ClaypOT
Greg (COT OTB)
Sacramento-ish, Cal-eee-forrr-niiii-aaa, United States 
Member Since: Feb 5, 2008
Last Login: Nov 9, 2009
Profile Views: 16356
Points: 4504
Status: 30... good... very good... *wipes brow* (2 hours ago)
Occupation: Keeping folks on their toes...
About Me:
I've been playing chess since I was a boy in the 60s -- spearheaded by the infamous Fischer/Spassky match. But, it's only since I've had the resources of chess.com that things have really taken off for me. I never really had a grasp of opening theory until I had them at my fingertips here, and with the help of the Tactics Trainer, as well as a whole bunch of games, I now have a better understanding of the complete game and can see the whole board better.
Regarding my current rating... it's "bloated." I don't believe I would be FICA rated above 2000. Don't get me wrong, I can stand toe-to-toe with most players on this site, but when I go up against the likes of a titled player there's usually that point in the game where I wonder how I got so lost. heheh... I consider those humbling moments opportunities for growth.
Bottom line: I just like to play, win or lose.
One last thought... I belong to the chess.com group Circle of Trust OTB, which uses the philosophy of playing opponents without the use of databases, books, analysis board or any other source of help outside of one's own brain. Yes, it can be quite challenging, but how much better the reward when victory is accomplished without the use of anything but brainy-brawn!
Good chess to you.
I also belong to the COT subgroup, the Tomahawks. Scalp 'em!
I've played the bass for decades. My latest "axe" of choice:
