A dandy old master

MANY an international chess master looks like a scruffy 20-something geek who obsessively studies the opening moves of champions and travels the world’s tournaments in search of glory. But that wasn’t Walter Shipman.

He preferred to play at a comfortable table at New York’s Manhattan or Marshall chess clubs, wearing a necktie and tie bar bearing the letters LIRR, his longtime employer, and looking like the welldressed lawyer he was.

Shipman, who died at age 87 in February, was the strongest amateur US player for decades. The pros knew they were in for a tough game with Walter.

Bobby Fischer could have won his first US Open in 1957 with a victory in the last round. He had the white pieces but played for a quick draw. His opponent was Shipman.

Unlike Fischer, however, Shipman never had the time to fully develop his ability. When he was awarded the official international master title, he was 53. That’s Methuselah years for competitive chess. One of his last great tournament wins was over hedge fund billionaire Peter Thiel — at 74.