Background
His father Ludwig M. E. Rellstab was a professor of physics and electronics, who in 1914 became chief engineer at Siemens & Halske.
His father Ludwig M. E. Rellstab was a professor of physics and electronics, who in 1914 became chief engineer at Siemens & Halske.
Rellstab came from a distinguished family of academics and musicians. He played for West Germany three times in the Chess Olympiad. In 1950, at fourth board in 9th Chess Olympiad in Dubrovnik (+3 −2 =6);
In 1952, at second reserve board in 10th Chess Olympiad in Helsinki (+5 −1 =3);
In 1954, at fourth board in 11th Chess Olympiad in Amsterdam (+2 −2 =2).
Rellstab was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1950 and the International Arbiter (Iowa) title in 1951.