OutFoxxed

It’s clear that Jamie Foxx is a very talented man, the winner of an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ray Charles (himself a chess player) and a Grammy Award for his song “Blame It.”

courtesy Herb Leonard

At the chessboard, well, let’s say that his career is still on the rise.

Or so says Jude Acers.

photo via Instagram

Every chess fan who visits New Orleans knows to visit Decatur Street in the French Quarter. There, on a table just outside a praline shop called Southern Candymakers, the legendary Acers holds court daily, playing games with all comers for a small fee.

Early in the evening of April 6 — Jude’s birthday — Jamie Foxx came by to try his hand against the master. Not for a film or a show, but just for love of the game.

At first it was just Foxx and a few friends, but soon, people realized who was playing, and a crowd quickly formed to witness the battle and banter.

Our man Herb Leonard (IG: @phototypeproductions) was on-hand to take these photos of a truly historic matchup. No report of the final result has trickled out, although we know that Jude had the upper hand in at least one of the games.

[pgn][Event "New Orleans (informal)"] [Site "?"] [Date "2022.04.06"] [Round "?"] [White "Acers, Jude"] [Black "Foxx, Jamie"] [Result "*"] [Annotator "Hartmann,John"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "3r3k/5pp1/7p/pp2P3/4BP2/6P1/nPP1NK1P/R7 b - - 0 1"] [PlyCount "1"] [EventDate "2022.??.??"] [SourceVersionDate "2022.04.08"] {Judging by the photographic evidence, Foxx was on move here, and correctly decided on} 1... Nb4 {to save his knight. Unfortunately we do not know what Acers played, but it's clear that Black is in trouble.} ({After} 1... Nb4 { play might continue with the obvious} 2. Rxa5 {when Black has to be careful to avoid a back-rank mate, i.e.,} Rd2 $4 3. Ra8+ {. With the wily veteran up a piece, two pawns, and having the initiative, it looks like a tough day at the office for the Hollywood legend.}) * [/pgn]

In an email to Chess Life, Acers lauded Foxx for his playing potential — “[he] would beat about 95 percent of all players... at very least 2000 ELO if he gets serious” — and for his generosity. Apparently Foxx tips very well.

This story will appear in the May 2022 issue of Chess Life.