Happened Today in the Chess World - May 20, 2024

THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

Max Euwe - source: https://mlodytechnik.pl/

Today, we remember former world champion Max Euwe, born in Watergraafsmeer, Netherlands, on May 20, 1901.
Euwe won against Alekhine in 1935 and held the world title until the rematch in 1937.
Euwe was a twelve-time Dutch champion (a record still unmatched) and won the Wijk aan Zee tournament four times. He participated in the Olympics seven times, from 1927 to 1962, earning an individual bronze on the first board in 1937. Euwe is also remembered as an extraordinary educator, with bestsellers like "The Middlegame" (written in collaboration with Haije Kramer) and "A Guide to Chess."
As president of FIDE from 1970 to 1978, Euwe managed particularly challenging situations during the Cold War, always demonstrating great balance and fairness. He was nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman" because he frequently traveled from one plane to another while managing his duties.

Louis Stumpers-Max Euwe, Leida (campionato olandese) 1946
Black to move

Show Answer