Miguel Najdorf

Inducted 2021

Argentina

Poland

Biography

Miguel Najdorf, whose name is associated with one of the most famous openings in chess, was one of the top players in the world in the 1940s and 1950s. Born in Poland, he settled in Argentina after playing in the 1939 Buenos Aires Chess Olympiad. He was also one of the most successful performers in Olympiad history, winning seven team (four silver and three bronze) and four individual medals (three gold and one silver) in 14 competitions over four decades. In 1947, he faced 45 opponents in blindfold chess, setting a record that stood until 2011.

Notable Games

Gluecksberg, B. vs. Najdorf, Miguel

Miguel Najdorf and Bobby Fischer at the Second Piatigorsky Cup Tournament (1966) | Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, gift of the Family of Jacqueline Piatigorsky

Tigran Petrosian and Miguel Najdorf at the Second Piatigorsky Cup Tournament (1966) | Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, gift of the Family of Jacqueline Piatigorsky