Alexei Shirov is a Latvian chess grandmaster who has left an indelible mark on the game of chess. One of the most remarkable things about Shirov is his aggressive and attacking style of play, which has earned him the nickname “The Latvian Firebrand.” Shirov is known for his tactical genius and willingness to take risks on the board, often sacrificing material in pursuit of a crushing attack.

Shirov’s attacking prowess has led to some of the most spectacular games and combinations in the history of chess. He has a knack for finding moves that other players would overlook, and his ability to calculate deep tactical variations is legendary. Shirov’s play is often described as “fiery,” and he has even coined the phrase “fire on the board” to describe his aggressive style.

Shirov most iconic phrase " Fire on the board!" :

“Fire on the board” has become synonymous with Shirov’s brand of attacking chess. It is a phrase that captures the essence of his play, which is characterized by bold sacrifices, tactical brilliance, and an unrelenting pursuit of the opponent’s king. Shirov’s games are often filled with fireworks, with pieces flying across the board and tactics unfolding in a dizzying blur.

One of Shirov’s most famous games is his victory over Veselin Topalov at the 1998 Linares tournament. In this game, Shirov’s incredible calculation allowed him to find a winning combination that left Topalov helpless in an opposite color bishops. This move is considered the greatest move of all time!

The move Bh3 !! sacrificing the bishop just to clear the way for the king without losing time.The idea is a quick route for the king to help both the D and A passed pawns . the bishop cannot stop them both and Topalov had to resign in few moves.The following position would have been on the board by force and the white bishop cannot stop both pawns. The a pawn will be used to distract him and the d pawn will queen!

Shirov’s influence on the game of chess cannot be overstated. His aggressive style has inspired a generation of players, and his games continue to be studied and admired by chess enthusiasts all over the world. Shirov’s “fire on the board” philosophy has become a rallying cry for those who seek to play attacking chess and take risks in pursuit of victory. Now let’s see one of his most iconic games :

Shirov playing the Slav defence. Should be a quiet game right?

In this game , Shirov played against GM Rainer Buhmann in 2008 where Shirov had the black pieces. you can check the game here :

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alexis Shirov’s aggressive style of play has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic chess players of all time. He is known for his willingness to take risks and his ability to create complex and unpredictable positions on the board.

While his style may not always lead to victory, it is always entertaining and inspiring to watch. Shirov’s contributions to the game of chess will continue to be remembered and studied for years to come.