Not all chess games are timed, but every one carries an invisible clock—a reminder that the next encounter is never assured. When a player’s flag falls, the moments you intended to share are lost forever. One day, you’ll wake up to the realization that the last time you discussed linguistics with a friend during a game of chess was your final such occasion.
During his last years, Emory Tate and I taught chess at after school programs together four or five times a week. We would carpool as much as possible. On Monday, September 28, 2015, I picked him up from his home in Newark and we drove across the Dumbarton Bridge without hitting any traffic. Arriving to the neighborhood of our destination, I pulled into the Starbucks located on Marsh Road in Redwood City, California. We sat outside for what would be the last occasion we had time to enjoy tea together over a chessboard.
I was white and he was black. We didn’t use a clock. But his internal clock was ticking. Emory was always acutely aware of the passage of time. He had a unique talent for telling the time of day to the minute without looking at a clock. He was also acutely aware that his time would soon be up. He would remind me frequently that he was dying to which I would sometimes respond with “Aren’t we all?” But on this occasion, I responded by asking him if he would like me to take him to the nearby VA Hospital. He declined.
[Event “Our Last Game”]
[Site “Redwood City, California”]
[Date “09/28/2015”]
[White “Chris Torres”]
[Black “Emory Tate”]
[Result “0-1”]
1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d6 3. Nf3 Bg4 4. c3 Nf6 5. Nbd2 e5 6. Be2 exd4 7. O-O dxc3 8. bxc3 g6 9. Rb1 Bg7 10. Rxb7 O-O 11. Bb5 Bd7 12. Qa4 Rb8 13. Rxb8 Nxb8 14. Bxd7 Nfxd7 15. Qxa7 Nc5 16. Ba3 Nc6
Of course, I don’t normally blunder my Queen on the sixteenth move. However, I will always consider 16. Ba3 to be my favorite blunder. In the remaining time it took me to finish my tea, Emory shared some serious thoughts about his life. I sat quiet and listened to Emory Tate openly discuss his family experiences and regrets. These were the types of recollections that are rarely shared, even between close friends.
Emory Tate passed away ten years ago today. He was a good employee, a close friend and a complex person. Those fortunate enough to have been befriended by Emory Tate will always be grateful for the time spent with him. Those, who want to know more about this unique International Master should check out “Triple Exclam!!! The Life and Games of Emory Tate, Chess Warrior” by Daaim Shabazz.
