Russell Sherwood Friday, June 22, 2018
Introduction (Russell Sherwood)
Joop is a member of a new generation of organisers within ICCF and a driving force behind a resurgent Netherlands Federation. Always receptive and willing to work with others he is a great servant to CC!
1-Briefly Tell us about Yourself?
I am 59 years, young. working in a Psychiatric hospital. I am married, with Marian, have two children, 17 and 18 years old.
Of course in the first 25 years always it works with the postcards. Fabulous. Many chess friends from that time are my friends till now!
2. How did you get involved in Chess?
I play chess since my 14, learning from a schoolteacher.
3. When and how did you get interested in Correspondence Chess?
I started Correspondence Chess at 17 so more as 40 years in the game! I like to do all things with chess. Play over the board, correspondence chess, organization, collect etc.….
4. What do you like about Correspondence Chess?
Collecting! I have collected everything from chess. Chess books, chess cards, chess stamps.....And some of you may know that I was a great collector of all chess items. A few years ago I had 11.000 different chess books. Still, I have a huge collection but I have sold several items…..
5. What are your Correspondence Chess Career Highlights?
In 2004, 2005 and 2006 I get IM and SIM results. In 3 different tournaments. Oa. Joel Adler and Chessfriends from Rochade. Of these results I am proud
6. What do you think an aspiring player should do to improve their game?
Play games! More and more! It is the best way to learn. Of course also to study chess books, opening, middle game but don’t forget the endgame! In this years it is of course also possible with the computer.
7. Do you have an overall strategy when you start a game or Tournament?
In recent years I don’t play as much as before. Having become more of an Organiser including being a member of the Dutch board, ICCF delegate and similar activities. Sometimes a friendly match and possibly next year the Rochade tournament again (I have warm memories of this tournament)
8. How do you select your moves, what is your general method?
Study the position, one or two moves…and let the computer also run!
9. With so many draws in Correspondence Chess, what do you try to do to generate wins?
Be creative. Not always the best engine move. That is not interesting!
10. What are your future aspirations in Correspondence Chess?
I am delegate and member of the Board of the Dutch Federation. I like this work. But of course, my members must vote for me.
11. What are your favourite Openings and why?
French. I play it all my life. Winawer variation with Qxg7. I think my score (with black is 80%)
12. If you could ask a legendary player, alive or historical, one question about Chess, what would it be?
To Bobby Fischer: Would you like to play one speed-chess game with me?!
13. Do you have a Favourite Chess Book or DVD? If so what?
Books with tactical positions to solve.
14. Do you have a Favorite player? If so who?
Of course, Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov are great players.
There is a “top-5-10”, who always should be mentioned, Alekhine, Botvinnik, Capablanca, Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Lasker, Morphy, Steinitz and Tal!
