Garry Kasparov
Russian (Azerbaijani-born) · 1963–present · Grandmaster
Garry Kasparov — widely considered the greatest chess player of all time — combined explosive attacking chess with the deepest opening preparation in history to dominate world chess for 15 years.
Career Overview
Garry Kasparov became world champion in 1985 at age 22, defeating Karpov in an epic five-match rivalry. He held the title for 15 years — the longest reign in modern chess — and was ranked world number one for 255 months, including his entire professional career. Kasparov combined explosive tactical vision with revolutionary opening preparation, contributing hundreds of theoretical novelties. His match against IBM's Deep Blue in 1997 was the first time a computer beat a reigning world champion in a match.
Playing Style
Favourite Openings as White
B40–B99Sicilian Defense (as White)
Kasparov loved sharp Sicilian positions where his tactical genius could maximize attacking chances. He prepared deeply in the English Attack and other aggressive systems.
C80–C99Ruy Lopez (Open and Closed)
Kasparov pioneered many Ruy Lopez novelties, especially in the Marshall Attack counterplay variations, turning theoretical duels with Karpov into legendary battles.
D85–D99Grünfeld Defense (as White)
As White against the Grünfeld, Kasparov prepared deeply with the Exchange variation, often launching devastating kingside attacks against Black's fianchetto.
Favourite Openings as Black
B80–B89Sicilian Najdorf
The Najdorf was Kasparov's signature Black weapon — sharp, dynamic, and rich in counterplay. He won countless crushing games from the Najdorf position.
E60–E99King's Indian Defense
Kasparov used the King's Indian for explosive kingside counterattacks, particularly in his early career. His King's Indian games against Karpov are legendary.
Career Highlights
- ✦World Chess Champion 1985–2000 (longest reign in modern chess)
- ✦Ranked world #1 for 255 consecutive months — his entire career
- ✦Peak rating 2851, then the highest ever recorded
- ✦Five World Championship matches against Karpov (1984–1990)
- ✦First player to lose a match to a computer (Deep Blue, 1997)
- ✦Retired from professional chess in 2005 to focus on politics and democracy activism
What You Can Learn from Garry Kasparov
- →Seize the initiative early — Kasparov rarely allowed opponents time to organize their counterplay
- →Prepare deeply in your pet lines but stay flexible enough to deviate when needed
- →Attack the king relentlessly once you've opened lines — don't give your opponent time to regroup
- →Study Kasparov's 'My Great Predecessors' series to understand how champions think
Famous Games to Study
Kasparov's Immortal
Garry Kasparov vs Veselin Topalov · 1999
Kasparov sacrifices a rook on move 24 and sends his king marching toward the enemy position — a combination so deep that Topalov spent 57 minutes thinking before resigning.
Deep Blue Defeats Kasparov
Deep Blue (IBM) vs Garry Kasparov · 1997
IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue defeats world champion Garry Kasparov in the decisive game of their 1997 rematch — the first time a machine won a match against a reigning world champion.
Kasparov's Championship Clincher
Garry Kasparov vs Anatoly Karpov · 1985
Kasparov clinches the 1985 World Championship with a brilliant attacking game, ending Karpov's decade-long dominance and beginning the greatest rivalry in chess history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Garry Kasparov the greatest chess player of all time?
Many chess historians consider Kasparov the greatest, based on his 15-year world championship reign, peak rating dominance, and revolutionary influence on opening theory. Magnus Carlsen's higher peak rating and sustained excellence give him a strong case too.
When did Kasparov become World Champion?
Kasparov became World Chess Champion in 1985 at age 22, defeating Anatoly Karpov after a controversial match abandonment in 1984. He held the title until losing to Vladimir Kramnik in 2000.
What openings did Kasparov play?
Kasparov's signature was the Sicilian Najdorf as Black and the Ruy Lopez / King's Indian setup as White. He also contributed hundreds of novelties to virtually every major opening.
Did Kasparov ever lose to a computer before Deep Blue?
Kasparov defeated Deep Blue in their first match in 1996 (4–2). He lost the rematch in 1997 (2.5–3.5), which was the first time a reigning world champion lost a match to a computer.
Train Like Kasparov
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