Efim Geller

Twice champion of the USSR (1955, 1979), winner of international tournament in Beverwijk (1965), Hilversum (1973), Moscow (1975), and Wijk aan Zee (1977). Six times party pretendentskih cycles.

There is such a film starring Arnold Shvartsneygera 'No compromise'. The ups and downs of this picture erased from my memory, but remember the name. These two words to permeate the entire chess path Efim Geller. He was a real fighter, one of those who are willing to risk all, and in case of failure, 'shake the dust from their knees' and prepare for new battles. In the championship of the USSR in 1949 draw with white against refractory Kholmova in the last round is practically guaranteed the division the first place, but Geller craved victory: the defeat.

As a result, he walked just two. But who no matter how Geller, losing 5 parties in the league in 1955 (essentially a super-tournament!) Won as much for ten (!) And shared first place! For chessboard Efim was a true perfectionist. Loyalty to his famous motto 'I want to make the price of each of the extremely high' often led to lack of time, and cost the most important points, but the best parties Geller impress with their integrity and depth. There are few players who were awarded to the most flattering assessment of the patriarch of Soviet chess Moiseyevich Mikhail Botvinnik. 'Taimanov in the final round was to play with yourself Geller' - Botvinnik wrote in his comments to one of their parties.

Debut research and findings Yefim Petrovich - a topic for another great article. I note only that some began (staroindiyskuyu, sitsilainskuyu protection, the Spanish party) in their present form, is inconceivable without Geller. It is encouraging that the name of a remarkable chess is not forgotten. For the third consecutive year in Moscow hosts the tournament bearing his name. KC detail highlights the struggle in this competition.