Alexander Kotov Quotes
Alexander Kotov
Alexander Kotov (1913-1981) was a Russian chess grandmaster and author. He was a three-time Soviet champion and a world championship candidate. He wrote several books on chess, including the classic Think Like a Grandmaster, which is considered one of the most influential chess books of all time. He…Read More
Alexander Kotov (1913-1981) was a Russian chess grandmaster and author. He was a three-time Soviet champion and a world championship candidate. He wrote several books on chess, including the classic Think Like a Grandmaster, which is considered one of the most influential chess books of all time. He also wrote the popular series of books on the endgame, which are still widely used by chess players today. Kotov was a renowned teacher and mentor, and his influence on the game of chess is still felt today.Read Less
Alexander Kotov (1913-1981) was a Russian chess grandmaster and author. He was a three-time Soviet champion and a world championship candidate. He wrote several books on chess, including the classic Think Like a Grandmaster, which is considered one of the most influential chess books of all time. He also wrote the popular series of books on the endgame, which are still widely used by chess players today. Kotov was a renowned teacher and mentor, and his influence on the game of chess is still felt today.
Alexander Kotov Career Highlights
Alexander Kotov was a renowned Soviet chess grandmaster, author, and coach. He was born on August 12, 1913, in Tula, Russia. Kotov started playing chess at the age of 14 and quickly rose to prominence in the Soviet chess scene. He won the Moscow Championship at the age of 18 and became an International Master in 1936.In 1948, Kotov became the Soviet champion, a title he held for two years. He also represented the Soviet Union in several international tournaments, winning the World Chess Olympiad in 1954 and 1958. Kotov was known for his aggressive and dynamic playing style, earning him the nickname “The Iron Tiger.”
Key Contributions by Alexander Kotov
Kotov’s most significant contribution to the world of chess was his book “Think Like a Grandmaster,” published in 1971. The book became an instant classic and is still considered one of the best chess strategy books ever written. It introduced the concept of “candidate moves” and emphasized the importance of analyzing all possible moves before making a decision.Kotov also made significant contributions to chess theory, particularly in the King’s Indian Defense and the Nimzo-Indian Defense. He was also a pioneer in computer chess, working with the Soviet Union’s first chess computer program, Kaissa.
What Sets Alexander Kotov Apart
What sets Alexander Kotov apart is his unique approach to chess. He was one of the first players to emphasize the importance of psychological preparation and mental toughness in chess. He believed that a strong mind was just as important as strong chess skills, and he often used psychological tactics to throw off his opponents.Kotov was also known for his dedication to the game and his relentless pursuit of perfection. He was a fierce competitor and always strived to improve his game, even in his later years.
Takeaways
Alexander Kotov’s legacy in the world of chess is undeniable. He was a brilliant player, a respected coach, and a prolific author. His book “Think Like a Grandmaster” continues to influence and inspire chess players of all levels. Kotov’s emphasis on psychological preparation and his dedication to the game serve as valuable lessons for aspiring chess players.
Other People
Writer/Author
Author
1882 - 1956
Author
· Canada
1843 - 1919
Author
1933
