Tigran Petrosian

Tigran Petrosian is an Armenian chess player, born on June 17, 1929, in Tbilisi, Georgia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Petrosian began his professional career with the Tbilisi Chess Club before moving to Yerevan in 1949, where he won multiple titles, including the Armenian National Championship.

Petrosian is known for his incredible defensive play, strategic ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including the World Chess Championship title, and holds multiple records, such as the longest unbeaten streak in competitive chess history.

Off the board, Petrosian is also recognized for his contributions to chess theory and inspiring millions worldwide.

Tbilisi Chess Club

• Youth and Early Career: Petrosian was born and raised in Tbilisi and began playing chess at the age of 8. He made his first major tournament appearance in 1946.

Yerevan Chess Club

• Early Success: Petrosian moved to Yerevan in 1949. Under the guidance of master players, he developed into one of the world's best chess players, winning the Armenian National Championship and earning the Grandmaster title in 1952.

World Chess Championship

• World Champion: In 1963, Petrosian defeated Mikhail Botvinnik to become the World Chess Champion. He held the title until 1969, defending it successfully once against Boris Spassky. 
  Individual Awards: As World Champion, Petrosian won numerous awards and accolades for his strategic and defensive play.

Armenia National Team

• Debut: Represented Armenia in numerous international competitions.

Achievements:

• World Chess Championship: Winner in 1963 and 1966.
• Petrosian is Armenia's most celebrated chess player and has made significant contributions to the game.

• Style of Play: Primarily a defensive player, known for his strategic ability and difficult-to-beat playstyle.
• Skills: Known for his incredible defensive play, strategic ability, and versatility. Petrosian is celebrated for his positional understanding, endgame skills, and prophylactic thinking.

• Family: Petrosian was married to Rona Yakovlevna Avinezer, an International Master in chess composition. He had one son.
• Legacy: Petrosian is remembered for his contributions to chess theory and his unique style of play. He has inspired countless players and continues to be studied and admired.

• Tigran Petrosian is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his strategic brilliance, determination, and longevity in professional chess. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the board, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

World Chess Championship:

• Winner in 1963 and 1966

Longest Unbeaten Streak in Competitive Chess:

• Unbeaten in 56 consecutive games

Armenian National Championship:

• Winner multiple times

Books

• Vasiliev, V. (1974) Tigran Petrosian: His Life and Games. London: Batsford.
• Kasparov, G. (2003) My Great Predecessors Part III. London: Everyman Chess.

Websites

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

Articles

• ChessBase: Tigran Petrosian: Career highlights and records. Available at: https://en.chessbase.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Master of Strategy (2015): Directed by Eduard Tovmasyan. This documentary provides a detailed look at Petrosian’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Various interviews and features on Tigran Petrosian, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.chess.com