Definition

Proper noun * Viktor Korchnoi: A Russian-born chess grandmaster and world championship contender, known for his exceptional defensive skill, longevity in competitive chess, and famous matches against Anatoly Karpov.

Usage

• The name "Viktor Korchnoi" is used to refer to the individual, a prominent figure in chess history.
• It functions as a proper noun and is not used with articles (a, an, the) when referring to the person himself.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • Viktor Korchnoi defected from the Soviet Union in 1976.
  • In the 1978 World Chess Championship, Viktor Korchnoi challenged Anatoly Karpov.
• In possessive form:
  • Viktor Korchnoi's playing style was famously resilient and creative.
• As an object:
  • Many chess historians have studied the games of Viktor Korchnoi.

Advanced Usage

• The name can be used attributively to describe things related to him.
  • That was a classic Korchnoi defensive resource. (Here, "Korchnoi" is used adjectivally to mean "characteristic of Korchnoi's play".)
• He is often referred to mononymously as "Korchnoi" in chess literature after the first full introduction.
  • Korchnoi continued to compete at the highest level well into his seventies.

Variants and Related Words

• Korchnoi: The shortened, mononymous form commonly used.
• Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi: His full name, including his patronymic.

Synonyms

• The Victor (A pun on his first name, occasionally used in chess journalism).
• Grandmaster Korchnoi (A formal title combined with his name).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• A Korchnoi-like defense: A phrase used in chess commentary to describe a tenacious and resourceful defensive position, reminiscent of his style.
  • The player found a Korchnoi-like defense to save the endgame.

Noun

1. Russian chess master (born in 1931)