Mikhail Nekhemievich Tal (1936-1992) received the nickname "Riga magician" for his ability to organize brilliant attacks, as it seemed, out of the blue. Mikhail was born and raised in Latvia.
Tal was supremely genius, but, sadly, his genius coexisted with many diseases that had plagued him from his youth. In addition, constant smoking, love of feasts and parties did not contribute to the strengthening of his health. In 1960, Mikhail Tal became the world chess champion, he defeated Botvinnik (6 wins, 2 losses, 13 draws) and then published a wonderful book in which he described in detail his feelings during the match, and also perfectly analyzed each of the games played.
When it came time to play a rematch, Tal could not show all his abilities, as he was extremely exhausted by the successive bouts of kidney disease. Botvinnik won this match (10 wins, 5 losses, 6 draws). Although the "magician of Riga" made a brilliant career as a tournament chess player, he was no longer destined to challenge the right to the chess crown. Those who had a chance to personally meet Tal, unanimously asserted that a huge amount of energy was always boiling inside this person. He was far from always able to direct her in a constructive direction. Mikhail Nekhemievich Tal lived his life the same way he played chess - always trying to do the impossible and often succeeding in it.
