Chess is credited with helping Washington to win a crucial battle in the Revolutionary War.

First President of the United States (No Party)

In Office April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797

George Washington (b. 1732 – d. 1799)

Known chess player.

Chess is credited with helping Washington to win a crucial battle in the Revolutionary War. On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General Washington crossed the Delaware River with his troops on the way to Trenton, New Jersey. The Hessian regiments, camped in and around Trenton, were attacked and decisively defeated by the American Continental Army. The Hessians had supposedly let their guard down to celebrate the Christmas holiday, and British commander, Colonel Johann Gottlieb Rall (also spelled Rahl) (c. 1726 – December 26, 1776) himself was misled by John Honeyman, a spy of Washington who convincingly posed as a loyalist. According to one account, Rall was busy playing chess (though some say cards) the night before the attack at the home of Trenton merchant Abraham Hunt when he was handed a note from a local Loyalist who’d seen Washington’s forces gathering. As not to be distracted from his game, Rall placed the unread note in his coat pocket. While leading his troops in retreat from the Battle of Trenton, Rall was struck by a musket ball. He died later that day from his injuries. The note informing the general of the attack was later found in his coat pocket. The Battle of Trenton is believed to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War.

The artist and American Revolutionary War soldier John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was appointed second personal aide to Washington. In addition to sketching plans of the British works during the war, he drew a pen and ink sketch of General Washington and General Israel Putnam in military uniform, seated at a circular table, playing a game of chess. General Putnam (January 7, 1718 – May 29, 1790) was an American Army General and Freemason who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War.

https://worldchesshof.org/exhibit/power-check-chess-and-american-presidency