We formulated ten questions related to Developing Chess Talent and every Monday we'll ask them to an interesting personality in the chess world.
1. Please introduce yourself (name, age, nationality, etc.)!
Roland Schmaltz, 35, German currently living in Brisbane Australia, 4 times unofficial world bullet champion (1 minute chess). German youth champion 1992 and German blitz champion 1997.
2. What is your role in the chess world?
Retired from the world of chess since 2006.
3. How did you develop your chess talent as a kid?
By playing as much as possible, especially against computers. I read every chessbook and Informator I got my hands on. My 'Talent' was more or less the result of my chess addiction.
4. Who had a profound influence on your chess development?
John Nunn. His books are great! Most things I know and understand are from his books. And: the guy at my chessclub in Mannheim who offered me money if i can beat him.
5. What are your favourite sports besides chess?
Brazilian women beach volleyball.
6. What would be your advice for young people?
Have fun going for the best you can do, but don't over do it. There is more out there in life than chess. (There is poker too! ...just kidding)
7. What has your main concern in life besides chess?
Money.
8. What is the best chess game you played?
Against Mikhail Gurevich Bundesliga 2002?! Four exchange sacrifices! I dare you to find one with more.
9. What's your connection with 'Developing Chess Talent'?
Chess talent is something you either have or don't. But that is the same for everything you do in life. Nobody is perfect!
10. What question do you miss and what would be your answer?
Do you regret wasting half your life and your teenage years moving wooden pieces over a plastic board? Yes.
Background information - These interviews are produced for the Facebook Group Developing Chess Talent
- Chessvibes is hosting them here and they will be linked to from the Facebook Group
- The book Developing Chess Talent is written by Karel van Delft and Merijn van Delft and can be ordered via www.chesstalent.com
We formulated ten questions related to Developing Chess Talent and every Monday we'll ask them to an interesting personality in the chess world.1. Please introduce yourself (name, age, nationality, etc.)!
Roland Schmaltz, 35, German currently living in Brisbane Australia, 4 times unofficial world bullet champion (1 minute chess). German youth champion 1992 and German blitz champion 1997.2. What is your role in the chess world?
Retired from the world of chess since 2006.3. How did you develop your chess talent as a kid?
By playing as much as possible, especially against computers. I read every chessbook and Informator I got my hands on. My 'Talent' was more or less the result of my chess addiction.4. Who had a profound influence on your chess development?
John Nunn. His books are great! Most things I know and understand are from his books. And: the guy at my chessclub in Mannheim who offered me money if i can beat him.5. What are your favourite sports besides chess?
Brazilian women beach volleyball.6. What would be your advice for young people?
Have fun going for the best you can do, but don't over do it. There is more out there in life than chess. (There is poker too! ...just kidding)7. What has your main concern in life besides chess?
Money.8. What is the best chess game you played?
Against Mikhail Gurevich Bundesliga 2002?! Four exchange sacrifices! I dare you to find one with more.9. What's your connection with 'Developing Chess Talent'?
Chess talent is something you either have or don't. But that is the same for everything you do in life. Nobody is perfect!10. What question do you miss and what would be your answer?
Do you regret wasting half your life and your teenage years moving wooden pieces over a plastic board? Yes.