“I have never in my life played a move which I didn’t want to play.”

Eduard Gufeld was a prominent Soviet and later Ukrainian chess Grandmaster, born on March 19, 1936, and passing away on September 23, 2002. He was not only a skilled player but also a renowned chess coach and author. Gufeld made significant contributions to the chess world, both through his own tournament successes and his work with other players. He was known for his vibrant personality, love for the game, and particularly for his dedication to promoting and teaching chess. One of his most famous games is known as the “Mona Lisa,” played in 1973 against Vladimir Bagirov.

Eduard Gufeld was known for his creative and aggressive play. He had a deep love for the King’s Indian Defense, which became one of his hallmark openings. Gufeld’s games in this opening are particularly famous, and he often chose the King’s Indian Defense as Black to create complex and dynamic positions. This opening allowed him to showcase his tactical prowess and understanding of intricate middlegame positions. His game against Vladimir Bagirov in the King’s Indian Defense is one of the most celebrated games in chess history, often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of Chess.”

Eduard Gufeld’s peak Elo rating was 2570, which he achieved in July 1971. During his career, he was consistently recognized as one of the stronger Grandmasters of his time, especially known for his contributions as a player and coach.