The First Black Grandmaster, National Championship Coach Marcus Ashley, Author, and ESPN Commentator stopped by On Point with Juandolyn Stokes this week to share the news about the first Chess Tournament Classic for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which is coming to Atlanta on April 22.
Ashley said, "For me, chess was a life-changing experience." I was born in Jamaica and played in high school, in my neighborhood, and in the parks. I was obsessed with being a chess player. I wanted to beat my friends and everyone else," he added.
The one-day Swiss style chess tournament aims to create excitement around chess, funnel more Black students into the chess ecosystem and create a hub between other schools.
According to Ashley, chess helps develop discipline, problem solving, and invaluable thinking skills. To add to its appeal, chess is becoming more digital with an online presence that offers prize money and appeals to young people.
One tip about chess that Ashley offered is, "Control the middle of the board because it gives you opportunities to go in multiple directions."
Celebrities like Will Smith, Michael B. Jordan, Clay Thompson, and Jamie Foxx are also getting in on the fun of chess.
For more information about the upcoming event in Atlanta, please visit: uschesschamps.com.
dt_original: None
show_updated: None
---
