
“My opponents make good moves too. Sometimes I don’t take these things into consideration.”
Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian was a Soviet Armenian chess grandmaster, born on June 17, 1929, and passing away on August 13, 1984. He was the ninth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1963 to 1969. Petrosian was renowned for his exceptional defensive skills and strategic depth, earning him the nickname “Iron Tigran.” His style was characterized by careful maneuvering, a strong prophylactic approach, and an ability to anticipate his opponents’ plans. Petrosian’s contribution to chess includes not only his achievements as a player but also his influence on modern strategic thinking.
Tigran Petrosian was known for his deep positional understanding and defensive prowess. He often chose openings that allowed him to steer the game into complex strategic waters where his strengths could shine. Some of his preferred openings included:
- Caro-Kann Defense: Known for its solid and resilient structure, which suited Petrosian’s defensive style.
- Queen’s Indian Defense: Allowing for flexible and solid positions that can be maneuvered into favorable situations.
- King’s Indian Attack: A setup that provides a solid foundation and allows for strategic maneuvering.
Petrosian’s games often displayed a keen sense of danger, excellent positional play, and the ability to turn small advantages into decisive ones.
Tigran Petrosian’s peak Elo rating was 2645, which he achieved in July 1972. This rating placed him among the top players in the world during his peak years. Petrosian’s consistently high ratings and his achievements as World Champion highlight his status as one of the greatest chess players in history.