The Scuttlebutt | Season 9 Episode 5

The episode of “The Scuttlebutt” features Rob Getty, a retired Navy veteran and chair of the military chess committee. He discusses his passion for chess and how it has influenced his Navy career. Rob started playing chess at a young age and later joined the Navy as a result of his interaction with a Navy chief who was a member of his college chess club. This sparked his interest in military chess and led to his involvement in the military chess committee.

As a longtime Navy veteran and chess enthusiast, Rob has been involved in organizing the US Armed Forces Chess Championship for several years. The championship is open to active, reserve, and retired members of the military. Rob mentions that the championship has seen a surge in participation, possibly due to the increased popularity of chess following the success of the TV series “The Queen’s Gambit” and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rob’s favorite chess opening as white is the Ruy Lopez, a classic and strategic opening. He also enjoys playing the Petrov Defense as black, which allows for more flexibility and disrupts opponents’ prepared lines. Despite his passion for chess, Rob mentions that he is currently taking a hiatus from rated chess due to some disappointing tournament results.

Rob emphasizes the importance of planning and strategic thinking in chess, which has also contributed to his success in his Navy career. He believes that chess has taught him to think logically, organize his thoughts, and adjust plans when circumstances change. Additionally, he discusses the positive impact of chess on children, highlighting how the game promotes forward-thinking and tactical awareness, valuable skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.

Overall, Rob attributes much of his success in the Navy and his passion for chess to the strategic thinking and planning skills he has developed through the game. His involvement in organizing the US Armed Forces Chess Championship reflects his dedication to supporting military veterans and promoting the game of chess within the military community.

In conclusion, Rob Getty’s experience as a Navy veteran and chess enthusiast has shaped his involvement in organizing the US Armed Forces Chess Championship, and he continues to inspire others to enjoy the game and its strategic benefits.

Thank you to our sponsors:

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To find out more information about the Veterans Breakfast Club and view our upcoming schedule of online and in-person events, visit our website at: http://www.veteransbreakfastclub.org/

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