Spassky, Boris Vasilyevich

Spassky began to play chess at the age of five. His gift was noticed earlier than any other chess player's (with the exception of Capablanca). By age 10, he was already the number one ranking chess player. Because of their son's exceptional gifts, Spassky's family was granted continuous government assistance, which helped to alleviate their poor financial state, and enabling the boy was able to graduate from the University of Leningrad.

Among his remarkable talents, Spassky was an excellent impersonator�good enough to challenge professional actors. This skill often came in handy to Spassky when he was behind the chess board.

Perhaps Spassky's most crushing moment was his bitter defeat by Fischer in 1972, when he lost with a core of 8.5 to 12.5. He fought vigorously, but Fischer, the new rising star of chess, was difficult to outplay, and Spassky was forced to surrender his crown to the new champion. In the 1974 competition for the right to challenge the World Champion, Spassky lost to Aantoly Karpov. Spassky will most certainly be remembered as a chess player of extraordinary talent, possessed of strategic and tactical daring combined with a keen psychological sense. He is half-Jewish.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Jan. 30, 1937

Career Highlights:

Spassky was named Honored Master of the Sport: 1965, and became Tenth World Champion: 1969 - 1972.

He played in seven Olympiads on the USSR team:
1962: scoring 11 points out of 14
1964: 10 out of 13
1966: 10 out of 15
1968: 10 out of 14
1970: 9.5 out of 12
1974: 11 out of 15
1978: 7 out of 11

Spassky also worked as a chess journalist.

Origin:
France since 1976 (b.Leningrad, Russia, USSR)

Category:
World Champion (International Grand Master: 1955)

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