1951– · Russia

Anatoly Karpov

Master of containment

Anatoly Karpov became world champion in 1975. Instead of looking for spectacular strikes, he gradually took away the active fields of his opponents and forced them to defend an increasingly weaker position.

For beginners • one practical idea

Illustration

The most important lesson

Prevention

Before making your own move, ask: what does your opponent want to do? Sometimes the best plan is to keep his idea.

Try applying this principle to a real game. The game will run without an account.

Try it in game

Play the idea

One move to start

Make the first move that best fits the lessons of this profile. This simple exercise allows you to immediately put history into practice.

Select a pawn or piece and then the target square.

Connections

Rivals and contemporaries

Garry Kasparov
Viktor Korchnoi

Sources and scope

Biographical facts were checked based on the material: FIDE – world champions. The description of the style and the lesson are Szachmaty's own educational material. The portrait is a marked illustration and does not imply cooperation or authorization of this person.

Last update: July 24, 2026.