Just found out that Rudolph has passed away. I'll try and get D.O.B. details but that may prove difficult. Though I first him in 1966 getting details about his early life were patchy.

I understand he was born in Italy. His family fled from the Mussolini regime, changed their name. I do not know the original, and as far as I know he had no brothers or sisters or any living relatives.

An incredibly gifted player who played some amazing games. Perfectly capable of beating an IM in one round and then losing to a 1600 player in the next. (Not a metaphor, I saw this happen.)

He played not to win but to create sometimes taking incredible risks. He loved playing Black so me and him would swap boards one and two in league matches so he would always get the Black pieces. (I did not complain!)

Always an experience sitting next to him and watching his game.

He had a penchant for unexpected Queen sacs like that famous Nezhmetdinov game and then pull a gob smacked win out the hat. In fact unexpected moves were his speciality

Seen him play 1...Nf6 2...Ng8 3...Nf6 4...Ng8 a few times...and win! (and lose the odd one.) The look on his opponents faces was priceless.

I asked him once 'Why?' He said it was to suck out their power. I never asked again.

His score sheets were undecipherable and getting a score from a loser in them days was nigh impossible so a lot of these great games, and some were really entertaining, will sadly never see the light of day.

He peaked late 60's - early 80's then went downhill rating wise though he never lost his love for the game and was still playing league chess a few months ago.

A real chess character. Practically every player in Scotland will have a Rudolph Austin story.

Rest in Peace Ruddi.