Career
Christiansen showed exceptional strength at an early age. Christiansen tied for first place with Anatoly Karpov at Linares 1981. Christiansen played on the United States Olympiad teams of 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996 and 2002.
Christiansen describes his playing style as "aggressive-tactical" and he lists his favorite opening as the Sämisch King"s Indian.
He is the author of two popular chess books that showcase his aggressive style: Storming the Barricades (2000) and Rocking the Ramparts (2004). Christiansen is also renowned for his quick wit and humor, as well as his enthusiasm for teaching students.
He is also one of the most prolific internet chess players, having played tens of thousands of games online on Interstate Commerce Commission (Internet Chess Club). Larry Christiansen versus
Chessmaster 9000 (September 2002), annotated at GameKnot:
Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4.