International Grandmaster Lev Alburt, three-time U.S. champion and former European champion, is one of the most sought-after chess teachers in the world. He lives in New York. New Yorker Al Lawrence is one of the most popular modern chess authors. A former high school and college teacher with advanced degrees in instructional techniques, he specializes in applying modern teaching theory to chess. He is also a recipient of the Chess Journalist of the Year award.