The 11th Student Olympiad took place in Cracow (Kraków), Poland, to commemorate sexcentenary of the Jagiellonian University, one of oldest universities in Europe. The opening speech was delivered by deputy rector professor Kazimierz Wyka, the well-known critic and historian. The turnout was decent. Twenty one teams arrived breaking magic barrier of twenty for the first time. USSR had been routine favourites but they just fielded a sole IM in the team which was led by obscure Ukrainian Roman Pelts. Czechoslovakia were strong with Hort, Kávalek and national champion Jansa. US we led by Lombardy while Romania's frontman was junior World Champion Gheorghiu.
There were as much as six preliminary groups, three of three teams and three of four. From each preliminary group top two teams stepped info the championship final. In group 1 (probably the easiest) Czechoslovakia and Austria picked top two spots at the cost of Holland (Hans Ree had his debut at board 3). Weakened English team failed to qualify from group 2 while Mongolia made best use of lucky drawing of lots to qualify from group 3 together with the Soviets. In group 4 Poland showed excellent form wiping out US team 3½-½, the Americans qualified too anyway. One saw closest run in group 6 where Romania were kicked out by the narrow margin losing to Israel in the decisive match.
As far as the final group is concerned, USSR won to regain the championship lost in 1963 edging out titleholders Czechoslovakia by 2 points. The Czechs had to mobilise though in the last round to overcame Hungary, and they managed to do so wiping out Mongolia 4-0. USA came fourth as the result of rather dull finish (they were occupying second position with just four rounds to go). Then came Yugoslavia who barely recovered from dreadful start. Those five dominated the rest of the pool. Poland were sixth clear 5 and a half points behind Yugoslavia, which was their all-time best at the time. Bulgaria finished only eighth. Austria came last, but they were the only team to hold USSR to a draw. Romania won final B in which a few strong teams had to participate; England was second.
Best overall result was achieved by Armenian player Mnatsakanian (member of team USSR of course) - 10 points out of 11 games. A number of various prizes was awarded to the players. IM Florin Gheorghiu of Romania received prize for best score at board 1 (he had easy job though as his team played in the consolation group). One of Cuban players was awarded with a prize for the youngest participant, Havansi of Finland received special prize (co-donated by the bulletin editor probably!) for supplying most legible scoresheet
