Alexander Alekhine
Alexander Alekhine – Life, Chess, and Famous Quotes
Explore the life, chess career, controversial legacy, and enduring influence of Alexander Alekhine (1892–1946), one of the greatest chess champions ever. Discover his style, achievements, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Alexander Alexandrovich Alekhine (October 31/November 1, 1892 – March 24, 1946) was a Russian-born chess grandmaster who later became a French citizen, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest World Chess Champions in history.
Adaptability is critical.
His ability to shift between styles—positional and tactical—helped him excel in many different types of positions.
Preparation, study, and self-criticism matter.
Alekhine was a student of his opponents, a careful analyzer of games, and continually strove to improve.
Legacy is never simple.
His moral and historical controversies remind us that greatness in one domain doesn’t exempt a person from scrutiny in others.
Uncertainty & human cost in competitive life.
His sudden death and allegations about his final years show that even celebrated figures live under constraints, pressures, and opacity.
Enduring influence through ideas and games.
Even decades after his death, Alekhine’s creative games continue to teach, inspire, and challenge new generations of players.