Anatoly Karpov
The python of chess whose slow, suffocating positional squeeze left opponents gasping for counterplay.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov - World Champion 1975-1985
Nationality: Soviet/Russian | Playing Style: positional squeeze
Professor Archer says: Playing against Karpov was like being slowly suffocated by a boa constrictor. You would feel fine for a while, even comfortable. Then gradually you would realize your pieces had no moves, your position had no air, and the end was near. By the time you saw the danger, it was already too late. That patient, crushing style is incredibly difficult to replicate.
The Positional Boa Constrictor
Anatoly Karpov became the 12th World Chess Champion in 1975 when Bobby Fischer refused to defend his title. While this circumstance robbed Karpov of the chance to defeat Fischer at the board, he quickly proved his worthiness by dominating world chess for the next decade.
Karpov's style was the antithesis of Fischer's aggression. Where Fischer attacked, Karpov squeezed. Where Fischer calculated tactical variations, Karpov maneuvered positionally. The result was equally effective: Karpov won tournament after tournament with a consistency that rivaled the great champions of the past.
The Art of the Squeeze
Karpov's signature technique was the positional squeeze — gradually restricting his opponent's pieces until they had no good moves. He would exchange off the opponent's active pieces, control key squares, and create small but permanent weaknesses in the enemy position.
The process was almost imperceptible. Opponents would feel comfortable for twenty or thirty moves, then suddenly realize that every move they had was bad. By that point, the game was already lost. This slow strangulation was devastatingly effective and deeply demoralizing for his opponents.
Quiet Domination
Karpov's games rarely feature dramatic sacrifices or brilliant combinations. Instead, they showcase the power of small moves that gradually improve White's position while worsening Black's. A knight moves to a better square, a pawn advances one step, a rook shifts to a more active file — individually these moves seem innocuous, but collectively they are crushing.
The Karpov style requires deep positional understanding and infinite patience. It is the hardest style to master but perhaps the most reliable at the highest level.
Karpov excelled in the quiet positions arising from 1. d4, where his positional understanding was unmatched.
The Kasparov Rivalry
Karpov's championship reign ended when he met his greatest rival: Garry Kasparov. Their rivalry, spanning five world championship matches from 1984 to 1990, is the most intense in chess history. Karpov lost the title to Kasparov in 1985 but continued to challenge him for years.
The contrast between Karpov's positional squeeze and Kasparov's dynamic aggression produced some of the greatest chess ever played. Their matches pushed both players to heights they might never have reached without such a worthy adversary.
Karpov's Enduring Lessons
Karpov's games are essential study material for anyone who wants to understand positional chess at the highest level. His technique in converting small advantages is unmatched, and his ability to restrict an opponent's pieces is something every player should aspire to.
The key lesson from Karpov is that chess is not about making the best move in isolation — it is about making moves that work together toward a common goal. Each move should improve your position and worsen your opponent's. Over time, these small improvements compound into a decisive advantage.
Karpov also teaches that patience is a weapon. In a world that values quick results, Karpov showed that the willingness to wait, to maneuver, to improve your position one tiny step at a time, can be the most effective approach of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov's playing style?
Karpov was a positional squeeze player, often compared to a boa constrictor. He gradually restricted his opponents' pieces until they had no good moves, exchanging active pieces, controlling key squares, and creating small permanent weaknesses. His slow strangulation style was devastatingly effective.
When was Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov World Chess Champion?
Karpov was World Chess Champion from 1975 to 1985. He was awarded the title when Fischer refused to defend it, then proved his worthiness by dominating world chess for a decade before losing to Kasparov in 1985.
What were Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov's most famous games?
Karpov is celebrated for his epic rivalry with Kasparov spanning five World Championship matches from 1984 to 1990. His tournament dominance throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, along with his masterful positional squeeze games, produced some of the finest strategic chess ever played.
What is Anatoly Yevgenyevich Karpov's peak Elo rating?
Karpov's peak Elo rating was 2780. He was the world's top-rated player for most of the late 1970s and early 1980s, and remained among the elite for decades.
Professor Archer says: Karpov teaches the most important lesson in chess: you do not need to do anything spectacular to win. Just make good moves, restrict your opponent's pieces, and accumulate small advantages. The rest takes care of itself. It sounds simple, but executing it against strong opposition is extraordinarily difficult.
Quick Quiz
How did Karpov initially become World Champion?
- He defeated Boris Spassky in a match - Karpov did not play Spassky for the title. He became champion when Bobby Fischer refused to defend his title in 1975.
- Fischer refused to defend his title, and Karpov was awarded it by default (Correct) - Correct. Fischer set conditions for the 1975 match that FIDE could not agree to, and the title was awarded to Karpov by default. Karpov then proved his worthiness by dominating world chess for the next decade.
- He won a round-robin tournament among the top players - Karpov earned the right to challenge Fischer through the Candidates cycle, but Fischer refused to play the match. Karpov was then declared champion.
- He defeated Kasparov in their first match - Karpov actually lost to Kasparov in 1985. He had become champion earlier, in 1975, when Fischer refused to defend.