Maurice Ashley, 50, is the first African-American to be inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.
Maurice Ashley hates to lose. So when the International Chess Grandmaster found himself in a precarious position during a jovial game of Bughouse last week, he put all jokes aside and focused. The game had taken a serious turn. When you are a world-class player, winning is a habit not easily broken.
When you are a world-class player, winning is a habit not easily broken.
The high speed, blitz-style version of the 1,500-year-old game requires two pairs of players competing over two chessboards. Captured pieces on one board can be placed in the other teammate’s game, blocking any advantageous moves of their opponent.
Like an athlete, he put on his game face. Bringing his hands to his temples and resting the weight of his head on his elbows, he leaned forward as he quietly weighed the situation. No trash talk, no noise, no smiles; just him and the chessboard.
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BMWK, what other firsts in African American history have made you the proudest?