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.
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
No results available
The latest jobs report–published August 5–showed that the United States added over half a million new jobs in the month of July. Are we on the brink of an Un-Recession? Unemployment is at or a near a 50-year low. Both points add credence to a growing number of economists who are pushing back against the […]
The Ultimate Guide to Speaker Bookings in the West End Entertainment in Los Angeles Introduction: Los Angeles, a city renowned for its glitz and glamour, is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also a hub for West End Entertainment in Los Angeles-style performances that captivate audiences with their mesmerizing productions. In this […]
Elizabeth McCormick’s journey to becoming a renowned speaker is rooted in her remarkable career in the military. As a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot, she faced challenges and triumphs that shaped her into the inspiring leader she is today. Rising through the ranks to become Chief Warrant Officer 2, Elizabeth honed her skills in leadership, resilience, […]
Michelle Curran: A Beacon of Leadership, Motivation, and Teamwork In the dynamic landscape of leadership and motivation, certain individuals emerge as beacons, guiding others through the intricacies of teamwork and motivation. Among these luminaries stands Michelle “Mace” Curran, a name synonymous with excellence in leadership, motivation, and teamwork. With a background steeped in military expertise […]
Controversial Industry Practices: A Look at Event Planning’s Dividing Lines which thrives on creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Yet, beneath its glamorous surface lies a layer of polarizing practices that spark debates and divide professionals. These issues, while uncomfortable to address, shape the industry and influence its future. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most […]
Mastering Success: The Art of Business Strategy Speakers In the high-stakes world of modern business, success doesn’t happen by chance, it’s the result of clear strategy, innovation, and relentless execution. At the center of this movement are business strategy speakers: thought leaders who don’t just talk about transformation, but drive it. What Makes a Business […]
LGBTQ History Month 2024 in the USA is a powerful time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy, honoring the achievements and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Held annually in October, it offers an opportunity for individuals and organizations to recognize the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, as well as acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced […]
Diversity training is valuable for increasing inclusion and fostering a more positive work environment. But not all diversity training is created equal. In order to be effective, diversity training should include certain key elements that can benefit your participants and your organization as a whole. For example, many organizations focus exclusively on race or ethnicity […]
No results available
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel