Carl Sylvester "Buster" Smith (January 26, 1921 – October 8, 1992) was an eleven-time "Top Master" in the American Pool Checkers Association Division Championship.[1] He won the Top Master title in 1967, 1970, 1972–76, 1982–83, 1991, and 1992, and Master in 1968 and 1969.[2]

Carl "Buster" Smith
Carl Smith (right) during the WC international draughts 1972 against Andris Andreiko.
Personal information
Birth nameCarl Sylvester Smith
NicknameBuster
Born(1921-01-26)January 26, 1921
DiedOctober 8, 1992(1992-10-08) (aged 71)
Sport
SportDraughts

Early life and career edit

Smith attended Wendell Phillips High School. He served in Okinawa during World War II.[1]

He began playing in his native Chicago and was citywide champion by 17. He remained Chicago's best player until his death in 1992. He did not play for money, instead making his living working at the post office.[3][1]

In 1968, 1972, 1976, and 1978, Smith participated in the World Championships for the international draughts variant. His highest placement was 5th in 1976.

Web sources edit

  1. ^ a b c Langer, Adam (1993-02-11). "The Legend of Buster Smith". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2023-09-05.
  2. ^ "American Pool Checkers". Archived from the original on 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  3. ^ Homan Square Pool Checkers & Chess Club of Chicago Archived July 12, 2011, at the Wayback Machine

External links edit