Interview with USCF Master Michael Aigner: Player, Coach, and Mechanical Engineer

USCF Master Michael Aigner: A Player and Coach Making Waves in the Bay Area

USCF Master Michael Aigner is a well-known figure in the Bay Area of California, where he has made a name for himself as both a player and coach in the world of chess. With a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, Aigner brings a unique perspective to the game that has helped him coach many future titled players.

In a recent interview, Aigner shared insights into his coaching style and how he got into chess as a teenager in the early 1990s. Despite facing early losses, Aigner quickly improved his game by learning openings from an encyclopedia called Modern Chess Openings and drawing inspiration from the book “Mikhail Tal’s Life and Games.”

One of Aigner’s key pieces of advice for his students is to practice 15-minute chess online, as it provides a good balance between speed and educational value. He also shared stories of coaching future Grandmasters Daniel Naroditsky and Steven Zierk, highlighting their tenacity and enthusiasm for the game at a young age.

Aigner also discussed the importance of scholastic chess teachers and US Chess in helping players retain interest in the game beyond their teen years. Despite facing physical challenges due to his condition, quadrilateral phocomelia, Aigner remains dedicated to competing and has not let his wheelchair deter him from pursuing his passion for chess.

In response to questions from listeners, Aigner shared insights on wheelchair accessibility in tournaments and whether he would recommend chess as a hobby to others with physical disabilities. He also tackled a list of questions from a friend and opponent, Stewart Katz, on chess teaching and competing.

As a fan of top-level chess, Aigner named some of his favorite chess announcers and shared his thoughts on potential changes to the World Championship format. To stay updated on Aigner’s chess journey, you can follow him on his website, Facebook, Twitter, and blog.

With his unique blend of engineering expertise and chess mastery, USCF Master Michael Aigner continues to make a significant impact on the chess community in the Bay Area and beyond.