Pilnik Herman (08.01.1914 – 12.11.1981)

Argentine Grandmaster (1952). Pilnik was born in Germany, and around 1930 he settled in Argentina. Argentine Champion in 1942, 1945 and 1958.

He first drew attention when he came in third  (behind Alekhine and Najdorf) in a speed tournament in Buenos Aires in 1939. He was equal second at Mar del Plata 1942, equal first at Mar del Plata 1944 and equal second at Mar del Plata 1945. At New York 1948-49 he was equal third, second at Bled 1950, equal first at Lucerne, Vienna and at Beverwijk in 1951, Belgrade 1952 and Stuttgart 1954. Pilnik became a candidate after sharing seventh place in the Interzonal Tournament Goteborg 1955, but unfortunately, he fared badly in the Candidates tournament that followed.

Pilnik participated in five Olympiads during the 1950s, he collected a team silver medal at Dubrovnik Olympiad in 1950.
He was known for moving and traveling extensively; eventually, Pilnik settled in Venezuela where he taught chess at the Caracas Military Academy and he died several years later.