Emory Andrew Tate II, born on December 27, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, is a name etched in the annals of chess history. Beyond his remarkable chess career, he holds a special place as the father of Internet personality Andrew Tate.
In this article, we delve into the multifaceted life of Emory Tate II, exploring his early years, chess prowess, personal journey, and the enduring legacy he left behind.
| Name | Emory Tate |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emory Andrew Tate II |
| Birth Date | December 27, 1958 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Net Worth | $1 Million |
| Height | 6 feet and 4 inches (1.95 meters) |
| Died | October 17, 2015, due to a heart attack during a chess tournament |
| Wife | Eileen Tate (Englishwoman) |
| Personal Life | Married Eileen in 1985 Three children: Andrew Tate (kickboxer and influencer), Tristan Tate (kickboxer and influencer), Janine Tate (lawyer) |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Father | Emory Andrew Tate I (Attorney) |
| Mother | Emma Cox Tate (Truck-leasing business operator) |
| Education | United States Air Force sergeant Excelled as a linguist Studied in Mexico as an exchange student |
| Children’s Careers | Andrew Tate (kickboxer and influencer) Tristan Tate (kickboxer and influencer) Janine Tate (lawyer, residing in Kentucky) |
Early Life and Education
Emory Andrew Tate II’s upbringing was far from ordinary. He was one of nine children born to Emory Andrew Tate I, an attorney, and Emma Cox Tate, a truck-leasing business operator.
Chess was introduced into young Emory’s life at an early age, setting the stage for his future achievements.
While serving as a sergeant in the United States Air Force, Emory Tate II exhibited exceptional linguistic abilities, a talent he honed further during an exchange student program in Mexico.
Two months living with a Mexican family allowed him to become fluent in Spanish, an invaluable skill that would serve him well.
Chess Career
Emory Tate’s chess career was marked by its uniqueness. Unlike many chess enthusiasts who immerse themselves in chess literature and computer analysis, Tate followed a different path.
He rarely studied chess books and never relied on chess computers. Instead, he trusted his intuition and creativity, making him a distinct figure in the world of chess.
His chess journey was punctuated by numerous achievements:
- In October 2006, Tate achieved his highest FIDE rating of 2413, making him the 72nd highest-rated player in the United States and one of the top 2000 active players worldwide.
- He reached a peak USCF rating of 2508 in December 1996.
- The title of International Master was conferred upon him in 2007, following his third norm at the 2006 World Open.
- Tate’s reputation as a creative and formidable tactician led to around 80 tournament victories against grandmasters.
- He clinched victory in the United States Armed Forces Chess Championship five times, cementing his dominance in military chess.
- Tate also secured the Indiana state championship title six times (1995, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2006, and 2007) and triumphed in the Alabama state championship in 2010.
- His unorthodox approach to chess, which eschewed traditional study methods, made him an enigmatic and formidable presence in the world of chess.
Personal Life
In 1985, Emory Tate married Eileen, an Englishwoman, and together they welcomed three children into their lives.
Their eldest son, Andrew Tate, would later become a professional kickboxer and a social media influencer, following in his father’s footsteps to some extent.
However, their marriage faced challenges, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1997, with Eileen returning to Luton, England, along with their children.
Physical Attributes and Ethnicity
Emory Tate stood tall at an imposing height of 6 feet and 4 inches (1.95 meters). This physical trait served him well, especially during his service in the United States Air Force.
His towering stature was inherited by his three children, contributing to their unique physical presence.
Emory Tate was of African-American ethnicity and followed the Christian faith.
Tragic Passing and Legacy
On October 17, 2015, a heart attack claimed Emory Tate’s life during a chess tournament in Milpitas, California.
His sudden passing sent shockwaves through the chess community, prompting tributes from numerous grandmasters and international masters.
In 2016, the Alabama Senate passed a resolution celebrating Tate’s life and legacy, emphasizing his role as a trailblazer for African-American chess players.
His impact on the chess world and the inspiration he provided to aspiring players cannot be overstated.
Emory Tate’s Chess Achievements
Emory Tate’s chess achievements were nothing short of impressive. He began playing chess with his father at the tender age of four and quickly surpassed his father’s skill level.
His numerous accomplishments included five United States Armed Forces Chess Championships (1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, and 1989), six Indiana State Championships, and the title of Chess International Master in 2007.
Notably, he won around 80 tournament games against grandmasters, showcasing his exceptional skill and style.
Emory Tate’s Net Worth: Financial Struggles
Despite his success in the chess world, Emory Tate faced significant financial challenges.
Most of his tournament earnings were often gambled away, leaving his family in poverty.
While some reports suggested an estimated net worth of $1 million at the time of his death, the veracity of these estimates remains uncertain.
Family Background
Emory Tate’s father, Emory Andrew Tate Sr., had a diverse background that included working as a sharecropper, serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, and practicing as an attorney in Chicago from 1951 to 1999.
His father played a pivotal role in introducing him to chess. Emma Cox Tate, Emory’s mother, was a businesswoman who operated a truck-leasing business.
Growing up with eight siblings, Emory Tate had a rich family history that undoubtedly influenced his life.
Emory Tate’s Wife
Emory Tate’s wife, Eileen Tate, played a significant role in his life. They met during Tate’s service in the United States Air Force in England and married in 1985.
However, their marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation and eventual divorce in 1997.
After the divorce, Eileen returned to England with their three children, facing financial difficulties.
Emory Andrew Tate II’s life is a testament to the pursuit of passion, the challenges of financial instability, and the impact of his unique approach to chess.
His legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew and admired his extraordinary talent and unorthodox playing style.
Emory Tate’s Children
Emory and Eileen Tate’s three children followed diverse paths in life:
- Emory Andrew Tate III, known as Andrew Tate, was born in 1986. He later became a professional kickboxer and a social media influencer, reflecting his father’s physical prowess.
- Tristan Tate, born in 1988, pursued a career in professional kickboxing and became a social media influencer, mirroring his brother’s pursuits.
- Janine Tate, born in 1992, opted for a different trajectory and became a lawyer, residing in Kentucky.
Conclusion
Emory Andrew Tate II’s life journey is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of chess.
Beyond the chessboard, his story is enriched by the challenges he faced, the impact he left on the chess community, and the remarkable legacy he created.
From his early years, growing up in a bustling family and serving in the United States Air Force, to his unconventional approach to chess, Tate’s life was marked by uniqueness.
His linguistic abilities, developed during an exchange program in Mexico, further highlighted his versatility.
In the chess arena, Tate’s unorthodox style and intuitive play set him apart.
His achievements, including high FIDE and USCF ratings, the International Master title, and victories against grandmasters, attest to his exceptional talent.
Personal challenges, including a divorce and financial struggles, provided a backdrop to Tate’s life, highlighting the complexities that even a talented individual can face.
His towering physical presence, shared by his children, added a unique dimension to his persona.
Emory Tate’s impact transcends his chess victories. His legacy lives on through his children, each forging their own paths, and through the recognition he received from the Alabama Senate.
He blazed a trail for African-American chess players and inspired generations with his unapologetically unique approach to the game.
Emory Andrew Tate II’s story is a reminder that true greatness isn’t always measured by financial wealth or conventional success.
It’s often found in the passion, creativity, and indomitable spirit of those who dare to be different.
Emory Tate dared, and his legacy endures as a testament to the power of individuality in the world of chess and beyond.
