Neil McDonald is a British chess Grandmaster, chess coach, and author. Known for his profound chess knowledge, he became an International Grandmaster in 1996. He was born in 1967 and grew up in the seaside town of Margate, Kent, England. McDonald is renowned for his skill in handling complex chess openings.
As a chess player, McDonald achieved major victories at the British Rapidplay Chess Championship in 1992 and at the Master Open at the Guernsey International Chess Festival in 1997, 1998, and 1999. He also secured first place in the Hastings International Chess Congress 2002/03 with the tie-breaks favouring him.
He has written on chess extensively, with a focus on the more strategic and positional elements of the game. His books on chess, including popular titles like "Chess: The Art of Logical Thinking" and "The Art of Planning in Chess: Move by Move", serve as guides to players looking to improve their understanding and strategies.
He remains an active player in the British chess league system, known for his attacking style of play and his skill in exploiting imbalances in the game. He is also a coach for England's junior chess team and is a regular participant as a player and coach at the World Youth Chess Championships.