# Savielly Tartakower

> Polish and French chess player (1887–1956)

**Wikidata**: [Q161135](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q161135)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savielly_Tartakower)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/savielly-tartakower

## Summary
Savielly Tartakower was a Polish and French chess player (1887–1956) who contributed to the development of hypermodern chess theory, particularly through his advocacy for indirect control of the center, pawn chains, and strategic concepts like overprotection and prophylaxis. He was also a journalist, poet, and resistance fighter during World War II.

## Biography
- Born: February 22, 1887, in Warsaw, Poland
- Nationality: Polish, later French
- Education: Studied at Collège Calvin in Geneva and the University of Vienna
- Known for: Pioneering hypermodern chess principles and resistance activities during WWII
- Employer(s): Affiliated with Free France and the Collège Calvin
- Field(s): Chess, journalism, poetry, resistance movement

## Contributions
- **Hypermodern Chess Theory**: Tartakower introduced key concepts such as the pawn chain, overprotection, and indirect control of the center, influencing modern chess strategy.
- **Chess Openings**: He developed the Inverted Hungarian Opening, contributing to the evolution of opening theory.
- **Resistance Activities**: As a resistance fighter, he supported Free France during World War II, demonstrating his commitment to anti-Nazi resistance.
- **Journalism and Poetry**: Published works in both chess and literary fields, showcasing his versatility as a writer and journalist.

## FAQs
**What was Savielly Tartakower's most significant contribution to chess?**
Tartakower's most significant contribution was advancing hypermodern chess theory, particularly through his ideas on indirect control of the center, pawn chains, and strategic concepts like overprotection and prophylaxis.

**Where did Savielly Tartakower study?**
He studied at Collège Calvin in Geneva and the University of Vienna, where he developed his intellectual and literary skills.

**What role did Savielly Tartakower play during World War II?**
He was a resistance fighter and supported Free France, demonstrating his commitment to anti-Nazi resistance efforts.

**What chess openings did Savielly Tartakower develop?**
He developed the Inverted Hungarian Opening, which contributed to the evolution of opening theory in chess.

## Why They Matter
Savielly Tartakower's influence on chess is enduring, particularly through his hypermodern principles, which reshaped strategic thinking in the mid-20th century. His resistance activities during WWII also highlight his broader commitment to anti-fascist causes. As a chess player, journalist, and poet, he left a multifaceted legacy that spans multiple fields, making him a notable figure in intellectual and political history.

## Notable For
- Pioneering hypermodern chess theory, influencing modern strategic play.
- Developing the Inverted Hungarian Opening, a significant chess opening.
- Serving as a resistance fighter and supporting Free France during WWII.
- Publishing works in both chess and literary fields, showcasing his versatility.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- Born on February 22, 1887, in Warsaw, Poland, Tartakower was exposed to intellectual and artistic environments early in life.
- Studied at Collège Calvin in Geneva, where he developed his literary and journalistic skills.
- Later attended the University of Vienna, furthering his education in humanities and sciences.

### Chess Career
- Tartakower became a prominent chess player, known for his strategic depth and innovative ideas.
- He introduced hypermodern principles, including the pawn chain, overprotection, and indirect control of the center, which became foundational in modern chess strategy.
- Developed the Inverted Hungarian Opening, contributing to the evolution of opening theory.

### Literary and Journalistic Work
- Published poetry and articles, showcasing his literary talents alongside his chess expertise.
- Contributed to various journals and publications, demonstrating his versatility as a writer and commentator.

### Resistance Activities
- During World War II, Tartakower engaged in resistance activities, supporting Free France and anti-Nazi efforts.
- His commitment to resistance highlighted his broader intellectual and political engagement beyond chess.

### Legacy
- Tartakower's contributions to chess theory remain influential, shaping strategic play for decades.
- His multifaceted career as a chess player, writer, and resistance fighter underscores his intellectual and political significance.
- His work in hypermodern chess and resistance activities continue to be studied and celebrated in historical and chess circles.

## References

1. death certificate
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Français libres
5. Geneological database Merkel-Zeller
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. OlimpBase
8. CONOR.SI
9. Quora
10. LIBRIS. 2012