A Danish chess grandmaster and author, renowned for his creative and attacking playing style, which inspired generations of chess players. He wrote several books on chess strategy and tactics.
Bent Larsen was a Danish chess grandmaster and author, renowned for his imaginative and unorthodox style of play, which earned him the reputation as the second-strongest non-Soviet player, behind only Bobby Fischer, for much of the 1960s and 1970s.
A trailblazer in the world of chess, Larsen was the strongest player born in Denmark and the strongest from Scandinavia until the emergence of Magnus Carlsen. His impressive record includes six Danish Championships and four World Chess Championship Candidate appearances, where he reached the semifinal three times.
Larsen's chess career was marked by numerous wins over World Champions, including Mikhail Botvinnik, Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail Tal, Tigran Petrosian, Boris Spassky, Bobby Fischer, and Anatoly Karpov. Although he had lifetime negative scores against them, his victories were a testament to his skill and creativity.
One of Larsen's most notable works is his book How to Open a Chess Game, which provides insights into his unorthodox opening strategies. His writing style was as imaginative as his play, making the book a must-read for chess enthusiasts.
Larsen's impact on chess extends beyond his playing career. He inspired a generation of chess players, including Magnus Carlsen, who has often cited Larsen as an influence. His unorthodox style and creative approach to the game have contributed to the evolution of chess strategy.
Larsen was known for his philosophical approach to chess, which emphasized the importance of creativity and imagination. He believed that chess was not just a game, but a reflection of life itself, requiring adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking.
Born on March 4, 1935, in Tilsted, Denmark, Larsen contracted several childhood diseases, which led him to discover chess during his recovery. He went on to represent Denmark in the World Junior Championship and later became an International Master at the age of 19.
After serving in the military, where he studied Russian, Larsen pursued a career as a professional chess player. He later divided his time between Las Palmas and Buenos Aires with his Argentinian-born wife.
Bent Larsen's legacy is multifaceted. He was a true original, whose unorthodox style and creative approach to chess inspired generations of players. His influence extends beyond Denmark, making him a global ambassador for the game.
Today, Larsen is remembered as one of the greatest players of all time, a true chess legend whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Born in 1911
A Soviet chess grandmaster and engineer who dominated the game from the 1940s to 1960s, winning six World Chess Championships and developing the first chess-playing computer program.
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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.
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A Russian chess grandmaster and author, known for his exceptional endgame skill and candid memoirs about the Soviet chess scene.
