Learn from the greats

1950s-1970s

The greatest American chess player. Known for precise calculation and psychological warfare.

Study focus

Precision in open games and punishing small inaccuracies.

1980s-2000s

World Champion for 15 years. Master of dynamic, attacking chess.

Study focus

Dynamic piece play and preparation depth.

1950s-1970s

The Magician from Riga. Famous for stunning sacrifices and tactical fireworks.

Study focus

When to sacrifice — calculation before fireworks.

1910s-1930s

The Human Chess Machine. Effortless technique and endgame mastery.

Study focus

Simplifying when ahead; endgame technique.

1970s-1990s

Master of prophylaxis and positional squeezing.

Study focus

Prophylaxis — stop their plan before launching yours.

2010s-present

The GOAT. Unmatched endgame technique and fighting spirit.

Study focus

Practical fighting chess and endgame grinding.

1990s-2010s

Lightning-fast calculation and deep opening preparation.

Study focus

Fast intuitive play and opening versatility.

1990s-2010s

Ended Kasparov's reign. Deep strategic understanding.

Study focus

Solid structures and strategic patience.

1920s-1940s

Fourth World Champion. Brilliant attacking play.

Study focus

Combinational vision in open positions.

1890s-1920s

Held the title for 27 years. Master of practical chess.

Study focus

Psychology and practical choices over perfection.

1860s-1890s

First official World Champion. Father of positional chess.

Study focus

Positional foundations — accumulate small advantages.

1850s-1860s

The Pride and Sorrow of Chess. Developed pieces rapidly and attacked.

Study focus

Rapid development and open-file attacks.

1960s-1970s

World Champion known for adaptability and fighting spirit in the Fischer match.

Study focus

Study universal, flexible — signature: 1.e4 / 1.d4.

1950s-1970s

Master of prophylaxis — made opponents overpress and crack.

Study focus

Study iron defense — signature: 1.d4 → Nimzo-Indian.

1940s-1960s

Patriarch of Soviet chess. Pioneered rigorous opening preparation.

Study focus

Study scientific, preparation — signature: 1.d4 → Catalan / QGD.

1960s-1980s

The Terrible. Relentless competitor who never gave up.

Study focus

Study fighter, endgame — signature: 1.d4 / 1.c4.

1950s

Nearly World Champion. Famous for originality and beautiful ideas.

Study focus

Study creative, imaginative — signature: 1.d4 → King's Indian.

1960s-1970s

The Great Dane. Feared for surprise openings and attacking chess.

Study focus

Study aggressive, unorthodox — signature: 1.b3 Bird's / 1.e4.

1930s-1970s

Crown Prince of chess. Never became champion but beat everyone.

Study focus

Study elegant attacker — signature: 1.e4.

1930s-1970s

Child prodigy who competed at the top for decades.

Study focus

Study tenacious, positional — signature: 1.d4.

1900s-1920s

Perhaps the greatest endgame player before Capablanca.

Study focus

Study endgame genius — signature: 1.d4 → QGD.

1890s-1920s

The teacher of chess. Defined classical principles still taught today.

Study focus

Study classical, pedagogical — signature: 1.e4 / 1.d4.

1900s-1930s

US Champion for decades. Famous for Marshall Attack in the Ruy Lopez.

Study focus

Study tactical, gambits — signature: 1.e4 → French / Petroff.

2010s-present

Youngest women's World Champion. Competes successfully in open events.

Study focus

Study solid, technical — signature: 1.e4 / 1.d4.

1990s-2010s

Strongest female player in history. Beat Kasparov and Topalov.

Study focus

Study aggressive, tactical — signature: 1.e4.