Chess Is My Life — Viktor Korchnoi (+ CD)

Chess Is My Life by Viktor Korchnoi is a powerful, expanded autobiography of one of the most remarkable and enduring figures in chess history. Few players have matched Korchnoi’s longevity: his career at the top level spanned nearly five decades, and even into his seventies he continued to defeat world‑class opponents with his trademark fighting spirit.

This updated edition is based on extensive interviews in which Korchnoi recounts his life story in vivid detail. He describes his childhood in besieged Leningrad, his rise through the Soviet chess system, and his dramatic and risky defection to the West in 1976—one of the most significant political and personal events in modern chess history.

The book blends personal narrative, historical insight, and chess instruction, offering a rare look into both the inner workings of Soviet chess and Korchnoi’s own uncompromising approach to the game. It includes:

• Photographs from throughout his life and career
• Annotated games with Korchnoi’s own commentary
• Reflections on world championship matches, rivals, and political pressures
• A bonus CD containing additional chess material for study and reference

This edition provides a deep, human portrait of a man who fought relentlessly—over the board and in life—and whose influence on modern chess remains profound.

A must‑have for chess players, historians, and collectors, especially those interested in Soviet‑era chess, world championship battles, and the personal story of one of the game’s greatest fighters.