George Koltanowski

About

Belgian born American chess player best known for the headlining making chess he played while blindfolded.

Before Fame

He began taking chess seriously at the age of 14 and gave up a fledgling career as a diamond cutter to play full-time.

Trivia

He played a record 56 chess matches blindfolded and he was awarded the International Master title in 1950 when the title was first officially established by FIDE.

Family Life

He learned chess from his father and older brothers.

Associated With

He competed against Canadian master Daniel Yanofsky.