My real name is Jim. I had been a member of the Gameknot Internet chess platform for eleven years during which time I became a premium member at varying levels for bottom to top. I also paid for other players to have premium benefits, and I started two teams and several clubs, the teams and clubs cost extra fees until this chess platform. Despite my exuberance and paid fees / subscriptions, Gameknot decided to disallow me from playing on my team and participating in mini tournaments. Therefore, I started a premium account at chess.com. I could not be happier.
I have been playing chess faithfully since October 2006 when a friend introduced me to Gameknot. I lost the first 35 games I played with the exception of timeouts. I have since played 2800 games. While I only win 32% of my games played, I enjoy every one of them. I have at one time played up to 104 simultaneous games. I enjoy conversing with friends from all around the globe almost as much as I enjoy my chess matches. I play live with Sveto (svetozar551 on Gameknot; soon to be on chess.com). I am a 10xx player while he is a 15xx player. Nonetheless, I enjoy our games, win or lose.
I live in a small suburb of Nashville, Tennessee with my beautiful and loyal wife of 30+ years. We own our house, which is almost free and clear. We have no children, but we have two furry family members -- Hollie and Katie. I am a member of two Bible studies and three prayer groups at Parkway Baptist Church. I have been a Christian for the past 48 years, the denomination of which is not important.
Please use this thread to introduce yourself as a chess player / buff. Describe your game play, strategies, and your desires to improve via this club.