A Turning Point in Icelandic Chess History
A turning point in Icelandic chess history came at the 1984 Reykjavík Tournament, when a new generation of Icelandic masters stepped onto the stage. Helgi Ólafsson and Jóhann Hjartarson shared first place with the American legend Samuel Reshevsky, and both achieved grandmaster norms. Jón L. Árnason and Margeir Pétursson finished in a tie for fourth to sixth place—the “gang of four” had arrived on the scene. At the time, however, people actually spoke of the “five”, because Karl Þorsteins was considered no less promising; he achieved an international master norm at the tournament.
Friðrik Ólafsson finished in a tie for 19th–23rd place among 59 participants, scoring 6 points out of 11. He lost to both Helgi and Jóhann during the tournament, but, like everyone else, was delighted by the “Icelandic chess explosion”. Morgunblaðið journalist Hallur Hallsson spoke with Friðrik around the middle of the tournament. The interview, published on 21 February, follows below.
“Our young chess players are making great progress. Margeir Pétursson, Jón L. Árnason and Helgi Ólafsson have been among the leading players for several years and all appear to be well trained, to have played a great deal, and to be capable of major achievements. It is also having a positive effect that Jóhann Hjartarson and Karl Þorsteins have now joined their group. Iceland now has a group of young and highly promising chess players. This is something one has long hoped for—now I can happily begin thinking about stepping aside,” said grandmaster Friðrik Ólafsson after losing to Jóhann Hjartarson in the fifth round of the Reykjavík Tournament.
Rusty in Theory
“I have become rusty in theoretical matters. It would require an enormous effort to regain my former strength in chess—at least two years of relentless work. When I play sharp positions, as I did against Jóhann today, I can clearly feel that I lack stamina, training and concentration, and restoring these qualities is no easy task.”
A Welcome Development
“But that is not the main point. We should instead rejoice in the welcome development that has taken place in Icelandic chess. Our young players, with the five at the head of the formation, have reached a very high level, and if things continue in this direction, we will be able to challenge anyone. We may achieve a development similar to what has taken place in England.
“There has been fierce competition among young English players, and today the English have three of the strongest chess players in the world, together with a large number of young and rising players. In a short time, England has established itself among the leading chess nations.”
The Same Can Happen Here as in England
“It is precisely in this atmosphere that the English have accomplished such a tremendous feat—in an atmosphere of competition. The same development should be possible here. It matters greatly that many young chess players emerge and set themselves ambitious goals. They encourage one another, prepare thoroughly, study intensely, work diligently at their sport and keep one another under pressure.
“In this respect, Icelandic chess has changed. In earlier years, there were only one or two of us fighting in this way, and the right atmosphere never developed, even though public interest was considerable. I believe that a change for the better has now taken place, and I welcome it wholeheartedly.”
Who Will Come Out on Top?
“The only question now is which of our young players will come out on top. Margeir, Jón L. and Helgi have been among the leaders for some time. Jóhann and Karl have now joined the group, and there are more promising players in sight.”
Which of our young chess players do you think could become Iceland’s next grandmaster?
“Jóhann Hjartarson has made enormous progress in only one year and is now showing great strength. He has matured considerably, and if he continues in this way, we have nothing to fear. At the moment, he appears to have the best chance of becoming our next grandmaster. He shows no sign of intending to ease off and has the right temperament; nothing seems to unsettle him.
“Karl Þorsteins has also shown considerable improvement in this tournament—more than I had expected. Margeir, Jón L. and Helgi are only a small step away from achieving grandmaster results.
“This is extremely welcome news, and I can now think about retiring with greater peace of mind. There is clearly no shortage of chess players for the future,” Friðrik Ólafsson said.
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