The king of chess in St. Louis
By Joe Holleman
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
05/08/2009
At first glance, Charles Lawton displays nothing extraordinary: deliberate gait, quiet voice, slight smile.
“Call me Charles,” he says on introduction.
But around St. Louis chess boards, he is “The Man.
“Lawton, 56, of University City, is the only local player invited to the U.S. Chess Championship, which begins today in St. Louis.
He is the second-highest-ranked player in Missouri and has reached the level of national master.
When he recently walked unexpectedly into the St. Louis Chess Club and Scholastic Center, it did not take long for every player to pause, watch him for a few moments, then pay respects:
“Hey, Charles.” “How’s it goin’, Charles?” “Are you playing tonight, Charles?”
And it did not take long for the deliberate, quiet Lawton to become the confident, charming Lawton — making jokes at his own expense and breaking into a laugh that is part chuckle, part cackle and completely contagious.
“I think I’m the hospitality player,” he said with a grin. “I was invited so everyone could be guaranteed at least one win in the tournament.”
True, Lawton is the lowest-ranked player in this competition. But don’t think for a blink Lawton is aiming for anything less than victory.
“Every chess player is driven by ego and thinks they can win any match against any opponent,” Lawton said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?”
Lawton grew up in the Carr Square area near downtown St. Louis, known as “The Village.” His father held two jobs; his mother raised four children and volunteered in the community.
Here is the full article.
Go Charles!