Ashley in Richmond… vows to launch surprises

GM Maurice Ashley continues his speaking tour and told a group of Richmond, Virginia students that they must have confidence in themselves to succeed. He encouraged them to be resilient and fight back after one’s losses.

“When I lose, I learn. I don’t cry, whine, pout, curse, blame my friends, say I didn’t sleep enough or blame my wife because she was shouting at me that morning. You have to be strong, come back, be a fighter. You come back and be better.”

Ashley’s story is well-known, but he seems to be as popular as ever in schools. The Brooklyn-based master has not played competitive chess in about five years, but has stayed abreast of chess developments. He told The Chess Drum that he has some exciting developments taking place.