Once upon a time I used to play chess. I was addicted. Chess has been an important part of my life since high school where i first learned it. I saw some friends playing it with a tiny hand set. I watched them for couple days. Then a friend, Taner, asked me to play, had  to teach me quite a bit until I could learn to make legal moves. After some frustrating games on my part, I started to win.

The first year I played in school championship I could not make it. Another friend Selim Gurcan lead the way. Representing the school he won the National Championship. That opened my eyes. We were good at this! Next  year I won the third prize nationwide. We then formed the dream team of three for the school by having the world mathematics olimpiad champion - Sinan Gunturk - join our team. I am telling you, that year was fun.  Whenever there was a tournament, we had the permission not to attend the class!!! :)))

Then I met with the University... that put an end on active chess. Now, after so many years, I am in US and chess is a reason for me to travel. It gives me the inspiration, courage, excuse and money to move a little  bit and get rid of my rust. Helps me meet new people I would never meet or talk otherwise. People from different worlds, where the only common denominator is chess. I think it is a great experience.

I wish I could list couple of my games here on this page. But they are many and I consider each of them, regardless of win or loss, a work of art of two people. It is very hard to choose.

Here are some links:

US Chess Federation

Chess Federation of Canada

Chess Cafe

Internet Chess Club

Chess Posters

After a win in Charlotte, NC, 1997:

Test yourself:

Black to move and draw...

demir9@gmail.com