Remembering the Golden Oldies: Bronstein & Geller
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at 10:37PM On the ChessCafe website, they've reposted a 1999 article by Lev Khariton celebrating David Bronstein's 75 birthday. Bronstein has since passed away, but he will, or at least should, be long remembered by chess fans. Those already familiar with Bronstein will enjoy the article, while those who aren't are even more strongly encouraged to have a look.
I also see on the ChessCafe website that Wednesday (as of this writing, that's today for some of you, tomorrow for the rest of us) would have been Efim Geller's 86th birthday. Like Bronstein, he was one of the absolutely greatest players never to become world champion. How great was Geller? He played more than two hundred games with world champions from Euwe to Kasparov, and had an overall plus score. If you're not familiar with Geller, then have a look at his Wikipedia page and check out the games and links.
Reader Comments (3)
THE best on Bronstein is Yasser Seirawan's anecdote for Chessbase upon DB's death, "Look at the possibilities" has become a stock joke in my chess club. It is a joke because of Seirawan's intonation and the fact every man jack of us loves DB's artistry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPnDuh7yxaM (Yasser starts about 2 minutes in.)
Zurich 1953 and 200 Open Games are must buys for the chess fan. Bronstein is like a favourite uncle, telling warm stories and imparting insight into the game
Geller isn't "warm". Cold, clinical. But brilliant. His record against Fischer and the other champs speaks volumes. +1 overall, IIRC
[DM: +8, according to the Wikipedia page I linked to. I wouldn't call Geller cold & clinical, btw, but pugnacious. But definitely not avuncular.]
Cool video. Thanks Graham.
Wasn't Seirwan's story on Bronstein also involving Geller?
I have several books by Bronstein and Geller's book on his best games. So I appreciate their contributions to chess, Zurich 1953 is still my favorite chess book.
While Bronstein was definitely the most enjoyable and fascinating of the two, Geller was well prepared and played to win. Geller definitely expanded chess theory in many openings as much as anyone in his day.