Ask any chessplayer today if they recognize the name “Maroczy” and you will probably get a reply that it describes a pawn configuration designed to limit black pawn levers. While technically correct, such a reply would overlook the life and legacy of one of the great grandmasters, organizers, and arbiters in chess history.

Geza Maroczy was the first Hungarian world-class grandmaster. In the most comprehensive biography of him ever written, Hungarian chess historian Laszlo Jakobetz traces Maroczy’s life from the earliest years, his maturing to an elite player and his significant contributions to the royal game.

This remarkable book has over 180 annotated games, supplemented by hundreds of rare archival photographs. Also included are Maroczy’s complete tournament and match records, along with crosstables, from Budapest 1892 to his final tournament in the Netherlands in 1947.

Until now, very few books worthy of Geza Maroczy’s influence and chess legacy have been published worldwide. Therefore, I am delighted that this comprehensive biography presents to chess-loving readers the exceptional personalities and chess events of past eras, along with many interesting lessons and insights for the present generation. – from the foreword by Lajos Portisch

Most players are familiar with modern Hungarian grandmasters such as Judit Polgar and Peter Leko, but it was the great patriarch of Hungarian chess Geza Maroczy who paved the way for them.