I.A. Horowitz

An American Chess Master

-- Burt Hochberg, former editor of Chess Life and Review magazine

 

I.A. Horowitz, better known as Al, was one of the best loved American players of all time. His achievements across the board, as a publisher, an author and promoter of the game had a large effect on chess in the United States.

Born on November 15, 1907, Horowitz honed his chess talents in New York, working as a "chess hustler" for a quarter a game in Times Square, and then operating as what Hochberg called a "chess vagabond" during the Depression, when he gave many simultaneous exhibitions across the United States.

Horowitz won or tied for three U.S. Open titles. Horowitz earned many invitations to the U.S. Closed Championship from the 30s through the 50s, never earning the title, but always performing solidly. He performed respectably in a 1941 match with the legendary Sammy Reshevsky, losing by a score of 0-3, with 13 draws.

International competition seemed to bring out the best in Horowitz. His most notable over the board achievements were his contributions to United States Olympiad teams. Horowitz played on four teams, and was a key contributor to three world champion teams. His cumulative winning percentage was an exceptional 75.5%. While it was a disaster for the U.S. team, the 1945 Radio Match against the Soviet Union was another triumph for Horowitz. His match victory over Flohr, a world championship contender, was the only bright spot for the U.S. team. One of the games, given above, was awarded the brilliancy prize from that event.

He was one of the founders of Chess Review magazine in 1932. His partner, Isaac Kashdan, considered it a failure and quit after a year. Kashdan later explained, "He displayed the determination, the preserverance, the grit along with the good will, that were to remain his characteristics. Al decided the magazine would survive."

And survive it did, thanks to Horowitz's dedication, which included countless exhibition tours. At many exhibitions, the entry fee would be purchasing or renewing a subscription to Chess Review. As Ed Edmondson stated, "What a bargain!" Chess Review was the best chess magazine in the United States for 37 years, eventually merging with Chess Life in 1969.

For ten years, Horowitz held the prestigious position of chess correspondent for the New York Times, replacing the legendary Herman Helms.

Horowitz also authored more than 20 chess books, including Chess Openings: Theory and Practice, a book that retains a surprising level of popularity, contrary to most opening books, which tend to be ephermeral in their currency and popularity. The illustrated copy shows the burden of heavy use, a testament to its high level of practical utility. As noted by GM Sammy Reshevsky, "Speaking for myself and for players of my strength, Chess Openings: Theory and Practice is the greatest aid I have ever seen for preparing for a tournament."

Another type of Horowitz book fits into the category affectionately labeled "chess porn" by Burt Hochberg. The cover of a well used copy of The Fireside Book of Chess (co-authored with Fred Reinfeld), one example of Horowitz's lighter work, shows that he knew how to entertain as well as instruct.

In addition to his contributions as a player, publisher and writer, Horowitz was also an important chess promoter. He helped bring about the 1945 U.S. - U.S.S.R. Radio Match and subsequent matches. He also began a major postal chess operation.

International Master I.A. Horowitz's death on January 18, 1973 was a serious loss for chess lovers everywhere. In recognition of his significant contributions to American chess, I.A. Horowitz was inducted into the Chess Hall of Fame in 1989.

Other Views of I.A. Horowitz

[A]s chess editor of The New York Times [Horowitz] taught master chess to his following while never failing to hail the accomplishments of the ordinary player.

--GM William Lombardy, Chess Life & Review, 1973

As a player, Horowitz epitomized the aggressive, tactical American style.

--NM Macon Shibut, The U.S. Chess Hall of Fame, 1995

And what a strain [Horowitz's efforts to support Chess Review by going on exhibition tours] must have been! Even Al's giant frame must have been fatigued by the long journeys, too often skimpy meals or inadequate accommodations, and countless hours of walking and thinking, walking and thinking, during those exhibitions. Yet his spirits remained high and his demeanor an example for all. Friendly, outgoing, beyond compare as a teller of tells, he made chess live for thousands of his contemporaries.

--Ed Edmondson, Chess Life & Review, 1973

Horowitz ... was a snappy attacker in the style of Marshall and Pillsbury.

--GM's Soltis and Bisguier, American Chess Masters From Morphy to Fischer (1974)

 

[Horowitz] never took chess or himself too seriously: chess was a science, yes; a sport, of course; an art, to be sure; but it was also a business.

--Burt Hochberg, in the Introduction to the 1977 edition of Reinfeld's Great Moments in Chess

 

There should be a National Chess Hall of Fame for those who have been outstanding contributors to the cause of chess. Without question one of the charter member would be Al Horowitz.

--GM Isaac Kashdan, operating in prophet mode, in Chess Life and Review 1973