Raymond Keene, English chess player and author

Raymond Dennis Keene, born on 29 January 1948, is a prominent and multifaceted figure in the world of chess. Hailing from England, he has excelled not only as a formidable chess grandmaster but also as a distinguished FIDE International Arbiter, a highly influential chess organiser, and a prolific journalist and author. His career spans decades, marked by significant achievements both on and off the chessboard.

Early Competitive Achievements and Grandmaster Status

Keene's talent for chess became evident early in his competitive career. In 1971, he achieved a major milestone by winning the British Chess Championship, a highly prestigious national title that solidified his standing as a leading player in the United Kingdom. His dedication and skill on the international stage quickly followed. In 1974, Raymond Keene made history by becoming the first player from England to earn a Grandmaster norm, a crucial step towards achieving the highest title in chess. This norm signifies a series of exceptionally strong performances against elite opposition in top-level tournaments. Just two years later, in 1976, he was officially awarded the coveted Grandmaster title, making him the second Englishman to achieve this distinction, following only Tony Miles who had received it earlier that same year.

Beyond securing the Grandmaster title, Keene etched his name further into chess history by becoming the second British chess player to defeat an incumbent World Chess Champion. This remarkable feat occurred when he triumphed over the reigning World Champion, Anatoly Karpov, during the iconic USSR vs. Rest of the World match held in Moscow in 1976. This significant victory echoed Jonathan Penrose's historic defeat of Mikhail Tal in 1961. Throughout his active playing career, Keene consistently represented his country at the highest level, competing for England in eight Chess Olympiads, a biennial team chess tournament where national teams from around the world compete for gold medals.

Transition to Organisation, Journalism, and Authorship

In 1986, at the age of thirty-eight, Raymond Keene officially retired from competitive play, choosing to channel his vast knowledge and passion for chess into other avenues. Since then, he has become widely recognised for his pivotal roles as a chess organiser, columnist, and author. His contributions to the global chess scene in these capacities have been immense and far-reaching.

Major Chess and Mind Sports Events Organised by Keene

Prolific Author and Influential Journalist

Beyond his organisational prowess, Raymond Keene is celebrated as an extraordinarily prolific author. He has penned an impressive catalogue of over 100 books on chess, covering a wide range of topics from game analysis and opening theory to biographies of famous players and instructional guides. His literary contributions have undoubtedly enriched chess literature and educated countless enthusiasts. Additionally, Keene served as the chess correspondent for The Times, a prestigious national newspaper, for an extensive period from 1985 until November 2019. His columns provided insights into major tournaments, game analyses, and commentary on the chess world, reaching a vast readership.

Royal Recognition

In recognition of his exceptional services to the game of chess, Raymond Keene was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1985. This esteemed honour from the British monarchy underscores his significant contributions to the sport's development and promotion within the United Kingdom and globally.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite his considerable achievements and contributions, Raymond Keene remains a somewhat controversial figure within the chess community. Over the years, he has faced various accusations, most notably concerning plagiarism in some of his written works. Furthermore, aspects of his business dealings and the perceived quality of certain chess books, columns, and articles he has produced have also drawn criticism from various quarters within the chess world. These controversies have sometimes overshadowed his otherwise distinguished career as a player, organiser, and author.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raymond Keene

What is Raymond Keene best known for?
Raymond Keene is best known for his achievements as an English chess grandmaster, winning the British Chess Championship in 1971, and becoming the second Englishman to earn the Grandmaster title. He is also highly regarded for his extensive work as a chess organiser, notably for several World Chess Championships in London, and as a prolific author and long-serving chess correspondent for The Times.
When did Raymond Keene become a chess Grandmaster?
Raymond Keene was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1976, making him the second Englishman to achieve this highest honour in chess, following Tony Miles.
Did Raymond Keene ever beat a World Champion?
Yes, Raymond Keene defeated the incumbent World Chess Champion, Anatoly Karpov, during the USSR vs. Rest of the World match in Moscow in 1976. He was the second British player to achieve such a feat.
What major chess events did Raymond Keene organise?
Raymond Keene was significantly involved in organising the London legs of the World Chess Championships in 1986 (Kasparov vs. Karpov), 1993 (Kasparov vs. Short PCA Championship), and 2000 (Kasparov vs. Kramnik Classical Championship). He also played a key role in founding and organising the Mind Sports Olympiads in the late 1990s.
Why is Raymond Keene considered controversial?
Keene has faced accusations of plagiarism regarding some of his published works. Additionally, certain aspects of his business dealings and the quality of some of his chess books and columns have drawn criticism within the chess community.