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{{Infobox chess player
{{Infobox chess player
| name = Daniel Rensch
| name = Daniel Rensch
| image = Daniel Rensch speaking at the 2022 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (cropped).jpg
| image = Daniel Rensch speaking at the 2022 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference (cropped) (cropped).jpg
| caption = Rensch at the 2022 [[MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference]]
| caption = Rensch at the 2022 [[MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|10|10}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|10|10}}
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| peakrating = 2416 (September 2011)
| peakrating = 2416 (September 2011)
}}
}}
'''Daniel Rensch''' (born October 10, 1985) is an American [[chess]] player, [[International Master]], event organizer, lecturer and commentator.<!-- Please dont add "the guy on the 502 page for chess.com" here. It is not a big enough aspect of this person that it warrants a mention in the lead. --> He holds the Arizona state record for youngest national master, at the age of 14.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottsdale boy nears state record in chess|url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/04/10/20090410sr-chess0411.html|website=AZcentral.com}}</ref> He is the president of American Chess Events LLC<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with IM Daniel Rensch|url=http://lizzyknowsall.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-im-daniel-rensch.html|website=Elizabeth Spiegel's blog}}</ref> and Chief Chess Officer of [[Chess.com]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Member Profile: Daniel Rensch|url=http://www.chess.com/members/view/DanielRensch|website=Chess.com}}</ref> Daniel has said that one of his long-term goals is to become president Of the USA, and ban freedom of speech.
'''Daniel Michael "Danny" Rensch''' (born October 10, 1985) is an American [[chess]] [[International Master]], event organizer, lecturer and commentator.<!-- Please dont add "the guy on the 502 page for chess.com" here. It is not a big enough aspect of this person that it warrants a mention in the lead. --> He holds the Arizona state record for youngest national master, at the age of 14.<ref>{{cite web|title=Scottsdale boy nears state record in chess|url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/04/10/20090410sr-chess0411.html|website=AZcentral.com}}</ref> He is the president of American Chess Events LLC<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview with IM Daniel Rensch|url=http://lizzyknowsall.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-im-daniel-rensch.html|website=Elizabeth Spiegel's blog|date=July 31, 2010 }}</ref> and Chief Chess Officer of [[Chess.com]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Member Profile: Daniel Rensch|url=http://www.chess.com/members/view/DanielRensch|website=Chess.com}}</ref>


==Professional life==
==Professional life==
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Rensch won the 1998 Elementary National Championship before becoming Arizona's youngest National Master in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Friday Night Action Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?199911128040-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> After earning the title, Rensch won the 2000 Junior High National Championship in Tucson, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000 National Junior High School Championship |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblPlr.php?200005073550-001-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> In 2004, Rensch tied for the National High School Championship,<ref>{{cite web|title=Daniel Rensch|url=http://www.chessgames.com/player/daniel_rensch.html|website=chessgames.com|publisher=Chessgames Services LLC}}</ref> beating [[Aleksandr Lenderman]], a future [[Grandmaster (chess)|grandmaster]], to win the title.
Rensch won the 1998 Elementary National Championship before becoming Arizona's youngest National Master in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |title=Friday Night Action Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?199911128040-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> After earning the title, Rensch won the 2000 Junior High National Championship in Tucson, Arizona.<ref>{{cite web |title=2000 National Junior High School Championship |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblPlr.php?200005073550-001-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> In 2004, Rensch tied for the National High School Championship,<ref>{{cite web|title=Daniel Rensch|url=http://www.chessgames.com/player/daniel_rensch.html|website=chessgames.com|publisher=Chessgames Services LLC}}</ref> beating [[Aleksandr Lenderman]], a future [[Grandmaster (chess)|grandmaster]], to win the title.


Rensch earned his first International Master (IM) norm in 2004 at the Foxwoods Open in Mashantucket, Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web |title=FIDE Title Applications |url=https://ratings.fide.com/title_applications.phtml?details=1&id=2017202&title=IM&pb=24 |website=FIDE |publisher=FIDE}}</ref> Backed by his strong performances, Rensch became the highest-rated 19-year-old in the United States that year.<ref name="GM">{{cite web|title=Road to GM: Not Broken|url=https://www.uschess.org/content/view/9342/525/|website=The United States Chess Federation}}</ref> Rensch earned his second IM norm in the 2008 Berkeley International, after tying for a third-place finish with only one loss.<ref>{{cite web |title=2008 Berkeley International Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200812230971-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> In 2009, Rensch earned his final IM norm at Susan Polgar's SPICE CUP by achieving a draw against [[Ray Robson]], who went on to achieve 'youngest ever grandmaster in the United States'.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Polgar|first1=Susan|title=Polgar: Rensch fulfills longtime dream at SPICE Cup Tournament|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/100409/col_500798857.shtml#.V0Ysa9fLLu1|website=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal}}</ref>
Rensch earned his first International Master (IM) norm in 2004 at the Foxwoods Open in Mashantucket, Connecticut.<ref name="FIDE_profile">{{cite web |title=FIDE Title Applications |url=https://ratings.fide.com/title_applications.phtml?details=1&id=2017202&title=IM&pb=24 |website=FIDE }}</ref> Backed by his strong performances, Rensch became the highest-rated 19-year-old in the United States that year.<ref name="GM">{{cite web|title=Road to GM: Not Broken|url=https://www.uschess.org/content/view/9342/525/|website=The United States Chess Federation}}</ref> Rensch earned his second IM norm in the 2008 Berkeley International, after tying for a third-place finish with only one loss.<ref>{{cite web |title=2008 Berkeley International Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?200812230971-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref> In 2009, Rensch earned his final IM norm at Susan Polgar's SPICE CUP by achieving a draw against [[Ray Robson]], who went on to achieve 'youngest ever grandmaster in the United States'.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Polgar|first1=Susan|title=Polgar: Rensch fulfills longtime dream at SPICE Cup Tournament|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/100409/col_500798857.shtml#.V0Ysa9fLLu1|website=Lubbock Avalanche-Journal}}</ref>


In 2019, Rensch tied for first place in the Denver Open alongside [[Jesse Kraai]], in a field with many talented grandmasters.<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Denver Open Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201904285702.1-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref>
Since 2012, Rensch took part in only two FIDE registered tournaments,<ref name="FIDE_profile" /> the ''2015 Millionaire Chess Open II'' in Las Vegas, and in the 2019 Denver Open where he tied for first place alongside [[Jesse Kraai]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Denver Open Crosstable |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/XtblMain.php?201904285702.1-12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=USCF}}</ref>


===Chess.com===
===Chess.com===
Rensch has been offering chess analysis online since 2009. His "Rook Endgames: Beginner to Master series", "Isolated Queen Pawns", and "Pawn Structure 101" series are among the most popular on Chess.com.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video Series on Rook Endings|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-rook-endings|website=Chess.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Video Series on Isolated Queen Pawns|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-isolated-queen-pawns|website=Chess.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pawn Structure 101 Video Series|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-pawn-structure-101|website=Chess.com}}</ref> In addition, his "Everything You Need to Know" video series, designed for beginners, has been viewed 1.7 million times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess Video Library |url=https://www.chess.com/videos/authors/DanielRensch?sortby=view_count |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Rensch has been offering chess analysis online since 2009. His "Rook Endgames: Beginner to Master" series, "Isolated Queen Pawns", and "Pawn Structure 101" series are among the most popular on Chess.com.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video Series on Rook Endings|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-rook-endings|website=Chess.com|date=December 18, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Video Series on Isolated Queen Pawns|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-isolated-queen-pawns|website=Chess.com|date=December 22, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Pawn Structure 101 Video Series|url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/video-series-on-pawn-structure-101|website=Chess.com|date=March 2015 }}</ref> In addition, his "Everything You Need to Know" video series, designed for beginners, has been viewed 1.7 million times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess Video Library |url=https://www.chess.com/videos/authors/DanielRensch?sortby=view_count |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Clarify|reason=1.6 million source? Many of the videos from the series haven't even broken 6 figures, according to source provided.|date=September 2024}}


Rensch has written instructive content for Chess.com's users. Some of his earliest contributions to Chess.com are among the site's most viewed articles.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Principles of the Opening {{!}} Chess for Beginners |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-opening |website=Chess.com |publisher=Chess.com}}</ref>
Rensch has written instructive content for Chess.com's users. Some of his earliest contributions to Chess.com are among the site's most viewed articles.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Principles of the Opening {{!}} Chess for Beginners |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/the-principles-of-the-opening |website=Chess.com |date=June 28, 2011 }}</ref>


Rensch is the "public face" of Chess.com as a spokesperson for the company. Notably, he has created video tutorials for using the site's features<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tutorials - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-qLOQ-OEls4uS2rARp8DAeId7AP7Tt06 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> and hosts the quarterly "State of Chess.com" show, presenting the company's activities over its previous three months and its plans for the future.<ref name=":0" />
Rensch is the "public face" of Chess.com as a spokesperson for the company. Notably, he has created video tutorials for using the site's features<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tutorials - YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-qLOQ-OEls4uS2rARp8DAeId7AP7Tt06 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=www.youtube.com}}</ref> and hosts the quarterly "State of Chess.com" show, presenting the company's activities over its previous three months and its plans for the future.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Danny Rensch with chessboard.jpg|thumb|Danny Rensch of [[Chess.com]]]]
[[File:Danny Rensch with chessboard.jpg|thumb|Rensch in 2022]]


==== Commentator ====
==== Commentator ====
Rensch is known for his coverage of Chess.com's flagship events like the Bullet Chess Championship,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bullet Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2019-bullet-chess-championship |website=Chess.com |publisher=Chess.com}}</ref> [[PRO Chess League]],<ref>{{cite web |title=PRO Chess League Finals Coverage |url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/420813924 |website=Twitch |publisher=Twitch}}</ref> the [[2018 Speed Chess Championship|Speed Chess Championship]],<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Speed Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2018-speed-chess-championship-official-schedule-players-prizes-information |website=Chess.com |accessdate=August 23, 2019}}</ref> and [[PogChamps]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team (CHESScom) |first=Chess com |title=PogChamps 3: All The Information |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/pogchamps-3-all-the-information |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Rensch is known for his coverage of Chess.com's flagship events like the Bullet Chess Championship,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bullet Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2019-bullet-chess-championship |website=Chess.com |date=April 7, 2019 }}</ref> [[PRO Chess League]],<ref>{{cite web |title=PRO Chess League Finals Coverage |url=https://www.twitch.tv/videos/420813924 |website=Twitch }}</ref> the [[2018 Speed Chess Championship|Speed Chess Championship]],<ref>{{cite web |title=2018 Speed Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2018-speed-chess-championship-official-schedule-players-prizes-information |website=Chess.com |date=December 2, 2018 |accessdate=August 23, 2019}}</ref> and [[PogChamps]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team (CHESScom) |first=Chess com |title=PogChamps 3: All The Information |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/pogchamps-3-all-the-information |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Chess.com |date=December 23, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Rensch has also commentated live, over-the-board tournaments like the Isle of Man International, where top players like [[Magnus Carlsen]] and [[Fabiano Caruana]] competed.<ref>{{cite web |title=2017 Isle of Man International Results |url=http://chess-results.com/tnr303618.aspx?lan=1&art=4&flag=30 |website=Chess-Results |publisher=Chess-Results}}</ref> In 2019, Rensch also hosted the "Twitch Rivals" Komodo Boss Rush event live in San Francisco with grandmaster [[Robert Hess (chess player)|Robert Hess]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitch Rivals Komodo Boss Rush |url=https://www.twitch.tv/twitchrivals/video/415742711?filter=clips&range=30d |website=Twitch |publisher=Twitch}}</ref>
Rensch has also commentated live, over-the-board tournaments like the Isle of Man International, where top players like [[Magnus Carlsen]] and [[Fabiano Caruana]] competed.<ref>{{cite web |title=2017 Isle of Man International Results |url=http://chess-results.com/tnr303618.aspx?lan=1&art=4&flag=30 |website=Chess-Results }}</ref> In 2019, Rensch also hosted the "Twitch Rivals" Komodo Boss Rush event live in San Francisco with grandmaster [[Robert Hess (chess player)|Robert Hess]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Twitch Rivals Komodo Boss Rush |url=https://www.twitch.tv/twitchrivals/video/415742711?filter=clips&range=30d |website=Twitch }}</ref> Rensch also frequently commentates for large worldwide events such as the World Chess Championships, mostly alongside Robert Hess.


Rensch has also provided commentary for the most important chess event in the world, the [[World Chess Championship]]. He has hosted live broadcasts of the [[World Chess Championship 2018|2018 World Chess Championship]] between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, as well as the record-breaking coverage of the [[World Chess Championship 2021|2021 World Chess Championship]] between Magnus Carlsen and [[Ian Nepomniachtchi]], which amassed more than 25 million views.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pinhata (PedroPinhata) |first=Pedro |title=2021 Chess.com Awards Winners |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/2021-chesscom-awards-winners |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Rensch has also provided commentary for the most important chess event in the world, the [[World Chess Championship]]. He has hosted live broadcasts of the [[World Chess Championship 2018|2018 World Chess Championship]] between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, as well as the record-breaking coverage of the [[World Chess Championship 2021|2021 World Chess Championship]] between Magnus Carlsen and [[Ian Nepomniachtchi]], which amassed more than 25 million views.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pinhata (PedroPinhata) |first=Pedro |title=2021 Chess.com Awards Winners |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/2021-chesscom-awards-winners |access-date=March 23, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


==== Tournament organizer ====
==== Tournament organizer ====
Rensch currently holds the [[United States Chess Federation]] record for most tournaments directed as Chief Director (1095),<ref>{{cite web |title=Tournament Director History |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/MbrDtlTnmtDir.php?12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation |publisher=United States Chess Federation}}</ref> a number which has climbed to 1196 as of January 2020.
Rensch currently holds the [[United States Chess Federation]] record for most tournaments directed as Chief Director (1095),<ref>{{cite web |title=Tournament Director History |url=http://www.uschess.org/msa/MbrDtlTnmtDir.php?12659833 |website=United States Chess Federation }}</ref> a number which has climbed to 1196 as of January 2020.


An online event, "The $40,000 GM Blitz Battle Championship", was organized and hosted by Rensch in 2016. The event included world number one, Magnus Carlsen, and 7 other world-class speed chess players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Magnus Carlsen Headlines Chess.com Championship|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/03/prweb13241235.htm|website=prweb}}</ref> The tournament has since evolved into the Speed Chess Championships, becoming one of [[Chess.com]]'s premier events. In 2019, the tournament featured a Junior and Women's Championship in addition to the primary event, and attracted players like [[Hikaru Nakamura]], [[Levon Aronian]], and [[Ding Liren]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Speed Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2019-speed-chess-championship |website=Chess.com |publisher=Chess.com}}</ref>
An online event, "The $40,000 GM Blitz Battle Championship", was organized and hosted by Rensch in 2016. The event included world number one, Magnus Carlsen, and 7 other world-class speed chess players.<ref>{{cite web|title=Magnus Carlsen Headlines Chess.com Championship|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/magnus_carlsen_headlines_chess_com_championship/prweb13241235.htm|website=prweb}}</ref> The tournament has since evolved into the Speed Chess Championships, becoming one of [[Chess.com]]'s premier events. In 2019, the tournament featured a Junior and Women's Championship in addition to the primary event, and attracted players like [[Hikaru Nakamura]], [[Levon Aronian]], and [[Ding Liren]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Speed Chess Championship Guide |url=https://www.chess.com/article/view/2019-speed-chess-championship |website=Chess.com |date=March 8, 2019 }}</ref>


In 2020, Rensch helped organize and hosted the first edition of [[PogChamps]], an online chess tournament for internet personalities.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Danny Resch {{!}} Chess Celebrities |url=https://www.chess.com/players/danny-rensch |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The tournament gathered streamers with a large follower base, including [[xQc]]OW, [[Cr1TiKaL|moistcr1tikal]], [[forsen]], [[fuslie]], and [[Ludwig Ahgren|Ludwig]]. Since then, three other editions of the event happened, attracting famous participants from other creative fields such as poker player [[Daniel Negreanu]], actor [[Rainn Wilson]], and rapper [[Logic (rapper)|Logic]].
In 2020, Rensch helped organize and hosted the first edition of [[PogChamps]], an online chess tournament for internet personalities.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Danny Resch {{!}} Chess Celebrities |url=https://www.chess.com/players/danny-rensch |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The tournament gathered streamers with a large follower base, including [[xQc]]OW, [[Cr1TiKaL|moistcr1tikal]], [[forsen]], [[fuslie]], and [[Ludwig Ahgren|Ludwig]]. Since then, three other editions of the event happened, attracting famous participants from other creative fields such as poker player [[Daniel Negreanu]], actor [[Rainn Wilson]], and rapper [[Logic (rapper)|Logic]].
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=== Lecturer ===
=== Lecturer ===
[[File:Rensch speaking.jpg|thumb|Rensch speaking at the 2022 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference alongside [[Daryl Morey]] and [[Robert Hess (chess player)|Robert Hess.]]]]
Rensch is a lecturer and has been a panelist as a presenter, speaker, and mediator over the years. In his lectures, Rensch talks about the game of chess, entrepreneurship, esports, and other subjects.
Rensch is a lecturer and has been a panelist as a presenter, speaker, and mediator over the years. In his lectures, Rensch talks about the game of chess, entrepreneurship, esports, and other subjects.


In 2017, Rensch was the presenter of the lecture "Chess and the Art of War: Strategies That Win," featuring Magnus Carlsen at the [[Milken Institute]]. During that event, Carlsen made a [[simultaneous exhibition]] against ten opponents, while Rensch explained the games and drew parallels between chess and business.<ref>{{Cite web |title={{!}} Milken Institute |url=https://milkeninstitute.org/videos/chess-and-art-war-strategies-win-grandmaster-magnus-carlsen |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=milkeninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref>
In 2017, Rensch was the presenter of the lecture "Chess and the Art of War: Strategies That Win," featuring Magnus Carlsen at the [[Milken Institute]]. During that event, Carlsen made a [[simultaneous exhibition]] against ten opponents, while Rensch explained the games and drew parallels between chess and business.<ref>{{Cite web |title={{!}} Milken Institute |url=https://milkeninstitute.org/videos/chess-and-art-war-strategies-win-grandmaster-magnus-carlsen |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=milkeninstitute.org |language=en}}</ref>


Two years later, Rensch hosted a chess and machine learning panel at the [[MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference]]. During the conference, Robert Hess played a simultaneous match against conference attendants. Rensch explained multiple chess concepts, how [[chess engine]]s approach the game, and what humans can learn with them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pete (Pete) |title=Rensch To Host Chess And Machine Learning Panel At MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/rensch-to-host-chess-and-machine-learning-panel-at-mit-sloan-sports-analytics-conference |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=Chess.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Two years later, Rensch hosted a chess and machine learning panel at the [[MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference]]. During the conference, Robert Hess played a simultaneous match against conference attendants. Rensch explained multiple chess concepts, how [[chess engine]]s approach the game, and what humans can learn with them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pete (Pete) |title=Rensch To Host Chess And Machine Learning Panel At MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.chess.com/news/view/rensch-to-host-chess-and-machine-learning-panel-at-mit-sloan-sports-analytics-conference |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=Chess.com |date=February 24, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>


Rensch made his second appearance in the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2020 as a panelist. Like in the previous year, he was accompanied by Robert Hess, who this time played a [[Blindfold chess|blindfolded]] simultaneous match against four players. Other speakers included [[Daryl Morey]], [[John Urschel]], and Neil Paine. Rensch spoke about what chess could teach other sports, from rating systems to cheat detection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dark Arts: What the Sports World Can Learn From Chess - Panel Discussion and Chess Simul With GM Robert Hess {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/dark-arts-what-the-sports-world-can-learn-from-chess-panel-discussion-and-chess-simul-with-gm-robert-hess |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>
Rensch made his second appearance in the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2020 as a panelist. Like in the previous year, he was accompanied by Robert Hess, who this time played a [[Blindfold chess|blindfolded]] simultaneous match against four players. Other speakers included [[Daryl Morey]], [[John Urschel]], and Neil Paine. Rensch spoke about what chess could teach other sports, from rating systems to cheat detection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dark Arts: What the Sports World Can Learn From Chess - Panel Discussion and Chess Simul With GM Robert Hess {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/dark-arts-what-the-sports-world-can-learn-from-chess-panel-discussion-and-chess-simul-with-gm-robert-hess |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>


Rensch returned to the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2021, held online due to [[COVID-19]] restrictions. In that year, Rensch was the moderator of a panel composed by Daryl Morey, Robert Hess, Hikaru Nakamura, and [[Jennifer Shahade]]. The panel discussed the changes caused by the chess boom, propelled in large part by [[Netflix]]'s miniseries [[The Queen's Gambit (miniseries)|''The Queen's Gambit'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beyond the Gambit: Chess’ Big Move {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/beyond-the-gambit-chess-big-move |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>
Rensch returned to the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2021, held online due to [[COVID-19]] restrictions. In that year, Rensch was the moderator of a panel composed by Daryl Morey, Robert Hess, Hikaru Nakamura, and [[Jennifer Shahade]]. The panel discussed the changes caused by the chess boom, propelled in large part by [[Netflix]]'s miniseries [[The Queen's Gambit (miniseries)|''The Queen's Gambit'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beyond the Gambit: Chess' Big Move {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/beyond-the-gambit-chess-big-move |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>


In 2022, Rensch lectured at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference for a fourth consecutive occasion as part of a panel alongside Robert Hess, Daryl Morey, [[Jennifer Yu (chess player)|Jennifer Yu]], and Ella Papanek. Together, they discussed the impact of chess engines on the game, how chess adapted, and lessons other sports can take from it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess and Machines: The Future of the World's Oldest Game {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/chess-and-machines-the-future-of-the-worlds-oldest-game |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>
In 2022, Rensch lectured at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference for a fourth consecutive occasion as part of a panel alongside Robert Hess, Daryl Morey, [[Jennifer Yu (chess player)|Jennifer Yu]], and Ella Papanek. Together, they discussed the impact of chess engines on the game, how chess adapted, and lessons other sports can take from it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess and Machines: The Future of the World's Oldest Game {{!}} MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference |url=https://www.sloansportsconference.com/event/chess-and-machines-the-future-of-the-worlds-oldest-game |access-date=March 18, 2022 |website=www.sloansportsconference.com}}</ref>
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{Twitter|id=danielrensch}}
* [https://twitter.com/danielrensch Daniel Rensch on Twitter]
* [http://Chess.com Chess.com]
* [http://ChessKid.com ChessKid.com]
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* [http://AmericanChess.net AmericanChess.net]
* {{FIDE|2017202}}
* {{FIDE|2017202}}
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* [http://AmericanChess.net AmericanChess.net]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rensch, Daniel}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rensch, Daniel}}
[[Category:Chess International Masters]]
[[Category:Chess International Masters]]
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[[Category:American chess players]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Mesa, Arizona]]
[[Category:American sports announcers]]
[[Category:Chess.com]]
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[[Category:20th-century American chess players]]
[[Category:21st-century chess players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Mesa, Arizona]]

Latest revision as of 13:47, 28 November 2024

Daniel Rensch
Rensch at the 2022 MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference
Born (1985-10-10) October 10, 1985 (age 39)
Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
TitleInternational Master (2009)
FIDE rating2402 (December 2024)
Peak rating2416 (September 2011)

Daniel Michael "Danny" Rensch (born October 10, 1985) is an American chess International Master, event organizer, lecturer and commentator. He holds the Arizona state record for youngest national master, at the age of 14.[1] He is the president of American Chess Events LLC[2] and Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com.[3]

Professional life

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Chess career

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Rensch won the 1998 Elementary National Championship before becoming Arizona's youngest National Master in 1999.[4] After earning the title, Rensch won the 2000 Junior High National Championship in Tucson, Arizona.[5] In 2004, Rensch tied for the National High School Championship,[6] beating Aleksandr Lenderman, a future grandmaster, to win the title.

Rensch earned his first International Master (IM) norm in 2004 at the Foxwoods Open in Mashantucket, Connecticut.[7] Backed by his strong performances, Rensch became the highest-rated 19-year-old in the United States that year.[8] Rensch earned his second IM norm in the 2008 Berkeley International, after tying for a third-place finish with only one loss.[9] In 2009, Rensch earned his final IM norm at Susan Polgar's SPICE CUP by achieving a draw against Ray Robson, who went on to achieve 'youngest ever grandmaster in the United States'.[10]

Since 2012, Rensch took part in only two FIDE registered tournaments,[7] the 2015 Millionaire Chess Open II in Las Vegas, and in the 2019 Denver Open where he tied for first place alongside Jesse Kraai.[11]

Chess.com

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Rensch has been offering chess analysis online since 2009. His "Rook Endgames: Beginner to Master" series, "Isolated Queen Pawns", and "Pawn Structure 101" series are among the most popular on Chess.com.[12][13][14] In addition, his "Everything You Need to Know" video series, designed for beginners, has been viewed 1.7 million times.[15][clarification needed]

Rensch has written instructive content for Chess.com's users. Some of his earliest contributions to Chess.com are among the site's most viewed articles.[16]

Rensch is the "public face" of Chess.com as a spokesperson for the company. Notably, he has created video tutorials for using the site's features[17] and hosts the quarterly "State of Chess.com" show, presenting the company's activities over its previous three months and its plans for the future.[18]

Rensch in 2022

Commentator

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Rensch is known for his coverage of Chess.com's flagship events like the Bullet Chess Championship,[19] PRO Chess League,[20] the Speed Chess Championship,[21] and PogChamps.[22]

Rensch has also commentated live, over-the-board tournaments like the Isle of Man International, where top players like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana competed.[23] In 2019, Rensch also hosted the "Twitch Rivals" Komodo Boss Rush event live in San Francisco with grandmaster Robert Hess.[24] Rensch also frequently commentates for large worldwide events such as the World Chess Championships, mostly alongside Robert Hess.

Rensch has also provided commentary for the most important chess event in the world, the World Chess Championship. He has hosted live broadcasts of the 2018 World Chess Championship between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, as well as the record-breaking coverage of the 2021 World Chess Championship between Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi, which amassed more than 25 million views.[25]

Tournament organizer

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Rensch currently holds the United States Chess Federation record for most tournaments directed as Chief Director (1095),[26] a number which has climbed to 1196 as of January 2020.

An online event, "The $40,000 GM Blitz Battle Championship", was organized and hosted by Rensch in 2016. The event included world number one, Magnus Carlsen, and 7 other world-class speed chess players.[27] The tournament has since evolved into the Speed Chess Championships, becoming one of Chess.com's premier events. In 2019, the tournament featured a Junior and Women's Championship in addition to the primary event, and attracted players like Hikaru Nakamura, Levon Aronian, and Ding Liren.[28]

In 2020, Rensch helped organize and hosted the first edition of PogChamps, an online chess tournament for internet personalities.[18] The tournament gathered streamers with a large follower base, including xQcOW, moistcr1tikal, forsen, fuslie, and Ludwig. Since then, three other editions of the event happened, attracting famous participants from other creative fields such as poker player Daniel Negreanu, actor Rainn Wilson, and rapper Logic.

Rensch also helped to organize the 2022 Rapid Chess Championship, an online event exclusive to the top-100 players in the world, top-10 women, top-10 juniors, and other invited players.[18] The event features a $650,000 prize fund and has attracted some of the world's strongest players, including Anish Giri, Daniil Dubov, Fabiano Caruana, and others.[29]

Lecturer

[edit]

Rensch is a lecturer and has been a panelist as a presenter, speaker, and mediator over the years. In his lectures, Rensch talks about the game of chess, entrepreneurship, esports, and other subjects.

In 2017, Rensch was the presenter of the lecture "Chess and the Art of War: Strategies That Win," featuring Magnus Carlsen at the Milken Institute. During that event, Carlsen made a simultaneous exhibition against ten opponents, while Rensch explained the games and drew parallels between chess and business.[30]

Two years later, Rensch hosted a chess and machine learning panel at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. During the conference, Robert Hess played a simultaneous match against conference attendants. Rensch explained multiple chess concepts, how chess engines approach the game, and what humans can learn with them.[31]

Rensch made his second appearance in the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2020 as a panelist. Like in the previous year, he was accompanied by Robert Hess, who this time played a blindfolded simultaneous match against four players. Other speakers included Daryl Morey, John Urschel, and Neil Paine. Rensch spoke about what chess could teach other sports, from rating systems to cheat detection.[32]

Rensch returned to the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in 2021, held online due to COVID-19 restrictions. In that year, Rensch was the moderator of a panel composed by Daryl Morey, Robert Hess, Hikaru Nakamura, and Jennifer Shahade. The panel discussed the changes caused by the chess boom, propelled in large part by Netflix's miniseries The Queen's Gambit.[33]

In 2022, Rensch lectured at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference for a fourth consecutive occasion as part of a panel alongside Robert Hess, Daryl Morey, Jennifer Yu, and Ella Papanek. Together, they discussed the impact of chess engines on the game, how chess adapted, and lessons other sports can take from it.[34]

Other work

[edit]
Rensch in 2015

Rensch helped Jake Goldberger direct the chess scenes in the independent film Life of a King.[35]

Rensch co-hosted the podcast Coffeehouse Blunders for two seasons with James Montemagno where they discussed multiple subjects related to chess, including neural networks, openings, critiques of each episode of The Queen's Gambit, and more.[36]

Rensch has also been a guest at different podcasts, Ben Johnson's Perpetual Podcast,[37] and US Chess' Ladies Knight.[38]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Scottsdale boy nears state record in chess". AZcentral.com.
  2. ^ "Interview with IM Daniel Rensch". Elizabeth Spiegel's blog. July 31, 2010.
  3. ^ "Member Profile: Daniel Rensch". Chess.com.
  4. ^ "Friday Night Action Crosstable". United States Chess Federation. USCF.
  5. ^ "2000 National Junior High School Championship". United States Chess Federation. USCF.
  6. ^ "Daniel Rensch". chessgames.com. Chessgames Services LLC.
  7. ^ a b "FIDE Title Applications". FIDE.
  8. ^ "Road to GM: Not Broken". The United States Chess Federation.
  9. ^ "2008 Berkeley International Crosstable". United States Chess Federation. USCF.
  10. ^ Polgar, Susan. "Polgar: Rensch fulfills longtime dream at SPICE Cup Tournament". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
  11. ^ "2019 Denver Open Crosstable". United States Chess Federation. USCF.
  12. ^ "Video Series on Rook Endings". Chess.com. December 18, 2010.
  13. ^ "Video Series on Isolated Queen Pawns". Chess.com. December 22, 2010.
  14. ^ "Pawn Structure 101 Video Series". Chess.com. March 2015.
  15. ^ "Chess Video Library". Chess.com. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  16. ^ "The Principles of the Opening | Chess for Beginners". Chess.com. June 28, 2011.
  17. ^ "Tutorials - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  18. ^ a b c "Danny Resch | Chess Celebrities". Chess.com. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  19. ^ "Bullet Chess Championship Guide". Chess.com. April 7, 2019.
  20. ^ "PRO Chess League Finals Coverage". Twitch.
  21. ^ "2018 Speed Chess Championship Guide". Chess.com. December 2, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
  22. ^ Team (CHESScom), Chess com (December 23, 2020). "PogChamps 3: All The Information". Chess.com. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  23. ^ "2017 Isle of Man International Results". Chess-Results.
  24. ^ "Twitch Rivals Komodo Boss Rush". Twitch.
  25. ^ Pinhata (PedroPinhata), Pedro. "2021 Chess.com Awards Winners". Chess.com. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  26. ^ "Tournament Director History". United States Chess Federation.
  27. ^ "Magnus Carlsen Headlines Chess.com Championship". prweb.
  28. ^ "2019 Speed Chess Championship Guide". Chess.com. March 8, 2019.
  29. ^ Team (CHESScom), Chess com. "Chess.com Rapid Chess Championship 2022: All The Information". Chess.com. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  30. ^ "| Milken Institute". milkeninstitute.org. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  31. ^ Pete (Pete) (February 24, 2019). "Rensch To Host Chess And Machine Learning Panel At MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference". Chess.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  32. ^ "Dark Arts: What the Sports World Can Learn From Chess - Panel Discussion and Chess Simul With GM Robert Hess | MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference". www.sloansportsconference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  33. ^ "Beyond the Gambit: Chess' Big Move | MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference". www.sloansportsconference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  34. ^ "Chess and Machines: The Future of the World's Oldest Game | MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference". www.sloansportsconference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  35. ^ Graaham, Catie (February 5, 2013). "Chess Master Masters Movies". Payson Roundup. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015.
  36. ^ soundbite.fm. "Coffeehouse Blunders". Coffeehouse Blunders. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  37. ^ Podcast, Perpetual Chess. "Perpetual Chess Podcast - EP.18 - International Master Danny Rensch, Chess.com Vice President". Google Podcasts. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
  38. ^ Shahade, Jennifer (September 18, 2019). "Ladies Knight with IM Danny Rensch [PODCAST]". US Chess.org. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
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