Picture: Alex O'Brien (on the left), ABSW Vice-Chair, interviewing Jennifer Shahade,
chess player champion, during the session at King's College London.

The Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) and King’s College London co-hosted a lively and thought-provoking evening celebrating Thinking Sideways, the latest book by acclaimed author, chess champion, and poker ambassador Jennifer Shahade. The session took place on Tuesday, 10 February 2026.

Travelling from Philadelphia to London, Shahade joined ABSW members and King’s students for an in-person interview exploring the ideas behind Thinking Sideways – a book that invites the reader to see the world through a chess lens, blending historic and scientific evidence with compelling storytelling that requires no chess knowledge.

The evening started with a drinks and canapés reception, followed by an interview led by ABSW vice-chair Alex O’Brien. There were plenty of questions from the packed room, with guests asking how Thinking Sideways could be applied to real life. The audience heard how not all mistakes are the same and learnt how embracing a state of 'flow' can help us focus and excel. 

It was also a good night for the London Book Review, which brought copies of Shahade’s and O’Brien's books and sold out of all of them. During the book signing, many took the opportunity to speak directly with Shahade about her work and career. The evening concluded with a rare and memorable highlight: a simultaneous chess exhibition, known as a simul, in which Shahade played against 12 opponents drawn from King’s College students and ABSW members.

The simul provided both a spectacle and a perfect end to a highly illuminating evening. Another successful event for the ABSW! For more info on future events, please visit our Events page.  

Jennifer Shahade signing books and participants of the simul

The session included a book signing and playing chess.

Jennifer Shahade pictured with participants and the simul with 12 players

Shahade played 12 simultaneous chess games.

About the author

Jennifer Shahade, a three-time National Chess Champion, is also a two-time Global Poker Award winner, a chess Olympiad medallist, and the first woman to win the US Junior Open. She has claimed two U.S. Women’s Championship titles and is a PokerStars Ambassador. Alongside Thinking Sideways, she is the author of several acclaimed books, including Chess Queens and Play Like a Champion, and has written for the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Financial Times.