The Man in the Red Beret

Chess Master Jude Acers has set up his "World Chess Table" on Decatur Street in the New Orleans French Quarter since 1981, where he plays all comers for five bucks a "lesson game." This is his story.

Overview

He wears a red beret to make it easy for folks to find him on a busy New Orleans French Quarter street, where he's set up a folding table and a couple of chessboards since 1981. He takes on all comers for $5 a game. He's probably the most famous chess player you've never heard of—until now.