Chess Teacher Michael Basman, 1946-2022

An International Master, he created the UK Chess Challenge and was widely acknowledged to be one of the most influential people in British Chess.  His reputation, chess books and unorthodox openings were well known and admired by many, including the hundreds of pupils he taught during his time at LEH.

Meena Santhosh, Class of 2006, who is Client Portfolio Manager at asset management company Robeco, said: “Mike spent his years ferociously advocating the merits of chess amongst juniors, and was instrumental in giving me the confidence I needed to recognise and develop my strengths through the game. Having forged a career as an Investment Strategist, I owe a great deal to Mike in helping me develop the necessary skillset and unique traits needed for this.

“He was a bundle of positive energy for as long as I remember, and I had always looked forward to our chess classes at LEH on our Friday lunchtime breaks. He continued this unwavering support when I set up my chess club for juniors in Surrey, with support from the LEH Alumnae Emerging Talent Award, mentoring me throughout. I will miss him deeply.” 

Current LEH chess coach Olivia Smithies said: "He was a real mentor of mine and was hugely passionate about teaching chess so I look forward to keep teaching chess in his memory. He used to give me a chess lesson every week and was always coming up with new ideas about how chess techniques and ideas should be taught, so I hope to keep some of those lessons going."

Although he never achieved the rank of grandmaster, Michael defeated several holders of that title, and was a charismatic champion of the game. He wrote: “To be a winner you just need confidence, concentration, and the ability to learn – from books, videos, computers and your own defeats.  Chess was once the game of royalty but is now open to everyone.”