Chess is a game of strategy, where players try to outthink and outmaneuver their opponents. While many players focus on offense, a strong defense can be just as important, preventing the opponent from making strong attacks and creating opportunities for counterplay. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best defensive chess players in the world.
Criteria Used For This List
To make this list of the 10 best defensive chess players in the world, several criteria were considered. These criteria include:
- World chess titles: Players who have won the world chess championship or other prestigious titles such as the Candidates tournament were given more weight in the selection process.
- Rating and performance: A player’s current FIDE rating and recent tournament performances were also considered to evaluate their current level of play.
- Style of play: Defensive skills were the primary focus of this list, so players who are known for their excellent defensive skills and ability to frustrate opponents with solid and accurate play were given priority.
- Consistency: A player’s consistency in their defensive skills over a long period of time was also considered, as players who have consistently demonstrated strong defensive skills are more likely to make the list.
- Impact: The overall impact of a player’s defensive skills on the game of chess was also considered. This includes their influence on other players, their contributions to chess theory, and their overall impact on the game.
By considering these criteria, we were able to create a list of the 10 best defensive chess players in the world, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the game of chess.
All players in this list are grandmasters and some are on the short list of super grandmasters.
10. Ding Liren
Ding Liren is a Chinese grandmaster known for his excellent defensive skills. He is known for his ability to find precise defensive moves even in difficult positions and for his ability to hold difficult endgames.
9. Wesley So
Wesley So is a Filipino grandmaster known for his excellent defensive skills. He is known for his ability to find accurate defensive moves even in difficult positions, often frustrating opponents and securing draws.
8. Boris Gelfand
Boris Gelfand is an Israeli grandmaster known for his defensive skills. He is known for his ability to play solid and unassuming moves that make it difficult for opponents to create any serious threats.
7. Levon Aronian
Levon Aronian is an Armenian grandmaster known for his excellent defensive skills. He is known for his ability to find precise defensive moves even in difficult positions, often frustrating opponents and securing draws.
6. Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen is the current world chess champion, winning the title in 2013 and holding it ever since. He is known for his versatile style, able to play both defensively and offensively as needed.
5. Sergey Karjakin
Sergey Karjakin is a Russian grandmaster known for his defensive skills. He is known for his ability to find precise defensive moves under pressure and for his ability to draw difficult positions.
4. Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand is a former world chess champion, winning the title in 2007 and holding it until 2013. He is known for his excellent defensive skills, often relying on solid and accurate moves to neutralize his opponents’ attacks.
3. Vladimir Kramnik
Kramnik was the world chess champion from 2000-2007. He was known for his defensive skills and ability to play both aggressively and conservatively depending on the situation.
2. Anatoly Karpov
Karpov was the world chess champion from 1975-1985 and again from 1993-1999. He was known for his defensive style, often playing solid and unassuming moves that made it difficult for opponents to create any serious threats.
1. Tigran Petrosian
Known as the “Iron Tigran,” Tigran Petrosian was the world chess champion from 1963-1969. He was known for his positional play and defensive skills, often frustrating opponents with his solid and conservative style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these ten players are known for their excellent defensive skills and ability to frustrate opponents with solid and accurate play. While offense is often emphasized in chess, a strong defense is just as important, and these players have proven themselves to be among the best at it.