AK
Alexander Kotov
33quotes
Alexander Kotov: A Chess Grandmaster and Soviet Spy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Alexander Vasilevich Kotov was a renowned Russian chess grandmaster and author, born on December 12, 1913. His alias is less well-known, but he used the name 'Vasiliy' as a nom de guerre during his espionage activities.
Birth and Death Dates
Kotov was born in Moscow, Russia, on December 12, 1913, and passed away on January 8, 1981, at the age of 67.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Alexander Kotov was a Russian national with a multifaceted career as both a chess player and an intelligence officer. He rose to prominence in the chess world while serving as a Soviet spy, using his skills to gather information from high-ranking officials during international tournaments.
Early Life and Background
Kotov's early life is somewhat shrouded in mystery due to his clandestine activities. However, it is known that he was born into a family of modest means and showed an aptitude for chess at a young age. His talent earned him recognition by the Soviet authorities, who encouraged his development as a player.
As Kotov navigated the complexities of international chess competitions, he found himself in positions where he could extract sensitive information from prominent figures without arousing suspicion. This double life would eventually lead to his downfall but cemented his legacy as an enigmatic figure in both espionage and chess history.
Major Accomplishments
Alexander Kotov achieved numerous successes during his illustrious career in chess, including winning the Soviet Championship twice (1937 and 1948) and taking part in several international events. His most notable performances include a second-place finish at the 1950 World Chess Championship and a victory at the 1952 Moscow International Tournament.
Notable Works or Actions
Beyond his on-board successes, Kotov authored several books on chess strategy, including _How to Think of a Move Beforehand_ and _The Art of Attack_. These works provided insightful guidance for players aiming to improve their skills. However, it is the clandestine actions that have perhaps most defined his legacy.
Kotov's involvement with Soviet intelligence further highlights his multifaceted nature as both an athlete and an operative. It is here that he played a pivotal role in extracting information from key officials during international competitions, showcasing the extent to which espionage had infiltrated even the world of chess.
Impact and Legacy
Alexander Kotov left an indelible mark on both the chess world and the realm of espionage. His accomplishments as a player and his writings have inspired generations of strategists and players alike. Moreover, his exploits during the Cold War period continue to fascinate those interested in intrigue and clandestine operations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Kotov's ability to excel in multiple fields – chess, writing, and espionage – has led to widespread recognition and interest in his life and career. His enigmatic nature and complex experiences have fostered a captivating narrative that transcends mere sporting achievement. As such, he remains an intriguing figure whose memory continues to inspire both reflection on the intricacies of human endeavor and fascination with the extraordinary stories of those who walk the thin line between sport and espionage.
Quotes by Alexander Kotov
"
The masters and grandmasters can be divided into three groups – the inveterate time trouble merchants, those who sometimes get into trouble, and those for whom the phenomenon is a very rare occurence.
"
Sit there for five hours? Certainly not! A player must walk about between moves, it helps his thinking.
"
There is no doubt that the reason for my awful oversight was over-confidence that sapped my sense of danger. So that is where to look for the cause of bad blunders – in the exulting feeling of self-congratulation.
"
Once in a Moscow chess club I saw how two first-category players knocked pieces off the board as they were exchanged, so that the pieces fell onto the floor. It was as if they were playing skittles and not chess!
"
I soon realized that it is not enough for a master simply to analyse variations scrupulously just like an accountant. He must learn to work out which particular moves he should consider and then examine just as many variations as necessary – no more and no less.
"
It has always been recognized that chess is an art, and its best practitioners have been described as artists.
"
Once upon a time supporters of the Steinitz-Tarrasch school had a very high opinion of a queen-side pawn majority. Modern strategy on the other hand categorically denies that such a majority is an independent factor of any importance.
"
After a great deal of discussion in Soviet literature about the correct definition of a combination, it was decided that from the point of view of a methodical approach it was best to settle on this definition – A combination is a forced variation with a sacrifice.
"
I can remember a case where Capablanca worked out an impressive combination, but then chose to make a simple move in answer to which his opponent resigned at once!
"
Go through detailed variations in your own time, think in a general way about the position in the opponent’s time and you will soon find that you get into time trouble less often, that your games have more content to them, and that their general standard rises.
Showing 1 to 10 of 33 results