My father taught me chess while my parents were married. After that he still taught me, but never let me win a game. When my parents divorced I self taught myself chess in High School. I was beat by an 1800 player, but I could not seem to find anyone online to teach me. I believe that once I became a follower of Jesus and his teachings he enriched my ability to understand the world better and learn about his greatness even more. Because of these experiences; and my faith in Jesus, I enjoy the freedom of teaching others and helping them for free Ironically I just reached the level of the person who would not teach me online. Now I find even greater joy when I help beginners and intermediate players even more.
Chess use to be all about winning and my rating. But I was broken even when I beat everyone and never had mercy on an opponent, even the much weaker. I realized my rating was built upon others and winning all the time didn't make me happy. Something was missing. pm me if you are interested in hearing and discussing this pm me and we can discuss this further.
I was pretty smart in my own right and achieved a rating of 1650 USCF, but really didn't understand the game, just how to make good moves in a position. In college I did not understand how comparing and contrasting of psychology types led to the best one when they worked together instead. When I became a follower of Jesus by being baptized and declaring he was real and I was going to live for him I believe he made more able to see things that I could not. I achieved a bachelors in science in the middle of my conversion and a Masters-in-Teaching. During these adventures I also learned how to study and play better.