He has not played much competitive chess in recent years, preferring to concentrate on a law career.

Since 2003, he has not played competitive chess, due to teaching commitments.

Ill health and his two writing careers led him to give up competitive chess after 1851.

This year he dropped competitive chess in favor of tennis.

He is currently taking a break from competitive chess.

He gave up competitive chess for seven years, from 1924 to 1931, to complete his secondary education.

He stopped playing competitive chess in 2003 in order to spend more time writing books.

Once Fine completed his doctorate, he did play some more competitive chess.

He later quit competitive chess for four years to complete his law degree.

He was an early advocate of speeding up competitive chess.