Star Chess4Life Chess Students
Drew Dawson
Drew at age 12 is rated a 1227. Below is an interview from Chess4Life:Besides chess what are your favorite hobbies/sports?
Art, Track, Wrestling, Football, Math
When did you start playing chess?
10 years old, but only been studying for 1.5 years
What were your best results in tournaments?
Washington State: 20th
National: 44th in Grade 6. Also, won an award for biggest upset in
one of the games, beat a 1356)
Received 4.5 out of 5 points
What is your favorite memory in chess?
Getting 44th in the nation out of grade 6 players
What is your favorite chess piece?
Duh, queen.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Rocket Scientist. But once I retire, teach private lessons with a
rating of 2,400
Who is your favorite chess player?
Paul Morphy
What is your favorite chess opening? (eg. Ruy Lopez)
We don't reveal these kind of trade secrets. Sorry Charlie.
What kind of pets do you have?
A bearded dragon named Speedy...but he is slow.
What brought you to the chess rating you currently have?
Dedication, dedication, dedication. Practicing 2-3 hours a day for
the last year. Reading novels by the great chess players in the
world. Studying under great chess players like Elliott Neff, and
other tutors.
What are your future goals for chess?
In the next year, I would like to achieve a 1500 rating, and to be
20th in the nation for my age category.
In the next five years, to acheive a 2000 rating, to be one of the
top in the nation, and to actively teach private lessons.
What do you like best about playing chess?
The mental challenge. The variety....every game is different. The
people...I've meet some great people.
Also, making a sacrifice work is one of the most pleasing things
I've ever done.
Do you have a 'favorite game' that you would like to show?
My favorite game was against someone rated much higher than I. It was
played at Slava M.'s chess camp. I made some brilliant sacrifices and
really confounded my opponent. ( To see Drew's game go to the home page and scroll down to the chess board and click on the drop down menu at the bottom, then select Drew-Bryan)