personal thoughts of FM Danny Rensch
*note: when it was announced that a chess master would be on hand to analize games for free, i saw an opportunity. i decided i would try to get an interview with him, ask him about stuff to see the thought processes of a rated chess master, what and how he thinks. i also figured i could post it to share those thougths with the chess community, not only for everyone’s overall improvement, but also so everyone gets to know the big guns of the chess world a bit more, and to help make this an almost legitamate chess blog. this is the first in a hopefully long list of interviews with rated masters. i will interview any master or grandmaster i can get my hands on and post it right here.
for those who don’t know him, FM Danny Rensch is only 21 and seems to have it all. Young, good looking, (sorry ladies, he is taken) and a super cool and freindly guy. he was on hand all weekend analyzing games of anyone who showed up. i don’t think i saw the guy rest more than 3 minutes. he also played a simul, winning 28 and drawing 1. he doesn’t lose. ever. as i said in yesterday’s post, you see how much he loves chess in the way he explains things to and teaches the younger kids, as well as takes time to explain things to dumb old guys like myself, always with enthusiasm. the guy is awesome. if he is the future of chess, things will be great.
here is the first ever (and not the last if i can help it) inteview with a master:
chessloser: this is a chess interview, first things first. boxers or briefs?
FM Danny Rensch: Briefs.
cl: you ever get your ass kicked by a 10 year old?
DR: hahah, when i was 19, i lost to a 12 year old. gotta watch the kids, there are some good ones. when i was younger, i would take points from the higher rated guys. now, i have to watch out.
cl: who is your biggest influence/favorite player, living or dead?
DR: alekhine. definately alekhine.
cl: what’s your favorite opening?
DR: Nimzo-Indian.
cl: (squirming in his seat a little like a little girl) yes! that’s my favorite as well. if you could change one thing in the chess world, what would it be?
DR: oh, there are lots of things i would change, lets see….in the us, i would change the perception of chess players, remove the nerd stigma attached to chess. internationally, i would say the financial side of it, especially for players.
cl: if you could never play chess again, what would you do?
DR: i’d keep teaching, i don’t know, i would probably be an investor, possibly get into law.
cl: you go home right now, put in a cd, or you get in your car, put in a cd, who is it?
DR: oh man, i love music, it’s a tough question. mat kearney, john mayer, jack johnson, foo fighters. i like all genres of music, but i’m not into rap or hip hop. although, i did go through a stage when i was younger…..
cl: how long can you hold your breath?
DR: hmmm, now i’m not sure, but in my swimming days, i would say over a minute.
cl: cool, thanks very much for your time.
DR: your welcome. and really, after seeing your game, you should think about getting a new hobby. perhaps monopoly?*
*he didn’t say that last bit, i made that part up, but i bet he was thinking it. i was.
Pawn Shaman said,
May 30, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I didnt know you squirmed like a little girl. Thats not surprising though given the state of your chess game. Kidding. Good interview I look forward to reading more.
dutchdefence said,
May 30, 2007 at 7:28 pm
So did you really ask him how long he could hold his breath? Look forward to more of your interviews
chessloser said,
May 31, 2007 at 8:45 am
pawn shaman - yeah, my chess game was pretty “little girl-ish”. thanks….
dutchdefense - yes, i really did. i didn’t make any of the interview up, except that part that i said i did. i’m like that.
David said,
May 31, 2007 at 12:41 pm
tripple bravo.
my coach in florida (he asked me to teach him investing in exchange for directing my progress, but had to evolve into my teaching him personal effectiveness instead, since the prior is a subset of the latter) just got his master title, and will ask him if he is a willing subject. he has been off and on 2200 to 2500 5-minute ICC and 28oo blitz.
keep up the wonderful work that you do!
warmest, david
ps maybe you can interview your wife on her take on your chess avocation?!
chessloser said,
June 1, 2007 at 8:13 am
david - hahaha, my wife would decline i think….
Brian H. said,
June 7, 2007 at 8:15 am
Great interview, loved the holding your breath question! Hopefully someday you will get to ask it of Karpov or Anand or the like. On a vaguely related note I once had the chance to talk with Fred Wilson (the only _real_ chess master I’ve ever met) and, like Danny Rensch, you can see he loves chess in the way he talks about the game. Encounters with people like this are great inspirations to keep working and studying at chess. Thanks for sharing.
Brian
chessloser said,
June 7, 2007 at 8:36 am
brain h - thank you for the note, glad you liked the interview. i hope i can do more throughout my “chess career.” that’s cool you got to talk with fred wilson. there is something about talking with “masters” isn’t there?