KibBlitzing with National K-12 Bughouse Champions
Amanda Mateer & Emily Francis

Amanda Mateer
Current place of residence: Tucson, AZ
Date of Birth: December 20, 1989
USCF Rating as of 10/10/08: 2005
WCL Junior Grand Prix Points: 40

Emily Francis
Current place of residence: Atlanta, GA
Date of Birth: August 7, 1992
USCF Rating as of 10/10/08: 1768
WCL Junior Grand Prix Points: 15

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Vicary
Right, Amanda Mateer; Left, Emily Francis


- How did you get started playing bughouse with each other?

Emily: We always wanted to play bughouse at a Nationals and jokingly talked about winning. I think we were both equally suprised when we actually won, making the experience that much better!

Amanda: We first played together at a camp in Florida around three years ago. Then we played a bunch of times on ICC. It was always just for fun, but I guess all the time spent translated into at least a little bit of skill.

- What is the best and worst thing about your bughouse partner?

Emily: She never listens for one thing! (Just joking, of course.) Honestly, there wasn't a worst thing about partnering Amanda. She's been my best friend for so long; I was just lucky to have such a great friend as my partner.

Amanda: Having Emily as a partner is awesome because she really is good. The worst part is since we're so close and she is better than me, she's not afraid to let me know when I mess up...which is a lot!


- Kramnik seems to think you have to look good to play good chess. How important is a chessplayer's wardrobe?

Emily: I don't think it's important at all. You can look however you want and still have so much enjoyment from playing the game.

Amanda: I mean, looking presentable is a good thing, but chess has and never will be about what anyone looks like on the surface.

- If you could play any player, living or dead, who would it be?

Emily: I would definitely be Paul Morphy. His games are so exciting--I wish I played more like him!

Amanda: I really respect and admire Anna Ushenina, and wish I could meet her!


- Steven Colbert and Garry Kasparov both offer to spend your birthday with you. Who do you turn down?

Emily: I'm sorry Kasparov, but I would have to choose Steven Colbert. I've never laughed so hard from watching his TV show.

Amanda: I'd feel a lot less awkward and more at ease with Colbert. Plus, he's absolutely hilarious!


- Where is your favorite place to play chess?

Emily: It doesn't matter where I play as long as it's with the people I love. US Amateur Team South is a perfect example because I played the tournament sitting along side Amanda, my brother Benjamin, and Greg Kimmel.

Amanda: Outside, when it's gorgeous out. I almost freeze in all the tournament halls...


- Name one character trait you have seen improve throughout your chess career.

Emily: By playing chess my parents have trusted me enough to travel on my own since i was 13. I have really matured since then through the game which I'm very thankful for.

Amanda: I'd probably go with my ability to really appreciate the little things. It's hard to explain, but I do feel it's an area I've grown a lot in because of chess.

- What has been your greatest joy or triumph?

Emily: Chesswise, winning the bughouse tournament! I have always loved playing bughouse and have wanted to win the National title for quite a few years.

Amanda: I'm not sure if there's a single event I can think of (other than the bughouse with Emily!), but I'm really just glad that even after the worst day I can still sit down at a board and be happy.


- What is your greatest fear in chess (or outside of it)?

Emily: There is nothing worse than losing a chess game. Before every game I always tell myself that I won't lose. I tend to set myself up for failure pretty easily.

Amanda: I am always afraid of messing it all up once I have achieved something good in a game, regardless of what it is. Outside of chess, I'm terrified of needles and anything creepy and crawly.


- What is the meaning of life?

Emily: I don't even know where to begin. I've always thought the meaning of life was to simply enjoy it and find happiness in whatever you do.

Amanda: I don't think we're supposed to know that! :] ♦

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