{"product_id":"9781035404636","title":"Dark Squares: A cult leader, a child prodigy and the chess revolution","description":"Author: Danny Rensch\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 9781035404636\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Headline\u003cbr\u003eYear first published: 14 Oct 2025\u003cbr\u003ePages: 400\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eEducated \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003emeets \u003ci\u003eThe Queen's Gambit\u003c\/i\u003e in this extraordinary memoir by International Master and Chess.com co-founder Danny Rensch, who describes his upbringing in an abusive cult - and how chess ended up saving his life\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eBorn into the Church of Immortal Consciousness, Danny Rensch spent his childhood navigating the isolated confines of a cult. Despite psychological manipulation, physical abuse and neglect, he persevered. An international chess master and world-class commentator, Rensch's remarkable journey led him to being the face of Chess.com, one of the largest online gaming platforms in the world.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWith unflinching honesty, Rensch recounts his life, starting from the moment he discovered chess in the summer of 1995, all the way up to being at the centre of the investigation into the most explosive cheating scandal in chess history.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHe chronicles the traumas of being 'special' in a cult that forced separation from his mother. Mentored by an alcoholic Russian chess master, he found solace alongside suffering in his obsession with chess - an ancient game which became his only escape.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDeeply heartfelt, keenly reflective and haunting, \u003ci\u003eDark Squares \u003c\/i\u003eis the never-before-told story of Danny Rensch's resilience, survival, and his enduring love for the game that saved him.","brand":"Ships in 10 to 15 days","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46697793061022,"sku":"ADS-9781035404636","price":34.78,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0400\/9043\/5742\/files\/9781035404636.jpg?v=1775719520","url":"https:\/\/classicbargains.com.au\/products\/9781035404636","provider":"Classic Bargains Australia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}