Quote: "In order to improve your game, you must study the endgame before everything else, for whereas the the endings can be studied and mastered by themselves, the middle game and the opening must be studied in relation to the endgame." -Capablanca

Quote about him: "Chess was Capablanca's mother tongue." -RETI

Great natural chess genius. Capablanca is known for his stunning sacrifices which won him many tournaments.

World Champion 1921-1927

Famous Quote: "Chess is mental torture" Kasparov

Favorite opening: d2-d4, d7-d5 2.c2-c4, 3. Nc3

Kasparov previous holder of the title of world champion. Kasparov has achieved legendary status in the chess world. He has the highest recorded ELO score in history, and is regarded by millions as the greatest chess player ever.  

Held World title: 1985-2000

Born: April 13, 1963

Kasparov's recent tournament against a machine:  

Famous Quote: "Tactics flow from a superior position."

Favorite opening: 1. e2-e4, e7-e5 2. Nf3 (Ruy Lopez) When asked why he favored this opening, he replied, "[Its] Best by test" 

Bobby Fischer held the title of world champion in the years 1972 - 1975. He did not lose his title, rather he 'dropped out'. Although later in life he denounced chess, he was one of the best players of all time. 

Photo from thechesshaven.homestead.com

Held the title of world champion before Kasparov. Karpov is a great chess genius, and although Kasparov has a higher recorder ELO, Karpov defeated Kasparov in December of 2002 in a chess tournament.

Held world title 1975-85