Nicholas first learned how to play chess when he was nine years old, although his knowledge of the game didn’t extend much beyond how the pieces moved until he began playing regularly online in 2018. What started as a casual interest quickly developed into a passion that has remained an important part of his life ever since.
While attending Appalachian State University, Nicholas helped revive the university’s chess club, where he met many talented players who challenged him and helped him grow. Those experiences shaped much of his approach to chess improvement: seek out stronger opponents, learn from mistakes, and never shy away from a challenge.
He's continued playing chess online almost every day since 2018, developing a particular love for blitz chess. His favorite time control is 3+2, and through years of consistent practice and competition, he's even managed to score victories against a handful of master-level players. Nicholas has also enjoyed participating in regular tournaments at the Charlotte Chess Center and building friendships throughout Charlotte’s chess community, both at the CCC and through other local clubs and informal meetups. He plays chess over the board at least once a week and often a few times a week.
After graduating from Appalachian State, Nicholas began coaching at the Charlotte Chess Center in 2022. Teaching gave him an entirely new appreciation for the game, particularly the opportunity to introduce young students to chess and help them discover the excitement of learning and improving. After stepping away from coaching in late 2023, he returned to the CCC in 2026 because he genuinely missed working with students and sharing his enthusiasm for chess.
Today, as a chess instructor at the Charlotte Chess Center, Nicholas enjoys helping students develop their skills, build confidence, and discover their own appreciation for the game. Some of his most rewarding moments come from introducing children to chess for the first time, knowing that something as simple as their first lesson could spark a lifelong interest. His hope is to inspire at least a few of my students to develop the same love for chess that has brought so much enjoyment, friendship, and personal growth into his own life.
Nicholas is very happy to be back teaching and to continue contributing to Charlotte’s wonderful chess community!