Vasiukov RIP

by kevinspraggettonchess · Published May 10, 2018 · Updated May 10, 2018

GM Vasiukov RIP

March 5, 1933 to May 10, 2018

Suddenly today, at age 85. Details are yet to be made known. Though Evgeni Vasiukov was one of the strongest grandmasters of his generation, and played many brilliant tournaments, he never quite fully realized his incredible talent. I am not certain why, but it could be related to him being more of an artist than a warrior.

Vasiukov (to the immediate right of Fischer) spectating a blitz game between Petrosian and the American. 1958. Moscow. Vasiukov spoke of this historic meeting in an extensive interview HERE.

Vasiukov leaves us with dozens of ‘immortal’ games, filled with inspirational ideas, surprising sacrifices and Alekhine-like energy. Numerous times here on this blog I have analyzed some of these. Here, below, I present a small selection of my favourite Vasiukov masterpieces. Enjoy!

Vasiukov – Matanovic Skopje 1970 (1-0)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard

Vasiukov – Larsen,B Manila 1974 (1-0)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard

Petrosian,T – Vasiukov Moscow 1956 (0-1)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard

Vasiukov – Rantanen Belgrade 1988 (1-0)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard

Vasiukov – Averbak Moscow 1955 (1-0)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard

Vasiukov – Kholmov St.Petersburg 1965 (1-0)your web browser and/or your host do not support iframes as required to display the chessboard