The Incredible Polgar Sisters

Susan Polgar

Susan Polgar's journey in chess began at the age of five when she entered her first tournament and won ten. She soon became a local chess sensation, challenging the notion that she was naturally gifted. Susan's career was marked by significant achievements, including becoming the third woman in history to reach the rank of grandmaster and serving as the women's world champion from 1993 to 1996 1. After her playing career, she became the most successful collegiate chess coach in American history, leading teams to seven national championships 1.

Susan entered her first tournament and won ten. Nothing. She soon became a local chess sensation, but everyone just assumed she was naturally gifted. It was the exact opposite of what Lazlo was trying to prove.

--- Gary Arndt

Susan's story exemplifies the impact of a nurturing environment on achieving greatness.

   

Sophia Polgar

Sophia Polgar, like her older sister, excelled in chess from a young age. She was the runner-up in the under-14 World Chess tournament at twelve, becoming the first girl to reach the finals. Her most notable achievement came two years later when she won a tournament in Rome with an astonishing 8.5 out of nine points, beating several grandmasters 1. Sophia's success continued as she achieved the rank of international master, just below grandmaster 1.

Once, when former world champion Bobby Fischer visited the family in Budapest, she beat him three games in a row.

--- Gary Arndt

Sophia's accomplishments highlight the extraordinary talent nurtured within the Polgar family.

   

Judit Polgar

Judit Polgar stands out as the greatest female chess player in history. At fifteen, she became the youngest grandmaster ever, surpassing Bobby Fischer's record. By twelve, she was ranked 55th in the world, and by fifteen, she was the top-ranked woman globally 1. Judit never won a women's world championship because she refused to play in women's only tournaments, yet she broke barriers by becoming the first woman to beat a reigning world champion and break into the world's top ten 1.

When she beat Gary Kasparov in 2005, she became the first woman to break into the world's top ten, peaking at number eight.

--- Gary Arndt

Judit's achievements underscore the importance of an environment that fosters excellence and challenges traditional gender roles.