Paul Keres, born on January 7, 1916, in Narva, Estonia, was a distinguished chess grandmaster and writer. He was among the world’s top players from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s and is often regarded as one of the strongest players never to have become World Chess Champion.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Paul Keres
- Date of Birth: January 7, 1916
- Place of Birth: Narva, Estonia
- Date of Death: June 5, 1975
- Place of Death: Helsinki, Finland
- Nationality: Estonian
- Education: Studied mathematics at the University of Tartu
- Profession: Chess Grandmaster, Chess Writer
Chess Career Highlights
- Notable Achievements:
- Five-time Estonian Chess Champion.
- Three-time Soviet Chess Champion.
- Won the prestigious AVRO tournament in 1938, which was intended to determine a challenger for the World Championship.
- Renowned for his versatility and deep opening preparation, contributing significantly to chess theory.
- Authored several influential chess books and articles, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights into the game.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Approximately 1,754 recorded games.
- Win Percentage: Approximately 45.6%.
- Draw Percentage: Around 43.5%.
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 10.9%.
- Notable Opponents: Mikhail Botvinnik, Alexander Alekhine, Bobby Fischer, Tigran Petrosian.
Legacy
Paul Keres is celebrated for his profound understanding of chess and his contributions to chess literature. Despite never clinching the World Championship title, his consistent performances against top players and his sportsmanship have earned him a revered place in chess history. In recognition of his impact, annual memorial tournaments are held in his honor, and his likeness appeared on the Estonian 5-kroon banknote.
