Drum Majors
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Hardaway gracing the cover of Chess Life!
Brewington Hardaway stands majestically on the cover of the current Chess Life magazine in a vintage black and white photo. Aptly written by Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, the story titled “A Long Time Coming” is in reference to his long pursuit of the GM title, but also the 25-year gap it…
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Canty wins ChessBoxing world title!
James Canty III is now a World Champion! Readers may have wondered if they missed something. Yet, it is true. Canty won the 7th United Chess Boxing heavyweight world title in Loznica, Serbia. While he is a much stronger chess player than a boxer, the Detroit native knows a thing…
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Emory Tate Masterclass… 10-year tribute!
Emory Tate is obviously one of the most significant figures when it comes to content at The Chess Drum. In the nearly 25 years of the site’s existence, Tate’s initial exposure appeared on these pages, as few media outlets wrote stories about this mercurial and fascinating personality. Emory Tate, Jr.…
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Brewington Hardaway receives Samford Fellow!
Brewington Hardaway was one of nine recipients of the Samford Fellowship, awarded to players of tremendous promise. Most of the players are well-known in scholastic circles, having earned All-American honors. Hardaway, who earned his Grandmaster title early this year, is the first African-American to receive the Samford award. Photo from…
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Cadet Champ Tani Adewumi strong at World Open
Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi finished a strong performance at the 2025 World Open after winning the Cadet Championship a couple of weeks earlier. It was his second consecutive title, only months after finishing the rating requirements for the IM title. So far, 2025 has been a great year. FM Tanitoluwa “Tani”…
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2025 Ashley Chess Fellows announced!
The Ashley Chess Fellows have been announced! Last November, we announced the Maurice Ashley Chess Fellowship, to provide Black chess talents with opportunities to reach new heights in the sport. Excellence in chess requires a significant amount of training, as well as resources. It is commonly stated and perhaps known…
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Josh Colas biography out!
Guy Colas has just written a book on his son, FM Josh Colas, titled Mastering the Chessboard: A Black Prodigy’s Journey Through the Chess World. It appears to be a story of a chess parent watching the progress of their child and witnessing the valuable lessons learned through chess study…
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Norman Rogers shines at 2025 Chicago Open
Norman Rogers of Philadelphia has returned to regular chess tournaments after a foray into poker. While he still plays poker, he recently played in the Chicago Open (under-2300) and scored 5.5/7, tying for 5th-6th place. When asked about his return, he says, “I’m already back.” FM Norman Rogers (left) showing…
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Tanitoluwa Adewumi qualifies for IM title!
Tanitoluwa Adewumi has just completed the rating requirements for the title of International Master. This is a major step toward his next goal of becoming a Grandmaster. Tani’s story is well-known and has been covered extensively on this site. However, a New York Times story would change his life forever.…
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Bio on Cuban chess legend, Román Hernández Onna
Roman Hernandez (center) analyzing with onlookers. Román Hernández Onna is the subject of a recent biography covering his life and games. Jose Guillermo Rosa informed The Chess Drum of the book, En Memoria del Gran Maestro Román Hernández. Hernandez, who died in 2021, became a Grandmaster in 1978 and played…
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