Checking in with GM Denes Boros
Q: Please tell us a few words about how you started playing chess?
A: I learned to play chess from my brother when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Then, I joined the chess club called BEAC. Before that I was taught by my brother, who was a top junior until he left for college.
Q: What were your first significant chess successes?
A: I scored 10/11 and with this score I qualified the BEAC team to the highest division. After this high performance I was invited to play for the reigning National Champion team of Csuti Hydrocomp. I won three National Championships playing in the Csuti Hydrocomp team.
After I established my place as one of the best youth players, I won the Hungarian rapid championship under age 16, and I achieved third place as a 14 years old among the under 20 year category.
Q: When did you start having international success?
A: I was invited to play for the national youth team, and won the World Youth Chess Olympiad (under 16). Later we also won silver medal in Calicut, and Balatonlelle. I won international tournaments in Hungary most notably, Grandmaster tournament in Balatonlelle, the First Saturday Grandmaster tournament in Budapest and the Elekes Memorial.
After I started my studies in the SPICE program, I won the PanAm Intercollegiate Championship, Southwest Collegiate Championship, Missouri State Championship and the Thanksgiving Open.
Q: In addition to being a chess grandmaster, you also study psychology, you are a senior at Webster University. How are you able to combine your studies with your chess activities? Also, does learning more about psychology help you with your chess?
A: It’s difficult to combine the two, but it’s rewarding at the same time. Studying and playing chess interestingly complements each other. I learn a lot from my psychology classes, and I’m ready to apply them when competing. Yes, actually studying psychology makes me a better player and hopefully also a good person. Chess taught me to think ahead, psychology taught me, that it’s not enough to know who’s a good person, you have to actively support positive behavior yourself!
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I study chess and I enjoy it quite a lot! Apart from chess, I listen to various kinds of music from Suzanne Vega to INXS, but if I’m in the mood I happily listen to Paramore. I also play the guitar which I enjoy a lot!
Q: What are your future chess goals?
A: I’m planning to play on the highest levels. This will be possible, as I get to train and play together with other great players at the SPICE program.
Thank you very much. Best wishes both in your studies and at your upcoming chess events.
Go Denes!