I found myself leaving my games at the major So. Cal Tourney's just to observe the fascinating play of Igor. He was always very accessable, friendly to all players no matter their skill level. More than any other player I've known, he played chess for the shear love of the game. Chess obviously gave him great pleasure, witnessed by his magical laugh when discussing his knowledge of the game.

I got to know Igor for a brief period of time in Salt Lake City, 1993. I had known his wife Elizabeth from So. Cal. and found myself chatting with them both at the Utah Open. I was privileged to be paired with Igor in the Blitz Tourney. Had him on the ropes playing a Morra, but naturally his exceptional speed skills won out the game.

Igor wanted to analize the game, saying at the time he thought accepting the gambit was best, not realizing the potential dangers. To make a long story short, I was a amature magician, and after showing Igor the disappearing hankerchief trick, we agreed to a trade! I showed him a few slight of hand "tricks" in exchange for a 2 hour chess lesson.

I fondly recall those 2 hours with Igor, his story telling, his fascination with the slight of hand moves that I showed him. I wonder if he ever took up the art. deepflight@npgcable.com