In life, many people face frightening isolation:

– Robinson Crusoe on an abandoned island

– Introvert on a rave party

– People moving away from their parents to live on their own

However, for chess players, no isolation is as frightening as the isolation of their d-pawn arising from various Queen’s Pawn openings (and some other transpositions). Virtually the most famous of openings leading to an isolani position is the Tarrasch Defence, which was employed with great effect by none other than Garry Kasparov in the 80s. It has, however, vanished a bit from the top level since Karpov “milked the cow” in their 1984 World Championship Match.

However, much before the two Ks, the inventor of the defence, Siegbert Tarrasch, introduced it in top tournament play. The extent of his belief in this opening can be best summed up with one of his immortal aphorisms:

“He who fears isolated pawns should give up chess”

Dr. Tarrasch was not only one of the strongest chess players in the world, winner of multiple International tournaments and World Chess Championship challenger, but also a full time medical professional.

He was so devoted to his career, that he even skipped the strongest tournament of that time – St. Petersburg 1895/1986 – in which 5 strongest players in the world were supposed to play against each other.

In any case, dr. Tarrasch is one of those chess greats that doesn’t get nearly enough recognition.

I guess the least we can do is to mention him on March the 5th – the day of his birth!

Remember, remember the 5th of March!

Remember dr. Tarrasch!

(If you like posts as these, check our complete list of Chess Birthdays )