The Golden Age of Checkers

[liam stephens]

Undoubtedly the 18th and 19th centuries.

"Sporting newspapers of the 18th and 19th Centuries* frequently carried accounts of the latest draughts matches between the top professionals of the day; these ran alongside reports of horse-riding, pugilism and other events in the Sporting Calendar and draughts received its fair share of publicity, the publicity we are told is so vital to keeping a sport alive.

*The period is usually considered the Golden Age of Draughts. In those days, strange to say, games were for gaming; gentlemen of leisure and of class - strictly amateur of course - wagered heavily on sport whether it be horse-racing, cards, or games of skill, included in which and most prominent at the time was draughts. Amateurism, that cult of the lower middle-class (apeing the gentry) had yet to be born.

The end of the Age of Giants – professionals stalking the land, closely guarded by their patrons and backers, looking for prey – coincided with two trends, which appeared on the scene virtually simultaneously and were to become almost inextricably intertwined. I mean the rise of Amateurism and the forming of National Organisations for the promoting of the game. "

Oldbury's Ency - pages 120-121.

[Danny_Alvarez]

very well quoted Liam .... you beat me to it
I paid particular attention to that passage because he happens to mention the columns written in the english speaking countries and mentions Australia
Since i had no idea about how things were in those times i enjoyed mr Oldbury's account a lot and it is very interesting and enlightening reading indeed.
I also had no idea about the troubles that checkers in america had gone through with "three separate national Championship tournaments had been staged in 1946, each supposedly played for the American title". page 123

I thoroughly recommend the read very interesting to know where we come from and that we aren't the only ones with problems now.

cheers
Danny

[Danny_Alvarez]

I think that organization and growth are inevitable .... and also organization and a certain faction controlling the sport are inevitable as well (he mentions the 'yorkshire mafia'.... i would retort look at FIFA today )

I think that we all have our different opinions on this and unfortunately Mr Oldbury's run in with bureaucrats turned him off organizations in general ...

Gambling isnt the answer but it would be nice to see our game grow again.... he mentions in there how under Mr Tom Westlake's help the EDA went from 40 members back up to 1000 and then the trend reversed after his death.

there is hope if there is unity

cheers
Danny

[Alex_Moiseyev]

if setting up organized gambling is the answer, and probably wouldn't help our public image

And what is our public image ?

[Danny_Alvarez]

Does anyone know if checkers ever got a hold in india? i mean after all they were part of the 'empire' ....
I know this is off topic but i would appreciate it if anybody knows anything about this.

I dont think there is anything wrong with poker .... but i think it is not just the large sums of money .... that attract the crowds.... it is also the "luck" factor.... any schmuck can get a good hand and beat a world champ....
they attract them with that.... in our game that is not present .... having said that poker has been run very smoothly ... i am personally impressed with how well-run they are.

cheers
Danny

[Eric Strange]

I'd give my left one for checkers to be a poker clone and 1/100th of the people they have.

[Danny_Alvarez]

well considering that they have millions of viewers for their televised circuit (it is not so much a series of tournaments as more of a professional circuit like golf or tennis) hundreds of millions of revenue, tournaments attended by thousands on every continent on earth
(bar antarctica....but you never know what those scientists are doing down there )

I would also give my left one to emulate them Eric ....we are talking about earlobes right? last time i made a guess here it was wrong so i wont venture too far this time lol

cheers
Danny

[George Hay]

For me, the Golden Age of Checkers is an over two century span from 1756 to 1960. 1756 was the year the first checkers book in English was published, An Introduction To The Game Of Draughts by William Payne. New Years Day 1960 was the last day of Tom Wiswell's last defense of his GAYP World Championship. What makes checkers tick is a study in itself. What keeps checkers going is the three P's: Promotion, Promotion, Promotion. There have been great promoters to the game who have kept it going, and managed to make a living doing it! I would love to see blitz checkers on YouTube, what a great way to promote the game! The ACF is right on target in promoting the game with a blitz tournament! --George Hay

[Jay H]

Given the average age of tournament players, I suppose some lamenting the "good old days" is inevitable-- heck, I even do it myself on a smaller scale. But I'm curious: what would you all consider the "golden age" of the game? What period best represents checkers' success and respectability, and what made it so successful?

Great subject material, John.
IMHO, the golden age of American Checkers ended with the Cold War.....the American News Media whipped the American public into believing that everything (meaning the future of American economics, civility, education, etc., etc.) depeneded on American superiority in any ,and every form.
The Soviets did not compete in "Checkers" as we know it....they played Chess.
This coincided with rise of Bobby Fischer as an American Chess player. His career as a Chess player is, of course, well documented in the American press.
It is no coincidence that at this very time, almost ALL American major Newspaper publishers dropped their Checkers columns in favor of Chess Columns.
Sadly, it was at this very time that the best (BEST) Checkers player of all time began his reign, which is another subject.
With that stated, my opinion is that the golden age ....(and this is strictly my own opinion of American Checkers) was the 1890-1940ish era.
Regardless, the game has struggled, but has SURVIVED (!!!!) to this day.
GOD BLESS THE GAME !!!!!!!

Best Regards

Jay "call me Bump" H

[jaguar72]

Given the average age of tournament players, I suppose some lamenting the "good old days" is inevitable-- heck, I even do it myself on a smaller scale. But I'm curious: what would you all consider the "golden age" of the game? What period best represents checkers' success and respectability, and what made it so successful?

Great subject material, John.
IMHO, the golden age of American Checkers ended with the Cold War.....the American News Media whipped the American public into believing that everything (meaning the future of American economics, civility, education, etc., etc.) depeneded on American superiority in any ,and every form.
The Soviets did not compete in "Checkers" as we know it....they played Chess.
This coincided with rise of Bobby Fischer as an American Chess player. His career as a Chess player is, of course, well documented in the American press.
It is no coincidence that at this very time, almost ALL American major Newspaper publishers dropped their Checkers columns in favor of Chess Columns.

Sadly, it was at this very time that the best (BEST) Checkers player of all time began his reign, which is another subject.
With that stated, my opinion is that the golden age ....(and this is strictly my own opinion of American Checkers) was the 1890-1940ish era.
Regardless, the game has struggled, but has SURVIVED (!!!!) to this day.
GOD BLESS THE GAME !!!!!!!

Best Regards

Jay "call me Bump" H

Great stuff!!

Both eloquent and informative (as usual), Mr. H.

Always a pleasure.

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/Jaguar72

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Golden years of checkers is still on the way. I can't recall any specific period of time where checkers as game, sport and art would meet all requirements to be named "golden age". I also don't know if we ever fit into this. We lost tempo in 1950's - 1960's and now we are far behind chess or 10x10.

I don't blame anyone specifically, checkers has it's own fate and everyone who played and loved game contributed to it's success and failure.

[Jay H]

Golden years of checkers is still on the way. I can't recall any specific period of time where checkers as game, sport and art would meet all requirements to be named "golden age". I also don't know if we ever fit into this. We lost tempo in 1950's - 1960's and now we are far behind chess or 10x10.

I don't blame anyone specifically, checkers has it's own fate and everyone who played and loved game contributed to it's success and failure.

Of course, Alex......
and I wish you the best in your upcoming match in the defense of your title.
AND, I am looking forward to watching the internet coverage of the match itself !!! If you have missed his earlier post, John Acker might get a chance to photo or video some of the Cleveland Library.....and, perhaps(??) he could also do an interview for the live broadcast ...(???)
These are the things that the game needs....along with a willingness (on your part) to participate.
I myself, am sooooo looking forward to hanging out with my PC, watching your match with Borghetti , live, with ( as Ingo suggested or perhaps someone else..???) a live "chat-room" , and being a part of it. I'll probably be having a brew or two while I watch it....but, that is between me and my wife.
Yes...the game has its own fate. Agreed.
I might add, the game will be remembered by its best players.....its Champions.
AND, by the determination and WILL of of its supporters.....
With all due respect to you.....
I am, most sincerly,
Jay Hinnershitz

[Jay H]

Great stuff!!

Both eloquent and informative (as usual), Mr. H.

Always a pleasure.

V/R,

Gary Jenkins/Jaguar72

Thanx Gary......
I am MOST looking forward to reading your thoughts on the subject....educate me brother.
The table , now, belongs to you......

Regards,

Jay " Don't call me Ray" Hinnershitz

[Alex_Moiseyev]

Jay, my 5 cents in WCM 2011 match promotion was ... I proposed to bring John Acker to arena and join with match team to utilize his skills and strengthness. Everyone does what (s)he can do best.

Best promoter of this match not me nor John or anyone else, this is Richard Beckwith who did all hard, "behind arena" work to make it happened. And he is probably the one who speak less than anyone else on this forum. We have to recognize his exceptional efforts and thanks him.

Alex

[Jay H]

Best promoter of this match not me nor John or anyone else, this is Richard Beckwith who did all hard, "behind arena" work to make it happened. And he is probably the one who speak less than anyone else on this forum. We have to recognize his exceptional efforts and thanks him.

Alex

I second that-- Rich's prep work has been top-notch!

Jay "I come from the Englebach clan" Hinnershitz