Nona Gaprindashvili

A legendary attacking champion and the first woman awarded the FIDE Grandmaster title.

Reign: 1962-1978
Country: Soviet Union / Georgia
Title Wins: 1962, 1965, 1969, 1972, 1975

Bio

Nona Gaprindashvili defeated Bykova in 1962 and held the women's title for sixteen years. Her arrival marked a new level of energy and ambition in the championship.

Gaprindashvili regularly competed in open events and became the first woman to receive the FIDE Grandmaster title. Her chess combined tactical confidence with serious positional grounding.

She remains one of the most important figures in Georgian and world chess. For improving players, her games are a reminder that initiative is strongest when it rests on active pieces and central control.

Style

Active, attacking, and fearless in open competition.

Legacy

Gaprindashvili raised expectations for women in elite open chess and inspired Georgia's golden chess tradition.

Study Focus

Study how she brought every piece into attacks before committing to sacrifices.

Sources

Last reviewed: May 21, 2026.