Pecan’s -
20 Greatest American Pool Checkers Players
Of All Times
(Written by Charles ‘Pecan’ Thompson)

January 1, 2005

During my ten months of Selections, there were many recommendations offered. There were players that I had never heard of; there were players who has long since passed on; and there were players who now reside in the U.S. who are now current Pool Checkers players but were not included. It was, probably, because of a lack of documentation of their exploits.

We realize that there are still a significant number of players-past and present, who was not included -- for a variety of reasons. Consequently, I am using this opportunity for those who made recommendations, to send some comments about the achievements of those they recommended or want to recommend. On this list, I will develop my Honorable Mention List.

In the coming issues, I will enumerate on those you suggested, and hopefully include them. I will start the process with a few recommendations of my own.

Igor Rybakov of, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Perhaps the best player recommended was the 2004, 100 Sq. Board Champion, Mr. Igor Rybakov. Because he does not have an APCA history, I had insufficient evidence with which to make a determination.

Perhaps, one measurement that could be used, would have been his performance at the International Checkers Festival in South Bend, Indiana the year of 2002. But, that alone, simply wasn't enough. For the record, he won both the 100 Sq. Board and the 64 Sq. Board Championships. Included in that tournament was Mr. George Robinson, of Toledo Ohio, Mr. Clorius Lay, of Gary Indiana, Mr. Orlando Williams, and myself of Chicago, Illinois (They are a group of well known APCA Top Masters). To excel, as he did, in that environment speaks volumes about his game.

It would very interesting to see him compete in our Chicago Open (April 15 and 16 of this year), or how he would compete against some of our premier players!

Maynard "Hamtramck" Pines, of Hamtramck, Michigan

Mr. Pines was my suggestion. And it was based on the many comments made by "Buster," himself. He often said, in our many conversations, "In the early years, "Hamtramck" was one of the toughest player I faced." While I never saw him compete, it was because he was so adamant about it, I am compelled to include him here.

George Sykes, of Detroit, Michigan - He was the first APCA Champion (1966) and one of the few players who could dominate Elton Williams in the early and mid seventies. In their many battles, in which he won most, (and I was privy to watch), they produced some really memorable games.

And so, on this List, I will place the names of the following…

MY 20 GREATEST -

MY HONORABLE MENTION LIST

* Igor Rybakov - Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Maynard "Hamtramck" Pines - Hamtramck, Michigan
* George Sykes - Detroit, Michigan