Chess Babies: A Titled Player Chess Zodiac
Table of ContentsLooking for a player's birth sign (Virgo, Gemini, whatever) and some information about them, but don't feel like using one of the search engines because you might need to visit a half dozen sites beyond Wikipedia?
I've got a simple solution for you. I spent a year gathering information on NMs, WFMs, FMs, WGMs, IMs, and GMs worldwide and posting monthly blogs on that very astral project. However, at the time, I created no master index you could visit. So, you might have shuddered at the thought of opening twelve separate blogs and then searching for an individual name using the CTRL+F function.
Lucky you and busy me, now I've created a master index that lets you link to information on over a thousand players. [I didn't actually count, but a millennial-like figure sounds about right.] You can thank me in the comments. [I'll probably use the indexing more than most readers😜, sorry about that.] There are plenty of new images and text, and lots of links to related posts.
Is this some kind of gravitational issue?
Would Einstein approve?
Why should I read this if you've already posted chess Zodiac blogs?
This blog differs significantly in three major ways from my prior Chess Zodiac blogs.
First, it actually delves into the chess characteristics one might expect for each Zodiac sign. Well, according to professional astrologers, plus my dilettante's take given typical characteristics listed online for Zodiac signs.
Second, it points to one or more titled players for every calendar month who exemplify some or all of those traits.
Third, the biographies presented for each player are a few sentences. For more details on any given player, and some of the bios are a page long, you would need to go to the individual month (links are provided).
A fourth, relatively minor difference, is the inclusion of multiple links to related materials and placeholders indicating planned future posts for specific individuals. The placeholders will be updated as those blogs are published.
How to Navigate This Post
The Table of Contents is your primary mechanism. Several other methods are described below.
You can use this post as an index to the famous, the infamous, and the "does anybody even know who this is beside me?". You tap the CTRL+F key sequence and then type in a name such as Kosteniuk, Smith, Jones, Ivanchuk, Polgar(s), Reshevsky, Pogonina, or Brown, (etc., etc., etc.). So, that's a good place to start.
You can also use the CTRL+F key sequence to look for key terms such as author, poker, boxing, trainer, coach, judge, nationality, puzzle, correspondence, banned, suspended, murder, content, CC, WFM, and other categories (no, it's not as comprehensive as Google, sorry).
Then, if you want to see pictures of the players, learn more about them in general, view images of some book covers by authors, read notable quotes by those who spoke/wrote well, or enjoy the occasional video or annotated game, you can visit the far more detailed monthly blogs.
Finally, for some players, aka "chessers", there are links below their names in this post that will take you to individual or group blogs written about them.
Other Navigation Hints
👑 = Classical World CC. I chose to forego symbols for rapid, blitz, 960, ... CCs.
Any time you see Valentines Day: Chess Couplets, it is given as a link to a post about 55 chess-playing couples who are married. That blog offers more information about them than this one and usually includes a game they played against each other under tournament conditions (if they never played each other, obviously there will be no game).
For some players there is a bullet note or two below located below their bio that reserves space for a link to be added in the future. That's because I have sixty or seventy different blogs queued up that cover the Chess Writing GOATs and chess.com's Hall of Famers. I'll be updating the reserved spots in this blog as the future blogs are published.
eeny, meeny, miny, moe,
who must stay,
who will go,
my mother,
told me,
"Pick interesting ones!"
...so I did.
Who is in This Blog? Who was Left Out?
Enclosed you will find all twelve months of the year, and an alphabetical listing of players born that month, along with the exact date of the month they were born...if known. (It isn't always known with certainty. See Greco. You know how, CTRL+F and type his name.) It includes a lot of titled players, but not nearly all of them. Some names didn't make my arbitrary winnowing and sifting, particularly below the GM level on the male side and below the IM/WGM level on the female side. There are numerous exceptions to those arbitrary cutoff lines.
Each name herein provides at minimum an incredibly brief bio, 2-3 sentences instead of paragraphs or pages. However, there's also a link to the specific monthly blog where you can discover more about individuals, including images and sometimes games or links to videos. For World CCs and famous individuals (think the Polgar sisters or players who were strong enough to be the World CC but never quite broke through), there's much more information on those folks, befitting their place in the chess stratosphere.
Now remember, CTRL+F, type in a few characters of a player's name, and then search to your heart's content.
Enjoy the journey, you might meet some interesting players while hunting and pecking!
Enjoy the mysteries of the Chess Zodiac!
Some Discussion About the Table of Contents
Heads up! This blog contains a massive word count (over 37K). If you are looking for a specific person or specific characteristic of a person, the Ctrl+F function will be your best friend. If you are looking for the parts that purport to offer humor or insights, I'd recommend the Introductions and Conclusions for each month. If you want to read every single word...more power to you. You can be my editor, and many thanks!!
The Introduction for each month talks about some characteristics of the two zodiac signs for that month. The introduction is a take by yours truly, and my choices of the chess player(s) in that month who exemplify some of the zodiac characteristics of the month. You'll recognize some of my named choices on sight. In other instances, I hope to surprise you. Please note that, on occasion, I also talk about certain holidays and events associated with a specific month, particularly those that receive heavy emphasis in the US (aka, los Estados Unidos de Norteamerica, according to my H.S. Spanish teacher...as I vaguely remember it).
The section labeled Chessers (a term I borrowed from Top Blogger/NM @NMChessToImpress) contains brief biographical snippets for the numerous players born that month. They are alphabetized.
The sections labeled Conclusion offers some thoughts of Dagmar Seifert, an individual who developed chess zodiac profiles for each month on ChessBase. Hers are great!! She actually wrote more than you will find here. I simply snipped some scrumptious sections. Sometimes our takes align, sometimes they differ in what I consider nuances of no import. Besides, it's all in good fun.
January
Capricorn and Aquarius Introduction
Capricorn and Aquarius Chessers
Capricorn and Aquarius Conclusion
February
Aquarius and Pisces Introduction
Aquarius and Pisces Chessers
Aquarius and Pisces Conclusion
March
Pisces and Aries Introduction
Pisces and Aries Chessers
Pisces and Aries Conclusion
April
Aries and Taurus Introduction
Aries and Taurus Chessers
Aries and Taurus Conclusion
May
Taurus and Gemini Introduction
Taurus and Gemini Chessers
Aries and Taurus Conclusion
June
Gemini and Cancer Introduction
Gemini and Cancer Chessers
Gemini&CancerConclusion
July
Cancer and Leo Introduction
Cancer and Leo Chessers
Cancer and Leo Conclusion
August
Leo and Virgo Introduction
Leo and Virgo Chessers
Leo and Virgo Conclusion
September
Virgo and Libra Introduction
Virgo and Libra Chessers
Virgo and Libra Conclusion
October
Libra and Scorpio Introduction
Libra and Scorpio Chessers
Libra and Scorpio Conclusion
November
Scorpio and Sagittarius Introduction
Scorpio&SagittariusChessers
Scorpio and Sagittarius Conclusion
December
Sagittarius and Capricorn Introduction
Sagittarius and Capricorn Chessers
Sagittarius and Capricorn Conclusion
Capricorn and Aquarius (21 - 31 Jan)
Earth & Air
In the beginning...
Capricorn and Aquarius Introduction
CAPRICORN: They're ambitious, but in support of those ambitions, they tend to be quite practical and disciplined. Seems like that would drain some of the fun out of the game, but you can look over the list of players for the month and decide if that holds true.
Louis Paulsen (15 January), #1 in the world for over three years according to Chessmetrics, was a disciplined defensive mastermind, his ideas receiving praise from both Steinitz and Nimzowitsch. There is a famous pawn formation, named for Paulsen, that places black pawns on e6 and d6 to limit the opponent's dynamic play. Practical, yes. Easy, no. It requires fantastic discipline to play that way as the defense can be quite painstaking.
AQUARIUS: Meanwhile, Aquarians favor a more creative and independent approach. Accordingly, they'll challenge norms and standards. It's a good thing they tend to be gregarious, but that unpredictability can set them to the side at times.
I'd say Boris Spassky (30 January) both fits and breaks the mold. He was part of the Russian School of Chess, yet he played the romantic King's Gambit. Then, shockingly, he decided to continue the match against Fischer after the latter's hissy fit that led to a Fischer forfeit in Game Two (foreshadowing for the never accomplished 1975 match against Karpov?). Spassky could have enjoined FIDE to forfeit Bobby, allowing the USSR to retain the title. Finally, Spassky and his third wife flitted to France in 1976, certainly a bit independent on his part!
So sayeth the Zodiac.
So...are any of the partners out there in a Capricorn and Aquarius relationship?
Does it require lots of compromise?
Then again, what long-lasting relationship doesn't?
Are there any couples where neither partner has ever compromised? (r u bored?)
And why aren't I pulling out a thesaurus to quit ending every sentence with the word ompromise? phrase give and take?
Capricorn and Aquarius Chessers
Zhansaya Abdumalik, 12 January 2000, is a Kazakhstani IM/WGM, two-time girl’s World Youth CC, one-time girl’s World Junior CC, and two-time Kazakhstani Women’s CC.
Keith Arkell, 8 January 1961, is an English GM with a peak rating of 2545 in July 1996 who tied for first in the 2018 World Senior CC but was relegated to silver on tiebreaks. He was the 2021 online British CC and an author.
Étienne Bacrot, born 22 January 1983, is a French GM, World Youth U10 & U12 CC, and eight-time French CC.
Mateusz Bartel, 3 January 1985, is a Polish GM and four-time Polish CC.
Christian Bauer, 11 January 1977, is a French GM three-time French CC, and author.
Hans Jack Berliner (January 27, 1929 – January 13, 2017) was an American ICCF GM who was the Fifth World Correspondence CC. He applied his PhD in computer science to early chess computer programs.
Benjamin Bok (25 January 1995) is a Dutch GM and content producer.
Walter Shawn Browne (10 January 1949 – 24 June 2015) was an Australian-born American GM and poker player. He won the US Junior CC in 1966, the Australian CC in 1969, and the US CC six times. He also won the National Open eleven times, the American Open seven times, the World Open three times, the US Open CC twice, and the Canadian Open CC once.
Irving Chernev (January 29, 1900 – September 29, 1981), a member of the World Chess Hall of Fame, was a Ukrainian-born American NM and prolific author.
👑 Maia Chiburdanidze (Georgian: მაია ჩიბურდანიძე; 17 January 1961) is a Georgian GM, the second woman in the world to receive the title. She was the sixth Women's World CC, a title she held from 1978 to 1991. She also captured the USSR Women's CC and USSR girl's CC.
Victor Ciocâltea (January 16, 1932 – September 10, 1983) was a Romanian GM and eight-time Romanian CC who achieved the GM title at age 56!
Pedro Damiano may have been born on 1 January 1480 in Portugal. The exact date is unknown, so why not start the year off that way! The quote, “If you see a good move, try a better one” can be found in his book, the front cover shown above.
Maxim Alexandrovich Dlugy (born January 29, 1966) is an American GM who won the World Junior CC in 1985. He worked on DeepBlue, the program that beat Kasparov.
Alexey Sergeyevich Dreev (Алексей Сергеевич Дреев, also transliterated as Aleksey or Alexei; born 30 January 1969) is a Russian GM and author.
Harika Dronavalli, born 12 January 1991, is an Indian GM.
Nana Dzagnidze (Georgian: ნანა ძაგნიძე; born 1 January 1987) is a Georgian GM, Women's U12 World CC, Women's U20 World CC, and Caissa Award winner.
Merab Gagunashvili (Georgian: მერაბ გაგუნაშვილი; born 3 January 1985) is a Georgian GM, two-time Georgian CC, and silver medal winner in the 2001 World Junior CC.
Alisa Mikhailovna Galliamova (Russian: Алиса Михайловна Галлямова, Tatar: Алисә Михаил кызы Галләмова; born 18 January 1972) is a Russian IM and WGM, two-time runner-up Women's World CC, 3-time Russian Women's CC, 2-time World U16 Girl's CC, and World Junior Girl's CC.
Theodor Ghițescu (24 January 1934 - 22 November 2008) was a Romanian IM, honorary GM, and one-time Romanian CC.
Gioachino Greco (c. 1600 – c. 1634), surnamed Cusentino and more frequently il Calabrese, was an Italian chess player and writer. For our purposes, we are starting the year off with a bang and assuming that he was born on the first day of the year!
- Reserved for post in 2026
Avetik Nikolayi Grigoryan (Armenian: Ավետիք Նիկոլայի Գրիգորյան, born January 27, 1989) is an Armenian GM, Armenian CC, 3-time Armenian Youth CC, streamer, blogger, and the founder and CEO of ChessMood.
Sopiko Guramishvili, born 1 January 1991, is Georgian and Dutch IM and WGM who also provides chess commentary and is a chess author.
Hermann Helms (5 January 1870 – 1963) was an American chessplayer of approximately NM strength, but he earned entry into the US Chess Hall of Fame and World Chess Hall of Fame for his activities as a chess writer and promoter.
Vlastimil Hort, 12 January 1944, is a Czechoslovak and later German GM, one-time Czechoslovak CC then 5-time West German CC, and Chess 960 Senior World CC.
Igor Vasilyevich Ivanov (January 8, 1947 – November 17, 2005) was a Russian-born GM who defected from the Soviet Union to Canada in 1980 and four-time Canadian CC winner.
Sergey Alexandrovich Karjakin, 12 January 1990, is a Russian GM and one-time World Rapid CC.
Raymond Dennis Keene, Officer of the Order of the British Empire (29 January 1948) is an English GM, FIDE IA, chess organizer, journalist and author. Keene is also a great source of controversy in the writer’s world.
- Reserved for late 2026 - early 2027 post
Paul Keres, 7 January 1916 – 5 June 1975, was an Estonian GM, International Correspondence CC, and chess writer.
- Reserved for 2026 post
- Reserved for 2027 post
👑 Alexander Khalifman (Russian: Алекса́ндр Вале́рьевич Халифма́н; born 18 January 1966) is a Russian GM and former FIDE World CC, when Kasparov held the PCA title.
Artur (aka Arthur) Kogan (29 January 1974) is a Ukrainian–born Israeli GM and coach.
Nadezhda Anatolyevna Kosintseva (Russian: Надежда Анатольевна Косинцева), born 14 January 1985, is a Russian GM, World Junior Women's U14 CC, Russian Women's CC, and recipient of the FIDE Caissa Award.
Pavel Kotsur, 3 January 1974, is a Kazakhstani GM, three-time Kazakhstani CC, and FIDE Arbiter.
Vladislav Vladimirovich Kovalev (Russian: Владислав Владимирович Ковалёв; born 6 January 1994) is a Belarusian GM and was the Belarusian CC in 2016.
Maria Kursova, born 3 January 1986, is a WGM, two-time Armenian Women's CC, a former World U10 Girls CC, and one-time European U16 Girls CC.
Gennady Pavlovich Kuzmin (Russian: Геннадий Павлович Кузьмин, Ukrainian: Геннадій Павлович Кузьмін, romanized: Hennadiy Pavlovych Kuzmin; January 19, 1946 – February 28, 2020) was a Ukrainian GM, three-time Ukrainian CC, and trainer.
Aleksandra Lach is a Polish WIM, World Youth Girls U10/U14 CC, and coach.
Viktor Láznicka, born January 9, 1988, is a Czech GM and one-time Czech CC.
Samuel (Sam) Loyd (30 January 1841 - April 10, 1911) is a member of the World Chess Hall of Fame, best known for his puzzles, but also a strong player.
Alisa and Mirjana Marić (Serbian Cyrllic: Алиса and Мирјана Марић) were born 10 January 1970 and are the only twin WGMs in history. Alisa is the older sister by twenty minutes. She also holds the IM title and has a PhD in economics. Mirjana is a two-time Yugoslav Women’s CC.
Neil McDonald (born 21 January 1967) is an English GM, chess author, and FIDE Trainer who regularly escorts blind and partially sighted players to World CC events. Neil was also Head Coach of the English Chess Federation team for the 2013 World Schools CC.
Luke James McShane, 7 January 1984, is an English GM.
Igor Miladinovic (25 January 1974) is a Serbian GM and won the 1993 World Junior CC.
Artashes Minasian (also transliterated as Minasyan; Armenian: Արտաշես Մինասյան) was born on January 21, 1967. An Armenian GM, he won the final USSR CC in 1991 and is a six-time Armenian CC.
Jules Moussard (16 January 1995) is a French GM. He won seven titles at the French Youth CCs and won the French CC in 2022. That made him the only individual to have won a French title in every age category.
Karen Movsziszian (Armenian: Կարեն Մովսիսյան, born January 6, 1963) is an Armenian GM. He won the Armenian CC in 1981 and the World Senior CC (50+) in 2018.
Sunilduth Lyna (S.L.) Narayanan (born 10 January 1998) is an Indian GM.
Henrique Costa Mecking (aka, "Mequinho") (born 23 January 1952) is a Brazilian GM and 3-time Brazilian CC.
Friðrik Ólafsson, 26 January 1035, is an Icelandic GM, six-time Icelandic CC, two-time Nordic CC, and served five years as FIDE President beginning in 1978.
Elisabeth Päehtz, 8 January 1985, is a German GM, German Women's CC, Women's World Youth U18 CC, and streamer.
Louis Paulsen (15 January 1833 – 18 August 1891) was a German chess master. ChessMetrics ranked him #1 worldwide in 39 different months.
Jeroen Piket (27 Jan 1969) is a Dutch GM and ICCF GM. This four-time Dutch CC also won the World Correspondence CC in 2005.
Hermann Pilnik (8 January 1914 – 12 November 1981) was a German-born Argentine GM and three-time Argentine CC.
Alexandr Aleksandrovich Predke (Russian: Александр Александрович Предке, Serbian Cyrillic: Александар Александрович Предке; born 5 January 1994) is a Russian-born Serbian GM.
Fred Reinfeld (January 27, 1910 – May 29, 1964) was an American master and college chess instructor. He is a member of the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame based on his writings in the field.
- Reserved for possible post in 2027
Henri Rinck (January 10, 1870 – February 17, 1952) was a French chemist, chess composer, chess player, and non-fiction writer.
Maxim Rodshtein (Hebrew: מקסים רודשטיין, Russian: Максим Эдуардович Родштейн, romanized: Maksim Eduardovich Rodshtein) is an Israeli GM and one-time World Youth U16 CC.
Oleg Mikhailovich Romanishin (Ukrainian: Олег Михайлович Романишин, romanized: Oleh Mykhailovych Romanyshyn; born 10 January 1952) is a Ukrainian GM.
Salem Abdulrahman Mohamed Saleh (born 4 January 1993) is an Emirati GM, three-time Emirati CC, and three-time Arab CC.
Alexey Vasilyevich Sarana (Russian: Алексей Васильевич Сарана, Serbian Cyrillic: Алексеј Васиљевич Сарана; born 26 January 2000) is a Russian-born GM currently representing the Serbian Federation. That transfer was completed in April 2023 and Sarana issued statements reviling the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ortvin Sarapu (born Ortvin Sarapuu; 22 January 1924 – 13 April 1999), was an Estonian-born New Zealand IM, and 20-time New Zealand CC.
Krishnan Sasikiran (Tamil: கிருஷ்ணன் சசிகிரண்; born 7 January 1981) is an Indian GM and correspondence Senior IM.
Sanan Sjugirov (Russian: Санан Сюгиров; born 31 January 1993) is a Russian GM representing Hungary. He won World Youth U10 CC and U14 CC.
Ilya Yulievich Smirin (Hebrew: איליה יוליביץ' סמירין; Belarusian: Ілля Юльевіч Смірын, romanized: Illa Juljevič Smiryn; Russian: Илья Юльевич Смирин; born January 21, 1968) is a Belarusian-Israeli GM, one-time Byelorussian SSR CC, the first league of the USSR CC (twice), three-time Israeli CC, and author. He became embroiled in controversy during a Women’s Grand Prix event in 2022, leading to his suspension from that role.
Vladimirovich Smirnov (28 January 2001) is an Australian GM and 2014 Australian Junior CC.
Anastasia Sorokina (Belarusian: Анастасія Сарокіна; born 26 January 1980 in Minsk, Soviet Union) is an Australian (ex-Belarusian) WIM, former FIDE VP, International Arbiter, FIDE Trainer, and International Organiser.
👑 Boris Vasilievich Spassky (Russian: Бори́с Васи́льевич Спа́сский, romanized: Borís Vasíl'yevich Spásskiy) is a Soviet-Russian GM born January 30, 1937. Twice, the Soviet CC, he also was relegated to second in two playoffs. The 1955 World Junior CC, Spassky became the tenth World CC after defeating Petrosian.
- Reserved for 2027 post.
Anders Gideon Tom Ståhlberg (26 January 1908 – 26 May 1967) was a Swedish GM and one of the inaugural recipients of the GM title in 1950. Winner of the Swedish CC in 1927, he won and held the Nordic CC title from 1929 – 1939.
Fiona Steil-Antoni, 10 January 1989, is a Luxembourgish WIM, several time Luxembourg Women's CC, and commentator.
Héðinn Steingrímsson, 11 January 1975, is an Icelandic GM, FIDE Senior trainer, German-A Trainer, three-time Icelandic CC, and was the World U12 CC in 1987.
Artyom Timofeev (Russian: Артём Тимофеев; born January 6, 1985) is a Russian GM. He tied for first on points in the World Youth CC (U14) but finished second on tiebreaks.
Puchen Wang (born 20 January 1990) is a New Zealand IM who won the New Zealand CC/Rapid CC/Lightning CC in 2007.
👑 Ju Wenjun (Chinese: 居文君; pinyin: Jū Wénjūn; born 31 January 1991) is a Chinese GM, four-time Women's World CC, Women’s World Blitz CC, and a two-time Women’s World Rapid CC.
Radoslaw Wojtaszek (born 13 January 1987) is a Polish GM, World Youth U18 CC, and four-time Polish CC.
Congratulations! You have almost conquered one-twelfth of the blog if you reached here!
Capricorn and Aquarius Conclusion
CAPRICORN: Of all the twelve signs of the zodiac, Capricorn is the least playful. Perhaps that is why some brilliant chess greats have not devoted themselves exclusively to the board, but to more 'serious' pursuits.
A prime example is the English grandmaster and world-class player Luke James McShane, 7 January. The former chess prodigy with the alert eyes (as a 16-year-old he was the youngest British grandmaster to date) quite logically studied mathematics and philosophy — like probably two thirds of all great chess players. But instead of dedicating himself to the 64 squares, McShane preferred to make a high-class living as a trader at Goldman Sachs. After all, he is considered the strongest amateur chess player in the world... Capricorn and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
AQUARIUS: A typical Aquarius as a chess opponent is a challenge, to say the least. No other sign has seen the birth of more grandmasters: over two hundred so far! An army of Aquarian grandmasters! An interesting factor here is that it is not so much the ambition to win at all costs as the urge to explore, the irrepressible pleasure of analysis, that makes them so successful.
The real Aquarius relaxes with thought acrobatics, he always comes up with something new - or he can successfully turn the old upside down. Intellectual penetration is fun for him, researching to the very bottom. His thinking is quite unconventional and easily follows its own paths. Aquarius and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Aquarius and Pisces (19 - 28/29 Feb)
Air & Water
Aquarius and Pisces Introduction
AQUARIUS: The air sign Aquarians are curious cats who tend to enjoy socializing because it gives them the chance to chat with folks. You might have encountered some of them while playing blitz. They somehow manage to chat vapidly and play quickly at the same time.
Artur Yusupov (13 February) ably represents the cheerful extrovert. He has been recognized for giving numerous and entertaining interviews that can be found online and the smiling face you'll find at the February link above clearly suggests Artur is someone with whom you could share a wonderful conversation.
Mark Taimanov (7 February) was another social animal, a world-class concert pianist who often entertained his peers in the evening at high-level chess events.
PISCES: They often exhibit an intuitive playing style, relying on their imagination rather than brute force calculation. That doesn't mean they can't calculate, but it does suggest that they are particularly difficult to face at the fastest time controls because they constantly pose unexpected difficulties.
David Bronstein (19 February) was deemed a chess genius because of his creativity at the board, though he clearly could calculate or his fantastic ideas would not have so often come to fruition. But don't take my word for it. Instead, listen to the words of a fellow super-GM from that era.
His fantasy was a torrent which could not be dammed. I remember our games and the analysis afterwards. I regarded with disbelief the variations which Bronstein considered during play. It was a fantastic world into which my cold reason, even had I been able, would never have entered. - Svetozar Gligoric, source: Chess Quotes by/about David Bronstein
Ah, February! A month for romance and Valentine's Day...and birthdays. You must know someone born in this month, a curious month that every four years adds an extra day just to confuse us all. I say, on those rare occasions, just take that day off and focus on your first love, chess!!
Chess must be the first love of someone you know. After all, it was clearly an early love for all the chess lovers whose professional lives we are about to peer into. Inside you will find chess power couples such as Nellie Love and Jackson Whipps Showalter (the Kentucky Lion). Oh, wait, you never heard of them? Or maybe only him? Well, that's part of the exploration! Besides, her middle name was so perfect for a month of valentine surprises. His middle name is more reminiscent of 50 Shades of Something.
Ahmed Adly (Arabic: أحمد عدلي, born 18 February 1987) is an Egyptian GM. A four-time winner of Arab Youth CC, he was the World Junior CC, snagging a major title that has often foretold greater success! Adly continued that success and won the African CC four times and the Mediterranean CC once.
Dmitry Vladimirovich Andreikin (Russian: Дмитрий Владимирович Андрейкин, born 5 February 1990) is a Russian GM. This 2019 World Junior CC and World Junior U10 CC is also a two-time Russian CC but has been playing under the FIDE flag since May 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.
Bibisara Assaubayeva (Kazakh: Бибісара Асаубаева, Bibısara Asaubaeva; born 26 February 2004) is a Kazakhstani IM and WGM and two-time Women’s World Blitz CC.
Yuri (aka Yury) Lvovich Averbakh (Russian: Ю́рий Льво́вич Аверба́х; 8 February 1922 – 7 May 2022) was a Russian GM, International Judge of Chess Compositions, IA, and author. Additionally, he was Chairman of the USSR Chess Federation for five years.
Boris Leonidovich Avrukh (Hebrew: בוריס ליאונידוביץ' אברוך; Russian: Борис Леонидович Аврух), 10 February 1978, is a Soviet-born Israeli GM who was the World U12 CC in 1990, a two-time Israeli CC, and author.
László Bárczay (21 February 1936 – 7 April 2016) was a Hungarian GM, ICCF GM, and four-time Hungarian CC.
Max Friedrich William Bezzel (4 February 1824 – 30 July 1871) was a German chess composer who created the eight queens puzzle in 1848. There are 92 solutions.
David Bronstein (Russian: Дави́д Ио́нович Бронште́йн; February 19, 1924 – December 5, 2006) was a Soviet GM and two-time joint Soviet CC. He almost became the World CC in 1951 after tying Botvinnik 12 -12, 5W-14D-5L each, but the reigning champion prevailed in the case of a tied match.
- Chess Writing GOATs: David Bronstein
- Chess QuoteMasters #7: GM David Bronstein
- Reserved for early 2027 post
Mišo Cebalo (6 February 1945 – 2 September 2022) was a Croatian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and the 2009 Senior World CC.
Deimantė Cornette (born Deimantė Daulytė; 22 February 1989) is a Lithuanian IM and WGM who won the Lithuanian Women’s CC five times.
Arnold Sheldon Denker (February 21, 1914 – January 2, 2005) was an American IM, honorary GM, and author.
Sergey Viktorovich Dolmatov (born February 20, 1959) is a Russian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and former World Junior CC.
Vasif Durarbayli (Azerbaijani: Vasif Durarbəyli; born February 24, 1992) is an Azerbaijani GM, one-time national CC, and one-time World U14 CC.
Mara Efimenko (Ukrainian: Марья Ефименко, also transliterated Marja; born 13 February 1996), née Tantsiura (Ukrainian: Танцюра) is a Ukrainian WIM and coach.
Erich Gottlieb Eliskases (15 February 1913 – 2 February 1997) was a GM who represented Austria, Germany, and Argentina at various times. He won the Austrian CC, the Hungarian CC, and twice won the German CC.
Vladimir Vasilyevich Fedoseev (Russian: Влади́мир Васи́льевич Федосе́ев born 16 February 1995, is a Russian GM playing for Slovenia, one of several Russian players to switch federations after Russia invaded Ukraine. In 2013 he won the U18 European Youth CCs at all three time controls: standard, rapid, and blitz. He won the European Rapic CC and Chess960 CC once each, and has taken silver twice in the World Rapid CC.
Daniel Fridman (Latvian: Daniels Fridmans; born February 15, 1976) is a Latvian-German chess player, one-time Latvian CC, and one-time German CC.
Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Galkin (Russian: Александр Александрович Галкин; born 1 February 1979) is a Russian GM, one-time World Junior U20 CC, and author.
Surya Shekhar Ganguly, 24 February 1983, is an Indian GM. A six-time National CC he was also the Asian CC in 2009.
Svetozar Gligorić (Gligo was the shortened version I heard him referred to when growing up) (Serbian Cyrillic: Светозар Глигорић; 2 February 1923 – 14 August 2012) was a Serbian and Yugoslav GM, musician, and author.
- Saved for 2026 post
Helgi Áss Grétarsson (born 18 February 1977) is an Icelandic GM who won the World Junior 20 CC in 1994…only one year previously he played goal for the Icelandic U16 National Soccer Team in the UEFA U16 Championship. Granted a law degree in 2005 he finally became Icelandic CC in 2018, having previously tied for first in 1999 but losing a tiebreak match. Helgi has also won the Icelandic Blitz CC three times.
Karen H. Grigoryan (Armenian: Կարեն Հ. Գրիգորյան; born 25 February 1995) is an Armenian GM and one-time European U16 CC.
Yehuda Gruenfeld (Hebrew: יהודה גרינפלד; born 18 February 1956) is a Polish-born Israeli GM and two-time Israeli CC.
Boris Franzevich Gulko (Russian: Борис Францевич Гулько, IPA: [bɐˈrʲiz ɡʊlʲˈko]), 9 February 1947, is a Soviet-American GM. He is the only person to win both the Soviet CC and the U.S.CC. He won the latter twice. He also won the U.S. Masters CC once.
Valentina Evgenyevna Gunina (Russian: Валентина Евгеньевна Гунина), born 4 February 1989, is a Russian GM who has played under the FIDE flag since 2023 in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A two-time Women’s World Blitz CC she has won the European Women’s Individual CC three times and the Russian Women’s CC five times.
Ilya Mark Gurevich (born February 8, 1972) is a Soviet-born American GM.
Mikhail Gurevich (Russian: Михаил Наумович Гуревич, romanized: Mikhail Naumovich Gurevich; born 22 February 1959) is a Soviet-born Belgian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and IA. He won the Ukrainian, Soviet, Belgian, and Turkish CC once each
Mark Lesland Hebden (15 February 1958) is an English GM and the British Rapid CC on seven occasions.
Asa Hoffmann, 25 February 1943, is a U.S. FM, chess teacher, and author known as "the sparring partner of champions."
Krystyna Hołuj-Radzikowska (5 February 1931 – 29 November 2006) was a Polish WGM and nine-time Polish Women’s CC.
Harriet Vaughan Hunt (born 4 February 1978 in Oxford) is an English IM, WGM, 5-time British Women’s CC, and PhD in archaeogenetics.
Niclas Huschenbeth, born 29 February 1992, is a German GM, two-time German CC, and chess content creator.
Nana Ioseliani (Georgian: ნანა იოსელიანი; born 12 February 1962) is a Georgian IM and WGM, two-time runner up in the Women's World CC, and four-time Soviet Women's CC.
Mária Ivánka, aka Ivánka-Budinsky, was born 23 February 1950. She is a Hungarian WGM and 9-time Hungarian Women’s CC.
Giorgi Kacheishvili (Georgian: გიორგი კაჭეიშვილი; born 10 February 1977) is a Georgian GM and two-time Georgian CC.
Genrikh Kasparyan, aka Kasparian, (27 February 1910 – 27 December 1995) was an Armenian IM, International Judge of Chess Compositions, GM of Chess Composition, and ten-time Armenian CC.
Daniel (Danny) Kopec (February 28, 1954 – June 12, 2016) was an American IM, Scottish CC, chess author, and PhD in computer science with a focus on Machine Intelligence.
Borislav Kostić (24 February 1887 – 3 November 1963) was a Serbian GM, Romanian CC, and two-time Yugoslav CC.
Smbat Gariginovich Lputian (also transliterated as Lputyan; Armenian: Սմբատ Լպուտյան; born 14 February 1958) is an Armenian GM and four-time Armenian CC.
Colin Anderson McNab, born 3 February 1961, is a Scottish GM, Correspondence IM, Chess Problem Solving IM, and author. One of the most unique features of his OTB GM title is that he was awarded the title six years before having a published rating of 2500.
👑 Vera Francevna Mencikova (aka, Menchik) (Russian: Вера Францевна Менчик, Vera Frantsevna Menchik; Czech: Věra Menčíková; 16 February 1906 – 26 June 1944) was a British-Czechoslovak-Russian chess player who became the world's first women's CC in 1927, going on to win the title eight times.
Jacques Mieses (27 February 1865 – 23 February 1954) was a German-born British GM, an inaugural recipient of the title when FIDE began granting such recognition in 1950.
Anna Olehivna Muzychuk (Ukrainian: Анн́а Оле́гівна Музичу́к; Slovene: Ana Muzičuk; born 28 February 1990) is a Ukrainian GM and the fourth woman in history to cross the 2600 threshold. A two-time Women’s World Blitz CC and one-time Women’s World Rapid CC, she was the runner-up in the 2017 Women’s World CC. She also won the World Youth Girls CC for U16 and later U20. Anna won the Ukrainian Women’s CC twice.
Srinath Narayanan (14 February 1994) is an Indian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and streamer. He won the World Youth U12 CC in 2005.
Karel Opočenský (7 February 1892 – 16 November 1975) was a Czechoslovak IM, IA, and chess theoretician. He was the chief arbiter for the 1951 and 1954 World CC matches and the 1952 Olympiad.
Mladen Palac, 18 February 1971, is a Croatian GM, FIDE Trainer, and four-time Croatian CC.
Sethuraman Panayappan (S.P.) Sethuraman (born 25 February 1993) is an Indian GM, World U16 CC, 2-time National CC, Asian CC, and author.
Levan Pantsulaia (Georgian: ლევან ფანცულაია; born February 26, 1986) is a GM, two-time Georgian CC, and World Youth U16 CC.
Eugene Perelshteyn, 2 February 1980, is a Ukrainian-born, American GM, one-time US Junior Closed CC, and author.
Alexander Dmitrievich Petrov (Russian: Алекса́ндр Дми́триевич Петро́в) (February 12, 1794 – April 22, 1867) was a Russian chess player, chess composer, and chess writer.
Jovana Rapport (née Vojinović, Serbian Cyrillic: Јована Војиновић; born 18 February 1992) is a Serbian WGM who achieved her IM norms by November 2015 but lacks the 2400 ELO required. A two-time Montenegrin Women’s CC she is also a Serbian Women’s CC and the winner of the Mediterranean Women’s CC in 2009.
Nicolas Rossolimo (Russian: Николай Спиридонович Россоли́мо, romanized: Nikolai Spiridonovich Rossolimo; February 28, 1910 – July 24, 1975) was a Russian-born GM who acquired Greek citizenship at age 19 and then emigrated to France, where he won a French CC, followed by leaving for the United States.
Roman Savrovich Shogdzhiev, born 4 February 2015, is a Russian IM as of 25 May 2025. He set a new record for the youngest IM ever at 10 years, 3 months, and 21 days, smashing Faustino Oro's previous record by almost five months.
Tal Shaked, 5 February 1978, is an American GM and winner of the World Junior CC in 1997.
Jackson Whipps Showalter, aka the Kentucky Lion, (February 5, 1859 – February 5, 1935) was a five-time U.S. CC.
Almira Skripchenko (born 17 February 1976) is a Moldovan-French IM and WGM. A seven-time French Women’s CC she also won the World U16 Girls CC in 1992, and the next year earned the bronze in the U18 category. In 2001 she won the Women’s European CC and was decorated the Order of National Merit in her native country Moldova.
Bogdan Śliwa (4 February 1922 in Kraków – 16 May 2003) was a Polish GM and six-time Polish CC.
Evgeny Ellinovich Sveshnikov (Russian: Евгений Эллинович Све́шников; Latvian: Jevgēņijs Svešņikovs; 11 February 1950 – 18 August 2021) was a Russian GM, opening theoretician, two-time Latvian CC, World Senior 65+ CC, and author.
Seyyed Mohammad Amin Tabatabaei (Persian: محمدامین طباطبایی; born 5 February 2001) is an Iranian GM.
Mark Evgenievich Taimanov (Russian: Марк Евгеньевич Тайманов; 7 February 1926 – 28 November 2016) was a Soviet and Russian GM who was among the world's top players for over twenty years and a world-class pianist who performed with his first wife as a piano duo. In 1956 he won the USSR CC.
James (Jim) Tarjan, February 22, 1952, is a U.S. GM.
Savielly Tartakower (also known as Xavier or Ksawery Tartakower, less often Tartacover or Tartakover; 21 February 1887 – 4 February 1956) was a Polish GM, two-time Polish CC, and author/journalist in the 1920s and 1930s.
- Chess QuoteMasters #1: Savielly Tartakower
- Reserved for Summer 2027 post
Hans Christian Tikkanen (6 February 1985) is a Swedish GM and five-time Swedish CC. He is best known to me as the co-author of The Woodpecker Method, written with Axel Smith.
Sergei Tiviakov (Russian: Серге́й Тивяков; born 14 February 1973) is a Russian–Dutch GM, three-time Dutch CC, and one-time European CC.
Nikita Kirillovich Vitiugov (Russian: Никита Кириллович Витюгов; born 4 February 1987) is a Russian-born GM representing England since 2023 in protest of the invasion of Ukraine. The U18 Russian CC winner in 2005 he finished second in the same event the following two years, a podium position he also took at the 2006 World Junior CC.
Sergey Viktorovich Volkov (Russian: Серге́й Ви́кторович Во́лков; born 7 February 1974) is a Russia GM and the 2000 Russian CC.
Patrick Gideon Wolff (February 15, 1968) is an American GM and was the hedge fund founder of Grandmaster Capital Management. A two-time U.S. CC he also won the 1982 U.S. National High School CC and the 1987 U.S. Junior CC.
👑 Hou Yifan (Chinese: 侯逸凡; pinyin: Hóu Yìfán), 27 February 1994, is a Chinese GM, four-time Women’s World CC, two-time Chinese Women’s CC, World Youth Girls U10 CC, and FIDE Caissa Cup recipient.
Jennifer Yu (February 1, 2002) is an American WGM, FM, Girls World U12 CC, and 2-time U.S. Women's CC.
Artur Mayakovich Yusupov (Russian: Арту́р Маякович Юсу́пов; German: Artur Majakowitsch Jussupow), February 13, 1960, is a Russian-born German GM, former #3 globally, and content producer.
Wait a minute. Those are Tarot cards. I thought this was about the Zodiac?
Just consider it one more thing beyond the ken of materialistic mortals, like Alpha Zero and Stockfish.
Aquarius and Pisces Conclusion
AQUARIUS: Finally, we probably don't need to say much about the great Spassky; even non-chess players know him. He failed after a grandiose career not at all because of an Aquarius. But because of a player born in Pisces, as irregular, unpredictable and ingenious as possible. But that's another story. Aquarius and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
PISCES: Their strategic recipe (if there is one) is: deceive, camouflage and confuse. This is how the hunted, the victims, are most likely to act. And indeed, a real Pisces is ready to win the battle by sacrificing himself - or one of his officers. If the Pisces fighter does it really well, his opponent even has a crumpled conscience at the end. Pisces and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Pisces and Aries (21 - 31 Mar)
Water & Fire
The march of the calendar is unstoppable. As the Northern Hemisphere prepares to leave winter for the renewal of spring, it's time to ponder important dates. For instance, all true Willy Shakespeare fans know that it's time to trot out a soothsayer to warn Julius Caesar (Act 1, Scene 2) about the Ides of March (the 15th) when an emperor encountered the same fate as many a chessboard king.
Meanwhile, in the US, it's March Madness time for the college basketball fanatics beginning with Selection Sunday on or about March 16th and the First Four bringing the action near March 18th. Between those two auspicious days we find St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, a fine time for the denizens of Chicago, IL to see their river dyed green...and drink some green beer.
Yes. Maybe. No (maybe you could make a blog about chess couples and their Zodiac signs).
Of the many masters I have met, Bent is the most original. Anatoly Karpov in "Bent Larsen's Best Games"
ARIES: Switching from water to fire, without creating too much steam I hope, Aries are bold, energetic players. They fear nothing, or at least disguise it well, and actively seek to take the fight to their opponent. Of course, their impulsive nature can work against them as they are also stubborn and may well continue a line past the point of no return.
Richard Rapport (25 March) clearly fit that mindset until about 2017 when GM Daniil Dubov noted that, "He transformed from a swashbuckling tactician into a subtle positional player." Well, he still maintains a reputation as someone who can surprise anyone on a given day.
Someone who never fully changed was the indomitable Victor Korchnoi (23 March). He rarely turned down a poisoned pawn and was an aggressive counter-attacker. However, his impulsive material grabs and difficulty with time management sometimes led to results he certainly deemed undesirable.
Okay, let's say it all together, "These signs do not look compatible."
And yet, they share a month. Go figure.
András Adorján (born András Jocha; 31 March 1950 – 11 May 2023) was a Hungarian GM, three-time Hungarian CC, and author. He finished second to Karpov in the 1969 World Junior CC.
Mads Andersen, 1 March 1995, is a Danish GM and 3-time Danish CC.
Zaven Andriasian (sometimes transliterated as Andriasyan; Armenian: Զավեն Անդրիասյան), born 11 March 1989, is an Armenian GM, former World Junior CC, and opening books author.
Vladislav Mikhailovich Artemiev (Russian: Владисла́в Миха́йлович Арте́мьев), born 5 March 1998, is a Russian GM and the 2019 European CC. With a peak rating of 2761 in June 2019, placing him at #10 globally
Maurice Ashley, March 6, 1966, is a Jamaican and American GM, commentator, educator, innovator, and motivational speaker who was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2016.
Yuri Sergeyevich Balashov (Russian: Ю́рий Серге́евич Балашо́в; born 12 March 1949) is a Russian GM who FIDE listed with a peak rating of 2600 in January 1979, good enough for #11 in the world.
Joel Lawrence Benjamin, 11 March 1964, is an American GM, U.S. Junior CC, U.S. Open CC, three-time U.S. CC, and two-time co-winner of the U.S. Masters CC.
Anastasia Mikhailovna Bodnaruk (Russian: Анастасия Михайловна Боднарук; born 30 March 1992) is a Russian IM and WGM and the 2023 Women’s World Rapid CC.
Avital Boruchovsky (Hebrew: אביטל בורוכובסקי; born March 15, 1997) is an Israeli GM.
👑 Zhu Chen (simplified Chinese: 诸宸; traditional Chinese: 諸宸; pinyin: Zhū Chén, Arabic: زو تشن; born March 13, 1976) is a Chinese-born Qatari GM, former Women’s World CC, and three-time Chinese National Women’s CC.
Bobby Cheng, 20 March 1997, is a New Zealand-Australian GM, one-time Australian Open CC, one-time Australian CC, and the World Junior U12 CC (in 2009)
Alexander Mikhailovich Chernin (Russian: Александр Михайлович Чернин) born 6 March 1960, is a Soviet-born Hungarian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, author, and former #19 globally.
Alberto David, 26 March 1970, is a Luxembourgish-Italian GM and three-time Italian CC.
Alexander Anatolyevich Donchenko (Russian: Александр Анатольевич Донченко; born 22 March 1998) is a German GM with a peak rating of 2684 in August 2023, placing him at #52 on the world’s Top 100 list.
John Emms, born 14 March 1967, is an English GM and chess author.
Andrey Evgenyevich Esipenko (Russian: Андрей Евгеньевич Есипенко; born 22 March 2002) is a Russian GM and former World U16 CC.
Larry Melvyn Evans (March 22, 1932 – November 15, 2010) was an American GM, author, and journalist. He won or shared five U.S. CCs and four U.S. Open CCs.
Sergey Fedorchuk (Ukrainian: Сергій Федорчук, romanized: Serhiy Fedorchuk; born 14 March 1981) is a Ukrainian GM with a peak rating of 2674 in November 2010 and peak world rank of #51 in April 2008.
Sébastien Feller, 11 March 1991, is a French GM and the French Blitz CC in 2010.
Alexandr Hilário Takeda Sakai dos Santos Fier (born 11 March 1988) is a Brazilian GM and five-time Brazilian CC who won most recently in December 2024.
👑 Robert (Bobby) James Fischer (March 9, 1943 – January 17, 2008) was an American GM, the 11th World CC, and eight-time U.S. CC.
Anita Gara, 4 March 1983, is a Hungarian WGM and IM, and six-time Hungarian Women’s CC who competed in the 2018 Women’s World CC event.
Timur Gareyev (Gareev), March 3, 1988, is an Uzbekistani and American GM with a peak rating of 2682 in February 2013 and a peak world rank of #67 in June 2013.
Efim Petrovich Geller (Russian: Ефим Петрович Геллер; Ukrainian: Юхим Петрович Геллер; 8 March 1925 – 17 November 1998) was a Soviet GM, two-time Soviet CC, six-time Ukrainian CC, six-time Candidate for the World CC, and two-time World Seniors CC.
Harold "Harry" Golombek OBE (1 March 1911 – 7 January 1995) was a British IM, honorary GM, chess arbiter, writer, and a wartime codebreaker who worked on solving Enigma.
Boris Pavlovich Grachev (Russian: Борис Павлович Грачёв; born 27 March 1986) is a Russian GM with a peak rating of 2705 in March 2012 that placed him at #35 globally.
Eduard Yefimovich Gufeld (Russian: Эдуа́рд Ефи́мович Гу́фельд; 19 March 1936 – 23 September 2002) was a Soviet/American GM, coach, author, and founder of the FIDE Committee on Art and Exhibition.
👑Koneru Humpy (born 31 March 1987) is an Indian GM, two-time Women’s World Rapid CC, World Youth Girl’s U10/U12/U14/overall CC, and runner-up in the Women’s World CC. She is also a two-time British Women’s CC, one-time Asian Women’s CC, and Indian Women’s CC.
Vasyl Mykhailovych Ivanchuk (Ukrainian: Василь Михайлович Іванчук; born March 18, 1969) is a Ukrainian GM and former World Blitz CC and World Rapid CC.
Igor Khenkin, born 21 March 1968, is a Russian-born German GM with a peak rating of 2670 in May 2012. He reached #35 in the world rankings in January 1999.
Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi (Russian: Виктор Львович Корчной; 23 March 1931 – 6 June 2016) was a Soviet (before 1976) and Swiss (after 1980) GM and chess author. A four-time Soviet CC, World Senior CC, and two-time Swiss CC.
Anton Kovalyov (4 March 1992) is a Ukrainian-born Canadian GM. His peak rating of 2664 in November 2017 coincided with his peak world rank at #80.
Josef Kupper (10 March 1932 – 5 June 2017) was a Swiss IM and three-time Swiss CC.
Maxim Lagarde, 16 March 1994, is a French GM and one-time French CC. His peak rating was 2659 in February 2020 when he reached #82 globally.
Jørgen Bent Larsen, the Great Dane, (4 March 1935 – 9 September 2010) was a Danish GM, six-time Danish CC, and reached the Candidates round four times, reaching the semifinal three times.
Anatoly Yakovlevich Lein (Russian: Анатолий Яковлевич Лейн; March 28, 1931 – March 1, 2018) was a Soviet-born American GM with a peak FIDE rating of 2545 in July 1973, placing him at #38 globally.
Grigory Yakovlevich Levenfish (Russian: Григо́рий Я́ковлевич Левенфи́ш; 19 March 1889 – 9 February 1961) was a Soviet GM, two-time Soviet CC, and author.
David Neil Laurence Levy, 14 March 1945, is a Scottish IM and Scottish CC and chess author whose fame is largely based on his work with computer chess and AI.
Lê Quang Liêm, 13 March 1991, is a Vietnamese GM with a peak rating of 2741 in August 2024 and a peak world rank of #14 in September 2024.
Constantin Lupulescu (born 25 March 1984) is a Romanian GM and five-time Romanian CC.
George Henry Mackenzie was born in 1837 and joined the military as an ensign when nineteen years old. He later reached #3 in the world..
Vadim Volodymyrovych Malakhatko (Ukrainian: Вадим Володимирович Малахатько; 22 March 1977 – 5 June 2023) was a Ukrainian GM.
Maria Manakova, 1 March 1974, is a Russian-born Serbian WGM and one-time Serbian Women’s CC.
Géza Maróczy (3 March 1870 – 29 May 1951) was a Hungarian GM, awarded the title in the initial FIDE tranche of 1950.
Maxim Sergeevich Matlakov (Максим Сергеевич Матлаков), 5 March 1991, is a Russian GM, former European Individual CC, and former #23 worldwide.
Edmar John Mednis (Latvian: Edmārs Džons Mednis; March 22, 1937 – February 13, 2002) was a Latvian-born, American GM and author who finished second behind Spassky in the 1955 World Junior CC.
Azer Mirzoev (Azerbaijani: Azər Mirzəyev), born 20 March 1978, is an Azerbaijani GM with a peak rating of 2617 in November 2009.
David Navara, 27 March 1985, is a Czech GM and 13-time Czech CC, including nine national blitz titles.
David Arturovich Paravyan (Russian: Давид Артурович Паравян; born 8 March 1998) is a Russian GM with a peak rating of 2660 in September 2021, placing him 78th globally.
Oscar Roberto Panno (born 17 March 1935) is an Argentine GM and three-time Argentine CC who won the 2nd World Junior CC ahead of future luminaries such as Ivkov, Larsen, and Olafsson.
Harold James Plaskett (born 18 March 1960) is a British GM and chess writer with a peak rating of 2529 in July 2000.
Natalia Andreevna Pogonina (Russian: Ната́лья Андре́евна Пого́нина; born March 9, 1985) is a Russian WGM, two-time Russian Women’s CC, and was the runner-up in the 2015 Women’s World CC.
Éric Prié, 14 March 1962, is a French GM, former French CC, and French Federation trainer. His peak rating was 2532 in October 2007 and he was a member of the French team in three Olympiads. Love the London system? This is your guy.
Teimour Boris oghlu Radjabov (also spelled Teymur Rajabov; Azerbaijani: Teymur Boris oğlu Rəcəbov), born 12 March 1987, is an Azerbaijani GM. His peak rating was 2793 in November 2012, and he reached #4 globally in July 2012.
Kenneth (Ken) Saul Rogoff (born March 22, 1953) is an American GM and PhD Economics.
Richárd Rapport, 25 March 1996, is a Hungarian GM, the youngest-ever Hungarian GM at the tender age of 13y 11m 6d, and former #4 globally.
Eric Schiller (March 20, 1955 – November 3, 2018) was an American FM, Trainer, IA, and author.
Carl (Karl) Schlechter (2 March 1874 – 27 December 1918) was a leading Austro-Hungarian master who competed for the World CC against Lasker.
Yasser Seirawan (Arabic: ياسر سيروان; born March 24, 1960) is a Syrian-born American GM, four-time U.S. CC, and 1979 World Junior CC.
Sarasadat Khadem al-Sharieh (Persian: سارا سادات خادمالشریعه; born 10 March 1997), also known as Sara Khadem (سارا خادم), is an Iranian-Spanish IM and WGM. Winner of the World U12 Girls CC, she later won the World U16 Girls Blitz CC.
Polina Sergeevna Shuvalova (Russian: Полина Сергеевна Шувалова; born 12 March 2001) is a Russian IM and WGM with a peak rating of 2516 in December 2021.
Vassily Smyslov (24 March 1921 – 27 March 2010) was a Soviet and Russian GM and author. A two-time Soviet CC, he was the 7th World Chess Champion from 1957-58 after wresting the title from Botvinnik, only to lose the title a year later in the then FIDE-mandated rematch.
Dragan Šolak (Serbian: Драган Шолак; born 30 March 1980) is a Turkish-Serbian GM with a peak rating of 2641
Andrei Yurievich Sokolov (Russian: Андре́й Ю́рьевич Соколо́в), 20 March 1963, is a Russian-born French GM.
Luben Spasov (Bulgarian: Любен Спасов; 23 March 1943 – 5 July 2023) was a Bulgarian chess Grandmaster (GM) (1977), and World Senior S60 CC winner (2005).
Paul van der Sterren (born 17 March 1956) is a Dutch GM, two-time Dutch CC, and author.
Soumya Swaminathan (born 21 March 1989) is an Indian IM and WGM who won the World Junior Girls’ CC, Indian Women’s CC, and Commonwealth Women’s CC.
László Szabó, March 19, 1917 – August 8, 1998, was a Hungarian GM, nine-time Hungarian CC, and former #2 globally.
Siegbert Tarrasch (5 March 1862 – 17 February 1934) was a German master, M.D., and one of the most influential theoreticians of the late 19th and early 20th century known in Germany as Praeceptor Germaniae for his efforts to make chess concepts accessible to the average player.
👑 Veselin Aleksandrov Topalov (Bulgarian: Весели́н Алексáндров Топа́лов; born 15 March 1975) is a Bulgarian GM, former FIDE World CC, World U14 CC, and winner of the 2005 Chess Oscar.
Georgi Petrov Tringov (7 March 1937 – 2 July 2000) was a Bulgarian GM and one-time Bulgarian CC.
Stavroula Tsolakidou (Greek: Σταυρούλα Τσολακίδου, born 24 March 2000) is a Greek IM and WGM with a peak rating of 2451 in December 2024. She won the World Girl’s U14, U16, and U18 CCs.
Vladimir Borisovich Tukmakov (Ukrainian: Володимир Борисович Тукмаков, romanized: Volodymyr Borysovych Tukmakov), 5 March 1946, is a Ukrainian GM, FIDE Senor Trainer, author, and one-time Ukrainian CC. FIDE lists his peak rating at 2610 in January 1998.
Wolfgang Uhlmann (29 March 1935 – 24 August 2020) was a German GM who won the East German CC eleven times and playing in one Candidates tournament.
Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, 25 March 1979, is an Indian IM and WGM, the first woman from India to earn those titles! She won the Indian Women’s CC six time and is a two-time Commonwealth Women’s CC.
Curt von Bardeleben (4 March 1861 – 31 January 1924) was a German master, journalist, member of the nobility, and former #4.
Lucas van Foreest, 3 March 2001, is a Dutch GM, one-time Dutch CC, and World Rapid and Blitz U18 CC.
Christopher (Chris) Geoffrey Ward (26 March 1968) is a British GM, coach, author, and one-time British CC
Szymon Abramowicz Winawer (March 6, 1838 – November 29, 1919) was a Polish master and one-time German CC. ChessMetrics estimates his peak rating at 2708 in April 1883 and places him #2 globally in 12 different months between July 1878 and May 1880.
Daniel Abraham (Abe) Yanofsky (March 25, 1925 – March 5, 2000) was a Polish-born Canadian GM, IA, writer, lawyer, and politician. An eight-time Canadian CC, Yanofsky was Canada's first GM, the first British Commonwealth GM, and one-time British CC.
Sergei Zhigalko (Belarusian: Сяргей Жыгалка, Syarheĭ Zhyhalka; born March 28, 1989) is a Belarusian GM, three-time Belarusian CC, and World Youth U14 CC.
Were this a marathon, you'd have completed a bit over a 10K.
Instead, it's just a blogathon, and your derriere has fallen asleep while you dragged your tired eyes this far.
Pisces and Aries Conclusion
PISCES: ...the Ukrainian grandmaster Vasyl Ivanchuk, 18 March, established his reputation as a chess genius primarily through original creative ideas. However, when things get too exciting, he can't stand the tension - for example, in 1991 in the quarter-finals of the Candidates Competition against the cool Artur Jussupow.
There is, by the way, a splendid video of Ivanchuk in 2016 in Doha, almost missing his own award ceremony because he is so engrossed over the chessboard - playing checkers! (His opponent was Baadur Jobava.) Finally, the announcer's voice penetrates his consciousness, Ivanchuk gallops off, hops onto the winner's podium, has the gold medal bobbled around him, and takes the winner's prize in his hand - while you can see from his face that his mind is still stuck on the board, planning the next moves. That's why he rushes back right after the ceremony and eagerly finishes the game, the congratulatory bouquet absent-mindedly still in his hand. This is really very crazy - and extremely endearing. Pisces and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
ARIES: First of all, it must be noted that an Aries, more than any other, does not play for fun, but to win. His sign is the first in the zodiac, and he is imbued with the idea of being first and the best. Other very ambitious Sun signs, such as Capricorn, are pushing just as inexorably to the top. They just think in entirely different terms of time. The Capricorn plans and learns and works for years to achieve success. A true Aries, on the other hand, never doubts for a moment that he will make it in a few weeks. Patience is not one of his strengths. He is more courageous than most, but perhaps also fleeting. Aries and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Aries and Taurus (20 - 30 April)
Fire & Earth
ARIES: These chess players tend to be motivated and goal-oriented, a seemingly perfect breeding ground for growing titled players, even world CCs!
Those traits come through even on the last day of Aries cycle. Just consider Susan Polgar, born on the 19th of the month. She's a former Women's World CC, Women's Rapid World CC, Women's Blitz World CC, World U16 Girls CC, and multi-media presence.
Oh, did I forget to mention another one-of-a-kind original, Garry Kasparov, motivated first by chess and then by politics. Yeah, he's also an Aries, born 13 April, a birth date he shares with my chess-non-playing wife.
That trait never seems to skip a generation in the Smith family, no matter the sign.
TAURUS: Tauruses (yeah, that's the plural...I thought it might be "Taureans", but, hey, multiple sources assured me I was out to lunch) are a persistent group, not afraid of hard work to achieve their goals, whether a victory in the game at hand or reaching towards a goal. On the downside, they can be a bit stubborn, as exemplified by my dad, born on the 28th.
Enough of my family connections to the month of April. You want to know which titled, perhaps even well-known, chess players brought these characteristics to the fore. I could mention Alexandra Konstantinovna Kosteniuk (23 April), Tony Miles (23 April), Pia Cramling (23 April), or John Nunn (25 April).
However, let's go a bit more obscure, and far more stubborn in his convictions, to highlight Weaver Warren Adams (Chessmetrics peak rating of 2460), born the same day as my dad, but many decades earlier. Adams had some opening ideas that were deemed downright peculiar by his peers, he wrote extensively about what he preached, and followed through on his ideas in play. On the plus side, he asserted that 1.e4 confers a winning advantage!
But there was a problem. Adams wrote and dispensed his secret sauce about his favored opening lines even before using them himself in tournament conditions. Grandmaster Larry Evans wrote in Chess Review that Adams'
...tournament results were damaged by his dogmatism. Playing under the self-inflicted handicap of arming his opponents with advance knowledge of his 'best' lines, he felt honor-bound to steer straight into them even though his adversary invariably had a cook up his sleeve. By the time Weaver found a refutation and published it, another player found a different cook and so on ad infinitum.
Now that's stubbornness taken to the ultimate level.
April Fools! This post was just so I could get a badge🤪.
Oh, wait. That's for the people on the "All Blogs" page who just learned that if they post nonsense ten times, they'll earn a weightless and coinless merit badge. 🤣 At least they get a quick hit of dopamine for minimal effort. 🤯
Jude Frazier Acers, April 6, 1944, is an American Senior Master. Acers is best known for his New Orleans street chess.
Weaver Warren Adams (April 28, 1901 – January 6, 1963) was an American master, author, and opening theoretician…albeit a controversial one!
Yochanan Afek (Hebrew: יוחנן אפק; born Yohanan Kopelovich, 16 April 1952) is an Israeli IM, IGM of chess composition, International Judge for chess compositions, FM in problem solving, IA, and author.
Vladimir Afromeev, 2 April 1954, is a Russian FM, businessman, and strongly suspected cheater (farming).
Erik Andersen Sr. (10 April 1904, Gentofte – 27 February 1938, Copenhagen) was a Danish chess master and twelve-times Danish CC.
Karen Asrian (Armenian: Կարեն Ասրյան; 24 April 1980 – 9 June 2008) was an Armenian GM and three-time Armenian CC who died of a heart attack while driving, age 28.
Camilla Baginskaite (Lithuanian: Kamile Baginskaite; born 24 April 1967) is a Lithuanian and American WGM, two-time Lithuanian Women’s CC, former World Junior Girls CC, and won the US Women’s CC in 2000.
Alexei Barsov (born 3 April 1966) is an Uzbek GM with a peak rating of 2550 in April 2002.
Gyula Breyer (30 April 1893 Budapest – 9 November 1921) was a one-time Hungarian CC who died young of heart disease.
Anna Yolanda Cramling Bellón (born 30 April 2002) is a Swedish-Spanish WFM, Twitch live streamer, and YouTuber. Daughter of GM Pia Cramling and GM Juan Manuel Bellón López.
Govhar Beydullayeva (Azerbaijani: Gövhər Bəydullayeva; born 23 April 2003) is an Azerbaijani WGM and has been both the World Girls U20 CC and U18 CC as well as the World Junior Rapid CC.
Matthias Blübaum is a German GM born 18 April 1997. He is a one-time German CC and two-time European CC.
Efim Bogoljubow (14 April 1889 – 18 June 1952) was a Russian-born German GM.
Robert Eugene Byrne (April 20, 1928 – April 12, 2013) was an American GM, one-time US CC, chess columnist, and US Chess Federation officer.
Esteban Canal (April 19, 1896 – February 14, 1981) was a Peruvian IM, honorary GM, and author.
Murray Graham Chandler (born 4 April 1960) is a New Zealand-English GM and author.
Li Chao (Chinese: 李超; pinyin: Lǐ Chāo; born 21 April 1989) is a Chinese GM, former World Junior CC, and one-time Asian CC.
Pia Ann Rosa-Della Cramling (23 April 1963) is a Swedish GM and two-time European Women’s CC.
Arthur William Dake (April 8, 1910 – April 28, 2000) was an American IM and (honorary) GM.
Dorsa Derakhshani (Persian: درسا درخشانی; born 15 April 1998) is an Iranian-American IM, WGM, FIDE Trainer, and accredited FIDE journalist.
Daniil Dmitrievich Dubov (Russian: Даниил Дмитриевич Дубов; born 18 April 1996) is a Russian GM, one-time Russian CC, and former World Rapid CC.
Jan-Krzysztof Duda, 26 April 1998, is a Polish GM, one-time Polish CC, world U10 CC, tied for first in the World Junior CC but took silver on tiebreaks, and winner of the Chess World Cup in 2021.
Iván Faragó (1 April 1946 – 12 December 2022) was a Hungarian GM and one-time Hungarian CC.
Rubén Felgaer (born 4 April 1981) is an Argentine GM and five-time Argentine CC.
Jorden van Foreest, 30 April 1999, is a Dutch GM and one-time Dutch CC who just missed out another year, losing on tiebreaks to his younger brother Lucas.
Martin Severin Janus From (8 April 1828 – 6 May 1895) was a Danish chess master known for creating From's Gambit and is generally given credit for the Danish Gambit as well
- Top Blogger @batgirl posted about him The Northern Gambit
Ellen E. Gilbert (nee Strong), April 30, 1837 – February 12, 1900, was a strong correspondence player. A true chess calculating machine, during a correspondence match against George Gossip in 1873 – 74, she announced checkmate in 21 moves in one game and 35 moves in the other game. This led to her being coined “The Queen of Chess.”
Dmitry Sergeevich Gordievsky (Russian: Дмитрий Сергеевич Гордиевский; born 24 April 1996) is a Russian GM and coach with a sense of humor. You'll have to go to the April post to learn why I say that.
Carl Ferdinand von Jaenisch (Russian: Карл Андреевич Яниш, romanized: Karl Andreyevich Yanish; April 11, 1813 – March 7, 1872) was a Finnish and Russian chess master and theorist, as well as a mathematician.
Florin Gheorghiu (6 April 1944) is a Romanian GM, nine-time Romanain CC, and former World Junior CC.
Jörg Hickl (born 16 April 1965) is a German GM, one-time German CC, and author.
Viorel Iordăchescu, 20 April 1977, is a Modovan GM, one-time Moldovan CC, Senior Trainer, commentator, President of the National Chess Academy of Moldova, and politician.
Lela Javakhishvili (Georgian: ლელა ჯავახიშვილი; born 23 April 1984) is a Georgian IM, WGM, and two-time Georgian Women’s CC.
👑 Rustam Kasimdzhanov (born 2 April 1983) is a Uzbek GM, former FIDE World CC, one-time Asian CC, and placed second in the 1999 World Junior CC.
👑 Garry Kimovich Kasparov (born Garik Kimovich Weinstein on 13 April 1963) is a Russian GM, FIDE and PCA World CC, the youngest ever undisputed World CC at age 22 until Gukesh Dommaraju won the title at age 18 in 2024, and held the record for the world’s peak ELO at 2851 until Magnus Carlsen passed that mark in 2013. The #1 ranked player for 255 months, he still retains records for winning fifteen consecutive tournaments and for receiving eleven consecutive Chess Oscars as the world’s best player. Oh, and he won the World Junior CC, and shared in the USSR CC as a teen.
- Chess QuoteMaster (QM) #8: Garry Kasparov
- Reserved for late 2026/early 2027 post
- Reserved for summer 2027 post
Jānis Klovāns (April 9, 1935 – October 5, 2010) was a Latvian GM, ICCF GM, nine-time Latvian CC, three-time Senior World CC (for which he received his GM title at age 62!), and career Soviet Army officer.
- Somehow, he and his wife did not make it to the Valentine's Day blog.
Isa Kasimi (born Igor Kondylev and known as Igors Rausis until 2020) [April 7, 1961 – March 28 ,2024] was a retired Latvian chess player who was stripped of GM title in 2020, though he retained the IM title. A one-time Latvian CC, he remained active as a FIDE Trainer.
Baron Ignatz von Kolisch (6 April 1837 – 30 April 1889) was a Hungarian master, journalist, and merchant.
Tatiana Anatolyevna Kosintseva (Russian: Татьяна Анатольевна Косинцева; born 11 April 1986) is a Russian GM, two-time European Women’s CC, and three-time Russian Women’s CC. She also placed second in the Girls World Youth CC U10 and U12.
👑 Alexandra Konstantinovna Kosteniuk (Russian: Александра Константиновна Костенюк; born 23 April 1984) is a Russian and Swiss GM, former Women’s World CC, Women’s World Rapid CC, two-time World Chess 960 Women’s CC, two-time Russian Women’s CC, one-time European Women’s CC, one-time Swiss CC (two years after Korchnoi claimed the crown) and three-time Swiss Women’s CC, World U12 Girls CC. Oh, and she’s a model, mom, marathon runner, and did a turn as an actress in the Russian film Bless the Woman, playing the daughter of one of the lead characters.
Ekaterina Kovalevskaya (Russian: Екатерина Ковалевская; born 17 April 1974) is a Russian IM and WGM, two-time Russian Women’s CC, and runner-up in the 2004 Women’s World CC.
Erwin l’Ami (born 5 April 1985) is a Dutch GM, one-time Dutch CC, and author (I own two of his chessable books).
Awonder Liang (born April 9, 2003) is an American GM.
Rauf Mamedov (Azerbaijani: Rauf Məmmədov; born 26 April 1988) is an Azerbaijani GM, four-time Azerbaijani CC, and European U14 CC.
Nidjat Mammadov (Azerbaijani: Nicat Məmmədov; born 2 April 1985) is an Azerbaijani GM and one-time Azerbaijani CC.
Mihail Marin, 21 April 1965, is a Romanian GM, three-time Romanian CC, writer, and one of my favorite chess analysts. His wife is quite the artist! You should visit the April blog to see why I say that.
- Valentines Day: Chess Couplets
- Reserved for late 2026/early 2027 post
Hrant Slavayi Melkumyan (Armenian: Հրանտ Սլավայի Մելքումյան; born April 30, 1989) is an Armenian GM and one-time Armenian Chess960 CC who won the ICC’s international Internet CC and placed second in the World Youth CC in 2006.
Anthony John Miles (23 April 1955 – 12 November 2001) was the first Englishman to earn the GM title. He took silver in 1973 World Junior CC only to win the event the following year. He is also a one-time British CC.
Miguel Najdorf (/naɪdɔːrf/ NY-dorf; born Mojsze Mendel Najdorf; 15 April 1910 – 4 July 1997) was a Polish-Argentine GM, opening theorist, and chess columnist who relocated to Argentina in mid-Olympiad when WW-II began in 1939.
Gaioz Nigalidze (Georgian: გაიოზ ნიგალიძე; born 24 April 1989) is a Georgian IM who was a GM for a year. Nigalidze lost his GM title and was banned from FIDE events for three years after cheating at the 2015 Dubai Open. Yes, details are in the April blog.
Juraj Nikolac (born 22 April 1932) is a Croatian, formerly Yugoslav GM.
Tomi Nybäck, 3 April 1985, is a Finnish GM, one-time Finnish CC, and poker player.
John Denis Martin Nunn, b. 25 April 1955, is an English GM, two-time Senior World CC, three-time problem solving World CC, one-time British CC, writer, publisher, and mathematician (he earned his PhD at age 23).
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for early 2027 post.
Ioannis Papaioannou (Greek: Ιωάννης Παπαϊωάννου; born 20 April 1976) is a Greek GM and four-time Greek CC.
👑 Susan Polgar, 19 April 1969, born as Polgár Zsuzsanna and is often known as Zsuzsa Polgár, is a Hungarian-American GM, and the third woman to ever achieve the title. She was the first woman to achieve the title by achieving norms, the previous two having earned the title by winning the Women’s World CC. A World U16 Girls CC, she later held the Women’s World CC title for four years.
Elisabeta Polihroniade (Romanian pronunciation: [elisaˈbeta polihroniˈade]; née Ionescu; 24 April 1935 – 23 January 2016) was a Romanian WGM and IA, seven-time Romanian Women's CC, journalist, broadcaster, editor, and author.
Lajos Portisch, 4 April 1937, is a Hungarian GM nicknamed “the Hungarian Botvinnik.” Portisch won or shared the title of Hungarian CC nine times. He also wrote multiple books.
Albin Planinc (also spelled Planinec) (18 April 1944 – 20 December 2008) was a Slovenian-Yugoslavian GM and two-time Slovenian CC.
Vugar Rasulov, born 5 April 1991, is an Azerbaijani GM.
Jonathan Rowson, 18 April 1977, is a Scottish GM, two-time Scottish CC, three-time British CC, one-time Canadian CC, blogger, author, and co-founder and CEO of Perspectiva.
Anna M. Sargsyan (Armenian: Աննա Մ. Սարգսյան; born 10 April 2001) is an Armenian and now American IM.
Sergei Shipov (born 17 April 1966) is a Russian GM, trainer, journalist, and writer. FIDE referred him to a disciplinary commission for his support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but he was acquitted.
Yury Markavich Shulman, born April 29, 1975. is a Belarusian-American GM, one-time Belarus C, and one-time US CC who tied for first in a different year but lost the rapid tie-break against Kamsky.
Jan Smeets, 5 April 1985, is a Dutch GM and two-time Dutch CC.
Pavel Smirnov (Russian: Павел Смирнов; 27 April 1982) is a Russian GM.
Nikolaus Stanec (born 29 April 1968, Vienna) is an Austrian GM. He won the Austrian Chess Championship ten times.
Howard Staunton (April 1810 – 22 June 1874) was considered one of the strongest players in the world at his peak, #1 globally for 76 consecutive months starting in May 1843 by ChessMetric’s measurements, with a peak rating of 2706 in November 1846. He was also quite the author and tournament organizer.
- Reserved for post late 2026 or early 2027
👑 Antoaneta Stefanova (Bulgarian: Антоанета Стефанова; born 19 April 1979) is a Bulgarian GM, former Women’s World CC, Women’s Rapid World CC, U10 Girls World CC, U14 Girls European CC, and a Member of the Hungarian Parliament since 2021.
Herman Steiner (April 15, 1905 – November 25, 1955) was born in Austria-Hungary (modern-day Slovakia) who came to NYC at a young age and stayed. He became an American IM, one-time U.S. CC, tournament organizer, and chess columnist.
Irene Kharisma Sukandar (born 7 April 1992) is an Indonesian IM, WGM, four-time Indonesian Women’s CC, and two-time Asian Women’s CC.
Hoang Thanh Trang, b. 25 April 1980, is a Vietnamese-Hungarian GM (dual citizen), one-time Asian Women’s CC, and one-time European Women’s CC.
Lawrence Trent, 28 April 1986, is an English IM, commentator, former manager for Caruana, and author. He has two of the three required GM norms, the second achieved in 2014, but lacks the minimum ELO requirement of 2500 with a peak rating of 2487 in January 2009. He participated in a chessboxing event!
Margarita Voyska [Voiska] (Bulgarian: Маргарита Войска; born April 3, 1963) is a Bulgarian WGM. She won the Women's Bulgarian CC eleven times.
Robert Graham Wade, OBE (10 April 1921 – 29 November 2008), known as Bob Wade, was a New Zealand and English IM, IA, writer, coach, and promoter. He was a three-time New Zealand CC and two-time British CC. He was also a chess editor with Batsford Publishing and later managed the Batsford Chess Library.
Raymond Weinstein (April 25, 1941) is an American IM who has been detained in a psychiatric hospital since committing murder in 1964. He won the US Junior CC in 1958.
Peter Kenneth Wells (17 April 1965) is an English GM, three-time British Rapid CC, and author.
Heikki Markku Julius Westerinen (born 27 April 1944) is a Finnish GM, and four-time Finnish CC.
Zhao Xue (Chinese: 赵雪; pinyin: Zhào Xuě; born 6 April 1985) is a Chinese GM.
Alex (“the Yerminator”, aka “Yermo”) Yermolinsky (Russian: Алексей Ермолинский, romanized: Alexey Yermolinskiy; born April 11, 1958) is a Russian-born, American GM, two-time US CC, coach, author, and inductee into the US Chess Hall of Fame. There is a ton more about Yermo in the April blog.
Aries and Taurus Conclusion
ARIES: Aries is much less inclined to sophistication than it appears. And in their haste and enthusiasm they can even make serious mistakes, neglect or forget king safety and pitilessly sacrifice their pawns (perhaps even the minor pieces). Aries and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
TAURUS: Two world champions, Steinitz and Euwe; a chess family, the Cramlings; and plenty of 1.d4 practitioners, Moiseenko, Gaprindashvili, and Miles are born under the zodiac sign of Taurus. Their power lies in their calmness. A proper Taurus acts thoughtfully, prudently, deliberately. They calculate what they do, everything else is considered unreasonable. They may allow their opponent a refreshing nap while they think about the next move. It would be fatal to consider them limited for that reason. Taurus and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Taurus and Gemini (21 - 31 May)
Earth & Air
Taurus and Gemini Introduction
TAURUS: Those born under the sign of Taurus are ambitious, willing to put in the time and energy to achieve their goals, never giving up. In chess, that means never resigning! Well, never resigning yourself to an ill fate others may have wished upon you. On the downside, they don't like to admit to ever doing anything wrong. That can lead to stubbornly continuing with an idea even when the board is telling them, "That isn't working!" To avoid ever being wrong, they can also be a bit risk averse. However, sometimes Caissa demands a sacrifice, even if the result isn't immediately clear. To make a play on the subject, sometimes you need to read the signs.
I'm going to offer a name most of you might not have considered as an archetype to represent this sign, given that Steinitz and Max Euwe (Mister Methodical) were born under the sign of the bull. However, Atousa Pourkashiyan, 16 May 1988, demonstrated resolve most of us cannot imagine when she refused to wear a hajib in the 2022 World Rapid and Blitz CC, despite the fact she was a member of the Iranian Chess Federation. If you want to talk about refusing to fold under pressure, her actions at the time and subsequently are tough to top.
GEMINI: Doesn't that just suggest mixed minds and endless debates? They're clever, charismatic, and insightful. My take as a Gemini? Easily amused, easily bored. We Gems tend to hop around...a lot. And we prefer interesting options over placid plodding lines that only promise a snoozefest over the board. Geminis feel comfortable in any and all situations, meaning that even if you "surprise" them over the board, they'll just fall back on their native intelligence and intuition to navigate unfamiliar terrain. On the flip side, Gems can be flighty, casting aside even some of their best practices in pursuit of the newest "new". That inconsistency prevents many from achieving heights that were well within their reach.
My sixth man, off-the-bench choice to represent us Geminis? GM Andy Soltis, 28 May 1974. The author or co-author of over a hundred chess books, a former #74 worldwide, writer of a weekly chess column for the New York Post, and a monthly column since 1979 for Chess Life, this was a guy who bounced and jounced around. However, during all that jumping from horse to horse and storming towards new horizons, he could cut corners, often citing erroneous sources, or simply getting specific details wrong. Ah, the perils of twinness and the need to keep on moving on even though the task at hand is left a bit uneven, even unfinished.
Hmm...CTRL+F, then enter 1945. Does that really work? (uhm...sort of) Does anyone care besides the blogger? 🤣
May. What a month. Maybe, maybe not.
Like mayflies, each day lasts only 24 hours (ignoring the fact a day is actually about four minutes less than that), so the opportunity to be born the same day as a famous chess player is fleeting. Even more so since most of us probably consider only fifty or so chess players to be truly famous. Spread a list of only fifty names across a year (about one per week), and suddenly the odds drop precipitously for sharing a birthday with a "famous" chess player. So sad, too bad.
Let's make things easier on ourselves and consult a list of names that might introduce us to folks we've never heard of, such as oldies but goldies...and some oldies and moldies. On top of that, we'll layer in the youth brigade, folks born since 2000 (sure, some of you think some of that crowd are old, but let's cut everyone some slack for a moment). Finally, some garnish that includes World Chess Champions (CCs), chess.com Hall of Famers, chess couples (including couples with combined peak ELOs greater than 5000!), and a few cheaters...they're out there. If you share a birthday with someone in that last category, remember that the notoriety of others provides a pleasant counterpoint to your pristine life. Or, as I used to tell my parents, "You think I'm trouble. What about Bobby (or Susie) next door?"
Some of the pieces above, the knights and the royals, inspire me to want to do that again.
Elshan Morad Abadi (22 May 1985) is an Iranian-American GM and one-time Iranian CC.
Nijat Azad oglu Abasov (Azerbaijani: Nicat Azad oğlu Abasov; born 14 May 1995) is an Azerbaijani GM, one-time Azerbaijani CC, World U18 Blitz CC, and took silver in the World U18 championship.
Péter Ács, 10 May 1981, is a Hungarian GM and former World Junior CC.
Simen Agdestein, 15 May 1967, is a Norwegian GM, nine-time Norwegian CC, chess coach, former professional striker for Norway’s national team, and author.
Aleksej Aleksandrov, 11 May 1973, is a Belarusian GM, five-time Belarusian CC, and four-time FIDE World CC competitor.
Sergei Nikolayevich Azarov (Russian: Серге́й Николаевич Азаров; Belarusian: Сяргей Мікалаевіч Азараў, Siarhiej Mikalajevič Azaraŭ; born 19 May 1983) is a Belarusian GM, two-time Belarusian CC, and placed second in the 2003 World Junior CC.
Hristodoulos Banikas (Greek: Χριστόδουλος Μπανίκας; born 20 May 1978) is a Greek GM, eight-time Greek CC, U-16 Greek CC, U16 Greek CC, one-time Balkan CC, and one-time European Rapid CC.
Marta Bartel, née Przezdziecka (20 May 1988) is a Polish WGM who tied for the Polish Women’s CC in 2006 but lost in the playoff.
Lázaro Bruzón Batista, 2 May 1982, is a Cuban-American GM, former World Junior CC, two-time American Continental CC, and six-time Cuban CC.
Anjelina Mikhailovna Belakovskaia, 17 May 1969, is a Soviet-born, American WGM, three-time US Women’s CC, and US Senior Women’s CC.
Samuel Standidge Boden (4 May 1826 – 13 January 1882) was an English master who somehow had a famous mating pattern named after him, even though it had been played nine years earlier in Horwitz – Popert, 1844.
- Secrets of Trapping Pieces: Boden Configuration discusses the pattern and cases when it doesn't lead to mate but does provide a decisive advantage leading to a material advantage.
Igor Zakharovich Bondarevsky (Russian: Игорь Захарович Бондаревский; May 12, 1913 – June 14, 1979)[1] was a Soviet Russian GM, Correspondence GM (CGM), one-time Soviet CC, IA, trainer, and author.
Rowena Mary Bruce, née Dew, (15 May 1919 – 24 September 1999) was a WIM, eleven-time British Women’s CC, and one-time winner of the World Girls CC.
Ivan Alexandrovich Bukavshin (Иван Александрович Букавшин; 3 May 1995 – 12 January 2016) was a Russian GM and European Youth CC in the U12, U14, and U16 categories.
Akshat Chandra, May 28, 1999, is an American GM who didn’t play chess until age nine and became a GM at age sixteen.
Pascal Charbonneau, 6 May 1983, is a Canadian GM, and two-time Canadian CC.
Silvia Collas (née Aleksieva; born 4 May 1974) is a Bulgarian-French IM and WGM, one-time French Women’s CC, one-time Mediterranean Women’s CC, and former European Girls U20 CC.
Edgard Colle (18 May 1897 – 19 April 1932) was a Belgian master. He is best remembered today for the Colle System 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 and then a normal sequence would be Bd3, O-O, and Nbd2 to prepare the central pawn break e3-e4.
Russell John Dive (born 21 May 1966 in Wellington) is a New Zealand (NZ) IM, seven-time NZ CC, eleven-time NZ Rapid CC, and two-time NZ Correspondence CC.
👑 Gukesh Dommaraju (born 29 May 2006) is an Indian GM, World U12 CC, and the youngest undisputed World CC.
Roman Yakovlevich Dzindzichashvili, aka “Dzindzi” to many from my era, (Georgian: რომან იაკობის-ძე ჯინჯიხაშვილი; pronounced jin-jee-khash-VEE-lee; born May 5, 1944) is a Soviet-born Israeli-American GM and two-time US CC who shared the title with two other players on both occasions.
Pavel Eljanov (Ukrainian: Павло Володимирович Ельянов, romanized: Pavlo Volodymyrovych Elyanov; born 10 May 1983) is a Ukrainian GM and former #6 globally.
Esther Danilovna Epstein, 10 May 1954, is an American WIM and two-time US Women’s CC.
👑 Machgielis "Max" Euwe (May 20, 1901 – November 26, 1981) was a Dutch GM, fifth World CC (1935-37), world amateur CC (1928), 12-time Dutch CC (winning every time he played), author, PhD Mathematics, professor, and former FIDE President.
- Reserved for 2026 post
- Reserved for late 2026/early 2027 post
Hovhannes Gabuzyan (Armenian: Հովհաննես Գաբուզյան, born May 19, 1995) is an Armenian GM and two-time Armenian CC.
Alexander Gregory Fishbein, 8 May 1968, is a Russian-born, American GM and author.
Andrija Fuderer, 13 May 1931 – 2 October 2011, was a Yugoslavian IM, honorary GM, Yugoslav Junior CC, PhD Chemistry, and inventor.
Joseph Gerald Gallagher (born 4 May 1964) is a British-born Swiss GM, one-time British CC, seven-time Swiss CC, and author.
Albéric O'Kelly de Galway (17 May 1911 – 3 October 1980) was a Belgian GM, International Correspondence Chess Federarion (ICCF) GM, third ICCF World CC, thirteen-time Belgian CC, IA, and writer.
👑 Nona Gaprindashvili (Georgian: ნონა გაფრინდაშვილი; born 3 May 1941) is a Georgian GM, five-time USSR Women’s Chess CC, and was the Women’s World CC for sixteen years, including four title defenses. Lots of Material on this former World CC in the May post found under the image that opened the month of May for your viewing pleasure.
Mikhail Golubev, 30 May 1970, is a Ukranian GM, tied once for the Ukrainian CC, journalist, author, and coach.
Gadir Guseinov (Azerbaijani: Qədir Hüseynov; born 21 May 1986) is an Azerbaijani GM.
Eric Hansen, 24 May 1992, is a Canadian GM and Canadian GM and well-known streamer. He tied for the Canadian CC once but lost in the playoff. He also tied with three others for the 2012 American Continental CC.
Timothy David Harding (born 6 May 1948) is a Senior IM of Correspondence Chess, OTB CM, PhD History with a dissertation on correspondence chess, and prolific chess author.
Pentala Harikrishna, 10 May 1986, is an Indian GM and former World Junior CC, World U10 CC, Commonwealth CC, and Asian CC.
Jonathan Hawkins, 1 May 1983, is a GM, two-time British CC, and two-time British Rapid CC.
Alfonso Romero Holmes, 28 May 1965, is a Spanish GM and one-time Spanish CC.
Bernhard Horwitz (10 May 1807 – 1885) was a German and British chess master, composer, and writer.
Ni Hua (倪華), 31 May 1983, is a Chinese GM, three-time Chinese CC, one-time Chinese Rapid CC.
Teodora Injac (Serbian Cyrillic: Теодора Ињац; born 26 May 2000) is a Serbian WGM/IM, three-time Serbian Women’s CC, European Women’s CC, and bronze medalist in the World Women’s Youth CC.
Alexander Vladimirovich Ivanov, May 1, 1958, is a Soviet-born American GM and one-time US co-CC.
Antonia Petrova Ivanova (Bulgarian: Антония Петрова Иванова; 12 May 1930 – 25 May 2004) was a Bulgarian WGM, six-time Bulgarian Women’s CC, and one-time Bulgarian Girl’s CC.
Dawid Markelowicz Janowski (25 May 1868 – 15 January 1927; often spelled David) was a Polish master.
Leif Erlend Johannessen (born 14 May 1980) is a Norwegian GM, editor-in-chief of the Norwegian Chess Magazine, and attorney.
Meelis Kanep (27 May 1983) is an Estonian GM, three-time Estonian CC.
👑 Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov (Russian: Анатолий Евгеньевич Карпов, IPA: [ɐnɐˈtolʲɪj jɪvˈɡʲenʲjɪvʲɪtɕ ˈkarpəf]; born May 23, 1951) is a Russian GM and former World CC, both undisputed and disputed!
- Reserved for 2027 post
Zdenko Kožul (21 May 1966) is a Croatian GM, two-time Yugoslavian CC, two-time Croatian CC, former European CC, and author of one book (that I know of).
Jesse Kraai, May 6, 1972, is an American GM with a PhD in philosophy from the University of Jena in Germany.
Ljuba Danielovna Kristol (Hebrew: לובה דניאלובנה קריסטול; Russian: Любовь Даниэловна Кристол; born May 26, 1944) is a Russian-born Israeli WIM, four-time Israeli Women’s CC, ICCF Lady Grandmaster (LGM), and two-time winner of the ICCF Women’s World CC.
Jana Krivec (born May 30, 1980) is a Slovene WGM, seven-time Slovenian Women’s CC, cognitive scientist (PhD), author, and FIDE podcaster.
Igor Kurnosov (Russian: Игорь Курносов; 30 May 1985 – 8 August 2013) was a Russian GM who was hit and killed by a motorist when he was 28.
Konstantin Landa (Russian: Константин Ланда; 22 May 1972 – October 2022) was a Russian GM.
Luka Lenič, 13 May 1988, is a Slovenian GM, one-time World U14 CC, and four-time Slovenian CC.
Andor (André, Andre, Andrei) Arnoldovich Lilienthal (5 May 1911 – 8 May 2010) was a Hungarian and Soviet GM. He resembled a Hollywood leading man.
Daniil Lvovich Lintchevski (Russian: Даниил Львович Линчевский; born May 17, 1990) is a Russian GM
Eric Lobron, 7 May 1960, is a German GM and two-time West German CC, who abandoned his law studies to play chess professionally.
Juan Manuel Bellón López, 8 May 1950, is a Spanish GM, FIDE Developmental Instructor, and five-time Spanish CC.
- His wife is Pia Cramling. See Valentines Day: Chess Couplets for more about this couple.
María Carolina Luján (May 13, 1985) is an Argentine IM and WGM, five-time Argentine Women’s CC, one-time American Continental Women’s CC, and one-time Pan American Women’s CC.
Mikuláš Maník (born 26 May 1975), is a Slovak Gm and one-time Slovak CC.
Aleksandar Matanović (Serbian Cyrillic: Александар Матановић; 23 May 1930 – 9 August 2023) was a Serbian GM, three-time Yugoslav CC, founder and editor of Chess Informant, publisher of tournament game collections, and the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO).
Normunds Miezis (born 11 May 1971) is a Latvian GM and two-time Latvian CC.
Alexander McDonnell (22 May 1798 – 15 September 1835) was an Irish chess master who contested six matches (85 total games) with de la Bourdonnais, losing four of the matches, winning one, and with the sixth left unfinished due to McDonnell’s failing health.
Alexander Moiseenko (Ukrainian: Олександр Моісеєнко, Oleksandr Moiseyenko; born 17 May 1980) is a Ukrainian GM, one-time Ukrainian CC, World U16 CC, one-time European CC, and lawyer.
Karthikeyan Murali, 5 January 1999, is an Indian GM, two-time Indian CC, World U12 CC, and World U16 CC.
Tamir Nabaty (Hebrew: תמיר נבאתי, born 4 May 1991) is an Israeli GM and four-time Israeli CC.
Jaime Sunye Neto, May 2, 1957, is a Brazilian GM, seven-time Brazilian CC, one-time South American CC, and former President of the Brazilian Chess Confederation.
Peter Heine Nielsen (24 May 1973) is a Danish GM and trainer. A five-time Danish CC, and one-time Danish shogi champion.
Igor Oleksandrovych Novikov (born May 23, 1962) is a Ukrainian-American GM and trainer.
Zenón Franco Ocampos, 12 May 1956 – 1 October 2024) was a Paraguayan GM, board one gold medalist at two Olympiads, and author.
Kübra Öztürk, 11 May 1991, is a Turkish WGM and one-time Turkish Women’s CC.
Luděk Pachman (German: Ludek Pachmann, May 11, 1924 – March 6, 2003) was a Czechoslovak-German GM, chess writer, and politician. A seven-time Czechoslovak CC he won the German chess CC six years after emigrating.
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for scheduled 2027 post
Svetlana Petrenko (Romanian: Svetlana Petrenco; born 27 May 1974) is a Moldovan IM and WGM, Moldovan CC, and thirteen-time Moldovan Women's Chess Champion.
Manuel Sureni Petrosyan (Armenian: Մանուէլ Սուրենի Պետրոսյան; born May 6, 1998) is an Armenian GM, one-time Armenian CC, World U18 CC, and silver medalist in the 2017 World Junior CC.
László Polgár, 11 May 1946, is a Hungarian chess teacher, educational psychologist, and chess author. Oh, and the father of the famous sisters, Zsuzsa (Susan), Zsófia (Sofia), and Judit (Judit 😉).
Atousa Pourkashiyan (Persian: آتوسا پورکاشیان), born 16 May 1988) is an Iranian-American WGM, seven-time Iranian Women’s CC, and World Girls U12 CC.
- Valentines Day: Chess Couplets (Nakamura)
Bożena Pytel (née Ziemecka, born 3 May 1945) is a Polish WIM and one-time Polish Women’s CC.
Krzysztof Pytel (15 May 1945 – 30 June 2019) was a Polish IM, two-time Polish CC, trainer, journalist, and author.
Ilya Leontievich Rabinovich (Russian: Илья Леонтьевич Рабинович; 11 May 1891 – 23 April 1942) was a Russian and later Soviet chess player and writer who died too young (WW-II) to receive the GM title he surely would have merited. Unfortunate for someone who survived WW-I as a German internee. He tied for first in the 9th Soviet CC.
Yulian Radulski (Bulgarian: Юлиян Радулски; 24 May 1972 – 16 February 2013), was a Bulgarian GM and one-time Bulgarian CC.
Richard Selig Réti (28 May 1889 – 6 June 1929) was an Austro-Hungarian and later Czechoslovak master, author, and composer of endgame studies.
Eduardas Rozentalis, 27 May 1963, is a Lithuanian G, 3-time Lithuanian CC, and author.
Matthew David Sadler, 15 May 1974, is an English GM, two-time British CC, and author.
Eltaj Safarli (Azerbaijani: Eltac Səfərli; 18 May 1992) is an Azerbaijani GM, two-time Azerbaijani CC, former World U10 CC, and coach.
Anthony Saidy, May 16, 1937, is an American IM, retired physician, and author.
Johan Salomon, 7 May 1997, is a Norwegian GM and one-time Norwegian CC.
Valery Salov (26 May 1964) was a Polish-born, Russian GM, World U17 CC, European Junior CC, and tied for first in the USSR CC but lost the tiebreaker.
Lothar Maximilian Lorenz Schmid (10 May 1928 – 18 May 2013) was a German GM, IA, ICCF GM, and collector of chess art, boards, books, and sets.
Aleksandr Shimanov, 8 May 1992, is a Russian GM.
Andrew (Andy) Eden Soltis (born May 28, 1947) is an American GM, US Chess Hall of Fame inductee and author.
- Chess QuoteMaster #10: GM Andrew Soltis
- Reserved for 2027 post
Gennadi "Genna" Borisovich Sosonko (Russian: Геннадий Борисович Сосонко, Gennady Borisovich Sosonko; 18 May 1943) is a Russian-born Dutch GM, two-time Dutch CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, and writer.
Rudolf Spielmann (5 May 1883 – 20 August 1942) was an Austrian master of the Romantic school and author. His nicknames were “The Master of Attack” and “The Last Knight of the King's Gambit”.
- Chess QuoteMaster (QM) #9: GM Rudolf Spielmann
- Reserved for 2027 post
Ilmārs Starostīts, May 30, 1979, is a Latvian GM and two-time Latvian CC.
👑 William Steinitz (born Wilhelm Steinitz; May 14, 1836 – August 12, 1900), aka the Bohemian Caesar, was a Bohemian-Austrian who immigrated to the US. The First World CC, he was also a theoretician and writer.
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for 2027 post
- Reserved for second 2027 post
Lara Stock, 26 May 1992, is a Croatian WGM, World U10 Girls CC, European U12 Girls CC…and 2011 Hamilton Rookies Shield Under-1700 CC (under an assumed name and playing as unrated)...and dentist.
Gösta Stoltz (May 9, 1904 – July 25, 1963) was a Swedish GM, three-time Swedish CC and member of the Three Swedish Musketeers.
Rasmus Svane, 21 May 1997, is a Danish-German GM and former German U14 CC.
Vladimir Sveshnikov (son of Evgeny Sveshnikov) Vladimir Sveshnikov (Latvian: Vladimirs Svešņikovs, Russian: Владимир Евгеньевич Свешников, Romanized: Vladimir Yevgenyevich Sveshnikov; born 6 May 1986) is a Latvian IM and the son of the famous GM Evgeny Sveshnikov.
Dariusz Świercz, 31 May 1994, is a Polish-born, American GM, World Junior CC, World U18 CC, winner of the third Millionaire Chess Open, coach, and author.
Alexander Kazimirovich Tolush (1 May 1910 – 3 March 1969) was a Soviet GM, IM of Correspondence Chess (IMC), and Spassky's trainer.
Kayden William Troff (born May 6, 1998) is an American GM, US Junior CC, former World U14 CC and silver medalist in the World U12 Championship.
Batchimeg Tuvshintugs (Mongolian: Түвшинтөгсийн Батчимэг, Tüvshintögsiin Batchimeg; born 3 May 1986) is a Mongolian IM and WGM and two-time Mongolian Women’s CC.
Mikhail Vitalyevich Ulibin (Russian: Михаил Витальевич Улыбин; born 31 May 1971) is a Russian GM, silver medalist in the 1991 World Junior CC, and the 1994 Russian CC.
Frode Olav Olsen Urkedal (born 14 May 1993) is a Norwegian GM, one-time Nordic CC, and two-time Norwegian CC.
Dragoljub Velimirović (Serbian Cyrillic: Драгољуб Велимировић; 12 May 1942 – 22 May 2014) was a Serbian (formerly Yugoslav) GM and three-time Yugoslavian CC.
Betül Cemre Yıldız, 16 May 1989, is a Turkish WGM and eleven-time Turkish Women’s CC.
Igor Arkadyevich Zaitsev (Russian: Игорь Аркадьевич Зайцев; born 27 May 1938) is a Russian GM and one-time Soviet CC (he lost in the playoff), trainer, Honored Coach of USSR and Russian, FIDE Senior Trainer, and opening theorist.
Peng Zhaoqin (Chinese: 彭肇勤; pinyin: Péng Zhàoqín; born 8 May 1968) is a Chinese-born Dutch GM, three-time Chinese Women’s CC and fourteen-time (yes, 14!!) Dutch Women’s CC, including a streak of twelve straight championships.
👑 Tan Zhongyi (Chinese: 谭中怡; 29 May 1991) is a Chinese GM, 2017 Women’s World CC, 2022 Women’s Rapid World CC, five-time Chinese Women’s CC, two-time World U10 Girls CC, and a law school graduate.
Olga Zimina (Russian: Ольга Анатольевна Зимина, born 14 May 1982) is a Russian-born Italian IM and WGM. She won the Russian Women’s CC in 2001.
Taurus and Gemini Conclusion
TAURUS: Although a fighting bull is deliberately bred for sensitivity, hawkishness and aggression, and their strategy remains basically the same: forward. This makes them predictable to a certain extent for the torero.
This could also make someone who is born in the Taurus predictable for the opponent over the board. Certainly, chess is not a bullfight, the possibilities are diverse, and it is not directly a matter of life and death. And yet, taken as a whole, one could possibly observe an astonishing straightforwardness in the playing style of a chess player born between April 20 and May 20. No nervous move repetitions, no surprising sacrifices. Taurus is, astrologically speaking, an earth sign. They are grounded and need structure, something to hold on to.
Taurus and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
GEMINI: Anatoly Karpov and Tigran Petrosian are two Gemini world champions with outstanding positional and defensive skills. Alireza Firouzja and Hans Moke Niemann are also Gemini but will they be able to follow the path of Karpov and Petrosian and become world champion? Gemini are sometimes the fastest thinkers of all the signs of the zodiac, but they sometimes also have to deal with lapses of concentration. Gemini and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Gemini and Cancer (21 - 30 Jun)
Air & Water
Gemini and Cancer Introduction
GEMINI: The twins. Opposite sides of the same coin? Are they conjoined? They certainly seem inseparable. Perhaps they are descendants of Janus, the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages, frames, and endings? Definitely an auspicious sign for those seeking to continuously transition from one stage of chess growth to the next.
One need only consider Tigran Petrosian (17 June) who led the final overthrow of the Botvinnik regime.
Then there was GM Mihai Șubă, born June 1st, who took some ideas of GM Ulf Anderssen (27 June, a Cancer) and formalized them in Șubă's texts, The Hedgehog and Dynamic Chess Strategy.
Are you, or someone you know or admire, part of that group who shape the course of strategic thinking or chess history? Feel free to speculate!
CANCER: Those born to this water sign can seemingly read the minds of those they face over the board, and their intuition seems almost magical. That's good for them, as they often exhibit the need to control, whether it's space on the board, or the initiative, and they can be quite creative when it comes to getting their way.
Paul Morphy, 22 June, had that magic feel for the board, often using a lead in development to dominate the proceedings as seen in his famous Opera House game. GM Larry Christiansen (b. 27 June) was another magician, one who actually skipped the IM title enroute to GM and three US CC titles. He shared his intuitions in two books, Storming the Barricades and Rocking the Ramparts.
If you want to see five more profiles (Paul Morphy, Adolf Anderssen, Pál Benkö, Samuel Lipschütz, and Kirill Alekseenko) of prominent Cancers, please let me point you towards "Chess & Astrology". That was penned by @Lunar_Silence, a very good blogger, and member of The Blogger Awards v2.0 and BlogChamps.
I know a hole is usually a good place for a piece, but those holes look suspicious.
Is the baby crab in the center on a spying mission?
These chess variants confuse me.
Mohammed Ahmed Al-Modiahki (Arabic: محمد أحمد المضيحكي), 1 June 1974, is a Qatari GM, four-time Arab CC, President of the Qatar Chess Federation, and a FIDE International Director.
Maria Albuleț (10 June 1932 – 17 January 2005), also Maria Pogorevici and Maria Albuleț-Pogorevici, was a Romanian WGM, three-time Romanian Women’s CC, and medical doctor.
Kirill Alexeyevich Alekseenko (Russian: Кирилл Алексеевич Алексеенко; born 22 June 1997) is a Russian-born Austrian GM, World U14 CC, and silver medalist in the World U16 and World U18 championships.
Yusnel Bacallao Alonso, 21 June 1988, is a Cuban GM.
Alejandro Tadeo Ramírez Álvarez (born 21 June 1988) is a Costa Rican-American GM and banned player, commentator, and coach.
Ulf Andersson, 27 June 1951, is a Swedish GM and ICCF GM.
Mikhail Aleksandrovich Antipov (Russian: Михаил Александрович Антипов; born 10 June 1997) is a Russian-born GM who plays for the US. He won the 2015 U20 World Junior CC and twice tied for first in the US Masters CC. He also won the Swiss Rapid CC twice and tied for second in the 50th Annual World Open.
Alexander Areshchenko (Ukrainian: Олександр Арещенко, romanized: Oleksandr Areshchenko; born June 15, 1986) is a Ukrainian GM World U14 CC and one-time Ukrainian CC.
Liudmila Sergeyevna Belavenets (Russian: Людмила Сергеевна Белавенец; also transliterated Lyudmila Sergeevna Belavenets; 7 June 1940 – 7 November 2021) was a Russian WIM, ICCF Lady GM, one-time Women’s Soviet CC, and FIDE Senior Trainer.
Vinay Subrahmanya Bhat (June 4, 1984) is an American GM.
Klaus Bischoff, 9 June 1961, is a German GM, two-time German CC, and eleven-time German Blitz CC.
Pavel Blatný, 22 June 1968, is a Czech GM who placed second in the 1985 World Junior CC. A two-time Czechoslovakian CC, he once tied for first in the US Masters CC.
Isaac Yefremovich Boleslavsky (Ukrainian: Ісаак Єфремович Болеславський, Russian: Исаак Ефремович Болеславский; 9 June 1919 – 15 February 1977) was a Soviet GM, three-time Ukrainian CC, two-time Belarusian CC, trainer, and writer.
Marina Brunello, 16 June 1994, is an Italian IM/WGM and two-time Italian Women’s CC. Sabino is her brother.
Sabino Brunello, 27 June 1989, is an Italian GM, Italian U18 CC, and silver medalist in the Italian CC and the European CC. Marina is his sister.
Vladimir Burmakin, 6 June 1967, is a Russian GM.
Donald Byrne (June 12, 1930 – April 8, 1976) was an American IM, US Chess Hall of Fame inductee, one-time US CC, and university English professor who coached the Penn State chess team. He was the victim in Fischer's "Game of the Century".
Konstantin Valeryevich Chernyshov (Russian: Константин Валерьевич Чернышов, born June 11, 1967) is a Russian GM, coach, and author.
Johan-Sebastian Christiansen, 10 June 1988, is a Norwegian GM, author, and content producer.
Larry Christiansen, 27 June 1957, is an American GM, three-time US CC, three-time US Junior CC, author, and one of the few GMs who skipped the IM title enroute to becoming a GM.
István Csom (June 2, 1940 - 28 July 2021) was a Hungarian chess GM, two-time Hungarian CC, and IA.
Branko Damljanović, 17 June 1961, is a Serbian GM.
Kamil Dragun, 25 June 1995, is a Polish GM, European U14 CC, World U16 CC, and coach.
Frode Elsness, 15 June 1973, is a Norwegian IM, one-time Norwegian CC, and medical doctor.
Ernst Falkbeer (June 27, 1819 – December 14, 1885) was an Austrian master and journalist.
Alireza Firouzja (Persian: علیرضا فیروزجا, pronounced [æliːɾeˈzɒː fiːɾuːzˈdʒɒː]; born 18 June 2003) is an Iranian and French GM who set a record as the youngest ever to reach 2800 Elo. A two-time Iranian CC, Asian U12 CC, French Rapid CC, tied for the 2021 World Blitz CC but placed third on tiebreaks, and won the 2024 chess.com Bullet CC.
Arnold Engelinus van Foreest (29 June 1863 – 24 June 1954) was a Dutch master, three-time Dutch CC, inspector at the Dutch postal company, and served one year as President of the Dutch Chess Federation. Arnold is the great-great-grandfather of the brothers Jorden van Foreest, the 2016 Dutch CC, and Lucas van Foreest, the 2019 Dutch CC.
Alik Gershon (born 3 June 1980, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) is an Israeli GM, one-time Israeli CC, one-time world record holder for the most simultaneous games (523), and author.
Joanna Majdan-Gajewska, born 9 June 1988, is a Polish WGM.
Lilit Galojan (Armenian: Լիլիթ Գալոյան; born 17 June 1983) is an Armenian IM/WGM, two-time Armenian Women’s CC, Armenian Girls U16 CC, and Girls U18 CC.
Boris Abramovich Gelfand (Hebrew: בוריס אברמוביץ גלפנד; born 24 June 1968) is a Belarusian-Israeli GM, two-time Belarusian CC, USSR Junior CC, European Junior CC, placed second in the World Junior CC, and author.
Anish Kumar Giri (Nepali: अनीश कुमार गिरि; Russian: Аниш Кумар Гири; born 28 June 1994) is a Dutch GM, five-time Dutch CC, and author.
Olga Alexandrovna Girya (Russian: Ольга Александровна Гиря; born 4 June 1991) is a Russian GM, one-time Russian Women’s CC, U18 World Girls CC, European U18 Girls CC, and runner-up at the World Girls U20 CC in 2008.
Vitali Matveyevich Golod (Russian: Виталий Матвеевич Голод; born 23 June 1971) is a Soviet-born Israeli GM. A one-time Ukrainian CC, he tied for first in the 2004 Israeli CC, but ended in second based on an unknown tiebreaker. Golod won the Israeli CC outright in 2010.
Yannick Gozzoli (born 2 June 1983) is a French GM who tied for first in the 2018 French CC but lost in the three-way playoff.
Nils Axel Grandelius (born 3 June 1993) is a Swedish GM, one-time Swedish CC, European U16 CC, and author.
Henri (Henry) Grob (4 June 1904 – c. 5 July 1974) was a Swiss IM, two-time Swiss CC, artist, and author.
David Antón Guijarro, 23 June 1995, is a GM, supposedly won eight age/format Spanish CCs, but I couldn’t find details except for mention of a blitz title where he finished ahead of Vallejo Pons, World U18 silver medalist, and chessable.com author.
Jan Gustafsson, 25 June 1979, is a German GM, analyst, trainer, German U15 and U17 CC, one-time German blitz CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, coach, author, poker player, commentator, and co-founder of Chess24.com.
Jon Ludvig Hammer, 2 June 1990, is a Norwegian GM, three-time Norwegian CC, and author.
Csaba Horváth (5 June 1968) is a Hungarian GM and two-time Hungarian CC.
Maria Horvath, 6June 1963, is an Austrian WFM and one-time Austrian Women’s CC.
Jovanka (“Jovi”) Houska, 10 June 1980, is an English IM/WGM, nine-time British Women’s CC, European Junior CC, Commonwealth Women’s CC, English Federation Chess Player of the Year (2006), writer, announcer, and has a law degree.
Dmitry Olegovich Jakovenko (Russian: Дмитрий Олегович Яковенко; born 29 June 1983) is a Russian GM, World U18 CC, European CC, four-time Russian Cup CC, and lost on tiebreak in the 2018 Russian CC.
Radoslaw Jedynak, 9 June 1982, is a Polish GM and President of the Polish Chess Federation.
Zhou Jianchao (Chinese: 周健超; born June 11, 1988) is a Chinese-American GM, one-time Chinese Rapid CC, and winner of the 2024 US Grand Prix.
Gata Kamsky (Tatar/Russian: Гата Камский; born June 2, 1974) is a Soviet-born American GM, five-time US CC, and author.
Boris Katalymov (Russian: Борис Николаевич Каталымов, romanized: Boris Nikolaevich Katalymov or Katalimov; 13 June 1932 – 1 February 2013) was a Soviet (Ukrainian) and later Kazakhstani IM, four-time Kazakhstani CC, and chess teacher.
Georg (German nickname, Eiserner Schorsch) Kieninger, 5 June 1902, in Munich – 25 January 1975, was a German IM, three-time German CC, and cigar smoker.
Watu Kobese, 27 June 1973, is a South African IM, three-time South African CC, FIDE Trainer, and chess author writing in both Zulu and Xhosa.
Anton Sergiyovych Korobov (Ukrainian: Антон Сергійович Коробов; born 25 June 1985) is a Ukrainian GM, four-time Ukrainian CC, and one-time European Blitz CC.
👑 Vladimir Borisovich Kramnik (Russian: Влади́мир Бори́сович Кра́мник; born 25 June 1975) is a Russian GM, and PCA-FIDE-Unified World CC. There is a lot of material in the June post, as befitting any World CC.
- Reserved for 2027 HoF post
Boris Kreiman (June 7, 1976) is an American GM, two-time US Junior CC, coach, and trainer.
Alina l'Ami (née Moţoc; born 1 June 1985) is a Romanian IM and WGM, World Girls U10 CC, European Girls U18 CC, and Women’s Balkan CC.
Darwin Laylo, 1 June 1980, is a Filipino GM and two-time Philippine CC.
Salomon Lipschütz (July 4, 1863 – November 30, 1905) was a US CC and writer.
Nino Maisuradze (13 June 1982) (Georgian: ნინო მაისურაძე; born 13 June 1982) is a Georgian and French WGM, two-time French Women’s CC and two-time Vice-Champion, two-time French Women’s Rapid CC, and two-time Francophone Women’s CC.
Gunay Vugar qizi Mammadzada (Azerbaijani: Günay Vüqar qızı Məmmədzadə; born June 19, 2000) is an Azerbaijani IM/WMG, World U10 Girls CC, European U8 and U14 Girl’s CC, and two-time Azerbaijani Women’s CC.
Dimitrios Mastrovasilis (Greek: Δημήτριος Μαστροβασίλης; born 12 June 1983) is a Greek GM, the first-ever Mediterranean Junior CC and tied for first the second year, and silver medalist in the 2000 European Youth CC.
Milan Matulović (10 June 1935 – 9 October 2013) was a Yugoslav GM and two-time Yugoslav CC.
Mikheil Mchedlishvili (Georgian: მიხეილ მჭედლიშვილი; born 4 June 1979) is a Georgian GM, four-time Georgian CC (I had to correct the Wikipedia page as they were missing his 2023 championship), and head coach of a Dubai Chess and Culture Club.
Alisa Melekhina, 26 June 1991, is an FM, WIM, classically trained ballerina, and lawyer.
Paul Morphy (June 22, 1837 – July 10, 1884) was the best chess player in the world in the late 1850s. There are links to four, count 'em four, videos by GM Ben Finegold in the June blog, plus loads of links from titled players and Top Bloggers.
- Reserved for 2027 HoF blog
- Secrets of Trapping Pieces: Opera Mate
- Secrets of Trapping Pieces: Morphy's Mate
Paul Motwani, 13 June 1962, was the first-ever Scottish GM, a World U17 CC, seven-time Scottish CC, math teacher, and writer/author.
Alexander Anatolyevich Motylev (Russian: Александр Анатольевич Мотылёв; born 17 June 1979) is a Russian GM, one-time Russian CC, Russian U16 CC, Russian U18 CC, and one-time European CC.
Guliskhan Nakhbayeva (Kazakh: Гүлісхан Сайфулинқызы Нахбаева/Gülishan Saifulinqızı Nahbaeva; born 20 June 1991) is a Kazakh IM and WGM and four-time Kazakhstani Women’s CC.
Evgeniy Yuryevich Najer (Russian: Евгений Юревич Наер, romanized: Evgeniy Yuryevich Nayer; born 22 June 1977) is a Russian GM, one-time European CC, and a coach for the Russian Women’s national team.
Valeriy Neverov (Russian: Валерий Неверов; Ukrainian: Валерій Невєров; born 21 June 1964 in Kharkiv) is a Ukrainian GM and four-time Ukrainian CC.
Daniela Nuțu-Gajić (born Daniela Silvia Nuțu; 8 June 1957) is a Romanian Australian WGM, three-time Romanian Women’s CC, one-time Yugoslav Women’s CC, one-time Australian Women’s CC, and trainer.
Zhang Pengxiang (simplified Chinese: 张鹏翔; traditional Chinese: 張鵬翔; pinyin: Zhāng Péngxiáng; born 29 June 1980 in Tianjin) is a Chinese GM, two-time Chinese Junior CC, one-time Chinese CC, and one-time Asian CC.
👑 Tigran [Iron Tigran] Vardani Petrosian (Armenian: Տիգրան Վարդանի Պետրոսյան; Russian: Тигран Вартанович Петросян; 17 June 1929 – 13 August 1984) was a Soviet-Armenian GM, ninth World CC, and four-time Soviet CC.
- Reserved for future HoF blog link
Võ Thị Kim Phụng (born 8 June 1993) is a Vietnamese WGM, one-time Asian Women’s CC, and two-time Asian Junior Girls CC.
Vladimir Potkin (Russian: Владимир Поткин; born 28 June 1982) is a Russian GM, former European CC, trainer for Nepomniachtchi, and coach for the Russian national team.
Juan Corzo y Príncipe (June 24, 1873 – September 27, 1941) was a Spanish–Cuban master, five-time Cuban CC, and influential force in the growth of the Cuban chess community.
Ian Rogers, 24 June 1960, is an Australian GM, four-time Australian CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, writer, and reporter.
Nurgyul Salimova (Bulgarian: Нургюл Салимова; Turkish: Nurgül Salimova; born 2 June 2003) is a Turkish-Bulgarian IM and WGM, one-time Blugarian Women’s CC, European Girls U8 CC, World U12 Girls CC, European Girls U12 CC, and earned silver in the 2023 Bulgarian CC as the only woman to compete in the open section.
Gyula Sax (18 June 1951 – 25 January 2014) was a Hungarian GM, IA, European Junior CC, and two-time Hungarian CC.
Elena Sedina (Russian: Елена Седина; Ukrainian: Оле́на Се́діна, Olena Sedina; born 1 June 1968) is a Ukrainian-Italian IM, WGM, one-time Ukrainian Women’s CC, one-time Australian Open CC (the first woman to ever win), and PhD in chess training methods.
Leonid Aleksandrovich Shamkovich (Russian: Леони́д Алекса́ндрович Шамко́вич; June 1, 1923 – April 22, 2005) was a Russian-born, Canadian and American GM, one-time Canadian CC, one-time US Masters CC, and author.
Nigel David Short, 1 June 1965, is an English GM, columnist, coach, commentator, and FIDE Director for Chess Development. He placed second to Kasparov in the 1980 World Junior CC, won the British Lightning CC at age 13, three British CCs, one British Rapid CC, one English CC, three Commonwealth CCs, and the 2006 EU Individual Open CC.
Vladimir Simagin (June 21, 1919 in Moscow – September 25, 1968) was a Russian GM and ICCF Correspondence IM.
- Visit @RoaringPawn's blogs to learn more about this imaginative player.
- Heroes of the Past: GM Vladimir Simagin, Part 1
- Heroes of the Past: GM Vladimir Simagin, Part 2,
- Or @simaginfan's blogs
- Kasparian - Simagin. Blunders, Brilliance, Endgames, and Pictures
- Simagin In 1944. 6 Wonderful Games By A Chess Artist
- The Moscow Championship 1947. Simagin, Bronstein and Ravinsky
Kevin C Smith, aka @KevinChessSmith, (9 June 1957) is a chess player, author, owner of a blogging club on chess.com that hosts monthly blogging competitions, judge for blogging contests in both BlogChamps and The Blogger Awards on chess.com, retired pilot and US Air Force Colonel, and retired cybersecurity expert.
Ivan Sokolov (Cyrillic: Иван Соколов; born 13 June 1968) is a Dutch-Bosnian GM, first-ever winner of the European CC, one-time Yugoslav CC, two-time Dutch CC, trainer, and author. A most-excellent author!
- Reserved for post scheduled for 2027
Lajos Steiner (14 June 1903 – 22 April 1975) was a Hungarian-born Australian IM, two-time Hungarian CC, four-time Australian CC, nine-time New South Wales CC, and writer.
Wouter Spoelman, 5 June 1990, is a Dutch GM.
Mihai Șubă, June 1, 1947) is a Romanian and Spanish GM, three-time Romanian CC, Senior World CC, and author.
- Reserved for post expected in summer 2027
Pyotr Veniaminovich Svidler [aka, Peter Svidler] (Russian: Пётр Вениами́нович Сви́длер; born 17 June 1976), is a Russian GM, eight-time Russian CC, World Cup CC, World U18 CC, and incredibly popular player and commentator.
Erika Sziva (born 8 June 1967) is a Hungarian-born Dutch WGM, one-time Hungarian Women’s CC, and five-time Dutch Women’s CC.
Aryan Tari (Persian: آرین طاری; born 4 June 1999) is a Norwegian GM, two-time Norwegian CC, and former World Junior CC.
Sir George Thomas (14 June 1881 – 23 July 1972) won the British chess crown twice and was an IM and IA.
Từ Hoàng Thông, 22 June 1972, is a Vietnamess GM, six-time national CC, and two-time Asian Youth CC.
Paul Truong (born June 2, 1965) is a Cambodian and American FM, trainer, coach, organizer, photographer, and author. He and his wife, Susan Polgar, had their USCF memberships revoked, but could still participate in events.
Mikhail Semyonovich Tseitlin (Belarusian: Міхаіл Сямёнавіч Цэйтлін; German: Michael Zeitlein; born 16 June 1947) is a Belarusian-born German GM, International Correspondence GM, and author.
Wolfgang Unzicker (26 June 1925 – 20 April 2006) was a German GM, six-time German CC, and lawyer.
Giovanni Portilho Vescovi (born 14 June 1978) is a Brazilian GM, seven-time Brazilian CC, and South American CC.
Milan Vidmar Sr. (22 June 1885 – 9 October 1962) was a Slovenian GM, IA, chief referee for the 1948 World CC, chess theorist, writer, and electrical engineer (well, I can claim the last two for my resume.)
Andrei Volokitin (Ukrainian: Андрій Волокітін, Andriy Volokitin; born 18 June 1986) is a Ukrainian GM, two-time Ukrainian CC, and author.
Dennis Wagner, 19 June 1997, is a German GM and German U10 CC.
Yu Yangyi (Chinese: 余泱漪; born 8 June 1994) is a Chinese GM, three-time Chinese CC, World Junior CC, and one-time Asian CC.
Alexander Nikolayevich Zaitsev (June 15, 1935 – October 31, 1971) was a Soviet GM, electrical engineer, and took second in the 1968 USSR CC after losing a playoff to Polugaevsky.
Vladimir Pavlovich Zagorovsky (Russian: Влади́мир Па́влович Загоро́вский; 29 June 1925, Voronezh, Russia, formerly USSR – 6 November 1994, Voronezh, Russia) was a Russian ICCF GM and the fourth ICCF World CC, holding the title from 1962 – 1965, and author.
Juan Carlos González Zamora (born June 24, 1968) is a Cuban-born Mexican GM and nine-time Mexican CC.
Natalia Oleksandrivna Zhukova (Ukrainian: Наталія Олександрівна Жукова; born 5 June 1979) is a Ukrainian GM, two-time European Women’s CC, European Girls U14 and then U16 CC, World Girls U16 CC, and finished second in the Girls U20 CC the following year.
Wang Zili (Chinese: 汪自力; born June 14, 1968) is a retired Chinese GM and two-time Chinese CC.
Zhao Zong-Yuan (simplified Chinese: 赵宗辕; traditional Chinese: 趙宗轅; pinyin: Zhào Zōngyuán; born 26 June 1986) is a Chinese-born, Australian GM, Australian CC, Australian Junior CC, two-time Oceania CC, Australian team coach, and earned a medical degree.
So, don't get all crabby!
Gemini and Cancer Conclusion
GEMINI: Gemini is by no means as sworn to the truth as many other people. First of all, you have to prove to them what truth is - since they consider everything to be relative. Therefore, their conscience doesn't bother them at all when they shape facts around according to their wishes. They can disguise themselves wonderfully. The chameleon and also the nimble lizard are assigned to this sign. A talented poker player, a dangerous chess opponent. Gemini and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
CANCER: Chess legends Paul Morphy, Adolf Anderssen, Henry Bird, Ernst Falkbeer, and Johann Löwenthal were star sign cancer in the age of romantic chess. With Vladimir Kramnik, Boris Gelfand, Anish Giri, Alexei Shirov, Alexander Morozevich, and of course Ian Nepomniachtchi, we have the almost 200 year older equivalent in the present time. Of the players listed, their merciless attack is often in focus. Does cancer really feel most comfortable with fire on board, or does the aggressive strategy have other reasons? Cancer and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Cancer and Leo (23 - 31 Jul)
Water & Fire
CANCER (The Crab, but not "the crabs"): Do they form the nature of chess players born in July? Let's chat about that.
The crab is intuitive, harnessing that soft power inside a hardened shell that can thwart the meaningless attacks of would-be predators, while exploiting the weaknesses in their opponent's defensive stance and then using hammer and claw to take advantage of the cracks in the opposition's armor.
Early on there was the 19th century's Adolph Anderssen, 6 July, who was more than willing to expose the faults in his opponent's position by offering sac after sac, as seen in The Immortal Chess Game - Every Move Explained - Anderssen vs. Kieseritzky, 1851 and the Evergreen Game - Anderssen vs Dufresne (1852).
Meanwhile, the late 20th century saw the arrival of Alexei Shirov (b. 4 July 1972) and Alexander Sergeyevich Morozevich (b. July 18th, 1977), followed in the 21st century Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi (b. 14 July 1990), three more players famed for their ability to create creases in their opponent's position and then crush them in violent crescendoes.
If you want to see five more profiles of prominent Cancers, please let me point you towards "Chess & Astrology" by @Lunar_Silence. They are competing in Season 11 of BlogChamps, having successfully navigated their way to fill one of 24 qualifying spots in the competition. Over a hundred entries, only 24 made it to the one-versus-one rounds. In May, @Lunar_Silence won a bronze medal for the Most Engaging Blog in The Blogger Awards: May 2026 Winners from around forty entries.
LEO (but not the cowardly one from Oz): The lion is creative, throwing about bursts of magic that glint and flare like a wind-blown, golden mane sparkling in the savanna dawn.
Certainly, you'll find those features in abundance in players such as Judit Polgar (b. 23 July) and others born this month. But everyone knows the Queen of Chess.
Who are some lesser recognized players possessing the requisite leonine characteristics? Well, how about Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp (28 July 1887 – 2 October 1968), a French painter, sculptor, chess player, and writer. He created magic on the board, canvas, and in sculptures! He even inspired a Jennifer Shahade tribute and take on one of his art pieces, but you'll have to go to the monthly blog to read about that.
Or will Leo enjoy being the equivalent of a self-licking ice cream cone.
Do those two descriptions fully capture the essence of chess players born in July? Meh, who cares. Let's set aside all these perplexing questions for the moment. Instead, jump into your chess easy rest chair, grab a drink and some snacks, and settle in for more of this long, long blog. After all, we're chess nuts, almost stalkers, intensely interested in the life stories of the Masters of the 64 Squares (or 205 squares if you're a math geek...I think it's 205!)
As far as the Chess Zodiac question...you can decide for yourself if you, or someone you know, shares chess traits with the luminaries we will visit this month.
Jacob Aagaard is a dual citizen, Danish-Scottish GM born 31 July 1973. He is a one-time Scottish CC, one-time British CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, author, and co-owner of Quality Chess.
Ashot Anastasian (Armenian: Աշոտ Անաստասյան; 16 July 1964 – 26 December 2016) was an Armenian GM, eight-time Armenian CC, and coach for the Armenian Women’s national team.
Karl Ernst Adolf Anderssen (6 July 1818 – 13 March 1879) was a German chess master, problemist (composer), and writer, who earned his living as a Professor of Mathematics. Well worth visiting the July blog to read about him.
- Reserved for post scheduled for Fall 2026
Levan Aroshidze (July 9, 1985) is a Georgian GM and former World U10 CC.
Lajos Asztalos (Serbo-Croatian: Ljudevit Astaloš; 29 July 1889 – 1 November 1956) was a Hungarian-Yugoslavian IM, IA, one-time Hungarian CC, and professor of philosophy and languages teacher.
Olga Badelka (Belarusian: Вольга Бадэлька, Russian: Ольга Баделько; born 8 July 2002) is a Belarusian WGM and IM, Belarusian Girl’s U16/U18/U20 CC, European U16 Girl’s CC, and multiple silver and bronze medals in European and World Girl’s CCs.
Pal Charles Benko (Hungarian: Benkő Pál; July 15, 1928 – August 25, 2019) was a Hungarian and American GM, a one-time Hungarian CC, won or tied for first in the US Open a record eight times, author, composer of endgame studies and chess problems, and inductee into the US Chess Hall of Fame. A ton of info in the July post.
Diego Rafael Di Berardino (born 29 July 1987) is a Brazilian IM with one GM norm and a peak rating of 2528 (August 2018).
Irina Berezina (also known as Irina Feldman and Irina Berezina-Feldman; born 7 July 1965) is an Australian IM, trainer, five-time Oceania Women’s CC, and FIDE Trainer.
Reefat Bin-Sattar (25 July 1974) is a Bangladeshi GM.
Henry Edward Bird (14 July 1829 – 11 April 1908) was an English master, author, and accountant. Some people would account (excuse the pun) all those occupations as less than enthralling. Long article in the July post.
Claude Frizzel Bloodgood (alias: Klaus Frizzel Bluttgutt III; July 14, 1937 – August 4, 2001) was a chess player, author, and murderer. There is more in the July post above, but here are a few links.
- How an Inmate Became America's #2
- Checks And Chuckles: Stories From The Chess World
- Do You Want To Be The No. 1 Chess Player In The World?
- Dark Side Of The Board ~ The Bloodgood Gambit, Part 1.
- Chess Criminals And The Games They Play.
Dejan Bojkov (Bulgarian: Деян Божков; born 3 July 1977) is a Bulgarian GM, Canadian Open CC, trainer, author, and content producer.
John Michael Burke, 1 July 2001, is an American GM. At age 14, he was the youngest player ever to reach 2600, a record since shattered multiple times. He won the US Masters CC and the US Junior CC.
Marcel Sisniega Campbell (July 28, 1959 – January 19, 2013) was a Mexican GM, nine-time Mexican CC, and film director/writer.
Daniel Hugo Cámpora, 30 June 1957, is an Argentine GM, two-time Argentine CC, and two-time runner-up
Horatio Caro (5 July 1862 – 15 December 1920) was a British master and opening theoretician.
Pietro Carrera (July 12, 1573 – September 18, 1647) was a chess player, historian, priest and Italian author. Fascinating character who introduced an 8x10 variant. Worth a visit to the July blog.
Fabiano (Fabi) Luigi Caruana [nickname, “The Machine”] (born July 30, 1992) is an Italian and American GM, four-time Italian CC, four-time US CC, one-time World CC contender (losing in rapid tiebreaks), the third-highest rated individual in history [behind only Carlsen and Kasparov], and a content producer.
- Reserved for blog scheduled late 2026 - early 2027
Emilio Córdova, 8 July 1991, is a Peruvian GM who tied for first in the 2022 US Masters CC.
Nigel Rodney Davies, 31 July 1960, is an English GM, British U21 CC, one-time British Rapid CC, coach, and writer.
Aleksander Delchev (Bulgarian: Александър Делчев; born 15 July 1971) is a Bulgarian GM, three-time Bulgarian CC, European Junior CC, and writer.
Johannes (Jan) Hendrik (Hein) Donner (July 6, 1927 – November 27, 1988) was a Dutch GM, three-time Dutch CC, and writer.
Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp (28 July 1887 – 2 October 1968) was a French painter, sculptor, chess player, and writer.
Essam El-Gindy (also known as Essam El-Gendy and Esam Mohamed Ahmed Nagib; born 14 July 1966) is an Egyptian GM, one-time Egyptian CC, one-time African CC, and FIDE Trainer.
Berthold Englisch (9 July 1851 – 19 October 1897) was an Austro-Huhashngarian chess master who earned his living in the stock market.
Oswaldo Ronald Zambrana Enríquez (born 7 July 1981) is a Bolivian GM, five-time Bolivian CC, and the only Bolivian GM!
Zahar Oleksandrovych Efimenko (Ukrainian: Захар Олександрович Єфименко; born 3 July 1985) is a Ukrainian GM, U14 World CC and one-time Ukrainian CC.
Vladimir Epishin (11 July 1965) is a Russian GM.
Nicholas (Nick) Ernest de Firmian (born July 26, 1957) is an American GM, three-time US CC, Canadian Open CC, editor, and author.
Győző Victor Forintos (30 July 1935 – 5 December 2018) was a Hungarian GM, one-time Hungarian CC, and author.
Viktor Nikolaevich Gavrikov (Russian: Виктор Николаевич Гавриков; 29 July 1957 – 27 April 2016) was a Lithuanian-Swiss GM. A one-time Swiss CC, and one-time U26 Soviet CC, he twice tied for the Lithuanian CC, but others received the crown based on tiebreaks.
Tigran Gharamian (Armenian: Տիգրան Ղարամյան, born 24 July 1984) is an Armenian-French GM, one-time French CC, and coach.
Benjámin Gledura, 4 July 1999, is a Hungarian GM.
Michele Godena, 30 June 1967, is an Italian GM, five-time Italian CC (with two runner-up outcomes), one-time European Union CC, and author (in Italian).
Aleksey Goganov (Russian: Алексей Гоганов; born 26 July 1991) is a Russian GM.
Vugar Gasim oghlu Hashimov (Gashimov) (Azerbaijani: Vüqar Qasım oğlu Həşimov; 24 July 1986 – 11 January 2014), was an Azerbaijani GM particularly known for his blitz skills.
Dan Heisman (July 8, 1950) is a US NM, instructor, engineer, coach, and author. There is an extensive page dedicated to Dan in the July blog, well worth the visit.
Nguyễn Đức Hòa (13 July 1989) is a Vietnamese GM and three-time Vietnamese CC.
Albert Beauregard Hodges (July 21, 1861 – February 3, 1944) was an American master and one-time US CC.
Julian Hodgson, born 25 July 1963, is a British GM, British U21 CC (at age fourteen), Canadian Open CC, North American Open CC, and a four-time British CC.
Conrad Holt, 9 July 1993, is an American GM and former US Open CC.
Ádám Horváth, 14 July 1981, is a Hungarian GM, Hungarian U16 CC, European U20 CC, and one-time Hungarian CC.
Alexander Ipatov (Ukrainian: Олександр Іпатов, romanized: Oleksandr Ipatov; born 16 July 1993) is a Ukrainian-born Turkish GM, former World Junior CC, two-time Turkish CC, author, and content producer.
Dragoljub Janoševic (8 July 1923 – 20 May 1993) was a Yugoslav GM.
Pawel Jaracz (22 June 1975) is a Polish GM, won four Polish Junior CC age group titles, three-time Polish Blitz CC, one-time Polish Rapid, and EU Individual Open CC.
Fidel Corrales Jimenez, July 7, 1987, is a Cuban-American GM.
Rinat Jumabayev (Kazakh: Ринат Жұмабаев (Rinat Jūmabaev), also spelled Rinat Dzhumabaev;[1] born 23 July 1989) is a Kazakhstani GM, one-time Kazakhstani CC, and placed second in the championship twice.
Julio Kaplan, 25 July 1950, is an Argentine-born Puerto Rican IM, former World Junior CC, and software developer, with a specific focus on computer chess.
Hillar Kärner (27 July 1935 – 19 February 2017) was an Estonian IM, seven-time Estonian CC, and author of a book of his own games.
Andreas Kelires (Greek: Αντρέας Κελίρης; born 1 July 1999) is a Greek-Cypriot GM and two-time Cypriot CC.
Robert Kempiński, 11 July 1977, is a Polish GM, two-time Polish CC, Polish U14 CC, Polish U20 CC, European Youth U16 and two-time U18 CC, World Youth CC.
Melikset Khachiyan (Armenian: Մելիքսեթ Խաչիյան; born 6 July 1970) is an Armenian-American GM, Baku Junior CC (two years after he learned the game), and coach.
Ibragim Khamrakulov (born 28 July 1982) is an Uzbekistani and Spanish GM and World U16 CC.
Hans Kmoch (25 July 1894 - 13 February 1973) was an Austrian-Dutch-American IM and IA, as well as being a chess journalist and author.
- Reserved for post scheduled winter 2026 - spring 2027
Oleg Anatolyevich Korneev (Олег Анатольевич Корнеев; born 25 July 1969) is a Russian-born GM representing Spain.
Yona Kosashvili (Hebrew: יונה קוסאשווילי; July 3, 1970) is an Israeli GM and orthopedic doctor.
Anthony (Tony) Cornelis Kosten, 24 July 1958, is an English-French GM and author.
Nikolai Vladimirovich Krogius (first name sometimes written Nikolay) (Russian: Николай Владимирович Крогиус; 22 July 1930 – 14 July 2022) was a Russian GM, one-time Senior World co-CC, IA, psychologist, chess coach, chess administrator, and author.
Martin Kreuzer (born 15 July) is a German ICCF GM, FM, math professor, and author.
Viktor Davidovich Kupreichik (Russian: Ви́ктор Давыдо́вич Купре́йчик, Belarusian: Віктар Давыдавіч Купрэйчык, Viktar Davydavič Kuprejčyk; 3 July 1949 – 22 May 2017) was a Belarusian GM, two-time Belarusian CC.
Temur Kuybokarov (formerly Igonin; born July 22, 2000) is an Uzbekistani-Australian GM, one-time Australian CC, and author. The July blog has a video where he talks about the biggest win of his career, a 2023 victory over Gukesh.
Ingrid Larsen, 1 July 1909 – 25 February 1990, was a Danish WIM and a seventeen-time Dutch Women’s CC.
Johann Jacob Löwenthal (Hungarian: Löwenthal János Jakab; 15 July 1810 – 24 July 1876) was a Hungarian master and writer.
Erik Ruben Lundin (2 July 1904 – 5 December 1988) was a Swedish IM, honorary GM, one-time Nordic CC, and eleven-time Swedish CC.
Ján Markoš, July 2, 1985, is a Slovak GM, three-time Slovak CC, Slovak U12/U14/U16 CC, European U16 CC, coach, writer, and author.
Tomasz Markowski, 30 July 1975, is a Polish GM and five-time Polish CC.
Marta García Martín (born 13 July 2000) is a Spanish IM and one-time Spanish Women’s CC.
Julen Luis Arizmendi Martínez, 5 July 1976, is a Spanish GM, and one-time Spanish CC.
Silvino García Martínez, 4 July 1944, is a Cuban GM, four-time Cuban CC, one-time Pan American CC, and FIDE Senior Trainer.
Haik Mikaeli Martirosyan (Armenian: Հայկ Միքայելի Մարտիրոսյան; born 14 July 2000) is an Armenian GM and former World Youth U16 CC.
Svetlana Vladislavovna Matveeva (Russian: Светлана Владиславовна Матвеева; born 4 July 1969) is a Russian IM and WGM, two-time Soviet Women’s CC (once was a tie for first), and European Junior Girls CC.
João de Souza Mendes Júnior (23 June 1892 – 10 July 1969) was a seven-time Brazilian CC and physician.
Nikita Evgenievich Meshkovs (Latvian: Ņikita Meškovs, Russian: Никита Евгеньевич Мешков; born 30 June 1994) is a Latvian GM, one-time Latvian CC, winner of six Latvian Junior CCs in different age groups, and European U14 CC.
Käty van der Mije-Nicolau (22 July 1940 – 14 October 2013), born Alexandra Ekatarina Nicolau, was a Dutch-Romanian WGM, six-time Romanian Women’s CC, and four-time Dutch Women’s CC.
Victor (Viktor) Mikhalevski (Hebrew: ויקטור מיכלבסקי), 8 July 1972, is an Israeli GM, one-time Israeli CC, and one-time Israeli U20 CC.
Kevin Goh Wei Ming (Chinese: 吴伟铭; pinyin: Wú Wěimíng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Gô͘ Úi-bêng, born 7 July 1983) is a Singaporean GM, seven-time national CC, ASEAN U18 CC, and author.
Leopold Adamovich Mitrofanov (July 2, 1932 – November 26, 1992) was a Russian chess composer, an International Judge of Chess Composition, and an IM of Chess Composition Deysi Cori.
Vadim Moiseenko (Russian: Вадим Константинович Моисеенко; born 7 July 1994) is a Russian GM and youth chess coach.
Eva Moser (26 July 1982 – 31 March 2019) was an Austrian IM/WGM, one-time Austrian CC, two-time Austrian Women’s CC, and won eight Austrian Girl’s CCs in various age groups.
Taleb Moussa, 1 July 1978, is an Emirati GM, UAE’s first GM, and a two-time Emirati CC.
Ian Alexandrovich Nepomniachtchi [aka, Nepo] (Russian: Ян Алекса́ндрович Непо́мнящий, romanized: Yan Aleksandrovich Nepomnyashchiy, IPA: [ˈjan ɐlʲɪkˈsandrəvʲɪtɕ nʲɪˈpomnʲɪɕːɪj]; born 14 July 1990) is a Russian GM, one-time co-World Blitz CC, two-time Russian CC, one-time European CC, three-time European Youth CC (U10 twice and U12 one), World Youth CC U12 (beating Carlsen on tiebreaks), and two-time World CC challenger.
Volodymyr Volodymyrovich Onyshchuk [Vladimir Onischuk] (Ukrainian: Володимир Володимирович Онищук; born 21 July 1991) is a Ukrainian GM, European U10 CC, and World U16 silver medalist.
Grigoriy Alekseyevich Oparin (Russian: Григо́рий Алексе́евич Опа́рин; born 1 July 1997) is a Russian-born American GM, and Russian Junior CC.
Arman Pashikian (Armenian: Արման Փաշիկյան; born 28 July 1987) is an Armenian GM, two-time Armenian Youth CC, two-time Armenian CC (he tied for first in 2003, but placed second on tiebreaks), and FIDE Senior Trainer.
Shadi Paridar (Persian: شادی پریدر; born 2 July 1986) is a WGM, four-time Iranian Women’s CC, one-time Asian U16 Girls CC, and President of Islamic Republic of Iran Chess Federation since February 2025.
Yuniesky Quesada Pérez (born July 31, 1984) is a Cuban-American GM, two-time Cuban CC, head coach of Select Chess at the St Louis Chess Club, content producer, chessable.com author, and chess coach.
Nikita Petrov, 1 Jul 1996, is a Russian GM representing Montenegro, and one-time Montenegro CC.
Dejan Pikula, 31 July 1969, is a Serbian GM, one-time FR Yugoslavia CC, Central Serbia CC, and FIDE Trainer.
Judit Polgar (23 July 1976) is the Queen of Chess, a GM, author, commentator, and personality. Obviously, the July blog has a ton of material about her.
Evgeny Postny (Hebrew: אבגני פוסטני; born 3 July 198) is an Israeli GM, Russian U14 CC, Israeli Junior CC, Israeli CC, and US Masters CC (jointly with seven others).
Maritza Arribas Robaina, 2 July 1971, is a WGM and eleven-time Cuban Women’s CC.
Walter Arencibia Rodríguez (born July 21, 1967) is a Cuban GM, former World Junior CC, and one-time Cuban Youth CC.
Pyotr (Peter) Arsenyevich Romanovsky (Russian: Пётр Арсеньевич Романо́вский; 29 July 1892 – 1 March 1964) was a Russian and Soviet IM and IA, two-time Soviet CC (shared in 1927), and author.
- Reserved for post scheduled spring - summer 2027
👑Lyudmila Vladimirovna Rudenko (Russian: Людми́ла Влади́мировна Руде́нко, Ukrainian: Людмила Володимирівна Руденко; 27 July 1904 – 4 March 1986) was a Soviet IM and WGM, second Women’s World CC, and USSR Women’s CC. She was the first woman to be awarded the IM title and was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2015.
Alexander Rustemov (Russian: Александр Рустемов; born July 6, 1973) is a Russian GM and trainer.
Deep Sengupta (born 30 June 1988) is an Indian GM, World U12 CC, Indian Junior CC, and Commonwealth CC.
Jesus Nogueiras Santiago (born in Santa Clara, Cuba, July 17, 1959) is a Cuban GM and five-time Cuban CC.
Luís Santos, 30 June 1955, is an IM and ICCF GM, and a three-time Portuguese CC.
Nihal Sarin, 13 July 2004, is an Indian GM, World U10 CC, silver medalist World U12, World Blitz U10 CC, Asian U10 Blitz and Rapid CC, and U18 World Rapid CC.
Boris Savchenko (Russian: Борис Савченко; born 10 July 1986) is a Russian GM.
Lu Shanglei (Chinese: 卢尚磊; born 10 July 1995) is a Chinese GM, Chinese Blitz CC, Asian Blitz CC, and former World Junior CC.
Andrey Shariyazdanov (Russian: Андрей Шариязданов; born July 12, 1976) is a Russian GM and former European Junior CC.
Alexei Shirov (Russian: Алексе́й Дми́триевич Ши́ров, romanized: Alexey Dmitrievich Shirov, Latvian: Aleksejs Širovs; born 4 July 1972) is a Latvian and Spanish GM, World U16 CC, runner-up in World Junior CC, and author.
Ryszard Skrobek, 4 July 1951, is a Polish IM, ICCF GM, one-time Polish CC, and bronze medalist in the 13th Correspondence Olympiad.
Evgeniy Solozhenkin (Russian: Евгений Соложенкин, 31 July 1966) is a Russian GM and author. Became embroiled in a controversy because of accusations against Bibisara Assaubayeva and he was suspened for a period of time.
Dmitry Svetushkin (Russian: Дмитрий Светушкин; Romanian: Dumitru Svetuşchin; 25 July 1980 – 4 September 2020) was a Moldovan GM, one-time Moldovan CC, and author.
Rudolf Swiderski (July 28, 1878 – August 2, 1909) was a German master.
József (“the Hungarian Philidor”) Szén (9 July 1805, Pest, Hungary – 13 January 1857) was an Austrian Empire master, lawyer, and one of the strongest players in the world.
Deysi Estela Cori Tello (born 2 July 1993) is a Peruvian IM and WGM, three-time American Continental CC, Pan-American Girl’s U10/U12/U14/U16/U18/U20 CC, World School Girl’s U15 CC, 2011 World U20 Girls CC and took silver in the 2009 World U20 Girls CC (tied for first but placed second on tiebreaks), and 2009 World U16 Girl’s CC. Jorge is her brother.
- @PokeGirl93’s post, My Favorite Not-So-Famous Players
Jorge Moisés Cori Tello, 30 July 1995, is a Peruvian GM, World U14 CC, World U16 CC, Pan American U10/U12/U14/U18 CC, World School U13 CC, and FIDE Trainer. Deysi is his sister.
Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova (born 16 July 1999) is an Uzbekistani IM and WGM, Asian Girls U12 CC and U20CC.
Zoltán Varga, 12 July 1970, is a Hungarian GM.
Ermes Espinoza Veloz, 30 July 1987, is a Cuban GM.
Gavriil Nikolayevich Veresov (Belarusian: Гаўрыла Мікалаевіч Верасаў, Russian: Гавриил Николаевич Вересов; 28 July 1912 – 18 November 1979) was a Soviet IM of GM strength, 6-time Belarusian CC, and best known for The Veresov Opening (1.d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5), also known as the Richter-Veresov Attack.
Nieves García Vicente (born 23 July 1955) is a Spanish WIM and eleven-time Spanish Women’s CC, and placed second six times.
Jesús de la Villa, born 30 June 1958, is a Spanish GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, two-time Spanish CC, and author.
Yge Visser, 29 July 1963, is a Dutch GM.
Miksa (Max) Weisz (Weiss) (21 July 1857 – 14 March 1927) was an Austrian master born in the Kingdom of Hungary.
Wen Yang, 7 July 1988, is a Chinese GM
Evgeny “the Professor” Yuryevich Tomashevsky (Russian: Евгений Юрьевич Томашевский; born 1 July 1987) is a Russian GM, two-time Russian CC, one-time European CC, Russian U10 and U18 CC, and runner-up in the World U18 CC.
Anna Zatonskih (born Hanna Vitaliivna Zatonskih, July 17, 1978) is a Ukrainian American IM and WGM, former Ukrainian Women’s CC, and four-time US Women’s CC.
Yaroslav Volodymyrovych Zherebukh (Ukrainian: Ярослав Володимирович Жеребух; born July 14, 1993) is a Ukrainian-American GM.
Helgi Dam Ziska (born 27 July 1990) is the first-ever Faroese Islands GM, six-time Faroese CC, three-time Nordic Junior CC including the oldest age group, and Sportsman of the Year for 2006 in The Faroe Islands.
Still, no matter how big the landmass, there's always water around the edges.
Cancer and Leo Conclusion
CANCER: A Cancer-born person may be intelligent or naive, but they do not perceive danger through their mind, but through their feelings. In their sensitive soul, alarm bells ring everywhere. And when they have the feeling they get the big picture - the person on the other side of the board is up to no good - things can get hairy. Then they squint their eyes and rush to the top. Now it is all about: Victory or death! They become Rambo or a whip-wielding Indiana Jones, flattening their enemies before they even know what happened. Cancer and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
LEO: Leo exudes a regal ease and prefers to let others engage in conflict before taking the initiative. He is a born monarch, and is skilled at delegation. Only these large cats of their breed engage in group hunting. Simply put, the boss sends his females out first. (We'll get to the lionesses later.)
It would be misleading to assume that just because he is lounging around, he isn't interested or even concentrated. The Leo is in charge. The commander's mound is where he is located, not some place on the sidelines. He does it without hesitation if he decides it is necessary to lend his strength to the fight. He always displays bravery. Leo and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Leo and Virgo (23 - 31 Aug)
Fire & Earth
LEO: A group of beings blessed with such self-confidence that they are natural entertainers--does that bring any chess streamers to mind? We'll find out!
Oh, so sorry. GothamKnight (Levy Rozman), Hikaru, and the Botez sisters were all born in other months.
However, GM "Mac" Molner (b. 1 August) has turned his ability in chess and his facility with language (he speaks six languages) into video courses such as The Blumenfeld Gambit Part 1: An Attacker's Guide!, his first-ever series on this site. He did this while in college and still an IM (but with two GM norms already under his belt). That's a time when confidence overflows! Need further evidence? The Blumenfeld Gambit is not for the timid.
Then there's GM José González García (b. 12 August) who has produced multiple YouTube videos, including the one below on the Italian Gambit.
Finally, there's IM William Hartson (b. 12 August), who offers sly hints of humor in some places, and downright bawdy humor in others. You'll have to visit some of my other posts to get those titles, but here's a very dry quote that tickles me. (I like Steven Wright's deadpan delivery of humor, so Hartson's quote below is right up my alley.)
There is...one last, totally unimportant point to be made about pawns stacked vertically: a player with sextupled pawns on the a-file or h-file can never lose. Why? Because it takes 15 captures to get them there, so the opponent can have only his king left. [Teach Yourself Better Chess, Hartson, p.6]
That opinion hasn't changed. Simple, good color scheme. Well, imo.
VIRGO: Meanwhile, Virgos are known for their attention to detail and analytical skills...sounds perfect for chess!
Let's start with Arpad Emmerich Elo, born 15 August, who created the Elo rating system. Talk about attention to detail!
Then there's GM Vasilios Kotronias who wrote multiple books on a variety of opening systems. As the co-author with IM Attila Turzo of a book on analysis (KIMPLODES: A Systemic Approach to Chess Analysis | Chessable) I can vouch for the fact that any book about openings requires systematic rigor and a tight focus on what might seem like arcane details, but are indeed necessary observations.
However, more impressive than that to me is that he wrote a book How to Play Equal Positions. What player hasn't quailed at some point when faced with making something out of an equal position, or at least not starting a slow slide to a state of eternal punishment for the unrepentant (aka, perdition). So-called "boring equality" is often anything but that.
Ever play the kid game where the house floor was lava and you had to stay off it while still moving around the room(s)?
Yeah, me too. Good times.
But does the above fully capture the essence of all chess players born in the month of August? Nah, but this blog isn't about that. It's about providing an alphabetical listing of numerous players and providing links that offer more information, so you don't have to do the research yourself. The astrology stuff is for entertainment, and the price is low...even free, except for a few moments of time.
Like any good zodiac, the discussions often admit to multiple interpretations. What? Did you expect more than pseudo-science? And for now, you'll have to draw your own inferences from the information provided. The lucre, and stunning lack thereof, received to date from these blogs hardly pays for me to walk over to the faucet and fill up my glass of water. Let alone to provide my keen insights into how people are influenced by those with whom they share a random day of birth.
Sometimes I startle myself with a surprisingly elegant and lean blog...not this time though.
Evgeny Agrest (born 15 August 1966) is a Soviet-born Swedish GM, four-time Swedish CC, three-time Nordic CC, and trainer for Nils Grandelius since 2013.
Lev Osipovich Alburt (August 21, 1945) is a Russian-born American GM, three-time Ukrainian CC, and three-time US CC, three-time US Open CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, coach, and prolific author.
Zoltán Almási (born August 29, 1976) is a Hungarian GM, nine-time Hungarian CC, and one-time European Rapid CC.
Rodrigo Flores Álvarez (23 August 1913 – 17 January 2007) was a Chilean master, 11-time Chilean CC, and civil engineer
Karina Ambartsumova (Russian: Карина Львовна Амбарцумова; born 17 August 1989) is a Russian IM and WGM, one-time Russian Women’s Rapid CC, one-time Moscow Women’s Blitz CC, one-time Russian Women’s Rapid CC, trainer, and coach.
Claudia Noemí Amura (born 26 August 1970) is an Argentinian WGM, one-time Pan American Women’s CC, five-time Argentine Women’s CC, five-time South American Women’s CC, and columnist.
Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant (née Arakhamia; born 19 July 1968) is a Georgian (former Soviet Union)-born Scottish GM, one-time World Junior Girl’s CC, one-time Soviet Women’s CC, three-time Georgian Women’s CC, two-time Scottish CC (she shared the title with Paul Motwani on one of those occasions, and Ketevan’s husband won the title once), three-time British Women’s CC, and coach. She became a GM at age 41.
Lev Solomonovich Aronin (Russian: Лев Соломонович Аронин; 20 July 1920 – 4 October 1982) was a Soviet IM who might have joined the GM ranks except international travel was limited by the Soviets, who feared potential defections.
Henry Ernest Atkins (20 August 1872 – 31 January 1955) was a British IM, 9-time British CC, and schoolmaster teaching math.
Jordi Magem Badals (born August 24, 1967) is a Spanish GM, two-time Catalan Junior CC, one-time Spanish Junior CC, two-time Catalan CC, and one-time Spanish CC.
Roland Baier, August 11, 1954, is a Swiss chess problemist, one-time World Chess Solving Champion, International Solving GM, IA of Chess Composition, and FM of Chess Composition.
Gedeon (Gideon) Barcza (August 21, 1911 – February 27, 1986) was a Hungarian GM, eight-time Hungarian CC, and frequent employer of the Barcza System (1.Nf3 d5 2.g3), aka the King’s Indian Attack (KIA).
Olaf Barda (17 August 1909 – 2 May 1971 in Oslo), born Olaf M. Olsen, was a Norwegian IM, ICCF GM, six-time Norwegian CC, two-time Norwegian Correspondence CC, and columnist.
Leonard William Barden (born 20 August 1929, in South Croydon, London) is an English chess master, writer, broadcaster, journalist, organizer, and promoter.
Tal Baron (Hebrew: טל בר און; born August 7, 1992, in Tel Aviv) is an Israeli GM. He was banned (briefly) in 2017 for using assistance during a Titled Tuesday chess.com event.
Adhiban (“the Beast”) Baskaran (born 15 August 1992) is an Indian GM, World U16 CC, and one-time Indian CC.
Vladimir Konstantinovich Bagirov (Russian: Влади́мир Константи́нович Баги́ров; Latvian: Vladimirs Bagirovs; August 16, 1936 – July 21, 2000) was a Soviet-Latvian GM, one-time Senior World CC, author, and trainer.
Vladimir Belov (born 6 August 1984) is a Russian GM and coach.
Ferenc Berkes (born 8 August 1985) is a Hungarian GM, eight-time Hungarian CC, World U18 CC, and one-time author.
István Bilek (11 August 1932 – 20 March 2010) was a Hungarian GM, three-time Hungarian CC, and author.
Marin Bosiocic (August 8, 1988) is a Croatian GM and two-time Croatian CC.
👑 Mikhail Moiseyevich (“the Patriarch”) Botvinnik (Russian: Михаи́л Моисе́евич Ботви́нник; IPA: [mʲɪxɐˈil məɪˈsʲejɪvʲɪdʑ‿bɐˈtvʲinʲːɪk]; August 17 1911 – May 5, 1995) was a Soviet and Russian GM, the sixth World CC, six-time Soviet CC, chess teacher/author, electrical engineer, computer scientist, and computer chess pioneer. I'll say it: There is a ton of information in the August post. Or you can wait for an individual post, but that won't be published until 2027.
- Reserved for post scheduled in 2027
Sandipan Chanda (born 13 August 1983) is an Indian GM and two-time Dutch Open CC. There's a good game video at the August post.
Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen (née Čmilytė, born 6 August 1983) is a Lithuanian GM, one-time European CC, two-time Lithuanian CC, one-time Lithuanian Women’s CC, one-time European Women’s Rapid CC, one-time European Women’s CC, one-time European U12 Girls CC, one-time World U12 Girl’s CC, and politician.
Elina Danielian (Armenian: Էլինա Դանիելյան; born 16 August 1978) is an Armenian GM, six-time Armenian Women’s CC, and one-time European Women’s CC.
Anton Demchenko, 20 August 1987, is a Russian GM representing Slovenia, one-time European CC, and one of 43 Russian elite players to protest the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Fabian Doettling (born 4 August 1980) is a German GM, German U15 CC, European U16 CC, and tied for first in the 2001 US Open.
Olga Dolgova (Russian: Ольга Долгова), born 7 August 1987, is a Russian-born Norwegian WIM. She is married to GM Alexei Shirov.
Andreas Dückstein (2 August 1927 – 28 August 2024) was an Austrian IM, three-time Austrian CC, and honorary GM.
Angus Dunnington (born 9 August 1967) is an English IM, poker player, and author.
Arpad Emmerich Elo (né Élő Árpád Imre, August 25, 1903 – November 5, 1992) was a Hungarian-American master and physics professor who created the Elo rating system.
William Albert Fairhurst (21 August 1903 – 13 March 1982) was an English IM, eleven-time Scottish CC, the first (unofficial) Commonwealth CC, and bridge designer.
Timur Fakhrutdinov (Russian: Тимур Фахрутдинов, born 4 August 2001) is a Russian FM with a peak rating of 2501!!
Ulviyya Fataliyeva (Azerbaijani: Ülviyyə Fətəliyeva; born 3 August 1996) is an Azerbaijani IM and WGM, one-time European Women’s CC, and European U14 and U18 Girls CC.
Alexei Fedorov (Russian: Алексей Дмитриевич Фёдоров, Aleksey Dimitriyevich Fyodorov, Belarusian: Аляксей Фёдараў, Aliaksey Fyodarau; born 5 August 1972) is a Belarusian GM and four-time Balarusian CC.
Grzegorz Gajewski (born 19 July 1985) is a Polish GM and one-time Polish CC.
José González García (born August 12, 1973) is a Spanish-Mexican GM, trainer, coach, content creator, and writer.
Ehsan Ghaem-Maghami (Persian: احسان قائممقامی; born 11 August 1982) is an Iranian GM and 13-time Iranian CC.
Diptayan Ghosh, 10 August 1998, is an Indian GM, one-time Asian U10 CC, and one-time Indian Rapid CC.
Alexander Graf (né Nenashev, 25 August 1962) is an Uzbekistani-German GM, one-time Uzbekstani CC, and one-time German CC.
Nikolai (Nikolay) Dmitrievich Grigoriev (Russian: Никола́й Дми́триевич Григо́рьев, 14 August 1895 - 1938) was a Russian chess player, four-time Moscow CC, and puzzle composer.
Mária Grosch (born 3 August 1954) is a Hungarian WIM. She is married to GM Zoltán Ribli.
Marina Guseva (also known as Marina Romanko and Marina Nechaeva; born 5 August 1986) is a Russian IM and WGM.
Mohamed Haddouche, 19 August 1984, is an Algerian GM, eight-time Algerian CC, and Arab CC (2018).
Wang Hao (Chinese: 王皓; pinyin: Wáng Hào; born August 4, 1989) is a Chinese GM, one-time Chinese CC, and one-time Asian Continental CC.
William Roland Hartston (born 12 August 1947) is an English IM, two-time British CC, journalist, commentator, author, and ABD (All but Dissertation for a doctorate) in Mathematics.
- Reserved for 2026 post.
Ildar Ibragimov (Tatar: Илдар Ибраһимов; Russian: Ильдар Ибрагимов; born 16 August 1967) is a Russian GM.
Aleksandar Inđić (Indjic), 24 August 1995, is a Serbian GM, four-time Serbian CC, and 2024 European CC.
Božidar Ivanović (Montenegrin Cyrillic: Божидар Ивановић; born 24 August 1946) is a Montenegrin GM, two-time Yugoslav CC, one-time Federal Republic of Yugoslavia CC, politician, and chess official.
Lubomir (Lubosh) Kavalek (Czech: Lubomír Kaválek, August 9, 1943 – January 18, 2021) was a Czech-American GM, two time Czechoslovak CC, three-time US CC (but lost a playoff in one of the three and was declared co-winner in another), coach, organizer, teacher, commentator, author, and award-winning chess columnist.
Dieter René Keller (born 19 July 1936) is a Swiss IM, four-time Swiss CC, and amateur player who worked full-time as a lawyer.
Ildar Khairullin (born 22 August 1990) is a Russian GM, World U14/U18 CC, Russian U10/U12/U14 CC, and one of 43 to sign an open letter to Vladimir Putin protesting the invasion of Ukraine.
Michael Khodarkovsky (Jul 21, 1957) is a Ukrainian-born, American chess player, coach, author, President of the Kasparov Chess Foundation, Chair of the International Affairs Committee of the US Chess Federation, and former US Chess Delegate to FIDE.
Daniel John King (born 28 August 1963) is an English GM, writer, coach, journalist, and broadcaster.
Dmitrij Kollars (born 13 August 1999) is a German GM and German U12 CC.
Alexander Alexandrovich Kotov (Алекса́ндр Алекса́ндрович Ко́тов; (12 August [O.S. 30 July] 1913 – 8 January 1981) was a renowned Soviet GM, one-time Soviet CC, two-time world title Candidate, and chess author.
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for post planned for 2027
Vasilios Kotronias (Greek: Βασίλειος Κοτρωνιάς; first name sometimes spelled Vassilios; born 25 August 1964) is a Greek GM, ten-time Greek CC, and author.
Max Lange (August 7, 1832 – December 8, 1899) was a German chess master, 4-time Western German CC, problem composer, editor, author, and second President of the German Chess Federation.
Mahmood Lodhi, 8 August 1961, is a Pakistani IM, 16-time Pakistani CC, and two-time Asian Senior 50+ CC.
George Alcock MacDonnell (16 August 1830 – 3 June 1899) was an Anglican clergyman, chess master, columnist, and author.
Parham Maghsoodloo (Persian: پرهام مقصودلو, born 12 August 2000) is an Iranian GM, one-time World Junior CC, and three-time Iranian CC.
Vladimir Pavlovich Malaniuk (Ukrainian: Володимир Павлович Маланюк, romanized: Volodymyr Pavlovych Malanyuk; 21 July 1957 – 2 July 2017) was a Ukrainian GM and three-time Ukrainian CC. He placed second in the 1986 Soviet CC.
Vidmantas Mališauskas (born 4 August 1963) is a Lithuanian GM and six-time Lithuanian CC.
Vladimir Andreevich Makogonov (Russian: Влади́мир Андре́евич Макого́нов, August 27, 1904 – January 2, 1993) was a Soviet IM and honorary GM, five-time Azerbaijan CC, and coach.
Sergio (“the Italian Fury”) Mariotti (10 August 1946) is an Italian GM, two-time Italian Junior CC, two-time Italian CC, chess advisor to an Italian publisher, and was President of the Italian Chess Federation 1994 – 1996.
Frank James Marshall (August 10, 1877 – November 9, 1944) was the U.S. CC from 1909 - 1936, a record length of time with an asterisk. He also wrote several books and was #2 globally in August 1913.
Carl (Karl) Mayet (11 August 1810, Berlin – 18 May 1868) was a German master.
Georg Meier, August 26, 1987, is a German-Uruguayan GM.
Vadim Milov, 1 August 1972, is a Swiss GM, one-time Swiss CC, one-time Australian Open CC, and placed joint first in the 2005 US Open.
Lilit Mkrtchian (Armenian: Լիլիթ Մկրտչյան; born 9 August 1982) is an Armenian IM and WGM and a four-time Armenian Women’s CC.
Mackenzie "Mac" Molner, 1 August 1988, is an American GM, instructor, content developer, and poker player.
Wojciech Moranda, 17 Aug 1988, is a Polish GM, two-time Polish U16 CC, coach, and author.
Jacob Isaacovich Murey (Russian: Яков Исаакович Мурей, also transliterated Yakov Isaakovich Murei, born 2 August 1941) is a Russian-born Israeli GM, Correspondence IM, and the first European Senior CC (2001).
Liviu-Dieter Nisipeanu, 1 August 1976, is a Romanian GM, European CC, and one-time German CC.
Helgi Ólafsson (born 15 August 1956) is an Icelandic GM, six-time Icelandic CC, and one-time author.
Josep Oms Pallise (20 July 1973) is a Spanish GM, Spanish Junior CC, four-time Andorran CC, individual gold medalist at the 2006 Olympiad, and FIDE Trainer.
Magesh Chandran Panchanathan, 10 August 1983, is an Indian GM and Asian Junior CC (2003).
Malcolm Bernard Pein (born 14 August 1960) is a British IM, one-time British Junior CC, chess organizer, author, and journalist.
Pauli Perkonoja, 19 July 1941, is a Finnish chess problemist, three-time World Chess Solving Champion, first-ever International Solving GM, IM for chess compositions, winner of the first European Chess Solving Championship, and a chess problem author for the Finnish magazine Tehtäväniekka.
Helmut Pfleger (born August 6, 1943) is a German GM, one-time West German Junior CC, author, television host, and medical doctor.
Alan Pichot (born 13 August 1998) is an Argentine GM now representing Spain, one-time Argentine U10/U12/U14/U18 CC, Pan American U16 CC, and World U16 CC.
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, 10 August 2005, is an Indian GM, World U8 CC, and World U10 CC.
Razvan Preotu, 11 August 1999, is a Canadian GM, Canadian U16 CC, and author.
Roeland Pruijssers, 16 August 1989, is a Dutch GM and coach.
Aleksandr Rakhmanov (Russian: Александр Рахманов; born 28 August 1989) is a Russian GM.
Alonso Zapata Ramirez (born August 22, 1958) is a Colombian GM and eight-time Colombian CC.
Dimitri Reinderman, 12 August 1972, is a Dutch GM and one-time Dutch CC. He was 32 when he received his GM title.
Aimen Rizouk (born 3 August 1979) is an Algerian GM and one-time Algerian CC.
Dorian Rogozenko (also spelled Rogozenco; born 18 August 1973) is a Romanian GM, one-time Moldovan CC, and author.
Michael Rohde (August 26, 1959) is an American GM, columnist, and author.
Gersz (Georg, George, Gersh) Rotlewi (Rotlevi, Rotlevy) (18 August 1889 – 1 January 1920) was a Polish master who achieved some great successes at a very young age, until a nervous condition (reported as depression in one source) led him to give up chess sometime around December 1913.
Iepe B. T. Rubingh (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈipə ˈrybɪŋ]; 17 August 1974 – 8 May 2020) was a Dutch performance artist, athlete, and the founder of chess boxing and World Chess Boxing Organisation.
👑 Olga Nikolayevna Rubtsova (Russian: О́льга Никола́евна Рубцо́ва; 20 August 1909 – 13 December 1994) was a Soviet IM, WGM, 4th Women’s World CC (1956 – 58), 1st Women’s World Correspondence CC (1972), four-time Soviet Women’s CC, and ICCF Lady IM.
Tania Sachdev, 20 August 1986, is an Indian IM, WGM, two-time Indian Women’s CC, one-time Asian Women’s CC, three-time Commonwealth Women's CC, presenter, and commentator.
Ivan Šarić (Croatian pronunciation: [ǐʋan ʃǎːritɕ]; born 17 August 1990) is a Croatian GM, World U18 CC, European U18 CC, European CC, and two-time Croatian CC.
Emil Schallop (1 August 1843 many – 9 April 1919) was a German master and author.
Li Shilong (simplified Chinese: 李师龙; traditional Chinese: 李師龍; pinyin: Lǐ Shīlóng; born August 10, 1977) is a Chinese GM
Samy Shoker, 1 August 1987, is an Egyptian GM.
Nellie Love Marshall Showalter (August 19, 1870 – March 25, 1946) was an American women's CC, and World Chess Hall of Fame inductee.
Jeremy Silman (August 28, 1954 – September 21, 2023) was an American IM, columnist, chess consultant, and author.
- Chess QuoteMasters #6: IM Jeremy Silman
- Reserved for post scheduled in 2027
Fernando Ribeiro da Silva (born 4 August 1950) is a Portuguese IM and five-time Portuguese CC.
Herman Claudius van Riemsdijk (born 26 August 1948) is a Brazilian IM, three-time Brazilian CC, one-time Pan American CC, FIDE Trainer, coach of the New Zealand Women’s Team for the 43rd Olympiad, and writer.
Edith Soppe (10 August 1961 – 22 November 2005) was an Argentine WIM and three-time Argentine Women’s CC.
Irina Iosifovna Turova (Russian: Ирина Иосифовна Турова; born 10 August 1979), née Irina Slavina (Russian: Ирина Иосифовна Славина, also Irina Slavina-Turova), is a Russian IM, WGM, Russian U20 Women’s CC, one-time Russian Women’s Cup CC, one-time Russian Women’s Fast CC, and one-time Russian Women’s CC.
Pravin Mahadeo Thipsay (born 12 August 1959) is an Indian GM, one-time Commonwealth CC, and seven-time Indian CC.
Jonathan D. Tisdall (born August 26, 1958) is an American-born Norwegian and Irish GM, three-time Norwegian CC, and author.
Petar (“Typhoonovic”) Trifunović (31 August 1910 – 8 December 1980) was a Yugoslav and Serbian GM and five-time Yugoslav CC.
Félix Izeta Txabarri (born 3 August 1961) is a Spanish Basque GM.
Elizbar Ubilava (born August 27, 1950) is a Spanish GM, two-time Georgian CC, and FIDE Senior Trainer.
Prince Sergey Semyonovich Urusov (Russian: Сергей Семёнович Уру́сов; 3 August 1827 – 20 November 1897) and former #5 worldwide. A brief chess career but the August blog is worth visiting to read more about him.
👑 Anna Yuriyivna Ushenina (Ukrainian: Анна Юріївна Ушеніна; born 30 August 1985) is a Ukrainian GM, former Women’s World CC, Ukrainian Girls U20 CC, Ukrainian Women’s CC, and one-time European Women’s CC.
Johan van der Wiel (born 9 August 1959) is a Dutch GM, two-time Dutch CC (he placed second nine times), and one-time European Junior CC.
Cristóbal Guillermo Henríquez Villagra (born 7 August 1996) is a Chilean GM, and one-time Chilean CC.
Milan Vukić, 19 August 1942, is a Bosnian GM, four-time Yugoslav CC, and one-time Bosnia and Herzegovina CC.
Vladimir Vuković (26 August 1898, Zagreb – 18 November 1975, Zagreb) was a Croatian IM, IA, writer, theoretician, journalist, and Vice President of the Croatian Chess Federation.
- Reserved for post scheduled for 2027
Leonid Grigoryevich Yudasin (Hebrew: ליאוניד גריגורייביץ' יודסין; Russian: Леонид Григорьевич Юдасин), 8 August 1959, is a Soviet-born, Israeli and American GM, two-time Israeli CC, and trainer.
Eugene Znosko-Borovsky (Russian: Евге́ний Алекса́ндрович Зноско-Боро́вский, romanized: Yevgeny Alexandrovich Znosko-Borovsky; 16 August 1884 – 31 December 1954) was a Russian GM, music and drama critic, teacher and author.
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for scheduled 2027 post
Vadim Zvjaginsev (Russian: Вади́м Ви́кторович Звя́гинцев, romanized: Vadim Victorovich Zvyagintsev; born 18 August 1976) is a Russian GM.
Armor conducts heat painfully well, clothing can burst into flame.
Who will flinch first in this chess contest of wills?
Not to worry. They're astral beings and immune to such mundane concerns.
Leo and Virgo Conclusion
LEO: By the way, Napoleon enjoyed playing chess when his plans for conquering the world allowed him to do so, which was infrequently and with similarly mediocre results. At least there is 'Napoleon's Attack', which immediately brings the queen into play on f3. (See: a lion first sends his lionesses into battle. But we'll get to that ...)
Some games with companions in arms have been handed down. The Duke of Bassano, for example, judged: "The Emperor was not skilled with openings in a game of chess. From the beginning he often lost pieces and pawns, but his opponents did not dare to take advantage of this. He wasn't inspired until the middle game; the confusion of pieces sparked his intellect; he predicted more than three or four moves and produced elegant and cunning combinations." Leo and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
VIRGO: A Virgo-born person goes for order, cleanliness and structure. They like to get things right. They are a passionate perfectionist, and like the chessboard because it has a structured pattern. Furthermore, they are also fond of wickerwork or tartan, but what appeals to them most is this reliable alternation of black and white, all squares exactly the same size: wonderful! When chess players born in Virgo want to find the perfect move, the result can be quite fantastic, were it not for the time limit, which can spoil the fun. Virgo and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Virgo and Libra (23 - 30 Sep)
Earth & Air
VIRGO: Born to analyze, a great skill for writers, coaches, and bloggers. However, it's a skill that is rarely taught and usually poorly explained (now is when I tout KIMPLODES: A Systemic Approach to Chess Analysis | Chessable as an exception, a book I co-authored with IM Attila Turzo). Virgos are meticulous, organized, and methodical. They also tend to be practical, so don't expect them to suffer from paralysis by analysis during your game!
IM John Watson (b. 5 September) is an archetype Virgo, publishing books with mind-shifting analyses and explanations as seen in Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy, recognized as Book of the Year by both the British and US Chess Federations, and the sequel, Chess Strategy in Action, that earned Chesscafe’s Book of the Year Award. Here's one comment regarding his A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White:
...stands out for its in-depth analysis and practical approach. Unlike others, it offers a blend of theory and real-game scenarios, making it an invaluable resource for practical learning and application. 40 Best Chess Books [Your Ultimate Guide to Chess Mastery]
Need I say more about John? No, I thought not.
If you prefer your analysis presented via video, saddle up and peruse the hundreds, perhaps thousands(!), of YouTube programs GM Ben Finegold (b. 6 September) has posted. He looks at the lives and games of chess luminaries through the ages. You'll find direct links to many of his videos scattered throughout my monthly zodiac posts.
Lest ye miss him, there's also François-André Danican Philidor, born 7 September 1726, whose book Analyse du jeu des Échecs (Analysis of the game of Chess), "was the very first to give detailed annotations on how to play the middlegame, present chess strategy as a whole, and present the concepts of the blockade, prophylaxis, positional sacrifice and mobility of the pawn formation." [François-André Danican Philidor - Wikipedia].
Thank goodness she's not having to fit a square peg into round holes.
Wouldn't that make for an annoying travelers' chess set!
LIBRA: An air sign, they thrive in social settings. Maybe that explains why you'll find the famous streamer Alexandra Botez (b. 24 September) as a charter member of this Zodiac sign.
However, Libras don't necessarily lack in decisiveness, an occasional shortfall for those born under this sign. As evidence, one need only consider Leinier Dominguez (b. 23 September), who was the World Blitz CC in 2008. You don't earn that title without being accurate, timely, and resolute.
On a personal note, this is a very good month for my side of the Smith family. Both my daughter and my son were born in September!! Bonus: There are plenty of big chess names born in September!
Did any of that influence my children's path in the royal game? Tragically, though they learned the moves, they developed a preference for the game of Risk. "What!" you say. "Why was that?" you ask. Sigh, it was probably my fault. About that same time, I taught them how to gang up on me in Risk. That sometimes works in Risk. Not likely at all in chess, as two heads are not always better than one. Oh, if only I could have induced my wife to play, I might have been able to trick them into a chess mindset with four-player variants where all three could have played against me.🤔
Let's set aside my little sob story. We're chess aficionados and generally more concerned with the Masters of the 64 Squares!
Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbek: Nodirbek Fazliddin oʻgʻli Abdusattorov; born on September 18, 2004) earned his final qualifying GM norm when only 13 years, 1 month, and 11 days old. He is a one-time World Rapid CC.
Georgy Tadzhikhanovich Agzamov (September 6, 1954, Tashkent – August 27, 1986, Sevastopol) was a Soviet GM, two-time Uzbekistani CC, and philologist.
Adolf Albin (14 September 1848 – 22 March 1920) was a Romanian master. He is best known for the Albin Countergambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5).
Bessem Amin (Arabic: باسم أمين; born 9 September 1988) is an Egyptian GM, seven-time African CC, one-time Arab CC, one-time Mediterranean CC, and MD.
Friedrich (Fritz) Baumbach (8 September 1935 – 24 April 2025) was a German ICCF GM, most famous for being the eleventh ICCF World Champion, 1983–1989. He was also the East German CC in 1970, and held a doctorate in chemistry
Albert Becker (5 September 1896 – 7 May 1984), also known as Alberto Becker, was an Austrian–born, Argentine IM, and former #11 globally.
Ossip Samoilovich Bernstein (20 September 1882 – 30 November 1962) was a French GM, lawyer, and businessman.
Jonathan Berry (born September 11, 1953) is a Canadian ICCF GM, FIDE FM, IA, chess administrator, writer, and editor.
Milko Georgiev Bobotsov (Bulgarian: Милко Георгиев Бобоцов; 30 September 1931, in Plovdiv – 3 April 2000, in Sofia, Bulgaria) was the first Bulgarian GM, a one-time Bulgarian CC, and full-time gymnastics instructor until suffering a near-fatal stroke in 1972.
Nataša Bojković (born 3 September 1971) is a Serbian IM and WGM, World Girls Junior CC, and four-time Yugoslav Women’s CC.
Alexandra Valeria Botez (born September 24, 1995) is a WFM and well-known chess streamer, commentator, and poker player.
Hans Bouwmeester (16 September 1929) is a Dutch IM, ICCF GM, one-time Dutch CC, and author.
Rudolf Charousek (Hungarian: Charousek Rezső; 19 September 1873 – 18 April 1900) was a Czech born Hungarian master whose career was grievously cut short by tuberculosis. ChessMetrics estimates his peak rating at 2734 in March 1900 and placed him #6 globally from May 1899 until his death. A game of his is found in the September post.
Vladimir Chuchelov (Russian: Владимир Чучелов; born 28 September 1969 in Moscow) is a Belgian GM, one-time Belgian CC, FIDE Senior Trainer, and coach.
Matthieu Cornette (born 4 September 1985) is a French GM and one-time French CC.
Mark Carl Diesen (16 September 1957 – December 9, 2008) was an American IM, World Junior CC, and US Junior co-CC.
William John Donaldson (born September 24, 1958), generally known as John Donaldson, is an American IM, author, journalist, and chess official.
Fedor (Fyodor) Ivanovich Duz–Khotimirsky (sometimes transliterated Dus-Chotimirski, Khotymirsky etc.; Ukrainian: Фе́дір Іва́нович Дуз-Хотимирський; Russian: Фёдор Дуз-Хотимирский; 25 September 1881, Chernihiv or Moscow – 5 November 1965, Moscow) was a Russian and Soviet Ukrainian IM.
Marcin Dziuba (born 17 July 1983) is a Polish GM.
Viktor Erdős (born 2 September 1987) is a Hungarian GM and one-time Hungarian CC.
Arjun Kumar Erigaisi (born 3 September 2003) is an Indian GM, one-time Indian CC, and the second Indian GM to cross the 2800 threshold (Anand was the first).
Evgenij Petkov Ermenkov (Bulgarian: Евгени Петков Ерменков; born 29 September 1949) is a Bulgarian GM, and five-time Bulgarian CC.
John Peter Fedorowicz (born September 27, 1958) is an American GM, two-time US Junior CC (shared first in 1977), US Open CC, coach, and writer.
Ben Finegold, born September 6, 1969, is an American GM, author, streamer, commentator, and content developer. Lots of material in the September blog.
Rusudan Goletiani (Georgian: რუსუდან გოლეთიანი; born September 8, 1980) is a Georgian-American IM and WGM, one-time US Women’s CC, one-time American Continental Women’s CC, and World Girls U14/U16/U18 CC.
Aleksandra Yuryevna Goryachkina (Russian: Алекса́ндра Ю́рьевна Горя́чкина; born 28 September 1998) is a Russian GM, three-time Russian Women’s CC, two-time World Girls Junior CC, and World Girls U10/U14/U18 CC.
John (“Gandalf”) Grefe (September 6, 1947 – December 22, 2013) was an American IM, US co-CC, and author. He is one of only two players to have won or shared the US CC without having or later achieving the GM title.
Karen Ashotovich Grigorian (7 September 1947 – 30 October 1989) was an Armenian IM, three-time Armenian CC (twice as co-champion).
Levon Ashotovich Grigorian (7 September 1947 – 29 November 1975), was a Soviet Armenian GM, six-time Armenian CC, and two-time Uzbekstani CC.
Dmitry Gurevich (11 September 1956) is a Soviet-born American GM, two-time US Masters CC, and four-time winner of the US Open.
Ketino Kachiani-Gersinska (born 11 September 1971) is a Georgian and German IM and WGM, two-time World Junior Girls CC, and one-time Georgian Women’s CC.
Curt Hansen (born September 18, 1964) is a Danish GM, ICCF GM, six-time Danish CC, former World Junior CC, and one-time European Junior CC.
Gerald Hertneck (18 September 1963) is a German GM, German U16 CC, and 1 dan shogi player.
Pouya Idani (Persian: پویا ایدنی; born 22 September 1995) is an Iranian GM and former World U18 CC.
Sriram Jha (born 18 July 1976) is an Indian GM and 2014 Indian Rapid CC.
Maurice W. Johnson (born 18 July 1940) is a retired English ICCF GM, three-time British Correspondence Chess Association CC (in consecutive years no less!!), and had a peak ICCF rating of 2618 in July 1998.
Xu Jun (Chinese: 徐俊; pinyin: Xú Jùn; born September 17, 1962) is a Chinese GM, two-time Chinese CC, one-time Asian CC, and FIDE Senior Trainer.
George (Kolty) Koltanowski (17 September 1903 – x) was a Belgian-born American GM, four-time Belgian CC, coach, and chess promoter.
François Antoine de Legall de Kermeur (4 September 1702–1792) was a French master, and possibly the world's best player from about 1730 to 1755.
Alexander Kevitz (September 1, 1902 – October 24, 1981) was an American master, correspondence player, analyst, theoretician, and pharmacist.
Nino Khurtsidze (28 August 1975 – 22 April 2018) was a Georgian IM, one-time Georgian CC, five-time Georgian Women’s CC, World Girls U16 and U 20 CC, and European U20 Girls CC.
Alexander Koblencs (Latvian: Aleksandrs Koblencs, Russian: Александр Кобленц, German: Alexander Koblenz; 3 September 1916, Riga – 9 December 1993, Berlin) was a Latvian master, four-time Latvian CC, trainer and writer.
Sergey Kudrin (born September 7, 1959) is a Soviet-American GM. FIDE lists his peak Elo at 2580 in July 1992 and placed him at #32 in the world eight years earlier.
Peter Leko (Hungarian: Lékó Péter; born September 8, 1979) is a Hungarian GM World U16 CC, commentator, and author.
Aleksandr "Alex" Lenderman (born September 23, 1989) is an American GM, one-time World U16 CC, and former Top 100 player.
Sir Philip Stuart Milner-Barry KCVO CB OBE (20 September 1906 – 25 March 1995) was a British master (of GM strength), one-time British Boys CC, chess writer, WW II cryptologist (work involving the German Enigma code-encrypting machine), and civil servant.
Alexander Sergeyevich Morozevich (Russian: Александр Серге́евич Морозе́вич, romanized: Aleksandr Sergéevich Morozévich; born July 18, 1977) is a Russian GM, two-time Russian CC, and author.
👑 Mariya Muzychuk (Ukrainian: Марі́я Оле́гівна Музичу́к; born 21 September 1992) is a Ukrainian GM, former Women’s World CC, two-time Ukrainian Women’s CC, and European U10 Girls CC.
Mark Frederick Noble, born September 30, 1962, is a New Zealand FM, ICCF GM, and lawn bowls player. He was the first New Zealand player to receive the ICCF GM title.
Predrag Nikolić (born 11 September 1960) is a Bosnian Serb GM, two-time Yugoslav CC, and World Senior CC (+50).
Illia Ihorovych Nyzhnyk (Ukrainian: Ілля Ігорович Нижник; born September 27, 1996) is a Ukrainian GM, European U12/U16 CC, World U12 co-CC (placed second on tiebreaks), and US Open CC.
Mykhaylo Oleksiyenko, or Mykhailo Oleksiienko (Ukrainian: Михайло Олексієнко; born 30 September 1986) is a Ukrainian GM, one-time Ukrainian CC, FIDE Trainer, coach, and PhD in math.
Alexander Vasylovych Onischuk, born September 3, 1975, is a Soviet-born American GM, one-time Ukrainian CC, and one-time US CC.
Berge Østenstad (born 15 September 1964) is a Norwegian GM and eight-time Norwegian CC, more than any player not named Simen Adgestein.
Bruce Pandolfini (17 September 1947) is an American NM, coach, and author. Lots of info about Bruce in the September post.
Yannick Pelletier is a Swiss GM born 22 September 1976 and six-time Swiss CC.
Leinier Domínguez Pérez (23 September 1983) is a Cuban-American GM, five-time Cuban CC, and the Blitz World CC in 2008.
Tigran Levoni Petrosian (Armenian: Տիգրան Լևոնի Պետրոսյան; born 17 September 1984) is an Armenian GM, two-time Armenian CC, and one-time Armenian Rapid CC.
François-André Danican Philidor (7 September 1726 – 31 August 1795), is widely regarded as the best chess player of his age and several generations thereafter!
- saved for HoF blog
- saved for writer's blog
Nigel Edward Povah (born 17 July 1952) is a British IM, ICCF GM, and author.
Huang Qian (Chinese: 黄茜; born July 18, 1986) is a Chinese WGM with a peak rating of 2494! She won the Chinese Women’s CC and the Asian Women’s CC once each.
Hans Ree, 15 September 1944, is a Dutch GM, three-time Dutch CC, two-time European Junior CC, and writer.
Alexander Riazantsev (Russian: Александр Рязанцев; born 12 September 1985) is a Russian GM, one-time Russian CC, one-time European Rapid CC, World U12 CC, European U14 CC, and coach of the Russian women’s national team.
Zoltán Ribli (September 6, 1951) is a Hungarian GM, IA, three-time Hungarian CC, and two-time European CC.
Mauricio Flores Rios, born September 10, 1990, is a Chilean GM and author with a peak rating of 2537 in September 2013.
- Holding for GOAT Author post planned for 2027
Nikolai (Nikolay) Nikolaevich Riumin (Ryumin, Rjumin, Rumin) (Russian: Николай Николаевич Рюмин; 5 September 1908 – 1942) was a Russian master whose ill health (tuberculosis) beginning in 1936 led to an early decline in his playing ability, and his death in 1942.
Samuel Rosenthal: ChessMetrics places his peak playing strength at 2655 in July 1885, and ranked him fourth in the world for thirteen different months between 1873 and 1876.
Héctor Decio Rossetto (8 September 1922 – 23 January 2009) was an Argentine GM and five-time Argentine CC.
Yuri Nikolaevich Sakharov (Ukrainian: Ю́рій Микола́йович Са́харов; 18 September 1922 – 26 September 1981) was a Ukrainian ICCF IM, OTB Master, two-time Ukrainian CC, and former #17 worldwide according to ChessMetrics.
Pierre Charles Fournier de Saint-Amant (12 September 1800, Monflanquin – 29 October 1872) was a leading French chess master and an editor of the chess periodical Le Palamède.
Arturo Pomar Salamanca (1 September 1931 – 26 May 2016) was a Spanish GM, seven-time Spanish CC, and author.
Friedrich Sämisch (20 September 1896 – 16 August 1975) was a German GM. His most famous game was a loss to Nimzowitsch. You can see a video of that in the September post.
Gabriel Eduardi Sargissian (Armenian: Գաբրիել Էդուարդի Սարգսյան, Gabriel Eduardi Sargsyan; born 3 September 1983) is an Armenian GM.
Vladimir Andreyevich Savon (Ukrainian: Володи́мир Андрійович Саво́н; 26 September 1940 – 1 June 2005) was a GM, one-time Ukrainian CC, and one-time Soviet CC.
Marjan Šemrl (born July 18, 1954) is a Slovenian ICCF GM and 24th World Correspondence CC. He is also a Slovenian national master.
Gregory Serper (@Gserper on chess.com) was born in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic on 14 September 1969. Now an American GM, he moved here in 1996.
Alexander (Alex) Shabalov was born in Riga, Latvia on 12 September 1967. Now an American GM, he won the US CC four times in his career and won or tied for first seven times in the US Open CC. He is also a one-time World Senior CC and one-time US Senior CC.
Kirill Serhiyovych Shevchenko (Ukrainian: Кірілл Сергійович Шевченко; born 22 September 2002) is a Ukrainian GM who was suspended for three years for attempting to cheat. He failed at cheating? Yeah. You can read about it in the September post.
Sergey Smagin (8 September 1958) is a Russian GM.
Guðmundur Sigurjónsson was born 25 September 1947. He was the second-ever Icelandic GM and a three-time Icelandic CC.
Vernon Albert Small (born 18 July 1954, England) is a New Zealand IM and journalist who won or shared the title in four New Zealand CCs.
David Craig Smerdon (born 17 September 1984) is an Australian GM, author, and PhD economist.
Kenneth Ray Smith (September 13, 1930 – February 4, 1999) was a US FM, author, and poker player. His claim to fame is the Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3).
Vivian Joyce Smith (née Barrowman, born 15 September 1951) is a New Zealand WFM, ten-time New Zealand Women’s CC, one-time NZ Seniors CC (tie), two-time Oceania Senior Women’s CC, FIDE Instructor, and former member of the NZ Chess Federation Council.
Michael Francis Stean (born 4 September 1953) is an English GM, British U16 CC, author, member of Team Korchnoi, and tax accountant.
Emil Sutovsky is an Israeli GM born September 19, 1977. He is a one-time World Junior CC, European Individual CC, and FIDE CEO.
Samvel Ter-Sahakyan (Armenian: Սամվել Ռուբենի Տեր-Սահակյան; born 19 September 1993) is an Armenian GM, former World U18 CC, European U10/U18 CC, and two-time Armenian CC.
Herbert William Trenchard (8 September 1857 – 15 April 1934) was an English master.
Mark Tseitlin (Hebrew: מארק צייטלין; Russian: Марк Данилович Цейтлин, romanized: Mark Danilovich Tseitlin; 23 September 1943 – 25 January 2022) was a Soviet-born Israeli GM, four-time European Seniors CC, and coach.
Vitaly Valeryevich Tseshkovsky (Russian: Виталий Валерьевич Цешковский; 25 September 1944 – 24 December 2011) was a Russian GM, two-time Soviet CC (sharing one title with Tal), and two-time European Senior CC
John L. Watson, 5 September 1951, is an American IM, member of the US Chess Hall of Fame, the Colorado Chess Hall of Fame, trainer, coach, and author. Lots of notes on John in the September post.
William Winter (11 September 1897 – 18 December 1955) was a British master, two-time British CC, and author. Served time in prison! You'll have to go the September post to read about that and his books.
Carissa Shiwen Yip (10 September 2003) is an American IM and WGM who won the 2021, 2023, and 2024 US Women's CC.
Elmārs Zemgalis (9 September 1923 – 8 December 2014) was a Latvian and American GM (honorary) and college math professor.
Zhang Zhong (simplified Chinese: 章钟; traditional Chinese: 章鍾; pinyin: Zhāng Zhōng; born 5 September 1978) is a Chinese GM, two-time Chinese CC, and one-time Asian CC.
Johannes Hermann Zukertort (Polish: Jan Hermann Cukiertort; 7 September 1842 – 20 June 1888) was a Polish-born British-German master and author who lost to Steinitz in both an unofficial 1872 World CC match and the 1886 World CC match
- saved for HoF #27 when I post
Kira Alekseyevna Zvorykina (Russian: Ки́ра Алексе́евна Зворы́кина, Belarusian: Кіра Аляксееўна Зварыкіна; September 29, 1919 – September 6, 2014) was a Soviet WGM, IA, three-time Belarusian Women’s CC, three-time Soviet Women’s CC (on two other occasions she shared the winning score), and World Chess Hall of Fame inductee.
Virgo and Libra Conclusion
VIRGO: Perhaps a typical Virgo sometimes takes it so seriously that they are so busy thinking that they can't make a move? There is Fritz Sämisch, 20 September, 1950 Grandmaster and a good blitz chess player, who nevertheless found it extremely difficult to manage his thinking time correctly in tournaments. In Prague in 1938 he simply couldn't agree with himself on the best 12th move - he brooded over it for two and a half hours - and finally lost because his time was up. And in 1969 in Büsum he lost all his games by exceeding his time. Virgo and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
LIBRA: A Libra chess player is able to think eight corners ahead, make a deceptive hook in the middle, tell a few charming jokes without losing sight of his goal and also confuse his opponent with his cheerful composure and attractive smile before uttering in a gentle voice: "Oh, by the way - mate!" Libra and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Libra and Scorpio (23 - 31 Oct)
Air & Water
Libra and Scorpio Introduction
LIBRA, the Scales: It's all about balance and harmony, perhaps even yin and yangish (yeah, that's a made-up word). Although Librans are balanced in totality, that doesn't prevent them from living in the moment, whether the environment is loud and undisciplined or quiet and studious. However, their play can at times seem indecisive as they may seek to balance all the elements in a position that is not suitable to such delicacy.
If any player in this month who would loudly proclaim their own indecisiveness, constantly seeking balance rather than confrontation, it would be IM Cyrus Lakdawala, born 10 October 1960. Throughout his books, he declaims his own vacillating ways during games, often taking the easier path and then denigrating his own efforts. Or should he choose to take the bold path, then Cy loudly expresses shock at his assertiveness in a situation that clamored for it, yet he claims to have been shocked both during the game and afterwards that he chose the explosive path. It's a canard that never tires me, even as it strikes me that he wouldn't have earned his title without a readiness to take bold action when required.
SCORPIO: Ambitious types who seek to exert their will in life and in chess. Their play can seem mysterious, but you should remember that their every move pulsates with some ambition, even if the goal is not readily apparent. If you do manage to place their back against a wall, their play usually demonstrates a resilient and resourceful mindset, and they will battle to the bitter end...or until you crack instead of them.
Let's stick with a Halloween baby, the fourth World CC, Alexander Alekhine. Clearly, he had the ambitious mindset required of any champion, an ambition he rededicated himself to after losing his title in 1935. But what about him could anyone consider mysterious? (Though dog people would question his love of his cat, named Chess.) Let's listen to Spielmann:
I can comprehend Alekhine's combinations well enough; but where he gets his attacking chances from and how he infuses such life into the very opening - that is beyond me. Give me the positions he obtains, and I should seldom falter. - Rudolph Spielmann Chess Quotes by/about Alexander Alekhine
x
P.S. This was the first monthly blog in the original series, so October doesn't include as many players or as much information as is found in future months. Similar considerations apply to the next two months. All part of the growing pains. At some point, I'll try to go back and add many more names and professional data for October - December.
You might ask, what brought this zodiac proliferation on? Well, one of the members in BlogChamps had a birthday (duh, like that doesn't happen all the time on a site this large) and being that this is a chess site, it made sense to find out what famous players shared their birthday. And publish a quick bio on the famous individual in one of the club's forums. Then my OCD kicked in and it became a daily ritual for me to find one or more famous players for every day of the month and publish a quick bio for those persons.
Time passed (there's an original realization🤪). Then a lightning bug illuminated and a tiny little voice whispered, "Make a monthly blog. Other folks on the site also might be curious about who in the chess stratosphere shares their birthday." If you insist. I listened to myself.
So, here we are, but with the entire year folded into one blog. Kind of an abbreviated version, but with links that lead you to entire profiles. Bonus, there is a lot more information posted in those other links because I got fully into this telling of life stories, from their games to their careers and what they wrote and said.
Then there are TDs, Arbiters, organizers, and other rules enforcers.
Finally, there are the writers who get to draft and edit history, sometimes to their own liking.
Now that's real power.
👑 Alexander Aleksandrovich Alekhine was born on Halloween 1892 and died in March 1946. The former World CC was also a Hall of Fame writer.
Nana Alexandria is a Georgian WIM born 13 October 1949. She is also an International Arbiter and was the chairperson of the FIDE Women’s Commission from 1986 to 2001. A three-time Soviet Women’s CC she twice challenged for the Women’s World CC.
Levon Grigori Aronian (Armenian: Լևոն Գրիգորի Արոնյան, romanized: Levon Grigori Aronyan; born 6 October 1982) is an Armenian-American GM. He is a former world rapid and blitz champion and a two-time Chess960 World CC.
Arthur Bisguier was an American GM born 8 October 1929. He won two US Junior CC, three US Open CCs, and the 1954 US CC.
Erik Blomqvist is a Swedish GM and two-time Swedish CC.
Olexandr Bortnyk was born October 18, 1996. A Ukrainian GM he recently won back-to-back Bullet Brawl titles, becoming only the third player to do so.
Anna-Maria Botsari (Greek: Άννα-Μαρία Μπότσαρη; born 5 October 1972) is a Greek WGM. Botsari has won, or jointly won, the Greek Women's Chess Championship eight times.
Charles II, Duke of Brunswick, was born 30 October 1804. In the chess world he is renowned for his loss in the Opera Game where he and Count Isouard de Vauvenargues lost to Paul Morphy.
Jaan Ehlvest was born 14 October 1962 in Estonia. The Estonian CC in 1986 he received his GM title the following year.
Reuben Fine was an American GM, psychologist, university professor, and the author of innumerable books.
- Hall of Fame #32: Reuben Fine
- Reserved for a post scheduled for summer 2026
Ľubomír Ftáčnik is a Slovakian GM. He was born in Czechoslovakia on October 30, 1957, and won the national championship four times.
Adrianus Dingeman (Adriaan) de Groot was a master playing for the Netherlands in events, but best known for his research into chess as a psychologist, particularly the decision-making process.
Alexander Igorevich Grischuk, born on Halloween 1983, is a Russian GM, three-time Blitz World CC, and one-time Russian CC.
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, born 24 October 1994, is an Indian GM who won the U14 World Youth CC in 2008.
Abhijeet Gupta was born 16 October 1989. An Indian GM he was the first player to win the Commonwealth CC five times. He was the Junior World CC in 2008.
👑 Xie Jun was born October 30, 1970, and is a GM and two-time Women’s World CC. She also holds titles as an International Arbiter and FIDE Senior Trainer.
Cyrus Lakdawala (10 October 1960) is an Indian-born, American IM, coach, and author of more than sixty chess books.
- All the Chess Quotemasters (QMs)
- Reserved for blog that will post in late 2026 or early 2027
Tassilo von Heydebrand und der Lasa was a German chess master. Born 17 October 1818 he was also a chess historian.
👑 Ding Liren (Chinese: 丁立人), born 24 October 1992, is a former World CC and three-time Chinese CC.
Bartłomiej (Bartek) Macieja, born 4 October 1977, is a Polish GM. In 1994 he won the Polish U-18 CC and he was a two-time national CC.
Zeinab Mamedyarov is an Azerbaijani WGM born 3 October 1983. She won the U18 Women’s World Youth CC in 2000.
Arkadij Naiditsch, born 25 October 1985, is a Latvian-German GM.
Nazí Paikidze is a Georgian-American IM and WGM, born 27 October 1993. Twice the World Girls CC she also won two US Women’s CC titles.
Alexander Nikolayevich Panchenko (Russian: Александр Николаевич Панченко; 5 October 1953 – 19 May 2009) was a Russian GM, head of the Russian Chess School, coach, and author.
Duško Pavasovič is a Slovenian GM born 15 October 1976. He is a three-time Slovenian CC.
Tiger Hillarp Persson, born October 28, 1970, is a GM and three-time Swedish CC. He is also a high-level Go player, rated as a 3-Dan.
👑 Ruslan Ponomariov is a Ukrainian GM born 11 October 1983. He was the FIDE World CC from 2002 – 2004 and a one-time Ukrainian CC.
Federico Perez Ponsa, born 22 October 1993, is an Argentine GM and one-time Argentine CC.
Daniel (Danny) Rensch was born October 10, 1985. He is an American IM and US National High School CC, and author.
Michael Roiz was born 12 October 1983 in Russia but emigrated to Israel in 1995 where he earned his IM and GM titles. He has written several books.
Gabriel Schwartzman, born 23 October 1976, is a Romanian-born US GM is a Romanian-born US GM born 23 October 1976 and one-time Internet World Student CC.
Sam Shankland was born 1 October 1991. This American GM is renowned for his efforts on chess.com and is a chessable author.
Wesley So is a Filipino and American GM born 9 October 1993. A three-time US CC he was the first Fischer Random World CC.
Jonathan Speelman was born 2 October 1956. He is an English GM, mathematician, chess writer and Twitch streamer for ICC games. He won the British CC three times.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (MVL) was born on the 21st of October 1990. He earned the GM title at age 14 and was the World Junior CC at 18. He is a three-time French CC, and one-time French U20 CC, and one-time World Blitz CC.
Rafael Artemovich Vaganian (Armenian: Ռաֆայել Արտյոմի Վահանյան, Rrafayel Artyomi Vahanyan), born 15 October 1951, is an Armenian GM and one-time Soviet CC.
Loek van Wely (born 7 October 1972) is a Dutch GM and politician.
Jeffery Xiong was born October 30. 2000 and was the fourth youngest American GM ever.
👑 Xu Yuhua was born 29 October 1976. This Chinese GM was the Women’s World CC from 2006 – 2008.
Lubov Zsiltzova-Lisenko (Ukrainian: Любов Жильцова-Лысенко) is a WIM and was born October 20, 1956. Her primary legacy is her starring role in the International Braille Chess Association. She won the IBCA Women’s World CC five times.
On your right, "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." Vince Lombardi, NFL coach
[Vince was a Gemini, but that quote is pure venom.]
Libra and Scorpio Conclusion
LIBRA: ...a typical Libra can sometimes do without a victory if they think something else is more important. Or because they might even calmly think (well, quite unthinkable!) that the opponent now somehow deserves to win more, which is why they, perhaps unconsciously, slacken off a little. Libra and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
SCORPIO: Whether she's sitting in front of the board at the Linares International, in the Tata Steel tournament, or in plaid slippers in the home kitchen: for a Scorpio personality, chess (like life itself) is not a game, but bloody serious. It's a matter of victory or defeat, life or death. There is nothing in between. A true Scorpio takes no prisoners. He has set out to crumble his opponent. Scorpio and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Scorpio and Sagittarius (23 - 30 Nov)
Water & Fire
Scorpio and Sagittarius Introduction
SCORPIO: Scorpions...are poisonous. Ooops, sorry. Wrong site. This is not Entomology Central. Rewind. Start over.
Scorpios are intense and determined. They'll dig deep to try and uncover truths others don't even suspect. Of course, the clock only allows so much time for digging, so that could be a problem. 🤔 Maybe if you're a Scorpio you should avoid bullet?! Nah, go for it.
Aron Nimzowitsch (7 November) fought against dogmatism in pursuit of truth, diving deep into the wellspring of hypermodernism. His My System, Chess Praxis, and The Blockade were his attempts to encapsulate and encode his concepts. Consequently, he did much to break down the walls that threatened to encircle too many players with Tarrasch's strategic principles. However, Nimzo ultimately became a dogmatist himself. And yet, he retained the respect of many World CCs. For instance, this is what Tal had to say,
"My System" is a book of generalizations...the value of these generalizations in the process of learning chess is enormous. To put it simply, this is the real theory creation. Until a general principle is formulated, each chess player should rediscover it on their own, wasting time and effort using their intuition. And intuition – I know what I am talking about! – is an uncertain thing, it can fail you.
SAGITTARIUS (the archer): Born under the sign of Sagittarius? Hey, you're a risk-taker, and quite enthusiastic about sharing your adventurous tales with one and all. Heck, you might even combine the talents of chess player and blogger. Do you play poker as well? Well, good luck on both the board and the table. After all, Lady Luck has two sides.
Whoa, you're more than a risk-taker, you share a sign with Baadur Jobava, three-time Georgian CC and nonconformist. Baadur (born 26 August) loves playing Larsen's Opening (1.b3) and almost singularly popularized the Jobava London System, sharing his enthusiasm with players worldwide! (NOTE: That opening is also known as the Rapport-Jobava System.)
Heck, even Nakamura took note of Jobava's unorthodox playing characteristics, suggesting that it could be self-limiting. Perhaps there's something to that assessment. Though Jobava peaked at 2734 Elo in September 2012, his rating has slipped all the way to 2572 as of June 2026.
No messing around here.
Scorpio and Sagittarius Chessers
Michael (Mickey) Adams, born 17 November 1971, is an English GM and 8-time British CC.
Varuzhan Akobian (Armenian: Վարուժան Հակոբյան), born 19 November 1983, is an Armenian-born American GM.
Evgeny Vladimirovich Alekseev (Евгений Владимирович Алексеев; born 28 November 1985) is a Russian GM who won the Russian CC in 2006 and then tied for first in 2012 but lost in the playoffs to determine a sole winner.
Jón Loftur Árnason, 13 November 1960, is an Icelandic GM who was the World U17 CC in 1977 and three-time Icelandic CC.
Evgeny Ilgizovich Bareev (Russian: Евгений Ильгизович Бареев; born 21 November 1966) is a Russian-Canadian GM, trainer, writer, and U-16 World CC.
👑 Elisaveta Ivanovna Bykova (or Elisabeth Bykova, Russian: Елизаве́та Ива́новна Бы́кова was born 4 November 1913 and passed away on 8 March 1989. An IM and WGM she was twice the Women’s World CC.
👑 José Raúl Capablanca y Graupera (19 November 1888 – 8 March 1942) was a Cuban master, the third World CC, and notable chess author.
👑 Magnus Carlsen, the GOAT, although born in the year of the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac. Magnus was born on the last day of November 1990 (30 days hath September, April, June, and November). When I originally wrote this in 2024, he was a five-time classical World CC, the reigning nine-time blitz World CC, and the reigning six-time rapid World CC. He's added since then.
Ivan Cheparinov (Bulgarian: Иван Чепаринов; born November 26, 1986) is a GM and four-time Bulgarian CC.
Mikhail Ivanovich Chigorin (also Tchigorin; Russian: Михаи́л Ива́нович Чиго́рин) was born on Halloween in 1850 according to the Julian calendar and former #2 globally.
Thomas Rayner Dawson (28 November 1889 – 16 December 1951) was an English chess problemist and he is acknowledged as "the father of Fairy Chess."
Romain Édouard, 28 November 1990, is a French GM.
Maria Florencia Fernandez is an Argentine WIM born 12 November 1991 and five-time Argentine Women's CC.
Salomon Mikhailovich Flohr (November 21, 1908 – July 18, 1983) was a Czech GM who won his nation’s CC twice. Chessmetrics states that he was the #2 player in the world in 1935.
Laurent Fressinet, 31 November 1981, is a French GM and one-time French CC. Laurent was Magnus’ second for all of Carlsen’s World CC matches.
Kiril Dimitrov Georgiev (Bulgarian: Кирил Димитров Георгиев; born 28 November 1965) is a Bulgarian and Macedonian GM, and seven-time Bulgarian CC.
Ernst Franz Grünfeld (November 21, 1893 – April 3, 1962) was an Austrian GM and chess writer.
Isidor Gunsberg, a Hungarian chess player born 1 November 1854, began his chess career as the player inside the chess automaton Mephisto (The Mechanical Turk: The Automaton Chess Player).
Stewart Gavin Haslinger (born 25 November 1981 in Ainsdale, Merseyside) is an English GM who happens to have a Mathematics PhD from the University of Liverpool.
Israel Albert Horowitz (often known as I. A. Horowitz or Al Horowitz) (November 15, 1907 – January 18, 1973) was an American IM, three-time U.S. Open CC, and lost a match to Sammy Reshevsky for the U.S. CC in 1941.
David Howell, born November 14, 1990, is an English GM and three-time British CC.
Robert Hübner was born on November 6, 1948. This German GM, chess writer, and papyrologist won the West German CC at the age of 18. You should visit the entry in the November blog to marvel at his heinous luck in Candidates tournaments.
Max Illingworth is "former" chess player who now focuses on chess training, chess writing, and professional poker.
Alexander Ilyin-Genevsky (Russian: Алекса́ндр Фёдорович Ильи́н-Жене́вский) was born in Saint Petersburg on November 16, 1894. He was a Soviet chess master and one of the founders of the Soviet school of chess.
Eduardo Iturrizaga is a Venezuelan GM born 1 November 1989, the first Venezuelan to achieve the GM title and won the Venezuelan CC four times.
Ivan Ivanišević (Serbian Cyrillic: Иван Иванишевић; born 23 November 1977) is a Serbian GM and six-time Serbian CC.
Borislav Ivkov (12 November 1933 – 14 February 2022) was a Serbian GM, three-time Yugoslav CC, and the first World Junior CC.
Vlastimil Jansa, November 27, 1942, is a Czech GM and three-time winner of the Czechoslovak CC.
Baadur Jobava (Georgian: ბაადურ ჯობავა; born 26 November 1983) is a Georgian GM and three-time Georgian CC.
Isaac Kashdan (November 19, 1905 – February 20, 1985) was an American GM, International Arbiter, and chess writer.
Vincent Keymer, born 15 November 2004, is a German GM. His peak FIDE rating was 2743 in January 2024 placing him at #12 in the world.
Tamar Khmiadashvili (Georgian: თამარ ხმიადაშვილი; 27 November 1944 – 2019) was a Georgian WGM, FIDE Arbiter, three-time Georgian Women’s CC, and she won the Women’s Senior CC five times.
Ljubomir Ljubojević (Serbian Cyrillic: Љубомир Љубојевић; born November 2, 1950) is a Serbian GM who won the Yugoslavian CC twice.
Maia Lomineishvili, born 11 November 1977, is a Georgian IM. She won the Georgian Women’s CC five times.
James Mason, born 19 November 1849, was a British-American chess player, journalist, and author.
Adrian Bohdanovych Mikhalchishin (also Mihalcisin, Mihalčišin or Mykhalchyshyn, Ukrainian: Адріян Богданович Михальчишин) was born November 18, 1954 is a Ukrainian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and author.
Nikolay (or Nikolai) Nikolaev Minev (8 November 1931) was a Bulgarian IM, chess author, and four-time Bulgarian CC.
Sergei Movsesian (Armenian: Սերգեյ Մուշեղի Մովսիսյան; born 3 November 1978) is a GM and one-time Czech CC.
Karsten Müller, born 23 November 1970, is a German GM and chess author…with a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Hamburg.
Daniel (Danya) Naroditsky was an American GM, author, and commentator born 9 November 1995. In 2007 he won the World Youth CC U-12 and won the US Junior CC in 2011.
Aron Nimzowitsch ((Latvian: Ārons Nimcovičs; Russian: Аро́н Иса́евич Нимцо́вич) was born in Riga, Latvia on 7 November 1886, but played and wrote as a Danish grandmaster.
Jozsef Pinter is a Hungarian GM and chess writer.
Kacper Piorun (born 24 November 1991) is a Polish GM, International Solving Grandmaster, and six-time World CC in chess problem solving.
Sofia Polgar (more correctly, Polgár Zsófia), born 2 November 1974, is a Hungarian and Israeli IM and WGM and artist.
Lev Abramovich Polugaevsky (Russian: Лев Абрамович Полугаевский, IPA: [pəlʊɡɐˈjefskʲɪj]; 20 November 1934 – 30 August 1995) was a Soviet GM and author. Lev won or tied for the USSR CC three times.
Lev Borisovich Psakhis (Hebrew: לב בוריסוביץ' פסחיס; Russian: Лев Борисович Псахис) was born November 29, 1958. He is an Israeli GM, trainer and author. A two-time Soviet Union CC, sharing the title with Beliavsky in 1980 and with Kasparov in 1981, Psakhis was also an Israeli CC.
Samuel Herman Reshevsky (born Szmul Rzeszewski; November 26, 1911 – April 4, 1992) who at age eight was touring and giving simultaneous exhibitions. He was an eight-time US CC, tied with Fischer for the most titles.
Anna Rudolf, born 12 November 1987, is a Hungarian IM and WGM, chess.com commentator, YouTuber and three-time Hungarian Women’s CC.
Kevin Spraggett, born November 10, 1954, is a Canadian GM, eight-time Canadian Open winner, and seven-time Canadian Closed CC.
Leonid Zakharovych Stein (Ukrainian: Леонід Захарович Штейн; November 12, 1934 – July 4, 1973) was a Soviet GM from Ukraine who won the USSR CC three times and the Ukrainian CC twice.
Alexey Stepanovich Suetin (Russian: Алексе́й Степа́нович Суэ́тин; November 16, 1926 – September 10, 2001) was a Soviet and Russian chess grandmaster and author. He was the World Senior Chess Champion from 1996 to 1997 and six-time Belarus CC
Mikhail Nekhemyevich Tal, aka Misha or The Magician from Riga, born 9 Nov 1936, was a Soviet and Latvian GM known for brilliancies, even if it took decades for the computers to put a stamp of approval on some of his combinations!
Eugenio Torre, born 4 November 1951, is a Filipino GM.
Andrey Vovk (Ukrainian: Андрій Вовк) (born November 22, 1991) is a Ukrainian GM.
Simon Williams, aka “the GingerGM”, was born November 30, 1979. He is an English chess GM, author, television personality, and entrepreneur.
Mustafa Yilmaz, born 5 November 1992, is a Turkish GM. At the age of 17 he became the youngest Turkish CC ever.
Scorpio and Sagittarius Conclusion
SCORPIO: What tactics could be used to defeat a scorpion in chess? You would have to be one yourself ... Scorpio and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
SAGITTARIUS: A typical representative of people born between 22 November and 21 December knows that justice is on his side. When he attacks, he comes out on top. The claim of radiantly clean morality flutters around him like a cape. (And even if he is completely on the wrong track).
...no one is as disgusted by lies or cheating as a Sagittarius...That perhaps explains why the world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, 30 November, who has reigned for almost ten years, has such a huge problem with potential cheating — even when he only thinks he senses it, and perhaps cannot prove it. That kind of thing makes him completely frenzied. Sagittarius and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Sagittarius and Capricorn (22 - 31 Dec)
Fire & Earth
Sagittarius and Capricorn Introduction
SAGITTARIUS (the archer): Sagittarians are often adventurous and optimistic with inquiring minds that want to not just know but to know why. They might say, "This gambit looks like it should work. If not, why not?"
I mentioned IM Levy Rozman (b. 5 December) earlier. It's finally his turn on center stage. A masterful content creator and streamer, if anyone is likely to ask, "Should this idea work?", it's him. Clearly that free-thinking mindset/attitude draws adherents as his YouTube show was the first chess channel to accumulate over one billion views, and as of November 2023 he had over 4.3 million subscribers.
CAPRICORN: Member of this sign, on the other hand, tend to be practical and focus on reaching goals. They value structure, and with so, so many pawns on the chess board, and Philidor's quote in mind, that seems like a sweet spot for the positional player.
It would be far too easy to close with Emanuel Lasker, whose chess career was focused on managing that career in the best way possible. When Tarrasch spurned him for a match in the 1890s because Lasker did not yet have the "creds" to merit meeting a "real master", Lasker went out, won some tournaments, and then obtained a match with Steinitz and won the world title.
However, I've worked to mention some lesser-known chess immortals, so I'm going to ask Johan Hellsten, born 25 December 1975, to take the final bow. A GM, chess coach, author, content creator and one-time winner of the Swedish CC, his peak rating was 2592. Yet he persevered and converted his chess acumen into the practical goal of earning a living at a game he loved, the royal game. What could be better than that? I salute you, sir! Well done.
Let's wrap it up with a month packed with holidays and chess celebrities. Were you born in December? Or are you looking to write a blog about chess players who share birthdays with one of your favorite celebrities in another sport or perhaps from the big, small, or micro screen.
Well, this post was a great choice on your part. It offers brief bios and links to any number of famous, or at least incredibly capable, chess players, streamers, and/or authors who were born in December. And a few days that present multiple individuals. Here's a December alphabetical teaser list up front: "the Black Death" (that's the only hint you get); one of the Chessbrahs (c'mon, r u kiddin' me? You must know who they are.); Lasker (but which one of the three?); Josh Waitzkin (what world title did he win?); Tatiana Zatulovskaya (okay, humongous bonus points if you knew who she was); and "X", for don't you wish you knew, is one of the GMs who produce "Game of the Day" analyses.
Sagittarius and Capricorn Chessers
👑 Viswanathan "Vishy" Anand (born 11 December 1969) is an Indian GM, five-time World CC, two-time Rapid World CC, World Blitz Cup winner in 2000, two-time World Cup CC, and a winner of the World Junior CC.
Vladimir Akopian (Russian: Владимир Акопян, Armenian: Վլադիմիր Հակոբյան; born December 7, 1971) is an Armenian-American GM and FIDE Senior Trainer. Winner of the World U16 CC, the World U18 CC, and the World Junior CC, he also won the Armenian CC twice.
Alexander Genrikhovich Beliavsky (Russian: Алекса́ндр Ге́нрихович Беля́вский, Ukrainian: Олександр Генріхович Бєлявський, Slovene: Aleksander Henrikovič Beljavski; also romanized Belyavsky; born December 17, 1953) is a Soviet, Ukrainian and Slovenian GM, FIDE Senior Trainer, and chess coach. He won the World Junior CC in 1973 and the USSR CC four times.
Joseph Henry Blackburne (10 December 1841 – 1 September 1924) was a British chess player. Nicknamed "The Black Death" because of his vigorous attacking style and large black beard, he dominated British chess in the late 19th century.
Victor (Viorel) Bologan (born 14 December 1971) is a Moldovan GM who achieved super-GM status over a decade ago when he peaked at 2734 ELO in August 2012. His highest ranking in the world chess scene was at #18 in April 2005.
Amos Burn was an English chess master and one of the world's leading players in the late 1800s.
Arianne Bo Caoili (22 December 1986 – 30 March 2020) was a Filipino and Australian WIM with multiple outside interests, including studies for a PhD on Russian Foreign Policy with a focus on Russian economic relations with Armenia. She won the Oceania Women’s CC in 2009.
Pontus Carlsson, born 18 December, is a Swedish GM with dual Colombian citizenship, where he was born.
Yelena Dembo, 8 December 1983, is a Greek IM and WGM who also coaches and writes. While living in Hungary, she won the Hungarian Women’s CC, but most of her time is spent coaching.
G. H. (Geoffrey Harber) Diggle (the Badmaster) was born December 6, 1902. A British chess player, he contributed articles to the British Chess Magazine, Newsflash, and Chess Moves.
Divya Deshmukh is an Indian GM and one-time wWinner of the Indian Women’s CC.
Mark Izrailevich Dvoretsky (Russian: Марк Изра́илевич Дворе́цкий; December 9, 1947 – September 26, 2016) was a Russian IM, chess trainer, and writer. Considered by most to have been of GM strength, he chose to focus on his role as a trainer.
Anton Filippov, 6 December 1986, is an Uzbekistani GM, Asian U16 CC, Asian U18 CC, and tied for first in the 2004 Uzbekistani CC.
Diego Flores (born 18 December 1982) is an Argentine GM and five-time Argentine CC.
Semyon Abramovich Furman (December 1, 1920 – March 17, 1978) was a factory worker and Soviet GM who did not achieve the title until age 46!
Nino Gurieli, born 7 December 1961, is a Georgian IM and WGM. She won the Georgian Women’s CC in 1976.
Susanna “Sonja” Graf (December 16, 1908 – March 6, 1965) was a German and American WIM who made her living as a touring chess professional.
Tea Gueci, born December 26, 1999, is an Italian WIM and the youngest to ever win the Italian Women’s CC, at age twelve.
Aman Hambleton, 30 December 1992, is a Canadian GM and Twitch/Kick streamer who forms part of the Chessbrahs, a chess entertainment company.
Johan Hellsten, born 25 December 1975, is a Swedish GM, chess coach, author, content creator, and one-time winner Swedish CC.
Robert Lee Hess, born 19 Dec 1991, is an American GM, commentator, streamer, and writer.
Miguel Illescas is a Spanish GM and FIDE Senior Trainer, born 3 December 1965, is an eight-time Spanish CC.
Ernesto Inarkiev (Russian: Эрнесто Казбекович Инаркиев; born 9 December 1985) is a Russian GM with a peak rating of 2732 in September 2016, i.e., a super-GM!
Borislav Krastev Ivanov (Bulgarian: Борислав Кръстев Иванов; born 21 December 1987) was a Bulgarian FM, also known as “The Cheater”.
Gawain Christopher Bernard Jones, 11 December 1987, is an English GM and 3-time British CC.
👑 Rustam Kasimdzhanov (born 5 December 1979) is an Uzbek GM and one-time FIDE World CC (2004-05). The expected consolidation match against Kasparov never took place.
David Klein (born 20 December 1993) is a Dutch GM with a peak rating of 2517 in January 2015.
Henrijeta Konarkowska-Sokolov, born 14 December 1938, is a Polish-Serbian WGM with a peak ELO of 2180 in January 1975. She won the Polish Women’s CC four times and the Yugoslav Women’s CC twice.
Igor Viktorovich Kovalenko (Ukrainian: Ігор Вікторович Коваленко; Latvian: Igors Kovaļenko), born 29 December 1988, is a Ukrainian GM and two-time Latvian CC.
Martin Krämer (Kraemer), 23 December 1987, is a German GM.
Irina Borisivna Krush (Ukrainian: Ірина Борисівна Круш; born December 24, 1983) is an American GM, eight-time US Women’s CC, and two-time Women’s American Cup Champion.
Kateryna Aleksandrovna Lagno (Russian: Екатерина Александровна Лагно, Ukrainian: Катерина Олександрівна Лагно), born 27 December 1989, is a Ukranian-Russian GM who changed Federations to Russia in 2014. The women’s World Rapid CC in 2014 and three-time Women’s World Blitz CC, she placed second in the 2018 Women’s World CC.
Edward Lasker was a German-American IM and Go player. An engineer by profession, with degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, he wrote books on Go, chess, and checkers! He also won five US Opens.
👑 Emanuel Lasker (December 24, 1868 - January 11, 1941) was the second World CC, holding the title from 1894 – 1921.
Berthold Lasker, born 31 December 1860, taught his younger brother the game. Of course, that younger brother was Emanuel Lasker. Big mistake.
Rafael Leitão, 28 Dec 1979, is a Brazilian GM, ICCF FM, Game-of-the-Day author on chess.com, and seven-time Brazilian CC.
Hikaru Nakamura, born 9 December 1987, is an American GM, streamer, YouTuber, and more. His accomplishments include five US CCs, and a Fischer Random World CC title.
Andreea-Cristiana Navrotescu (born 21 December 1996) is a French WGM.
Rashid Gibyatovich Nezhmetdinov (Russian: Раши́д Гибя́тович Нежметди́нов, Tatar: Рәшит Һибәт улы Нәҗметдинов, Räşit Hibät ulı Näcmetdinov; 15 December 1912 – 3 June 1974) was a Soviet IM, chess writer, and checkers Master.
Bruno Parma, born December 30, 1941, is a Slovene-Yugoslav GM. In 1959, he placed second at the World Junior CC, then won it in 1961. He is also a two-time Slovenian CC.
Arshak B. Petrosian (Armenian: Արշակ Պետրոսյան; born December 16, 1953) is an Armenian GM, National Coach, and two-time Armenian CC
Harry Nelson Pillsbury (December 5, 1872 – June 17, 1906) was an American chess player born in 1872 who died intolerably young, aged only 33. In 1892, he beat World CC Steinitz in a 3-game match…but while receiving odds of a pawn.
Vasja Pirc (December 19, 1907 – June 2, 1980) was a Yugoslav GM and International Arbiter.
Miguel Quinteros, born December 28, 1947, is an Argentine GM who won the Argentine CC at age 18.
Levy Rozman, aka GothamChess, born 5 December 1995, is an American IM, content creator, commentator, and author.
Akiba Kiwelowicz Rubinstein (1 December 1880[1] – 14 March 1961) was a Polish master, one-time Polish CC, and frequent visitor to the list of greatest chess players never to wear the crown. ChessMetrics estimates his peak strength at 2789 in june 1913 and ranked him #1 globally for 25 separate months between May 1908 and April 1914.
Anda Šafranska, born 2 December 1960, is a Latvian WGM who won the Latvian Women’s CC eight times between 1982 and 1997.
Rodrigo Rafael Vásquez Schroeder (born December 6, 1969) is a Chilean GM and five-time Chilean CC.
Nikola Sedlak, 13 December 1983, is a Serbian GM with a peak rating of 2609 in May 2018. He won the Serbian CC in 2010.
Samuel Sevian, born 26 December 2000, is an American GM and was the World Youth U12 CC in 2012.
Gregory (Greg) Shahade (born December 22, 1978) is an American IM and chess promoter. Jen is his sister.
Jennifer (Jen) Shahade, 31 December 1980, is an American WGM, poker player, fabulous commentator, and writer. Jennifer is a two-time US Women’s CC. Greg is her brother.
Anna Sharevich (born December 18, 1985) is a Belarusian-American WGM.
Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbek: Жавоҳир Синдаров/Javohir Sindarov; born 8 December 2005) is an Uzbekistani GM. A childhood prodigy, he was the second-youngest GM in history when he earned the GM title at 12y, 10m, and 5d.
Duncan Suttles (born 21 December 1945) is a Canadian GM and ICCF GM.
Richard Teichmann (24 December 1868 – 15 June 1925) was a German chess master and a chess composer. He was known as 'Richard the Fifth' because he often finished in fifth place in tournaments.”
Jan Timman, 14 Dec 1951, is a Dutch GM who reached #2 in the world in January 1982 (behind Karpov), though his peak ELO was eight years later at 2680.
Pavel Vladimirovich Tregubov (Russian: Па́вел Влади́мирович Трегу́бов; born 21 December 1971) is a Russian GM nand one-time European CC.
Joshua (Josh) Waitzkin, born 4 December 1976, is a former chess player and author who earned his IM title by age sixteen. His renown in the chess world stems largely from the 1993 film Searching for Bobby Fischer.
Bu Xiangzhi (Chinese: 卜祥志; pinyin: Bǔ Xiángzhì; born December 10, 1985) is a Chinese GM and one-time Chinese CC. His peak rating was #22 globally in April 2008.
👑 Tatiana Zatulovskaya (Hebrew: טטיאנה זטולובסקיה; Russian: Татьяна Яковлевна Затуловская, Tatiana Yakovlevna Zatulovskaya; 8 December 1935 – 2 July 2017) was a Soviet-Russian-Israeli WGM. Twice the Women’s World CC, she was also a three-time Soviet Women’s CC.
Feel free to restart your loop by heading back to January.
Sagittarius and Capricorn Conclusion
SAGITTARIUS: So what is the best way to play against a brilliant Sagittarius? The answer is simple: honestly and sincerely. Sagittarius and their strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
CAPRICORN: It can happen that a Capricorn player spends the entire night solving a chess problem for himself, only to not apply this solution at all the other morning, in the game.
Capricorn doesn't mess around, works hard and never gives up. That's why his strategy seems easy to see through, but there's a lot more to it than that.
Because a true Capricorn is usually deliberate, he can give others the impression that speed is not one of his talents. It doesn't suit him to rush things, he can wait for the right moment.
His greatest strategic strengths lie in his merciless patience and tenacious perseverance. Giving up is simply not an option for his nature. In the end, what matters most is who can say 'check mate!' Capricorn and their Strategy | ChessBase by Dagmar Seifert
Hey, isn't it amazing how you can always find players who fit their Zodiac traits to a T! Wonderful stuff, this astrology. Just goes to show, you can't spend enough time star-gazing, because the sky's no limit when you're loving the stuff of dreams. And chess has certainly inspired more fantasies than any other game I know...at least, it has for me. Numerology, tasseography, haruspicy, palmistry and such aren't really my cup of tea, though they do offer amusement from the outside...maybe even the Far Side (though Gary Larson never opined on those topics that I'm aware of...wait, there was the gypsy cow in the wagon.)
All that said, I found Dagmar Seifert's work for ChessBase to be a fascinating and extremely well-written attempt to draw lines between famous chess players and their signs. Plus, she drops in some player details and facts I was unaware of. Very savvy writer. For entertainment and some fun factoids, you should definitely click on the links to all twelve posts she wrote.
National Zodiac Signs Day (aka, Astrological Awareness Day) is celebrated every March 20th or 21st. It depends on the vernal equinox and the Sun's entry into Aries, if you must know the specifics. Just don't ask me to explain those specifics as I haven't a clue. Plus, I've moved on to another topic now that I'm exhausted with this one. It entertained me during the construction. Now, like any good Gemini, I'm ready to move on. Probably to something measurable.
Any and all errors and omissions should be attributed to my Zodiac attributes.😜
Cheers!
KevinChessSmith
Info and links below added 4 July 2026.
In case you missed it above, here are links to the individual blogs for each month. They offer far more details regarding individual players. Plus, they are sorted by the day of the month. Makes it easier to see if a famous player was born the same day as you, a family member, or friend.
February Babies: A Chess Zodiac
September Babies: A Chess Zodiac
Source: pinterest
