Alexander Grischuk

Alexander Grischuk is a Russian professional chess player, born on October 31, 1983, in Moscow, Russia. He is widely regarded as one of the top players of his generation. Grischuk began his professional career in chess at an early age and emerged on the international scene when he won the World Blitz Chess Championship in 2006.

Grischuk is known for his deep thinking, strategic play, and calm demeanor. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as being a three-time World Blitz Chess Champion.

Off the board, Grischuk is also recognized for his participation in poker tournaments, demonstrating his strategic mindset in another competitive arena.

Early Career

• Grischuk was born and raised in Moscow and started playing chess from a young age. He became a Grandmaster in 2000, which is the highest title a chess player can attain.

World Championship Candidate

• Grischuk has participated in multiple Candidates Tournaments, the tournament that determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship. He reached the final stage of the Candidates Tournament in 2007, 2011, and 2013.

World Blitz Chess Champion

• Grischuk won the World Blitz Chess Championship in 2006, 2012, and 2015, demonstrating his prowess in the fast-paced version of the game.

Poker Player

• Aside from chess, Grischuk is also a competitive poker player. He has participated in the World Series of Poker and has made significant earnings from his poker career.

Russian National Team

• Grischuk has represented Russia in multiple Chess Olympiads, contributing to the team's gold medal victories in 2000 and 2002.

• Style: Grischuk is known for his deep calculations and strategic play. He is also noted for his ability to handle pressure, particularly in time scrambles.

• Family: Grischuk is married to Ukrainian WGM Natalia Zhukova. The couple has two children.
• Hobbies: Aside from chess, Grischuk is also a competitive poker player, demonstrating his strategic mindset in another arena.

• Alexander Grischuk is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his deep thinking and strategic play. His impact on the game and his status as a top player extend beyond the chess board, inspiring many chess enthusiasts around the world.

World Blitz Chess Championship:

• Winner in 2006, 2012, and 2015

Chess Olympiad with Russian Team:

• Gold medal in 2000 and 2002

Grandmaster Title:

• Awarded in 2000

Books

• Gelfer, I. (2009) Positional Chess Handbook. Dover Publications.
• Nunn, J. (2014) Understanding Chess Middlegame. Gambit Publications.

Websites

• Chess.com: Information about Alexander Grischuk’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.chess.com
• FIDE: Official ratings and information about Grischuk. Available at: https://www.fide.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Alexander Grischuk: The art of time management. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com/post/alexander-grischuk-the-art-of-time-management-
• The Guardian: Alexander Grischuk shines at world blitz chess championship. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/dec/28/alexander-grischuk-world-blitz-chess-championship

Interviews and Documentaries

• Chess.com Interviews: Various interviews and features on Alexander Grischuk, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.chess.com