In Memoriam: IM Rob Hartoch

In Memoriam: IM Rob Hartoch
30 May 2009
Chessvibes.com

International Master Rob Hartoch (62) passed away Thursday morning in St. Lucas Hospital in Amsterdam. He suffered severe liver damage. He will be deeply missed in the Dutch chess scene. In Memoriam by Karel van Delft.

Rob Hartoch was a very gifted player, a great talent. He achieved his biggest success in 1965 when he finished second (behind Bojan Kurajica) at the World Championship Under 20 in Barcelona. Rob was often telling stories about that tournament. “I was there together with an old man, who wasn’t a very good chess player, but he was nice company. He just let me do my thing, and for me that was perfect.”

At the end of his career, when his rating was dropping more and more, Rob became less interesting as a player for chess organizers and clubs. But in my opinion this is a misconception. Such a player, with so much experience and who always enjoyed being around with other people, has a lot to offer to the chess world.

I met Rob years ago in Dieren, where he always participated in the Dutch Open. A casual conversation at the bar soon led to regular contact. Rob often visited Apeldoorn. For a few years he played in the first team of Schaakstad Apeldoorn and he was part of the team that promoted to the highest league in the year 2000. He gave commentary to the games at several editions of the Apeldoorn Championship Weekender. At two of them he was joined by GM Daniel Stellwagen and it was clear that Rob especially enjoyed those sessions. We have video footage of it.

Rob was one of the trainers at the annual event Youth Meets Masters. He was responsible for the youngest group. At the end of a long day, youngsters like (now GM) Sipke Ernst or (now IM) Lucien van Beek would be exhausted, but Rob was clearly in his element. The kids loved him. He explained something, then used his famous phrase “first try out the position yourself” and walked away to smoke a cigarette. By the time the pieces would be lying scattered on the floor, he was still in control. “Three points for the one who picks up the pieces.”

Here is the full article.