Euwe

Machgielis "Max" Euwe was a Dutch player who held the title of fifth world champion from 1935 to 1937. He defeated the favored Alexander Alekhine in a long match in 1935, then lost the title in their agreed rematch in 1937.

Euwe's play was known for logical reasoning and accurate calculation of variations, meaning possible sequences of moves. He also studied openings, the first phase of a game, and wrote systematic teaching books. In that broad role as a chess author, he belongs to a tradition that reaches back to figures such as Greco, although their eras and methods were very different.

More than a former champion

Euwe earned a doctorate in mathematics and worked as a teacher, so chess was not his only profession. Later he served from 1970 to 1978 as president of the International Chess Federation, known as FIDE. His historical importance therefore connects three unusual roles in one career: world champion, educator, and international administrator.