GM Jan-Hein Donner
Bio
Johannes Hendrikus Donner (July 6, 1927 – November 27, 1988) was a renowned Dutch chess grandmaster and a prolific writer. About his name, he once wrote: "I'd like to point out that my name is: J.H. Donner, to my few friends: Hein. 'Jan Hein', however, I am not, have never been and wouldn't want to be either."
Born in The Hague, Donner clinched the Dutch Championship in 1954, 1957, and 1958. FIDE awarded him the Grandmaster title in 1959. Donner represented the Netherlands 11 times at Chess Olympiads between 1950 and 1978.
Donner scored a number of important tournament victories, such as the Hoogovens Tournament in Wijk aan Zee in 1950 when he finished a full point ahead of Nicolas Rossolimo and former world champion Max Euwe. In 1958 he shared first with Euwe and in 1963 he won Wijk aan Zee again. His career's best performance was winning Venice 1967 ahead of reigning World Champion Tigran Petrosian. In 1970, he came second behind World Champion Boris Spassky but ahead of former world champion Mikhail Botvinnik and top GM Bent Larsen.
On August 24, 1983, Donner experienced a life-altering stroke after which he resided in a nursing home, where he adapted by learning to type with one finger. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to contribute writings about chess and other topics.
A controversial figure, Donner was known for his bold and often provocative columns. He frequently wrote about women, politics, and fellow grandmaster Lodewijk Prins, whom he famously derided for his lack of chess knowledge.
In 1987, De Koning was published, a compilation of 162 of Donner's chess columns showcasing his unique voice and insights. Donner passed away on November 27, 1988, from a gastric hemorrhage. In 2006, New in Chess released an English translation of De Koning titled The King: Chess Pieces, now considered a classic in chess literature.
Donner's sharp wit is evident in his memorable quotes. He once remarked, "I love all positions. Give me a difficult positional game, I'll play it. Give me a bad position, I'll defend it. Openings, endgames, complicated positions, and dull, drawn positions, I love them all and will give my best efforts. But totally winning positions I cannot stand."
After losing a playoff match for the Dutch Championship to GM Hans Ree in 1971, he wrote: "After I resigned this game with perfect self-control and solemnly shook hands with my opponent in the best of Anglo-Saxon traditions, I rushed home, where I threw myself onto my bed, howling and screaming, and pulled the blankets over my face. For three days and three nights the Erinnyes were after me. Then I got up, dressed, kissed my wife and considered my situation."
