Maurice Ashley speaks on new books!

Grandmaster Maurice Ashley has been busy lately despite taking a break from commentating. On the cover of the latest Chess Life magazine, Ashley strikes a menacing pose while clasping the black king, his right hand ever ready for defense or attack. This pose symbolizes everything that chess is. It is indeed a sport, science, and art, but it’s even more!

Having excelled as a player, coach, commentator, organizer, author, streamer, and problemist, Ashley’s Hall of Fame career is perhaps the most versatile among those who appear on the wall of honor. What hasn’t he done? Well, we’re all waiting for Ashley to help develop chess policy, although he has mentioned that he eschews political wrangling.

The Jamaican-born and Brooklyn-bred Grandmaster has recently released two books and is making rounds around the country telling his story. It is a story we have all heard, but Ashley adds a twist each time. The interview conducted by Steve Sheinkin covered a variety of topics, including his beginnings in chess and evolution into one of the most recognizable names in chess.

(Note: If I can weigh in, I remember our early discussions in 1989-1990 on how we aspired to impact the chess world. During the 1989 U.S. Open, we met and shared a vision but had a different path. Nothing could make me more proud to see how Maurice Ashley has impacted chess.)

Newly-Released!