Susan Polgar: “The Rebel Queen”

Susan Polgar’s story is one of grit, genius, and breaking barriers. Born into a modest Jewish family in Cold War-era Budapest, she was already winning chess championships by age four—perched on telephone books just to reach the board. At 15, she became the top-ranked female chess player in the world.She didn’t just compete—she shattered norms. Susan was the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title through tournament play, a feat once thought impossible for women. Over her legendary career, she won 4 World Championships, 12 Olympiad medals (including 5 gold), and all 6 of the most prestigious world chess titles. In 2024, she was named by FIDE as the greatest female chess trainer in history, honoring her impact on generations of players. Today, we discuss her incredible memoir “Rebel Queen”, which pulls back the curtain on Cold War politics, sexism in elite chess, and the making of a legend. Susan Polgar” “The Rebel Queen”- The Grandmaster.