Karpov

Karpov typically refers to Anatoly Evgenievich Karpov, a Russian chess grandmaster and one of the most prominent figures in the history of the game. Born on May 23, 1951, in Zlatoust, he rose to the world stage in the 1970s and established himself as a dominant force in international chess.

World Championship and career highlights: Karpov became World Chess Champion in 1975 after challenger Boris Spassky forfeited the match, thereby preserving the title for the reigning champion. He defended the crown successfully through the late 1970s and early 1980s in matches against opponents such as Viktor Korchnoi, before losing the title to Garry Kasparov in 1985. The Karpov–Kasparov rivalry defined an era in chess history and helped popularize the game worldwide. Beyond the world title, Karpov accumulated numerous tournament victories and remained among the world’s elite players for decades, competing in multiple world championship cycles and elite events.

Playing style and contributions: Karpov is renowned for his deep strategic understanding, meticulous preparation, and exceptional endgame technique. His games are frequently studied for prophylaxis, strategic planning, and precise conversion of small advantages. He contributed to chess literature through many books and articles and played a key role in coaching and promoting the game.

Legacy: As a central figure in late 20th-century chess, Karpov’s influence extends through his competitive achievements, theoretical contributions, and continued participation in high-level chess. He is widely regarded as one of the strongest players in history and a models of strategic mastery in the game.