David Howell: the gentleman of English chess
- País
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- Título
- Gran Maestro (GM)
- Nacimiento
- November 14, 1990, Eastbourne, Sussex (England)
- Estado
- activo
- ELO actual
- 2680 · jun 2026
- ELO máximo
- 2698 · ene 2022
English chess has a new generation of standard-bearers, and David Howell is one of them. British champion, nearly 2700 ELO, and one of the circuit’s best commentators, Howell combines board talent with off-board charisma.
Who Howell is
He was born on November 14, 1990 in Eastbourne, Sussex. He became a Grandmaster young and has been British champion and one of the country’s strongest players. In 2022 he reached his peak of 2698 ELO, brushing against the 2700 barrier.
Player and communicator
Howell combines his competitive career with commentating on events. His clarity and humor have made him one of the most appreciated commentators in modern chess, following in the tradition of Peter Svidler as a player-communicator.
His chess DNA
In our chess DNA system, Howell represents the profile of the balanced all-rounder: all axes at a good level, with no extremes. If your GM twin is Howell, your strength is balance and the ability to adapt to any type of position.
Keep exploring
- Michael Adams, the other great Englishman
- Nigel Short, the legendary Brit
- Peter Svidler, another player-communicator
- All players
Preguntas frecuentes
Why is Howell also known as a commentator?
Howell combines his playing career with commentating on elite events. His ability to analyze positions live with clarity and humor has made him one of the most appreciated English-language chess commentators.
What is his style?
Howell plays balanced, versatile chess. He has no extreme tendency in either direction: he can attack when necessary and defend solidly. That versatility is his greatest virtue.