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Boris GulkoChess player, international grandmaster
Country:
 USA |
Content:
Biography of Boris Gulko
Boris Gulko is an American, formerly Soviet, chess player and international Grandmaster. He was born in 1947 in the Soviet Union. Gulko became a Grandmaster in 1976 and went on to become the Champion of the USSR in 1977 and the Champion of Moscow in 1974.
In addition to his chess career, Gulko is a trained psychologist, having graduated from Moscow State University. He is also a distinguished FIDE Trainer, receiving this title in 2004. Gulko is married to chess player Anna Akhsharumova, and they have a son named David.
Challenges and Repatriation
In 1977, Gulko was temporarily banned from participating in tournaments for not signing a letter against Grandmaster Viktor Korchnoi, who had become a defector. In 1979, Gulko and his wife applied for repatriation to Israel but were denied. As a result, Gulko was unable to compete in domestic tournaments for two years and was barred from participating in international tournaments for seven years.
In 1986, Gulko moved to the United States, where he has been residing ever since. He became the Champion of the United States in 1994 and 1999.
Chess Career
Gulko earned the right to participate in the Candidates Matches in 1993 after qualifying in the PSHA (Professional Chess Players Association) tournament held in Groningen. In the quarterfinal match of the Candidates Matches in 1994, held in New York, Gulko faced Nigel Short. The match was closely contested, with the main eight games ending in a draw. The match was eventually decided in a tie-break, with Short winning (6.5:5.5) over Gulko (1.5:2.5).
Gulko holds a positive score (3:1) against chess legend Garry Kasparov. After moving to the United States, he embraced Judaism. Gulko has also authored articles on chess, politics, and religious topics.
Later Years and Publications
From 2013 to 2016, Gulko published three chess books, including one in Russian. He later relocated to Israel.
