Bio: Hi, I’m Despues, the Team Captain of the UCR Chess Club and a third-year Philosophy major. I first learned chess as part of a chess club in 3rd grade, but I didn’t get to play for long because of my military background (moving around a lot). A few days before my nineteenth birthday, I made the decision to get serious about chess (because I like puzzles and strengthening my brain) and created a Lichess account. I think my preoccupation is with finding more thoughtful people. 

Since then, I have been working to be the best player I can be to make more beautiful games with other great players. I think I play the best with the Black pieces, and I’ve mostly opted for King’s Indian Defense/Pirc/Grunfeld/Alekhine’s Defense types of setups. With White, I think it depends more on what Black plays, but I have no issue with 1. e4, d4, c4, or Nf3…. 

I do not have a preferred time format, but I do prefer to play chess over the board rather than online… unless I’m playing some variation of bullet chess (if it's time odds, I don't mind).

Education: 4rd Year Philosophy (Class of 2026)

Professional/Chess Experience: 

• Served as Club Leader of the Black Knights Chess Association in Philadelphia, PA. (2019-2021)

• Member of the LA Chess Ladder (2021-present)

• Served as a chess coach for the Day & Knight Chess Club (2024-present)

Fun Facts: 

• I am a published author and artist. 

• My favorite book is Thus Spoke Zarathustra.