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.