When we talk about chess, names like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, and Bobby Fischer often dominate the conversation. These players have earned their fame through groundbreaking performances and world titles, but the world of chess is filled with many other talented players who have contributed significantly to the game, yet often fly under the radar.
Some of these underrated chess players might not be household names, but their skills, creative play, and important contributions to chess deserve more recognition. In this article, we’ll highlight five underrated chess players who have made their mark on the game. They may not always be in the spotlight, but they have achieved incredible feats and should be known by every chess enthusiast.
Boris Gelfand: The Master of Endgames
Boris Gelfand is a name that is highly respected in the chess world, but outside of hardcore chess circles, he might not get the recognition he truly deserves. Born in Belarus in 1968, Gelfand has been a top-tier player for decades.
His understanding of chess, particularly in endgames, is exceptional. He is known for his deep, methodical approach to the game, which allows him to excel in strategic, slow-building positions. While Gelfand is not always in the spotlight, his consistency and longevity at the highest levels of chess make him a player worth studying.
Gelfand’s Path to the World Championship
One of Gelfand’s most notable accomplishments came in 2012 when he challenged Viswanathan Anand for the World Chess Championship. This match was incredibly close, with Gelfand pushing Anand to the limit.
The match ended in a 6-6 tie in classical games, with Anand only managing to retain his title by winning in the rapid tiebreaks. Gelfand’s performance in this match showed that he could stand toe-to-toe with the very best, and many believe that if a few small details had gone his way, he could have been crowned World Champion.
Despite not winning the world title, Gelfand’s strategic understanding of the game, particularly in the endgame, has earned him a reputation as one of the finest chess thinkers of his generation. His games are an excellent study for players who want to improve their positional play and learn how to navigate complex endgames.
Why Gelfand Is Underrated
Boris Gelfand’s understated style is one reason why he doesn’t always get the attention that flashier, more aggressive players might receive. He doesn’t go for wild, sacrificial tactics or spectacular combinations. Instead, he slowly grinds down his opponents, making him a master of quiet positions.
This subtle approach is often overlooked, but for players who want to improve their positional understanding, studying Gelfand’s games is an excellent resource.
Gelfand continues to be active in chess, competing in high-level tournaments and sharing his knowledge through books and interviews. He may not be a household name like Carlsen or Kasparov, but his contributions to chess and his immense skill make him one of the most underrated players in modern chess history.
Judit Polgar: The Queen of Chess
Judit Polgar is another player who, while recognized in chess circles, doesn’t always get the widespread attention she deserves. Often referred to as the greatest female chess player of all time, Polgar didn’t limit herself to competing in women’s tournaments—she regularly played in top-tier open events, taking on and defeating some of the strongest male players in the world.
Born in 1976 in Hungary, Polgar became a Grandmaster at the age of 15, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record for the youngest Grandmaster at the time.
A Trailblazer in the Chess World
What makes Judit Polgar unique is that she didn’t confine herself to playing in women’s tournaments, where she could have easily dominated. Instead, Polgar sought out the toughest competition in open tournaments, competing against—and beating—world champions such as Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand.
Her aggressive, tactical style made her a dangerous opponent for anyone, and she earned her place among the top players of her era.
One of Polgar’s most famous victories came in 2002 when she defeated Garry Kasparov in a rapid game at the Russia vs. the Rest of the World match. Kasparov, considered by many to be the greatest chess player of all time, had previously spoken dismissively about women’s ability to compete at the highest levels of chess.
Polgar’s victory against him was not just a personal triumph, but a milestone in proving that women can compete with the best in the world.
Why Judit Polgar Is Underrated
While Judit Polgar is often recognized as the greatest female chess player in history, she deserves to be celebrated as one of the best players of her time, regardless of gender.
Her achievements in open tournaments, where she consistently defeated top male players, set her apart as a trailblazer in chess. However, she is often labeled simply as a “female chess player,” which can overshadow her broader accomplishments.
Polgar retired from competitive chess in 2014 but remains involved in promoting the game, particularly through her educational initiatives aimed at encouraging children to learn chess. Her legacy as a pioneer and her contribution to changing perceptions about women in chess make her one of the most important yet underrated players in chess history.
Viktor Korchnoi: The Eternal Fighter
Viktor Korchnoi is often referred to as “Viktor the Terrible” because of his fierce competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude. Despite being a top-level player for decades, Korchnoi never won the World Chess Championship, and perhaps this is one reason why he is often overlooked when people discuss the greatest players of all time.
However, his contributions to chess and his incredible longevity in the game make him one of the most important players to study.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Born in 1931 in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Korchnoi had an incredibly long and successful chess career, remaining active in competitive chess well into his 70s. One of Korchnoi’s most famous achievements was his fierce rivalry with Anatoly Karpov.
Korchnoi challenged Karpov for the World Championship title in 1978 and again in 1981. Both matches were dramatic and intense, with political undertones, as Korchnoi had defected from the Soviet Union and was living in exile in Switzerland at the time.
The 1978 World Championship match in Baguio, Philippines, is particularly famous for the off-board drama that unfolded. Korchnoi and Karpov’s teams accused each other of all sorts of strange psychological warfare tactics, including hypnosis attempts and the use of “yogurt” as a means of distraction.
Despite the drama, Korchnoi pushed Karpov to the limit, only losing the match by the narrowest of margins.
Why Korchnoi Is Underrated
Korchnoi is often overlooked because he never held the World Chess Championship title. However, his fierce competitive spirit and longevity in the game make him one of the most remarkable players in chess history.
He was known for his aggressive, fighting style and his ability to come back from seemingly lost positions. Korchnoi’s resilience and determination on the chessboard make him a player worth studying for anyone who wants to learn how to keep fighting in tough situations.
Even though Korchnoi never became World Champion, his ability to compete at the highest levels for decades and his contributions to chess theory and play should not be underestimated. His games are filled with instructive moments, particularly in how he handled complex, unbalanced positions.
Alexei Shirov: The Master of Fire and Sacrifice
Alexei Shirov is one of the most creative and tactical players to have graced the chessboard. Known for his aggressive and often spectacular style, Shirov’s games are filled with sacrifices, daring attacks, and brilliant combinations.
While he has not held the World Chess Championship title, his contributions to modern chess, especially his imaginative approach to complicated positions, make him a player who deserves much more recognition.
Shirov’s Path to the Top
Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1972, Shirov quickly rose to prominence as one of the most promising young talents in the chess world. His aggressive style, reminiscent of Mikhail Tal (another Latvian chess legend), earned him a reputation as a player who could create fireworks on the board. In the 1990s, Shirov became one of the world’s top players and was consistently ranked among the best.
One of the most significant moments in Shirov’s career came in 1998, when he played a series of matches against Vladimir Kramnik to determine who would challenge Garry Kasparov for the World Chess Championship.
Shirov shocked the chess world by defeating Kramnik, but despite this victory, his match against Kasparov never took place due to financial complications. This was a huge disappointment for Shirov, as it denied him the chance to compete for the world title, even though he had earned his spot.
Why Shirov Is Underrated
Shirov’s aggressive and daring style has led to some of the most beautiful and instructive games in modern chess, yet he is often overshadowed by players who have held world titles. While Shirov has consistently competed at the highest level for decades, his career has been marked by near-misses rather than world championship victories.
Nonetheless, his games offer valuable lessons in dynamic play, creativity, and how to balance attack and defense in chaotic positions.
One of Shirov’s most famous games is his victory against Veselin Topalov in 1998, where Shirov sacrificed his rook with an incredible “back-rank” move, ultimately leading to a devastating attack and victory. This game is often used as an example of creative thinking in chess and is a testament to Shirov’s brilliance on the board.
For players looking to improve their tactical abilities and learn how to create dynamic opportunities from seemingly quiet positions, studying Shirov’s games is an absolute must. His legacy as a player who always fought for victory, often at great personal risk, makes him one of the most exciting and underrated players in chess history.
Levon Aronian: The Creative Genius
Levon Aronian, born in 1982 in Armenia, is a player who has been consistently ranked among the world’s elite for more than a decade but is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest players of his era.
Aronian has won numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and the Sinquefield Cup, but he has not yet had the opportunity to challenge for the World Chess Championship. Despite this, Aronian’s creative style, deep understanding of positional play, and impressive tournament victories make him one of the most underrated chess players today.
A Lifelong Tournament Competitor
Aronian’s chess journey began early, and he quickly rose through the ranks, earning his Grandmaster title in 2000. By the mid-2000s, he had established himself as one of the top players in the world.
His playing style is often described as highly creative and imaginative, and he is known for coming up with unorthodox ideas, particularly in the middlegame, where he often finds surprising tactical resources.
Aronian’s strength lies in his ability to play creatively without sacrificing positional soundness. He is equally comfortable in both sharp, tactical positions and deep, strategic endgames.
This versatility has allowed him to win numerous high-level tournaments and perform consistently in elite competitions.
Despite his success in tournaments, Aronian has never won the Candidates Tournament, which has prevented him from challenging for the World Chess Championship. Nevertheless, his contributions to the game and his beautiful, instructive games make him a player who deserves more recognition.
Why Aronian Is Underrated
Levon Aronian’s creative approach to chess has earned him immense respect among his peers, but his name is often absent from mainstream conversations about the greatest modern players, mainly because he has not yet competed in a World Chess Championship match.
However, his ability to consistently compete at the highest level, combined with his tournament victories and longevity, make him one of the most important players of his generation.
Aronian’s games are a rich source of instruction for players who want to improve their understanding of dynamic play. He excels at finding creative solutions in complex positions and is particularly strong in positions that require a balance between attack and defense.
Studying his games can help players learn how to navigate middlegame complications and come up with unique ideas that surprise their opponents.
In addition to his impressive chess achievements, Aronian is known for his humble and kind personality, making him a beloved figure in the chess community. His influence extends beyond the board, as he has helped to popularize chess in Armenia, inspiring countless young players in his home country and around the world.
Why These Players Matter
The players we’ve discussed—Boris Gelfand, Judit Polgar, Viktor Korchnoi, Alexei Shirov, and Levon Aronian—are all examples of exceptional talent and creativity in chess, yet they often don’t get the same level of attention as more famous figures like Magnus Carlsen, Garry Kasparov, or Bobby Fischer.
Each of these players has made significant contributions to chess, whether through their unique playing styles, their remarkable achievements, or their influence on future generations of players.
Learning from Underrated Players
One of the best ways to improve your chess game is by studying the games of underrated players. These players often bring fresh ideas to the board, showing you creative ways to approach different positions.
Whether it’s Gelfand’s mastery of endgames, Polgar’s fearless attacks, Korchnoi’s fighting spirit, Shirov’s tactical brilliance, or Aronian’s imaginative play, each of these players offers valuable lessons that can help you develop a deeper understanding of chess.
Why You Should Study These Underrated Players
Each of the players we’ve highlighted in this article has something unique to offer chess enthusiasts at all levels. Studying their games can provide a wealth of learning opportunities and help you expand your own understanding of chess strategy and tactics.
These players may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions to the game are undeniable, and their playing styles can offer valuable insights that are often overlooked.
Boris Gelfand: Endgame Mastery
If you want to improve your endgame skills, Gelfand is an excellent player to study. His deep understanding of endgames and his patient, strategic approach to slow-building positions provide a masterclass in positional play.
Watching how Gelfand navigates through complex endgame situations can give you a better understanding of how to convert small advantages into wins and how to hold difficult positions.
Judit Polgar: Aggression and Fearlessness
Judit Polgar’s bold and aggressive playing style makes her a great role model for players who want to become more confident in launching attacks.
Her fearlessness in taking on the best male players in the world—and beating them—shows that with the right mindset, you can go toe-to-toe with anyone. Studying Polgar’s games will help you develop a sharp tactical eye and a willingness to take risks when the opportunity arises.
Viktor Korchnoi: The Art of Fighting Spirit
Viktor Korchnoi’s career is an inspiration to anyone who has faced setbacks or challenges in chess. His tenacity and fighting spirit, particularly in complex and difficult positions, demonstrate that it’s never over until it’s truly over.
Korchnoi was famous for playing until the very last possibility, squeezing out wins or drawing games that seemed lost. Studying his games will teach you how to fight in adverse positions and never give up.
Alexei Shirov: Creativity and Sacrifice
Alexei Shirov’s games are a treasure trove of creative tactics and daring sacrifices. If you enjoy tactical chess and want to learn how to create winning combinations, Shirov’s games are filled with examples of imaginative and explosive play.
His unorthodox approaches to seemingly quiet positions often lead to brilliant tactical finishes, and studying his games will improve your ability to think outside the box.
Levon Aronian: Dynamic and Flexible Play
Levon Aronian is a player who excels in dynamic positions, where creativity and flexibility are key. His ability to balance positional understanding with creative tactics makes him an excellent player to study if you want to improve your middlegame play.
Aronian’s games show how to develop unique strategies in complex situations and how to adapt your play based on your opponent’s moves.
What Makes These Players Truly Underrated?
The chess world is vast and filled with incredible talent, yet not every brilliant player gets the widespread recognition they deserve. The five players we’ve discussed are considered underrated not because they haven’t achieved success, but because their contributions often fly under the radar.
So, what is it about these players that makes them underrated, and why do we need to appreciate their value in the broader context of chess?
Longevity and Consistency in Top-Level Chess
One common theme among all of these players is their longevity and consistency. Boris Gelfand, Viktor Korchnoi, and Levon Aronian have all competed at the highest levels of chess for decades.
Maintaining this level of excellence over such a long period requires not only skill but also an extraordinary work ethic and a deep understanding of the game.
Longevity in chess is often underrated. Players like Korchnoi, who was competing at an elite level well into his 70s, show that consistency is just as important as short bursts of brilliance. Gelfand, similarly, remains a key figure in the chess world long after his peak years, and his steady presence in top tournaments speaks to the depth of his talent.
Defying Stereotypes and Breaking Barriers
Judit Polgar is a prime example of a player who defied stereotypes and broke down barriers. By choosing to compete exclusively in open tournaments rather than limiting herself to women’s events, Polgar showed that talent knows no gender.
Her decision to challenge the best male players in the world was revolutionary, and it’s important to recognize how she paved the way for future generations of female chess players.
Polgar’s career is a testament to breaking down barriers and challenging traditional thinking. Her victories against world champions like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand are proof that chess is a game where skill, determination, and creativity can overcome any bias.
For this reason, Polgar should be celebrated not just as a trailblazer in women’s chess, but as one of the most influential figures in modern chess.
Near-Misses and Forgotten Achievements
Players like Alexei Shirov and Viktor Korchnoi are often underrated because of their near-misses in World Championship competitions. Korchnoi came agonizingly close to winning the world title on multiple occasions, and Shirov’s missed opportunity to challenge Kasparov for the crown is one of the great “what-ifs” of chess history.
These near-misses can sometimes overshadow the incredible achievements these players have had throughout their careers. Just because a player hasn’t won the world title doesn’t mean their contributions to chess are any less valuable.
In fact, Korchnoi and Shirov’s resilience and continued success in other top tournaments make them examples of how greatness in chess doesn’t always hinge on a world title.
Quiet Contributions to Chess Theory
Another reason why these players may be considered underrated is that their contributions to chess theory don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Boris Gelfand, for example, has made significant contributions to opening theory and positional understanding, but his quieter, less flashy style often means his work goes unnoticed by casual fans.
Shirov, on the other hand, brought a flair for tactical creativity, but his games are often overshadowed by more famous players. However, anyone who has studied Shirov’s games knows that his contributions to dynamic, unbalanced positions are invaluable to understanding the complexities of chess at a high level.
Levon Aronian’s creative approach to chess strategy has also influenced many modern players, yet because he hasn’t had a world title shot, his brilliance is often underappreciated in comparison to his contemporaries.
Aronian’s ability to blend tactics with strategy is an art form that has inspired a new generation of chess players.
What Can We Learn from These Underrated Players?
Every chess player, regardless of skill level, can learn something valuable from studying the games and careers of these underrated masters.
While they may not have the widespread fame of players like Magnus Carlsen or Garry Kasparov, their unique approaches to the game offer lessons that can help players at all levels improve their chess skills and broaden their understanding of the game.
Patience and Positional Play
Boris Gelfand’s games are a goldmine for anyone looking to improve their positional understanding. His ability to handle complex, slow-building positions with patience and precision is something that every aspiring chess player should study.
Gelfand’s style teaches us that chess isn’t just about flashy tactics—sometimes, the best way to win is to slowly outmaneuver your opponent through careful planning and execution.
Fearlessness and Tactical Creativity
Judit Polgar and Alexei Shirov, on the other hand, offer lessons in fearlessness and creativity. Both players were known for their willingness to take risks and play aggressively, even against the strongest opponents.
Studying their games can help players develop a more dynamic and creative approach to chess, where tactical opportunities are always on the horizon.
Shirov’s sacrifices and Polgar’s aggressive attacks show that even in the most balanced positions, there are often hidden opportunities to create complications. Learning to recognize these moments and take advantage of them can be a key factor in becoming a stronger player.
Fighting Spirit and Resilience
Viktor Korchnoi’s legacy is one of resilience and determination. His ability to fight back from difficult positions and never give up is a lesson in perseverance that applies not just to chess, but to life in general.
Korchnoi’s career shows that mental toughness is just as important as skill, and studying his games can teach players how to maintain their composure under pressure.
Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Korchnoi always found ways to fight back. For players who want to develop their mental resilience, there’s no better player to learn from than Viktor the Terrible.
Creativity and Flexibility
Levon Aronian’s games offer a deep lesson in flexibility and creative thinking. His ability to adapt to different positions and find unique solutions to complex problems is what makes him such a formidable opponent.
Studying Aronian’s games can help players learn how to be more flexible in their thinking, approaching each position with an open mind and a willingness to try new ideas.
Aronian’s creativity, especially in middlegame positions, is a reminder that chess is an art form as much as it is a science. By following his lead, players can learn how to be more imaginative in their approach to the game, developing unique plans that catch their opponents off guard.
Wrapping it up
While players like Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov dominate chess headlines, there are many underrated players whose contributions to the game are equally valuable.
Boris Gelfand’s positional mastery, Judit Polgar’s fearless tactics, Viktor Korchnoi’s fighting spirit, Alexei Shirov’s creativity, and Levon Aronian’s dynamic flexibility each offer unique lessons for chess enthusiasts. By studying these players, you can broaden your understanding of the game and uncover insights that may help you improve your own chess play.
Though they may not always be in the spotlight, their legacies have quietly shaped the chess world, and their games remain rich sources of inspiration for players of all levels.
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