childhood
Born on 23 May 1951 in Zlatoust, in the Ural Mountains of Russia, to a working-class family. His father was a steelworker who became a chief engineer.
Learned chess at age four from his father, watching him play.
By age seven, he was a third-category player; by ten, first-category; and at eleven, a candidate master — earlier than Boris Spassky had achieved the same feat.
Childhood was described as "poor and sickly" (清苦且体弱多病).
education
From 1963, at age 12, he was selected for the Moscow Chess School, where he was personally coached by Mikhail Botvinnik — who reportedly said Karpov "doesn't have a future in chess," a remark that motivated him deeply.
Studied economics, English, and Spanish at Moscow State University and later Leningrad State University, graduating in 1978.
career
Twelfth World Chess Champion, holding the title from 1975 to 1985.
Won the World Junior Championship in 1969 and became a Grandmaster in 1970 at age 19.
Became World Champion in 1975 when Bobby Fischer refused to defend his title. He then went on a dominant tournament run, winning nearly every major event for the next decade, proving himself a legitimate champion.
Successfully defended his title against Viktor Korchnoi in 1978 and 1981.
Lost the title to Garry Kasparov in 1985 after their legendary, marathon 1984–85 match that lasted five months and 48 games before being halted by FIDE.
Later became a three-time FIDE World Champion (1993, 1996, 1998), defeating Viswanathan Anand in the 1998 final.
Won the Chess Oscar as best player of the year a record nine times.
stories & anecdotes
Karpov's playing style was characterized by his ability to outmaneuver opponents in long, strategic battles; he excelled in subtle imbalances and was renowned for his patience.
His rivalry with Garry Kasparov is considered the greatest in chess history, with 144 games played between them (+21 -19 =104).
In a famous incident, when asked about a quick draw, he replied: "We were just testing the equipment."
quotes
"Chess is my life, but my life is not chess."
"Finding the right plan is the key to success."
"I like 1.e4 very much but my results with 1.d4 are better."
"History is not a game of chess."
publications
Karpov on Karpov: Memoirs of a Chess World Champion — autobiography.
Chess is My Life — memoir.
Find the Right Plan with Anatoly Karpov — instructional work.
The Caro-Kann Defence: Panov Attack — opening monograph.
My Best Games — game collection.
Play through Anatoly Karpov’s games
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Editorial note: this profile was adapted from supplied research notes. Historical details and attributed quotations should be fact-checked before formal publication.