Mikhail Tal (1936-1992) was the 8th World Champion in the history of chess. In 1960 he defeated Mikhail Botvinnik in a World Championship match by 12.5-8.5. At that moment the ‘Magician from Riga’ was 23 years old, and he became the youngest World Champion ever.

Although Tal lost his world title one year later in a rematch against Botvinnik, every chess lover will remember him as a unique player. Not only because he won the Soviet Championship six times, but also due to his sensational attacking style. The chess wizard was never afraid to sacrifice material to bring fireworks to the board. Two quotes of the former World Champion: ‘There are two types of sacrifices: correct ones, and mine.’ And: ‘I will not hide the fact that I love to hear the spectators react after a sacrifice of a piece or pawn. I don’t think that there is anything bad in such a feeling; no artist or musician is indifferent to the reactions of the public.’

Tal enjoyed chess as he enjoyed life. Unfortunately, his heavy drinking and chain smoking led to serious health problems. At the age of 55 the genius had to pay the price for his bohemian lifestyle. On 28 June 1992 he passed away. However, no true chess fan will ever forget this great tactician, because he played several immortal games.

This training app gives you the opportunity to get in the shoes of the most famous attacking player of all time. It offers one hundred training exercises in positions the former World Champion turned in his favour. Can you be as imaginative as Mikhail Tal was?