3/26/2026 – A life between political pressure, sporting rivalry and unshakeable ambition: Viktor Korchnoi is one of the most fascinating figures in chess history. On 23 March, the chess legend would have turned 95. ChessBase is taking this as an opportunity to provide you with a feature package on the influential figure in the history of chess. | Pictured: Petra and Viktor Korchnoi enjoying a meal aboard the Hamburg Alster steamer at the ChessBase Christmas celebration. | Photos: ChessBase
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Unyielding fighter
Viktor Korchnoi (23 March 1931–6 June 2016) was one of the most important chess grandmasters of the 20th century and for decades was regarded as a serious contender for the title of world champion. Trained in the Soviet Union, he quickly established himself among the world elite, but his independent character increasingly brought him into conflict with the state authorities.
In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Viktor Korchnoi. Let them show you which openings Korchnoi chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were, or how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame.
Viktor Korchnoi in the old ChessBase studio, with his wife Petra and ChessBase co-founder Frederic Friedel | Photo: ChessBase
In 1976, he defected to the West during a tournament and later became stateless, while his family in the Soviet Union was subjected to repression. Despite these personal hardships, Korchnoi continued to play at the highest level well into old age.
His greatest achievements came as challenger to Anatoly Karpov in the World Championship matches of 1978 and 1981. These encounters were not only of the highest sporting quality but also politically charged, and were widely seen internationally as a symbolic confrontation between East and West.
Korchnoi remained an active tournament player into advanced age and was known for his tireless fighting spirit, his psychological strength and his uncompromising style of play. He is counted among the strongest players in chess history never to have won the world title.
Special package for his birthday:
ChessBase honours the unforgettable grandmaster with a special themed package.
To mark the occasion, we are offering two outstanding video courses featuring in-depth analyses, unforgettable games and fascinating insights into the life of an extraordinary champion at a special price:
Master Class, Vol. 15 – Korchnoi and My Life for Chess, in which Korchnoi personally analyses his best games, are available together as a special bundle offer
Free video shows honouring Korchnoi
In the latest episode of his Power Play Show, GM Daniel King dedicates the video to Viktor Korchnoi on the occasion of his 95th birthday
In this video course, experts (Pelletier, Marin, Müller and Reeh) examine the games of Viktor Korchnoi. Let them show you which openings Korchnoi chose to play, where his strength in middlegames were, or how he outplayed his opponents in the endgame.
In the 716th instalment of his Game of the Week, IM Merijn van Delft analyses a remarkable attacking victory by "Viktor the Terrible"
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
“Attack with Qh5!!” – Tactical training with Oliver Reeh, “6…g5 – nothing ventured, nothing …” – Le Quang Liem comments on one of his victories in Biel, “Grischuk’s stroke of genius” – Petra Papp reveals a surprise in the Sicilian Kan Variation, and much
YOUR PERSONAL CHESS COACH - Whether you’re taking your first steps into the world of club chess, or already playing at a tournament level: with FRITZ, you can train more efficiently, intelligently and with a more personalised approach than ever before.
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IM Andrew Martin shows why this 19th-century opening weapon still is a fantastic choice for club players. The Evans produces exciting chess and teaches the art of attack.
IM Andrew Martin complements his Evans Gambit course with a simple and attacking repertoire against all of blacks sidelines after 1.e4 e5.
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