No, it isn't. Basically, the optimum age is the early 30s (still). At that age youthful freshness and enthusiasm combines with increased experience; it's the peak age for most players. In 1972, Fischer was 29 and was absolutely crushing everyone. For the World Championship matches in 1975 and 1978, he'd probably have been even stronger. Karpov played Kasparov when he was at his peak, while Kasparov was still developing (Kasparov was almost invicible in the 1990s when he reached his peak). However, up to your early 40s most players are still formidable. Look at Kramnik, Anand, Ivanchuk, Gelfand etc.
Would prime Karpov have beaten Kasparov?
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Smyslov and Korchnoi were pretty formidable on into their 60's.
Their match was even for a very long time AFAIK.
wayne_thomas wrote:
Smyslov and Korchnoi were pretty formidable on into their 60's.
As was Lasker, but I think they were rather exceptional. Most top players don't really have the energy and motivation when they reach that age.
Colin20G wrote:
Their match was even for a very long time AFAIK.
AFAIK ?????????
What I mean is that a player reaches his peak at about 25, and keeps there for about 10 years, so Karpov was in his best form during his matches vs Kasparov, yet he lost them, except two (1984 and 1987)
Karpov first reached his peak around 1977 at age 26, and then stayed at around the same level until 1997, so that would be a good 20 years. Karpov's highest rating ever was in July 1994.
Korchnoi hit his peak around 1979 at age 48.
Steinitz's peaks were at age 40 and 50.
I think being in good form is probably related to the amount of effort a player puts into practice, preparation and training at any point in their life.
Yes, Karpov best performance was Linares 1994 I think, years after he had lost chess throne
Karpov was FIDE world champion in 1994. He lost his throne in 1999 I believe.
Both great players but Kasparov stronger player because younger and more active/dynamic player using modern tools. You cant split them though, they were the best players of their time. Karpov much more solid player with most tournament wins of all time in chess history.
Mar 14, 2024
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#152
VladimirHerceg91 wrote:
Anatoly Karpov, the master of D4. Iodized Salt's greatest advocate. And, above all a champion for 10 years. Possibly the sport's greatest champion. A Chess talent so revolutionary, that even Bobby Fischer feared him. Bobby forfeited his title in 1975 instead of contesting the great Karpov in order to avoid complete humiliation. ..
Fischer was not afraid of Karpov! And it's extremely unlikely that Karpov would have even WON against Fischer - let alone humiliate him. Fisher just happened to be a whacko, that's all. He and Magnus are the only 2 whackos that have ever walked away from the world title. But neither of them ever feared anyone in their prime.
34 years old an ancient by chess standars? It must be a joke