• Member Since: Mar 13, 2009
• Last Login: Aug 22, 2009
• Profile Views: 481
• Points: 5
• Birthday: Dec 27, 1949
• Occupation: Retired
• USCF Rating: 1423

I'm a native of Cuba, came to USA when I was 12 yrs old. Because I came alone I was placed in a foster home. It was there where I learn the chess pieces how they move using a checker board. Soon my teacher became by victim and decided not to play me anymore. About 5 yrs later i was reunited with my older brother and I showed him the game, we shared the same excitement about the game. I moved to Miami,FL and he went to Los Angeles, CA, It took a few years before we met again. We went back to the chess board and spend many hours playing chess without any real understanding of the fundamentals in chess, tactical, openings, etc. I was very pleased with my performance and before too long I became his victim. It was then, I got more interested in any chess books I could find to help me improve my game. Before long he became my victim and our interest in chess grew ever stronger. We played chess at "The Chess Set" in W. Los Angeles (I was told Bobby Fischer played there often), We participated in most tournament in Los Angeles it was always fun and we analyzed games together. In 1980 he was diagnosed with leukemia and his life ended in a very short period of time. With him ended my passion for chess it was not until 2 1/2 years ago I started to play again and brought my uscf rating to 1423. I have bought books and play often in the internet, I play D4 as white and the Sicilian Defence in his memory. I think he is happy to know that I'm doing what we always enjoyed doing together "playing chess" and to continue to develop those skills. I have the deepest admiration for those who have mastered the game and for all you regardless of age who study chess. Armyof16 in representation of my chess 16 pieces