My Chess History

If I remember correctly I learned to play chess around the age of eight.  I remember getting the chess set from Toys 'R Us and being taught how to play by my father.  I would play from time to time with him or my younger brother.  Years passed by without ever really playing all that much.  My grandfather took an interest in playing me when I was a teenager, and we had some decent games together until he had a stroke.  After his stroke we played once or twice but it was pretty pointless.  He couldn't think anymore and so would make terrible moves.  It wasn't a competition at all.

Played rarely up until a couple of years ago when I started to really have fun and take interest in it.  My skill level was such that I would beat without any problem anyone else who knew how to play but didn't really play often.  I joined the chess club at my college, and at first was getting beat consistently every game.  I started to improve some, and even started winning about 1/4th of the time.  I bought NCO but found it too dry and overwhelming to be of any use to me.  Also bought MCO and My System.  After a while I quit playing again.

For no apparent reason I became very interested in chess again a few months ago.  Played against everyone who would agree to play me and won everytime.  Started playing online.  Been getting some wins and some losses, but I feel like I'm learning a lot. I bought Chess Tactics by Paul Littlewood.  I like the book a lot.  I also got Chessmaster  XI: Grandmaster Edition.  So far I've mostly played against the various personalities but soon I plan to start going through the tutorials. I've been enjoying playing chess immensely and I hope to continue to do so.  And in addition to enjoy myself, I'd like to improve too!