Move by Move: Life Lessons on and off the Chessboard

by Maurice Ashley

A little book of life advice drawing on the timeless wisdom of chess from Maurice Ashley, the first African American Chess Grandmaster.

At age thirty-three, Maurice Ashley became the first African American to attain the rank of International Grand Master of Chess. Since that historic moment, he has brought his love of the game to a wide audience as an educator, innovator, and motivational speaker.

In Move by Move , Ashley guides readers through the essential lessons that chess has taught him about life, using both personal examples from his rise from an immigrant kid playing matches in Brooklyn parks to the most rarified levels of competition, as well as insights and anecdotes from fellow notable chess players. In short chapters with practical takeaways, this book reaches from the fundamental to the counterintuitive on subjects ranging from self-knowledge to strategic thinking to the importance of failure. This little book of wisdom is the perfect gift for graduates, chess enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding how lessons from the most famous and long-lasting game of strategy can help you reach your personal and professional goals.

NOT JUST FOR CHESS  Chess is timeless. This book is perfect for anyone who plays chess, is chess-aspirational, or just has positive associations with the game. For the reader seeking a motivational book with actionable takeaways, Maurice Ashley offers the perfect authoritative yet accessible volume.

AUTHORITATIVE, EXPERT  Maurice Ashley made history as the first African American Grandmaster in the annals of the game and translates his love of chess to others as a three-time national championship coach, ESPN commentator,  NBC National Chess Championships commentator ,  iPhone app designer, puzzle inventor, and motivational speaker .

GIFTABLE   This small, jacketed hardcover is elegant and classic, like the game itself. An outstanding gift book for graduation, Father's Day, birthday, retirement, and more, Move by Move also makes a great add-on gift to a chess set or a standalone present for beginner chess players and experts alike.

Perfect

Genres: Chess, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Games

176 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

About the author

Jamaican American chess grandmaster

Reviews

[Destiny Pitters · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. Pros & cons:

🩵 I loved that this was a concise read - the chapters are short (1-5 pgs on the e-book) making it accessible and memorable. The opening quotes to each chapter are also solid.

🩵 it was touching to read about a (rather, the first!) Black chess GM, especially with Jamaican roots.

🩵 “To Become, Be” is definitely the strongest, most focused chapter. That being said-

💔 the chapters are organized by stating a major life lesson and then zooming in to an example from Ashley’s chess career - maybe. Sometimes, we get other, personal memories which is fine, but I was left wishing I learned so much more concrete material about his come-up. I prefer a chronological, detailed delivery, but this is more general musings about life at large. (Definitely not false advertising given the title.)

💔 the anecdotes become repetitive, and some chapters blur together entirely where this is concerned, ultimately sharing the same life lesson over and over (willing to cede that this is also the point of chess though lol)

To be fair, I haven’t read other sports/master-of-their-craft memoirs so maybe this format is routine! Still a recommended read imo.

[David Siu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common life lessons communicated in an engaging and memorable way. The book is an easy and fun read. One of the books I will re-read often because it's like short and enjoyable reminders of what's important in life.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Move by Move: Life Lessons on and Off the Chessboard" by Maurice Ashley explores how the strategic principles of chess can be applied to life. Even if you’re a novice at chess, you probably know that it’s not the easiest game to master. Gaining the title of “grandmaster” is a widely respected honor that requires mastery of analytical and strategic thinking, abstract reasoning, concentration, patience, grit, determination, memory, creativity, and self-awareness. These attributes are crucial in chess and hold significant value in real life. Recognizing this, the United Nations has designated July 20 as World Chess Day, highlighting chess’s promotion of "fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect." The game, with its blend of sport, scientific thought, and artistry, provides mental advantages that athletes across various sports have acknowledged.

Chess, with over 605 million enthusiasts worldwide, is a profound teacher of essential life skills. One of the first lessons it offers is the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity. Age and experience can provide wisdom, but only if you let them. As we gain mastery in our crafts, the initial wonder can fade. However, it is vital for long-term success to keep that sense of fascination alive. Elite performers, like Mikhail Tal, the eighth world chess champion, and Tiger Woods, understand the power of revisiting the basics to unlock new possibilities. This approach is mirrored in a Zen parable about a master and his student, emphasizing the importance of an open mind free from preconceptions. Learning is a lifelong process, and to grow, one must continually adapt and find joy in the process.

Contrary to popular belief, great chess players do not foresee dozens of moves ahead due to the game’s complexity. Instead, they excel by being flexible and adaptable, much like Magnus Carlsen, the 2013 World Chess Champion. Carlsen’s ability to shift strategies mid-game exemplifies the importance of flexibility in facing complexity. Chess demands continual adaptation, relying more on intuition and understanding than memorization. This improvisational skill is akin to a jazz musician’s ability to pivot effortlessly, demonstrating the value of flexibility.

Another valuable chess strategy is disaggregated learning, which involves breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. NBA champion Steph Curry uses this method by practicing dribbling two basketballs simultaneously to enhance coordination. Chess also teaches the Theory of Accumulation of Small Advantages, developed by Wilhelm Steinitz in the nineteenth century. This theory advocates for patient, methodical progress, focusing on daily, incremental improvements to build a winning position. This philosophy of growth and discipline is crucial in fostering resilience in a world obsessed with instant gratification. True wisdom lies in recognizing that there is always more to learn, regardless of one's level of expertise.

Sustaining focus is another lesson chess imparts, vital for any top performer. Success is earned through perseverance, especially when things are going well. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can be detrimental, as Magnus Carlsen experienced in a 2018 tournament. To be the best, maintaining mental composure throughout every phase is essential, along with understanding that losses are inevitable. Embracing defeat as a learning opportunity is a hallmark of champions. Kobe Bryant viewed losing as a chance to identify weaknesses and refine his approach, illustrating a growth mentality that separates good players from great ones. Mistakes and losses should be seen as valuable learning opportunities, promoting resilience and improvement.

Empathy, understanding your opponent, and being adaptable are crucial in chess and life. Magnus Carlsen’s success is partly due to his meticulous study of rivals, leveraging his understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. In today's world, where dialogue often becomes monologue, empathizing with others' viewpoints fosters deeper connections and mutual understanding. Studying your opponent is a way to stay ahead, as Mike Tyson’s famous quote suggests, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and agility. Chess also teaches the value of sacrifice and the need to embrace risk, as avoiding it can be the riskiest strategy of all.

The Golden State Warriors, coached by Steve Kerr, exemplify the importance of fighting complacency by maintaining full intensity even when ahead. Complacency can be deadly in chess and life. Retrograde analysis, or looking at things backward, is another useful technique employed by successful individuals like Oprah Winfrey and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Visualization helps set future goals and motivates present actions, emphasizing the power of mindset in influencing behavior.

Maurice Ashley shares a personal story about losing an important tournament and receiving advice from Grandmaster Alexander Shabalov, who said, “In order to become a grandmaster, you must first be a grandmaster." This advice underscores the importance of embracing the process and focusing on continuous improvement rather than obsessing over the end goal. Ashley's journey to becoming a grandmaster illustrates the significance of authenticity, self-acceptance, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Chess offers numerous insights applicable to life. Its strategies and principles serve as metaphors for personal growth and success, teaching the importance of focus, resilience, self-awareness, and the long-term values of embracing challenges and making sacrifices. Maintaining a childlike wonder, embracing complexity and losses, and approaching obstacles with strategic thinking, adaptability, and a growth mindset are key lessons from chess. These timeless principles help achieve excellence both in the sport and beyond.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maurice Ashley’s Move by Move was a surprisingly engaging read, even for someone like me who has never touched a chessboard. What stood out most were the sharp one-liners and broader life lessons woven through the game strategies, lessons about patience, foresight, and resilience that resonate beyond chess. The pacing made it a quick, almost breezy experience, yet it still carried weight and substance. Ashley’s ability to translate the complexities of chess into universally accessible wisdom is what makes the book shine. Overall, a cool and worthwhile read.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t play chess, but I got this book from work for free, and I enjoyed it. It was a short and sweet little book of life advice.

[Sanford Chee]

Recommended by Adam Grant
https://adamgrant.substack.com/p/the-...

Podcast: Chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley on why mistakes are our greatest teachers
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barely 200 pages of inspirational quotes. Feels like he needs more work on his middle game

[Perri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, engaging read where the first half was superb and the second half felt redundant or perhaps too formulaic for me (so many quotes from others "putting it best"). A sweet book. Thought it was odd he didn't go into becoming a grandmaster later in life than most.

[Annie Tate Cockrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a love letter to the game of chess. Maurice Ashley does a wonderful job writing about chess in a way that would appeal to chess players and non-players alike - getting into both the specifics of the game and also dispelling common misconceptions that people have about chess. He does a wonderful job weaving stories of chess and extrapolating life lessons from them without ever making it cheesy. Maurice Ashley is one of my favorite chess commentators so I was so excited to receive this ARC. Looking forward to the pub date this April.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Move by Move is an engaging book full of insightful philosophical ruminations on life and chess by Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. Released 2nd April 2024 by Chronicle on their Prism imprint, it's 176 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

The author has decades of experience and engagement at every level of the chess world and the longevity to have acquired a lot of lessons. He has a friendly and down-to-earth style of writing and this small book is full of accessible takeaways about life, learning, the philosophy of art and learning, friendship, and chess' unique ability to bridge differences in culture, class, religion, gender, age, and wealth. Chess is the ultimate equalizer.

The hardcover edition is lovely, with a foil embossed cover and would make a nice gift. It should be noted that this is *not* a how-to guide for chess. There are no puzzles or tutorials included here (he covers a lot of chess theory in his other books and commentary/videos). This is a general book on philosophy and life.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, or gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Move by Move by Maurice Ashley discussed that the world of chess is an intricate one, and it's full of useful insights that can be applied to life in a variety of ways. The many strategies and principles that are at the heart of chess can be seen as metaphors for personal growth and success in life. These valuable lessons include the importance of maintaining focus, resilience, self-awareness and the long-term values of embracing challenges and being willing to make sacrifices. The author also stresses the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder toward your craft and embracing the complexities and losses that you'll encounter along the way.

In many ways, the game of chess parallels the complexities of everyday life, teaching us to approach obstacles with strategic thinking, adaptability and a growth mindset. From mastering the art of concentration to understanding the power of visualization and learning to navigate setbacks with grace, it gives us timeless principles for achieving excellence, both in the sport and beyond.

[Dave Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed this. a very quick read but deceptively deep. for example:

"Greatness comes from listening intently to the messages indirect or direct that come from others. It is not only the quest for truth that should spur us on but also an intense curiosity. Why do others think the way they do? What are their most profound wishes and desires? What are they saying with their words, their subtle gestures, and their actions? If we are truly curious about seeing the point of view of others, the world opens up to us and profound and life-changing ways.

There are a few important qualities you must cultivate to begin to see the world from other viewpoints: and intense curiosity. A desire to deeply understand not only people you like, but those you do not. And a willingness to admit when you are wrong. It may be difficult to name even a handful of people in our lives who embody all of these qualities. We should work to ensure that we are at the top of that list. "

[Boundbywords · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a five-star read! I'm so grateful to Chronicle Books and Mr. Ashley for the advance copy. I picked up chess in the summer of 2020 without a clue of how it would impact all aspects of my life. It changed the way I saw the world and the way I reasoned.
Being a huge fan of Mr. Ashley, I could not be more enthusiastic about reading his book. In 'Move by Move,' readers are taken on a personal journey through his own chess experiences. His insights helped me understand my own thought processes at the board. The book also dives into common chess myths and goes beyond the board, exploring how lessons from chess can apply to everyday life.
I particularly enjoyed the spotlight on chess grandmasters and learning about their strategies and thought processes. It gave me a new level of appreciation for the game.
Highly recommended for chess fans and anyone curious about chess!

[Dmitry Bezverkhiy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very personal story of person becoming a chess grandmaster. Don’t expect much chess advice thought. It is more motivational book. Even in the beginning of the book it is less personal, more close to the end it becomes very touching with very private details from author’s life. It is very American book in the sense, that it brings a lot of inspiration to become better version of yourself. I really like it.

[Francisco Galán · Rating 1 out of 5]

Even though I really like Ashley's chess commentary, this book is a collection of superficial anecdotes and ideas that are not even that interesting or well developed.

As with many books that compare chess to life, the analogies are too forced.

Anand's book, Mind Master, which does something similar, is much, much better.

[Avinash · Rating 5 out of 5]

lite and enjoyable read , its not a chess specific book , draws general principles from chess with analogies and general life wisdom gained through maurice Ashley's experience has been shared , I like
Maurice Ashley as a chess commentor , after reading this book my liking for him as increased even more you dont need to know how to play chess to read and understand this book

[vantablack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by the first African-American Grandmaster, this is a short book on what playing chess taught Maurice Ashley. He discusses how he applied the imperfect metaphor of chess gaming to achieve success and the importance of failure. One of those timeless wisdom books. Always good to get a fresh perspective.

[Jason Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and useful. Much of the material may be lessons you already know and are just reading in a different way. That's OK. We need these lessons brought to the surface time and time again, so this book is one for my shelf and not for the Little Free Library.

[Will Whitworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of cliches in there postured as if they’re powerful wisdom , but I did find it to be very thought provoking at times, taking away some ideas that I will work on factoring into my mindset going into chess games

[Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the wisdoms shared by the author. I have a completely new perspective for mistakes, failures, curiosity, humility and visions.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like his style. Makes me wanna watch him play. Makes me wanna learn the game.

[D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly cliché observations illustrated with chess references and no scientific bases. Some of them even contradict each other.

[Matt Broome · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little self motivational book that connects lots of chess attributes to the real world.

[Charles Carerros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you are not a chess player, GM Ashely does a great job of relating the lessons that he has reflected back on in general terms. I think there is something here for everyone!!

[Lucien Liboiron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucien’s take

Maurice Ashley is an admirable writer. and my favorite player in the world. I am taking away a lot from this book which I will definitely reread this book which imparts a lot of chess wisdom. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation of what chess has to offer as well as the wisdom imparted by a great grandmaster.

[Tess Tintle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s in the title, “Life Lessons”

I really enjoyed this book even though it had nothing to do with PGN’s and actual chess moves. It’s a book about how to play the game of life and is filled with quotes from people who have played it well; life not necessarily chess.
I watch CBS Morning and CBS Sunday Morning and every time I see an author interviewed I perk up and check Amazon. This book qualifies in several categories including autobiography and self help. I will reengage in Chess trying to implement so of the authors insights. One is to learn from losing. For some reason I have been afraid to lose even though playing on line I don’t know these people and will never meet these people. Nonetheless I play countless games against the computer but avoid the live games. I’ll see if that changes but again to the book and too its author, he didn’t include this quote but it’s a good one, “Threre’s nothing to fear but fear itself.”

[Mihaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short book and quick read of chess grand master inspirational quotes. Somehow, I expected something more out of it. Find out about the author by reading Adam Grant's Hidden Potential book. 

Side topic: please make sure to update the chess app that cannot be used on newer phones.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice lectures and a lot of chess topics covered without being slow or exhausting. The book wasn't longer than it needed to be