New In Chess congratulates Matthew Sadler and Natasha Regan for winning the English Chess Federation 2019 Book of the Year Award.
They receive the most prestigious chess book award for their much-acclaimed Game Changer: AlphaZero’s Groundbreaking Strategies and the Promise of AI
I must confess that I had more or less expected them to win. Never before has a New In Chess publication caused such a sensation and received so many glorious reviews from all over the world, and not just in chess publications.
The ECF Judges were unanimous in their choice for the book on the revolutionary chess playing AI system. Let me quote from their report:
"The authors had the opportunity to understand the chess approach of AlphaZero and explore how it played in a series of games against Stockfish, one of the best human designed computer chess-playing programs. AZ won convincingly.
"Sadler looked at AZ’s games and found a unique style of play with many distinctive features, for example, piece activity, the initiative even at the cost of material and going after the enemy king, are just a few. Not unlike the young Tal perhaps, but more soundly based.
"Chess players will find a splendid collection of games with many comparing AZ with players and games of the past. Very readable, there is nothing in the book that cannot be understood or enjoyed. The book is beautifully presented by New In Chess and is excellent value.
"The ultimate accolade came from Carlsen who said that AZ had influenced his approach to chess. Game Changer may also influence yours."
Please have a look at the ECF 2019 Best Book of the Year.
