Player Profile: Murray Chandler

Full Name: Murray Graham Chandler

Peak FIDE Rating: 2560 (January 1988)

Active Since: 1974 (became Grandmaster in 1983)

Federation: New Zealand (formerly England until 2002)

Player Description:

Murray Chandler, born on April 4, 1960, in Wellington, New Zealand, is a Grandmaster who played a significant role in chess across multiple spheres , as a top-level player, chess author, editor, publisher, and national leader. He began representing New Zealand in international competitions as early as 1974 but later moved to England, where he became a core part of the British chess boom during the 1980s.

Chandler earned the Grandmaster title in 1983, becoming the first player born and raised in New Zealand to achieve that honor. He was a prominent figure in England's national team and competed in several top international events, including the Candidates cycle and Olympiads. After returning to New Zealand in the early 2000s, he switched federations and dedicated himself to the development of chess in his home country.

Apart from his achievements on the board, Chandler is widely respected for his contributions to chess literature. He served as editor of British Chess Magazine, published several popular books, and established Gambit Publications, a successful chess publishing house. His influence on chess, both practical and literary, is well-recognized globally.

Career Scorecard:

World Championship Cycle Appearances:

• Participated in the Interzonal Tournament: Taxco 1985

• Candidate for the World Championship cycle during the 1980s

• Competed in the FIDE Zonal tournaments representing both England and New Zealand

• 
  

National Championships:

• British Chess Champion: 1984

• New Zealand Chess Champion: 2002

• New Zealand Rapid Champion: 2003

• Participated in and won national-level events in both England and New Zealand

Olympiad Medals:

• Represented New Zealand: 1974, 1976, 2002, 2004

• Represented England: 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988

• Helped England achieve a Silver medal at the 1986 Chess Olympiad in Dubai

• Played board one for New Zealand upon his return to the national side

Tournaments Won:

• Lloyds Bank Masters (multiple editions)

• Brighton International 1981

• British Championship 1984

• Hastings Premier Tournament 1986–87

• New Zealand Championship 2002

• Several strong open tournaments during the 1980s in the UK and Europe

Memorable Games:

1. Chandler vs. Ulf Andersson – Hastings 1986/87

In a tightly contested game against the solid Swedish Grandmaster, Chandler displayed outstanding strategic control. This win helped him clinch first place in the Hastings Premier event. His ability to outmaneuver Andersson in a long positional struggle stood out as one of his best tournament performances.

2. Chandler vs. Viktor Korchnoi – London 1982

Facing one of the legends of world chess, Chandler held his own in a complex middlegame and eventually outplayed Korchnoi in a tactical finish. This game not only gave Chandler a massive confidence boost but also established him as a serious force on the international stage during the 1980s.

3. Chandler vs. Rogers – Interzonal, Taxco 1985

Playing against Australian GM Ian Rogers, Chandler showed creative middlegame planning and a fine touch in exploiting imbalances. The win was one of his most notable from the Interzonal and highlighted his tactical vision during his peak years.