We value your privacy

We use essential cookies to keep you logged in securely. We also use functional cookies to remember your game preferences, sound volume, and local progress. You can read more in our Privacy Policy.

All opponents
Tal (The Magician from Riga) avatar

Tal (The Magician from Riga)

Come into the forest, where 2 + 2 = 5

Engine
Rodent IV, personality file
Strength
Displayed 2705

A personality modelled on Mikhail Tal, the most spectacular attacking player in the history of the game. Tal sacrificed constantly, often on positions engines still argue about decades later, and won because his opponents could not solve the problems he created over the board.

The personality is configured to value initiative and attacking chances far above material, so it will give up pieces to open lines towards your king. Some of those sacrifices are sound and some are not — which is entirely faithful to the original.

This is the personality most likely to produce a game worth showing someone afterwards. It is also the one most likely to lose in a way that looks ridiculous.

How it plays

  • Sacrifices material for attacking chances, sometimes speculatively
  • Opens lines towards the king wherever possible
  • Thrives in messy positions with many candidate moves
  • Can collapse if you defend accurately and reach an endgame

Who should play it

Defensive practice, and anyone who finds engine chess boring. If you survive the attack you usually win.

Things they say

Let's play some real chess.
Oh... you left that hanging?
The forest is clearing... in my favor.
Magic happened.
About that number

A style emulation, not the player, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the Tal estate. The displayed 2705 is a label only.

Play Tal (The Magician from Riga)

Runs in your browser. No download, no account needed.