Boris Gelfand

Boris Gelfand was born on June 24, 1968, in Minsk, Belarus. He is a highly regarded chess Grandmaster. Gelfand's professional career began with the Belarus Chess Federation before moving to Israel in 1998, where he continued his remarkable chess journey.

Gelfand is known for his strategic gameplay, exceptional endgame skills, and versatility in different game formats. He has won numerous individual awards and holds several records, including the oldest player to become World Chess Championship Challenger.

Off the board, Gelfand is acknowledged for his contribution to chess education and his influence on aspiring chess players around the world.

Belarus Chess Federation

• Youth and Early Career: Gelfand was born and raised in Minsk, Belarus. He started his professional chess career with the Belarus Chess Federation, winning the World Junior Chess Championship in 1988.

Israel Chess Federation

• Immigration and Success: Gelfand immigrated to Israel in 1998. He represented Israel in numerous chess events, winning multiple titles including the World Cup in 2009 and the prestigious Candidates Tournament in 2011.

World Chess Championship

• Challenger: In 2012, at the age of 44, Gelfand became the oldest player to become World Chess Championship Challenger in the history of the game.

International Chess Federation (FIDE)

• Debut: Gelfand started playing internationally in his early career, earning his Grandmaster title in 1989.

Achievements:

• World Championship: Challenger in 2012.
• World Cup: Winner in 2009.
• Candidates Tournament: Winner in 2011.

• Style: Known for his solid and strategic gameplay, with exceptional endgame skills. Gelfand is celebrated for his versatility, understanding of complex positions and ability to play under pressure.

• Family: Gelfand is married to Maya Gelfand, and they have two children.
• Education: Gelfand has contributed significantly to chess education, publishing several books and providing training for aspiring chess players.

• Boris Gelfand is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his contribution to chess education, inspiring countless chess enthusiasts around the world.

World Chess Championship:

• Challenger in 2012

World Cup:

• Winner in 2009

Candidates Tournament:

• Winner in 2011

Books

• Gelfand, B., Aagaard, J. (2015) Positional Decision Making in Chess. Glasgow: Quality Chess UK LLP.
• Gelfand, B., Aagaard, J. (2016) Dynamic Decision Making in Chess. Glasgow: Quality Chess UK LLP.

Websites

• FIDE: Information about Boris Gelfand’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• Chess.com: Updates on Gelfand’s performance and records. Available at: https://www.chess.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Boris Gelfand: Career and Achievements. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Album 61 (2013): Directed by Halil Efrat. This documentary provides a detailed look at Gelfand’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Various interviews and features on Boris Gelfand, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.chess.com