Garry Kasparov
Contribution: Revolutionized opening preparation with deep computer analysis.
Philosophy: Aggressive and dynamic play, often sacrificing material for initiative.
Favorite Opening (White): Sicilian Defense with White (1. e4)
Kasparov favored 1. e4 as White, often leading to sharp Sicilian Defense positions where he could showcase his tactical prowess and deep preparation.
Favorite Opening (Black): King's Indian Defense
As Black, Kasparov often employed the King's Indian Defense, which allowed for complex middlegame positions and counterattacking opportunities.
Unbeatable Opening Attempt: While Kasparov didn't claim to have an unbeatable opening, his extensive preparation in the Sicilian Defense made him nearly invincible in certain variations.
Bobby Fischer
Contribution: Innovated in many openings, particularly the Sicilian Defense.
Philosophy: Strived for the objectively best moves, often diverging from established theory.
Favorite Opening (White): English Opening (1. c4)
Fischer popularized the English Opening, using it to avoid heavily analyzed lines and steer the game into less familiar territory for his opponents.
Favorite Opening (Black): Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation
As Black, Fischer was a master of the Najdorf Variation in the Sicilian Defense, which he considered to be objectively the best response to 1. e4.
Unbeatable Opening Attempt: Fischer's notable attempt at an "unbeatable" opening was his refinement of the Poisoned Pawn Variation in the Najdorf Sicilian, which he used to great effect.
Poisoned Pawn Variation
A highly sharp and complicated variation of the Najdorf Sicilian where Black captures a pawn on b2, often leading to wild tactical play.
Key Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Qb6
Fischer's Contribution: Fischer extensively analyzed and played this variation, refining many of the tactical lines and strategic ideas. He demonstrated that Black could survive the early attacks and emerge with winning chances.
Mikhail Botvinnik
Contribution: Developed a scientific approach to chess preparation and opening study.
Philosophy: Emphasized thorough opening preparation and positional understanding.
Favorite Opening (White): English Opening (1. c4)
Botvinnik often employed the English Opening, which allowed him to steer the game into complex positional struggles where his scientific approach shone.
Favorite Opening (Black): Semi-Slav Defense
As Black, Botvinnik favored the Semi-Slav Defense, which offered solid positional play with opportunities for counterattack.
Unbeatable Opening Attempt: Botvinnik's scientific approach led him to develop deeply analyzed lines in the English Opening and Semi-Slav Defense, though he didn't claim them to be unbeatable.
Aron Nimzowitsch
Contribution: Pioneered hypermodern chess ideas.
Philosophy: Control the center from a distance, overprotection of key squares.
Favorite Opening (White): Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1. b3)
Nimzowitsch often played 1. b3, later named the Nimzo-Larsen Attack, which embodied his hypermodern principles of controlling the center from the flanks.
Favorite Opening (Black): Nimzo-Indian Defense
The Nimzo-Indian Defense, which bears his name, was Nimzowitsch's favorite response to 1. d4, again showcasing his hypermodern ideas.
Unbeatable Opening Attempt: While not claiming to have an unbeatable opening, Nimzowitsch's hypermodern approach in openings like the Nimzo-Indian revolutionized chess theory.
José Raúl Capablanca
Contribution: Mastered endgame play and simplified positions.
Philosophy: Sought simple, clear positions and emphasized the importance of small advantages.
Favorite Opening (White): Ruy Lopez (Spanish Opening)
Capablanca favored the Ruy Lopez as White, which allowed him to create small, lasting advantages that he could nurture into the endgame.
Favorite Opening (Black): French Defense
As Black, Capablanca often employed the French Defense, which provided a solid structure and opportunities for counterplay.
Unbeatable Opening Attempt: Capablanca's style wasn't about finding an "unbeatable" opening, but rather about playing fundamentally sound chess from balanced positions.