RetroGordy

RetroShumway on Twitch.TV!

I'm a Gen-X reliving the 80's, 90's. I'm a longtime gamer of RPG's and CCG's. I'm also a semi-professional MTG player. I've competed competitively from 1994-2005. Of which I competed in multiple Pro Tour Qualifying events as well as national tournaments. I gave up that hobby many years ago and only show an interest in it online via MTG Arena. I'm a Mythic ranked player, as well as Legend ranked in Hearthstone. I still very much enjoy collectable card games online. Sadly physical card gaming has long passed its prime for me, especially competitively. 

Retro gaming is my true gig (NES/SNES/Genesis), and as of recent learning & playing chess has now surpassed my other hobbies. I absolutely find the strategy and tactics behind the game fascinating to say the least. The depth behind the game is mesmerizing. As of recent I've tackled the game with playing as much as time allows, studying, training, a positive mindset, and a bit of obsession..?

I started playing chess around the age of 9. I played until my teenage years, fell astray from the game until August of 2024.

I play 10-minute Rapids with the occasional 15-minute games. I currently work with 2 different professional chess coaches. I routinely focus on different areas of chess to further my knowledge in pins, forks, checkmate patterns, etc. Over the past few months I've poured  countless hours studying chess from Grand Master Repertoire Mihail Marin opening books, Logical Chess, and Endgame strategies by Silman. When I'm home, especially on weekends I strive for deeper concentration games while retraining my mindset and thought process for more strategical tactics. As with anything you're passionate about it requires rigorous training and studying to improve. 

• “Never play to win a pawn while your development is yet unfinished.” -Nimzowitsch

Think about this even in life.. Why force the end-game when all that leads to is death.. Live your life, take your time, learn from your mistakes and develop your board. Ensure that when the end-game arrives, you're content with everything you have built for yourself. 

Swallow your ego and Have fun!!

INTERESTED in a training partner around my general ELO or below?.. Private message me and we'll setup routine study sessions, opening practice, tactics training and discuss tools I've used to get where I'm at now. Even talk chess shop. Maybe even make a friend?

I must admit, this new found passion is very exciting to me! I absolutely love the game, the community surrounding it and look forward to my continued success with it!