De Legal’s Mate

A famous chess game that was recorded back in 1750 in Paris France and played by Kermur Sire De Legal is a short game that shows the importance of bringing out pieces instead of making too many pawn moves at the wrong time. This games tactical pattern can be seen in other openings and games […]

Rapid Chess Improvement

Back in 2005 I picked up a book at the local Borders book store titled Rapid Chess Improvement by Michael de la Maza. After using the program and integrating a study time to solve puzzles into my schedule, a rapid chess improvement was attained. I believe that the system Michael proposes with the chess vision […]

A Master’s Drive

In December of 2004 I had the pleasure of teaching a winter-break chess program at the Saint John’s Presbyterian Church in San Francisco for two weeks. During this time is when I met Nicholas Nip who became the youngest USCF Master in history shortly after in 2008. I remember thinking about how intently he looked […]