Josh Colas biography out!

Guy Colas has just written a book on his son, FM Josh Colas, titled Mastering the Chessboard: A Black Prodigy’s Journey Through the Chess World. It appears to be a story of a chess parent watching the progress of their child and witnessing the valuable lessons learned through chess study and competition. It seems that chess has helped chess parents in ways that may escape those of us who are focused more on playing.
Josh’s Journey Begins!
Josh was a seven-year-old tagging along with his father to the 2006 World Open when I walked by during their blitz game. After I saw him moving with confidence and playing main lines in the openings, I stopped mid-step and started shooting some photos. Early on, Josh had a vision for tactics, and it was apparent that there was talent brewing.
Being in the New York area provided an enviable backdrop where many chess legends developed. During his rise, Josh had to walk in the shadow of notable programs like IS-318, which was featured in the movie “Brooklyn Castle.” Despite remaining out of the media spotlight, he began to gain more notoriety through national junior tournaments.


In time, Josh became an Expert at 10, a National Master at the age of 12, a Senior Master at 14, FIDE Master at 16. He has won six national grade championships, a number of open tournaments and is a mainstay at the Marshall Chess Club. One of his first confidence builders was the 2010 Caribbean Chess Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, his first international event. As an 11-year old, he received international publicity, became the sensation of the tournament by beating national hero FM Ryan Harper. He scored +2 in the process and lost only to IM Kevin Denny of Barbados.

At the time of his first international competition, Josh was only 10 but was rising rapidly. Perhaps the highlight of his career was his first GM norm at the North American Open in Las Vegas, while he was a senior at White Plains High School. A year later, he earned his third IM norm with a nice miniature won over Vladimir Georgiev.
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Shooting for the Stars
Josh had just completed his freshman year at Webster University, where he was a scholarship recipient awarded by the SPICE program. During his time at Webster, he dipped his toe in the waters of the European circuit, gaining valuable experience at Benasque and Pardubice Opens. The next year, he graduated with a degree in business management and is currently coaching in the New York area.
These types of parental testimonies have become very common as a way of extolling the virtues of chess. Most will remember Searching for Bobby Fischer, the book that was adapted into one of the most famous chess films of all time.
Fred Waitkzin detailed the journey of his son (also named Josh) in his quest for chess excellence. Josh Waitzkin never reached the Grandmaster level, but has excelled in martial arts. It very well may be that chess is a platform for other great endeavors, and perhaps Josh Colas is still searching.


Mastering the Chessboard
This book is a must-read for parents and kids eager to explore the world of chess. It’s the ultimate guide, especially if you’re starting. Anyone can learn chess, but becoming good at it? That journey needs time, passion, and some serious training. Parents, listen up: introducing your kids to chess is like handing them a secret weapon for life. In 2020, Joshua wrapped up his studies at Webster University, all thanks to a full chess scholarship. The coolest part? Because chess is a universal language, you get to globe-trot and make friends, even if you don’t speak the same language. Despite chess gaining popularity and some schools adding it to their lessons, chess parents are shouting for it to be in every school. This book spills the beans on what being a chess player is like, what it takes to get good, and the highs and lows in the chess community. But wait, there’s more! This book is also your go-to guide for life skills. It’s a perfect summer read for anyone aged six and up. So whether you’re a young chess enthusiast or a parent, snag a copy–it’s a fun ride!
— Guy Colas
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=9798893084696
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mastering-the-chessboard-guy-colas/1147415978;jsessionid=3636CC1BDFFF00801CF7501D469214CA.prodny_store01-atgap09?ean=9798893084672
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/mastering-the-chessboard/id6746515471
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9798893084696&c=books&pli=1