Gaprindashvili was born in Zugdidi, Georgia, in 1941. She began playing chess at the age of 5 and quickly showed a natural talent for the game. She won the Georgian Women’s Chess Championship at the age of 12, and the Soviet Women’s Chess Championship at the age of 15.

Gaprindashvili was a strong and versatile player who was known for her aggressive style. She was also a very good positional player and had a deep understanding of the game. She was a pioneer in women’s chess and helped to pave the way for other female players to achieve success in the game.