rubo

Hi,my name is Ruben and I learned to play chess at 14,but found it boring.

During my 2 years in the Marine Corps,I used my folding magnetic chess set (X-Mas gift) only 5 times.

Marriage made me feel I had the tiger by the tail...baby girl,new house,car,Jouneyman making good money and no bills.Out of nowhere I became completely paralyzed in 4 days.

1972 was the Fischer boom era and my 8 month hospital stay changed my devotion to become the best chessplayer in Arizona.I always had my magnetic set open bedside and nurses and aides were always "checking in on me",after I had made a move with a pencil in my mouth.That Royal game kept deppression away.

Within 4 years,I was ready for my first tournament.I won 3 state titles & 2 U.S.titles."I'm not as good as I once was,but I'm as good once as I ever was".

I owe such gratitude to easyking (known him for 22 years) and his wife for giving me a computer and an ICC membership to bring me into the 90's.He keeps my computer running well and we play OTB once in awhile since he only lives 40 min.away.

I am a USCF lifetime member with an "A"class certification.But when I can legally touch the pieces and look in books over a 3 day span, my rating shoots up 2 more classes.

Dr.Christine once said "Over the board play is like an offhand comment,whereas correspondence chess is a studied,researched opinion"

After advancing in the Golden Knights finals for the $1000 1st place,I finally got a Master rating of 2236.Out of 18 games I lost 1 & Drew 1 for 9th place & $50 7 years later! I spent $ 60 in postage!!

My other hobby is singing Karaoke which I do EVERY Saturday right around the corner at my veteran club.