Kenneth Kirkland was transformed from a person who loved solving puzzles to a chess artisan. Continually practicing the skills of the game, he proved an uncanny ability in problem solving.

The Legend Was Born

When Ken Kirkland played he was fast, In timed 5 minute games, people would comment; “There goes Captain Kirk in warp speed!”

The Nick Name

The Captain Kirk name came from the popular show, Star Trek.  It’s opening statements soon became synonymous with Ken Kirkland’s chess ability.

Many stated about his play:◦“Kirk you take me places on the chessboard no man has gone before; you make moves that are out of this world.”

Embracing the Name

Coined “Captain Kirk”, Ken enjoyed the play on words. Later, in deference to the original Captain Kirk and for self image; Ken Kirkland changed the spelling to Kaptain Kirk.

The Equation

• Kenneth Kirkland =  Kaptain Kirk = KKChess