A Dutch chess grandmaster and writer who shared his wit and insights through books and columns, making chess accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.
Jan Hein Donner was a renowned Dutch chess grandmaster and writer, best known for his outstanding skills on the board and his wit as a columnist. Born on July 6, 1927, in The Hague, Donner made a name for himself in the world of chess, winning the Dutch Championship three times and earning the Grandmaster title in 1959.
Donner's fascination with chess began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top players in the Netherlands. His impressive performance in the 1956 International Chess Tournament, where he came third behind Larsen and Darga, solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the chess world.
Throughout his career, Donner received numerous accolades for his achievements in chess. He was awarded the Grandmaster title by FIDE, the World Chess Federation, in 1959. He also represented the Netherlands in the Chess Olympiads 11 times, from 1950 to 1978.
In addition to his impressive chess career, Donner was a prolific writer and columnist. He wrote for various publications, including NRC Handelsblad and Schaaknieuws, and was known for his witty and often controversial columns on topics such as women, politics, and fellow chess players.
In 1987, a collection of his chess columns, titled "De Koning" (The King), was published. The book was a huge success, and an English translation, "The King: Chess Pieces," was published in 2006. Donner also wrote "Na mijn dood geschreven" (Written After My Death), a selection of his minicolumns, which earned him the prestigious Henritte Roland-Holst Prize in 1987.
In 1983, Donner suffered a stroke, which left him unable to walk. However, he continued to write, learning to type with one finger. He lived in a nursing home, Vreugdehof, where he continued to write and share his wit with the world.
Jan Hein Donner's legacy extends far beyond his impressive chess career. He was a talented writer and columnist, known for his unique voice and perspective. He inspired many with his determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Donner passed away on November 27, 1988, but his work continues to entertain and inspire generations of chess enthusiasts and readers alike.
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