Kemur Sire de Legal
(born 1702, died 1792) France, Kemur Sire de Legal, born in the French province Brittany circa 1702, was a leading chess player of the 18th Century. He is regarded as the first professional chess player. He would play chess for wagers at the famous Cafe de la Régence, often giving odds (pawn and move, knight, rook, etc.) to weaker opposition. He was considered the strongest player in France until he was defeated by his pupil, François André Philidor. (1)
His name is associated with a famous opening tactic, known as Legal's Mate, exemplified in De Legal vs Saint Brie, 1750.
His name is associated with a famous opening tactic, known as Legal's Mate, exemplified in De Legal vs Saint Brie, 1750.