The Players: Brad Rogers
This interview originally appeared in the Spring 2010 issue of Lake Effect Chess.
Michigan Chess Association President Brad Rogers is one of the top-ranked USCF correspondence players. Here, Brad compares his experiences in correspondence and over-the-board play.
Brad Rogers bears down at the 2009 U.S. Open
Photo Credit: David Wayne Grimaud].
As a leading correspondence player in the United States, how do you compare the experience of playing in a correspondence tournament with over the board play?
Playing the same game at much different time controls, one might think to be the same, but in reality they are two distinctly different games. My initial goal in correspondence was to improve my OTB back in 1983. Now it has its own place for me since the creation of sudden death time controls in OTB. There is something about the purity and truth to be had this way in chess. And it will improve your overall game by studying the openings with greater discipline.
How much stronger (number of rating points?) do you think a correspondence player can hope to play versus an over the board player?
The statistics show that many in the top 100 have OTB that are surprisingly low, so the correlation may not be very good between the two. I think the potential to play very well is high when you are following GM games, understanding the theory, and taking your time to formulate good plans. And you can reference books and even computers in some (non-USCF) events.
Do you prefer playing in tournaments that allow computer engines? Why or why not?
Thus far I have only played in the USCF Golden Knights, and for these events computers are not allowed. I am planning on joining ICCF events later this year, so computers are not to be feared. I think of it as original research into opening theory that could be helped, but not always with computers. I think trying to prohibit using computers may be unenforceable.
What advice would you want to share with a chess player who is new to correspondence play?
Play new and exciting openings. I have used the Latvian Gambit many times successfully for example. Don’t avoid the fun lines. And enjoy the banter. It is interesting to communicate with players all over the country. I get to send picture postcards of Michigan and my opponents seem to appreciate our state’s scenery.