12 Facts About Alexander Konstantinopolsky

Alexander Markovich Konstantinopolsky was a Soviet chess player, trainer and writer.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was a five-time champion of Kiev, and trained the world title challenger David Bronstein from a young age.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was awarded the title of International Master by FIDE in 1950, won the first Soviet Correspondence Chess Championship in 1951, earned the IM title at correspondence in 1966, and earned the title of Honorary Grandmaster in 1983.

At the beginning of his career, Alexander Konstantinopolsky won the Kiev championships five consecutive times from 1932 to 1936.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was widely regarded as a friendly and kindly man.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was one of the Ukrainian pioneers who developed the King's Indian Defence into prominence, along with Boleslavsky and Bronstein.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky defended the Dutch Defence with success at a time when it was rarely played by top players.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky had a very wide opening repertoire with both colours, a very valuable attribute which he passed on to his prize pupil Bronstein.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was a formidable strategist and tactician, as the games selection shows.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky was awarded the title of International Master in 1950, that of International Master of correspondence chess in 1966, and that of Honorary Grandmaster in 1983.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky continued to work as one of the Soviet Union's most respected trainers well into his 70s.

Alexander Konstantinopolsky died in Moscow on September 21,1990, at age 80.