Tigran Petrosian (1929-1984) took up chess at the age of 8 and quickly excelled. A fine positional player and brilliant tactician, he was known for his solid style and nicknamed "Iron Tigran." Petrosian participated in three Candidates tournaments before finishing first in Curacao (1962), earning the right to challenge the World Champion. In 1963, he dethroned Botvinnik (+5-2=15), and three years later defended his title in the match against Spassky (12½-11½).
After losing the world championship title to Spassky in 1969, Petrosian remained active in chess. He won the Soviet Championship four times (1959, 1961, 1969, and 1975) and was a member of the Soviet Olympiad team ten times (1958-1978).
Even in his post-championship years, he continued to achieve impressive tournament victories, including a memorable defense against young Garry Kasparov in Tilburg in 1981.
Autograph of Tigran Petrosian by Tigran PetrosianInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Petrosian's autograph
Petrosian's signature chess combination
Petrosian – Spassky. Moscow 1966
In the tenth game of the 1966 World Chess Championship match, Tigran Petrosian finished with an impressive queen sacrifice: 30. Qh8+! Spassky resigned because after 30… Kxh8 31. Nxf7+ Kg7 32. Nxg5, White has an extra piece.
The world speaks: opinions on Petrosian
"Petrosian is not a tiger that pounces on its prey; rather, he is a python that strangles its prey or a crocodile that waits for hours for the right moment to deliver a decisive blow." - Max Euwe
"Petrosian is good at seeing and eliminating danger 20 moves before it occurs!" - Robert Fischer
"If Tal sacrifices a piece, take it. If Petrosian sacrifices a piece, don't take it." - Mikhail Botvinnik
"The subtlest positional chess player, defensive virtuoso, deep psychologist—this is a shield that is very difficult to break through." - Mikhail Tal
Timeless chess wisdom from Petrosian
Chess is a game by its form, an art by its content, and a science by the difficulty of mastering it. It can bring as much happiness as a good book or a piece of music.
I'm absolutely convinced that in chess—although it remains a game—there is nothing accidental. This is my credo. I only enjoy those chess games where I have played according to the position's requirements. I believe in logical and correct play.
Dive deeper: explore Petrosian's legacy through these videos
