Unparalleled Strategy.

That's what I told him!

Author

Ashley Priore
March 03, 2025

A Note from the CEO

I was at an event last week when an executive came up to me and asked, “Give me one sentence why I should learn chess.”

For a moment, I paused. Should I list all the benefits? Should I talk about the research? The cognitive skills? The leadership development?

But he only wanted one sentence.

Without even thinking, two words came out of my mouth: “Unparalleled strategy.”

He smiled. “Great. Tell me more.” He was hooked.

At Queenside, our mission is to guide individuals to unravel the canvas of their personal chess board and explore possibilities beyond their imagination. Chess isn’t just a game — it’s a workout for your mind, exercising parts of your brain you didn’t even know were there.

It pushes you to think deeper, plan smarter, and see opportunities that others overlook.

Every move rewires your mind.

Every game sharpens your edge.

But most importantly — chess teaches you to think ahead. To anticipate what’s next. To understand that every decision, no matter how small, shapes the bigger picture.

That’s why chess matters. It’s not just about winning on the board — it’s about learning how to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and creativity. 

And when it comes to strategy, nothing offers a more unparalleled experience than chess.

So, if someone asked you why they should learn chess — what would you say?

Chess Puzzle of the Week

White’s turn to move…analysis board courtesy of lichess.org

Quote of the Week

“Chess is the gymnasium of the mind.” - Blaise Pascal, French mathematician and physicist…and a pretty good chess player

Coming Up in the Pod

This episode features Katherine Amenta, Director of Development at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. Katherine opens up about her remarkable transition from an Emmy-winning journalism career to a leadership role in the nonprofit world. She shares candid insights on career pivots, mentorship, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of storytelling in both media and fundraising.Puzzle Solution:

Nh5 (that king is stuck!), Rd3+

Ke2, Bd1+ (the king can fork, too!)

Kxd3