Eugeniusz Iwanow

Eugeniusz Iwanow ( * 03.02.1933 - † 28.06.2024) Polish chess composer and International Master

He was a composer who excelled in more genres but who has been especially awarded for selfmates (chess problems). -Ivanov enthusiastically and single-handedly edited the chess magazine Problemista.

"Eugeniusz Iwanow, an Honorary Member of the Polish Chess Federation, passed away on June 28, 2024, in Częstochowa. Renowned as a international master of FIDE in chess composition, an international chess judge, and an organizer of chess and sports activities, Iwanow made significant contributions to the world of chess. He chaired the Chess Composition Commission of the Polish Chess Federation from 1980 to 2003 and was active in the Częstochowa Chess Problem Club and the Provincial Sports Federation in Częstochowa.

He was the editor and publisher of notable chess magazines "Problemista" and "Kronika – Biuletyn Polskich Problemistów" and authored important works such as "Polish Selfmates" (1991; orig.: “Polskie samomaty”) and "One Hundred Selected Selfmates” (2007, orig. “Sto wybranych samomatów”), coauthored “Polish miniatures” (2007, orig. “Polskie miniatury”). He was an internationally respected judge, an unquestioned authority in the field of selfmates, and a mentor to many chess composition enthusiasts, both domestic and international. In 2014, he published a special issue of the "Kronika – Biuletyn..." where he presented his curriculum vitae and selected and commented on 199 of his best problems. He has made significant contributions to preserving the history of Polish chess composition from the 1960s to the present day. His memories of the most outstanding Polish problemists were particularly valuable.

He debuted in 1952 in the magazine “Przyjaźń”. He created various types of chess problems, including directmates, moremovers, studies, helpmates, and fairy problems. However, his primary domain became the selfmate, particularly the two-move selfmate. He published over 1400 compositions, with more than 700 selfmates. His compositions won numerous awards, including 68 first prizes in international competitions, 114 second or further prizes, and 439 – other mentions etc. His contributions were crucial in shaping modern understanding of selfmate compositions.

Iwanow's style is exemplified by his famous early works, which continue to be cited in Polish and international publications. His innovative approaches and dedication to chess composition earned him high honors, including the titles of national master, international FIDE judge, international master, and national grandmaster. He was also a multiple medalist in Polish Chess Composition Championships and participated in World Chess Composition Championships.

Honored with various awards, including the Gold Cross of Merit and the Silver Medal for Outstanding Sports Achievements, Iwanow was a respected figure in the chess community. His legacy in chess composition remains influential, and his works are celebrated both in Poland and worldwide.

Selected Achievements and Recognitions:
- International FIDE Judge (1967)
- International FIDE Master (2015)
- National Grandmaster (2013)
- Multiple medals in Polish Chess Composition Championships
- Participation in World Chess Composition Championships
- Director of FIDE Album 1995-97
- Awarded Gold Cross of Merit (1988)
- Honorary Member of the Polish Chess Federation (2009)"

"Eugeniusz was a dear and always smiling friend, full of funny stories and jokes.
His good spirit and energy will be terribly missed." Marjan Kovačević