
This book is not about playing chess – it’s about how thinking sideways can propel you to success and happiness.
Great players are experts at exploring 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 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 champion, Thinking Sideways offers a practical toolkit for smarter thinking and transforms our understanding of what success looks like, and how to achieve it for ourselves.
This book is not about playing chess – it’s about how thinking sideways can propel you to success and happiness.
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Reviews
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.
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
These are lessons not just for chess players, but for all of us. Jen shows how sideways thinking opens up the world.
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.
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.
Thinking Sideways is a must-read book that will teach you how to think and help you succeed at life.