Alexander Alekhine (6 October 1892 – 27 March 1946) was a Russian‑born French chess grandmaster who held the title of World Chess Champion from 1927 until his death in 1946, except for a brief period (1935–1937) when he lost the title to Max Euwe. He is renowned for his imaginative attacking style, deep combinational play, and extensive contributions to chess literature.
Early life and education
Alekhine was born in Moscow, Russian Empire, to a family of mixed French, Swedish, and Russian descent. He learned chess at the age of six, taught by his father, and quickly displayed prodigious talent. Alekhine attended the Moscow State University, where he studied engineering, but his primary focus shifted to chess.
Chess career
- Rise to prominence: Alekhine won several major tournaments in Russia and Europe during World War I and the early 1920s, establishing himself as one of the leading players of his generation.
- World Championship: In 1927, he defeated José Raúl Capablanca in Buenos Aires to become the World Chess Champion. He defended the title successfully against Efim Bogoljubov (1929, 1934). In 1935, he lost the championship to Max Euwe but regained it in a 1937 rematch. Alekhine retained the title until his death in 1946; no official challenger succeeded in taking the title during that period.
- Playing style: Alekhine’s play is characterized by dynamic, aggressive positions, deep strategic planning, and the creation of complex tactical opportunities. He popularized the “Alekhine’s Defense” (1.e4 Nf6), a hypermodern opening that attacks White’s central pawn structure.
- Literary contributions: He authored several influential books, including My Best Games of Chess 1908–1937 (published posthumously) and My Chess Career (1930), which provide insight into his thought processes and game analyses.
Personal life
Alekhine married Russian chess master and writer Natalia (Natacha) Alekhina in 1921; the marriage ended in divorce in 1935. In 1939, he obtained French citizenship and resided in Paris during World War II. His activities during the war have been the subject of historical debate, though conclusive evidence regarding alleged collaborations remains insufficient.
Legacy
Alekhine is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history. His contributions to opening theory, particularly Alekhine’s Defense, and his extensive game collections have had a lasting impact on chess education and competitive practice. The Alekhine Memorial tournaments, inaugurated in 1971, honor his memory and continue to attract top grandmasters.
Selected notable games
- Alekhine vs. Capablanca, World Championship, Buenos Aires 1927, Game 15 (Alekhine’s spectacular sacrifice).
- Alekhine vs. Bogoljubov, World Championship, Hague 1929, Game 31 (demonstrating deep positional play).
Bibliography (selected)
- Alekhine, Alexander. My Best Games of Chess 1908–1937. Dover Publications, 1975.
- Alekhine, Alexander. My Chess Career. John Donald, 2005.
References
- Hooper, David; Whyld, Kenneth. The Oxford Companion to Chess. Oxford University Press, 1992.
- Sunnucks, Anne. The Encyclopaedia of Chess. St. Martin’s Press, 1970.
Note: While Alekhine’s wartime conduct has been investigated, definitive conclusions remain lacking; therefore, the entry refrains from unverified assertions.