JustinTime4GM

I have high functioning autism. This profile will touch upon my interpersonal communication challenges, my personal discovery, how I'm tackling sensory meltdowns, and how I'm able to give something to the chess community with my approach - without coaching.

I've been playing chess for 3 decades but only recently discovered how much I love to give or receive brief friendly greetings - without talking very much. I particularly enjoy greeting younger players. I feel young at heart. I usually just say my name, shake hands and say something simple like "good luck" before a chess game. I can be quite shy and an introvert, so this works great for me. I believe my true self comes out more through these little greetings and being a man of few words.

Overcoming my challenges with autism is no small feat. Unfortunately, I've experienced sensory meltdowns. It took me a long time to even realize this but I thank others for their understanding, support and giving me enough chances to improve. I've found the secret lies in my brief friendly greetings to youth, which can be like a tranquilizer. As long as a new greeting has context, it feels great - there's usually less context outside of the chess world. With a rising number of young players I have continued opportunities to greet more people, keep an eye out for their progress and congratulate them in the future on great results. This way I can give a small gift and be in their corners, without even teaching. I just focus on briefly greeting or congratulating - no longer chats. But I make time for others in case they want to ask, show me or practice something together.

Due to my condition and unconventional study habits, I find it hard to teach much at the moment yet am working around this obstacle by giving in other ways to a new generation of rising talents - taking interest in their results. My focus on briefly greeting or congratulating others (while mostly avoiding longer chats) is like a drug. It can soothe the soul. 2024 was a strong year of chess and improved results for me, under handicaps. Hopefully 2025 will be even better. In person tournament play is a privilege. I live about an hour and a half away from the world famous Marshall Chess Club located in Greenwich Village, NYC, where I'm a member and get many chances to play in person. My friendly greetings so far have made an impact on a number of younger players, parents or coaches.

Another reason I don't seek to converse much, despite being a detailed writer, is because I'm behind with a big project of trying to file and organize my chess career game records. One day I may write a book. Working on my personal project also helps stimulate and calm me down. Chess is my art.

The joy in giving brief greetings was a key discovery because my written messages are usually long. My response rate to brief, friendly in person greetings is better and they provide a sense of purpose.

As for my chess, I have as many as 4 GM norms but never made ELO 2500. I've played thousands of games and almost every opening variation at least once. Not the best speed player, but I play things like Titled Tuesday and US Chess Blitz/Rapids to practice and experiment. Thank you for reading this.

In conclusion this personal touch of proactively greeting new faces is my "new wine in an old bottle"