Polgár became a grandmaster at 15, breaking Bobby Fischer’s age record, and rose to number eight in the world. She chose to compete only against the overall elite and beat many world champions, including Kasparov in 2002.
Judit and her sisters Zsuzsa and Zsófia were taught at home by their father, who believed that geniuses are made, not born. All three became outstanding players. Judit, the youngest, became a grandmaster in 1991 at 15 years and 4 months — younger than Fischer had been.
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Competing with the best
Polgár avoided women-only events and competed with the world’s best men. She reached a peak rating of 2735, was ranked eighth in the world in 2005 and played in the 2005 FIDE World Championship tournament. Her attacking style was fearless and sharp.
She now promotes chess in education through her foundation and the Judit Polgár Chess Festival.
Did you know?
♞Fact #1Tap to revealPolgár broke Fischer’s record as the youngest grandmaster.
♝Fact #2Tap to revealShe is the only woman to have been ranked in the world top ten.
Three lessons from Polgár for your own games
1Aim for the strongest competition
2Attack with confidence and calculation
3Training at home can build world-class skill
Judit Polgár’s games
Watch the featured game replay itself, or pick any game below. Every game opens move by move with engine analysis.