My Instructive Wins Against Greats

by Kasparov Chess Foundation
3/7/2026 – On Sunday, March 8, Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy will host a lecture by Vladimir Tukmakov. Drawing from his remarkable career spanning decades at the highest levels of chess, Tukmakov will guide participants through some of his most memorable and instructive victories against legendary opponents. Chess enthusiasts can look forward to an intimate journey into the grandmaster's decision-making process, revealing the ideas and insights behind his finest achievements at the board.
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The lecture comes at a particularly special moment: Vladimir Tukmakov celebrates his 80th birthday on March 5, making this an occasion to honor one of chess's most distinguished figures while learning directly from his lifelong wisdom and experience.

Vladimir Tukmakov, born in Odesa, Ukraine, is a distinguished grandmaster renowned for his significant contributions both as a formidable player and as an insightful coach and author.

Tukmakov's talent became evident during his participation in the World Student Team Championships from 1966 to 1972, where he played a pivotal role in the USSR's consecutive victories. He won silver medals in three USSR Chess Championships (1970, 1972, and 1983) and was crowned Ukrainian Champion in 1970. As a member of the USSR national team, he became European Champion in 1973 and 1983 and won gold at the 1984 Chess Olympiad. Representing the Ukrainian national team, he secured titles at the Soviet Spartakiad in 1979 and the USSR Team Championship in 1981, later finishing as Vice-World Champion in 1993.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Tukmakov secured top positions in numerous international tournaments, including second place at Buenos Aires in 1970 trailing only Bobby Fischer, shared first at the IBM Amsterdam tournament in 1974, first place at the Malta tournament in 1980, victory at the 30th Reggio Emilia tournament in 1987/88, and shared first place with Judit Polgár at the Amsterdam OHRA-B in 1990.

After an illustrious playing career, Tukmakov transitioned to coaching, leading the Ukrainian team to Chess Olympiad victories in 2004 and 2010, guiding the Azerbaijani men's team to a silver medal at the 2011 European Team Championship, and working alongside world champions Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. He later coached elite players such as Anish Giri and Wesley So.

He has authored several influential books on chess strategy and psychology, including Profession: Chessplayer, Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking Calculated Risks, Coaching the Chess Stars, and Modern Chess Formula — The Powerful Impact of Engines.

March 1, 17:00 CET - Live at KCF Academy.

Visit www.kcfacademy.org for more details.

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The vision of the Kasparov Chess Foundation is primarily to use the many benefits of chess to help children worldwide. KCF does this through a variety of different programs, which you can find at KasparovChessFoundation.org
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60m English The Elephant Gambit

The Elephant Gambit (1.e4.e5 2.Nf3 d5!?) has never really been given the attention it deserves. It is a very useful surprise weapon. Let us list the advantages of playing this particular opening: 1) Shock value 2) It is very aggressive. Black can take over the initiative early. 3) Many tricky lines 4) Unorthodox. Black is basically taking the game to the opponent as early as move two. Not many openings do that! It's a perfect opening for young players and club players to adopt. Let Andrew Martin select a repertoire for you on this 60 mins, which, if used with discretion, will rack up the points. I am sure that you will enjoy this unusual tour of the Elephant Gambit.