Tom Murphy

Who is Tom Murphy?

Tom Murphy is a black, formerly homeless chess player who sleeps and gives chess lessons in Dupont Circle, Washington, D.C.. He is considered one of the top regular players in the Dupont Circle chess park, and one of the best blitz chess players in the United States of America. He holds an Expert rating with the USCF.

Despite problems with alcoholism and gambling, Murphy placed 15th in the 2005 World Blitz Chess Championship. In 1998, he won the Arlington Chess Club's annual championship, beating two International Masters in the process.