Samuel "Sammy" Reshevsky was possibly the greatest player ever to never be a full-time chess professional, even as he vied for the no.1 spot during his prime. He was also one of the greatest prodigies of his day, conducting master level simuls around the world as a child. He played in many World Championship cycles, including the 1948 World Championship tournament. We bring you photos and a historic game commented by Reshevsky himself! | Photo: Kadel and Herbert
A prodigy is born
Samuel Reshevsky was born on November 26th, 1911, in Ozorkow, Poland. He learned the game at age four, and was a chess prodigy of the highest standard, giving simuls at the age of eight around the world.
In November 1920, his parents moved to the U.S. to make a living by publicly exhibiting their child's talent. Reshevsky played thousands of games in exhibitions all over the U.S. In fact, for a while, Reshevsky did not even attend school, for which his parents appeared in District Court in Manhattan facing a charge of improper guardianship. However, Julius Rosenwald, wealthy co-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Company in Chicago, soon afterwards became Reshevsky's benefactor, and he guaranteed Reshevsky's future on the condition that he complete his education.
Reshevsky made good on this agreement and not only completed his secondary education, but attended the University of Chicago where he obtained a degree in accounting. During this period from 1924 to 1931, Reshevsky’s competitive chess was scarce, and though his ability was never in doubt, he was to support his wife and children throughout his life as a professional accountant.
