GM - Latvia/Soviet Union
Mikhail Tal
Magical and sacrificial - piece sacrifices, tactical chaos
World Champion 1960-1961
1957-1992 - Latvia/Soviet Union
2,705
Peak ELO
2,665
Videos
About Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal was a Latvian Soviet chess grandmaster and the eighth World Chess Champion. He is universally regarded as the greatest attacking player of all time.
Career highlights
- World Chess Champion 1960-1961
- Youngest ever Soviet Chess Champion (age 19)
- Greatest attacking player of all time
Opening repertoire
Signature game
Mikhail Tal vs Vasily Smyslov - Candidates Tournament, Bled 1959 - 1-0
Tal gives up a bishop and then his queen (19.Qxf7!) against former World Champion Smyslov, and the knights finish the job.
Mikhail Tal videos (2,665 total)
The Greatest Chess Game You've Never Seen || Euwe…
Nov 1, 2026
Shark Laughs At Trash Talker’s Threats! Jeff The Shark…
Oct 30, 2026
Javokhir Sindarov WINS Clutch Chess! | #chess #competition #chesstalk
Oct 30, 2026
Sindarov IG Check! 😂 | #chess #chesstalk #instagram
Oct 30, 2026
Sindarov FLEX😏 | #chess #chesstalk #chesstactics #chessendgame
Oct 30, 2026
A Champion is Crowned | Day 3 | Today…
Oct 29, 2026
NY Hustler Flies 2,789 Miles to Hustle LA Trash…
Oct 26, 2026
16 Year Old (6 Years Later) Stands Up to…
Oct 25, 2026
2 OGs Trash Talking! 1 Sneaky Mate Shocks Him!…
Oct 23, 2026
A Champion is Crowned! | Playoff | Today in…
Oct 22, 2026
♞
Advice For Young Players 🙂 | #chess #chesstalk #women
Oct 22, 2026
To Future Champions | #chess #chesstalk #champion #USChessChamps
Oct 22, 2026