Maurice Ashley discusses new chess initiative

Grandmaster Maurice Ashley was spotted at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, but he told The Chess Drum that he was not there as a delegate or captain, but merely as a chess tourist. Most will know Ashley as one of the most visible commentators of the chess world, but he has taken a hiatus from calling tournaments and is starting a new chapter in his storied career.

Ashley gave an interview to The Chess Drum and mentioned that, in addition to his Chessable courses and two books, he is embarking on an initiative to nurture talent throughout the African Diaspora. Over the past year, Ashley has searched for under-12 talent to participate in an ongoing effort to continue to help Black players make a presence on the world scene.

Jamaica, Jamaica

Ashley is involved in a Jamaican initiative to produce a Grandmaster in ten years. He was heard telling the Jamaican players that the narrative has to change. “No more coming in 95th or 110th,” he asserted.

While the Jamaicans certainly did not perform as well as intended, there seems to be an intense effort on the island to serve as a catalyst in the region. Six former national players were captains for different Caribbean teams! Combined with the chess boom in Jamaica and the Grandmaster initiative with Ashley, things seem to be progressing.

Global Initiatives

Ashley more recently began helping Nigerian talent Deborah Quickpen after the “Battle of the Ages” match with Tunde Onakoya. Quickpen was initially mentored by FM Bomo Kigigha and later Edward Evbuiomwan, but her rapid rise would require additional guidance. Babatunde Ogunsiku of Africa Chess Media and Daaim Shabazz of The Chess Drum coordinated the introductions. So far, so good. Quickpen scored 7/8 on the Open team and earned her Candidate Master title at the Olympiad, which puts her on track to earn additional open titles. Ashley advised her to consider playing in the open section of tournaments more frequently.

Granted, it is often a mistake to assume that girls and women will vie for women’s titles and not seek the more competitive honors. While the intention is to keep girls in chess longer, there is no data to suggest that women’s titles have met the intended purpose. In fact, chess legend Judit Polgar recently suggested getting rid of women’s titles for a period of time to see what the result would be. Perhaps Quickpen will be a test case.

Ashley addressing FIDE Congress.
Photos courtesy of FIDE

Of course, Ashley has already begun searching the U.S. for talent and reaching out to a number of young players. He has recently mentored Brewington Hardaway, who has already earned three GM norms and only needs 30 Elo points to earn the title. Having words of support can be crucial in breaking barriers. Time will tell when the African Diaspora will begin to produce more players who can compete for board medals at the Olympiad. Ashley tells us how it can happen.

Interview with GM Maurice Ashley