Garry Kasparov
GM · Russia · born 1963 · peak 2851
Photo: Fryta 73 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
World Champion for 15 years and, for many, the greatest of all time.
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Garry Kasparov was World Chess Champion from 1985 to 2000 and the world #1 for two decades. Famous for his ferocious attacking style and deep opening preparation, he is on every shortlist for the greatest player in history.
Playing style
Kasparov played with relentless energy and aggression, combining razor-sharp opening prep with dynamic, attacking middlegames. He pressed for the initiative in every game and is the model for the 'attack, don't drift' approach.
Signature openings
- Sicilian Najdorf
- King's Indian Defense
- Ruy Lopez
- Queen's Gambit
Career highlights
- World Chess Champion 1985-2000
- World #1 for nearly 20 years
- Held the highest rating in history (2851) until Carlsen
- Famous 1997 match against the IBM computer Deep Blue
What you can learn from Garry
Play with energy. Kasparov never drifted - every move had a purpose toward the initiative. For improvers, the lesson is to always have an active plan, not just react.
Did you know?
- Became the youngest undisputed World Champion ever at 22 (a record later broken by Gukesh).
- His King's Indian Defense games are a masterclass in kingside attacking.
- Now a prominent writer and speaker; still plays occasional online events.
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