Jackson Showalter

Jackson Whipps Showalter ( born February 4, 1860 in Minerva, Kentucky; † February 6, 1935 in Lexington, Kentucky) was an American chess player.

Showalter was a teacher and therefore took part only in the school holidays in chess tournaments. Here he succeeded again and again in the course of his career to win against the strongest chess players of his time, as against Steinitz, Maroczy, Pillsbury, Marshall, Chigorin and Lousy.

He often called chess master out to duels. Here he defeated Janowski, Albin and Whitaker.

From 1890 to 1892 he was an American master. Beginning of the 20th century, he played with several European tournaments. In 1904 he finished third in the Master Tournament of Cambridge Springs 5th place (out of 16 participants).

From 1906 to 1909 Showalter won the American championship again. Then he took a chess break. In 1915 he made ​​a comeback and was again champion of America. In 1926 he withdrew from the tournament sport.

His best historical Elo rating was 2676th This he achieved in September 1897.

In chess circles he was nicknamed The Lion of Kentucky, once because of his hair style ( lion's mane ), but mainly because of his sharp game.

Showalter was married, his wife Nelly was also a good chess player.