Mental strategies this chess grandmaster uses

  • Author: Maurice Ashley
  • Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York 11218, United States
Read the news article

Imagine sitting down for six hours of back-to-back college final exams for nine days in a row with Mental strategies. That’s what playing in a professional chess tournament is like, according to chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley. The only difference is in chess, “the finals fight back,” Ashley tells CNBC Make It.

And no matter how much Ashley prepares, his opponent “figure[s] out how to out-prepare me,” he says. “It’s like a battle royal.”

Ashley is an international grandmaster, which is the highest title a chess player can achieve. In 1999, he became the first Black person to achieve the title of grandmaster, and today he is a chess commentator and coach.

Mental strategies this chess grandmaster uses

The game of chess requires intense mental concentration and stamina, especially at the elite level, where thousands of dollars of prize money is on the line.

“You have to try to control your emotions under that intense pressure as well, because you know if you lose this game, that can be your livelihood,” Ashley says. Although chess players seem calm and composed in their demeanor, it requires a lot of mental work to think ahead and stay present.

Even now as a chess broadcaster, Ashley says he has to keep track of multiple games at a time, and process what’s happening in real time. “Your brain has to be fresh for hours,” he says.

So, what Mental strategies, tips and tricks help Ashley stay in the game?

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ON CNBC

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn

Speaker Listing

Further articles you may enjoy:

  • (13)

Celebrating Women’s Month Las Vegas 2024 Introduction: March is not just a month on the calendar; it is a celebration of the strength, resilience, and achievements of women worldwide. Women’s Month is a time to honor the contributions of women in various fields, and Las Vegas is gearing up for an extraordinary celebration in 2024. […]

  • March 7, 2024
  • (10)

Unlocking Success: The Power of Booking Top Keynote Conference Speakers in San Francisco Introduction: Conferences play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Choosing the right keynote speakers can significantly impact the success of an event. In the vibrant city of San Francisco, California, renowned for its innovation and diverse industries, […]

  • January 22, 2024
  • (8)

The power to Tap into Emotion is something that has a universal appeal and can breathe life into simple cold facts. Have you ever pitched something you knew was great, only to have it shot down? Of course you have. We all have. And though the rejection might be devastating in the moment, there’s a […]

  • December 14, 2022
  • (19)

Michelle “Mace” Curran: From Fighter Pilot to Fearless Keynote Speaker Soaring Beyond Limits In the heart of Las Vegas, where boldness meets brilliance, one keynote speaker is redefining the art of motivation and leadership. Michelle Mace Curran is not just an accomplished pilot; she’s a powerhouse of purpose, a woman who has shattered ceilings—literally and […]

  • April 15, 2025
  • (11)

Easter is obviously when Christians celebrate a miracle that is central to our faith in Creating Distinction. We are also in the seasons of Ramadan and Passover. Although my work here is never intended to be about any particular set of spiritual beliefs, it struck me when thinking about these observances that having faith — […]

  • December 20, 2022
  • (6)

Desiree-Anne Martin believes in the inherent ability of anyone to change. Her mantra is that there is hope, always, and she is a Change Catalyst and Inspirational Speaker. Desiree-Anne is a prize-winning published author and poet. Her writing on racial identification, GBV, the myths of parenthood, sex and feminism has appeared in numerous print anthologies […]

  • January 2, 2023
  • (12)

Building High-Performing Teams: Lessons from Workplace Culture Keynotes In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, where remote and hybrid models have become the norm, team cohesion and morale are more important than ever. High-performing teams are the cornerstone of organizational success, driving innovation, productivity, and employee satisfaction. But what makes a team truly thrive? Insights from […]

  • December 18, 2024
  • (9)

The Virtual Keynote Revolution: How Online Events Are Reshaping the Speaking Industry The Shift from In-Person to Virtual Keynote Events The global events landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once defined by large hotel ballrooms, conference centers, and meticulously coordinated travel arrangements, the speaking industry is now embracing an era where the stage is any […]

  • December 13, 2024

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.