Best of CLO 2010: #8
January 21, 2011
adamsonleadbestofclo.jpgThe #8 article in Best of CLO 2010 is Adamson on IM Norm #2 at the North American Masters by FM Robby Adamson. The personal piece shows how Robby changed his approach to chess on his way to a successful event at the 24th North American Masters (Skokie, IL, Jan. 8-Feb 7)  hosted by Sevan Muradian and the North American Chess Association. Since then Robby has continued to improve his rating, and he is now over 2400 for the first time in several years. 

Adamson is well known as the trainer of the National High School Championship team Catalina Foothills in Tucson. In March 2009, he was featured on the cover of Chess Life Magazine as a coaching "Wavemaster", in an article by Paul Gold. Robby also organizes the Western Invitational Chess Camp set this year for July 10-14 in Tucson. 

March09CLMCover.jpgRobby is a member of the US Chess League team, the Arizona Scorpions. By day, he is an estate planning attorney.

The Judges Sound Off
Read more about the judges here.

One of America's most popular FIDE masters enthusiastically shared the lengths to which he went to finally earn his final norm for the International Master title.   I enjoy reading what goes on in the player's head (preparation strategies, superstitions) and not just a bland record of moves played on the board.  In this piece, IM-elect Robby Adamson gave the reader a little of everything, and most of all wrote in a way to which most readers can relate.—Michael "f-pawn" Aigner

He was able to blend chess and humor in a way that could make any chess enthusiast look at the games and analysis- Dean Ippolito

The part about superstition is great - we all have it but tssss.. really.. we are logical and rational  human beings. I bet it took a lot of courage to open to the public like that admitting overcomplicated superstition … 2010 x 2! Enjoyable read.—Iryna Zenyuk

Very good, candid personal growth-document with instructive analysis.—Arne Moll