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The MSO's Shogi sage
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Larry Kaufman learned Shogi by the traditional method of studying handicap theory and he is now one of the leading experts in this field. He is passing on this knowledge in his series of articles for the Mind Sports Zine.
The strongest player in the west, Larry shows that chess ability can help get a grip on this fascinating game, and hopefully he will inspire others to try and cross the east-west barrier. His background:
Born: Nov. 15, 1947 in Washington D.C.
Lived in Maryland to 1975, Florida 75-96, Maryland 96-present. Graduated M.I.T. in Economics. Two children, son Raymond age 17, daughter Elise age 13.
Career: Stock broker/trader 1969-1986, Chess Software 1986-1994, Chess Teacher/writer/player 1994-present.
Chess accomplishments: - American Open Champion 1966
- International Master title 1980
- Chairman of USCF ratings committee in the 1980s
- State Championships won include D.C., Virginia, Florida (twice), Massachusetts, Southern California, Pennsylvania, and Maryland four times, including 1997, 1998, and 1999
Shogi accomplishments:
- Winner of two international tournaments in London in early 1980s
- Winner of North American championship circa 1985 for which he received the Amateur Five Dan rank from Shogi Renmei
- Winner of Pan-Atlantic championships 1998 and 1999 (Mind Sports grandmaster title awarded)
- Winner of European Open 1999
- Second place in U.S. Championship (top American) in 1998
- Second place in "First International Shogi Tournament" in Tokyo, 1999
- Winner of Eastern Open handicap tournament (Maryland, 1999)
- Winner of weekly handicap tournament at Osaka Shogi Renmei 1999
Notable results against shogi professionals:
- Wins over Oyama Meijin, Yonenaga Meijin, and Futakama former Meijin challenger all at rook handicap
- Wins over Ariyoshi 9 Dan and Itaya 8 Dan at bishop handicap
- Win over Senzaki (then 5 Dan) in even game with time handicap
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