Victor Korchnoi

About the Author

Victor Korchnoi, one of the most formidable chess grandmasters of the 20th century, was renowned for his aggressive and unyielding playing style that challenged the world's elite for decades. Born in Leningrad in 1931, he rose to prominence in the Soviet chess establishment before defecting to the West in 1976, seeking greater freedom to pursue his passion. Korchnoi's career highlights include multiple Candidates Championship victories and epic World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov in the late 1970s, marked by intense psychological battles and innovative strategies. A prolific author as well, he shared his profound insights into the game through detailed analyses and personal anecdotes, inspiring generations of players. Even after his passing in 2016, Korchnoi's legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and intellectual combat in chess history.