Sonja Graf

Chess Player

Birthday December 16, 1908

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace Germany

DEATH DATE Mar 6, 1965 (56)

#247018 Most Popular

About

German born female chess master who was perhaps the greatest women's chess player in the world during her prime.

Before Fame

She gained local notoriety in Munich as a cafe chess player and participated in the 8th Chess Olympiad in Buenos Aires, before deciding to stay in Argentina to escape Nazi rule.

Trivia

After her move to the United States, she became a two time United States Women's Chess Champion (in 1957 and 1964).

Family Life

She chronicled the abuses she suffered at the hands of her parents in two books she authored.

Associated With

She was a forerunner to future female champions like Judit Polgar.