Power in Check: Chess and the American Presidency

Chess has influenced the American presidency since the administration of George Washington. While a game replete with Kings and Queens might at first seem antithetical to democratic leadership, commanders-in-chief have continually appreciated chess’ practical benefits and cultural significance, playing to escape the pressures of a stressful job, hosting successful players from around the world, and utilizing the game as a metaphor for larger national and international issues.
 
Power in Check: Chess and the American Presidency includes a colorful array of chess sets, cartoons, and photographs illustrating the connections between the game of kings and  the  presidency.  Among  the  highlights  are  Doug  Anderson’s  playful  chess  set  illustrating the 1996 election in which Bill Clinton  and  Bob  Dole  competed  for  the  presidency. The comical chess set includes the  candidates  and  supporters,  illustrating  the energy of a campaign. Another highlight is a chess set made from wood from a tree at Thomas Jefferson’s home of Monticello, which was believed to have been planted by the president himself. A photograph of the legendary Polgar sisters—Susan, Sofia, and Judit—meeting with George Bush illustrates some of the chess world’s strongest players alongside the United States’ commander-in-chief. Visitors to Power in Check will also be able to listen to journalist and Grandmaster Lubomir  Kavalek’s  reading  of  President  Richard  Nixon’s  telegram  congratulating  Bobby  Fischer  for  his  victory  in  the  1972  World Chess Championship. Alongside these artifacts, the exhibition will feature a digital interactive that  will  allow  visitors  to  learn  more  about  each  president’s  relationship  with chess.  Doug Anderson 1996 Presidential Election, Bill Clinton vs. Bob Dole1996King size: 8 in. Clay, ceramic, paint, and glitterCollection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, gift of Bernice and Floyd Sarisohn

For more information, download our exhibition brochure here and our gallery guide here!

Museum Admission:
Admission to the World Chess Hall of Fame is free.
A suggested donation of $3 per person or $5 for family will support our exhibitions and education programs.

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Images provided by AmericanTowns.com, Ticketmaster