Exemplary Grandmaster

The two aforementioned traits were found in great abundance in the late world champion Alexander Alekhine. A controversial figure off the board, Alekhine was an exemplary grandmaster: hard working and inquisitive, super competitive, and non-dogmatic (to say the least). In many of his games he was unsatisfied with conventional plans or principles, and searched for the original. His contributions to chess are far too numerous to list; suffice it to say that his games were a breeding ground for some of the world’s most exciting smorgasbord of unusual ideas, envious technique, hair-raising complications, and combinations. His self authored ‘My Best Games’ is a must-have treasure for everyone with appreciation for chess, as it has something for everyone, no matter one’s level or style. Lest we forget that en route for the world championship title, he overcame no less of an obstacle than Capablanca, whom you’d always find in the first row of the game’s all time greats. It’s no easy feat to beat such a player 6 times over the span of one match.