“The Soviet Union has never before seen such a man. Nor will they ever again…” as referred to the legendary Chess personality by Oscar Wilde, Anatoly Karpov has never ceased to be an enigma in the history of world chess. Named Anatoly Evgenievich Karpov by his parents, Anatoly Karpov was born on 23rd May in the year 1951 in Zlatoust, Russia. His utmost logic has never failed him in the game and he has emerged to be one of the strongest contenders for all eminent chess players across the globe. Very few people know that Karpov has an asteroid named after him…such is his popularity with the Chess lovers all over the world.

Besides his passion for Chess, he has been involved in numerous humanitarian causes throughout his life. He is one of the major initiators behind the increase in the usage of iodized salt in the developing world, which he believed was for the betterment of the race. He has been passionately involved in the political events and activities of Russia, his hometown.

When asked about his retirement, Karpov says, “I still love to play chess. So I do not even spend a minute on the possibility to step back”. However, its politics that keeps him busy most of the time. He has limited his public chess playing. He at present only plays for exhibition matches or fund raising events and has developed a unique style of playing, which is known as fast chess games.

And the journey began…

Karpov was introduced to the intriguing world of chess at the age of 4. Besides his indomitable passion for Chess, he was an exceptionally bright student all his life. At the age of 12 he was accepted in the reputed Mikhail Botvinnik's chess school from where his journey through the lanes of Chess world started. The journey was not at all smooth as remembered by him. He had to go through tough lessons and learning schedules as a student of Botvinni who was doubtful about his talent as a chess player. Karpov accepted that hadn’t it been for Botvinnik, he wouldn’t have come such a long way. The extensive research and reading that he had to do had helped him understand the right moves of his profession. He was title the youngest Soviet National Master in the year 1966 and the world's youngest international grand master in the year 1970. Kasparov paved the way for his thunderous victory in the year 1993, when he backed out of FIDE thus, letting Karpov have a fair chance to win. Karpov played that World Championship match to win it against Jan Timman of the Netherlands. Karpov won the World Championship for the first time in the year 1975 against Bobby Fischer, when he refused to play because of the disagreement he had with FIDE. The rest however is history. His continuous victory against all his contenders came to an end with his defeat to Gary Kasparov. Karpov’s regime as the World Champion ended with his feud with FIDE.

On his passion for Chess, Karpov commented… "Let us say the game may be continued in two ways: one of them is a beautiful tactical blow that gives rise to variations that don't yield to precise calculation; the other is clear positional pressure that leads to an endgame with microscopic chances of victory.... I would choose the latter without thinking twice. If the opponent offers keen play I don't object; but in such cases I get less satisfaction, even if I win, than from a game conducted according to all the rules of strategy with its ruthless logic." Karpov is well known across the globe for his style of playing, which the experts refer to as ‘solidly positional’. He took no risk with his moves but at the same time ruthlessly attacking his rival in case of a single wrong move.

World Chess Championship:

After his win in the year 1975, Karpov defended his title for the next few years only to lose to Kasparov in the year 1985. He regained the title in the year 1993. His glorious years have shaped history all over again with his achievements creating a milestone for other players. 1999, Karpov gave up his title and FIDE for a disagreement that he had with FIDE. Alexander Khalifman, hence, was declared undisputed winner of the title.