Theophilus Augustus Thompson (April 21, 1855 - after 1874) is considered the first African-American chess player recognized in the United States.[1] In addition to competing in tournaments, he wrote a book Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate published in 1873.
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Thompson was born into slavery in Frederick, Maryland[2][3][4] as were his parents.[3] After emancipation, in 1868, he worked as a house servant in Carroll County, Maryland.[3]
In April 1872, John K. Hanshew, the publisher of The Maryland Chess Review, gave Thompson a chessboard and some chess problems to solve. He showed an immediate ability to learn the game and master its rules.[4][1] Thompson's fame grew and he competed in a number of tournaments.[5]
He gained lasting fame for his book of endgame positions: Chess Problems: Either to Play and Mate (1873).[4] It was published by Orestes Brownson Jr., the editor of the Dubuque Chess Journal.[3]
Thompson disappeared soon after he gained prominence.[2] It was rumored that he may have been the victim of a racial lynching, but his disappearance is a mystery.[4]
The US Chess Center in Washington D.C. hosts the Theophilus Thompson Chess Club in his honor on Saturday afternoons.[2][6]