Garry Kasparov

Easton Press Garry Kasparov books

How Life Imitates Chess - signed first edition - 2007

 

 

 

Chess player Garry Kasparov

Garry Kasparov, born Garik Kimovich Weinstein on April 13, 1963, in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR (Soviet Union, now Azerbaijan), is a Russian chess grandmaster, former World Chess Champion, and one of the greatest chess players of all time. Renowned for his unparalleled strategic vision, tactical prowess, and fierce competitive spirit, Kasparov has left an indelible mark on the world of chess. Kasparov's journey to chess greatness began at an early age, as he displayed exceptional talent and dedication to the game. Under the tutelage of renowned coach Vladimir Makogonov, Kasparov honed his skills and quickly rose through the ranks of Soviet chess prodigies.

In 1985, at the age of 22, Kasparov made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating reigning champion Anatoly Karpov in a highly anticipated and fiercely contested match. This victory marked the beginning of Kasparov's reign as the dominant force in world chess. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Kasparov reigned supreme as World Chess Champion, defending his title against a series of formidable challengers and solidifying his reputation as a chess genius. His aggressive playing style, innovative opening preparations, and ability to outmaneuver opponents in complex positions set him apart as one of the most formidable players in the history of the game.

One of Kasparov's most famous matches was his epic rivalry with Anatoly Karpov. The two grandmasters faced off in a series of World Chess Championship matches, producing some of the most memorable and intense encounters in chess history. Their battles captivated the chess world and elevated the game to new heights of popularity and excitement. In addition to his success in classical chess, Kasparov made significant contributions to the advancement of chess theory and technology. He played a pivotal role in the development of computer chess, famously competing against IBM's Deep Blue in a historic match in 1997, which he narrowly lost.

Beyond his achievements on the chessboard, Kasparov has been an outspoken advocate for democracy, human rights, and political reform in Russia. He has faced persecution and political opposition for his activism but remains committed to promoting freedom and democracy in his homeland and around the world. Garry Kasparov's legacy as a chess player and public figure is marked by his unparalleled talent, uncompromising determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Through his extraordinary achievements and contributions to the game of chess, he has inspired generations of players and enthusiasts and left an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of chess history.

How Life Imitates Chess: Making the Right Moves, from the Board to the Boardroom
Garry Kasparov was the highest-rated chess player in the world for over twenty years and is widely considered the greatest player that ever lived. In How Life Imitates Chess Kasparov distills the lessons he learned over a lifetime as a Grandmaster to offer a primer on successful decision-making: how to evaluate opportunities, anticipate the future, devise winning strategies. He relates in a lively, original way all the fundamentals, from the nuts and bolts of strategy, evaluation, and preparation to the subtler, more human arts of developing a personal style and using memory, intuition, imagination and even fantasy. Kasparov takes us through the great matches of his career, including legendary duels against both man (Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov) and machine (IBM chess supercomputer Deep Blue), enhancing the lessons of his many experiences with examples from politics, literature, sports and military history.

With candor, wisdom, and humor, Kasparov recounts his victories and his blunders, both from his years as a world-class competitor as well as his new life as a political leader in Russia. An inspiring book that combines unique strategic insight with personal memoir, How Life Imitates Chess is a glimpse inside the mind of one of today's greatest and most innovative thinkers.