Lev Psakhis

Lev Psakhis is a Soviet-born Israeli chess grandmaster, born on November 29, 1958, in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential chess players of his generation. Psakhis began his professional chess career in the Soviet Union, where he won the Soviet Chess Championship twice.

Psakhis is known for his strategic insight, deep understanding of complex positions, and his ability to navigate endgames. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records in the chess world.

Off the board, Psakhis is also recognized for his coaching and writing, contributing significantly to the development of other players and enriching chess literature with his insightful books.

Soviet Union

• Youth and Early Career: Psakhis was born and raised in Krasnoyarsk and moved to Moscow to join the Soviet Union's chess academy. He made his first significant impact in the chess world by winning the Soviet Chess Championship in 1980 and 1981.

International Career

• Early Success: Psakhis started competing internationally in the early 1980s. He earned the title of International Master in 1980 and was awarded the Grandmaster title in 1982.

Israel

• Later Career: In 1992, Psakhis emigrated to Israel, where he continued to compete at a high level and contribute to the world of chess as a coach and writer.

Soviet and Israeli National Teams

• Representation: Psakhis represented the Soviet Union in several team events, and after his emigration, he represented Israel in numerous Chess Olympiads.

• Position: Primarily a dynamic and aggressive player, but also known for his deep positional understanding and endgame skills.
• Skills: Known for his strategic insight, understanding of complex positions, and his ability to navigate endgames. Psakhis is celebrated for his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles of play.

• Family: Psakhis is married and has two children.
• Teaching: Psakhis has coached several top players and is known for his significant contributions to chess literature.

• Lev Psakhis is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his work as a coach and writer. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the chessboard, inspiring and educating countless chess players around the world.

Two-time Soviet Chess Champion:

• 1980 and 1981

International Master and Grandmaster titles:

• Earned IM title in 1980 and GM title in 1982

Notable Coach and Author:

• Coached several top players and authored numerous influential chess books

Books

• Psakhis, L. (2003) French Defence: Steinitz, Classical and Other Variations. London: Everyman Chess.
• Psakhis, L. (2009) Advanced Chess Tactics. London: Quality Chess.

Websites

• Chess.com: Information about Lev Psakhis’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.chess.com
• FIDE: Details about Psakhis’s career and rating. Available at: https://www.fide.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Lev Psakhis: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.chessbase.com
• The Guardian: Lev Psakhis’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Chess24 Interviews: Various interviews and features on Lev Psakhis, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.chess24.com