Rolf Martens - Chess Genius - Maoist - Rebel

Rolf Martens, a 25-year-old Swede, won the Swedish Championship in 1967 and defeated one of the world's ten best players. He became the first Swede to make an IM-norm and later quit playing to pursue political activism. He returned to chess as an analyst and founded the Ultra Hypermodern Counter Attack School, producing more openings than any other player.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2023
Publisher: Thinkers Publishing

In 1967, at the age of 25, Rolf Martens achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Swedish Championship, surpassing all previous records in speed and skill. His exceptional performance continued in the Student World Championship, where he defeated one of the top ten players in the world. By the end of the year, he had achieved another milestone by becoming the first Swede to attain an International Master (IM) norm. Efim Geller, a renowned chess grandmaster, expressed high expectations for Martens, predicting that he would become one of the best players in the world if he competed in Moscow. However, a few years later, Martens decided to put his chess career on hold to pursue political activism on the far left. This decision became his life's calling, and he dedicated himself to it for the rest of his life.

When Martens's passion for chess reignited, he approached it from a new perspective as an analyst. He founded the Ultra Hypermodern Counter Attack School, which has become renowned for its innovative and powerful opening theories. Martens has contributed more openings to the chess literature than any other player in history, making him a valuable resource for players seeking to expand their repertoire.

Rolf Martens's life story encompasses not only his chess achievements but also his political activism and his contributions to the world of chess theory. His book, "Rolf Martens - Chess Genius, Maoist and Rebel," offers insights into his life, experiences, and thoughts, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in chess, politics, or personal development. Whether you are a seasoned chess player or a newcomer to the game, Martens's openings and strategies can provide you with valuable tools to improve your gameplay and achieve success on the chessboard.

Dimension: 234 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464201758