Marion Tinsley

Marion Tinsley (February 3, 1927 - April 3, 1995) is considered the greatest checkers player ever. He was world champion from 1955-1958 and from 1975-1991. Tinsley never lost a World Championship match. He withdrew from championship play during the years 1958 - 1975, relinquishing the title during this time.

Tinsley retired from championship play in 1991. In 1992, He defeated the Chinook computer program 4 - 2 in a match. Chinook had placed second at the U.S. Nationals in 1990, which usually qualifies one to compete for a national title. However, the American Checkers Federation[?] and the English Draughts Association[?] refused to allow a computer to play for the title. Tinsley, however, was interested in playing Chinook, and the 1992 match was organized.

In 1994, a second match with Chinook was organized, but Tinsley had to withdraw for health reasons. Don Lafferty[?], rated the number two player in the world at the time, replaced Tinsley and fought Chinook to a draw.