Tal, Mikhail Nekhemyevich

Mikhail Tal began playing chess at the age of 7. His cousin taught him the rules of the game. Later he was coached and trained by one of Riga's top masters, Alexander Koblencs.

Tal was considered one of the sharpest and most spontaneous of all the World Champions. He seized the title from Botvinnik in 1960, using puzzling chess decisions and psychological tactics, which might seem inappropriate when playing against an opponent so much older. His victory, however, did not last long. Botvinnik's experience and endurance won him back the World Championship title in the return match of 1961. On the last day of that contest, Botvinnik came to the game without his usual thermos of hot tea, as if to say he did not intend to stay long. Basking in self-assurance, Tal overlooked Botvinnik's winning move, falling into his own trap.

Nevertheless,Tal remained a chess player of the highest level. His skills evolved from playing of learned combinations to a universal level. "Tal's entrance into the spotlight of chess started a revolution of board positioning. His nerves and chess combinations became, in a way, a symbol of what is contemporary in the game." (A. Suetip)

In his professional life, Tal was a language teacher and a member of the Riga Soviet (legislature).

Birth and Death Dates:
Nov. 9, 1936 - June 28, 1992

Career Highlights:

Tal was the winner of the Russia title: 1956 - 1957, and the Eighth World Champion: 1960 - 1961.

As a member of the USSR team, Tal won eight Olympiads:
1958: scoring 13 points out of 15
1962: 10 out of 13
1964: 11 out of 15
1966: 12 out of 13
1972: 14 out of 16
1974: 10.5 out of 14
1980: 3.5 out of 6
1982: 6.5 out of 8
He ordinarily took first place on his chess board.

Tal was awarded with the Friendship of the People decoration (1981) and the Badge of Honor in (1960).

Origin:
Riga, Latvia, USSR (b. Riga)

Category:
World Champion (International Grand Master: 1957)

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