Levels of Chess Skill: A Journey to Never-Ending Growth

Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley Reflects on the Infinite Levels of Knowledge in the Game

In a recent lunch conversation with fellow chess player Judit, Maurice Ashley, an international master with aspirations of reaching the world-class level, was taken aback by a profound realization. Judit, one of the top 10 players in existence, explained to Maurice that there are multiple levels of chess skill that separate her from the world champions and contenders.

This revelation sparked a deep reflection on the nature of learning and knowledge in chess. Maurice realized that even as a grandmaster, he only knows a tiny fraction of the vast totality of chess knowledge. No one on earth knows even 10 percent of what there is to know about chess, not even the world champion. To become a grandmaster is to rise to the level of an advanced beginner.

The learning process in chess involves mastering basic principles such as piece movement, opening strategies, and endgame positions. However, as players progress, they encounter a paradox where these principles come into conflict with each other. The chess master must become a keen judge of when to reconcile these competing principles or when to make exceptions.

This fluid nature of knowledge is true across all fields, where established facts can be overturned by new discoveries. The ability to unlearn and relearn is crucial for consistent growth and enlightenment. The best chess players in the world embrace uncertainty and continue to strive for higher levels of understanding.

Chess, with its practically infinite possibilities, remains a puzzle that may never be fully solved. The search for knowledge and growth in the game is a never-ending journey, with players humbly striving to reach the next level of enlightenment.

As Maurice Ashley eloquently puts it, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” The pursuit of knowledge in chess, as in life, is a journey of endless discovery and growth.

This article is an excerpt from Maurice Ashley’s book “Move by Move: Life Lessons On and Off the Chessboard,” where he delves into the profound insights gained from the game of chess.