Robert Hübner is a German chess Grandmaster, chess writer, and papyrologist. He was born on November 6, 1948 in Cologne, where he also studied classical philology at the University of Cologne. He went on to earn his doctorate in papyrology in 1978.
Hübner learned to play chess at the age of six, and by fifteen he became the youngest ever West German champion. His success continued, becoming one of the world's leading players in the late 1970s, and remaining in the top twenty until the mid-1980s. He has won the German national championship three times from 1967 to 1971.
Internationally, he also performed strongly. He was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1971, having gained the International Master title in 1969. Known for being a world-class player with a comprehensive style, he came excruciatingly close to winning the Candidates Tournament, held to determine the World Chess Championship challenger, on three occasions.
Despite his successes, Hübner has also become known for his dislike of modern tournament conditions. He has often withdrawn from tournaments before completion, and once forfeited a match by drawing lots. Hübner cites different reasons for withdrawal: from illness and tiredness, to disputes over the playing schedule and light levels. Equally, he has refused to play in standard tournament leagues during the weekend, as he believes that chess should be played in silence, which he finds impossible at weekends due to increased numbers of spectators.
Hübner is also an accomplished chess writer. His work includes critical writings on chess openings and problem-solving. Throughout his career, he has contributed to various chess magazines and has published several chess books.
He continues to play in tournaments occasionally, despite retiring from professional chess in 1985. Today, his efforts are mostly focused on his work in classical philology.