At a time before his country became a chess powerhouse, he defeated four world champions, including Bobby Fischer and another in an unlikely turn of events.
Author: Dylan Loeb McClain
Boris Spassky, Chess Champion Who Lost ‘Match of the Century,’ Dies at 88
When Mr. Spassky, a Russian, played Bobby Fischer, an American, in Iceland at the height of the Cold War, the media attention reduced them to pawns in a wider drama.
Aleksandar Matanovic, Whose Publishing Company Changed Chess, Dies at 93
Largely self-taught, he became a grandmaster in his 20s and was later a founder of Chess Informant, which revolutionized how people studied the game.
Michael Basman, Chess Master Known for ‘Bad’ Openings, Dies at 76
He was known for playing some of the least respected openings, including the Grob, the Creepy Crawly or the St. George Defense. But he was often successful.
Alexander Nikitin, Who Coached a Chess Champion, Dies at 87
Garry Kasparov was just 10 when Mr. Nikitin took him on as a student. By age 17, with Mr. Nikitin as his coach, he was a grandmaster.
Evgeny Sveshnikov, Grandmaster and Theorist of Chess, Dies at 71
He made significant contributions to the theory of the game, particularly in the openings, one of which is named for him.
Yury Dokhoian, Chess Coach Who Guided Kasparov, Dies at 56
A Russian grandmaster, he spent a decade working with the longtime world champion, who said Mr. Dokhoian gave him “stability and confidence.” He died of the coronavirus.
Arianne Caoili, Chess Master, Is Dead at 33
A former model, she stood out in the chess world for her glamour in what is often thought of as an unglamorous game.