Chess Grandmaster who was one of the most successful American players of his time and the U.S. Open champion in 1938 and 1947.
He was raised Jewish and attended CCNY during the 1920s.
Despite playing five times for the U.S. team in the Chess Olympiad he lost most of his money during the Great Depression and resorted to earning a living as an insurance agent and administrator in order to support his family.
He was born and raised in New York City.
He was admired greatly by competitor Arnold Denker.