Chiburdanidze beat Gaprindashvili in 1978 to become women’s world champion at 17, and held the title until 1991. She became the second woman to earn the grandmaster title.
Chiburdanidze grew up in Kutaisi and rose rapidly, defeating her fellow Georgian Nona Gaprindashvili in 1978 to become women’s world champion at just 17.
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Thirteen years at the top
She defended her title several times and led Georgia’s women’s team to many Olympiad victories. She lost the title in 1991 to Xie Jun of China, opening a new era in women’s chess.
Did you know?
♞Fact #1Tap to revealChiburdanidze became women’s world champion at 17.
♝Fact #2Tap to revealShe held the title for 13 years.
Three lessons from Chiburdanidze for your own games
1Start young, learn steadily
2Team play builds strength
3Defend your strengths with preparation
Maia Chiburdanidze’s games
Watch the featured game replay itself, or pick any game below. Every game opens move by move with engine analysis.