wow sir im a newbie in the world of chess but i ve seen you a brillant tactics sir i want to be like you someday i will do my best to become a GRANDMASTER like you :) good luck to your incoming duel do your best sir......

nice drawing by Sam! :)

do what you love and you will play through life instead of dreading your job! So go for it!!

Thanks guys!

John, good luck in your endeavors and ignore Robman. It seems he is just looking for an argument. One post may be understandable, but three...

some guys here at the Chess Castle in MN told me about you years ago and it sounded like u should be writing opening books on the Scandanavian :D  - enjoy

RB

@Fitschwitsch - Thanks, Dane.  Nice to hear from you again.  I too struggle with the question of how much to commit to chess.  Jumping off the deep end and playing/studying intensely for (say) 6 months has never appealed to me, though I think this is what you have to do if you really want to test yourself.  Sink or swim, right?  If you're willing to accept the risk of failure, then you're good to go.  Having played and analyzed with you, I definitely think you have the potential and (most importantly) the attitude to take your game up several notches should you choose.  Hope to see you at the MN Open next month.

@KaydenTroff - Yeah, he's another talented Utah kid...what's with those guys!? 

Robman, I dunno what you're upset about (writing about my own life in my own blog= arrogance?), so I'll leave you be.

YOUR  BLOG

What an inferiority complex you must have---Are 5 foot tall with a 5 inch thing?

Man I pity you and unless you wanna back it up dont respond to me anymore=ON

YOUR BLOG

Hi John,

I am glad to hear that you are pursuing your passion - not to mention the successful accomplishments that you mentioned.

It is a difficult decision to devote yourself to the profession of chess. On and off I want to pursue the master title and beyond. I find it a personal struggle to simply "do it" to find out where my abilities may lie in order to consider such a possibility as teaching/playing chess. Your dedication and drive to accomplish your goals is commendable.

I hope you continue to do well in the new year. Best of luck in 2012!

Dane

Yes I was compelled to call Arrogance-Arrogance----Dude

@Elubus; 

That is cool!  And by any chance do I know this Sam?

Robman: But what do you have about you that makes people have any interest whatsoever in knowing every blog, or thing, that you hate?

At least in John's support is that he's actually good at chess, so other people who like chess, but maybe are not quite as good, might actually be interested in some things he has to say about it, with some non-chess stuff naturally spilling in.

It's my blog, man.  I don't spam the link and force you to read or comment (two things you felt compelled to do anyway).

Are you self absorbed and deluded enough to really think that ANYONE gives a hoot about you and your life?

Happy New Year everyone!!!!.....hope u have a very happy and prosperous new year :)

Good deal with Everyman Chess; the defence is definitely in it's "Golden Age."

Hi John and Happy New Year!!

The drawing is GREAT!! Take a look at my pic above. This youngster has good taste in pics!! 

I did a study back in my college days on other talents and hobbies of sports proffessionals. I included chess as a sport. The top chess players had a signicantly high rate of persons that also had artistic ability. Artists have a very high rate of very good chess players...I cannot remember the details (30 years ago). The point is made though, it is the improvisational talent that is the commonality.

I took your advise on the book "Imigination in Chess" just got it for Christmas- it is great!!

Once again happy new year!!