Dear chess fans:

The Chess Drum has been in existence for five years and this has always been one segment I enjoy. "Fire on Board" is the ultimate chess fantasy… an artistic bonanza. To see an annotated game of a brilliant victory is inspiring as it is humbling. This month's segment carries a slightly different purpose… since it is my games being featured!

I have always been reluctant to put my own games on this site. Elvin Wilson urged me years ago, but I explained my position. However, it is interesting that some people (who know I created this site) ask me if I play tournament chess! Now I feel I must vindicate myself and have decided to include some of my games from the recently-ended World Open. You may still believe I cannot play chess after viewing them, but at least now… the story is out that I can move the pieces.

I have played in the World Open for the past six consecutive years and I generally score 5½-3½ in the under-2200 section. This year I had all decisive results (except for my traditional 1st round bye). The games were tense and considering that it was my first tournament since last year's World Open, the result was acceptable. Hopefully what these five games lack in skill are compensated by the passion in which they were played.

Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum