narceleb

Born in 1964, I was right on the wave of the Fischer Boom, and my dad taught me to play.  My first tournament was an unrated Quad run by the great Ernie Schlich.  The prize for winner of each Quad was one-year USCF membership.  I won!  Rode my bike to play in local tournaments run by the late David Zofchak.  To those three men, my father, Ernie, and Dave, I owe my love of chess.

I am currently a FIDE-licensed National Instructor.

I am not the greatest player by any means.  I had no real instruction as a kid (I quickly began to beat my father), but I am a good beginner's coach.  My own efforts to learn were misguided.  I've taught all five of my kids to play, and many others in Elementary School chess clubs.  I am a licenced FIDE National Instructor, and I take that calling very seriously.  (My "instructor instructor" was GM Grivas, the only person to hold the highest titles as player, instructor, and organizer, and former Secretary of the FIDE Trainers Commission.)