Mike Murray wrote:
On Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:46:41 -0800, "J.D. Walker"
wrote:

I was once a member for many years. I
then left the chess scene for career reasons and did not return until 25
years later. I always thought to myself, "Well, at least when I retire,
I can return to good old chess as a hobby..."

I quit playing in the Spring of 1978 and didn't play again until
December of 2005 (post retirement). I've since played in six American
and one Canadian tournament.

You must have bagged it a few years after I did. Fortunately, I
bought a life membership somewhere in the early 70s, so I'd at least
browse the magazine every month.

Are you playing any sort of chess currently? If so, what's your
assessment on the competitive environment, since emerging from the
time warp?

Hey Mike,

I basically no longer play. I enjoy watching international tournament
games via the Internet. I sometimes try my hand at endgame studies or
"natural" type chess problems. (Shocking admission: I like the problems
on Susan's web blog!) I also have enjoyed looking through games
databases with a chess engine at my side to see what new insights I
might gain.

I remember long ago, in the days when I was at the Seattle Chess Club on
a 24/7 basis. I would study and play all day and all night until I was
exhausted and fell asleep under a chess table. What a crazy kid I was!
Then one day the US Open came to Seattle... Mid sixties I believe. A
young kid came to the club looking for blitz action. He was very
talented, but I was good enough to keep his interest. That was the
young Walter Browne. We played a marathon session.

One other early story: My first encounter with John Grefe was in yet
another Seattle tournament. It was notable for the dramatic aspect. In
those days John was a dedicated follower of Guru Maharaj Ji (if I recall
correctly). In our game he decided to get up on his chair and sit up
high on the back of the chair looking down at me while the large holy
medallion hanging around his neck on a gold chain swung, ominously and
hypnotically, back and forth. I responded to this by ducking down and
hiding behind my chair and watching through a crack. So picture it, as
the great religious figure completed a formidable move, some time would
pass, and then a timid hand would sneak over the top of the opposing
chair and rabbit-like make a move and quickly disappear... I had great
fun with this, and drew the game.

In one of my last tournaments I tied for first with John Grefe (both
unbeaten) at the Oregon Open. (He took the title on tie breaks).

The last tournament I remember playing in was in Seattle in the mid
eighties. John Donaldson beat me due to his superb preparation and
excellent play. After that I gave it a rest.

I used to be about 200 elo stronger at blitz than I was at tournament
play. Age has taken that away.

The current competitive environment? 1) In the Pacific NW? I can not
answer that. I haven't gotten close enough to judge it. 2) Worldwide?
I think chess is in trouble. 3) National? I think chess is in trouble.
--

Cordially,
Rev. J.D. Walker, MsD, U.C.