John William Collins (September 23, 1912 - December 2, 2001) or Jack Collins, was an influential American teacher of chess.[1]
Collins was born and raised in Newburgh, New York, but lived most of his life in New York City. He became a chess master in the 1930s. He was a major figure in the early days of modern organized chess, serving as the first correspondence chess editor of Chess Review magazine (which later merged with Chess Life). This program laid the groundwork for the correspondence chess conducted by the United States Chess Federation. He was one of the few players who excelled nationally at both correspondence and over-the-board play, winning the U.S. correspondence championship and ranking as one of the top OTB players in the U.S. He remained an active tournament player through the 1960s. He represented the United States in the first World Correspondence Chess Championship.
Collins taught many of America's great young chess players. The United States Chess Federation recognized him as the top American chess teacher of the 20th century.[1] A prolific author, he taught thousands of players through his books and articles, and was co-editor of the ninth edition of Modern Chess Openings. Collins was a major organizer and leader in New York City, with significant impact on the U.S. and world chess scenes, especially through the Collins Kids organization.
Collins's 1975 book My Seven Chess Prodigies included memoirs of a handful of his students who became some of America's greatest chess players, including: former world champion Bobby Fischer, grandmaster William Lombardy, New York Times chess columnist Robert Byrne and International Master Raymond Weinstein.
Collins used a wheelchair, but was assisted by his sister Ethel Boyd Collins, who was a registered nurse and brought him to chess events.