George Koltanowski (1903–2000) was a Belgian-born American chess player, promoter, and writer, renowned for his exceptional blindfold chess skills. In 1937, he set a world record by playing 34 simultaneous blindfold games in Edinburgh. He also achieved a record in 1960 by playing 56 consecutive blindfold games, each with a ten-second time limit per move. Koltanowski won the Belgian Chess Championship four times (1923, 1927, 1930, and 1936) and was awarded the title of International Master in 1950. In 1988, he received an honorary Grandmaster title. Beyond his playing career, he was a prolific writer and a prominent chess promoter, organizing tournaments and popularizing the Swiss system in the United States. He also contributed to chess literature and was known for his engaging simultaneous exhibitions.
Celebrate Nebraska Chess from May 31–June 2, 2024
Nebraska native Rodney Malpert is the principal financial backer of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Chess Celebration on June 1st and 2nd. The prize fund for the tournament is $13,650. On May 31, the Nebraska Chess Hall of Fame inducts US Chess Senior Master Malpert, Woman International Master Alexey (Rudolph) Root, Kent Nelson, and International Master Keaton Kiewra. Five decades ago, Nebraska’s capital city of Lincoln hosted two U.S. Opens, the flagship tournament of US Chess. More 🡢