Aron Nimzowitsch was the most famous of Hypermodern chess masters. He was born in Riga in 1886 into a wealthy family. He learnt chess from his father and chose a career of professional chess player in 1904. The next few years saw him score several important tournament wins.
During the 1917 revolution, Nimzowitsch escaped to Berlin and after a few years to Copenhagen, where he lived the rest of his life.
His chess career was at a peak in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He became the third best player in the world during this time (behind Alekhine and Capablanca). Among his notable achievements were first place at Copenhagen 1923, Marienbad 1925, Dresden 1926, Hannover 1926 and Carlsbad 1929.
He is recognized as one of the greatest writers in chess. His works influenced numerous other players; the book "My System" written in 1925 is one of the most important books on chess strategy, even today. Concepts such as 'overprotection', control of the centre by pieces, 'blockade' and 'prophylaxis' were first discovered and elaborated by him. He was also the leading advocate and exponent of the fianchetto development of the bishops.
His death came early at the age of 49, in 1935, when he was bedridden for several months before succumbing to pneumonia.
Click here to find a site dedicated entirely to Nimzowitsch
Click here to find Nimzowitsch on Wiki
Click here for the Immortal Zugzwang game won by Nimzowitsch
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