In his prime, Dückstein was regarded as a dangerous attacker, as a win against World Champion Mikhail Botvinnik demonstrated.

Born in Hungary, he left for Austria at the age of 22.

[5] He played for Austria in several Chess Olympiads: He won two individual gold medals, at Moscow 1956 and at Nice 1974,[6] and was awarded the International Master (IM) title in 1956.

In February 2024, he was awarded by FIDE the title of Honorary Grandmaster.

[8][9] After his death, Iivo Nei became the oldest living grandmaster.