Contents
Mikhail Tal
Winning the world chess title through imaginative attacks and sacrifices.
World title · Unbeaten run
- Born
- 9 November 1936
- Birthplace
- Latvia
- Died
- 27 June 1992
More people
Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal was a Latvian grandmaster who became world champion representing the Soviet Union. His daring combinations earned him the nickname the Magician from Riga.
Early life
Riga
Grew up in Riga and joined its Young Pioneers chess club.
Early promise
Beat master Ratmir Kholmov in a simultaneous exhibition as a young teenager.
Career
- 1957
Soviet champion
Won the USSR championship.
- 1959
Challenger
Won the Candidates tournament.
- 1960
World champion
Defeated Mikhail Botvinnik for the title.
- 1961
Rematch
Lost the crown back to Botvinnik.
- 1988
Blitz champion
Won the World Blitz Championship at 51.
Achievements
World title
Won the championship match 12½–8½.
Unbeaten run
Completed 95 competitive games without defeat.
World blitz title
Won the rapid-fire championship in Saint John.
Beyond sport
Writing
Annotated games and wrote books that explained his thinking.
Family ties
Visited relatives in the Netherlands during his later life.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and career evidence ↗Photo: Harry Pot for Anefo ]]. CC BY-SA 3.0 nl · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
