Caesar Lawrence – Hall of Fame Class of 2021

Caesar Lawrence is the most prominent organizer and tournament director in Alabama Chess history.  Since moving to Alabama from Alaska in 1995, he has been Chief TD in 423 events as of 2021.  He started Caesar Chess in September 2009 and devoted himself full-time to coaching, organizing, and tournament directing.

Caesar has had success at the chessboard beating multiple Masters in rated games, obtaining the Class A norm-based title, and having a peak rating of 1916.  He has played in 184 events since moving to Alabama as of 2021.

The Alabama Chess Federation has been supported by Caesar who served as Vice President from 1998 to 2004, and Caesar has contributed mightily to the continuity of Alabama’s most important tournaments.  An impressive example was organizing the well-attended Queen of Hearts in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Few organizers in the country were willing to organize a multi-day event requiring masks and social distancing, but Caesar managed to keep the long streak of Queen of Hearts tournaments alive. Caesar has uplifted Alabama chess through his coaching as well: two of his former chess students represented Alabama at the National Denker Tournament of High School Champions.

This Hall of Fame honor may not be the biggest chess honor bestowed upon Caesar.  In 2014, the Alabama Senate passed a Joint Resolution “Recognizing the Work and Results of Caesar Lawrence, Alabama’s Scholastic Chess Coach and Tournament Director.”  This reward was bestowed upon Caesar by Alabama’s Governor.  The U.S. Chess Federation recognized this achievement at the national level.

To see one of Caesar’s best games, click here: https://alabamachess.org/magazine/caesar-lawrence/

Highlights