Levenfish Grigory Yakovlevich (09.03.1889 – 09.02.1961)
Soviet Grandmaster (1950), born in Poland, Honored Master of Sports of USSR (1947). Chessman of letters. Engineer-chemist.
Having played successfully in a series of the Petersburg’s chess competitions, he received an invitation to play at Carlsbad International Tournament of 1911, where he shared the 14th-16th place. In 1910-30, was one of the strongest chess players of the country.
Best results: All-Russian Tournaments 1912, 6-7th with Alexander Alekhine; All-Russian Tournaments 1913-14, 5th; Petersburg’s Tournament 1913, 1st -2nd (with Alexander Alekhine). USSR championship 1920, 3rd; USSR championship 1923, 2nd; USSR championship 1924, 3-4th; USSR championship 1925, 2nd; USSR championship 1933, 3-5rd, USSR championship 1934-35, 1-2nd; USSR championship 1937, 1st. In 1937 he preserved the title of Champion of USSR by drawing a match with Mikhail Botvinnik 6.5 – 6.5 (+5, -5, =3).
Levenfish was the second Soviet chess player (after Mikhail Botvinnik) who was awarded the title of Grandmaster of USSR (1937).
The author and editor of the Modern Opening (1940) and many theoretical analysis, articles and games collections. One of the greatest experts on the theory of rook ending. He was a co-author with Vasily Smyslov of Rook Endings (1971).
