I was born in 1936 in Paterson, New Jersey. By the time this site is active, I’ll be 90 years old. That’s right, 90. I’m creating this site to share my experiences with chess.

When I was 14 years old my best friend Hank taught me the game of chess which interferred with our daily activities. Each day he would beg me to play a game. I would refuse. Hank would insist. I finally relented and we struck a bargain. I agreed to play 2 games per day, one with the White pieces and one with the Black, then we would “go out.”

Eventually I got the better of our games and he could not beat me. We were both Exployer Boy Scounts in the same troup when one day, the scout master announced a chess tournament with all members of the troup legible to enter. Each player was to play 2 games a day against another. The best score at the end would be declared the winner of the tournament. Needless to say, guess who won the tournament? Wrong! it was Hank! He beat be in both our games and lost only one against another player. I took second place. There was a picture published in one of the Paterson newspapers showing the presentation of trophies to the first and second winners in their Scout uniforms. It was my first encounter with Caissa, godess of chess.

As the years rolled by, Hank gave up playing chess, I continued. I joined the Philidor Chess Club of Paterson, entering as the youngest player, but one of the best. I also became a member of the Marshall Chess Club “B” team. We played many other teams in the New York area.  I also played in local tournaments in the area and eventally achieved the rating of Expert with the New Jersey Chess Federation.

In 1960 the United States Amateur Chess Chamionship was held in Asbury Park, which of course I entered. I came within an ace of winning the thing scoring 6.5 out of 7 games. A fellow by the name of Leslie Ault scored the same, but I was awardered third place on tie-breaker points. I belive it was the first time the tournament was won with a clean score. Leslie became one of the outstanding players in the world authoring several books such as The Genesis of Power Chess (One of my favorites.)

In January 1961 I entered the New Jersey Chess Championship but did not come up with an even score. At this point I became frustrated with my ability and quit the game altogether.  It was too difficult to learn top level chess. However, in 1975 I was curious if I could play anymore and entered the World Open, a nine round tounament, played in the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhatten. At that level I would be happy to score four and 1/2 out of nine.

I entered the last round with a score of 5 out of 8, and who was I about to face? None other than Leslie Ault! I had the White pieces and opened with 1.e4 (best by test.) Leslie answered with 1… e6 (The French Defence.)  Since I was happy with my score at this point and would be content with a draw, I let the game continue 2.d4, d5 3.exd (The Exchage Variation.) As the game progressed I made no pretence and continued to “chop wood” every chance I got. When we arrived at a rather dull position I offered a draw which Leslie accepted. Five and 1/2  out of nine against the world’s best, I was happier than a clam.

I have not played in OTB (Over the Board) chess since, but I do continue to play online, although not compeditivly. Nowadays, my aim is to give advice to other players through the eyes of experience. I will show some of the best games the world has seen using the chess engine