Semyon Furman

About

Soviet chess player and coach, best known for training many of the world's top players.

Before Fame

He was a factory worker in Leningrad while honing his chess skills on the side.

Trivia

He played for the Soviets in the 1961 European Chess Championship, one of the few opportunities he had to play in a high profile event abroad.

Family Life

His family underwent hardship during World War II when Leningrad was under siege by the Nazis.

Associated With

He was an assistant to Mikhail Botvinnik before making his own run as formidable competitor.