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:

  • (46)

Connor Fields More Than a Champion, A Symbol of Resilience and Peak Performance When it comes to selecting the right speaker for your next event, you’re not just looking for someone who can fill a time slot—you’re searching for someone who can inspire, connect, and leave a lasting impression. If your audience values grit, resilience, […]

  • May 5, 2025
  • (9)

Mastering the Art of a Business Emcee New York: Elevating Conferences with Speakers Inc In the bustling metropolis of New York, where innovation and business convergence are the heartbeat of the city, the role of a Business Emcee takes center stage. As a pivotal element in orchestrating conferences and corporate events, a skilled emcee plays […]

  • March 1, 2024
  • (8)

The Status Quo of Crisis Preparedness Puts You at a Disadvantage—and It’s Time For That To Change. Over the last couple of years, I’ve found myself increasingly frustrated with my industry, the crisis management profession. To put my frustration simply, the status quo of crisis preparedness and crisis management no longer suffices and, as a […]

  • January 18, 2023
  • (10)

Over the last year as You Want to Be an Authentic Leader, you’ve worn countless sweatshirts on Zoom calls, taken meetings while walking, and even brought Fido, your adorable Shih Tzu, into a few calls. Well done. However, and I hate to break it to you, that doesn’t necessarily make you an “authentic leader”. The […]

  • December 19, 2022
  • (12)

Transforming Mindsets: How Motivational Speakers Fuel Personal and Professional Growth In a world defined by rapid technological advances, shifting global markets, and increasingly competitive work environments, cultivating the right mindset has become more crucial than ever. Organizations and individuals alike are discovering that technical knowledge and hard skills alone are not enough to navigate ever-evolving […]

  • January 6, 2025
  • (58)

Speakers Inc, Los Angeles has available to present Keynote Speakers | Motivational | Leadership to open or close your next Los Angeles, California event or conference. Speakers Inc is a leading speaker Bureau that brings you excellent Speakers | Motivational | Leadership speakers that deliver keynotes over 500 times per year. Our culture speakers are […]

  • January 21, 2023
  • (12)

Choosing a professional speaker is a choice we assist you with. To take the head ache out of your planning and organisation to ensure your event runs smoothly and professionally 1. Decide on the Theme It’s no use looking for a wildlife speaker, if your theme is Future Global Trends. If you’re not sure whether […]

  • January 2, 2023
  • (51)

Utah’s Best Keynote Speakers: Why Your Next Conference Needs a Taste of the Beehive State! There’s something about Utah that’s magical—not just the scenic landscapes or the endless outdoor adventures but also the growing roster of incredible keynote speakers who call the Beehive State home. Planning a conference? These Utah-based speakers bring a unique blend […]

  • November 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.