Milton L. Hanauer

    Milton Loeb Hanauer (5 August 1908 – 16 April 1988), described as a cultured and kindly man, was a public school principal, chess book author, master and Marshall Chess Club official. Born in Harrison, New York, he is best known for running the New York school competition that became known as the Hanauer League (citywide chess competitions for students in the early 1960s) and for writing the book Chess Made Simple. This book is both a manual for beginners and a refresher course for experienced players. Clear and methodical explanations begin with the pieces and proceed to more advanced play. One reviewer commented that this book took him to 1600. I had the book many years ago and found it a very good read. It can still be found on the Internet.        

     Not much is known about Hanauer's chess career, but he played on the silver medal winning US team in the 2nd Chess Olympiad at The Hague 1928, qualified for four US Championships, and he won games from Reuben Fine and this one from Isaac Kashdan. Eventually Hanauer gave up all but skittles chess and became an avid bridge player at the Marshall Chess Club.