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KibBlitzing with GM Alejandro Ramirez
Current Place of Residence: Richardson, TX
Birthday: June 21, 1988
USCF Rating as of 2/23/2009: 2609
- Where is your favorite place to play chess?
Oh, I think that one is actually easy. Dominican Republic has hosted the most enjoyable tournaments I have ever been to. Great beaches, nice weather, good tournament room and great food. Oh yeah.
- How many countries have you played rated games in?
I'm not sure. I guess about 22? Something like that.
- I hear in Costa Rica you are known as a motivational speaker. Can you briefly describe that aspect of your career?
When I lived in Costa Rica I would go to many elementary and middle schools to promote not only chess, but success. I used my position as a public figure to try and inspire kids to do more than the minimum that society expects from them.
- If you could go back in time and play in any tournament in history, what would it be?
I'm going to go with Zurich 53 though, just to be in a cool book.
- True or false: chess is primarily a social activity.
True.
- What advice would you give to other college students?
To have a secondary activity. Most students focus too much in being students, and not too much in being a person. Go out, meet faculty, meet other students, go to events. If you have a 4.0 and no social skills, you won't get too far in life.
- What similarities are there between chess and video games?
Wow, there can be a lot! Many videogames provide a battleground between players, like chess, and are full of theory, very much like our beloved sport; there are winner and losers; and they are their own unique world. I think that it's harder to list what's different between an e-Sport (such as DotA, Starcraft, Warcraft and other Real Time Strategy games) and chess.
- Name a skill that benefits you only in chess but not in life.
Being able to move pieces quickly in a chessboard. I find myself grabbing glasses or cups awkwardly because I grab them like they were a chess piece, instead of something to drink out of.
- What is the meaning of life?
I'll go with the average of 42 and 64, 53.
- What are your plans after finishing your undergraduate degree?
No idea. I guess I'll find out soon, huh! ♦
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