Confessions of an ex-player in a tell all format including room for meaningful dialogue to boot, is par for this course as told by Mark D. Crutcher in his new and interesting book, CHECKMATE: The Games Men Play. Questions abound and I will ask them to surmise the author's point of view for the premise of this offering. First of all, at what point is it necessary to stand up, walk straight and turn right after a life of a womanizer? Is it enough to want to stop ONLY have the tables are turned and you are the one this time holding the banner of angst? In a true and poignant fashion the author answers both queries with unabashed fervor and in a style that builds momentum as it winds its way toward the end.

A provocateur for deceit, cunning, and a predilection to play the `game' brings new meaning to getting over and flourishing in the dating arena. Contrasting analogies with good references allow Mr. Crutcher to pinpoint and color at will the subjective and objective mindset to illustrate his many points. For instance, when the former is applied he's alluding to the real nature of in an essential way to tell it firsthand and in a personal way, as opposed to the latter, where observable phenomena may only exist on the surface. Moreover, because this book is written in a style that tends to be academic where rules are given based on short vignettes, it added elements that would make readers want to believe what was being evoked. Told from those plausible angles gave me greater insight relative to something that actually existed as distinguished from something thought or felt to exist. It's real when everything comes full circle and you see clearly that the joke is on you!

Never one to judge a book by its cover, I'm glad that I took the time to give it a chance as it made for good reading and never getting to the point of ennui. The chapter lengths were moderate and average in syntactical layout, where in several cases more emphasis perhaps, should have been used to elaborate more. The information disclosed I felt, was invaluable and informative from the mind of a man illustrating in so many words the inner workings of pawns, rooks, and power moves. With such a title as Checkmate it's interesting enough to wonder exactly who is being checkmated and why, as the game and concept of chess is based on the assumption that everyone involved observe existing rules and regulations and attaches the greatest importance to fair play and good sportsmanship. With this in mind the author felt time to give his candid thoughts for women to be on guard for players who do not allude to fair play.

I would imagine that certain amounts of guilt and shame contributed to reasons to divulge personal truths against status quo governing getting all you can get without being `played' yourself. With this book, Mr. Crutcher at least can finally feel vindicated that enough has been brought forward in a sharing and introspective way to give women a heads up approach to unsavory intent in men. If the intent was done in hopes that it helps women to regain and keep control of the relationship game, enhancing a strategic defense that will help them recapture a sense of self-preservation and self-esteem, then both book and author should be treated much more than entry-level schmooze into the world of worthiness and self-redeeming value. The author scored points with me for such a candid approach and the style in which it was written. I liked the book and wished that more substance in the way of stretching obvious innuendo for sustained elaborations for some of the more salient points rendered. Mark D. Crutcher has arrived -- and hopefully will be challenged enough to give us more. Nevertheless, it took nothing away from how I perceived and rated his debut. I give it 4 stars out of 5 and recommend that you buy this book and be enlightened!

I purchase this book last weekend. I read it and it was pretty good for women who don't know any better. Let me rephrase that for women who haven't been through a lot yet. What I wanted was for author to tell me something I didn't already know. A lot of us woman already know when we get with a guy what he is about. Like Mark said in his book we hope and wish a lot. We try to change men and hang around hoping that they will one day realize that they do have a good woman right in front of them.

Me myself my heart has been broken a few times but I haven't given up on finding a good man. I feel that things happen for a reason and each broken relationship that I have been in has made me a stronger woman. This book was good and I am going to pass it on to my friends who currently have so called men in their lives but refuse to believe that they are getting played.
You can't tell them that because they are going to think that I am hating. So you got to let them see the light when they are ready to open their eyes one day.

You can't put anything past a man. Just like you can't put anything past women because we can play men just like a man can play a woman. When men get played or hurt they fall hard sometimes harder than women if not harder. Of course they try to hide it and try to be tough but they are crying and hurting on the inside too. Good job and congrads. I'm sure Mark already knows that the woman who left him at the altar did him a favor. Like I said things happen for a reason.

Okay here it goes...2 reviews in one. My sister passed this book to me to get my opinion. As a man, I felt it was a bunch of bul****. I give the man his props (as a pretty boy, he's probably had his fair share of ladies), but this book ,from a heterosexual male perspective left much to be desired. It was basic, very general, and offered nothing. I

My sister, hated it. Lacked substance. She mentioned the book is so similar to so many other books out there with men trying to help women out by spilling our secrets. A total waste of time.

I met the author at this year Essence Music Festival in New Orleans during his book signing. I was reluctant to purchase a copy of his book (being he's a new author) but I later bought one. I really enjoyed the book!! I finished reading it within a few hours after I got it. I found myself reflecting back to past relationships or what I thought were past relationships recognizing some of the same patterns in this book.

I am very sorry that Mr. Crutcher had to experience the pain of being stood up but it was for me and for thousands of other sisters out there. THANK YOU, Mr. Crutcher from the bottom of my heart for allowing God to use you and for opening up to help so many others!!!!!!!! Until brothers like him begin to care enough about your sisters to tell us the truth whether we want to hear it or not only then will we be able to avoid the pitfalls. I can't wait for my book club to read the book! I am encouraging the ladies at my church to seriously take a look at reading and sharing the book. I have already started passing my book along in hopes that it will help others as it has helped me! I am waiting for his next book!!!!! I pray that GOD will continue to bless him abundantly in all him endeavors!!!

I finished this book at 11:45, and I loved it. When I read DJ (Derrick Jones) story in this book, he made me think of TMC - my "ex-fiancé who I still love beyond reason. I not only knew what was going on, I committed to the process. As I was reading this book, I felt just like one of the other women who posted a comment earlier. Does the author know me? It was like he took a chapter out of my life and put it in his book.

No, I don't hate TMC and no, I don't think he was wrong. I would die if I found out something ill had happened to him. Why? Like Mark said, he helped me become who I am. When he turned on the pity-party, or self-hate, I quickly turned it off because he was doing what he was assigned to do as far as I was concerned, and a change was coming.

Women won't understand what I'm saying and going to say, when playing chess, both players supposedly know the rules. One player is going to dominate the game because he's more skillful. After white moves a few times and black does the same, someone knows who is more skillful of the two. Let's say black is kicking butt. White doesn't have to take the beating, but she does 'cause she doesn't want to be called a quitter, or she thinks she may "win" one game if she plays this guy long enough. Bottom line is you check a person at least once before the "checkmate" occurs. Most women don't want to lose or be dumped first. Problem. The women who get "played" and blame men like pimps are not being fair. Red flags are going up at all times: they choose to ignore them. At any time during the initial check, a woman can get out of a relationship. Nothing is that good. The book is slammin'! Great first job!

Good Book! I finished the book within three days because it was so interesting and insightful for me. I met the author at the Zeta's 85th anniversary this year. I was shock to learn he was a Sigma. I have to admit. He looks more like Kappa. I am so glad that I didn't pass this book up. I learned so much from this book. I will keep the knowledge I learned fresh in my mind and I do recommend every woman read this book! I can't wait for his next book to come out! Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you. Remember he has someone else in store for you.

I met the author at Black Images in Dallas and although I did not purchase the book at that time, I later decided to give it a try. I understand this is the author's first book, but it just didn't do anything for me. I passed it on to a girlfrind who couldn't even finish it. Keep on writing...there is some hope there. But, this book fell a bit short.

WOW! Talk about hitting the nail on the head with Checkmate. Mark D. Crutcher tells it like it is! Guys this is an interesting read. (scary) Girls, this is a must have! Mark D. Crutcher sums it up pretty well with Checkmate!

I was not very impressed with this book, at all. It was pretty predictable, therefore bored me. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It was a total waste of time and energy, lacking substance. I fought to finish(taking me a little over 31/2 weeks!)

I hate the men in this book but I thought the book was very informative. While I was reading the mini stories in this book, I thought to myself Do he know me? I am sure the author doesn't but I have to admit I was like the book's character Tonya in my last relationship. I think a lot of us woman have been a Tonya at one time or another. I hope the author writes another book that will pick back up with Tonya and Devon. I got to know if Tonya going to get Devon in the end. You left me hanging, help a sister out

Mr. Crutcher, what can I say expect thank you. Wow! I finished the book the same day I got it in the mail. The stories are so real. This has got to be the best relationship book out there. I have read He's Just Not That Into You and I wasn't impressed with it at all but your book took me into the mind of my now ex-man. While I was reading the story about Devon, it felt like you had been watching us for the past 2 years. Ladies, if you want to know the truth, buy this book for yourself. If you have a young daughter and don't know how to talk to her about men buy this book. If you have a son, he needs this book because Mr. Crutcher story about karma and how real men act is a must read for our young men. I can't wait to read the sequel to Checkmate.

Wow! This book was so informative in revealing the way (some) men think of, evaluate and categorize women and relationships. I've just been hurt by someone who was a major player. I was experiencing some serious self doubt and confusion when I stumbled across this book. Literally. This book was a Godsend.

As I read the book, I began to recognize the subtle tactics that he used to make me trust him. After finishing this book, I realize that I didn't do anything wrong. Unfortunately for me, he was just "playing".

This book was good because it went deeper into explaining the way men think and what motivates their decisions to be with one woman or another. Every woman wants to be recognized and appreciated as being special. However, men know they can use that fantasy against us. Because the truth is, while we each have our uniqueness, we are not really special in the eyes of many men. The sooner we realize that, the less traumatized we'll be.

Mr. Crutcher I heard you talking about your book on K104 and I listen to the female radio personality dog you out about your book. If it wasn't for her giving you such a hard time I would not have purchased your book but I am glad I did. I have an 18 year old daughter and I talk to her all the time about guys. I read your book first to make sure I agreed with what you had to say. I gave it to my daughter to read this week and I have seen her carrying it around with her every since. I am waiting for her to finish it, so we can discuss it together. I won't name, names but I don't think the lady on the radio read your book because I read it and for her to say the things that she said about it, just let me know she didn't read it all. I believe men should also read this book because a lot of men are hurting and are afraid to admit it. I commend you Mr. Crutcher for stepping out and showing us men that it is ok to express ourselves. A man can pretend not to hurt but a real man isn't afraid to cry. I hope more men pick up this book and see that manhood is not defined by their money, fame, and women.

WOW! Mr. Crutcher I absolutely loved your book. Once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. I really felt sorry for you at the beginning of your book but when I got to the stories, I said to myself he got what he deserved. By the end of the book I was so emotional drawn into your story of how you allowed God to come back into your life that I had to grab a piece of tissue paper to wipe my eyes. Your story took me back to a man in my life I wanted to forget about, so I know how you must have felt. Remember God knows what's best and believe me she wasn't the one for you. Oh yeah, please pick up with Devon in your next book. Please! That man is something else. I got to know how the story ends between Devon and Vanessa.

First of all, I really appreciate authors like Mr. Crutcher openly wrote a book about the games men played in the dating arena. Mr. Crutcher has a fun, yet a compassionate tone when he was writing this book. Checkmate: The Games Men Play is one of those books that offer a checklist for women to identify players. It must not be easy for Mr. Crutcher to face and confront his past of being a player, suffering from layers of guilt and shame. I think this will always happen to manipulative people (does not matter whether you are a man or a woman) one day when they look back. Eventually, one just has to pay their dues by enduring the emotional (sometimes even physical) sufferings when we choose to run games on others.

I believe players happen in both sexes and manipulation games happen both ways. If you were hurt by players, this book helps you surface the truth and answers questions as of why he is the way he is. But this book will also stir your anger towards men in general at the same time. Don't worry. Take the experience as a learning journey and take this book as a checklist. This book is every woman's guide to identify players early in the game before women sink deep. But certainly not one that help you feel loved and better. It is only when you walk through the peaks and valleys, you learn about those manipulation games men play for sex and for the satisfaction of their ego. Their bad behavior hopefully acts as an inspiration for us as women to be a wiser, more compassionate and more loving people instead of following the players' unconscious, manipulative and stupid, naive behaviors.

I believe what goes around comes around. Maybe you do not see them suffer at this point of your life and you ask God and everyone else why it is so unfair. However, I really believe when one has played enough manipulation games just to satisfy their ego and sense of illusionary power, one will attract another who pulls the same games and tactics. One will eventually taste their own medicine by falling into traps they set forth for others. I once encountered a playboy who is everything Mr. Crutcher mentioned in his book. Ultimately, a playboy has a sickening desire wanting women to suffer for them and wanting women to depend on him to give him the illusion of power and control. So, when women turn around standing on her two feet (even better when you have the guts to step on his toes), they earn their painful lessons in the hardest way. That was how my playboy ex (well, you see, he tried to use committed relationship as a vehicle to get what he wanted... only I turned around and stepped his toes in the least expected way) learnt. Every once a while, I will assure you that your player ex will call and try to ask you back because he failed the challenge. But it makes us women feel more empowered when we say no and divorce ourselves from these drama kings. Some days I still think about my player ex wondering whether he learnt his lessons. But only to know that it is players' spiritual journey to learn how to be better people and it is not honest women's job to change them.

With players, honest people always have the chance to win the game and make him feel like a loser. Remember, players can only get hurt when they feel losing. So, you have an ultimate control to confront his bad behavior and cut contact with him. From experience, no contact is the best way in returning the favor of their sickening behavior. But with players, honest people cannot change them. Be cautious. Because players like to say, "I have changed. I changed because of you." 99% of the time that statement is not true and that statement is only another trap for him to gain power and satisfy his sickening ego. People do not change for others. People change when they realize the need to. What do you want to do when you are dealing with players? Run as far away as possible and tell him bluntly that you do not associate with people who run manipulation games. He is going to defend. But you still have a choice to not pick up the phone and blocking his emails. And it is even better when you run away from him as if he carries some kinds of disease. Actually when I think about it, it is humorous but true. Manipulative men/players do carry unhealthy disease and unhealthy emotions. Honest women just deserve better than associating/helping people who do not want to get better.

Now, I do not know who is reading my review here. However, I really hope that we all start learning to become wiser and more educated through the disappointing life experiences. As men/women in the 21st century, we are in control of our own lives and we have the ultimate power to divorce from dramatic, egoistic people when we love and care ourselves.

Well, Well, Well, here goes another one. My girl's book club picked your book to discuss this month and my girl gave me your book to read. I am not in the least bit impressed. Mr. Crutcher, you supposedly wrote a book about the games men play. Brother, I am assuming you are black, do me a favor and get a real job. You give a lot of useless information about men. I am sorry to say this has got to be the worst book I have ever read. If you decide to write more books please stick to a topic you know about.

Hello Mr. Crutcher, I really enjoyed your book. I bought your book to see if you knew what you were talking about. I was impressed! I thought your book was going to be about the games men play but I soon learned that there is a deeper message in the book. I don't want to give it away for the other reader but keep your head up and know God has someone better for you. Oh yeah, I did learn a few things (tricks). The book is very well written, straight forward, and to the point. It is filled with what the reality of dating and things that people (men particularly) do to get what they want for the moment they may want it. I really like the way you named the chapters. The names you picked for the particular scenario definitely works. I know guys with those names and they have lived up to their names in the book. Thank you for pointing out the way that women respond to the way that the men could act out. It's the truth, and women need to know those types of things from a male's perspective. I am blessed to have three brothers who taught me the games but I know there are women out there who don't have that luxury. I wish you much success in you career as an author and I definitely look forward to reading your next piece.

Just wanted to let everybody know that this book is a must read. I finished this book in 24hrs. I could not put it down. I have informed my co-workers and others to pls purchase this book. If you are a women, you need to read this book. It is so REAL!!

The book was a great read. I found myself turing page after page, (i managed to read it in a few hours) the characters and situations were very relatable. I was left wanting to know more about what happens to the character Devon. I pray that I will never meet a man like that. Hopefully there will be a sequel!

Mark Crutcher writes an amazing debut novel not only does he break it down piece by piece but also he tells all. Checkmate is an extremely interesting piece that shows the different characteristics of the male species in generally. Mark holds nothing back as he explains how a male can be check before a female gets checkmate. He also intertwines the religious aspect into the mix of it without overwhelming the reader with it.

In Checkmate Mark tells how he went from being Mr. Playa Playa to being the one played and how it affected his life to the point that he is who he is now. As I read Checkmate I begin to think to some of the relationships that I had seen and some that I have heard of and was able to place them in the categories that Mr. Crutcher give in his book. Checkmate was a truly informative book that gives you insight into the minds of the Players and how they operate.

Checkmate is a truly enjoyable book that breaks down how men attempt to checkmate their mates before they will attempt to even be checked but it gives a female enough ammunition to the point that if they need to they can checkmate their male before they find their selves looking into the mirror wondering where did they go wrong. Mr. Crutcher has written one of the best relationship self help books out there right now that gives you an understanding of the games that men will play.

This book really surprised me. It was well written and had lots of information for the single woman. I highly recommend it to any one who is at odds about what they want out of a relationship. I met the author at the Romance Slam Jam and I told him I was going to buy his book and let him autograph it. He politely told me that it was not a romance novel. I must admit I read it the same night. It was fantastic and I have recommended to all my friends. I give a high five to Mr. Crutcher and patiently wait for the next installment to the book.!!!!

Hello Mr. Crutcher,I really enjoyed your book. It is a very well written, straight forward, and to the point. It is filled with what the reality of dating and things that people (men particularly) do to get what they want for the moment they may want it. I really like the way you named the chapters with the guys name you were using for the particular senario. Thank you for pointing out the way that women respond to the way that the men could act out. It's the truth, and women need to know those type of things from a males perspective. I personally enjoy getting a males perspective on relationships and the way they play their role out. Also getting your say in the signs to look for with certain games that could be played. Overall rating for me would be 5 stars for an excellent written piece. I wish you much success in you career as an author and I definately look forward to reading your next piece. I'm sure I'll see you again visiting Black Images

This book was like a breath of fresh air. It's good to read a book written by a man that contains true to life application. I appreciate the author for bringing this to light and the stories in the book of each player type was great!

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to sit and have quiet time with a man and not have to worry about cheating on their significant other. It's also good for those who know that something is up but just can't put their finger on it.

Reading "Checkmate" was an enjoyable reading experience. Once I started the book I could not put it now, I read it in one sitting. The games that men play have been around forever and the book really tells about that, and the different kinds of players that there are. I truly appreciate the author's candor and his ability to express in words, what a lot of men are all about. I give this book 4 stars and hope that the author will continue to write, for I will definitely buy his next book.

Ladies, have you ever imagined how stress free relationships would be
if we possessed a Geiger counter for men? Maybe something that would
generate a signal when a player is approaching? Unfortunately there is
no such device, but all is not lost. Mark Crutcher shares some invaluable
information, and generates some insight on the games men play.

What Mr. Crutcher does is break down the player's mentality into three
skill levels, and shares the characteristics and the signals of each level.
With short stories, he gives a wide-angle view of the process a player uses.
The book is frank, candid, and at times almost woeful though not really
in a negative sense. While reading, I began to realize
that women do have a built in warning system. We may not get warning
bells but, we do get a certain resonance which should produce a strategy
to nullify the game. But too often we fail to heed the warning;
each woman thinks she is the exception not the rule. The points shared
in this book shuld change our perception or at least increase our awareness.
He shares the objective of a player and he shares his personal pain when
the woman he loved walked out of his life; without any warning. Since then,
he has vowed to never cause another woman the pain that he felt. This
book is the first step in his healing process and possibly a cleansing of
his spirit.

Checkmate: The Games Men Play analyzes a man's psyche from his first
hello and intimates that the game really begins once a man has scored.
I applaud Mr. Crutcher for this enlightening heads up; it is much
appreciated. But I would like to offer this author a suggestion,
if partly in jest. I suggest you keep your head up and an occasional
lookout; for you have shared some valuable trade secrets and an inside view
of a player's mind. Ladies this is an excellent book to read
if you're tired of the games.