childhood
Born on 20 May 1901 in Watergraafsmeer, near Amsterdam, Netherlands.
His parents played chess; young Max watched them and said he had mastered the basic rules by age four.
education
Studied mathematics at the University of Amsterdam, earning his doctorate in 1926.
At age 17, he entered the Department of Mathematics at the University of Amsterdam.
He received his high school teacher diploma and taught mathematics in Rotterdam and later at a girls' lyceum in Amsterdam.
career
Fifth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1935 to 1937.
Defeated Alexander Alekhine in a monumental 1935 match, one of the greatest upsets in chess history.
Lost the rematch in 1937 but remained a top player for decades.
Later served as President of FIDE (1970–1978), overseeing the famous 1972 Fischer–Spassky match.
A prolific author, writing over 70 chess books.
stories & anecdotes
Euwe was a true amateur in an era of professionals; he combined his chess career with a full-time academic job.
He believed above all in "the unalterable character of logic."
His granddaughter wrote a children's book about him called Lang Leve de Koningin (Long Live the Queen).
quotes
"Chess is a matter of logic, not of inspiration."
publications
Judgment and Planning in Chess (Oordeel en Plan) — his most famous work.
The Opening Archives series.
Middlegame and Endgame volumes.
Play through Max Euwe’s games
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Editorial note: this profile was adapted from supplied research notes. Historical details and attributed quotations should be fact-checked before formal publication.