I learned the game from my brother in the spring of 1972 (14 yrs.) without the chess pieces. We were to poor to afford the pieces so my brother cut out cardboard squares and wrote the names of the pieces on them. To this day, I feel this was the best lesson because it forces me to visualize the board and piece play. I was so captivated by the personalities of the pieces I had to know more! That very day I went to the Kern County library and checked every book I could (I think around fifteen). The very first book I read was "Masters of the Chessboard" by Reti, and I was hooked for life. My addiction was elevated even higher during the "Fischer Frenzy".

My first tournament I played in was the "Paul Masson Open" in Campbell Calif. It was played at their winery with vistas of the surrounding vineyards. It was beautiful! This was where I witnessed George Koltynowski conducted his famous "Knights Tour" and conduct a 12 game blindfolded simultaneous exhibition. I have never seen anything since, that rivals what he did. In high school (BHS) I was a hustler of sorts, playing quarter games during lunch and study hall. I was coming home with 3 or 4 dollars every day. When my folks found out, they said, "I guess you don't need lunch money anymore", so I started paying for my own lunch. We had a strong high school team that averaged about 1600. Also at this time we had a very energetic city chess club with about 25 regulars which was always my highlight of the week. For the next fifteen years I played in many tournaments, most notably 8 National Opens and probably as many "Memorial Day Classics". But something was missing for me. Besides having numerous family and personal issues, I was not playing chess up to my potential. In the late 1980's I decided to try correspondence chess and had very good results, nearly making master! In the end, the personal issues took their toll at which time I retired in 1992.

Fate intervened in 2007! A gentleman (Chris McLaughlin) who live in my apartment complex came over and notice a lot of chess memorabilia hanging on the walls. He wanted to play but I insisted I was retired. He was relentless in pressuring me to play. I finally capitulated and told him under one condition that I wanted my master title. Unbeknowst to me, Chris had made it to the third round of the WCCC and was outright "Golden Knights" and I.A. Horowitz Memorial" winner in the mid 90's. We played a 36 game match, which he won (+11 -7 =18). Although losing the match, I was encouraged by my quality of chess and was near my goal. Unfortunately on the 36 game, Chris told me wasn't feeling well (August 2007). After seeing a specialist he told me the bad news. They had found a large inoperable tumor on his liver. In two months he was in a hospital bed and in less than 6 months he was dead. I promised I would get my title in his honor. He was a very talented player who taught me a lot. He passed away Feb. 6, 2008 and I received my master title two weeks later.

If not for Chris, I'd still be in retirement. He renewed my addiction which I have taken to new heights in the CC world. Currently I'm playing in the ICCF US Championships and will make it the finals. After beating IM Keith Rodriguez in the prelims, invitations started coming in for me to play in higher class Master tournaments with players all over the world, which I've started. Based on positive results in these tournaments I will be permitted to enter even higher class tournaments with I.M's and G.M's with hopes of attaining a International Master title.

For me, chess is all about the artistry and with every game I strive for perfection. Chess, truly is the game of life, in all aspects. You will come to know your "greatest triumphs and your greatest tragedies"

Chessly Yours,

John Ballow