From the NM Alex Dunn correspondence chess column 'The Check is in the Mail' in the <April 1986 Chess Life and Review>

Dr. Robert Reynolds, a master in both postal and over the board play, is a psychologist at Fordham University. In the following letter, he offers a personal view and a challenge to computer programmers: "The question of how strong chess computers might be in correspondence chess may be important to both the development of computers and to the understanding of human chess skill. Thus far, the emphasis has been upon developing main-frame computers which calculate as quickly as possible. This strategy has lifted a few computers as high as 2200 in over the board play. In the case of postal chess, one might suppose that a match between Belle, HI TECH or Cray Blitz and a human would favor the analytical power of the computer. However, we need not worry much about it. Adriaan de Groot showed some 20 years ago that the higher levels of human chess are distinguished by quick sight of the board and analysis of fewer total moves. Search heuristics and general positional evaluation become more and more important for humans at just that level of playing strength where computers emphasize long-winded algorithmic calculation. Until there is a new generation of computers capable of parallel-processing, current computers will rarely be able to calculate far enough ahead (even if given three days) to reach a decisive outcome. I agree with one of my postal opponents, U.S. co-champion Ken Plesset, that 'Chess is 90 percent tactics, but the [other] 10 percent is more important.'

"My prediction is that present-day computers would be no better in a relative sense at correspondence chess. In postal terms, this would be a rating between 1650 and 1750 [JLJ - the postal chess rating system was different at this time]. But if anyone still believes that computers are a threat - or even a possible aid at the higher levels - <I will wager $500 on a match of four games, played under the same rules for human postal correspondence chess>. My opponent may consult books, but he cannot have access to or seek adjustment from auxiliary programs of either the mechanical or human variety. Whatever the result we would certainly learn from such a match." - <Sincerely, Robert I. Reynolds.>

From the <September 1988>, NM Alex Dunne postal chess column 'The Check is in the Mail: The Creative Edge' in <Chess Life and Review> magazine:

"Robert Reynolds is a name the postal world should keep in mind. We will probably be hearing much more about this gentleman from New York City. Robert recently won the 6USCCC with a powerful 13 1/2 - 1/2 score...

Robert Ivan Reynolds

(7/20/50 to 3/10/13)

Dr. Bob, as he was lovingly known, passed away leaving a void in many people's lives. It was a full and fulfilling life even though cut short by cancer. <As a teenager, he became chess champion of Santa Barbara> and was a guest lecturer at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on astronomy. Bob attended UCSB and did his graduate work at the University of Chicago and Rutgers University. Upon receiving his Ph.D. in Psychology, Bob taught at Nasson College in Maine, and Fordham and Yeshiva Universities in New York. At the age of 44, he became interested in natural medicine and entered the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona where he received his ND. Upon his return to Santa Barbara, he set-up his practice. He also taught multiple classes in health at Santa Barbara City College, had a radio program, <was a Master Chess Champion, published two books and had just completed a third book before he became ill.> Among Bob's extensive adventures, his travels included Yugoslavia, Bhutan, Iceland and Shiraz, Iran where he barely got out of the country before the hostage takeover. Bob loved helping people; that was his primary goal in life....