NEW DELHI: Boris Spassky, Russian chess grandmaster, has died at the age of 88, International Chess Federation (FIDE) General Director Emil Sutovsky said on Thursday. The renowned Soviet chess grandmaster left an indelible mark on the world of chess.
The federation called his passing a โgreat loss to the country,โ noting that generations of chess players had studied his games.
Born oโโn January 30, 1937, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Spassky learned to play chess at the age of five. His early talent was evident when he defeated Soviet champion Mikhail Botvinnik in a simultaneous exhibition at the age of ten.
The 1972 โMatch of the Centuryโ against Bobby Fischer
Spassky had a distinguished career in chess. After defeating Tigran Petrosian in 1969, he became the 10th World Chess Champion. He retained the title until 1972 when he played the โMatch of the Centuryโ against American chess prodigy Bobby Fischer. This game, which took place in Reykjavik, Iceland, was more than just a chess match; it was a Cold War emblem. The Soviet Union had dominated the World Chess Championship for 24 years until Fischerโs triumph.
The 1972 match was filled with drama and tension. Fischerโs unpredictable behavior, including his initial refusal to play and demands for changes in the playing conditions, added to the spectacle. Despite the pressure, Spassky displayed sportsmanship and grace, even applauding Fischerโs brilliant moves. Spassky later remarked, โWhen you play Bobby, it is not a question if you win or lose. It is a question if you surviveโ.
The iconic Cold War duel has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films. Most notably, it inspired Walter Tevisโ novel โThe Queenโs Gambit,โ which was adapted into the acclaimed Netflix series in 2020.
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Legacy and Contributions to Chess
Throughout his career, Spassky won numerous tournaments and accolades. He was a two-time Soviet Chess Champion (1961, 1973) and a seven-time candidate for the World Chess Championship. His style was characterized by a deep understanding of the middle game and a keen sense of critical moments in play. Spassky once said, โMy forte was the middlegame. I had a good feeling for the critical moments of the playโ.
In 1976, Spassky emigrated to France and became a French citizen in 1978. He continued to compete in tournaments but was no longer a major contender for the world title. In 1992, he played an unofficial rematch against Fischer, which he lost.
Boris Spassky passed away on February 27, 2025, at the age of 88. His death marks the end of an era in chess history. Spasskyโs legacy lives on through his contributions to the game and his memorable matches that captivated the world.
