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July 11, 2008
Member of the Week: Kingsblade!
Forum member Robofriven conducted this interview.
If you've been to this site for more than 30 seconds I'm sure you've seen the name Kingsblade somewhere. He was the second place winner in the Chess video lesson contest with his Beginner's tips and resources video. He is active in every branch of the forum and makes very entertaining videos ranging from introductions to computer programs, to live commentaries. And above all else he exudes a pure love for the game of chess that is infectious and makes other people want to get involved as well. It is for these reasons, and many more that he has been chosen as the Member of the Week. Here's a quick interview that I did with him.
When did you first start playing chess?
I was talking with my Mom today trying to figure this one out and you know I am going to give you all the long version...LOL! We (me and my Mom) remember that I had a chess set at age 8, and that no one taught me and I never played anyone. So, I must have read the instructions that came with my set and couldn't find any opponents so I gave it up until my nephew "awoke the sleeping giant" in November of 2004 with the words: "Do you want to play a game of chess Uncle Mark"? I then started piddling with it, putting maybe 2-10 hrs a week on it, but I really didn't "get serious" until 6 months ago when I joined CVTV. This site helped me get involved and stay involved. It helped me take a different perspective on chess, a sort of an inside-out look rather than an outside-in look, if you know what I mean. Now I probably put about 10-20 hours a week of playing and anaysis (very little book studies at the moment) along with another 5 hrs a week doing other fun and helpful things like "how to" videos or "talking" with people on the site. I try to enjoy the experience rather than obsess in the experience. I like to think this way: "It might take me longer to get to the top of the mountain, but I am going to enjoy the climb along the way"!...LOL!
What is it that drew you to the game of chess?
Well, what originally drew me in was the intrigue of the board and men themselves-a sort of "mystic" pull. I have always been a gamer. Board games and computer games... any games. Another draw is the challenge to get better and win more games! But I think the real draw to me is in the essence of it's truth. To me, it's like a quest for a hidden treasure and all you have is a map, a compass and your mind, and it is up to you, and you alone, to uncover the clues needed to reap its endless reward...LOL!
What is your favorite thing about the game of chess?
Well, I mentioned some "things" about chess above, but actually my favorite "thing" about chess is the opponents! Yep, the people. This game was designed and meant to be played by people sitting accross from each other with real eyes and real hands and real boards, real pieces and real clocks. I don't ever want to let the internet or the computer take that part of chess away from me. Chess is a personal experience with real emotions and real feelings attached. I for one, will never abandon the "sportsmanship" of chess!
If you could play chess against anyone from any time when they were at their peak, who would you want to play?
Without a second of hesitation, Paul Morphy!!! I love his style of play. To me, his chess was pure and original. It was like no one influenced him or taught him how to play (besides his own family), but rather it was he who taught the world how to play! Plus, in his time, everything was proper and honorable and I just think I would be truly privileged to play such a man in such an era. That is just the way I feel about that.
Who is your favorite opponent?
I do not have a favorite opponent. Why? Well, because every player brings to the board a different game. All have different openings, different skills, different strengths and weaknesses, etc, etc. So my anwer is all opponents! I prefer to mix it up and learn from the strengths and weaknesses of other players. It will just broaden my experience. Now if you ask me who is my favorite chess friend, well then that would be an entirely different question and I would have to say that I would prefer not to have any chess enemies, only chess friends that just happen to also be my opponent...LOL!
What gave you the idea to make your recent Introduction to CV.tv videos?
I volunteered to contribute to CVTV from the very beginning of my membership and when Josh asked if anyone was interested in doing some "stuff" for the front page, I jumped right in. We disscussed some ideas and subject matter and this one was Josh's idea! I hope there will be much more to come. I love doing this kind of stuff because it just makes me feel good...LOL!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to be -- both in life and in chess?
My greatest accomplishments in my life are my kids. The reason I say this is that I raised my two boys myself, as a single father. It was tough, but I did it and I am proud of that. I also have a 14 yr old daugher 3000 miles away and we are still as "tight" as if we were still in the same household and I am very proud of that too! As far as chess, well, I would honestly have to say that one day, Bruce Wallace and I played three games together, and it was like I couldn't do anything wrong. I whipped him 3-0 and only now am I bragging about it...LOL! I actually felt bad that he lost, but I was very proud of my wins. I think that I earned some real "brownie" points that day with my online chess friend and "coach"! I am still floating about 2 feet off the floor from that day and I don't think I will ever forget it!
What are your favorite openings?
Right now I am still happy with the oppening lines of Lev Alburts books: Chess Openings for White Explained (and Black Explained). For White, The Scotch Gambit and for Black, The Accelerated Dragon. I have other favorites like The Caro-Kann, the Nimzo Indian and the Ruy Lopez. I am not settled yet, but this is the longest I have "stuck" to an actual opening repertoire.
Do you enjoy positional games or tactical games more?
Actually, you might find this odd (KingsBlade odd?), but I prefer positional games, yet play tactical ones. Why? I believe that I can learn more from open games at my level so I am playing them to learn to play more tactically. I think players who play me will find themselves in a positional battle in the middle game regardless of which type of opening I play because I believe I am more of a positional thinker. My problem is I don't know enought about positional play to be as good as I could be, so this is what I am beginning to work on now by playing longer time controls.
How did you find Chessvideos.tv?
Google, Thank God for Google! I think I found some videos on Youtube and then I typed Chess Videos in Google and there was Chessvideos.tv. I have been a happy camper ever since...LOL!
Do you think that making videos for chessvideos.tv helps your game at all? If so, how?
Big Time! Chessvideos.tv has actually improved my life! One of the biggest roadblocks to my chess learning was human interaction. You can only sit for so long in front of a computer game like Chessmaster before it bores the crap out of you. I started playing online chess and even then I got tired of dealing with all the buttheads. So for the first time, I found both and inlet and an outlet of human interaction in a community that was friendly and approachable. I learned so much watching other players videos that I decided I wanted to try it. At first my game videos were rubbish, goofy blunder ridden games that were ridiculous but people were commenting and pointing out things I was missing. I will never forget the first time Armis got a hold of one of my games... whoa, he must have found 20 things of importance and I learned so much from just one game! So, I went on a quest that has not stopped in 6 months. Yes, I have taken some chess breaks, but for the most part I have been pumping them out and getting the most I can out of every single comment! My game has improved enough for people like Zibbit to even notice! It is all due to CVTV members and I owe a HUGE THANK YOU to ALL of them!
What do you like to do when you're not playing chess?
Well, besides work and all the other daily ho-hum, I really enjoy music. All kinds of it. Even Zibbit has been sharing some music from Iceland. I think music is meant to be shared and I love it! I have my own Youtube site that I enjoy very much. I also like playing guitar and singing. It is a relaxing passtime for me. In case you all didn't know, we have an awesome singer-songwriter in our own midst, Whiskeytown! I also love Mountain Biking. I am fortunate to have some of the best riding trails on the east coast very close to my home. However, I haven't been doing much of that lately. I also love playing tennis and plan to start playing and riding again soon-this summer I hope.
Is there anything else we should know about you or that you'd like to say?
Wow, haven't I said enough! Yes, I would like to say Thank you Robofriven for picking me for this honor and Thank You Josh and admin for putting up with me for the last 6 months. I also want to Thank all of you watchers, commenters and supporters of my videos and my chess game. It is a truly an everyday pleasure for me to sign on to this site and share a part of my life in this awesome community.
Thanks Everyone!
If you've been to this site for more than 30 seconds I'm sure you've seen the name Kingsblade somewhere. He was the second place winner in the Chess video lesson contest with his Beginner's tips and resources video. He is active in every branch of the forum and makes very entertaining videos ranging from introductions to computer programs, to live commentaries. And above all else he exudes a pure love for the game of chess that is infectious and makes other people want to get involved as well. It is for these reasons, and many more that he has been chosen as the Member of the Week. Here's a quick interview that I did with him.
When did you first start playing chess?
I was talking with my Mom today trying to figure this one out and you know I am going to give you all the long version...LOL! We (me and my Mom) remember that I had a chess set at age 8, and that no one taught me and I never played anyone. So, I must have read the instructions that came with my set and couldn't find any opponents so I gave it up until my nephew "awoke the sleeping giant" in November of 2004 with the words: "Do you want to play a game of chess Uncle Mark"? I then started piddling with it, putting maybe 2-10 hrs a week on it, but I really didn't "get serious" until 6 months ago when I joined CVTV. This site helped me get involved and stay involved. It helped me take a different perspective on chess, a sort of an inside-out look rather than an outside-in look, if you know what I mean. Now I probably put about 10-20 hours a week of playing and anaysis (very little book studies at the moment) along with another 5 hrs a week doing other fun and helpful things like "how to" videos or "talking" with people on the site. I try to enjoy the experience rather than obsess in the experience. I like to think this way: "It might take me longer to get to the top of the mountain, but I am going to enjoy the climb along the way"!...LOL!
What is it that drew you to the game of chess?
Well, what originally drew me in was the intrigue of the board and men themselves-a sort of "mystic" pull. I have always been a gamer. Board games and computer games... any games. Another draw is the challenge to get better and win more games! But I think the real draw to me is in the essence of it's truth. To me, it's like a quest for a hidden treasure and all you have is a map, a compass and your mind, and it is up to you, and you alone, to uncover the clues needed to reap its endless reward...LOL!
What is your favorite thing about the game of chess?
Well, I mentioned some "things" about chess above, but actually my favorite "thing" about chess is the opponents! Yep, the people. This game was designed and meant to be played by people sitting accross from each other with real eyes and real hands and real boards, real pieces and real clocks. I don't ever want to let the internet or the computer take that part of chess away from me. Chess is a personal experience with real emotions and real feelings attached. I for one, will never abandon the "sportsmanship" of chess!
If you could play chess against anyone from any time when they were at their peak, who would you want to play?
Without a second of hesitation, Paul Morphy!!! I love his style of play. To me, his chess was pure and original. It was like no one influenced him or taught him how to play (besides his own family), but rather it was he who taught the world how to play! Plus, in his time, everything was proper and honorable and I just think I would be truly privileged to play such a man in such an era. That is just the way I feel about that.
Who is your favorite opponent?
I do not have a favorite opponent. Why? Well, because every player brings to the board a different game. All have different openings, different skills, different strengths and weaknesses, etc, etc. So my anwer is all opponents! I prefer to mix it up and learn from the strengths and weaknesses of other players. It will just broaden my experience. Now if you ask me who is my favorite chess friend, well then that would be an entirely different question and I would have to say that I would prefer not to have any chess enemies, only chess friends that just happen to also be my opponent...LOL!
What gave you the idea to make your recent Introduction to CV.tv videos?
I volunteered to contribute to CVTV from the very beginning of my membership and when Josh asked if anyone was interested in doing some "stuff" for the front page, I jumped right in. We disscussed some ideas and subject matter and this one was Josh's idea! I hope there will be much more to come. I love doing this kind of stuff because it just makes me feel good...LOL!
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to be -- both in life and in chess?
My greatest accomplishments in my life are my kids. The reason I say this is that I raised my two boys myself, as a single father. It was tough, but I did it and I am proud of that. I also have a 14 yr old daugher 3000 miles away and we are still as "tight" as if we were still in the same household and I am very proud of that too! As far as chess, well, I would honestly have to say that one day, Bruce Wallace and I played three games together, and it was like I couldn't do anything wrong. I whipped him 3-0 and only now am I bragging about it...LOL! I actually felt bad that he lost, but I was very proud of my wins. I think that I earned some real "brownie" points that day with my online chess friend and "coach"! I am still floating about 2 feet off the floor from that day and I don't think I will ever forget it!
What are your favorite openings?
Right now I am still happy with the oppening lines of Lev Alburts books: Chess Openings for White Explained (and Black Explained). For White, The Scotch Gambit and for Black, The Accelerated Dragon. I have other favorites like The Caro-Kann, the Nimzo Indian and the Ruy Lopez. I am not settled yet, but this is the longest I have "stuck" to an actual opening repertoire.
Do you enjoy positional games or tactical games more?
Actually, you might find this odd (KingsBlade odd?), but I prefer positional games, yet play tactical ones. Why? I believe that I can learn more from open games at my level so I am playing them to learn to play more tactically. I think players who play me will find themselves in a positional battle in the middle game regardless of which type of opening I play because I believe I am more of a positional thinker. My problem is I don't know enought about positional play to be as good as I could be, so this is what I am beginning to work on now by playing longer time controls.
How did you find Chessvideos.tv?
Google, Thank God for Google! I think I found some videos on Youtube and then I typed Chess Videos in Google and there was Chessvideos.tv. I have been a happy camper ever since...LOL!
Do you think that making videos for chessvideos.tv helps your game at all? If so, how?
Big Time! Chessvideos.tv has actually improved my life! One of the biggest roadblocks to my chess learning was human interaction. You can only sit for so long in front of a computer game like Chessmaster before it bores the crap out of you. I started playing online chess and even then I got tired of dealing with all the buttheads. So for the first time, I found both and inlet and an outlet of human interaction in a community that was friendly and approachable. I learned so much watching other players videos that I decided I wanted to try it. At first my game videos were rubbish, goofy blunder ridden games that were ridiculous but people were commenting and pointing out things I was missing. I will never forget the first time Armis got a hold of one of my games... whoa, he must have found 20 things of importance and I learned so much from just one game! So, I went on a quest that has not stopped in 6 months. Yes, I have taken some chess breaks, but for the most part I have been pumping them out and getting the most I can out of every single comment! My game has improved enough for people like Zibbit to even notice! It is all due to CVTV members and I owe a HUGE THANK YOU to ALL of them!
What do you like to do when you're not playing chess?
Well, besides work and all the other daily ho-hum, I really enjoy music. All kinds of it. Even Zibbit has been sharing some music from Iceland. I think music is meant to be shared and I love it! I have my own Youtube site that I enjoy very much. I also like playing guitar and singing. It is a relaxing passtime for me. In case you all didn't know, we have an awesome singer-songwriter in our own midst, Whiskeytown! I also love Mountain Biking. I am fortunate to have some of the best riding trails on the east coast very close to my home. However, I haven't been doing much of that lately. I also love playing tennis and plan to start playing and riding again soon-this summer I hope.
Is there anything else we should know about you or that you'd like to say?
Wow, haven't I said enough! Yes, I would like to say Thank you Robofriven for picking me for this honor and Thank You Josh and admin for putting up with me for the last 6 months. I also want to Thank all of you watchers, commenters and supporters of my videos and my chess game. It is a truly an everyday pleasure for me to sign on to this site and share a part of my life in this awesome community.
Thanks Everyone!