An Interview with Arpad Elo
Badger Chess Assistant Editor Ted Babcock interviewed Professor Arpad Elo, “father” of our rating system during this year’s Elo Open in Madison, April 2-4. Babcock described Elo as being “most gracious, anticipating many of my questions, and giving answers in great detail. . . an enjoyable experience for me.” This is part one of the Elo interview, part two will appear in the July issue.
When and where were you born?
Well, I was born in Hungary on August 25, 1903. A long time ago.
And when did you move to the United States?
In 1913. I just escaped World War I; that is our family did. That was lucky. We moved into the Cleveland area, where I went to high school. In 1921 I went on to the University of Chicago and played chess there in the Chicago Chess League. Chicago was a good chess center, a good many strong players. Then in 1926 I took a position at Marquette University in Milwaukee and, except for a break during the war years, I was there until my retirement in 1969.
Who were some of the better players in Chicago at that time?
There was Samuel Factor, who won the Western Championship a number of times. He was a strong master. And Herbert Albohm. Those were the outstanding players.
Edward Lasker lived in Chicago for a while; although I have never played against him—I did against the others.
For many years we had an annual match between Milwaukee and Chicago. It was a pleasant, generally late in the summer.
Read more: 1982 Badger Chess Interview with Arpad Elo - Part 1