The Checkers Games of Richard Jordan
Version reviewed
The Checkers Games of Richard Jordan
First Edition in 2009 – Totaling 200 pages.
Published by Jim Loy.
About the author
Jim Loy
Some of you will know Jim Loy. In his own words as of January 2021. ” I have lived my entire life in Montana (except for a few years in the Army, including Vietnam). I am 73 right now. I got a degree in mathematics and worked as a computer programmer. I am now retired. I got into checkers because I wanted to write a checkers program for my Apple ][+ computer. I joined the ACF and bought a pile of books. My checkers improved faster than the checkers program did and I became a moderately strong mail player. I created a WWW site with checkers pages. I designed a checkers diagram font. In 2005, I became the editor of the ACF Bulletin, which I still do. I’ve written a lot of checkers books, more than anyone, although Tom Wiswell and Richard Pask have sold more. I am coaching Lubabalo Kondlo by email. He calls me “oldman,” which he assures me is a sign of respect. I am currently writing the Best Checker Games of Walter Hellman. I have created a lot of checkers problems by correcting other people’s games and problems. I plan on living forever. Which has worked so far.”
Who was Richard Jordan?
Richard Jordan (1872-1911)
Jordan, a son of Irish parents, was born on 4 November 1872. In his early years, he did challenge the former world champion James Wyllie now over 70 years to a match which he did manage to win.
Enduring a setback at the Scottish tournament of 1893 where he lost to Robert Steward in the second round. He did recover quite well in the 1896 tournament winning it against James Ferrie who at the time was the current world champion by previously having defeated James Wyllie for the crown.
After his win of the Scottish tournament, he did play James Ferrie for the world title in a 40 game match and managed to win 4-3 with 33 draws.
His first challenger was by Robert Stewart, who had been Scottish champion from 1894 and 1895. He managed to defeat him by 4-2 and 33 draws.
Next in line was the American Champion Baker. With a drawn score 2-2 and 36 draws with Jordan retaining due to a draw clause.
Jordan became a professional player and went on tour, pitting his skill against all comers. In 1902, he defended his world crown again and defeated Harry Freedman by 7-1 with 21 draws. In 1903, he relinquished the world championship for business reasons.
Despite having stepped down from the world championship crown, he was part of the first International match against America where he scored an outstanding 13-0 and 27 draws. He did score the best individual result of all players.
Richard Jordan’s life ended tragically at the age of only 38. On 7 September 1911, he was knocked down in a street accident in Edinburgh and did not recover from his injuries.
Book index
The book misses an actual page index and list of opponents but has games grouped into openings near the end of the book.
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Content
Who is this book for
For all of you admirers of the history of the game or anybody who want to look at a player’s game close up in one space. Is it complete? No by no stretch as Richard Jordan played thousand of games. This book is the only one on the subject of Richard Jordan! A real must for collectors and lovers of the game.
Conclusion
It is a fine and short analysis of games that gives enough room for you to build up and make your own conclusions. Worth it for any draughts history lover, book collector, or admirer of good games.
Rating
Where to obtain
Jim Loy – moc.l1714002834iamg@171400283467yol1714002834mij1714002834
Other game books
- The Checkers Games of Elbert Lowder
- The Checkers Games of Harry Freedman
- The Legendary MFT
- Gould’s Memorable Matches
- More Memorable Matches
…and so many more…