Mason High School student Jason Wang began playing chess at the tender age of five. Though he would eventually become internationally recognized for his talents at the game, it began simply as a pleasant way to pass the time.
“At the time it was just a regular hobby, a weekly pastime where I would meet with other young players and learn about chess,” Jason explains.
Jason participated in a weekly class where he learned about the strategy and subtleties of the game. It didn’t take long before he caught the attention of Mason High School Chess Coach, Keith Brackenridge, at U.S. Chess Federation tournaments. He was recruited to join the high school team when he was in 8th grade.
Jason’s skill set has been very useful in training with his teammates. “At early-season practices, I had individual players compete against him and get feedback on their play, and I encouraged them to bring in their own prior tournament games for him to provide feedback,” shares Keith.
Jason played his first rated chess tournament, Knights of North Kentucky, in 2013, where he achieved a perfect 5/5 score and an initial chess rating of 1462, which was remarkable considering that most young players start with a rating of approximately 600.
Feeling motivated by his success, Jason and his parents then decided to develop his skills to become a top player in Cincinnati.
Titles within international competitive chess playing are all difficult to achieve. The rankings include: Candidate Master (international chess rating of 2200), International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master (rating of 2300), International Master (rating of 2400), and the most coveted of all, Grandmaster (rating of 2500).
Jason was rated first in the state of Ohio by the United States Chess Federation starting in 2019 and is currently at the FIDE Master level.
His success has also been meaningful for his father, Shanwu Wang, who has traveled with him to many chess tournaments over the last decade.
“The happy bonding times that we’ve had are something that I’ll never forget,” Shanwu tells us. “I’ve also learned a lot about parenting while we overcame some tough moments together.”
The biggest lesson that Jason has learned from his time playing chess is to not lose focus, even when you are winning.
“Countless times I have experienced situations in my chess games where I was winning. Yet I learned that the moment I let go of my focus, something happens—I miss an unexpected riposte or something obvious, and I lose my advantage.”
In his spare time, Jason enjoys singing, playing soccer, and juggling. He’s also very active representing Mason in various math contests and teaches chess at a local Chinese school.
“I’ve realized that some students are afraid to play because they’re afraid of losing,” Jason explains. “I tell them that in order to get better, you have to get out of your comfort zone. You have to be willing to lose some games, but when that happens you have to have the spirit to fight back.”
Although Jason is a dedicated player that takes the game seriously, he stresses that the enjoyment he gets from playing is ultimately what’s most important to him.
“Chess is, after all, a game that is meant to be enjoyed,” Jason remarks. “Just enjoy it with some purpose and I assure you that your chess journey will be a memorable and meaningful experience.” MasonOhioSchools.com