A biography by Richard Fortman

Don Morgan Lafferty, Grandmaster (1996 ACF Rating 2586), was born August 5th, 1933 in Barren County, Kentucky. First became interested in the game at an early age by playing with his uncle and grandfather. Later coached by Horace Steen, who was also young Walter Hellman's coach in Gary, Indiana in the early 1930s. Received a bachelor's degree in math and physics from Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green, Kentucky. With later graduate studies at both Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, he earned a master's degree in Math and Physics plus 30 hours for Rank One Teacher's Degree. He taught high school math and physics in Kentucky prior to retiring in 1988.


Many thanks to Richard Fortman for researching and writing my biography and the records given below. I have made a few minor changes for conciseness and further clarification. There were many tournaments I did not attend. However, because of lack of records, some events may not be given. We have been very careful to try to give accurate records, but if the reader finds an error, please send to me so I can correct this account. Also, please overlook my grammatical and typo errors. I have indeed been very fortunate for many years to have had as close friends and mentors the great players; Walter Hellman, Marion Tinsley, Edwin Hunt and Asa Long. Also, my good friend, Richard Fortman, has supplied me with wonderful play and much help for a long time. Whatever I have accomplished in our grand old game of checkers in a positive way is mainly due to their kindness and endless help - many thanks old dear friends.

- Don Lafferty - September 23, 1997


TOURNAMENT PLAY (Southern States)

OTHER TOURNAMENTS

US OPEN 3-MOVE TOURNAMENTS

US OPEN GAYP TOURNAMENTS

INTERNATIONAL MATCHES (USA vs Great Britian)

MATCH PLAY (WORLD - GAYP)

MATCH PLAY(WORLD 3-MOVE)

MATCH PLAY (3 MOVE EXHIBITIONS)

It is of note Don leads Chinook in total games of match and tournament play by the close score of 8 wins, 7 losses and 109 draws! This is over the period of time from the summer of 1990 to January 1995. As far as we know, Don is the only living man to have the score on Chinook!

TOURNAMENT PLAY

NORTHERN STATES (Lakeside, Ohio thru 1973)

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Don Lafferty on June 7, 1998. As a man, Don was exceedingly kind, a great friend of the Chinook team, and a fine gentleman.