When the FIDE officially introduced the title of Grandmaster in 1950, only one German received the title – Friedrich Sämisch. Alexander Alekhine once pointed out that “he could play among the very best, if he only managed to quit his extreme smoking”. What Alekhine seemed to have forgotten was Sämisch’s perennial addiction to time-trouble. Michael Dombrowsky, author of Sämisch’s soon-to-be-published biography, wrote a tribute to this unique character to celebrate Sämisch’s 125th birthday. | Image: British Chess News