John M. Emms is a respected British chess Grandmaster, author, and coach. Born on March 14, 1967, in Norwich, England, Emms earned his Grandmaster (GM) title in 1995 and has since been an instrumental figure in the UK chess circuit.
Emms is well-known for his accomplishments as a chess player, but he is also widely acclaimed for his contributions to chess literature. He has written and co-written numerous books, most notably "The Ultimate Chess Puzzle Book," published in 2001, and the "Survival Guide to Rook Endings," published in 1999. Further, he has worked extensively with publishers Everyman Chess, previously known as Cadogan Chess, and has been involved in multiple revisions of the popular chess book "More Simple Chess" originally written by Grandmaster Tony Kosten.
As a player, some of Emms' most significant achievements include reaching the semi-finals at the 1997 British Chess Championship and tying for first place at the 2002 National Chess Congress. Emms was also part of the English team that won the silver medal at the 2004 Chess Olympiad in Calvià.
As a second (a term for a player who provides assistance to a leading player in preparing for games), he helped English Grandmaster Michael Adams in the 2004 World Championship, evidencing his coaching skills.
Additionally, Emms has occasionally worked as a commentator at chess events. He also writes puzzle columns for chess publications. His chess puzzles prominently feature in "New In Chess" and the British newspaper "The Daily Telegraph."