Barcza, Gedeon (1911-1986)

Barcza, Gedeon

CHESS PLAYER, MATHEMATICIAN (HUNGARY)

BORN 21 Aug 1911, Kisujszállás, Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok - DIED 27 Feb 1986, Budapest
GRAVE LOCATION Budapest: Kerepesi cemetery (33/3-1-7)

Gedeon Barcza the son of the high school teacher József Barcza (1871-1921) and Anna Süto. He studied mathematics and physics in Debrecen. After he had trouble finding a job he studied Law as well. In 1936 he moved to Budapest where he worked as a teacher. In 1941 he married Erzsébet Bányay, who was also a teacher. They had eleven children. He became a deputy director in 1943 and a director in 1945. He switched to the educational department of the city council where he became chief lecturer. In 1951 he changed his profession to journalism.

Barxza was also a strong chess grandmaster. He was champion of Hungary eight times between 1942 and 1966. In 1950 he was awarded the title of International Master and in 1954 he became a Grandmaster. He played on seven chess Olympiads for Hungary. The Barcza System is a chess opening that is named after him. He died in 1986 in Budapest.

Images

The grave of Gedeon Barcza at the Kerepesi Cemetery, Budapest.
Picture by Androom (20 Aug 2002)