Alexander Panchenko was a Russian chess Grandmaster and trainer who was particularly notable for his work in developing and coaching young chess talents. He was born on September 5, 1953, and died on February 19, 2009.
Panchenko achieved significant milestones in his chess career. He earned the International Master title in 1978, and in 1980, he earned the Grandmaster title. Panchenko was also the runner-up in the Soviet Chess Championship in 1980. Furthermore, he qualified twice for the Interzonal stage of the World Chess Championship cycle.
Despite his achievements as a player, Panchenko gained greater recognition as a chess coach. He founded the Panchenko Chess School in Ekaterinburg, Russia, which nurtured several accomplished players. Notable among his students are Grandmasters Pavel Kotsur and Konstantin Sakaev.
Panchenko wrote a number of chess books as well, focusing on mastery of middle and endgame strategies. These works are valued in chess training and are frequently used in schools and by coaches. The late grandmaster Panchenko’s chess manual “Mastering the Endgame" is particularly lauded as an excellent guide to endgame theory.