Summary of The Moth Podcast Episode: Maurice Ashley – "Slaying King George"

Episode Title: Slaying King George
Host/Author: The Moth
Release Date: July 9, 2013

Introduction

In this riveting episode of The Moth, Maurice Ashley shares a deeply personal and transformative story from his youth. As the first African American International Chess Grandmaster, Ashley recounts his challenging journey in the competitive world of chess, highlighting a pivotal match that defined his career and life.

Growing Up in Brownsville, Brooklyn

Maurice Ashley sets the scene by describing his upbringing in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a neighborhood far from idyllic. He paints a vivid picture of the area's struggles:

“Brownsville wasn't a fairytale place to grow up. I mean, we had our share of abandoned buildings and gaggle of prostitutes and brazen car thieves and our drug dealers who would play musical gunshots every single night to remind you who was in charge of the neighborhood.”
— Maurice Ashley [04:34]

Despite these hardships, Ashley found solace in chess, which became his sanctuary and passion. He emphasizes how chess provided him with structure and purpose amidst the chaos of his environment.

Encountering the Black Bear School

Ashley introduces the Black Bear School, a notorious group of chess players in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. These individuals were not only masters of the game but also adept at psychological warfare through trash-talking. He details their charismatic leader, George Golden:

“George wanted to make sure that you understood that there was a mental chasm between you and him. That on the chessboard there was a Grand Canyon in between you and him that you could not stand on.”
— Maurice Ashley [10:00]

The Black Bear School members were renowned for their intellectual prowess and their ability to distract and intimidate opponents with witty and sometimes absurd banter during games.

The Art of Chess Trash-Talking

Maurice delves into the sophisticated methods the Black Bear School used to disrupt their opponents:

1. Talking to Themselves:

   “You'll be sitting there, you'll be like, okay, I could play Bishop G5... When you take his queen, he plays Bishop B4. Check oh, this guy is good.”
   — Maurice Ashley [09:15]

2. Complimenting Rants:
   They would shower opponents with seemingly sincere praises intertwined with confusing chess jargon, making them question their own moves.

3. Engaging the Opponent:
   By asking personal questions and drawing the opponent into conversation, they broke the unwritten rules of silence, paving the way for relentless trash-talking.

Maurice’s Struggle and Determination

Repeated defeats at the hands of the Black Bear School fueled Maurice's determination to improve. He sought out renowned chess clubs like the Manhattan Chess Club and the Marshall Chess Club to train under grandmasters and international masters. Through relentless practice and strategic learning, Ashley sharpened his skills, focusing on building strength and precision in his gameplay.

“I had to go to the other clubs and play with the grandmasters... and get that strength and precision.”
— Maurice Ashley [11:00]

The Pivotal Match Against George Golden

The culmination of Maurice's hard work was his highly anticipated match against George Golden. The atmosphere was electric as he entered George’s apartment, feeling the tension and the weight of the impending duel.

“I'm floating on air. I just defeated the fire breather. I killed a black bear.”
— Maurice Ashley [16:30]

During the game, Maurice describes the intense focus and strategic maneuvers that ultimately led to his victory. He narrates the moment when George’s facade cracked, sensing his defeat:

“There was this moment in the game where George reaches for a piece and his hand is hovering over the piece, and it's trembling. And I know I got him.”
— Maurice Ashley [16:45]

The triumph was not just a personal victory but a symbolic overcoming of the obstacles that had once seemed insurmountable.

Impact and Legacy

Maurice reflects on the lasting impact of this victory and the lessons learned from the Black Bear School:

“Determination and fire get you far and that the will to win is greater than any material disadvantage.”
— Maurice Ashley [17:00]

He extends his gratitude to the Black Bear School and George Golden for the invaluable lessons in resilience, strategy, and mental fortitude.

Conclusion

Maurice Ashley’s story is a compelling narrative of perseverance, strategic brilliance, and personal growth. His journey from a challenging upbringing in Brownsville to becoming a chess grandmaster serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and passion. Through his engaging storytelling, Ashley not only recounts a pivotal chess match but also imparts broader lessons on overcoming adversity and striving for excellence.

Notable Quotes

• “Brownsville wasn't a fairytale place to grow up...”
  — Maurice Ashley [04:34]

• “George wanted to make sure that you understood that there was a mental chasm between you and him.”
  — Maurice Ashley [10:00]

• “Determination and fire get you far and that the will to win is greater than any material disadvantage.”
  — Maurice Ashley [17:00]

Final Thoughts

For those who haven't listened to the episode, Maurice Ashley's storytelling offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of competitive chess and the personal battles that shape one's path to success. His eloquent recounting serves as both an entertaining and motivational piece, highlighting the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and strategic thinking.