Arnold Denker

American Chess Grandmaster

We [Denker and his wife] love to travel, and there is a chessplayer in every city. Chess is an international fraternity. You speak the same language immediately.

                                                                  -- Arnold Denker

 

GM Arnold Denker has been a key figure on the American chess scene for over 60 years, as one of the country's strongest players, raconteur and author.

Denker, a New Yorker born in 1914, in his youth was a Golden Gloves boxing quarterfinalist and later a boxing manager.

A leading rival to Fine and Reshevsky during the 1930s, Denker won the U.S. Championship in 1944. His total of 14 wins that year is still a record. He successfully defended the title in a match against Herman Steiner held in Steiner's hometown, Los Angeles, in 1946.

Denker has also won matches against Fine, Reshevsky, Kevits, Willman, and many others and in fact was never defeated in match play until 1989.

Denker set a world record by playing 100 opponents in 7.33 hours, beating Capablanca’s record by one hour. During World War II Denker gave simultaneous exhibitions at military bases and even aboard aircraft carriers.

Denker was awarded the International Master title in 1950 and the Grandmaster title in 1981.

In recent years, Denker has been a moving force behind the Arnold Denker Tournament of High School Champions, held annually in conjunction with the U.S. Open.

Denker's contributions to chess have extended beyond the tournament hall. Denker is a director of the American Chess Foundation, and has been both a FIDE zonal president and a member of the FIDE Qualifications Committee.

Denker's books and many magazine articles have helped promote the game of chess and preserve its history. His most recent book The Bobby Fischer I Knew, and Other Stories, coauthored with Larry Parr (for sale from Chesslinks Worldwide associate, Amazon.com) is a joy to read, as well as being an important historical document. Now into its second edition, it is the all time best-selling book of its publisher (Hypermodern Press). As noted by reviewer Glenn Budzinski:

Coupled with the authors' storytelling ability, the material is good enough to hold most anyone's interest, regardless of chess aptitude. It is a worthwhile addition to the world of chess enjoyment books.

At the age of 81, Denker could still deliver a hard chess blow, as his game against a 2388-rated opponent from the 1995 U.S. Open amply demonstrates.

In recognition of his significant contributions to American chess, Arnold Denker was inducted into the Chess Hall of Fame in Washington, DC.

Photo of Denker Arnold Denker at the 1991 U.S. Open in Los Angeles courtesy of Helen Hinshaw.