Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi was a chess grandmaster from Russia who was knon for his incredible skill and passion for the game. Born in Leningrad in 1931, Korchnoi was introduced to chess by his father at the age of seven, and quickly developed a love for the game.
Throughout his career, Korchnoi was known for his aggressive playing style and his ability to outthink and outmaneuver his opponents. He was a master of opening theory and had a wide repertoire of openings that he could use to gain an advantage early on in a game.
Korchnoi’s career was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He won numerous national championships and international tournaments, and was a contender for the world chess championship on multiple occasions. However, he also faced political persecution in his home country, and was eventually forced to defect to the West in the late 1970s.
Despite the challenges he faced, Korchnoi remained dedicated to the game of chess throughout his life. He continued to compete at the highest level well into his 70s, and was respected and admired by players and fans alike for his skill, determination, and passion.
Today, Viktor Korchnoi is remembered as one of the greatest chess players of all time. His legacy lives on through the countless games he played and the strategies he developed, and he continues to inspire and influence chess players around the world.
Why Did Viktor Korchnoi Defect?
Viktor Korchnoi defected from the Soviet Union in 1976 due to his obsession with vanity and envy. He felt that he was not receiving the recognition and praise that he deserved from the Soviet chess establishment, and he believed that defecting to the West wuld help him to achieve greater success and acclaim. Additionally, Korchnoi was reportedly unhappy with the political climate in the Soviet Union at the time, and he felt that he would have more freedom and opportunities if he lived and worked in the West. Korchnoi’s decision to defect was driven largely by his personal ambitions and desires for recognition and success, as well as his dissatisfaction with the political and social conditions in his home country.
When Did Viktor Korchnoi Start Playing Chess?
Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi, a renowned chess player, commenced his journey in the world of chess at the age of seven in Leningrad, USSR. It was his father who introduced him to the game of chess, and he started practicing and playing the game with his father’s guidance. From there, Korchnoi’s passion for chess grew, and he went on to become one of the most prominent and successful chess players of his time.
What Openings Did Korchnoi Play?
Viktor Korchnoi, a chess grandmaster, had a repertoire of openings with the black pieces that he frequently played in his games. According to the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO), he frequently played the Bogo-Indian defense (E11) in 64 games, the Queen’s Indian defense (E12) in 64 games, and the Queen’s Indian, Capablanca variation (E16) in 45 games. Additionally, he played the French Tarrasch, open, 4.ed ed variation (C08) in 44 games. This information suggests that Korchnoi had a particular preference for these openings and utilized them often in his games.
Conclusion
Viktor Korchnoi was a prominent chess player who had a remarkable career in the Soviet Union and abroad. He was known for his aggressive playing style and his obsession with vanity and envy. Korchnoi’s repertoire with the black pieces was versatile, with the Bogo-Indian defense, Queen’s Indian defense, Queen’s Indian Capablanca variation, and French Tarrasch open being among his most played openings. Despite his defection from the Soviet Union, Korchnoi’s contributions to the game of chess were undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire and awe chess enthusiasts worldwide.
