Alexander Genrikhovich Beliavsky was born on December 17, 1953, in Lviv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union.
He began his chess career at a young age and showed promising talent from the start. Beliavsky’s dedication and hard work led him to become a successful chess player, achieving the Grandmaster title from FIDE in 1975.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Alexander Beliavsky achieved numerous accomplishments, including:
- Winning the World Junior Chess Championship in 1973
- Becoming a four-time Soviet champion (1974, 1980, 1987, and 1990)
- Winning the Slovenian championship in 1996 and 2011
- Being a two-time world championship candidate
Coaching and Publications
In addition to his playing career, Beliavsky has also worked as a chess coach and shared his knowledge with others. He was awarded the title of FIDE Senior Trainer in 2004.
Beliavsky has co-authored several chess books with Adrian Mikhalchishin, including “Uncompromising Chess” (1998), “The Two Knights Defence” (1999), “Winning Endgame Strategy” (2000), and “Modern Endgame Practice” (2003)
Books and Articles
Some of the notable chess books and articles authored or co-authored by Alexander Beliavsky are:
- Beliavsky, Alexander (1998). Uncompromising Chess. Cadogan.
- Beliavsky, Alexander; Mikhalchishin, Adrian (1999). The Two Knights Defence. Batsford.
- Beliavsky, Alexander; Mikhalchishin, Adrian (2000). Winning Endgame Strategy. Batsford.
- Beliavsky, Alexander; Mikhalchishin, Adrian (2003). Modern Endgame Practice. Batsford.
Retirement and Post-Career
Although Beliavsky has been active in chess competitions well into his 60s, there is no specific information available about his retirement from professional chess.
However, his longevity and continued involvement in the sport as a player and coach demonstrate his passion for chess and his commitment to sharing his knowledge with others.
Playing Style
Alexander Beliavsky is known for his uncompromising style of play and his classical opening repertoire. His playing style can be characterized by the following traits:
- Determined fighter: Beliavsky is a determined fighter at the chessboard, with a direct, aggressive style of play.
- Uncompromising: As the title of his book “Uncompromising Chess” suggests, Beliavsky is known for his unwavering approach to the game.
- Classical openings: Beliavsky’s opening repertoire includes classical openings such as the Queen’s Gambit and Ruy Lopez.
- Complicated and dangerous opening lines: He was one of the last players to enter into complicated and dangerous opening lines, relying on his own analytical skills.
- Adaptability: Beliavsky was able to adapt to various styles and strategies throughout his career, maintaining his competitiveness in the face of evolving chess trends.
Overall, Alexander Beliavsky’s playing style is marked by determination, aggression, and a strong opening repertoire, making him a formidable opponent in international chess competitions.
