The word is out. I’m in Chile to study Chess. Not a lot of why matters so I’ll just get to the what.

I study with the economists under Job Sepulveda (2337), the lawyers under Hernan Dominguez (2304), and the engineers under Pablo Calvo (2254). They are ranked #20, #27 and #37 in Chile, respectively. Dominiguez is an International Master.

You can check my facts and find other interesting Chess details at FIDE Online.

Incidentally, Dominguez has the best class and resources, Calvo the best players, and Job the best rating. I get the best of each. Like I’ve said before, the three classes are held at three different campuses across the city. They’re worth it.

Job and Pablo are young enough that I can relate to them. So I asked Job if I could get some private instruction. He pointed me to his website and PDFs. I plan to hit Pablo up tomorrow. But both he and Pablo are willing to play some with me.

The point is you should be able to get to 1600 alone if you want it badly enough. I am rated (provisionally) at 1068 by the U.S. Chess Federation. That means I am a weak “social player.” An average tournament player would be rated 1450 according to Duif. That sounds about right.

My goal is to jump 250pts by 2007, which is about when I’ll get back to the Virginia. I’ll reevaluate when I return. For now I go to class and study for at least four hours a day. I’m still working out a fixed schedule.

At the FEUC Simul today I forfeited after move 24. My opponent was Luis Rojas, an International Master, ranked #5 in Chile. In the video I walk behind he, and also Pablo towards the end. I didn’t want to bother them for photos just then.

I’ve been nursing a fever for a few days now. My Chilean family accuses the variability in temperature. I have an appointment at 9AM at the campus hospital tomorrow. I still need to get another hour of puzzles in tonight.

It feels good to commit to something I want.