Introduction: Welcome to the first installment of our Member Spotlight series, where we shine a light on the personalities and perspectives within our chess community. Kicking off with a blend of wit and wisdom, our debut feature presents the chess journey of Rob McFadden—a tale filled with early victories, strategic musings, and a humor that parallels the intellectual depth of the game itself. Dive into this question-and-answer narrative, where Rob’s answers, presented in his own words, weave together his love for chess with lighthearted, personal anecdotes.

How did you get started with chess?

My dad taught me how to play chess when I was a little kid. I don’t remember much about those early years, but my parents like to tell a story about me beating one of my uncles when I was about six. My vague recollection is that I beat him because I forgot to say “check” and captured his king when he didn’t notice. It’s only recently that I’ve learned nobody says “check” in rated games, and that, in certain formats, capturing an unsuspecting king really does end the game. What a relief I can finally regard that win as legitimate. Rob 1-0 Uncle Gerry.

What do you enjoy most about the game?

Chess combines two of the things I’m best at – sitting in a chair and securities fraud. Wait, sorry. I’m a little mixed up. The thing I enjoy most about chess is the puzzle-solving. There’s just something so satisfying about taking the time to figure out your plan, calculate your best move, and embezzle $50 million from a hedge fund. Wait, sorry. I’m confused again. I like puzzles?

How do you prepare for a match?

Game review, opening study, and tactical puzzles are the three areas I’ve been attempting to focus on in order to improve, but I have to say the biggest factor in determining how I perform on a given day seems to be my physical and mental state. All the study in the world won’t make up for sleep deprivation, and good luck trying to remember that seventh variation on an opening line when you’re dehydrated. No chance. Fortunately, these are super easy things to address. Make sure you’re getting a good night’s sleep. Drink lots of water. Return your defense attorney’s calls tomorrow when it’ll be less of a distraction. You know, common sense stuff.

Who is your chess idol, and why?

Josh Waitzkin. Or, more specifically, the fictionalized seven-year-old version of Josh Waitzkin from the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer.

“Look at the board.”

“I have.” Classic.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in chess?

My advice to anyone, starting out or not, is that the best time to pursue an interest is always going to be right now. This magical time when all your other responsibilities disappear will never happen. Nobody is going to clear your calendar for you. Nobody is going roll out the red carpet. Nobody is going to bust down your door and drag you off to prison to answer for your crimes and introduce you to the Pawns Incarcerated Chess Club where you will spend years distracting yourself from how much time you have left on your sentence. Actually, I think that last one might occasionally happen sometimes. Pretty sure that it does. I’ve heard it might. Anyway, the point is, why wait? Doors are expensive. The police don’t replace those after they knock them down, that’s coming out of your pocket. If you’re interested in chess, if you like playing chess, why not take the initiative? Get yourself out to a non-prison chess club, maybe like the one in Media. Much better atmosphere than in prison. Not that I would know. Obviously I have no firsthand knowledge of prison. I have never, ever, ever been to prison, and definitely not twice since 2011.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Glenside, PA, but after years of resistance I am forced to concede that I am now “from” Delaware. The tipping point was when I realized that only Delawareans know what it means to say a person is “baggin’ up.” I thought that was just normal, nationwide millennial slang, but no. (It means they’re laughing.)

What other activities do you enjoy?

Reading, writing, dodging the SEC, music, movies, sports. Hanging out with friends.

If you could have lunch with any historical figure, either living or deceased, who would you choose and why?

D.B. Cooper. I just wanna know, you know? Also, maybe he could toss me a couple bucks.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?

Nobody seems to believe me when I say that I know everything. Why would I lie about this, guys?

What have you read or watched lately that has most impacted your life?

I watched that Boeing documentary a little while ago and now I suddenly care what type of plane I’m on.

What is your best purchase under $100 in recent memory?

Two things come to mind. First and foremost, I finally registered with the USCF. Easily the best $45 I’ve spent in long time. Second, I recently paid off a dude to lie to the… Oh, it’s under $100? Never mind then. We’ll just go with the chess thing.