When speaking about the AVRO tournament, we must not forget that it was played in November 1938, that is, after the Munich accords had been signed, and a new world war loomed inevitable. Salo Flohr, for example, who had previously accepted the invitation of organizers, asked to withdraw but to no avail. His country Czechoslovakia had already been occupied and his family devastated. Naturally, all this took its toll on his play and his results in the tournament. He also asked to withdraw, but his demand was refused as well.
Doubts are always the enemy of blind dedication, which is so essential for aspiring world champions.
He scored 5.5 out of the first six games. The first disappointment came about in the 7th round when he lost to Keres who finished the first half of the tournament half a point behind Fine. They were clearly the two favorites, the others being at a respectable distance behind. However, in the second half of the competition, Keres made draws in all his games whereas Fine slowed down, losing two more games. The only consolation was that he beat Alekhine again, thus winning his mini-match against the World Champion.