Boris Spassky

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 14, 2022

Boris Spassky (born 30 January 1937 in Leningrad), is a Soviet–French chess grandmaster. He was the tenth World Chess Champion, holding the title from late 1969 to 1972.^p381

Spassky won the USSR Chess Championship twice outright (1961, 1973), and twice more lost in playoffs (1956, 1963). He was a World Chess Championship candidate on seven occasions (1956, 1965, 1968, 1974, 1977, 1980, and 1985).

Boris won the Candidates match series in 1965 and 1968. He played for the world championship three times. Against Tigran Petrosian in 1966 he lost; against Petrosian again in 1969 (winning), and against Bobby Fischer in 1972 (losing). The match with Fischer in Reykjavik was the most publicised chess match of any time. His loss was subjected to the most rigorous scrutiny by the Soviet central committee for chess, and he was criticised for lack of adequate preparation.

The second half of his life until recently was lived in France. He has both Russian and French nationality.

Questions and Answers

Q: Who is Boris Spassky?

A: Boris Spassky is a chess grandmaster who was born in Leningrad, now St. Petersburg. He holds both Russian and French nationality.

Q: What was his achievement in the world of chess?

A: Boris Spassky was the tenth World Chess Champion, holding the title from late 1969 to 1972. He was also a World Chess Championship candidate on seven occasions.

Q: How many times did he win the USSR Chess Championship?

A: Boris Spassky won the USSR Chess Championship twice outright, in 1961 and 1973, and lost in playoffs twice, in 1956 and 1963.

Q: In which years did he win the Candidates match series?

A: Boris Spassky won the Candidates match series in 1965 and 1968.

Q: Did he ever play for the World Chess Championship?

A: Yes, Boris Spassky played for the world championship three times. He lost to Tigran Petrosian in 1966, won against Petrosian in 1969, and lost to Bobby Fischer in 1972 in a match that was heavily publicized.

Q: What criticism did he face after the match with Fischer in 1972?

A: After the match with Fischer in Reykjavik, Boris Spassky faced criticism from the Soviet central committee for chess, who accused him of lack of adequate preparation.

Q: Where has Boris Spassky spent most of his life?

A: Boris Spassky has spent most of his life until recently living in France.