Chess Crusader by Carl Portman
Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:06 pm
352 pp, Paperback, Conrad Press.
I must start with a disclaimer – Carl and I have been friends for many years, but I will still give an honest opinion of this book! It is another of those interesting books, where the author is not a grandmaster, but a “normal” player, highest grade (so far) 175, that you would expect to see in local leagues and weekend tournaments. It is a memoir heavily influenced by chess, but not exclusively, and takes us from childhood, through work and beyond. There are good times and bad times. He barely mentions his collection of spiders (see his 1998 book, “Fangs for the Memories” if you’re an arachnophile), but features other successes, trials and tribulations. He writes with humour and optimism, even when there seems little reason to do so. His work introducing chess to prisons, despite opposition from authorities is reported. He was awarded the ECF President’s Award for chess, a sign that his efforts were appreciated ultimately. Chess players will be alarmed to hear he had to give up the game, due to serious medical issues, but he fought back to resume his career. He mentions many people that he has encountered through the years and is generally positive, although is not afraid to criticize people where he deems it necessary. There is a small selection of games at the back of the book, including a tough fight with Karpov in a simul, where the latter emerged victorious, but had to work for it. It is an interesting and entertaining book, and I discovered things I didn’t know about Carl. It is well-written and easy to read – I took about two evenings to read it.
I must start with a disclaimer – Carl and I have been friends for many years, but I will still give an honest opinion of this book! It is another of those interesting books, where the author is not a grandmaster, but a “normal” player, highest grade (so far) 175, that you would expect to see in local leagues and weekend tournaments. It is a memoir heavily influenced by chess, but not exclusively, and takes us from childhood, through work and beyond. There are good times and bad times. He barely mentions his collection of spiders (see his 1998 book, “Fangs for the Memories” if you’re an arachnophile), but features other successes, trials and tribulations. He writes with humour and optimism, even when there seems little reason to do so. His work introducing chess to prisons, despite opposition from authorities is reported. He was awarded the ECF President’s Award for chess, a sign that his efforts were appreciated ultimately. Chess players will be alarmed to hear he had to give up the game, due to serious medical issues, but he fought back to resume his career. He mentions many people that he has encountered through the years and is generally positive, although is not afraid to criticize people where he deems it necessary. There is a small selection of games at the back of the book, including a tough fight with Karpov in a simul, where the latter emerged victorious, but had to work for it. It is an interesting and entertaining book, and I discovered things I didn’t know about Carl. It is well-written and easy to read – I took about two evenings to read it.