Efim Bogoljubov – The Eternal Optimist

Efim Bogoljubov (1889–1952) was one of the strongest players of the 1920s and 30s. Born in Ukraine, he later became a German citizen. He famously won the Moscow 1925 super-tournament ahead of Emanuel Lasker and Jose Raul Capablanca.

He was known for his optimism. He believed any position could be won and played with aggressive, tactical energy. He often took risks that objectively shouldn't have worked, but his practical strength carried him through.

It is a hypermodern defense against 1.d4 (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+) that Bogoljubov championed. It aims to trade pieces and simplify the position while maintaining solidity.

He played two World Championship matches against Alexander Alekhine (1929 and 1934). While he lost both, the games were incredibly sharp and fighting, filled with creative tactical battles.

His greatest triumph. He finished first in one of the strongest tournaments in history, ahead of World Champion Capablanca and former champion Lasker.

He was considered the worthy challenger to Alekhine's throne, playing matches for the title in 1929 and 1934.

His contribution to opening theory (3...Bb4+ against the Queen's Gambit) is still played at the elite level today.

His quote ("When I am Black, I win because I am Bogoljubov") is one of the most famous and loved quotes in chess history.

He won this elite tournament ahead of Capablanca, Nimzowitsch, and Tartakower, cementing his right to challenge for the world title.

He won matches against Max Euwe in 1928, earning him the title of "FIDE Champion" before the FIDE title was unified with the classical lineage.

He shared first place with Alekhine and Maroczy, proving he was equal to the very best of his generation.

While positional, his optimism often led him into wild complications where his tactical vision shined.

After emigrating, he became the dominant player in Germany, winning the national championship multiple times.

Alekhine respected Bogoljubov immensely, stating that "Bogoljubov's chess is healthy and sound."

Another major tournament victory where he finished ahead of Nimzowitsch and Rubinstein.

His handling of "hanging pawns" and complex centers influenced the next generation of Soviet players.

He famously refused to play for a draw, believing that fighting for a win was the only way to play chess.

He played top board for Germany in the 1939 Olympiad, scoring heavily against the world's best.

His career was severely disrupted by both World Wars, yet he maintained a high level of play throughout.

With Black, he was an expert in the sharp Two Knights Defense, enjoying the counter-attack.

Originally from a theological background in Ukraine (his name means "Love of God"), he remains a chess hero in his homeland.

His games are often used in training to demonstrate how to convert an initiative into a win.

Despite his attacking reputation, his endgames were extremely precise, as seen in his wins against Capablanca.

Beyond the Bogo-Indian, variations in the Two Knights and French Defense bear his name.