Savielly Tartakower (1887–1956,) also known as Xavier or Ksawery Tartakower, was a Polish-French chess grandmaster, journalist, and author renowned for his contributions to chess theory and witty aphorisms.
Born in Rostov-on-Don, Austro-Hungarian Empire, to Austrian parents, he became a Polish citizen after World War I and later settled in France. Tartakower studied law at the universities of Geneva and Vienna but developed a deep passion for chess. A key figure in the hypermodern chess movement, he advocated dynamic, flexible opening strategies. His career included victories in major tournaments like Hastings (1927, 1928) and Liège (1930,) defeating players such as Aron Nimzowitsch and Mir Sultan Khan. He was awarded the title of International Grandmaster in its inaugural year, 1950.
Beyond his competitive success, Tartakower was a prolific chess writer. His most famous book, Die Hypermoderne Schachpartie (1924; The Hypermodern Game of Chess,) explored hypermodern principles and was reprinted in numerous editions. Other notable works include Bréviaire des Échecs (1934; A Breviary of Chess,) a widely respected chess manual, and My Best Games of Chess 1905–54 (1953,) offering insights into his strategic thinking.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Savielly Tartakower
Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake.
—Savielly Tartakower
Topics: Victory, Mistakes, Failures
I talk to myself because I like dealing with a better class of people.
—Savielly Tartakower
Topics: Self-talk, Confidence
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