Alexander Raetsky is a Russian international grandmaster and chess writer, born on 24th September 1961. He became an International Master (IM) in 1993 and was awarded the title of Grandmaster (GM) in 2000. He is known not only for his playing achievements but also for his contribution to chess literature.
Raetsky won several junior tournaments in the Soviet Union during the 1970s, and he became a member of the USSR Junior Team in 1981. However, his chess career was interrupted when he was called to serve in the Russian army, and it wasn't until the 1990s that he resumed his chess activities.
In terms of his professional chess career, Raetsky won several important tournaments. For instance, he finished first in the Russian Championship in 1997. His greatest success, however, came in 1995 when he won both the St. Petersburg and Moscow Open Championships.
Apart from his playing career, Raetsky is also highly regarded for his chess writing. He has written many books aimed at improving one’s game, and his works have been published in multiple languages. Some of his most well-known books include "Meeting 1e4", "Meeting 1d4", and "The Scotch Game".
Overall, Alexander Raetsky has made significant contributions to both practical and theoretical chess. He is currently focused on writing about the game and coaching aspiring chess players.