About Me

What do you really need to know about me?

I’m a middle-aged man on a mission—maybe a little late to the party, but still showing up with purpose. While it might seem unconventional to chase the title of Chess Master at this stage in life, that’s exactly what I’m doing.

To be fair, this isn’t my first run at competitive chess. Back in 1999, I dipped my toe in the waters with one rated tournament and a spark of ambition. Then life happened—career, family, service—and chess took a back seat. Fast forward 26 years, and I’m back at the board, determined to finish what I started.

International Master Josh Waitzkin wrote in his book The Art of Learning that there are two types of learners: Entity Learners—those who may be gifted but are static in their development—and Incremental Learners, who grind and improve through hard work. In my youth, I let myself be stymied by initial success and talent without appreciating the discipline required to keep going. As an adult, I’m changing that approach.

I’m grinding it out from the bottom—working my way up through study, tournaments, and game analysis. Every small gain is a step forward. I analyze my losses, celebrate the occasional brilliant tactic, and share the journey as it unfolds—with all its ups and downs.

This site, Chess Virtuosity, is both a personal record and a resource for others on a similar path. Whether you’re returning to the game after a long break or just starting fresh like me (again), you’re welcome to follow along, learn from my wins and mistakes, and maybe find a little inspiration in the process.

I may not have started young, but I’m not done yet. And who knows? Maybe being a little older just means I know how to stay in the game longer.