Ivan Sokolov is a Grandmaster, author, coach, and formerly one of the top-ranked chess players in the world.
Sokolov became a GM aged 19, then one of the youngest in the world. Shortly after, he gave up studying law and became a professional chess player. It was the right decision, as his illustrious chess career shows (which continues today!). On top of beating some of the strongest players ever – the last four World Champions included – he has taken home medals from numerous high-profile tournaments.
His achievements include the 1988 Yugoslav Championship, the 1995 and 1998 Dutch Championships, the 1998 Hastings International Chess Congress, and contributing to gold and silver medals for the Dutch and Bosnian teams, respectively, in the European Team Championships.
Curiously, his peak FIDE rating of 2706 in 2004 made him world #12…for the third time in twelve years! He held the same position in 1992 when he first crossed the 2600 barrier, and in 1996, the first time he surpassed 2650! His stunning performances and consistency made him a “super-GM” before the term even came into fashion!
In recent years, GM Sokolov has grown promising talents like Jorden Van Foreest, and Alireza Firozja into World ranked Super Grandmasters. But he is also a prolific author with extensive work on middlegame strategy, openings, and his own chess career, among other topics.
Perhaps best known as a Nimzo-Indian expert, it makes sense that he devoted his first Chessable course to that opening, with a White repertoire based on the Saemish Variation. After its success, GM Sokolov prompted his Chessable return with another specialty of his: the Breyer variation of the Ruy Lopez Opening.
Be sure to check out Take Down the Nimzo-Indian and Ruy Lopez: The Breyer Variation below and witness for yourself his vast experience, immense knowledge, and practical approach to winning games at work.
