age. I didn't take it seriously until the November after I turned 21. I found out that there was an
intriguing system to the game and that thousands of books had been written on it. Now of course
the books that map out specific moves are crap, but there are a few gems that really take you
through the ideas behind the moves.
I love a challenge and basically anything that has a method and a purpose. That's why I spent the
next two years studying it for 10-16 hours per day. I solved problems in my sleep (just ask Anna,
she had to deal with me muttering the solutions at night), played many games simultaneously, and
even played blind folded. I defeated my first master after studying for only six months.
Before music, I competed in a few tournaments, but my social "defects" made it difficult to ignore
the idiosyncrasies of my opponents and focus on the games. I only attained a class B rating of
1674 in the USCF. I intend to get into serious competition again to earn the title of "National
Master" once the music gains momentum. I do however face Fritz 8 and Shredder 8 (the world
champions of chess software that actually tied Garry Kasparov) in 6 hour games in my comfort
zone (my grey room, with dead silence in the house - due to the absence of human life) and have
achieved a rating of 2471 (271 points above "National Master") against the daunting automatons.
All that's left is to make it official by consistently performing at that level in USCF competitions.
I do however, stay involved. An international master that had seen me play at Hunter College
when I was only playing for a year, needed an additional teacher for his academy and contacted
me through a mutual friend. I must have made an impression. I immediately accepted his offer, and
I am now an instructor for the "Lets Play Chess Academy" on fourth ave, between 8th and 9th
street in Brooklyn. Chess is practice for living. It keeps the mind sharp and should be taught to
everyone at a young age. It helps instill in children the critical thinking skills necessary to
functioning as well rounded individuals, that truly grasp the concept of cause and effect. That's
why I teach chess. I know that my students will turn out better in life as a result of the work I do
and I'm proud of that. I will be adding some of my games to this page for the chess enthusiast's
review shortly.
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