From battling the legendary Karpov to championing UK chess in prisons and representing the nation at the NATO Championships, Carl Portman’s chess journey offers a unique glimpse into the world of amateur play.
This is his story – a tribute to amateur chess, crafted for the great unsung heroes of the game: club players looking to deepen their understanding and improve their own play. Never Mind The Grandmasters is Carl’s third chess book, drawing heavily from his popular CHESS Magazine columns. Revised and packed with bonus content, even his most dedicated fans will find fresh insights and practical tips on nearly every page.
Blending chess history with down-to-earth wisdom, Carl guides readers from pub function rooms to Europe’s grandest chess halls, celebrating the amateur players who form the bedrock of the game.