Chess for Success: Using an Old Game to Build New Strengths in Children and Teens

by Maurice Ashley

Maurice Ashley immigrated to New York from Jamaica at the age of twelve, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of urban life. But he found his inspiration for a better life after stumbling upon a chess book and becoming hypnotized by the game. He would eventually break the chess world's color lines by becoming an International Grandmaster in 1999.

Ashley realized that chess strategies could be used as an educational tool to help children avoid the pitfalls often associated with growing up. In this book, he serves up compelling anecdotes about how chess has positively affected young players. He also offers tips on technique, how to make the game fun for children of all ages and levels, and how to overcome the myth that chess isn't cool. Through his guidance, readers will understand how chess strategies can improve a child's mental agility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Chess for Success is a much-anticipated resource for parents, teachers, counselors, youth workers, and chess lovers.

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Education

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2005

About the author

Maurice Ashley lives his passion. Through his love for chess, he not only made history as the first African- American International grandmaster in the annals of the game but he has managed to translate his love to others as a national championship coach, world-class commentator, tournament organizer, author, iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker.

Maurice has travelled the world as an ardent spokesperson of the character building effects of chess. Coming from the rough and tough streets of Kingston, Jamaica and Brooklyn, New York, Maurice has tirelessly shared his compelling story with young people in the schools of Ferguson, Missouri, the townships of Cape Town, South Africa and the poverty stricken jungles of Belize, Central America. His book, Chess for Success crystallizes his vision of the many benefits of chess, particularly for at-risk youth, and he continuously spreads his message of living one’s dream to universities, businesses, chess clubs and non-profit organizations around the globe.

Maurice is known for his work commentating on the biggest chess events in the world including the World Chess Championships, the US Chess Championships, the Grand Chess Tour and the legendary Man vs. Machine matches between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue. He is the co-organizer of the Millionaire Chess Open, the highest stakes Open chess tournament in history.

His app, Learn chess! With Maurice Ashley, has been sold in over 30 countries, and he has received multiple community service awards from city government, universities, and community groups for his work. In recognition for his immense contribution the game, Maurice was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame on April 13, 2016.

Reviews

[Fiamma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book - so great that I want to get my own copy even after finished reading it (previously checked it out from the public library). Every chess parent should own a copy of this book. The most compelling part is the chapter where his former students attest to the power of chess in changing their lives - in their own words; very powerful stuff! My faith in chess is renewed because of this book.

[Yotamhod24 · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best book on education i have ever read. though it is about chess, all the principles apply to teaching any subject. i am a big maurice ashley fan.

[Beau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maurice Ashley is a legendary chess teacher, and I enjoy watching him commentate For the U.S. Championships and other big tournaments. It turns out he's a good writer, too. I enjoyed the first autobiographical and historical chapters. The rest could be read by a prospective chess coach or interested chess parent.

[Opetoritse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley offers expert advice on how to use chess as a tool for enriching children's lives, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. He provides ample evidence of the game's many benefits using studies and anecdotes, including his own inspiring life story. Certainly an invaluable addition to any chess instructor's library.

[Slow3635 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maurice Ashley is a legendary chess teacher, and I enjoy watching him commentate for the U.S. Championships and other big tournaments. It turns out he's a good writer, too. I enjoyed the first autobiographical and historical chapters. The rest could be read by a prospective chess coach or interested chess parent.

[Jack Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaffirmed what Ihave thought about chess for years. Great book

[John Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lifelong chess player, I found this to be a fun and educational read. Ashley writes in an engaging style. I think this book is more geared to teachers or people who might seek alternative ways to improve their critical thinking skills. This is a complement because I assumed that the book would be strictly chess-minded. Don't get me wrong the topic is definitely chess, but the applications of its benefits are more precisely the focus here.

Ashley deftly applies case studies to show how, amazingly enough, chess playing has accounted for marked improvements in critical thinking, verbal aptitude, and most shocking emotional intelligence. Worldwide studies have been conducted to confirm this research. The parts that describe how chess changed his life are also quite moving.

It is not the least bit technical. "Chess For Success" is inspirational, illuminating, and provides plenty of food for thought.

[Muhammad Rasheed · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and inspiring book with a chess theme, and full of factoids about the game. Maurice did a good job in using his own relationship with chess to build a motivating framework that made me want to play more. I was disappointed that there weren't any beginner strategies in it from the Grand Master (He described showing some kids how to finish a game first and then worked backwards to teaching them opening mores. I would've loved to get those tips!), but at least there was a good recommendations section.

It was a chess history + autobiographical + motivational book and not a "how to play chess" book as I thought it was going to be.

[Mark Stephenson]

Along with making a most persuasive case for chess instruction this book is also an autobiographical treat as the author relates his experiences on the way to becoming the first Afro-American chess grandmaster. I was touched by some of the insights he offered as to how the game of chess contributed to his growth as a person and as a teacher - particularly on pp 201 and 202 when he speaks of becoming once again like a child, even referring to Jesus' profound dictum to that effect. There are some very interesting testimonials from some of his students and teaching colleagues as well.

[Dale Offret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed ever chapter like a new day. My last USCF Tournament game was about 20 years ago. Maurice has inspired me to start playing again and to include my family. This book will be in my home collection soon. Maurice explains and gives supporting evidence of the benefits of playing chess for teens and children.

[Wes Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mr Ashley for this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly and intend to try and use its principles in my daughters' schools to help them be able to learn chess better than I have been able to do so far.

[Corey Butler · Rating 3 out of 5]

GM Ashley does a nice job introducing the benefits of chess and conveying his excitement for the game. However, it would have been nice to have more specific information on how to run a chess program for kids, something like a sample curriculum.