Pia Cramling

Pia Cramling is a Swedish chess Grandmaster, born on April 23, 1963, in Stockholm, Sweden. She is widely recognized as one of the greatest female chess players of all time. Cramling began her professional career with the Stockholm Chess Federation before moving to the international stage in the 1980s, where she won multiple titles, including the European Women's Chess Championship.

Cramling is known for her strategic thinking, calculating ability, and versatility. She has won numerous individual awards, including the Chess Oscar, and holds multiple records, such as being one of the first women to achieve the title of Grandmaster.

Off the board, Cramling is also recognized for her sportsmanship, making significant contributions to the development of chess and inspiring millions worldwide.

Stockholm Chess Federation

• Youth and Early Career: Cramling was born and raised in Stockholm and began playing chess at a young age. She made her first competitive appearance for the Stockholm Chess Federation in the late 1970s.

International Stage (First stint)

• Early Success: Cramling began competing internationally in the early 1980s. With her exceptional strategic ability, she quickly rose to prominence in the world of women's chess, winning her first European Women's Chess Championship in 2003.

Grandmaster Title

• Record-breaking Achievement: In 1992, Cramling earned the title of Grandmaster, making her one of the first women to achieve this prestigious title. Her career continued to flourish, and she remained a formidable player on the international stage. 
  Individual Awards: Cramling has won numerous awards throughout her career, including the Chess Oscar in 1982.

Continued Success

• Ongoing Career: Cramling continues to compete at a high level well into her fifties, demonstrating her enduring skill and passion for the game.

Sweden National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the Swedish National Team in 1978.

Achievements:

• European Women's Chess Championship: Winner in 2003 and 2010.
• World Junior Girls' Championship: Winner in 1981.
• Cramling is one of Sweden's top players and has made numerous appearances for the national team.

• Position: Primarily known for her strategic play and calculating ability.
• Skills: Known for her deep understanding of complex positions, endgame technique, and her ability to stay calm under pressure.

• Family: Cramling is married to Spanish Grandmaster Juan Bellon Lopez, and they have a daughter, Anna, who is also a chess player.
• Contribution to Chess: Cramling is involved in various chess-related activities and has contributed significantly to the development and promotion of women's chess.

• Pia Cramling is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her contribution to women's chess, her sportsmanship, and her longevity in professional chess. Her impact on the game and her status as an icon extend beyond the board, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Women's Grandmaster Title:

• Achieved in 1982

Grandmaster Title:

• Achieved in 1992

European Women's Chess Championship:

• Winner in 2003 and 2010

World Junior Girls' Championship:

• Winner in 1981

Books

• Kalinin, M. (2008) Pia Cramling: The Grandmaster Queen. Moscow: Russian Chess House.
• Forster, R. (2015) The Queen's Gambit: Pia Cramling's Chess Career. Zurich: Edition Olms.

Websites

• FIDE: Information about Pia Cramling’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fide.com
• Chess.com: Details about Cramling’s career and chess games. Available at: https://www.chess.com

Articles

• ChessBase: Pia Cramling: A lifetime dedication to chess. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com/post/pia-cramling-a-lifetime-dedication-to-chess
• The Guardian: Pia Cramling’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/pia-cramling

Interviews and Documentaries

• Cramling vs Cramling (2012): A documentary that provides a detailed look at Pia Cramling’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• Chess.com Interviews: Various interviews and features on Pia Cramling, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.chess.com