During the 1960s into the 70s, even today when someone says you are playing chess like Tal, that person is paying you an enormous compliment. Mikhail Tal was an attacking genius. He was called the ‘Wizard of Riga’ and ‘The Magician.’ He mesmerized his opponents with his wild attacking forays into enemy territory, which in many instances happened to be unsound combinations, but which, surprisingly, were hugely successful. Tal claimed many of his victories through questionable sacrifices. He beat Bobby Fischer four times, thereby becoming one of only a few persons to accomplish such a feat. Tal (1936-1992), became the Soviet champion at 21, and three years later
