Written by Sunny
Modified & Updated: 11 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
Emory Andrew Tate Jr., an American chess International Master, was a trailblazer in the world of chess. His life was filled with remarkable achievements and contributions to the game. Here are 20 facts about Emory Tate that showcase his life and legacy.
Early Life
Emory Andrew Tate Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 27, 1958. He was one of nine children in his family. His father, Emory Andrew Tate Sr., was an attorney, and his mother, Emma Cox Tate, ran a truck-leasing business.
Education and Military Service
Tate served in the United States Air Force as a sergeant, where he excelled as a linguist. He learned Spanish through being an exchange student in Mexico and was chosen to participate in the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language, Spanish Division during the summer of 1975.
Chess Career
Tate’s highest FIDE rating was 2413 on the October 2006 rating list, which made him the 72nd highest-rated player in the United States and among the top 2000 active players in the world. His peak USCF rating was 2508 on December 30, 1996. He received the international master title in 2007.
Chess Teaching
In 1993, Tate gave chess lessons to elementary school students in Goshen, Indiana, as part of a community school board program.
Chess Style
Tate earned a reputation as a creative and dangerous tactician on the U.S. chess circuit, where he won about 80 tournament games against grandmasters.
Chess Achievements
Tate won the United States Armed Forces Chess Championship five times. He won the Indiana state championship six times (1995, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007) and was inducted into the Indiana State Chess Hall of Fame in 2005. He also won the Alabama state championship in 2010.
Family Life
In 1985, Tate married an English woman with whom he had three children, the oldest of whom is Andrew Tate. The couple divorced in 1997, and his ex-wife returned to Luton, England with their children.
Father of Social Media Influencers
He is the father of prominent social media influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate.
Chess Legacy
Tate’s older son, Andrew, said: “I never saw him study chess books, ever. He also hated chess computers and never used them. He just sat down and played.”
Nickname
Fellow Air Force veteran and 2003 U.S. Armed Forces Chess Champion Leroy Hill said: “All the players had street names. Emory’s was ‘Extraterrestrial’ because we thought his play was out of this world.”
Death
On October 17, 2015, Tate died after suffering a heart attack during a tournament in Milpitas, California.
Tributes
After his death, a number of grandmasters and international masters wrote tributes to him.
Legacy Recognition
In 2016, the Alabama Senate passed a resolution “celebrating [his] life and legacy.
Chess Warrior
Daaim Shabazz wrote a book about Tate’s life and games, titled “Triple Exclam!!! The Life and Games of Emory Tate, Chess Warrior.
Language Skills
In addition to his chess prowess, Tate was also a skilled linguist. He learned Spanish through an exchange program in Mexico and was chosen to participate in the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Language, Spanish Division.
Military Service
Tate served in the United States Air Force as a sergeant. His linguistic skills were highly valued in the military.
Chess Influence
Tate’s influence on the game of chess extends beyond his own achievements. His unique style of play and his dedication to the game have inspired many other players.
Community Involvement
Tate was not just a chess player; he was also a community leader. In 1993, he gave chess lessons to elementary school students in Goshen, Indiana, as part of a community school board program.
Chess Philosophy
Tate was known for his creative and dangerous tactics on the chessboard. He believed in the power of the mind and the importance of strategy in chess.
Family Legacy
Tate’s legacy continues through his children, particularly his sons Andrew and Tristan Tate, who have become prominent figures in the world of social media.
Conclusion
Emory Tate was a remarkable figure in the world of chess. His achievements, contributions, and influence on the game have left a lasting legacy. His life story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating the power of dedication, strategy, and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Emory Tate?
Emory Tate was an American chess International Master known for his creative and dangerous tactics on the chessboard. He was also the father of prominent social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate.
What were some of Emory Tate’s notable achievements in chess?
Tate won the United States Armed Forces Chess Championship five times and the Indiana state championship six times. He also won the Alabama state championship in 2010.
How did Emory Tate contribute to his community?
In 1993, Tate gave chess lessons to elementary school students in Goshen, Indiana, as part of a community school board program.
What was Emory Tate’s approach to chess?
Tate was known for his creative and dangerous tactics on the chessboard. He believed in the power of the mind and the importance of strategy in chess.
How is Emory Tate’s legacy being carried forward?
Tate’s legacy continues through his children, particularly his sons Andrew and Tristan Tate, who have become prominent figures in the world of social media. His life and games have also been documented in the book “Triple Exclam!!! The Life and Games of Emory Tate, Chess Warrior” by Daaim Shabazz.
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