In this post, you’ll discover the best blind Chess players in the world. Playing blindfold Chess is a Chess variant reserved for players that have achieved a FIDE of at least 1800. 1800 seems to be the threshold that players need to reach before they are able to play through an entire game without seeing the board in physical form with their own eyes. Of course, seeing the board in your mind is a different story.
Defining Blind
First, let’s define “Blind”. Are we talking about blindfold Chess or Chess players that are visually impaired? For the purposes of this list, we’re defining it as the player cannot see and are legally classified as blind.
These players are at a disadvantage in terms of learning the game. The stronger the player they become, the easier it is for them to practice as visualization skills improve. These players have become Chess masters which proves that seeing the board in and of itself isn’t even necessary.
1. Krylov, Sergey
Full name: Krylov, Sergey
Title: International Master
Born: 1948
Federation: Russia
Sergey entered the FIDE rankings in 2001, winning a game in July. He has continued to be an active international player despite his eyesight. Most recently, he has lost several games. However, despite the losses, he still maintains the highest rating for blind chess players. He prefers to play either the Ruy Lopez or Sicilian openings. At his peak, he has held a 2409 ELO rating.
2. Vassin, Victor
Full name: Vassin, Victor
Title: International Master
Born: 1944
Federation: Russia
Vassin’s most recent chess game was in 2011. It resulted in a loss, and it took 39 moves to play out. He opened with the Indian Defense, playing as black. His overall rank is actually higher than Sergey Krylov’s, but he doesn’t have a ranking for rapid or blitz. That prevents him from claiming the title of the best blind chess player.
3. Bokan, Danko
Full name: Bokan, Danko
Title: International Master
Born: 1967
Federation: Serbia
Bokan lost his most recent ranked game. He played the Sicilian opening against Ivanisevic in 2016. This was at the 2016 European Club Cup. Overall, his favorite opening would be the Sicilian opening. His highest ELO score on record would be 2349. That places Bokan among the highest-rated blind chess players ever. He’s played a total of 13 games on record, and he has a win percentage of just over 30%.
4. Magnusson, Jorgen
Full name: Magnusson, Jorgen
Title: FIDE Master
Born: 1967
Federation: Sweden
Magnusson has a total of 4 ranked games on record. Of those 4 games, he only won 1 of them. However, he has achieved an ELO score of as high as 2315. Since then, he has dropped slightly. Still, his current ranking puts him with the best blind chess players in the world.
5. Spinu, Evgeny
Full name: Spinu, Evgeny
Title: FIDE Master
Born: 1952
Federation: Moldova
Evengy Spinu is still one of the highest-ranked blind chess players in the world. Born in Moldova, he is one of the best players to come from the region. He prefers playing the Sicilian opening, and he is also fond of the French Defense.
6. Novak, Ivan
Full name: Novak, Ivan
Title: FIDE Master
Born: 1943
Federation: Slovakia
In 1990, Novak won the silver medal at the Blind Team Chess Championship. Since then, he’s maintained a competitive ranking according to international standards. His highest rating achieved would be 2296. With a total of 227 games on record, he’s one of the most prolific blind chess players. Across all of those games, he has kept a win percentage of 43.4%. That makes him one of the most consistent blind players as well.
7. Meshkov, Yuri A.
Full name: Meshkov, Yuri A.
Title: International Master
Born: 1950
Federation: Russia
Other than the Sicilian opening, Yuri also likes to make use of the English opening. He is one of the youngest players on our list, and he is still active at international championships. His highest-achieved rating is 2429.
If you liked this list of the best blind Chess players. If you did, you may be interested in other lists such as the best Indian Chess players or the best British Chess players.