Alexander Aljechin (1882 - 1946)
The Russian Alexander Aljechin was born in Moscow 1892. His father was of noble birth and his mother came from a rich industry family. Aljechin studied the law in St. Petersburg (Russia). During World War one he was interned in Germany for a short time because at the beginning of the war he participated in a tournament in Mannheim (Germany). But he became free as they decided that he is military seen incompetent. From then on he worked for the Red Cross. He suffered from major back pain. After the October Revolution, he fled in 1921 to France. Four years later, he became a Frenchman. As Adolph Hitler defeated France during World War two, Aljechin arose on the land of the national socialists. That was never forgiven by the West and so he died in 1946, miserable in Portugal.
He
experienced his breakthrough as a chess player in St. Petersburg (Russia)
at a grandmaster tournament. He received third place behind Lasker
and Capablanca. After this tournament he was declared
to be a grandmaster. He won the Russian championship 1920. Seven years later
he became world master! He played against Capablanca. The match was fought
in Buenos Aires and ended 6:3 with 25 draws for the challenger. After that
he had his heyday, he won several important tournaments without loosing one
party. Aljechin defended his world master title 1929 and 1934 against Efim
Bogoljubow. But then he lost the title to the Dutch amateur world master Max
Euwe. With other words, he underestimated Max Euwe.
The match ended 9:8 with 13 draws. After this blow he changed his lifestyle
and his drinking habit. The return match 1937 was won by him 10:4. Because
of the war there was no new match for the title. He was world master until
he died 1946.
The game of Aljechin was known for the complexity of the ideas. He always tried to take the initiative. His game was determined and dynamic. Aljechin always wanted to master all styles. His skills, to liven up and to win dead draw positions are unforgettable.