Danny King, the Moderator for Kasparov vs. the World, became a professional chess player at the age of 19 and earned the rank of Grandmaster at 26. His achievements are impressive by any standards: Winner, Sydney (Australia) Open, 1988; Winner, Geneva Open, 1990; Winner, Calcutta Open, 1992; Winner, Dublin Open, 1995. A longtime member of a British National League team, he has also played in the German National League since 1985 and the Swiss National League since 1996. Danny helped England defeat the USA and the Soviet Union in the Visa Championships in Iceland in 1990.

This year Danny is continuing his League chess activities and will visit New York for a press conference on Kasparov vs. the World. When asked if he has played against the four Chess Analysts, he said, "Heavens, no! They are all young, eager and talented - absolutely terrifying!" It's nice to know that our World Team has such big guns in its arsenal.

Danny's work this summer as a guest coach at the Berkeley Chess School in California was interrupted by our upcoming event and by the arrival of his new baby! This new father's chess activities are in no way limited to playing in competitions. He has written eleven books, including "Kasparov-Deep Blue - The Ultimate Man v. Machine Challenge" published in 1997, and scripted chess CDs and videos. In 1994-1995, Danny was featured in Audi/Volkswagen's United Kingdom advertising campaign.

As a TV chess commentator, Danny King has appeared in a long list of special feature programs including the World Championships held in London (1993) and New York (1995), Intel's Speed Chess Grand Prix, and events on ESPN, BBC, Channel 4 TV, Star TV in Asia and many others. He lectures on chess for IBM, Intel and Disney, and served as MC at Disney's World Championships for Kids in Paris last year.

Few players have contributed as much to the world of chess as Danny King. We are fortunate to have him as our Moderator. Danny will be hanging out in the chess chat rooms to talk with you about the event, so be sure to say hi!