Mikhail Nekhemyevich Tal, born on November 9, 1936, in Riga, Latvia, was a Soviet and Latvian chess grandmaster renowned for his daring and imaginative attacking style. He became the eighth World Chess Champion in 1960, earning the nickname “The Magician from Riga” for his creative play.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Mikhail Nekhemyevich Tal
- Date of Birth: November 9, 1936
- Place of Birth: Riga, Latvia
- Date of Death: June 28, 1992
- Place of Death: Moscow, Russia
- Nationality: Soviet/Latvian
- Education: Graduated from the University of Latvia with a degree in philology
- Profession: Chess Grandmaster, Writer
Chess Career Highlights
- World Chess Champion: Defeated Mikhail Botvinnik in 1960 to become the youngest World Chess Champion at the age of 23; lost the title back to Botvinnik in a rematch in 1961.
- Notable Achievements:
- Awarded the title of International Grandmaster in 1957.
- Won the Soviet Championship six times (1957, 1958, 1967, 1972, 1974, 1978).
- Known for his aggressive and unpredictable style, often involving daring sacrifices and complex tactics.
- Authored “The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal,” considered one of the best chess books ever written.
Career Statistics
- Total Games Played: Over 2,500 recorded games.
- Win Percentage: Approximately 65%.
- Draw Percentage: Around 25%.
- Loss Percentage: Approximately 10%.
- Notable Opponents: Mikhail Botvinnik, Bobby Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
- Net Worth:
- Exact figures are not available due to the era and the Soviet economic system.
- As a prominent figure in Soviet chess, Tal received state support and stipends.
- Lifestyle Highlights:
- Known for his charismatic personality and love for literature and music.
- Struggled with health issues throughout his life, including kidney problems, yet continued to compete at the highest levels.
- Remembered for his wit and sense of humor, often engaging with fans and fellow players.
Legacy
Mikhail Tal’s contributions to chess are celebrated for their creativity and daring. His games are studied for their imaginative combinations and tactical brilliance, inspiring generations of players to embrace a more adventurous approach to chess.
