Chicago-native Emory Tate Passes Away at CA Tournament

International Master Emory Tate, Jr. has passed away at the age of 56.

Tate was born on Chicago's westside but grew up in northern Indiana where years later the Emory Tate Extravaganza was being held in his honor. Still, the Chicago-area was home to many of Tate's amazing chess accomplishments.

Tributes are pouring in for the much-admired Tate who claimed more than 70 victories over grandmasters despite never achieving that status himself. His US Chess ratings peak was 2504 after the 1997 US Masters in Oak Brook when he tied for ninth place with authors Larry Kaufman and Josh Waitzkin, as well as Illinois' own Andrew Karklins, among others.

A remarkable piece was posted on Chessbase by Todd Andrews.

GM Dmitry Gurevich told the ICA, "Emory Tate had a big chess talent and uncompromising style."  Dmitry continued  "[He] once he told me that he spoke Russian. I was surprised and gave him a difficult sentence from Russian slang to translate -- which he did brilliantly!"

Tate had significant military service and won the Armed Forces Championship a remarkable five times. He was Indiana state champion six times including, most recently, 2007.

Long-time Illinois player and TD Daniel Parmet is quoted on the US Chess website "you are not a real chess player if you do not have an Emory Tate story."

Earlier this year, Tate won the highly-competitive Pathena Open in the Netherlands, winning his first six rounds to guarantee the championship rather early. See recap on Chess Musings.

Heading into the third round at last weekend's Sam Shankland Championships in northern California, Tate was 1.5/2. He was engaged in a match with Expert Yuan Wang when he felt ill and asked for someone to call 911.

FM Mike Klein compiled a rich collection of observations in his Chess.com posting. Klein quotes GM Maurice Ashley who called Tate a trailblazer for African-Americans in chess. Said Ashley, "His super-tactical style as well as his incredibly entertaining post-mortems were legendary. His charisma and charm captivated anyone who met him, and his love for chess permeated every pore of his being."

Chess Drum observed "When you see your name next to Emory Tate's on the pairings chart, adrenaline may rush through your body as you prepare [to] face a vicious predator. One of the most feared players in the U.S., Tate has built a reputation over the years as a swashbuckling tactician who will try to slash you to bits as brilliantly as possible… "

In an undated profile on Chess Drum, Daaim Shabazz continues: "What is most amazing about Tate is his ability to analyze complicated variations with amazing clarity and speed."

"His post-mortem analysis sessions often draw huge crowds (some standing in chairs) to witness his entertaining spectacle. Tate will pepper his vivid commentary with "triple exclam!" while rattling off a series of moves... During his sessions, the crowds are spellbound by his amazing ideas, humorous barbs and incisive color commentary."

Anyone wishing to share an Emory Tate memory, anecdote or game is welcome to contact this reporter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.