# Eugene Nalimov

> Russian chess programmer

**Wikidata**: [Q925227](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q925227)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Nalimov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eugene-nalimov

## Summary
Eugene Nalimov is a Russian computer scientist and engineer known for his pioneering work in endgame tablebases for chess programming. He is best recognized as the developer of the Nalimov tablebases, which revolutionized computer chess endgame analysis.

## Biography
- **Born:** 1965-02-23 in Novosibirsk, Russia
- **Nationality:** Russia
- **Education:** Novosibirsk State University (graduated 1989)
- **Known for:** Developing the Nalimov endgame tablebases
- **Employer(s):** Microsoft
- **Field(s):** Computer science, mathematics, chess programming

## Contributions
Eugene Nalimov developed the Nalimov tablebases, a foundational technology in computer chess. These endgame tablebases precompute and store all possible moves and outcomes for chess endgames with a limited number of pieces. His work provided definitive solutions for positions involving up to six pieces (e.g., KQP vs KKR), enabling chess engines to play perfect endgames. The Nalimov tablebases became a standard resource for high-performance chess software, significantly elevating the level of analysis achievable by computer chess programs and influencing the development of stronger chess engines. His contributions are widely regarded as crucial advancements in computational game theory.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Eugene Nalimov most famous for?
A: Eugene Nalimov is most famous for creating the Nalimov endgame tablebases, a critical innovation that allowed computers to solve complex chess endgames perfectly.

### Q: Where did Eugene Nalimov work?
A: Eugene Nalimov worked at Microsoft, where he applied his expertise in computer science and mathematics.

### Q: What was Eugene Nalimov's primary field of expertise?
A: Eugene Nalimov's primary field of expertise was computer science, specifically applied to chess programming and computational game theory.

### Q: What is the significance of the Nalimov tablebases?
A: The Nalimov tablebases allowed chess programs to play perfect endgames by providing stored, optimal moves for positions with up to six pieces, dramatically improving chess engine strength and analysis depth.

## Why They Matter
Eugene Nalimov's work fundamentally altered the landscape of computer chess. The Nalimov tablebases he created became an indispensable tool for chess engine developers, pushing the boundaries of computational power and strategic understanding in chess. His research demonstrated the practical application of massive precomputation to solve complex game states, influencing later developments in game theory and artificial intelligence. Without his contributions, the current level of chess engine performance and the depth of endgame analysis achieved by programs would not have been possible, impacting both the chess community and the broader field of AI.

## Notable For
- Creator of the Nalimov endgame tablebases, the standard for chess endgame solving.
- Pioneering work in computational game theory and chess programming.
- Affiliation with Microsoft as a computer scientist.
- Development of technology enabling perfect play in complex chess endgames.

## Body
### Identity
- Eugene Nalimov (also known as Yevgeny Viktorovich Nalimov, Jewgeni Nalimow) is a Russian computer scientist.
- His native name is Евгений Викторович Нали́мов (Evgenij Viktorovič Nalímov).
- He is male and a Russian citizen.

### Education and Early Career
- Born on 1965-02-23 in Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Educated at Novosibirsk State University, graduating in 1989.
- Holds occupations as mathematician, engineer, computer scientist, and chess player.

### Career and Affiliations
- Affiliated with Microsoft, the American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, United States.
- Associated with the technology industry and software development sector.

### Primary Contributions
- His notable work is the **endgame tablebase**, specifically the "Nalimov tablebases".
- These tablebases are comprehensive databases storing all possible outcomes and optimal moves for chess endgames involving a specific number of pieces.
- They revolutionized computer chess by enabling engines to solve positions perfectly in endgames (typically up to 6 pieces on the board).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013