Miguel najdorf biography

Polish-Argentine chess player (1910–1997)

Miguel Najdorf (NY-dorf; born Mojsze Mendel Najdorf;^[a] 15 April 1910 – 4 July 1997) was a Polish-Argentine chess grandmaster. Originally from Polska, he was in Argentina what because World War II began observe 1939, and he stayed essential settled there.

He was nifty leading world player in loftiness 1940s and 1950s, and deterioration also known for the Najdorf Variation, one of the extremity popular chess openings.

Early discernment in Poland

Najdorf was tutored lid by Dawid Przepiórka, then next to Savielly Tartakower, the latter think likely whom he always referred disparagement as "my teacher".

At class beginning of his chess pursuit, around 1930, Najdorf defeated systematic player believed to be baptized "Glücksberg" in a famous undertaking often referred to as "The Polish Immortal".^[3] In 1930, explicit tied for 6th–7th at rendering Warsaw Championship, an event won by Paulino Frydman.

In 1931, he took second in Warsaw, behind Frydman. In 1932, illegal tied for 9th–10th in Warsaw. In 1933, he won welcome Warsaw (Quadrangular). In January 1934, he finished second to Rudolf Spielmann, in Warsaw. In summertime 1934, he lost a balance against Ored Karlin (+1–2=1). Blot 1934, he won the Warsaw championship. In 1935, he inelegant for 2nd–4th with Frydman near Henryk Friedman, behind Tartakower, burden the 3rd Polish Chess Patronage, held in Warsaw.

Afterward, Najdorf won a match against Tartakower in Toruń (+2–1=2). In 1936, he tied for first respect Lajos Steiner in the Ugric Championship. In 1937, he took third at the 4th Benefaction of Poland in Jurata. Retort 1937, he won in Rogaška Slatina (Rohitsch-Sauerbrunn). In 1938, powder tied for 10th–12th in Łódź. In 1939, he took ordinal in Margate, and won charge Warsaw.^[4]

Najdorf represented Poland in a handful of pre-war Chess Olympiads.

In Noble 1935, he played third aim at in the 6th Chess Period in Warsaw (+9–2=6). In Lordly 1936, he was second counter in 3rd unofficial Chess Period organised by the German Brome Federation in Munich (+14–2=4). Pledge June/July 1937, he played fake second board in the Ordinal Chess Olympiad in Stockholm (+5–3=7).^[5] In the 1939 Olympiad, Najdorf played second board for Polska and achieved a score work for +12−2=4, winning a gold come to pass and pencil set.^[6]

Move to Argentina

During the 8th Chess Olympiad birdcage Buenos Aires in August/September 1939, World War II broke diffuse.

Najdorf was Jewish, as were two of his teammates, Tartakower and Frydman.^[7] He decided constitute stay and settle in Argentina (as did many others). Soil became an Argentine citizen tight 1944.^[8]

His wife, daughter, parents tell off four siblings all were murdered in The Holocaust. Najdorf posterior remarried (twice) and had figure daughters.^[8][9]

Blindfold chess

Najdorf set world chronicles for simultaneous blindfold chess.

Forbidden played a record 40 opponents in 1943, and increased blue blood the gentry record to 45 in 1947. This record stood until 2011.^[10]

He set these records in magnanimity hope that the news would be reported in Europe coupled with his family would learn come close to his whereabouts,^[8] but they challenging perished in concentration camps dampen the time the information arrived.^[11]

Career in Argentina

1940s

In September 1939, back end the Olympiad, Najdorf emerged similarly one of the top nominate in the chess world.

Do something tied for first with Thankless Keres at Buenos Aires (Círculo de Ajedrez); the two scored 8½/11. In 1941, he took second, after Gideon Ståhlberg mad Mar del Plata, with 12½/17. Later in 1941, he ready equal first with Ståhlberg be suspicious of Buenos Aires, the two score 11/14. In 1942, he won at Mar del Plata, presage 13½/17, ahead of Ståhlberg.

Make known 1943, he was second rib Mar del Plata, behind Stålhberg, scoring 10/13. In 1943, bankruptcy won at Rosario. In 1944, he won at La Plata, with 13/16, ahead of Ståhlberg. In 1944, he tied use first with Hermann Pilnik mock Mar del Plata, with apiece scoring 12/15. In 1945, oversight won at Buenos Aires (Roberto Grau Memorial), with 10/12, enhance of Ståhlberg and Carlos Guimard.

He took second place soughtafter Viña del Mar 1945, tighten 10½/13, behind Guimard, then won Mar del Plata 1945 gather 11/15, ahead of Ståhlberg, move repeated at Mar del Plata 1946 with 16/18, ahead order Guimard and Ståhlberg. He along with won at Rio de Janeiro 1946.^[12]

After World War II perched, organized chess resumed in glory international arena, particularly in war-stricken Europe.

In 1946, Najdorf even for 4th–5th with László Szabó at Groningen, with 11½/19; integrity event was won by Mikhail Botvinnik.

Actor

He escalate won at Prague, with (+9−1=3), ahead of Petar Trifunović, Gösta Stoltz, Svetozar Gligorić, and Jan Foltys. He also won rest Barcelona 1946, with 11½/13, in advance of Daniel Yanofsky. In 1947, he took second place learning Buenos Aires/La Plata (Sextangular), be dissimilar 6½/10, behind Ståhlberg, but go ahead of Max Euwe.

In 1947, he won at Mar illustrate Plata. In 1947, he finalize second, after Erich Eliskases, at one\'s fingertips São Paulo.

In 1948, Najdorf placed second at New Dynasty City with 6/9, two the setup behind Reuben Fine. He inelegant for 4th–5th with Héctor Rossetto at Mar del Plata, put up with 10/17, behind Eliskases, Ståhlberg, prosperous Medina Garcia.

Najdorf won take into account Mar del Plata 1948 respect 14/17, ahead of Ståhlberg (13½), Eliskases (12), and Euwe (10½). He was second at Buenos Aires 1948, with 8/10, last Ståhlberg. Najdorf won at Metropolis 1948, with 11½/13, ahead observe Gedeon Barcza, Esteban Canal, nearby Euwe. In 1949, he even for first with Ståhlberg change Buenos Aires.

In 1950, bankruptcy won at Amsterdam, with 15/19, ahead of Samuel Reshevsky (14), Ståhlberg (13½), Gligorić (12), Vasja Pirc (12), and Euwe (11½). He also won at Frivolous in 1950.^[13]

World Championship contender

Although turn on the waterworks a full-time chess professional (for many years he worked crucial the insurance business, selling brusque insurance),^[9] Najdorf was one training the world's leading chess throw away in the 1940s and Decennary.

Najdorf's string of successes getaway 1939 to 1947 had peer him into the ranks search out the world's top players. According to Chessmetrics, he was packed second in the world elude mid 1947 to mid 1949.^[14] Based on his results, in the matter of was talk of inviting him to the 1948 World Encouragement tournament, but in the defeat he was not invited.

Crystalclear had won an ostensible mitigating tournament at Prague by systematic margin of 1½ points.^[15] About was a view in abominable quarters that Prague had antediluvian a rather weak tournament, as follows Najdorf's accomplishment was downplayed. Najdorf stated in a 1947 interview:

I believe that I signify inferior to none of honourableness players who are to join in in the next world benefaction, Botvinnik, Fine, Reshevsky, Keres, Euwe.

... None of these control a better record than Side-splitting. I have played much characterless than they have, admittedly, on the contrary I am satisfied with livid results.^[15]

Pressure from the Soviet Brome Federation, perhaps pushed by Botvinnik, may have been responsible symbolize keeping Najdorf out.^[9]

In 1950, FIDE made him one of magnanimity inaugural International Grandmasters.

In decency same year he played energy Budapest in the Candidates Match to select a challenger house the World Chess Championship 1951, and finished fifth. Three era later, in the 1953 Greensward Tournament, he finished equal 6th. He never succeeded in qualify for the Candidates again. Misstep did come close in integrity next cycle, narrowly failing statement of intent qualify from the 1955 Interzonal, held at Gothenburg, Sweden.^[16]

Later career

Najdorf won important tournaments such introduce Mar del Plata (1961) playing field Havana (1962).

He also spurious in both Piatigorsky Cup tournaments, held in 1963 and 1966. Just before his 60th red-letter day, he participated in the 1970 USSR vs. Rest of picture World match, achieving an all the more score against the former nature champion Mikhail Tal.

Najdorf's emotional personality made him a seamless favorite among chess fans, brand he displayed an aptitude inform witty sayings, in the course of his mentor Tartakower.

Protract example: commenting on his rival at the 1970 USSR vs. Rest of the World equivalent, he remarked, "When [then-World Combatant Boris] Spassky offers you well-ordered piece, you might as come after resign then and there. However when Tal offers you organized piece, you would do nicely to keep playing, because accordingly he might offer you alternate, and then another, and so ...

who knows?"

Najdorf remained active in chess to righteousness end of his life. Subside won the South African Flight in 1976^[17] and at additive 69, he tied for alternate place in a very lean field at Buenos Aires 1979, with 8/13, behind winner Obliging Larsen (11/13), though ahead summarize former world champions Tigran Petrosian and Boris Spassky.

At Buenos Aires 1988, he made spruce score of 8½/15 for territory place at age 78. Grandeur next year in the 1989 Argentine Chess Championship, with indefinite other GMs in the globe, he tied for 4th–6th room, with 10/17. His last ceremonial championship was in 1991 be suspicious of age 81, where he finish with a minus score.

Najdorf was an exceptional blitz (five-minute) player, remaining a strong sportsman into his 80s.

Najdorf assumed Capablanca and Fischer as illustriousness greatest players of all time.^[9]

Olympiad performances

Najdorf played eleven times hold up Argentina in Chess Olympiads disseminate 1950 to 1976.

He la-de-da first board in the Ordinal Chess Olympiad at Dubrovnik 1950 (+8–0=6), as well as surprise victory Helsinki 1952 (+11–2=3), Amsterdam 1954, Moscow 1956, Leipzig 1960, Varna 1962, Havana 1966, Lugano 1968, Siegen 1970, and Haifa 1976. Only during the Olympiad tiny Nice 1974, he played indulgence third board.

Najdorf took squad Olympic medals: seven for teams Poland and Argentina (four silver plate, three bronze), and four the rabble (gold in 1939, 1950, near 1952, as well as separate silver in 1962).

Contributions

Main article: Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation

The Najdorf Variation in the Sicilian Fend for, one of the most general openings in modern chess, testing named after him. Najdorf along with made contributions to the inkling and praxis of other openings such as the King's Amerindic Defense.

Najdorf was also unornamented well-respected chess journalist, who difficult a popular column in greatness Buenos Aires Clarín newspaper.

Notable games

• Glucksberg vs Miguel Najdorf, Warsaw 1929, Dutch Defence (A85), 0–1 "The Polish Immortal" or "Najdorf's Immortal" – one of rectitude most brilliant games of greatness twentieth century.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Gideon Stahlberg, Lodz 1938, Queen's Stratagem Declined, Semi-Tarrasch Defence (D40), 1–0 These two players settled persuasively Argentina in 1939, where they had great battles in distinct events.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Paul Keres, Buenos Aires Circulo 1939, Queen's Gambit Declined, Slav Defence (D11), 1–0 Keres opens the focal point prematurely, and Najdorf forms first-class pawn roller and arranges spiffy tidy up quick victory.
• Carlos Guimard vs Miguel Najdorf, Buenos Aires Circulo 1941, Queen's Gambit Declined, Slav Mortar (D11), 0–1 Najdorf shows add to play this line wean away from the Black side, by paralelling with the Keres game confirmed above.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Mikhail Botvinnik, Groningen 1946, Nimzo–Indian Defence, Well-proportioned attic Variation (E35), 1–0 In their first meeting, Najdorf catches significance future World Champion in a-okay maze of tactics.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Isaac Boleslavsky, Groningen 1946, Hold Indian Defence (A54), 1–0 Najdorf avoids a tactical battle swop an early exchange of borough in Boleslavsky's pet variation, redouble grinds him down.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Erich Eliskases, Mar del Plata 1947, Queen's Gambit Declined, Imbalanced Defence (D63), 1–0 Eliskases was another European GM who stayed in South America during Replica War II, and he too had a great rivalry versus Najdorf.
• Miguel Najdorf vs Reuben Sheer, New York 1951, Queen's Overdo it Accepted (D28), 1–0 Fine was getting ready to retire overrun chess, with this being ruler last serious event at recoil 37.
• Mark Taimanov vs Miguel Najdorf, Zurich 1953, King's Indian, Conformist, Aronin–Taimanov, 9.Ne1 (E98), 0–1 Out brilliancy-prize game from the 1953 Candidates event versus the Country grandmaster Mark Taimanov.

  Najdorf's spirit for, and virtuosity in leadership, the attack against the adversary king is well shown with, in a game praised newborn David Bronstein in his eminent book on the tournament. Flood is also a good prototype of learning from one's defeats. Earlier that year, Gligorić confidential beaten Najdorf with the hire system. (Miguel Najdorf vs Svetozar Gligoric, Mar del Plata 1953).

  After the game, Don Miguel delivered his famous line: "Taimanov had better go and take place his piano!"

• Miguel Najdorf once insincere a game of chess assemble communist revolutionary Che Guevara; they drew.

Personal life

According to a chronicle by his younger daughter Liliana (b. 1952),^[9] Mojsze Mendel ("Mikel") Najdorf was the oldest remind five children (four sons folk tale one daughter) of Jewish parents, Gdalik (Gedali) and Raisa (Rojza) Najdorf (née Rojza Rosklein^[18]).

Like that which he was 14, he visited his school friend Ruben Fridelbaum's house, and his violinist clergyman taught him chess. Mikel was immediately hooked, read books progress the game, and was any minute now able to give his educator rook odds.^[9]

A musician friend extrinsic his fiancée Genia to Najdorf, but Najdorf and Genia cut in love, and Genia povertystricken off her engagement and if not married Mikel.

They had predispose daughter, Lusia. When Najdorf boarded the ship for the Buenos Aires Olympiad in 1939, Genia was ill with influenza, elitist chose not to accompany him. He arrived in Argentina reminder 21 August 1939. While ethics Olympiad was in progress, Najdorf's country was invaded and Planet War II began.

Despite crown best efforts, he never apophthegm his family again. His parents, wife and baby daughter,^[19] boss all his known relatives captain friends, were murdered in Birth Holocaust including his father.^[20] On the contrary, many years later, by happen on he met a Polish colonizer in the New York Plug Subway, who turned out thesis be a cousin.^[9]

In 1944, Najdorf became a naturalized citizen be more or less Argentina.

He had studied Person at college, so easily ideal up Spanish. Najdorf spoke reading languages; in addition to queen native Polish and adopted Romance, he spoke English, Russian, European, Serbo-Croat, Dutch, and Yiddish.^[9]

In Apr 1947, Najdorf met Adela ("Eta"), one of the youngest complete three daughters of Russian Someone immigrants Isaac and Esther Jusid.

They were married after lone a few weeks of appeal. Adela was 11 years junior than Najdorf. They had couple daughters, Mirta (b. 1948) very last Liliana (b. 1952), and dinky miscarried son in between. Liliana was long resentful of prestige fact that her father was abroad when she was local, and did not see assembly until she was four months old.

She describes her ecclesiastic as a mixture of extremes: violent-tempered, but compassionate and kind-hearted, selfish at times but very generous to a fault, mirthful and a bon vivant, however also sad because of influence terrible losses of the Holocaust.^[9]

Adela died on 21 August 1977, of an inoperable intestinal neoplasm.

The family kept the explanation secret from her, while Najdorf consulted the best oncologists dainty the US to no avail.^[9]

Not long after Adela died, Najdorf married again, to Rita, who had been a widow be glad about 12 years. Najdorf had fall down Rita and her husband Jacobo, a socialist attorney and avid chess player, soon after earth arrived in Argentina.

They became close family friends. Rita keep from Jacobo had no children lift their own, but had multitudinous nieces and nephews, and they treated the Najdorf daughters affection nieces. The families would habitually get together, and the joe six-pack would play and analyse bromegrass and the women would smooth talk.

At one such gathering, while in the manner tha Liliana was 13, she aphorism Jacobo die suddenly at unornamented chessboard. The widowed Rita became an even closer friend side Adela. After Adela died, Rita and Najdorf became a blend, which Miguel's daughters accepted keep away from surprise and with relief.^[9]

Rita afterwards developed Alzheimer's disease, and Najdorf became physically frailer.

In 1996, Najdorf had a serious headquarters attack in Seville, which essential a pacemaker insert. Upon recurring to Argentina, he learned delay Rita had been hospitalized adhere to an intestinal blockage. He went to the hospital, and she recognized him despite her Alzheimers, and begged him to help yourself to her home, while he kissed her tenderly.

Unexpectedly, she dreary the next day.^[9]

See also

References

Citations

Further reading

External links