F.J. Kaiser (Winner of the English Open, 1931)

[DrCaesar]

Does anyone know anything about this notable player, who was an active figure in the English draughts world from at least the Twenties until his death at 69 in 1952?

I assume the Kaiser Cup, a London GAYP tournament, was named for him. Does it still exist?

Thanks,
Austin Kaiser

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I find several references to F. Kaiser in checkers online-museum including announcement about his death on 10/26, 1952.

Here is what is written about his win in English Open in 1931:

4/6- ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNEY at LONDON.
F. KAISER WINS TITLE. HIS FINALS OPPONENT WAS LEONARD CLAXTON, WHO RESIGNED AFTER 6 DRAWN GAMES, THEN REFUSING TO PLAY THE BARRED OPENINGS.

You must be very proud of your … granddad I assume ?

AM

[DrCaesar]

I would be proud if I were somehow related to him, but unfortunately I can't credibly make that claim. I've been reading through the online museum and came across his name, and then read a reference somewhere else to the Kaiser Cup and figured it was named for him.

I wonder what was going on with Claxton at that tourney! I believe he was a very formidable player.

Thanks, Alex.

(BTW, received 'Sixth' and haven't been able to put it down. I found your comments about the psychological aspects of playing against Ron King very interesting!)

[liam stephens]

There are also two pictures of F.J. Kaiser in the Photos section of the Online Museum site.(Exhibits 080 LS and 086 LS)
There is an obituary of him in the British Draughts Journal No 5, Nov-Dec 1952 page 67.
Here is a short extract:
"... an Austrian by birth but a Briton by naturalisation, (he) became interested in the game about the turn of the century,
won the London Junior Championship in 1907, and subsequently the major title itself on three occasions.
... and secured the English title in 1931. "

I believe he donated the Kaiser Cup to the London Draughts Association.
The Kaiser Cup was an annual LDA event for beginners and newcomers to the game, and could be won only once
by any player. Previous winners were not eligible to enter the competition.

I think Claxton resigned in their match because he did not agree with the use of the Barred Openings for tie splitting.

[tgf]

[DrCaesar]

Thank you, Liam and tgf!

I wondered if he was an immigrant, and it turns out he was. Interesting stuff.