EP 414- Sunrise in the Bronx: David MacEnulty on Lessons Taught & Learned at an Inner-City Scholastic Chess Powerhouse

13 snips

Dec 24, 2024

David MacEnulty, an award-winning author and chess teacher, shares inspiring stories from his new book, 'Sunrise in the Bronx.' He discusses his unexpected journey into chess teaching and the life-changing impact it has had on students in both public and elite schools. David emphasizes how chess fosters resilience, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence in children. He also offers insights on motivating young players and the significance of mentorship, highlighting the rewarding nature of teaching in challenging environments.

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ANECDOTE

Rating Journey

David recounts his chess rating journey, with unsubmitted tournament wins obscuring his true strength.
Despite his official rating, his teaching prowess proved far more impactful at CES 70.

ADVICE

Preparing for Tournaments

Prepare students for potential losses in their first tournament, emphasizing the learning experience.
Encourage perseverance and a focus on understanding opponents' strategies, promoting a growth mindset.

ANECDOTE

Motivation in the Digital Age

Jay Stallings asked about motivating students to study chess outside of class, a challenge amplified by digital distractions.
David acknowledges the difficulty without a definitive solution, highlighting the changing landscape of engagement.

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David MacEnulty is an award-winning author and chess teacher who coached for many years at CES 70 school in the Bronx. In this public school in a disadvantaged school district, the chess program began with modest expectations, but went on to win many national championships. David’s new book, Sunrise in the Bronx: Chess and Life Lessons from the South Bronx to the White House, tells the story of the many kids whose lives were changed through chess. In our interview, David shares a few of his favorite stories, with plenty of lessons to impart for both parents and anyone else who wishes to introduce the younger generation to chess. After CES-70, David went on to head the chess program at the Dalton School, an elite private school. In the book, and in our conversation, David also reflects on the similarities and differences in coaching at such different schools. As a longtime friend of David’s, I was excited to read this book, and it did not disappoint me. Timestamps of topics discussed are below.

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0:02- How did David accidentally become a chess teacher in his 40s? What lessons did he learn?

22:00- Will there be an audiobook, will the book be on KIndle?

24:00- What surprising skills did chess help kids develop?

28:30- Patreon mailbag question- “Does David have any advice for motivating students to study chess at home?”

Mentioned: Matthew Looks, Bruce Alberston

35:40- Patreon mailbag question: “What is David’s advice for encouraging your kid to pursue tournament chess without ‘bulldozing them’?”

45:00- How did David and CES 70’s National Championship team get to meet President Bill Clinton?

46:00- What are the crucial components of chess improvement?

47:00- How does David spend his time in retirement?

48:00- We discuss the value of extra-curriculars at school

50:00- Should kids get trophies for just participating in tournaments?

52:00- Thanks to David for joining me! Sunrise in the Bronx is available from Amazon, New in Chess, and many major booksellers.

https://www.amazon.com/Sunrise-Bronx-Chess-Lessons-South/dp/9083434907

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