Russell Sherwood Saturday, May 12, 2018
Introduction
Today we are joined by Gino Figlio of Peru. For those who do not know of Gino he has been a stalwart of CC for many years, holding positions and being a driving force behind Peruvian CC, the South American Zone (and now the World Zone) and with ICCF itself. Gino gained his IM Title in 2001, his SIM in 2006. In 2017 he completed his IA and most impressive of all was awarded the Bertl von Massow Medals (Silver in 2012 and Gold in 2017) for long-time service to ICCF and CC.
1. Briefly Tell us about Yourself?.
I am 57 years old, married, 5 grown children, 4 grandchildren, 3 dogs. Born in Perú, live in Lamar, rural Colorado USA. Work as a paediatrician.
2. How did you get involved in Chess?.
When I was 5 someone organized a simul in our elementary school. I think I learned the moves shortly before that and even though I lost, I remember the master pointing me out to the school coach. After that, it all evolved naturally.
3. When and how did you get interested in Correspondence Chess?.
Great way to continue practising chess while working in a rural area.
4. What do you like about Correspondence Chess?.
Everything?
5. What are your Correspondence Chess Career Highlights?.
I am just as happy about it as the day I started.
6. What do you think an aspiring player should do to improve their game?.
It takes a lot of reading and practice. I think you learn more playing.
7. Do you have an overall strategy when you start a game or Tournament?.
I steer the game toward opening lines that I believe to know better than most.
8. How do you select your moves, what is your general method?.
After opening stage is over, I use many sources for candidate moves: NIC yearbook, chess databases, customized opening trees. I use infinite analysis, IDeA and Deep analysis. I make the final decision using intuition in unclear positions
9. With so many draws in Correspondence Chess, what do you try to do to generate wins?.
Analyzing all good candidate moves, not just the top three.
10. What are your future aspiration in Correspondence Chess?.
Never retire :)
11. What are your favourite Openings and why?.
The one that I know better than my opponent because it will likely bring me a win.
12. If you could ask a Legendary player, alive or historical, one question about Chess, what would it be?.
How do you balance your life outside chess?
13. Do you have a Favourite Chess Book or DVD? If so what?.
NIC yearbook.
14. Do you have a Favourite player? If so who?.
Tansel Turgut (TUR).
