(CROSSVILLE, TN)Burt Hochberg, 73, passed away Saturday, May 13, after a long illness. Burt was a distinguished and well-liked chess editor and journalist who seemed to know virtually everyone in the chess world. As editor of Chess Life, the official publication for Chess in America, from 1966-1979, he built the magazine into the information highway of its day for American chess players.

In the 70’s, he also served as acquisitions editor and managing editor of R.H.M. Press, an important publisher of theoretical works on chess openings by foreign and U.S. grandmasters when such material was sparse in the United States. More recently, he was a chess consultant and editor for the McKay Chess Library, a division of Random House.

For the better part of two decades, Burt was the editor of Games magazine, adding to his reputation as a dedicated and attentive professional.

As an established editor and friend to all in the chess world, he was always generous in offering a hand to junior editors trying to secure work. In addition to his journalistic and editorial activities, Burt authored several chess books.

Those who knew him will remember him also for his kindness and his enthusiasm for life, and for his passion for music. Although he was trained in classical piano, he loved to play Scott Joplin rags for his wife, Carol, and his friends. He will be deeply missed by friends, family, and an entire generation of chess enthusiasts.

Scott Knoke, a colleague of Burt, contributed this article.

The U.S. Chess Federation provides an opportunity for tributes on our website in our “In Passing” area. Email your tribute to jdubois@uschess.org.

******************

The United States Chess Federation (USCF), founded in 1939, serves as the governing body for chess in the United States and is now headquartered in Crossville, Tennessee. USCF is devoted to extending the role of chess in American society. It promotes the study and knowledge of the game of chess, for its own sake as an art and enjoyment, and as a means for the improvement of society. The USCF is a not-for-profit membership organization with over 80,000 members. For additional information on the USCF see: http://www.uschess.org.