Ashley - Chess for success: using an old game to build new strengths in children and teens

Table of Contents

FOR NIA AND JAYDEN

Maurices street savvy gives him instant credibility with children of all ages. I never tire of watching a roomful of kids who have absolutely no interest in chess light up as Maurice tells his story. His ideas change lives and need to be heard. Invest in your childs future; buy this book today.

Cris Collinsworth, four-time Emmy Awardwinning broadcaster

This book is inspirational, informative, well writtenand will no doubt spur on many youngsters to attempt to emulate Maurice Ashleys remarkable success in chess and life.

Gregory H. Williams, President of the City College of New York

Maurice continues to demonstrate the qualities of leadership and innovation which have characterized his chess career.

Erik Anderson, Founder of Americas Foundation for Chess

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book would never have been possible without the love, support, creative insight, and patience of many. To the people listed here: You know how passionately I express myself. Keep that in mind as you read my words of appreciation for how you have helped me complete this task, and, in most cases, contributed to the person I am. I can only begin to convey my gratitude. Thank you all.

Thanks...

To my mother, Thelma Cormack, for making the hard decision of being separate from your children in order to make a better life for us. Every goal I achieve is a living testament to the success of your foresight. I hope to never waste your sacrifice.

To my grandmother, Irma Cormack, for taking a decade out of your life to raise your three grandkids. I miss you more as I get older, and I only wish I had gotten to say good-bye. Thank you, Mama.

To my brother Devon and the rude boys from Tower Hill in Jamaica, for getting me started on this wonderful chess journey.

To my dad, for stepping up and being a caring force in your childrens lives. Thanks for letting me bug you into buying all those chess books.

To Vincent Leon Munro, for being there during the Rockaway Parkway years. With all those early emotional times, Im glad we are still friends more than twenty years later.

To my agent, Linda Konner, for believing that I could pull this off, even when I gave you plenty of reasons not to.

To Valerie Bohigian, for letting go of your original idea, and letting me run with a project for which you felt so much passion. I hope I was able to adequately represent your vision.

To Doubleday/Broadway vice president Janet Hill, for having the faith and confidence to support my message when others didnt want to take a chance on the project.

To my editor, Clarence Haynes, for being so patient with my crazy schedule. Thanks for taking the heat for my lateness.

To Big Vicky and Lil Vickie, for looking after the baby so I could have time to write.

To my high school friend Clotaire Colas, for being such a great rival.

To Zenaida Grenald, my assistant, who kept me sane when the details threatened to overwhelm.

To Betty Deichman, for seeing my potential and getting me my first job as a chess coach. I miss your smile and wry sense of humor.

To Courtney Welch, who was the best boss and warmest friend anyone could ever hope for. I will always be grateful.

To Willie Johnson, for being like a father to me. You are a great friend, confidant, spiritual guide, chess coach, and, most of all, patient listener. Thanks for never once letting me stay down.

To all the warriors of the Black Bear School (Ronald Simpson, William Morrison, Chris Welcome, Herminio Baez, as well as the late George Golden and Mark Meeres). Your viciously intense, no-holds-barred, knockdown, drag-out fighting style prepared me for the rigorous world of competitive chess.

To my great friend Josh Waitzkin. Our treks over the world fighting all those chess wars were some of the best times of my life. Budapest and Bad Wiessee had never seen two guys like us! I love you, man.

To Dan Rose, for his emotional and financial support over the years. Without your unending faith in me, I would never have become a grandmaster. Your infectious optimism and unselfish generosity will always be a model for how I should live my life.

To all the kids whose lives Ive touched and who have touched mine. Youve helped me to learn that you are our greatest promise. Your spirit, determination, and youthful exuberance are always a joy to witness.

And finally, to my wife, Michele, my partner, my love. When I think it cant get any better, it does. Your affection and support are my surest constants. I feel blessed to wake up each morning next to you.

FOREWORD

I came to know Maurice Ashley when my wife, Jada, surprised me on Valentines Day of 2000 with my very own chess lesson with a grandmaster. It takes a special wife and an insane husband to play chess on Valentines Day. She knows the love (obsession) that I have for the game.

Maurice and I had a great time that evening, playing and talking for hours. I learned a bit about how his mind works, and about his dedication to the young people he coached. Our mutual respect has grown to this day.

My own passion for the game began at age seven when my father introduced me to the game, including the basic moves, the strategies, and then the parallels to life. He beat me ten games a week for the next seven years of my life. Then, at age fourteen, I finally saw my checkmate coming from three moves out.

I had him. I was terrified that he would see it, but happily the inevitable occurred. He looked across the board, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, Ive done my job, I can die now. Fortunately, he hasnt died yet, so hes able to witness the power of the lessons and the fruit of the seeds he has planted. Now, whenever I have a break on the set of my latest movie, I find time to rumble with one of my various chess buddies. Whether its with Jamie Foxx or Barry Bonds, the trash-talking is always fierce. (I have an almost 100 percent kill rating over those guys. ) Chess has that special ability to exercise the mind while also being entertaining and exciting.

Is chess good for young people? Yes! Without question. It helps them to think better, calculate plans, set goals, develop their self-esteem, and understand the relationship between choices and repercussions. It also helps them to dvelop a unique focus that can only help them in their day-to-day lives. Its an activity that any child can participate in, no matter what his or her personal situation is, and its something that families can do together, as my older son and I have begun to do.

The book spells out Maurice Ashleys vision for chess and its benefits for young people. He has made it his lifes mission to expose as many people, young and old, to a game that has helped him so profoundly. Just reading the first chapter about his personal story helps one to see that real impact chess can have on a life. And his message that chess is great for kids comes alive with the stories of his own students and kids across the country who have benefited from the game. Its a great message of hopethat chess can be one piece of the puzzle to help our young people shine. Its what we all want for our kids.