He earned the rank of American "master" by the age of 14, was a New York State Open champion and soon became a "senior master," the highest national title.

14岁时，获得美国国际象棋“大师”称号，在纽约州公开赛上获得冠军后，很快成为“高级大师”。这是象棋界最高国家称号。