Learn How to Pronounce Alexander Alekhine | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Alexander Alekhine
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Meaning and Context
Alexander Alekhine, born in 1892 in Moscow, was the fourth World Chess Champion, a title he first seized in 1927 by defeating the seemingly invincible José Raúl Capablanca in a historic match. A Russian-born chess prodigy who later adopted French citizenship, Alekhine is renowned as one of the greatest chess players in history, celebrated for his profound contributions to chess theory and his exceptionally imaginative, combinational style. His legacy is defined by a ferocious attacking prowess, particularly in complex middlegame positions, where his tactical genius and profound preparation often overwhelmed opponents. Alekhine's dominance in the chess world was marked by his two championship reigns (1927-1935 and 1937-1946), and his name is immortalized in the iconic Alekhine's Defense, a hypermodern opening he pioneered. His life, marked by exile, controversy, and unparalleled chess brilliance, remains a pivotal chapter in the annals of chess history, influencing generations of grandmasters and enthusiasts who study his immortal games for their strategic depth and explosive tactics.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling in the Latin alphabet is Alexander Alekhine, based on the common French transliteration he used after emigrating. However, from the original Russian (Александр Алехин), alternative transliterations include Aleksandr Alekhin and Aleksander Alekhine. A very common misspelling, even in some historical texts, is "Alexander Alekhine" with an extra 'e', likely due to the influence of the German spelling "Aljechin" or simple phonetic confusion. Another frequent error is "Alakhine" or "Alakine," which misplaces the 'e' and 'h'. It is also important to note the correct pronunciation: ah-leh-KHEEN, not ah-leh-KEEN or ah-LEH-heen, which can lead to further spelling mistakes. When searching for his games or biography, using the correct "Alekhine" is crucial for accurate results.
Example Sentences
Scholars of the game consider Alexander Alekhine's 1927 victory over Capablanca one of the greatest upsets in chess championship history.
To this day, students are advised to study Alekhine's brilliant attacking games to understand the principles of piece coordination and king assault.
The hypermodern Alekhine's Defense, beginning with 1.
e4 Nf6, remains a provocative and respected choice at all levels of play.
Despite his complicated personal life and political affiliations, Alekhine's legacy as a chess genius is fundamentally secure.
His annotated collections of his own best games are masterclasses in explaining profound chess concepts.
Many modern grandmasters cite Alekhine's dynamic, fighting style as a major influence on their own approach to the game.
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