LM Dr. Dana Mackenzie is a USCF Life Master, a PhD mathematician, and an award-winning mathematics, science journalist and author. LM Dana Mackenzie started playing tournament chess during the "Fischer boom" of 1971-72 and never quit. Champion of North Carolina in 1985 & 1987, he became a master in 1988. Mackenzie now lives in Santa Cruz, CA and runs a chess club for kids at the local library. His passion for chess and his enthusiasm for teaching is unmistakable. .

Life Master Dana Mackenzie introduces the concepts and shows examples of hows how to effectively deal with loose pieces, cross pins, Alekhines block and other blocks and The Hook and Ladder trick.