Alexander Alekhine

Alexander Alekhine was a Russian and French chess player, born on October 31, 1892, in Moscow, Russia. He is universally recognized as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Alekhine began his professional career in chess at an early age and became the fourth World Chess Champion in 1927. He held the title until 1935 and then regained it in 1937.

Alekhine is known for his aggressive and imaginative style of play, his mastery over the endgame, and his excellent defensive skills. He made significant contributions to chess opening theory and wrote several books on chess, which are still highly valued.

Despite his professional success, Alekhine's personal life was filled with challenges, including struggles with alcoholism and controversy during World War II.

Early Career

• Alekhine learned to play chess at a very young age and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. His first major tournament win came in 1909 at the age of 16.

World Chess Champion

• In 1927, Alekhine defeated José Capablanca to become the fourth World Chess Champion. He held the title until 1935, when he was defeated by Max Euwe. Alekhine regained the title in 1937 and held it until his death in 1946.

International Tournaments

• Alekhine competed in numerous international tournaments throughout his career, consistently finishing in top places. He won many prestigious tournaments, including the Hastings 1922, San Remo 1930, and Bled 1931.

• Style: Alekhine was known for his aggressive and imaginative style of play. He was an excellent tactician and endgame player, with a particular aptitude for complex positions.
• Contributions: Alekhine made significant contributions to chess opening theory. His games are still studied for their depth and complexity.

• Family: Alekhine married four times. His fourth wife, Grace Alekhine, was also a chess player.
• Challenges: Alekhine struggled with alcoholism throughout his life. His behavior during World War II, including alleged anti-Semitic writings, led to controversy and damaged his reputation.

• Alexander Alekhine is celebrated for his extraordinary talent and the depth and complexity of his games. His contributions to chess theory continue to be studied and appreciated by chess players around the world. Despite personal challenges and controversies, his impact on the game of chess is undeniable.

World Chess Champion:

• 1927-1935, 1937-1946

Winner of Numerous International Tournaments:

• Hastings 1922, San Remo 1930, Bled 1931, among others

Books

• Alekhine, A. (1927) My Best Games of Chess: 1908-1923. London: Bell & Sons.
• Kotov, A. (1975) Alexander Alekhine: Games 1902-1946. London: Batsford.

Websites

• Chess.com: Information about Alekhine’s career and games. Available at: https://www.chess.com
• World Chess Hall of Fame: Details about Alekhine’s life and career. Available at: https://www.worldchesshof.org

Articles

• ChessBase: Alexander Alekhine: A Chess Career in Pictures. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com
• The Guardian: Alexander Alekhine: The enigmatic world champion. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/alexa