Richard Laura

I am a 62 year old organic chemist living north of Boston, Massachusetts. I have never played in an OTB chess tournament or earned a USCF chess rating. Although I was an avid chess player in my youth, before joining Red Hot Pawn I hadn't played chess even casually in over 10 years. I play for fun and enjoyment. I do not think of myself as a highly competitive person, but I try my best to avoid losing. Not concerned with ratings, I am willing to play anyone and I am happy to accept new challenges if I don't have too many games in progress. Send me a message if you would like a game. I try to move at least once a day, but that often isn't possible. I don't take the game too seriously and I don't spend a lot of time on analysis, so naturally I make lots of mistakes. I am willing to engage in conversation during games, or not, depending on my opponent's preference. I will claim wins on time, especially in clan and tournament games, unless you send me an explanation for not moving.

"The game gives us a satisfaction that Life denies us." - Emanuel Lasker