About us
Why this website and about the author.
ABout this site:
Welcome to the world of chess! Regardless if you are a beginner, amateur, or simply chess enthusiast, this website is here for you!
Here, I have created a space to take a deep-dive into the game. I start with the motivation: those who have never played chess before, why start, and what’s the big deal? Who cares, and why does Netflix even bother having an entire show centered about it (The Queen’s Gambit)? The short answer: because chess provides a mindset, a methodology of thinking, that in and of itself is so enthralling as to be able to exist as its own way of life. (You can read more of our discussion here). But that’s only the beginning.
Across YouTube, Twitch, Chess.com, and other video-hosting and streaming services, hundreds if not thousands of videos can be found by streamers of all backgrounds, be they themselves professional chess players or otherwise. Indeed, the game has transcended into its own hyperspace, a place of networked community where any one around the globe can participate, and where the greatest players of our time can lend their thoughts and ears.
And here, I further hope to provide a compelling outlook, history, engagement, resource hub, discussion and learning environment with and for this game whose might has been felt across the centuries. To accomplish this best, this website therefore draws upon numerous facets, including references and referrals to outside content, along with notes and descriptions provided by myself. The pages present thus should not be viewed as standalone, but rather part of a greater dialogue and reference point. The goal here is not to be the “end all,” but rather a keystone of the puzzle that is your entry chess experience.
ABout the author:
Now, as a disclaimer, I must note: I am by no means a grandmaster, but rather a passionate amateur for whom chess has served as an inspiring outlet. Yet, chess has always played a central role in my life, and is therefore something I am eager to share.
I began playing in kindergarten, and shortly thereafter competed in U.S. Chess Federation tournaments up through about my early years in middle school. During that time, I was fortunate to have been coached by Eric Schiller, a USCF FIDE Master, tournament arbiter, and prolific chess author. He has since sadly passed in 2018, but his dedication to the game, and wish to teach others of its awe, has lived on through his works and those who knew him.
Although I no longer play competitively, I can be found on Chess.com (my username is MISHAR), where I have since played over 7,500 games. These have ranged all the way from classical to blitz, rapid, bullet, bughouse, crazyhouse, four-player chess, you name it. When you have a board and some pieces, the possibilities are limitless.
I wish you all the best in your journey with chess, and hope that this website may provide further insight into such a game.
Misha