This week I had a chance to sit down and chat with the Scorpions youngest team member, David Adelberg (DA). We discussed his view of playing in the league, his worldly travels, and activities outside of chess. As most desert dwellers know, it’s the young scorpions that are the most deadly and dangerous. So his nickname “The Baby Scorpion” shouldn’t be taken too lightly.
EJ: Hello.
DA: Hi.
EJ: So, what’s it like to be 12 years old and playing in the USCL?
DA: Awesome, I was really hoping that someday my play would be good enough to make the team, and it is really exciting to be part of the Scorpions and the USCL.
EJ: Have you been following the USCL for long?
DA: I really only followed the games for the last season.
EJ: What were your thoughts about the Scorpions first season? Are you prepared to lead us to the playoffs? 
DA: I was hoping that they, the Scorpions, could have had a better season. I am hoping to contribute to the team effort. Hopefully, my enthusiasm will be contagious.
EJ: Leo commented that having a strong 4th board is as important as 1st board. Do you feel any pressure?
DA: Like anything in chess, every game is important , 1st or last round, 1st or last board. No, a game the USCL is like any other game of chess.
EJ: No difference at all?
DA: Other than the relayer entering the move on the computer, not at all.
EJ: Do friends or classmates know that you’re playing in a league with adults, from across the country, 3-5 times your age?
DA: I try to tell my classmates and teachers, but I don’t think they really “get it” or have a perspective on competitive chess. They only care that I miss school.
EJ: You spend a lot of time already for your chess activities. How much “extra” is the USCL?
DA: On the day of the match, I miss one and one half periods, as the first two were held in Tucson. When they are held in Phoenix, I will not have to miss any classes. My English teacher did not seem to mind, because he is a chess enthusiast and his child likes to play chess.
EJ: Do you spend any extra time before a match to prepare for your opponent?
DA: Yes, I look at some of the USCL games previously played, and other online database sources.
EJ: So far you’re doing very well 1.5 – .5 in your first 2 games ever. What are your thoughts on your performance so far? Pleased? Surprises? Wanting to do better?
DA: I am very pleased so far, the first game was quite exciting and, the second, my opponent played very well leading to a draw. I always try to improve on my play, but all you can do is try your best.
EJ: Well. You seem to still be moving up.
DA: Yes.
EJ: Have there been any other games this (short) year that you found interesting?
DA: In other of my tournaments, or the other USCL games?
EJ: Let’s start with the USCL.
DA: Robby Adamson’s games were both nice.
EJ: And outside of the USCL?
DA: The World Open was a (personally) successful event and in the Sicilian I had a nice rook trap. In the Western Chess Congress I had a win versus an IM Mesentsev which was published.
EJ: Do you have activities that you enjoy besides chess?
DA: I really like golf, tennis, and snow skiing. Lately I really have fun playing bridge. At the chess camp in New Jersey, my chess friend Kevin Rosenberg’s parents are world-class bridge players, professionals, and I got introduced to bridge through them.
EJ: Sounds like you stay very active. Personally, I hope we don’t lose you to another activity.
EJ: Are there any comparisons or similarities to bridge and chess playing?
DA: Bridge and chess require a lot of thought and calculation.
EJ: What was it like to play in Vietnam for the World Youth Championship last year?
DA: Totally awesome. Tons of fun! There were lots of great players from the US who I never met, great coaches, and than the tournament had many cool aspects like the flags, opening ceremonies, and than to play against opponents from all over the world was neat. When I started to have a nice results against top players it became more comfortable. I will be going to Turkey for th World Youth 2009 Championships in November.
EJ: That’ll be during the first rounds of the playoffs… DOES LEO KNOW ABOUT THIS!? It’s okay… he’ll know now. We’ll be wishing you luck regardless.
DA: I mentioned this to Greg Shahade and Leo. They did not realize the conflict and were considering a schedule change.
EJ: Do you know if that will affect any other players in the USCL?
DA: Of those that are attending the World Youth, there may be only a few players (Andrew Ng for one).
EJ: Will you be in attendance at the match this week (in Phoenix)? Or taking a week off.
DA: I hope I can make it. I will not be playing though.
EJ: So unfair that you played in the Tucson matches, but not the Phoenix, huh?
DA: The manager suggested I “rest my playing arm.”
EJ: We’ll be sure to give Leo a hard time.
DA: I will be playing in more Phoenix matches in the future.
EJ: So be prepared USCL! Have you thought about high school and college yet?
DA: I already took math classes at the high school last year and the current year, so I am getting a view of high school now. I have not really thought about college, except playing on the campuses of ASU and U of A.
EJ: (I’ll not start a line of questions that might eventually split the team and/or fan base.)
EJ: Do you have a dream job? Or will you become a professional chess player?
DA: I really have no idea about a career path at this point in time.
EJ: That’s okay. You have time…
DA: Yes.
EJ: Well, I think we’re just about ready to wrap up… any final thoughts? Shout outs to your homies?
DA: Thanks very much.
EJ: Do you have a prediction for this week’s match? If Leo doesn’t score a point on 4th board are you going to have a talk with him?
DA: It seems to be a tough match, but I will leave the predictions to the titled players.
EJ: Fair enough. Good luck to you in your next match, and good luck to the Scorpions.
DA: Thanks again.
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