Savielly Tartakower
Savielly Tartakower: A Pioneering Chess Strategist
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Savielly Grunspan-Melnikoff was born as Savielly Tartakower (also known as Savielly Gruenfeld, Tartakower, or simply Tartak), but he is most famously remembered by his adopted surname, _Tartakower_.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on February 22, 1874, in Kraków, Poland, Tartakower passed away on March 21, 1956, at the age of 82.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Savielly Tartakower was a Polish-born Russian chess grandmaster, writer, and editor. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential chess writers of all time, with numerous books on strategy, tactics, and openings that have shaped the game for generations.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Kraków during a tumultuous period in Polish history, Tartakower's love affair with chess began at an early age. As a child prodigy, he won several local tournaments before moving to Vienna, Austria, where he continued his studies under the guidance of notable chess masters.
Major Accomplishments
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Tartakower achieved international recognition for his creative and innovative approach to the game. He was known for his unique understanding of strategic concepts, such as the "Tartakower Variation" in the Ruy Lopez opening, which has remained a staple in modern chess theory.
Some of his notable achievements include:
Winner of the 1907 Vienna International Tournament
Held the title of Honorary President of the World Chess Federation (FIDE)
Edited several prominent chess journals and magazinesNotable Works or Actions
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Tartakower's written legacy is vast, with numerous books on various aspects of the game. Some notable publications include:
The Strategy of Chess (1912) - a seminal work exploring strategic concepts and principles
How to Win at Chess (1947) - an introductory text that remains popular among beginnersImpact and Legacy
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Tartakower's contributions to chess theory have had a lasting impact on the game. His emphasis on understanding fundamental strategies over memorizing openings has inspired generations of players.
Many top players, including World Champions like Mikhail Botvinnik and Vasily Smyslov, have cited Tartakower as an influence or acknowledged his significant contributions to chess literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Tartakower's quotes are often cited for their insight into the game's strategic nuances. He had a gift for distilling complex concepts into concise and memorable phrases, making him a beloved figure among players.
Some of his most famous quotes include:
"The art of chess is not to lose."
* "It is better to play badly than to have no fun at all."
Tartakower's dedication to the game and his ability to articulate its intricacies have cemented his place as one of the most revered figures in chess history.
Quotes by Savielly Tartakower
Savielly Tartakower's insights on:
Shall we ever live to see the following wise prohibition – the audience is forbidden to smoke and the masters are forbidden to ‘smoke out’ the audience by playing exchanging variations?
Psychologically, the choice of an appropriate opening is of the utmost importance for a player’s success in a tournament.
A Queen’s sacrifice, even when fairly obvious, always rejoices the heart of the chess-lover.
Like the alchemist of old, for ever searching for the philosopher’s stone, the analyst to-day never stops looking for stronger moves to prevent the defender from establishing equality.