Alexander Alekhine

Authored by my student Rohit RM

Alexander Alexandrovich Alekhine, one of the greatest chess players was born on October 31 1892 in Moscow, Russia. He was born into a rich family and was taught chess by his mother.

His first known tournament was a correspondence which he played at the young age of 10. In 1909 he won the all-Russian amateur tournament held in Saint Petersburg. From then he played in tougher tournaments, of which some were held outside Russia and by the age sixteen he established himself as the one of the best players in Russia. Alekhine won his first major Russian tournament, when he tied for first place with Aron Nimzowitsch in the All-Russian Masters Tournament at St. Petersburg. Afterwards, they drew in a mini-match for first prize (they both won a game). In 1914 he came 3rd in the St. Petersburg tournament behind Emanuel Lasker and Jose Raul Capablanca.

He was and is known for his for his fierce and imaginative attacking style, and positional endgames. He brought in innovations in many of the openings.

Alekhine won the world chess champion against one of the best players of his times, Capablanca. This was held in Buenos Aires in the year 1927. He was the world champion until 1935, when he challenged Max Euwe to whom he lost the title. He won back the title within a gap of two years in 1937, against Max Euwe.

On march 24th 1946 he passed away due to unknown circumstances at the age of 53 in Estoril, Portugal.

Details on Wiki & ChessGames
Play through over 2200 games of Alekhine
Below is an Endgame brilliancy by Alekhine playing white