Remembering Dr. Fritz Baumbach

Friday, May 9, 2025: Rest in Peace, Fritz

Fritz Baumbach (1935 – 2025)

Dr. Baumbach was born on September 8, 1935, in Weimar, Germany, and is a distinguished figure in correspondence chess. His most notable achievement came when he became the 11th ICCF World Champion in 1988. He earned the International Correspondence Chess Grandmaster title in 1973 and was awarded the FIDE Master title in 1985. Dr. Baumbach was an outstanding correspondence chess player and an excellent OTB player: among other achievements, Dr. Baumbach won the national championships of the GDR and represented the national team on several occasions. 

Apart from his outstanding successes as a player, Dr. Baumbach was a long-term official in ICCF.

Beyond his chess career, Dr. Baumbach is a chemist by profession, having received his doctorate in 1966. Since 2000, he has been working as a freelance patent attorney.

Dr. Baumbach's contributions to correspondence chess and his professional endeavors continue to be recognized and celebrated within the chess community. His manyfold achievements found public recognition

Some of Dr. Baumbach’s ICCF achievements include:

· 1968, ICCF Olympiad 06 Final Board 2

· 1977, World Championship 09 Final, Vice World Champion

· 1983, World Championship 11 Final

· 1987, 10. Olympiad Final Board 2

· 1992, 11. Olympiad Final Board 4

· 2004, ICCF Olympiad 13 Final Board 1

·  2010, ICCF Olympiad 16 Final Board 1

·  1973, GM (International Correspondence Chess Grand Master)

·  2000, Silver Bertl von Massow Medal

·  2006, Gold Bertl von Massow Medal

·  2010, ICCF Honorary Member

· 1988, ICCF World Champion 11