Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi was a prominent Soviet chess player who defected to Switzerland in the 1970s. His name may be spelled [ˈviktɔr lˈvɔvitʃ kɔrtʃˈnoj] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable of his first name is pronounced with the stress on the first vowel, while the second syllable has a silent -t. The second word in his name is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, and the last name ends with the phoneme /j/.
Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi (1931-2016) was a renowned Soviet and Swiss chess Grandmaster, and one of the most prominent figures in the world of chess during the 20th century. With a professional career spanning seven decades, Korchnoi is widely regarded as one of the strongest chess players of his time.
Born in Russia, he later obtained Swiss citizenship and became one of the most significant players in both countries. Korchnoi was a two-time Soviet Chess Champion and a four-time winner of the prestigious Candidates Tournament, which served as the main qualifier for the World Chess Championship.
Known for his relentless tenacity and fighting spirit over the board, Korchnoi was renowned for his deep understanding of chess strategy and sharp tactical abilities. He excelled in positional play, endgames, and complex tactical maneuvers, often employing innovative and unorthodox ideas to outfox his opponents. His fierce rivalry with Anatoly Karpov in the 1970s and 1980s produced some of the most intense and memorable matches in chess history.
Korchnoi's significant contributions to chess theory include his pioneering work on the French Defense and his introduction of the Korchnoi Variation in the Sicilian Defense. Furthermore, he authored several books on chess strategy and tactics, sharing his expertise and knowledge with aspiring players.
Despite facing political and personal adversities throughout his life, Viktor Korchnoi's unwavering dedication to chess and his remarkable achievements have cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the world of chess.