Paul Keres

Inducted 2014 1916 - 1975

Russia

Biography

A three-time Soviet champion, Paul Keres played on gold-medal-winning teams representing the Soviet Union in the 1952–1964 Chess Olympiads. He was seven times a candidate for the World Championship, finishing equal third in 1948. Considered to be one of the strongest players to never become world champion, Keres’ near misses earned him the nickname “The Crown Prince of Chess.” His many tournament victories included ties for first in AVRO 1938 (which he won on tiebreak) and the 1963 Piatigorsky Cup, two of the strongest events ever held. Keres’ multi-volume series detailing his games ranks among the greatest best games collections ever written.

News
3/5/2018: Estonian World — A ballet created in honour of Estonian chess grandmaster Paul Keres

Notable Games

Paul Keres vs. Alexander Alekhine

1-0 Margate Margate ENG 07 Apr 1937 Round: 7 ECO: C71

Paul Keres and Tigran Petrosian with the Piatigorskys at the 1963 Piatigorsky Cup | Photographer: Art Zeller | Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, gift of the family of Jacqueline Piatigorsky

1963 Piatigorsky Cup Participants. From left to right: Pal Benko, Svetozar Gligoric, Fridrik Olafsson, Miguel Najdorf, Tigran Petrosian, Sammy Reshevsky, Paul Keres, and Oscar Panno | Collection of the World Chess Hall of Fame, gift of the family of Jacqueline Piatigorsky