Artur Yusupov – "The Ultimate Trainer"

Artur Yusupov (born 1960) is a German (formerly Soviet) Grandmaster. He was a student of the legendary Mark Dvoretsky and became one of the strongest players of the 1980s and 90s.

His book series (The Yusupov Chess Course) won the Boleslavsky Medal for the best instructional chess books. It is a rigorous, test-based curriculum used by thousands of aspiring masters.

He is a Classical player. While he is an expert in solid openings like the Petroff and French Defense, his game against Ivanchuk (1991) shows he can calculate brilliant attacks when the position demands it.

In a shocking incident, he was shot in the stomach by burglars who broke into his Moscow apartment. He survived the life-threatening injury and returned to elite chess just months later.

He won the World Junior Championship in Innsbruck, marking him as the future of Soviet chess.

He reached the final 4 of the World Championship cycle in 1986 (losing to Sokolov), 1989 (losing to Karpov), and 1992 (losing to Timman).

At his absolute peak, he was ranked the 3rd best player on the planet, behind only Kasparov and Karpov.

His 1991 rapid playoff game against Vassily Ivanchuk is famous. He launched a desperate, brilliant attack to win the match and qualify for the Candidates.

He won 5 Team Gold medals playing for the Soviet Union at the Chess Olympiads in the 1980s.

His 9-book series (Build/Boost/Evolve Your Chess) is widely considered the most complete self-study curriculum ever written.

His recovery from the 1990 burglary shooting is a testament to his immense physical and mental resilience.

He made the Petroff Defense a feared weapon at the top level, proving it was not just for draws but for fighting back.

He was the star pupil of Mark Dvoretsky, the world's greatest trainer. Yusupov credits Dvoretsky's methods for his success.

He moved to Germany in the early 90s and led the German national team to a historic Silver medal at the 2000 Olympiad.

In 2005, he was awarded the title of FIDE Senior Trainer, recognizing his status as one of the world's premier coaches.

He scored a memorable win against Garry Kasparov at the Barcelona World Cup in 1989.

He won the European Rapid Championship in 2005, showing his classical skills translated well to speed chess.

His 2008 game against Inarkiev is famous for a "Windmill" combination that saved a lost game into a draw.

Like Karpov, he excelled at restricting opponent's counterplay. His games are textbook examples of prophylaxis.

He competed in the World Senior Team Championships, continuing to play at a high level into his 60s.

Yusupov teaches that you must understand the rules (principles) before you can break them. He is the ultimate "Correct" player.

He is universally respected for his politeness, ethics, and sportsmanship.

He founded the Yusupov Chess Academy, training the next generation of German talents.

Opponents described playing him as "banging your head against a granite wall." He simply did not make unforced errors.