Daniel Rensch
| Daniel Rensch | |
|---|---|
 Chess Professional | |
| Born |
October 10, 1985 Phoenix, AZ, United States |
| Residence | Mesa, AZ, United States |
| Occupation | Vice-President of Content and Professional Operations at Chess.com |
| Website |
www |
Daniel Rensch is an International chess master, event organizer, lecturer, commentator, and chess personality from the United States. He was a child prodigy; he holds the Arizona State record for youngest national master at 14 years old. [1] National Master is a title awarded by the US Chess Federation when a player's rating passes 2200 on the USCF rating scale. He won the 1998 Elementary National Championship, the 2000 Junior High National Championship, tied for the 2004 National High School Championship,[2] and was the highest rated 19-year-old in the US, 2004. [3] He is the President of American Chess Events LLC,[4] and Vice-President of chess.com.[5]
Shelby School Chess Team
Under Rensch's reign, the Shelby School Chess Team won multiple State and National Chess Championships. As Captain of the 1998 team, they won the K-3, K-6 and K-9 National Championships, a feat that only Rensch's Shelby School chess team was able to accomplish in American scholastic chess history. [6]
Personal life
Ear surgeries
In 2004, Rensch was experiencing hearing loss because of an infected stapes bone. From 2004-2006, he underwent five surgeries. In this uncomfortable condition, which prohibited him from flying to most major chess tournaments, he lost his lead over other 19-year-old chess masters. [3]
Teaching career
During this same time period, his interest in teaching chess blossomed. Along with teaching private students, Rensch's involvement with American Chess Events led to him taking over all of their operations since 2007. [6]
Family
Also in 2004, Rensch became a young husband, and eventually became a father. Daniel and Shauna Rensch now have 4 children.
Professional life
IM norms
Rensch earned his final IM norm at Susan Polgar's SPICE CUP by achieving draw against then Grand master candidate Ray Robson, who went on to achieve 'youngest ever Grand master in the United States' 2009-2014.[7]
Video lecturer
Rensch has been offering in depth, educational chess analysis online since 2009. His well known, "Rook Endgames: Beginner to Master series," "Isolated Queen Pawns" and "Pawn Structure 101" series are among the most popular on Chess.com.[8][9][10] In addition, his "Everything You Need to Know" video series designed for beginners boasts the most views of any video in Chess.com's library.[11]
Commentator
Rensch is known for his very original, humorous style of chess commentary, Rensch brings an exciting, fresh take on the traditional world of chess analysis. He is best known for his coverage of the GM Blitz Battles. His live shows at chess.com/tv include "Man vs Machine," "Call of the Wild," and "Bullet Brawls."
Event organizer
An online event, "The $40,000 GM Blitz Battle Championship" was organized, and hosted, by Rensch. The event included, world no. 1, Magnus Carlsen, and 7 other world class speed chess players.[12]
Other work
Jake Goldberger employed Rensch's chess expertise in the direction of the independent film Life of a King. [13]
References
- ↑ "Scottsdale boy nears state record in chess". AZcentral.com.
- ↑ "Daniel Rensch". chessgames.com. Chessgames Services LLC.
- 1 2 "Road to GM: Not Broken". The United States Chess Federation.
- ↑ "Interview with IM Daniel Rensch". Elizabeth Spiegel's blog.
- ↑ "Member Profile: Daniel Rensch". Chess.com.
- 1 2 "Mission Statement". American Chess Events.
- ↑ Polgar, Susan. "Polgar: Rensch fulfills longtime dream at SPICE Cup Tournament". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
- ↑ "Video Series on Rook Endings". Chess.com.
- ↑ "Video Series on Isolated Queen Pawns". Chess.com.
- ↑ "Pawn Structure 101 Video Series". Chess.com.
- ↑ "Everything You Need to Know 1: Start Playing Chess". Chess.com.
- ↑ "Magnus Carlsen Headlines Chess.com Championship". prweb.
- ↑ "Chess Master Masters Movies". Payson Roundup.