Blair Cramer

Tutor: Chess: Levels 1, 2 & 3; Rummy Tiles

Blair Cramer emigrated from Sri Lanka in 1962 to continue a career in banking. He switched to real estate in 1985.

On joining U3A Melbourne City he enrolled for Chess and the Choir. In 2007 he took over as Chess tutor and introduced a once-secret, step-by-step Russian method of chess training for beginners and intermediate students. Players at all levels are made to feel welcome to practise their own skills in a friendly environment.

His interest in Western and Eastern philosophy led to a series of short courses  in 2011 (New Insights), based on two books: The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck and Buddhism for Busy People by David Michie. The first book is a best seller and the second introduces the profound idea that the underlying state of our minds is dissatisfaction (suffering), its source, its cessation and the Path.

Blair was made a life member of U3A Melbourne City in 2014, and is an avid Radio National listener and keen golfer.

As well as chess, Blair also tutors a class in Rummy Tiles, a game that is very easy to learn and is fast becoming popular.