Mental strategies this chess grandmaster uses
- Author: Maurice Ashley
- Word Count: 263
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:
- (15)
Rocket Science Meets Real Life: Why Olympia LePoint Is the AI and Innovation Speaker You Didn’t Know You Needed In a world inundated with tech buzzwords and innovation hype, few voices cut through the noise with clarity, charisma, and credibility. Olympia LePoint does. A rocket scientist turned transformational keynote speaker, LePoint is redefining what it […]
- May 2, 2025
- (1)
A couple of weeks ago I was in Orlando for a talk. And, the night before I was sitting at the hotel restaurant grabbing some dinner. Out of the corner of my eye I saw that there was a basketball game on the tv at the bar and I knew the THE 3 C’S OF […]
- January 14, 2023
- (15)
Speakers Inc is your Unique Speaker Bureau International in today’s fast-paced world, where the success of an event hinges on delivering impactful and memorable experiences, event planners require a partner who understands their needs inside and out. Enter Speakers Inc, the Unique Speaker Bureau International and ultimate solution for sourcing world-class keynote speakers, emcees, and […]
- October 9, 2024
- (8)
In the ever-evolving landscape of LGBTQ Keynote Speakers 2024, public speaking, keynote addresses serve as powerful platforms for individuals to share their stories, insights, and expertise. Over the years, the LGBTQ community has seen a rise in representation within this realm, with speakers transcending barriers and advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance. As we delve […]
- March 21, 2024
- (8)
Why the Right Event Host Makes All the Difference when planning an event, most organizers focus on the speakers, the venue, or the content. But there’s one element that often determines whether an event simply runs… or truly resonates: The host. Amy McWhirter is a global event MC, host, and keynote speaker who understands that […]
- April 13, 2026
- (13)
Celebrate Customer Appreciation Month with Kerry Bodine — The Voice of Customer Experience April is Customer Appreciation Month, a perfect time to reflect on the relationships that truly drive your business forward — your customers. But appreciating customers goes beyond discounts or thank-you notes. It’s about crafting experiences that make them feel seen, heard, and […]
- April 17, 2025
- (7)
When it comes to diversity and inclusion as a leader you need to understand one thing, you need to understand that; It is more than just activism, minorities vs the privileged, and correcting the injustices I’ve observed the efforts of many organizations and leaders when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, to be more civil society […]
- December 22, 2022
- (7)
Driving Innovation in today’s fast-paced world, anticipating change has become a core business competency. Organizations can no longer afford to wait for disruption to happen—they must proactively identify signals of change and adapt before competitors. Whether driven by technological advancements, market volatility, or societal shifts, disruption is inevitable. The key to surviving and thriving lies […]
- December 16, 2024