Sometime back ( late 90’s early 2000’s) this young man was talked about as being a Chess prodigy. His name came up in a conversation the other day, and I was wondering what happened to him. I have not heard of/about him for awhile. Does anyone have any knowledge of what he is doing now? I believe there was a book written about him. Just wondering? I believe he was from New York City
It appears that he is “alive and kicking” with his USCF rating just recently crossed the 2300.
His FIDE card indicates that he was born in 1992, so he is 17 right now. Not sure if 2300 + at age 17th qualifies one as a “prodigy”, but he is clearly a real deal.
In 2008 Foxwoods Open, we played a game in round 8. I was paired down (Michael was 2100 + at a time) and was hopying to win the game against “less experienced” player to finally cross the 2200 line.
To my surprise, my oponent quickly siezed the initiative as black and hold me on defensive most of the game. In mutual time trouble we both missed chances but I emerged clearly better (pawn up) in the rook’s end game and was expecting to win the game. However, just a few inacuracies on my side and Michael demonstrated nice idea to save the game.
I am not aware of the book that was written about him, but his name may have been mentioned in “Kings of New York”.
Thank you,
I must have missed his rating somehow. I tried to find one. The book is called “Opening Moves” Written by Barry berg, with photos by DavidHautzig. I found it in my Library, it has a copy write of 2000. I think the publihing company is Little, Brown and Company.(inc).
Michael evidently played in Washington Square Park when he was about 6. And beat most of the hustles there, including the top player there at the time. I am glad to see he is still Playing Chess.
It seems according to the book a Chess coach named Jovan Miletic (IM) told his parents, when Micheal was about 6 or 7, that he might be a Chess Podigy.
In the November 2009 Chess Life, Michael Thaler is listed in the 2009 World Chess Live Grand Prix standings in a (distant) 2nd-place behind Conrad Holt in the Junior - 1992-1993 Birthdate category.
Thank you. I will look that up.
Michael Thaler has also compete three times in the NA FIDE Invitational tournament series and scored quite well:
8th NA FIDE (2/2008) - 4.5/9 - picking up 30 USCF rating points and 34 FIDE rating points
13th NA FIDE (7/2008) - 4.5/9 - picking up 18 USCF rating points and 28 FIDE rating points
23rd NA FIDE (8/2009) - 4/9 - picking up 18 USCF rating points and 27 FIDE rating points (needed a win in the final round against FM Kleiman for Michael’s first IM norm but lost the game).
He’s currently rated 2273 FIDE making him 27 points shy of qualifying for his FM title which in my opinion he plays at that level already and this is a technicality. Another performance like he’s had at these three previous events and he’ll nail it.
Not to mention he’s a great kid and his dad is a hoot to hang out with.
Thank you, The conversation arose, and I made the statement, Michael receives little press anymore. The answer was he had not reached his expected potential and was not playing anymore.
I am glad to hear he is indeed continuing his chess, and 2273, is not bad for a kid 17.
Thank you also Sevan.