Richard Shorman

Richard Russell Shorman (1938–2023) was a seminal figure in Northern California chess who shaped the community for over 50 years as an incomparable teacher, writer, and photographer. Born in 1938, he began his journey at the Oakland YMCA Chess Club under George Koltanowski at age 15, eventually developing a tactical and aggressive gambit style that defined his career. He was a prolific columnist for the Hayward Daily Review and served as the official CalChess Photographer.

Shorman used to visit the Kolty Chess Club, analyzing games with other members. He famously recommended to "play bad chess well", urging his students to prioritize the logic and beauty of a game over trophies or modern opening theory