“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 (full review)
“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 (full review)
“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 (full review)
“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
