The interview with Adrian Mikhalchischin covers a range of topics detailing his personal history, chess career, and insights into chess training and Soviet sports culture.
Adrian initially visited Hamburg to work with ChessBase, invited by Frederic Friedel after a meeting in Dresden during a European Championship. Another reason was his close friend, Aleksander Bodnar, who had moved there.
Adrian shared details about his family's background, including their displacement from Poland after WWII and their eventual settlement in the Soviet Union. His parents had careers as an engineer and an English teacher, respectively. From a young age, Adrian was immersed in chess, influenced by his grandfather, a priest and chess enthusiast. His professional training began in earnest when he was encouraged to strengthen his chess skills after being defeated in a game on a beach.
He discussed the structured and rigorous chess training environment in the Soviet Union, which was closely linked to broader educational and political systems. Adrian detailed various competitions and the process of becoming a recognized chess trainer and player, emphasizing the intense competition and high standards expected within Soviet sports.
Mikhalchischin talked about his personal experiences and encounters with some of the most prominent chess figures of the 20th century, particularly during the 1970s. He recounted his interactions with legendary players such as Viktor Kortchnoi, Anatoly Karpov, Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, and Tigran Petrosian. These stories highlight the personal relationships and rivalries that shaped the landscape of international chess.
Furthermore, the interview touched on more recent historical events, such as the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Adrian mentioned his plans to visit Alexander Beliavsky, which were disrupted by the conflict.
