Sergey Kalinichev Soviet, Russian and German chess player Date of Birth: 03.02.1956 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Chess Training
2. Coaching Career and International Success
3. German Champion and Berlin's Champion
4. Nard Games
5. Family

Early Life and Chess Training

Born in the Soviet Union, Vladislav Kalinichev discovered his passion for chess at the age of 14. He joined the chess section at the Dzerzhinsky Palace of Pioneers in the Moscow region. After completing his military service, Kalinichev returned to lead the same section, where he nurtured the talents of future grandmasters Anatoly Vyzhmanavin and Alexander Kharitonov.

Coaching Career and International Success

In 1984, Kalinichev became the coach of the chess team for the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. He relocated permanently to Germany in 1995. Despite his coaching commitments, Kalinichev continued to excel as a chess player, winning international tournaments in Dresden, Rostock, Warsaw, and Berlin in the 1980s. He went on to secure victories in Budapest, Schwaebisch Gmuend, Regensburg, Passau, Stuttgart, and Le Touquet during the 1990s.

German Champion and Berlin's Champion

In 2016, Kalinichev reached the pinnacle of his chess career by becoming the German Champion. He also claimed the title of Berlin Champion on three separate occasions (2002, 2013, and 2015).

Nard Games

Kalininchev is recognized not only for his chess prowess but also as a skilled nard player. He triumphed at tournaments in Berlin, Tiergarten, and Friedenau in 2005, and the Berlin Masters Tournament in 2008.

Family

Kalininchev is married to Valeria Kalinicheva (née Hanswind), an Estonian chess player and FIDE Master. Together, they have a son named Andrei Kalinichev (born 1986), who has pursued his own chess career.