2010: Max Euwe Year

[chesspupil.com]

 

It is 75 years ago that Max Euwe became the 5th World Champion by beating Alexander Alekhine in a tensely contested match. Honouring a request of the Dutch Chess Federation, FIDE has recognized Euwe's achievement and aptly declared 2010 'Euwe year'. Undoubtedly FIDE also wished to honour the achievements of the Dutchman in his capacity as 3rd President of the World Chess Federation. It was under Euwe's presidency (1970-1978) that FIDE expanded considerably; today it has a worldwide membership of 169 countries.

 

In the Netherlands the Max Euwe Foundation will organize a number of events in 2010 to celebrate its eponymous hero. The heart of the Foundation is the Chess Centre in Amsterdam which has its domicile on the Max Euwe Square (close to the Donner Bridge).

 

It was in the Chess Centre that Hans Bouwmeester lectured on Max Euwe in January this year. At present the ‘Max Euwe Challenge' takes place in the Café Batavia close to Amsterdam Central Station. The round robin presents young Dutch talents with the opportunity to play for title norms. Further activities for the young are training sessions by Yasser Seirawan, Mark Dvoretsky and Lubomir Ftacnik; while in May several training matches of 4 games will take place between talented Dutch youngsters and experienced grandmasters.

 

The month of June will see a 'square festival' promoting chess to the general public. The Euwe year will end in December with the opening of a new exhibition on Max Euwe in the Chess Centre, and the presentation of a new book on Max Euwe. '

 

For more information on the Max Euwe Centre see: http://www.maxeuwe.nl/en/index.html