The Livonian Knight

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Alvis Vitolins (1946-1997) was a seven-time chess champion of Latvia, renowned for his aggressive playing style and innovative opening strategies before the computer era. A formidable blitz player, he frequently sparred with world champion Mikhail Tal. Vitolins was known for his use of gambits and his creative novelties in the Ruy Lopez, Sicilian, Nimzo-Indian, and Bogo-Indian openings, which influenced top-level chess, including world championship matches. He earned the International Master title in 1980. This book, first published in Latvia in 2008, analyzes 25 of Vitolins's most thrilling games, showcasing his chess legacy marked by remarkable tactical sacrifices. The annotations include additional games and fragments from his career, featuring encounters with notable players such as grandmasters Alexei Shirov, Vladimir Bagirov, and Vladimir Tukmakov. The English edition includes a new foreword by Genna Sosonko, who had the privilege of meeting Vitolins. The authors, Zigurds Lanka and Edvins Kengis, are both Latvian Grandmasters and multiple-time national champions. Janis Klovans and Janis Vitomskis, also prominent figures in Latvian chess, contributed to the rich history of the game in the region.