Friday Feature: Mikhail Tal

Mikhail Tal

Mikhail Tal was a Soviet chess grandmaster and former world champion who was known for his aggressive and tactical playing style and his creative and attacking approach to the game. Born in 1936 in Riga, Latvia, Tal experienced much of Europe's instability and eventually became a grandmaster at the age of 23. He is considered one of the greatest attacking players in the history of chess and is known for his "magic" at the chessboard.

Tal first came to prominence in the 1950s, when he won several major tournaments, including the Soviet Championship and the World Student Team Championship. In 1960, he became the eighth world chess champion, defeating Mikhail Botvinnik in the final. He held the title for just over a year before losing it back to Botvinnik in a rematch.

Despite his relatively short reign as world champion, Tal made a huge impact on the world of chess and is remembered as one of the most creative and attacking players of all time. He was known for his incredible sacrifices and his willingness to take risks, and he played a key role in the development of modern chess theory.

Tal's chess career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 55, but his legacy lives on through his many memorable games and contributions to chess theory. His influence can still be seen in the playing styles of modern grandmasters, and he is remembered as one of the greatest chess players of all time.