Max Euwe Centrum

An institute unparallelled in the world of chess

Hundreds of thousands of people in the Netherlands play chess or are interested in one of its numerous aspects. Some 20,000 have been organized: they belong to a chess club. Quite a few people have found the way to the Max Euwe-Centrum, but many have no idea at all of its facilities and possibilities.

Perhaps you would like to know more about the technical aspects of chess, or delve into chess literature yourself, or attend a chess course. Or maybe you are interested in the long history of chess, in the games of the old international masters, in problem- and computer chess, correspondence chess, endgames, chess and artificial intelligence, chess and psychology, chess and art history, chess and philately, to mention a few aspects.

Of course one can explore the field oneself, un-doubtedly a fascinating voyage of discovery. However, it is much easier to pay a visit to the Max Euwe-Centrum sometime. You will be surprised at what our centre has to offer. It is unparalleled in the world.
Our expert staff members are quite willing to show you around and will gladly answer your questions.

In preparation to your future, or renewed, visit to the Max Euwe-Centrum we will take you on a guided tour through 'our home' so as to make you rapidly feel at home (again) in familiar surroundings. During this (guided) tour we will tell you about our main activities.

The Max Euwe-Centrum is found at the Max Euweplein 30-a in Amsterdam, between the Leidseplein and the Vondelpark. From the Vondelpark side it is reached via the Donnerbrug.

On entering the building we would like to tell you something about:

• Development, aims and objectives
• Entrance
• Museum and meeting room
• Library, as well as study centre
• Chess academy
• Events and activities
• Finance
• Admission
• Donorship

Max Euwe Centrum

Development, aims and objectives

The Netherlands have brought forth one Chess world champion, Dr Max Euwe. When, in 1935, world champion Aljechin lost his title to Euwe, the former Russian citizen spoke these memorable words: "Es lebe Schachweltmeister Euwe". The Dutch were delirious: in the streets celebrations went on deep into the night.

Euwe had already done much to promote chess; he was to do even more. As president of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) he advanced chess immensely, also in third-world countries. Euwe, himself an excellent chess teacher, wrote many books and articles and made an essential contribution to chess theory.

Euwe died in 1981, eighty years old. Soon after his death the Foundation Max Euwe-Centrum was founded to commemorate Euwe, his work and his significance to chess. This led to a highly tangible result; in November 1986 the Max Euwe-Centrum opened its doors.

Initially the centre directed its energies towards maintaining a small museum and a modest library which contained part of Euwe's chess inheritance and his books.
The following years were characterized by an explosive growth in all areas.

MEC's current aims and objectives are rather different from those in the initial stages of its existence. Of course one of its aims is still to promote chess. Certainly attention is being paid to technical aspects incourses and training sessions. In addition, however, there is ample interest in the cultural, social and academic aspects of chess. This somewhat less well-known side is illuminated in lectures, seminars,exhibitions and conferences. And let us not forget the link with computer sciences.

Max Euwe Centrum

Entrance

Here we find large glass cases containing temporarily exhibitions. Another glass case recalls the long, and sad, history of the former House of Detention, in which our centre is now established. In World War II it was an infamous place, known as "De Weteringschans". In this glass case a photograph reminds one of those black days: The tablet attached to the building was unveiled by Mayor Van Thijn in February 1993, on the initiative of the Max Euwe-Centrum conjointly with the "Comité Herdenking Februaristaking 1941" (Committee for the Commemoration of the February-strike in 1941) and the Amsterdam local authorities.

On one of the walls photographs provide an overview of our recent activities and events. In addition, the names of our sponsors and donating companies are to be found there.

Max Euwe Centrum

Museum and meeting room

Once through the entrance we find ourselves in the museum. Panels with texts and photographs show an outline of the development of chess andMax Euwe's career. Glass cases display various objects from Euwe's chess inheritance. Chess sets from all over the world give an indication of the variety in chessmen through the ages. A splendid sight!

Exhibitions succeed each other on a regular basis. Additionally, our centre organizes extramural exhibitions, for instance in other musea, institutions, companies, shopping centres, etc.

On top of this the museum accommodates a large collection of photographs related to chess tournaments, matches and such. A number of these can be considered unique. On request, individual- or group-guided tours are provided.

MEC's attention for the history of chess finds expression in its videotheque as well. In the meeting room adjacent to the museum a dvd-player and monitor have been set up. MEC has obtained dvd's of the earliest chess films; visual material of rare, historical value; recordings of a more recent date are also available.

The walls of the meeting room have been fitted with a portrait gallery of female and male world champions. Beside these, photos are exhibited of the Dutch grandmasters after Euwe. Under the watchful eyes of these celebrities you can play a game of chess.

Through the meeting room we enter our

Library, as well as study centre

Max Euwe Centrum

Library, as well as study centre

Books and journals
Here you will find over 10,000 books on a wide range of chess subjects and a huge number of journals, both domestic and foreign, waiting for you. They may deal with purely technical matters, but also with the history of chess and the interconnections between chess and numerous fields of science. Chess, after all, is more than just a game. None of the books or journals have to be applied for: they have been arranged in such a way as to be immediately available to you for consultation.

Should you be unable to find something, please address the librarian or one of the other library staff members. We would like our books, journals, etc. to be permanently available to the public. It is therefore not possible to borrow books or journals from our library.

In 1995 our complete store of books and journals had been computerized. Not only will you be able then to find books according to author and title, but also according to subject. Besides, it has become possible to search for books on our website. Thus, one has the opportunity of preparing oneself for a study visit to our centre.

It is our aim to keep the library as up-to-date as possible. The latest books from a great number of publishers may therefore be found here. Whether with regard to developments in the theory of opening moves or back issues of journals, you will only rarely be unable to find what you are looking for. Moreover we have in our possession antiquated and rare books. Understandably, these are kept under lock and key. One may examine them by arrangement with the librarian.

Computers and other equipment
Chess computers programs are at the public's disposal. One may play a game of chess, or analyse it, or perform various operations. With the aid various programs one may retrieve millions of games, sort them, and repeat them. On request the equipment is demonstrated. MEC is willing to act as a consultant and intermediary in the process of selecting a chess computer or program. Through internet it is possible to follow the latest developments at tournaments. The photocopier is at your disposal for photocopies.

Press cuttings
For press cuttings, too, MEC is the right place to come to. If you are interested in newspaper reports of tournaments, matches, interviews, developments in the world of chess, do come to our centre, where you will find e.g. the Lems Archive containing a large collection of press cuttings from the thirties.

Max Euwe Centrum

Chess academy

In 1989 the "International Chess Academy Max Euwe" was joined to the Max Euwe-Centrum, which made it possible to organize training sessions and courses.

Courses
In the Netherlands and Belgium chess courses and chess computer courses are organized. They are announced through special brochures, in "Schakend Nederland" and in our newsletter appearing two times per annum.

The chess courses are specifically designed for those who are already somewhat advanced; MEC does not organize beginners' courses. We distinguish between general chess courses and thematic ones. The playing strength or rating required for these courses ranges from 1400 to 2000. For the students student-books are available containing summaries of the contents and worksheets.

Max Euwe Centrum

Events and activities

MEC annually develops a number of structural activities. Foremost among these is the chess festival on the Max Euweplein, to which masters and grandmasters, both Dutch and foreign, lend their kind assistance.

A chess books (exchange) market is held twice a year. Private individuals here have the opportunity to sell or swap their chess books.

Among the incidental activities there are special events concerning the opening or closing of chess courses, and lectures on various subjects. At important matches our centre provides a running commentary.

Max Euwe links.

Suggesties:

• Ga naar www. maxeuwe.nl/ links. html
• Ga naar www. maxeuwe.nl
• Ga naar sitemap www. maxeuwe. nl/sitemap. html
• Ga naar www. maxeuwe. nl/en
• Zoek op www.maxeuwe.nl

Kenneth, mooi gedaan! kun je hier ook zijn matches zien tegen Aljechine om de titel?

Moet ik dan opzoeken.

Laat in elk geval ideetjes achter, kan ik zodra ik tijd heb de boel organiseren..jij mag het zelf ook doen, jij hebt vrije toegang tot the faciliteiten en ik zou zeggen maak er gebruik van...

Dat geld ook voor een ieder die wat to vertellen of te laten zien heeft.

Toi Toi Toi!

Alvast bedankt,,, Kenneth Dennis.

Ik heb de boeken al opgezocht... weet je dat ook ene zekere S.Postma schaakboeken geschreven heeft... overigens is geen Familie zover ik weet. Groeten Paul

Ik zou zeggen Postemaar Paul Postema, leuk!

Probeer links te verzamelen.

Postma , you write it like "Postman" without the last sign!

Oh sorry, over enthusiasm Paul Postma.

Is all OK, veel mensen in Nederland doen dat... zeggen Postema, ja daar zijn er ook een hoop van.

Ja heb ik begrepen, ook als je Koos zou heten was dat aanleiding geweest te denken aan Postema, grappig is dat....een K Postma zou ook aan Koos Postema doen denken...enz, enz,, dat heb ik soms ook met Kenneth en ken het...ken net!

Ja, ik ben zo vaak met de naam Postema verward , ook al omdat tegenover mij in de Dorpsstraat in Den Horn, allemaal Postema's woonden... ze dachte dat ik ok familie was!

Prachtig is dat, als het maar positief blijft dan kan dat niety veel erg's zijn.

Hierbij zou ik zeggen Postma, post maar,,, die boeken!,,lol

Leuk allemaal!

Mijn eerste boek , wat ik in V&D op de Grote Markt in Groningen gekocht heb heet "Jeugdschaak"  (leerboek van de Koninklijke Nederlandse Schaakbond) . Er staat op pag. 7 een foto van onze NL WereldKampioen "Max Eeuwe" die een Diploma aan een jongen uitreikt. Ook staat er natuurlijk de kampioens-match :      "De Parel van Zandfoort " in! B.J. Withuis schreef het .