PROFILE: Samuel Reshevsky–The Master Of Chess

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By Victor Olubiye

Samuel at the age of 6 defeating Masters


Samuel Reshevsky, born in Poland in 1911, was a chess prodigy who was already defeating masters at the age of six. At eight, he impressed in France, defeating several chess champions. In 1920, his family emigrated to the United States, where Reshevsky continued to attract attention through chess exhibitions.


In his youth, he took a break from chess to focus on his education and later earned a degree in accounting. As an adult, he returned to chess and became eight-time U.S. Chess Champion (1936–1969). He was also a strong contender for the World Championship and participated in several Candidates Tournaments, but never won the title.


Reshevsky was known for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to find brilliant moves under time pressure. He remained active well into old age and is considered one of the greatest chess players of the 20th century. Reshevsky died in 1992 at the age of 81, leaving a lasting legacy in chess

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