Nigel Short – The English Legend
Nigel Short is an English Grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, the only British player to play a match for the ultimate title. Known for his sharp wit and aggressive play, this biography covers his legendary "King Walk" game and his contributions to modern chess history.
🎥 Nigel Short Game Analysis Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions About Nigel Short
Who is Nigel Short?
Nigel Short is an English Grandmaster widely regarded as the strongest British chess player of the 20th century. He famously challenged Garry Kasparov for the World Championship in 1993.
What is the famous 'King Walk' game?
It is a game played in 1991 against Jan Timman where Short marched his King from g1 all the way to h6 to help deliver checkmate. It is considered one of the most unique attacking ideas in history.
Did Nigel Short ever beat Kasparov?
Yes, Short defeated Kasparov in several individual games, though he lost their 1993 World Championship match.
What openings does Nigel Short play?
As White, he is a dedicated 1.e4 player. As Black, he is famous for playing the French Defense and the Queen's Gambit Declined.
Is Nigel Short still active?
While he plays less frequently in elite events, he remains an active Grandmaster, commentator, and FIDE official.
🇬🇧 20 Highlights of Nigel Short's Career
1. The Immortal King Walk
His game against Jan Timman (Tilburg 1991) features one of the most famous King marches in history, using the King as an attacking piece.
2. World Championship Challenger
In 1993, he became the first English player to challenge for the World Chess Championship, facing Garry Kasparov.
3. Defeating Anatoly Karpov
Short famously defeated former World Champion Anatoly Karpov in the 1992 Candidates Semi-Final, a massive upset.
4. Child Prodigy
He gained national attention by qualifying for the British Championship at age 12.
5. Grandmaster at 19
He became the youngest Grandmaster in the world at the time in 1984.
6. Breaking Away from FIDE
Short and Kasparov formed the Professional Chess Association (PCA) in 1993, creating a historic split in the chess world.
7. Three-time British Champion
He won the British Chess Championship in 1984, 1987, and 1998.
8. Commonwealth Champion
He won the Commonwealth Chess Championship three times (2004, 2006, 2008).
9. Olympiad Success
He represented England in 17 Chess Olympiads, helping the team win Silver medals in 1984, 1986, and 1988.
10. Victory over Jan Timman
He defeated the legendary Dutch GM Jan Timman in the 1992 Candidates Final to earn his shot at Kasparov.
11. Peak Rating
Short reached a peak FIDE rating of 2712 in 2004, ranking as high as World No. 3 during his career.
12. Commentator and Writer
He is a prolific writer and commentator, known for his witty and outspoken columns.
13. FIDE Vice President
He served as the Vice President of FIDE (the World Chess Federation) starting in 2018.
14. Attacking Style
Short is known for intuitive, concrete attacking play rather than dry, scientific maneuvering.
15. The French Defense Expert
He is one of the world's leading experts on the French Defense (1.e4 e6) with Black.
16. Tournament Victories
He has won dozens of international tournaments, including Amsterdam (1987), Wijk aan Zee (1986, 1987), and Sigeman & Co (2013).
17. Longevity
He remained a top 100 player well into his 50s, winning the Isle of Man International in 2014.
18. Coach
He has coached several top players and national teams, including the Iranian national team.
19. Outspoken Personality
Short is never afraid to voice controversial opinions, keeping him a central figure in chess media.
20. The "Short Variation"
Several opening lines are named after him, particularly in the Caro-Kann and French Defense.