Alexander Alekhine, born on October 31, 1892, in Moscow, Russia, was a Russian and French chess grandmaster renowned for his aggressive and imaginative playing style. He was the fourth World Chess Champion, holding the title in two reigns: from 1927 to 1935 and from 1937 until his death in 1946.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Alexander Alexandrovich Alekhine
- Date of Birth: October 31, 1892
- Birthplace: Moscow, Russian Empire
- Nationality: Russian (until 1921), French (from 1925)
- Education: Studied law at the Imperial School of Jurisprudence in St. Petersburg
- Marital Status: Married four times; spouses included Anna Leontievna, Baroness Nadine von Vroot, Nadezhda Vasiliev, and Grace Wishaar
- Children: One son, Alexander Alekhine Jr.
Chess Career Highlights
- World Chess Champion: Defeated José Raúl Capablanca in 1927 to become the fourth World Chess Champion; lost the title to Max Euwe in 1935 but regained it in a rematch in 1937, remaining champion until his death in 1946.
- Notable Achievements:
- Known for his deep opening preparation and complex tactical combinations.
- Authored several influential chess books, including “My Best Games of Chess 1908–1937.”
- Introduced the Alekhine Defense (1.e4 Nf6), a hypermodern opening that invites the opponent to overextend their pawns.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 1,000 recorded games
- Win Percentage: Approximately 72%
- Draw Percentage: Around 20%
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 8%
- Notable Opponents: José Raúl Capablanca, Emanuel Lasker, Max Euwe
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not available due to the era in which Alekhine lived.
- Earned income through chess tournaments, exhibitions, and writing.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Alekhine was a polyglot, fluent in multiple languages including Russian, French, English, and German, which helped him connect with players and fans from around the world.
- Known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to chess, often spending long hours analyzing positions.
- Faced controversies during World War II due to alleged collaboration with Nazi propaganda, which affected his reputation.
- Passed away on March 24, 1946, in Estoril, Portugal; he was the only World Chess Champion to die while holding the title.
Legacy
Alexander Alekhine’s dynamic and imaginative style has left a lasting impact on the world of chess. His games are celebrated for their creativity and complexity, inspiring generations of players. Despite controversies, his contributions to chess theory and practice remain highly regarded.
