|
Mikhail Tal was the 8th World Chess Champion and believed to be the fiercest attacking player ever to hold the title. He won the Soviet Championship in 1957 and 1958. He also won the 1958 Interzonal Tournament and the 1959 Candidates Tournament, and became the then youngest World Chess Champion in 1960. Tal was known as “the Magician from Riga" and inspired many players by his highly creative and explosive style. His legacy lives on in his numerous writings and in the Mikhail Tal Memorial tournament, which features many of the world’s strongest players. Tal is credited for the following famous chess quote: "You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and where the path leading out is only wide enough for one" For additional information and famous game of Mikhail Tal. Source: World Chess Hall of Fame
0 Comments
10/4/2021 0 Comments Mikhail Botvinnik 3-time World Chess Champion and “Patriarch of the Soviet Chess School"Mikhail Botvinnik was crowned the 6th World Chess Champion in 1948. He would attain the title twice more, regaining it from Smyslov in 1958 and Tal in 1961.
As the first in a long line of Soviet world champions, Botvinnik was a respected figure even within an already strong Russian field. His intense training regimen distinguished him from his peers. He advocated logic, extensive theoretical research, and a strong degree of both physical and mental discipline. While these attitudes were novel at the time, his writings on the subject became legendary and eventually served as a model for a new generation of players. His scientific style emphasized whole systems of play that extended from the opening to the endgame. Botvinnik mentored and trained numerous young Soviet players, including a young Garry Kasparov. Botvinnik retired from competitive chess play in 1970. For more information click here to see a short biography of Mikhail Botvinnik. (content of this post was taken substantially from World Chess Hall of Fame) Originally published 26 January, 2021
Paul Morphy was a celebrated chess player, who was considered the first unofficial World Chess Champion. He was born in New Orleans, The United States of America in 1837. He learnt chess when he was 8 years old and by the time he was 13, he was one of the strongest chess players in The United States of America. In 1858 Paris, Morphy played Duke Karl and Count Isouard in the famous "Opera Game". Morphy played the white pieces and his opponents were allowed to consult with each other as they played the black side jointly. Yes, it was one player versus two players! For more information see this short biography of Paul Morphy and the Opera Game. |
AuthorKean Smith is a qualified FIDE National Chess Instructor and former member of FIDE's Chess in School Commission. Archives
January 2025
CategoriesAll Benefits Of Chess Chess Classes Chess Club At School COVID-19 And Education International Day Online Chess Regulations Protocol For Over-the-board Events Spotlight On Student Players Students Tactics Teachers And Chess World Chess Champion Bio World Chess Champion - Bio |
RSS Feed