Jackson Showalter facts for kids
Jackson Whipps Showalter (born February 5, 1859, in Minerva, Kentucky – died February 5, 1935, in Lexington, Kentucky) was a very famous American chess player. He was so good that he won the U.S. Chess Championship five times! He held the title in 1890, 1892, 1892–1894, 1895–96, and 1906–1909.
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Chess Career Highlights
Winning the U.S. Championship
Jackson Showalter was a top chess player in the United States. He won the U.S. Chess Championship several times. He beat players like Max Judd in 1891/92 and Albert Hodges in 1894. He also defeated S. Lipschütz in 1895 and Emil Kemény in 1896. These wins showed he was one of the best.
However, he also lost some championship matches. He lost to S. Lipschütz in 1892 and Albert Hodges in 1894. He also faced Harry Nelson Pillsbury twice, losing both times. Later, he lost his title to Frank Marshall in 1909.
Other Important Matches
Showalter played many other chess matches against strong opponents. He played against William H.K. Pollock in 1891. He also faced the famous Emanuel Lasker in 1892/93. Showalter played against Adolf Albin in 1894 and Dawid Janowski four times. These matches helped him improve his skills.
Tournament Successes
Showalter also did very well in many chess tournaments. He often finished in first or second place. Here are some of his best results:
- Cincinnati 1888: He won first place without losing a game.
- St. Louis 1890: He won first place.
- Chicago 1890: He won first place.
- Lexington 1891: He won first place.
- Buffalo 1894: He won first place.
- Excelsior (Minnesota) 1915: He won first place.
- New York 1900: He finished second.
- Chicago 1916: He finished second.
He also played for the U.S. team in international matches against Great Britain. These were played by cable, meaning moves were sent over long distances. From 1896 to 1901, he had a great record, winning four games and losing only one.
About Jackson Showalter
| This section uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. |
Jackson Showalter was known as "the Kentucky Lion." This nickname came from his home state of Kentucky. It also described his thick hair, which looked a bit like a lion's mane. The name also hinted at his strong and powerful chess playing style.
His wife, Nellie, was also a very good chess player. She was one of America's best female players. She even won a special game against Emanuel Lasker, where she played with a disadvantage to make it fair.
Showalter also made contributions to chess theory. A specific way to start a game, called a variation of the Queen's Gambit Accepted, is named after him. It starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3.
He also used a famous chess strategy many years before another famous player, José Raúl Capablanca. This strategy is called the "Capablanca Simplifying Manoeuvre." Showalter used it in the 1890s, showing his advanced understanding of the game.
Jackson Showalter was honored for his chess achievements. He was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame on August 7, 2010. His great-granddaughter, Amy Showalter, accepted the award for his family. A book about his life is also being written.
See also
In Spanish: Jackson Showalter para niños
