Well, have a seat ... How does one cope with devoting sufficient time to family and career while occasionally trying to fit in the odd game of chess? Is your schedule getting more crowded and accomplishments less satisfying? Then take a journey with Jim Magner, physician, husband and ... chessplayer.

Dr. Jim went through college and medical school, married and raised a family, and still was able to get in some serious chessplaying. It was not always easy or convenient, but he persevered and fulfilled most of his life's goals, all the while maintaining his sanity and perspective.

He is an average (Class C) player who developed a curious, yet often effective way of dealing with opponents who outranked him, sometime by hundreds of rating points. He shares with the reader his methods and madness, with 31 annotated games dotting his autobiographical narrative. These games are entertaining and instructive, and often somewhat unusual as they illustrate how one may prey upon human weaknesses. If you enjoy rooting for the underdog, then this is the chess book for you!

Over the years Dr. Magner also has provided advice about life and career to countless medical students and trainees, and in this heartwarming book, he also shares his tips for success in family, finances and life itself.

Dr. James Magner was born in Quincy, IL and attended the Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago. He is a husband, father, endocrinologist, and Vice President of Clinical Research for a biotechnology company.

He lives near New Haven, Connecticut.

Content:
007 Introduction

013 Chapter 1 Learning to Become a Tenacious Opponent

022 Chapter 2 Growing Up in Quincy, Illinois

030 Chapter 3 Medical School: Stimulating and Exhausting

043 Chapter 4 A Surprise Girlfriend and Miracle Wife

048 Chapter 5 Internship and Residency: More Stimulating and More Exhausting

061 Chapter 6 Fellowship at NIH: A Dream Experience

066 Chapter 7 Erin: The Miracle Child

075 Chapter 8 Carly: My California Girl

079 Chapter 9 The Big Gap

091 Chapter 10 Picking Up Chess Again

099 Chapter 11 The Slow Decline and Rise of a USCF Rating

105 Chapter 12 The Pillsbury Tournament 2003, and Other Challenges

110 Chapter 13 Trying Harder in a New Year

117 Chapter 14 Hanging Tough Against Some Hefty Opponents

122 Chapter 15 A Better Year for Chess: 2006

128 Chapter 16 A Fine Tournament Performance in 2006

134 Chapter 17 Winning Against a Few More Tough Guys

138 Chapter 18 A Higher USCF Rating in 2007

140 Chapter 19 Plan To Play More Chess Someday By Saving For Retirement

146 Chapter 20 Ancestors and Grandma Metzger

155 Chapter 21 More Recent Games

167 Chapter 22 Closing Thoughts

170 Appendix A General and Career Advice

173 Appendix B Recommended Reading List

175 Index of Games

176 Index of Openings