Background
Kaidanov was born in Berdychiv, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. He learned chess from his father at 6 years of age, and at age 8 began attending a chess study group in "Pioneer"s House".
Kaidanov was born in Berdychiv, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. He learned chess from his father at 6 years of age, and at age 8 began attending a chess study group in "Pioneer"s House".
As of April 2007, his Elo rating was 2587, making him the Number. 9 player in the United States and the 179th-highest rated player in the world. His peak rating was 2646 in 2002.
He was inducted into the United States Chess Hall of Fame in 2013.
In 1960 he moved to Kaliningrad, Russian SFSR, Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. He defeated future World Champion Viswanathan Anand in Moscow in 1987. The same year he earned the IM title, and the following year the General Motors title.
Kaidanov is the head coach of the United States Chess School and teaches at the grandmaster level In 2009 he was awarded the title of FIDE Senior Trainer.
Kaidanov has resided in Lexington, Kentucky since 1991, where he coaches the chess team at Sayre School.
Career highlights
1972 – Boys under-14 Russian Federation Championship – 1st place
Gregory Kaidanov versus Viswanathan Anand, Moscow 1987, Caro–Kann Defense: Panov Attack (B13), 1–0
Gregory Kaidanov versus Evgeny Bareev, Ch United Research Services (1 liga) 1987, Vienna Game: Stanley, Frankenstein–Dracula Variation (C27), 1–0
Mark Taimanov versus
Gregory Kaidanov, Belgrade 1988, English Opening: Agincourt Defense, Wimpy System (A13), 0–1
Benjamin Finegold versus
Gregory Kaidanov, 12th Chicago Open 2003, Semi-Slav Defense: Stoltz Variation (D45), 0–1.
1998 – silver medal in 1998 Chess Olympiad as a member of United States team