• Member Since: Jun 6, 2008
• Last Login: May 21, 2013
• Profile Views: 2582
• Points: 406
• Birthday: Dec 26, 1971
• Occupation: Software Engineer
• USCF Rating 1436

I think the first time I saw a chess board was in the 5th grade.

The first time I played was a game against a girlfriend right after high school (a humiliating defeat).

I had been interested in chess and followed the game for quite a while, but I didn't get serious about playing and studying until January 2007. I played my first rated chess then and started with an illustrious rating of around 480. I ended the year at ~1200, and this past Spring jumped up to 1500. Until this past June I had lost only 1 game to a player rated lower than me, unfortunately the total now stands at 3. :(

I mainly play chess for enjoyment, and because I find beauty in the game, but my goal is to achieve the best level that I can. Unfortunately starting to play serious chess at 35 means it will be a long, hard road. The hope is that with 9-10 years of hard work I will achieve a NM title.

I have been pretty much on hiatus from otb play since the birth of my daughter in October 2009. Another daughter is due in the next few weeks, but I hope to get some otb chess in later this year. Until then slow chess online will have to suffice.

Rating Goal for 2013: 1600

Performance Goals for 2013:

* Consistent thought process

* Better time management