excelguru
Keith McFarland
Calhoun, GA (GMT -5), United States 
Member Since:
Mar 13, 2008
Last Login:
Feb 9, 2012
Profile Views:
2889
Points:
319
Status:
Man, my chess skills are rusty. (22 months ago)
Birthday: Jun 11, 1971
Occupation: Self-employed
USCF Rating: 505
About Me:
Whoever sees no other aim in the game than that of giving checkmate to one's opponent will never become a good chess player. - Max Euwe
The 4" King from my beautiful House of Staunton set.
Copyright 2008 Keith McFarland
It's not about ratings. I'd rather get my butt kicked and actually learn something than dominate a game and acquire nothing more than empty points. It's about the love of the game. It's about the challenge. It's about appreciating what is arguably the most beautiful and complex game ever created.
Aside from chess, I enjoy lifting weights, photography and activites with my kids. I have a wife and two children and my free time is spent with them (can you say "after-school activities"?).
My chess-playing capabilities are greatly superceded by my blunder-making capabilities, but I'm determined to get better. I truly enjoy the game. The more I play it, the more I appreciate the beauty of it.
I do whatever I can to promote the game of chess, especially among kids. Sometimes, I teach chess to 4th and 5th grade students at a local elementary school. I teach chess annually at a "Belt Loop College" for local Cub Scouts so they can earn their Chess Belt Loop. And I'm the Chess Merit Badge Counsellor for the local Boy Scout troop.
You don't have to be a Grand Master to promote chess (Lord knows I'm far from it). You just have to convey your love and enthusiasm for the game. Do whatever YOU can to promote chess within your own circle of influence. You don't have to introduce chess to a thousand kids. Start with one kid and go from there.
