In this emotionally moving and philosophically wise book, Ishmael Shaheed reflects on how the lessons he learned from the game of Chess inspired him to break free from his past, transform an institutionalized mindset, move beyond incarceration and turn his life around. He also explains how, regardless of our age, gender or knowledge of Chess, when we are on the outside, free to make our own decisions for how we want to move, the deeper meanings of each Chess piece can help us choose to live more thoughtfully and successfully.