GambitEnjoyer2112

“The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it, so as to become habits, ready on all occasions. For life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with, and in which there is a vast variety of good and ill events, that are, in some degree, the effects of prudence or the want of it.” - Benjamin Franklin

Hello, my name is Alissa Sheldon, and I'm a 21-year-old chess enthusiast currently navigating the exciting world of university. While I may appear to be your average college student, I have a secret weapon: a passion for chess gambits that burns brighter than a thousand suns! I'm particularly fond of the Smith-Morra and Danish Gambits, and I've been known to bring home the gold in a few local and national tournaments. My love for these daring openings stems from a desire to keep my opponents on their toes and create dynamic, unpredictable games.

“Chess is a war over the board. The object is to crush the opponent’s mind.” - Bobby Fischer

However, my chess personality has a surprising twist. When I'm playing black, I transform into a defensive fortress, favoring the solid French and Caro-Kann defenses. Some might call it a Jekyll and Hyde complex, but I prefer to think of it as a balanced approach to the game. I'm actively involved in my university's chess club, where I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion with fellow chess enthusiasts. Although I've taken a break from competitive tournaments, I still love to watch them whenever I can, and I'm always eager to learn new strategies and tactics.

“Every chess master was once a beginner.” - Irving Chernev

While I may have stepped back from the tournament scene, I'm always up for a friendly match. So, if you're looking for a challenging opponent who isn't afraid to sacrifice a pawn or two, feel free to challenge me to a game. But be warned: I'm not just a chess player; I'm also a college student with a full schedule. So, please be patient if I don't respond immediately to your challenge.

And one more thing: while I'm open to all chess-related challenges, I'm not interested in any romantic advances. My heart is already taken by the game of chess, and I'm not looking for any distractions. So, if your intentions are anything other than a friendly game of chess, I kindly ask you to keep your distance.

“In life, as in chess, forethought wins.” - Charles Buxton