Armenian chess grandmaster and coach, renowned for his exceptional endgame skills and training several world champions. He's a legend in the chess world, respected by players and enthusiasts alike.
Ashot Nadanian is an Armenian chess International Master, renowned for his exceptional skill in opening theory and coaching. Two opening variations bear his name - the Nadanian Variation in the Grunfeld Defence and the Nadanian Attack in the Queen's Pawn Opening - a testament to his innovative approach to the game.
Born on September 19, 1972, in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, Nadanian was taught to play chess by his father at the tender age of seven. Under the guidance of his early coach, Rafael Sarkisov, he honed his skills at Spartak in Baku. In his own words, Nadanian would often play with older chess enthusiasts in the park near his house, as there were limited opportunities for young players to compete with seniors in official tournaments.
Nadanian's coaching career began at just 22, and he has since brought up three grandmasters. His coaching expertise has been sought after by national teams, including those of Kuwait and Singapore. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was awarded the titles of Honoured Coach of Armenia in 1998 and FIDE Senior Trainer in 2017.
Since 2011, Nadanian has been a permanent second to the world-renowned grandmaster, Levon Aronian. This partnership has been instrumental in Aronian's success, and Nadanian's unique approach to the game has been credited with enhancing Aronian's own playing style.
Known for his imaginative attacking style, Nadanian has been dubbed a "chess artist" and likened to the great Mikhail Tal. According to Valery Chekhov, Nadanian possesses enormous chess potential, but his circumstances in Armenia limited his ability to work professionally on his game. Levon Aronian has echoed this sentiment, stating that Nadanian was unable to showcase even a fraction of his playing talent due to the situation in Armenia.
Tibor Karolyi's 2009 book, "Genius in the Background," devotes an entire chapter to Nadanian, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of chess. Despite not fulfilling his own playing potential, Nadanian's coaching expertise and theoretical innovations have left an indelible mark on the game.
Through his work, Nadanian has inspired countless chess enthusiasts and players, earning him a revered place in the world of chess.
Throughout his career, Nadanian has left a lasting impact on the world of chess, cementing his reputation as a mastermind of opening theory and coaching.
63 Years Old
A Russian chess grandmaster and writer, renowned for being the world's top-ranked player for most of the 1980s and 1990s, and for his advocacy of democracy and human rights.
56 Years Old
A world chess champion, holding the title five times, and known for his creative and attacking playing style. He's a global icon in the chess world, inspiring millions of players.
43 Years Old
An Armenian chess grandmaster who has been one of the world's top-ranked players, known for his creative and attacking playing style. He has won numerous tournaments and awards, including four World Chess Cup titles.
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A Soviet chess grandmaster who dominated the game in the 1960s and 1970s, famously competing against Bobby Fischer in the 1972 World Chess Championship. He is known for his strategic and positional playing style.
97 Years Old
Armenian chess grandmaster who reigned as World Chess Champion from 1963 to 1969, known for his defensive playing style and ability to draw games from seemingly impossible positions.
Born in 1921
A renowned chess grandmaster and seventh World Chess Champion, known for his strategic and positional playing style, which earned him the title of "Chess Philosopher".
