RookeR
Mark Hamstra
Vancouver, Canada 
Member Since: Nov 7, 2007
Last Login: Nov 22, 2009
Profile Views: 559
Points: 26
Birthday: Apr 1, 1968
Occupation: Scholar, funded by being a small business owner/operator.
About Me:
I started playing chess with my grandfather and dad when I was about 8 or 9. I remember being fascinated by the pieces and how they moved. But after learning and playing the game obsessively for a few months I stopped playing. In high-school I played some and tried to join a chess club, but the players in the club were more advanced and I became discouraged -- that, and I was already overburdened with commitments with various sports teams. I didn't play for many years after that.
I joined Facebook and started a couple of games on there after I became bored with Scrabble. I found this website through FB. I've always loved this game, even when I wasn't playing.
My grandfather is gone now. But when I play I think of him. I'm single and have no children and my brother and sister haven't made me an uncle yet , but when/if I do have a child in my life, I'll be sure to infect them with this most rewarding and frustrating of addictions.
Mark