My Magical Chess Journey

Here is my magical story of re-kindling a long-time interest in chess and becoming a part of a fantastic chess community in San Antonio, Texas.

The story of my chess life is intriguing - Played a lot of chess tournaments as a kid, then academics took center stage with occasional chess tournaments in school and college.

I could never play any rated tournaments, let alone my aim of becoming a high-rated chess player.

I wanted to #change it, and I did. Pandemic helped. Online chess during the pandemic served as a source of active leisure. After 18 months, I realized time had come to take the leap and solidify my passion.

October 6, 2021.

After weeks of procrastination, I finally decided to check out a chess club in the city and showed up that evening.

Total surprise, as I entered. I watched an entire hall of people ready to start their matches.

“The October leg of the year-long San Antonio Chess Grand Prix starts in 5 minutes. One game of Classical chess every Wednesday. 52 games in the championship!

Do you want to play?“, asked the organizer.

It was all too dramatic. I realized that was the moment of instant positive change.

“Yes”, I said immediately. I registered for the US Chess Federation, then for the tournament, and there I was, playing on board #20, all in the next 10 minutes.

I am glad I took that one step to visit the chess club.

A wonderful bond with the Chess community in San Antonio has emerged. Multiple memorable games, welcoming people and a Downtown banter chess community, have filled my evenings with learning and fun.

Dear connections, if you have a passion that you have been waiting to rekindle, the time is now!

Today is the day. One step in the right direction TODAY can make all the change.

#chess#SanAntonio#texas#passion#lifestory

𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐜: Round 3 of November Leg - my biggest win yet!