Talk with Viktor Korchnoi

Viktor Korchnoi (1931-2016) was a prominent Russian-born chess grandmaster who was one of the leading chess players in the world from the 1960s through the 1980s. Known for his combative playing style and longevity in the game, Korchnoi was a formidable competitor and a challenging opponent to many of his peers.

Korchnoi was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Soviet Union, and emerged as a strong player within the Soviet chess system, which was globally dominant at the time. He won the Soviet Championship four times and represented the USSR in various international competitions, including the Chess Olympiads, where he contributed to the team's gold medal successes.

In 1976, Korchnoi defected from the Soviet Union and eventually settled in Switzerland, becoming a Swiss citizen. His defection marked a significant point in his career and in Cold War chess history. As a defector, he faced many personal and professional challenges, particularly playing against Soviet players.

Korchnoi's rivalry with Anatoly Karpov, another leading Soviet grandmaster and World Chess Champion, was particularly notable. He challenged Karpov for the World Championship twice in closely contested matches in 1978 and 1981. Although he never won the world title, these matches were competitive and demonstrated his strong will and deep understanding of the game.

Korchnoi continued playing at high levels well into his senior years, competing in international tournaments and maintaining a competitive grandmaster rating. His contributions to chess theory and his fighting spirit on the chessboard left a lasting legacy in the chess world. His career is often studied for his openings, middle-game tactics, and endgame skills.

Viktor Korchnoi began his chess career in the Soviet Union, where he was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). He learned to play chess at a young age. His early development was significantly influenced by the strong chess culture in the Soviet Union at the time, which had a structured approach to nurturing talent through chess clubs, schools, and pioneer palaces.

Korchnoi quickly established himself as a formidable player in local and junior tournaments. His serious entry into the world of professional chess can be traced back to his victory in the Leningrad Championship in 1947, when he was just 16 years old. This win marked the beginning of his ascent in the chess world. He continued to hone his skills and gain experience, eventually earning the title of Grandmaster in 1956. His relentless dedication and distinctive style made him one of the most prominent figures in chess during the 20th century.

Viktor Korchnoi competed for the World Chess Championship title on several occasions. He challenged the reigning champion twice in official matches. The first was in 1978 against Anatoly Karpov, and the second in 1981, also against Karpov. Both matches were highly competitive and closely followed in the chess world, but Korchnoi was unsuccessful in claiming the championship title in these encounters.

Viktor Korchnoi, given his extensive and competitive career spanning from the Soviet school to facing much younger opponents in his later years, had a multifaceted view towards modern chess trends and technology. He acknowledged and adapted to changes in chess styles, strategies, and especially the preparation methods which included the use of chess databases and computer analysis. However, while he adapted to these changes, he often expressed a certain skepticism about the overwhelming reliance on computers in chess training and analysis, which he felt could diminish the classical, creative aspects of human play.

Korchnoi valued the deep understanding of chess positions and the creative and psychological elements of the game, which characterized much of his playing era. He maintained a reverence for a thoughtful and intuitive approach to the game, an approach that might be overshadowed by the strictly analytical methods supported by modern technology. This perspective is reflective of a broader trend seen in veteran players who transitioned into the era of chess engines and databases, balancing appreciation for new tools with a strong affinity for classical chess principles.

Viktor Korchnoi's personal life had significant ramifications on his chess career, notably influenced by his defection from the Soviet Union in 1976. This decision marked a pivotal turn in both his personal and professional life, as it led to a series of political and emotional challenges that also resonated through his chess activities.

Before his defection, Korchnoi was already a top contender in the world of chess, having challenged for the World Chess Championship and won numerous international tournaments. However, his relationship with Soviet authorities was complicated. The defection dramatically altered his circumstances, leading to his exclusion from Soviet-supported chess events and straining his relationships within the global chess community.

Moreover, following his defection, Korchnoi's family faced considerable hardships. His wife and son were not initially allowed to leave the Soviet Union, which caused him considerable distress and was a source of leverage against him by the Soviet authorities. This personal anguish was a backdrop to many of his matches during this time, potentially affecting his mental focus and game preparation.

Despite these challenges, Korchnoi's chess career continued to flourish in the West. He became a Swiss citizen and remained a formidable competitor in numerous high-profile tournaments, including two dramatic World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov in 1978 and 1981.

In summary, Viktor Korchnoi's personal life, marked significantly by his defection, had profound impacts on his career, introducing external pressures and personal challenges. Yet, his resilience and dedication to chess allowed him to maintain a high level of performance and remain a prominent figure in the chess world for decades.

Yes, Viktor Korchnoi authored several books on chess. Among his notable works are "Chess is My Life," which is both an autobiography and a compilation of some of his best games, providing insight into his thoughts and strategies. Another important book by Korchnoi is "My Best Games," which includes detailed commentary on his key games, illustrating his deep understanding of chess. These books are valuable resources for understanding Korchnoi’s style and contributions to the game of chess.

Viktor Korchnoi passed away on June 6, 2016, in Wohlen, Switzerland. He died due to complications from a series of strokes that he had suffered earlier.

Viktor Korchnoi never won the World Chess Championship title despite being one of the strongest players of his time and competing in numerous candidates' matches and championship finals. He played in two highly competitive and memorable World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov in 1978 and 1981, but he lost both matches. These matches were closely contested and remain a significant part of chess history, highlighting Korchnoi's skill and tenacity.

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