Learn about bluff in chess from GM Vladimir Tukmakov

at KCF Academy - Live Lecture on March 30

Vladimir Tukmakov, born on March 5, 1946, in Odesa, Ukraine, is a distinguished grandmaster renowned for his significant contributions both as a formidable player and as an insightful coach and author.

Career Highlights:

• Early Achievements: Tukmakov's talent became evident during his participation in the World Student Team Championships from 1966 to 1972, where he played a pivotal role in the USSR's consecutive victories, amassing nine gold medals.
• Grandmaster Title: In recognition of his prowess, he was awarded the prestigious Grandmaster title in 1972.
• Tournament Successes: Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Tukmakov secured top positions in numerous international tournaments, including:
  • Second place at Buenos Aires in 1970, trailing only Bobby Fischer.
  • Shared first place at the IBM Amsterdam tournament in 1974.
  • First place at the Malta tournament in 1980.
  • Victory at the 30th Reggio Emilia tournament in 1987/88.
  • Shared first place with Judit Polgár at the Amsterdam OHRA-B (Open) in 1990.
• National and Team Competitions: He clinched the Ukrainian national championship in 1970 and was instrumental in leading the USSR team to gold at the 1984 Chess Olympiad.

After an illustrious playing career, Tukmakov transitioned to coaching, where he achieved notable successes:

• In 2004, he captained the Ukrainian team to a gold medal at the 36th Chess Olympiad in Calvià, surpassing the traditionally dominant Russian team.
• He has authored several influential books on chess strategy and psychology, including:
  • Profession: Chessplayer - Grandmaster at Work
  • Modern Chess Preparation - Getting Ready for Your Opponent in the Information Age
  • Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking Calculated Risks
  • Coaching the Chess Stars
  • Modern Chess Formula - The Powerful Impact of Engines

On Sunday, March 30, at 6 pm CET, the Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy will host a lecture by Vladimir Tukmakov titled "Bluff in Chess." Drawing from his extensive experience, Tukmakov will delve into the art of taking calculated risks in chess, a theme he explores in his book Risk & Bluff in Chess: The Art of Taking Calculated Risks. Participants can anticipate an in-depth analysis of how deception and risk intertwine in high-level play, enriched by anecdotes from Tukmakov's own games and those of other grandmasters.

This lecture offers a unique opportunity for chess enthusiasts to gain insights from one of the game's great strategists, shedding light on the psychological nuances that can influence the outcome of a match.

Event Details:

• Date: March 30, 2025
• Time: 18:00 CET
• Platform: online at https://kcfacademy.org

Why It’s Never Too Late to Join the KCF Academy Training Course

If you haven’t enrolled in the KCF Academy training course yet, there’s no need to worry - it’s never too late to join! The Academy’s structure is designed with flexibility in mind, ensuring that students can seamlessly integrate into the program at any point. Here’s why:

1. Access to Recorded Lectures: Every live lecture, including Kasparov’s January 26 session, is recorded and made available to enrolled students. This means that even if you join after the event, you can still benefit from the full depth of his teachings, revisiting the material at your own pace.
2. Comprehensive Curriculum: The KCF Academy’s training course is meticulously crafted to cover all aspects of chess improvement, from opening theory and middlegame tactics to endgame mastery. Each module is self-contained, allowing new participants to pick up where they’re most comfortable and gradually build their skills.
3. Interactive Learning Environment: In addition to the recorded content, students have access to live sessions, interactive workshops on Thursdays, and Q&A opportunities with top instructors. This dynamic approach ensures a rich learning experience, regardless of when you join.