Classic Fond 1/ClassicFond01.iso/logic/gambit.zip/FAMOUS.FMS

Text File | 1993-08-25 | 967KB | 22,882 lines

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Reshevsky
.DATE 1958
.EVENT US Championship
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 g6 5.Be3 Nf6 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 0-0
[7...Qa5! would have been much better.]
8.Bb3 Na5?
[A well-known mistake - a Russian chess magazine had recently given the
following moves, known to Fischer, but not to Reshevsky!]
9.e5! Ne8?
[Breaking communications between the Queen and Rook. On the other hand,
9...Nxb3 loses to 10.exf6.]
10.Bxf7+!
.QUIZ 10.Bxf7+
10...Kf7
[The 15-year-old Fischer has found the fatal flaw in Reshevsky's position.]
11.Ne6!
.QUIZ 11.Ne6
11...de6 12.Qd8
[The rest is child's play...]
12...Nc6 13.Qd2 Be5 14.0-0 Nd6 15.Bf4 Nc4 16.Qe2 Bf4 17.Qc4 Kg7
18.Ne4 Bc7 19.Nc5 Rf6 20.c3 e5 21.Rad1 Nd8 22.Nd7! Rc6 23.Qh4 Re6 24.Nc5 Rf6
25.Ne4 Rf4 26.Qe7 Rf7 27.Qa3 Nc6 28.Nd6 Bd6 29.Rd6 Bf5 30.b4 Rff8 31.b5 Nd8
32.Rd5 Nf7 33.Rc5 a6 34.b6 Be4 35.Re1 Bc6 36.Rc6! bc6 37.b7 Rab8 38.Qa6 Nd8
39.Rb1 Rf7 40.h3 Rfb7 41.Rb7 Rb7 42.Qa8
[And Black finally gave up.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Byrne,R
.BLACK Fischer
.DATE 1963
.EVENT US Championship
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 c6 4.Bg2 d5 5.cd5 cd5 6.Nc3 Bg7 7.e3 0-0 8.Nge2 Nc6
9.0-0 b6 10.b3 Ba6 11.Ba3 Re8 12.Qd2 e5!!
[Opening the center. Black's piece activity offsets the resulting
$gisolani$b.]
13.de5 Ne5 14.Rfd1?
[The wrong Rook!]
Nd3 15.Qc2 Nf2! 16.Kf2 Ng4 17.Kg1 Ne3 18.Qd2 Ng2!!
[A brilliant attack now ensues.]
19.Kg2 d4! 20.Nd4 Bb7 21.Kf1
[There is a great story that accompanies this game.  In a hall adjacent to the
playing room, Grandmaster Rossolimo was commenting on the games for a large
audience.  He had been completely mystified by this game; at this point, in
fact, he told his audience that there was obviously nothing left for Fischer
to do but give up.  Suddenly, the messenger came with the next report, and
announced that Byrne had resigned!  Can you guess Fischer's deadly final
stroke?]
21...Qd7!!
.QUIZ 21...Qd7
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Sendur
.EVENT World Cadet Championship
.THEME T1,S16
.DATE 1976
.OPENING Pirc
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6
[The Pirc Defense. $gBlack$b builds a kind of King's Indian formation, ceding
the $gcenter$b to $gWhite$b, though with the intention of $gattack$bing it
later on. ]
4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 Nbd7
[ 5...O-O Keeps $gBlack$b's options open. ]
6.O-O O-O 7.e5
[ 7.Bf4 is also good. ]
7...dxe5
[A mistake as $gBlack$b opens up the $gcenter$b too early. Better was 7...Ne8 8.Bg5 f6
9.exf6 exf6 10.Be3 c6 with a $gspace$b $gadvantage$b for $gWhite$b. ]
8.dxe5 Ng4 9.e6 Nde5
[ 9...fxe6 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
10.Qxd8 Rxd8
[The $gexchange$b of queens has weakened $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b. ]
11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.Nb5 c6 13.Nc7 Rb8 14.f4
[The $gBlack$b $gknight$b has been $gtrap$bped in the $gcenter$b of the board! ]
14...Ng4 15.Bxg4 Bd4+ 16.Kh1 Bb6 17.f5 Bxc7
[$gBlack$b has regained his lost $gpiece$b. However, in so doing all his pieces have
ended up over on the $gqueenside$b, leaving his $gking$b exposed to $gattack$b. ]
18.fxg6 fxg6 19.Bh6
[$gWhite$b's $gpawn$b on e6 keeps $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs from entering the game. ]
19...Be5 20.Rad1
[White intends to $gexchange$b $gBlack$b's only piece that defends the $gback
rank$b. ]
20...Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Bd6
[ 21...b6 allows $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b. ]
22.Rf1
[Black resigned since he has no good defense to the $gback rank$b mate with
23.Rf8. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Jansson
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Cagnes sur mer
.THEME T7,T5
.DATE 1977
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.d4
[$gWhite$b intends to play the Smith Morra $ggambit$b, where White
sacrifices a pawn for a lead in $gdevelopment$b. ]
2...e6
[I now prefer to $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b, since the only way to refute a $ggambit$b is to
accept it. ]
3.Nf3 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Be3
[ 6.Ndb5, bringing pressure on the d6 square, is the true test of $gBlack$b's
$gopening$b play. ]
6...Bb4
[$gBlack$b now has numerous tactics based on the $gpin$bned $gknight$b at c3. For
example $gBlack$b's immediate $gthreat$b is to play 7...Nxe4 winning a $gpawn$b. ]
7.Bd3 d5 8.exd5
[ 8.Nxc6 bxc6 9.e5 Nd7 10.Qg4 is a more aggressive continuation. ]
8...Nxd5 9.Nxc6 bxc6 10.Bd4 Nxc3 11.Bxc3
[ 11.bxc3 allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b. ]
11...Bxc3+ 12.bxc3 Qf6
[$gBlack$b stands slightly better because of $gWhite$b's doubled c-$gpawn$b. Still, with
correct play I don't believe this is a big enough $gadvantage$b for $gBlack$b to
win.]
13.O-O
[ 13.Qd2 Qe5+ 14.Be2 Ba6 is better for $gBlack$b due to the $gpin$b on White's
$gbishop$b. ]
13...Qxc3 14.Qf3 g6
[Played to take away the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b from White's light squared $gbishop$b.
14...O-O would allow $gWhite$b a winning continuation. ]
15.Rab1 O-O 16.Rb3
[ 16.Rfd1 is better, when White's lead in $gdevelopment$b compensates for his
lost $gpawn$b. ]
16...Qc5 17.Be4 Ba6 18.Bxc6 Rac8 19.Rc3
[A miscalculation which costs White $gmaterial$b. Better was 19.Be4.]
19...Qa5
[White has serious problems as his $gbishop$b is $gpin$bned down on the c-$gfile$b.
The immediate $gthreat$b is 20...Bb5 or Bb7. ]
20.Rd1 Be2
.QUIZ 20...Be2
[The deflection of White's queen costs him the $gexchange$b.]
21.Qxe2 Qxc3 22.Ba4 Rfd8
[White resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit. For practice setup this game and try
defending $gWhite$b's position against Gambit. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Dolmatov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME T12,S17
.DATE 1977
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6
[I sometimes used to play the favorite $gopening$bs of my former coach Mikhail
Botvinnik.]
2.d3
[This move is too slow to give White any serious $ginitiative$b. Better is
2.d4.]
2...e5 3.g3 g6 4.d4
[Taking two moves to advance the pawn allows $gBlack$b to solve his opening
problems.]
4...Nf6 5.Nc3 Qa5
[$gPin$bning the $gknight$b on c3 and therefore $gthreat$bening to play 6...Nxe4.]
6.Bg2 d6 7.Nge2 Bg7 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Qd6
[Although the $gqueen$b looks impressive here. It turns out that she is needed for
the protection of the c-$gpawn$b.]
9...Na6 10.O-O Be6 11.Rd1 Nb4
[Taking $gadvantage$b of the White queen not staying to protect the
$gqueenside$b.]
12.Be3 Nxc2 13.b4 Nxb4
[$gBlack$b has a $gwinning position$b because of his two $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b.]
14.Bc5 Bf8 15.Qxe5 Ng4
[This intermediate move gives $gBlack$b a winning $ginitiative$b. 15...Bxc5
16.Qxf6 O-O 17.Nf4 Rae8 18.Nh5 gxh5 19.Qg5+ Kh8 20.Qf6+ Kg8 21.Qg5+ With a
$gdraw by repetition$b. ]
16.Qxh8 Qxc5
[The $gWhite$b f-$gpawn$b now comes under a furious assault.]
17.Rf1
[ 17.Kh1 Nxf2+ 18.Kg1 Nh3+ 19.Kh1 Allows $gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b. ]
17...O-O-O
[$gBlack$b's temporary loss of the $gexchange$b is fully compensated for by
his active $gpiece$bs.]
18.Qxh7 Nd3
[$gBlack$b is relentless on his quest for the f-$gpawn$b.]
19.Nd1 Qe5
[A very strong move. $gBlack$b intends to place his $gbishop$b on c5 and $grook$b on h8.]
20.Rb1 Bc5
[$gWhite$b has no $gdefense$b to the coming Rh8.]
21.h3 Ngxf2
[ 21...Rh8 22.Qxh8+ Qxh8 23.hxg4 Gives $gWhite$b two $grook$bs for the $gqueen$b. ]
22.Nxf2 Rh8
[White resigned since $gmaterial$b loss in unavoidable.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Begun
.EVENT Minsk
.THEME S2
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Semi-Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5
[The Semi-Tarrasch $gDefense$b gives $gBlack$b a solid yet somewhat passive
position.]
6.e3
[ 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 is more commonly played. ]
6...Nc6 7.Bd3 Be7 8.O-O O-O 9.Nxd5 Qxd5
[ 9...exd5 10.Qc2 is good for $gWhite$b because of the dual $gthreat$bs on h7 and
c5.]
10.e4 Qd8
[This retreat hands the $ginitiative$b over to White. Better was 10...Qh5 ]
11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.e5 Be7 13.Qe2 Nb4 14.Bb1 Bd7 15.a3 Nd5 16.Qe4
[A good move that $gforce$bs $gBlack$b to weaken his $gking$b's position, thanks to the
$gthreat$bened $gmate$b on h7.]
16...g6 17.Bh6 Re8 18.h4
[White intends to further weaken $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b with 19.h5.]
18...Qb6 19.h5
[Following through with my plan.]
19...f5 20.exf6 Nxf6 21.Qe1 Nxh5 22.Ne5 Bb5 23.Bxg6
[Sweeping away $gBlack$b's remaining defenders.]
23...Nf6
[ If 23...hxg6 24.Qe4 Bf8 25.Qxg6+ Ng7 26.Ng4, $gBlack$b has no good $gdefense$b
against $gWhite$b's intended 27.Nf6+. ]
24.Bxh7+
[$gBlack$b resigned since he has no good response to $gWhite$b's $gattack$b. For
example ...Kxh7 (24...Nxh7 25.Qe4 with 26.Qg4+ or 26.Qg6+ to follow.) 25.Qb1+
Kh8 26.Qg6 with no $gdefense$b against the dual $gmate$b $gthreat$bs of 27.Nf7++ or
27.Qg7++. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Roizman
.EVENT Minsk
.THEME T5,S8
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4
[This is the Bird's $gvariation$b of the Spanish Game.]
4.Nxd4 exd4 5.O-O Bc5 6.d3 c6 7.Bc4 d6 8.f4
[Beginning active operations at the first opportunity.]
8...Nf6 9.e5 dxe5
[This move allows me to play a $gcombination$b based on the $gopening$b of the f-$gfile$b.
9...Nd5 is better as it keeps the $gfile$b closed. ]
10.Bxf7+
.QUIZ 10.Bxf7+
[Now $gBlack$b will be unable to castle, while White retains the better $gpawn
structure$b.]
10...Kxf7 11.fxe5
[The $gBlack$b $gknight$b is unable to flee since it is $gpin$bned by the White
$grook$b.]
11...Qd5 12.exf6 gxf6
[White stands better in this position due to his superior $gpawn structure$b and
the exposed nature of the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
13.Nd2 Rg8
[$gBlack$b seeks play on the g-$gfile$b.]
14.Ne4 Be7 15.Bf4 Rg6 16.Qe2 Bg4 17.Qf2 Rag8
[While this move is consistent with $gBlack$b's previous play, it still leaves his
$gking$b exposed to $gattack$b. 17...Kg7 is better, with the idea of tucking the king
away at h8. ]
18.Rae1
[$gWhite$b is not afraid of the $gattack$b on the g-$gpawn$b, since he can $gblock$b the g-
$gfile$b with a $gminor piece$b. Therefore $gBlack$b moves the h-pawn into the game.]
18...h5 19.Bg5
[This unexpected $gpin$b shows the vulnerability of the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
19...Qd8
[ Against the curious move 19...Bh3  I had intended 20.Nxf6 Bxf6 21.Qxf6+ Rxf6
22.Rxf6+ Kg7 with a $gforce$bd $gmate$b for $gWhite$b. ]
20.Qf4 Be6 21.h4 Bd5 22.g4
[This move exposes the $gWhite$b $gking$b. However, the $grook$b on g6 turns out to be in
danger, and this decides the game.]
22...Kg7
[ 22...hxg4 23.h5 Rxg5 24.Nxg5+ Rxg5 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.
Against 22...Rh8 I had prepared a $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b with 23.Bxf6 Rxg4+ 24.Qxg4
hxg4 25.Bxe7+ Kxe7 when $gWhite$b has a $gforce$bd $gmate$b. ]
23.gxh5 fxg5 24.Qe5+ Kh6 25.hxg6 gxh4 26.Rf5 Kxg6 27.Kh2
[$gBlack$b resigned since he is $gdefense$bless against 28.Rg1+ followed by
29.Rh5++.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Hernandez
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Banja Luka
.THEME S8,S17
.DATE 1979
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 g6 2.Nc3 Bg7 3.d4 c5 4.d5 Nf6 5.e4 d6 6.Bd3 O-O 7.f4
[By $gtransposition$b we have reached the Four $gPawn$bs variation.]
7...a6
[Preparing to weaken $gWhite$b's grip on the $gcenter$b with 8...b5.]
8.Nge2
[A mistake that allows $gBlack$b to strike at the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b.
8.a4 would put a stop to $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b play as ...b5 could be answered
with 9.axb5 and $gBlack$b would be unable to recapture.]
8...b5
[$gBlack$b gains a strong $ginitiative$b with this pawn sacrifice.]
9.cxb5 axb5 10.Nxb5
[ 10.Bxb5 Ba6 11.Bxa6 Nxa6 12.O-O gives $gBlack$b has good play against $gWhite$b's
$gqueenside$b, as numerous Benko $gGambit$b's have shown. ]
10...Ba6 11.Nec3 c4 12.Bc2
[ 12.Bxc4 Nxe4 13.Nxe4 Bxb5 14.Bxb5 Qa5+ 15.Bd2 Qxb5 is good for $gBlack$b as the
$gWhite$b $gking$b is stranded in the $gcenter$b. ]
12...Bxb5 13.Nxb5 Qa5+ 14.Nc3 Nfd7
[Opening the h8-a1 $gdiagonal$b for the dark squared $gbishop$b.]
15.Qf3
[A mistake, since $gWhite$b should remove his $gking$b from the $gcenter$b as quickly as
possible with 15.O-O, while the $gqueen$b is needed for the $gdefense$b on the
$gqueenside$b. ]
15...Na6 16.O-O Nb4 17.Qe2
[White has lost a valuable $gtempo$b with his $gqueen$b.]
17...Nc5 18.Be3 Nbd3
[The occupation of the d3 square spells doom for White's $gqueenside$b.]
19.Bxd3 Nxd3 20.e5
[ 20.Kh1 Nxb2 21.Qxb2 Bxc3 is thematic in this type of position. ]
20...dxe5 21.fxe5 Bxe5 22.Bh6 Rfb8
[$gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b play is at full speed.]
23.Qf3 f5 24.g4 Rxb2 25.gxf5
[$gWhite$b decides to $gsacrifice$b a $gpiece$b for some $gattack$bing chances, as his
position was lost anyway.]
25...Qxc3 26.fxg6 Qd4+
[White resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit and exposed $gking$b position. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Kuijpers
.EVENT W Junior Championship Dortmund
.THEME T5,S9
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6
[The Benoni $gDefense$b leads to $gsharp$b and unbalanced positions.]
7.f4
[I consider this to be the true test of the Benoni $gDefense$b.]
7...Bg7 8.Bb5+
[This move poses $gBlack$b a serious problem, since he must decide which $gpiece$b to
$ginterpose$b with.]
8...Nfd7
[Theory considers this to be the $gbest move$b.]
9.a4
[This prophylactic move keeps $gBlack$b from expanding on the $gqueenside$b with
9...a6 and then 10...b5.]
9...O-O 10.Nf3 a6 11.Be2 Nf6 12.O-O
[$gWhite$b can already lay claim to a $gspace$b $gadvantage$b.]
12...Qc7
[ 12...Bg4 13.e5 Nh5 14.Ng5 Bxe2 15.Qxe2 when $gWhite$b intends to $gtrap$b $gBlack$b's
$gknight$b with 16.g4. ]
13.e5 Ne8 14.e6
[With this central thrust $gWhite$b is able to turn his $gspace$b $gadvantage$b into a
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
14...fxe6 15.Bc4 Qe7
[ 15...exd5 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
16.dxe6 Nc7 17.f5 Nc6 18.Bg5 Bf6 19.Ne4 Bxg5 20.Nfxg5
[$gWhite$b now intends to roll $gBlack$b off the board with 21.f6.]
20...gxf5 21.Nxd6
[$gWhite$b's passed e-$gpawn$b combined with the exposed nature of $gBlack$b's $gking$b add up
to a winning $gadvantage$b.]
21...Nd4 22.Qh5 Bxe6
[$gBlack$b had to do something about the e-$gpawn$b, but now more pressure is added to
the e-$gfile$b.]
23.Rae1
[The $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b proves decisive.]
23...Rf6 24.Nxf5 Nxf5 25.Nxe6 Nxe6 26.Rxe6 Rxe6 27.Qxf5
[A new $gpin$b by the $gbishop$b ends the game.]
27...Re8 28.Re1
[$gBlack$b resigned as $gmaterial$b loss is unavoidable. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME S2,S10
.DATE 1981
.OPENING English
1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nf6 3.g3
[The English $gopening$b, where $gWhite$b is not as concerned about getting a big
$gadvantage$b as with developing his pieces.]
3...b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.O-O e6 6.Nc3 Be7 7.b3 O-O 8.Bb2 d6 9.e3 Nbd7 10.d4 a6
11.Qe2 Ne4
[This well-timed $gknight$b sortie gives $gBlack$b $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. 11...Qc7
12.e4 is better for $gWhite$b on account of his $gspace$b $gadvantage$b. ]
12.Rfd1 Qb8
[ 12...Qc7 13.Rac1 Ndf6 leads to play with equal chances. ]
13.Nxe4 Bxe4 14.Ne5
[White appears to be gaining a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b. However, $gBlack$b will
obtain a $gbind$b on the light squares for his investment.]
14...Bxg2 15.Nxd7 Qb7 16.Nxf8 Bf3 17.Qd3 Rxf8
[ 17...Bxd1 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b. ]
18.Rd2 f5
[Although $gBlack$b has nothing concrete for the lost $gexchange$b, his $gcontrol$b of
the light squares cannot be taken lightly.]
19.Re1
[A mistake, since $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b remains stronger than either of
the $gWhite$b $grook$bs. Better was 19.Bc3. ]
19...Qc8
[A strong move. $gBlack$b intends to transfer the $gqueen$b over to the light squares
on White's $gkingside$b.]
20.Qc3 Rf6 21.a3 Qe8 22.dxc5 Qh5
[With the horrible $gthreat$b of 23...Qh3 followed by 24...Qg2++.]
23.h4
[ 23.cxd6 gives $gBlack$b has two different ways of forcing $gmate$b. One is
23...Qxh2+ 24.Kxh2 Rh6+ 25.Kg1 Rh1+ ]
23...Qg4 24.Kh2
[$gForce$bd in view of the $gthreat$bened 24...Qh3.]
24...bxc5 25.Rh1 Rg6 26.Kg1 Bxh4
[Taking $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on the g-$gfile$b.]
27.Qa5
[ 27.Rxh4 loses $gmaterial$b. ]
27...h6
[$gWhite$b resigned, as he has no good $gdefense$b to 28...Bxg3.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Geller
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME S16
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2
[The Scheveningen $gvariation$b of the Sicilian $gDefense$b has served me well over
the years.]
6...Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.Be3 O-O 9.f4 e5
[Today I would prefer to keep the tension in the position with 9...a6. The
game continuation is also interesting.]
10.Nb3 exf4 11.Bxf4 Be6 12.Kh1
[$gBlack$b's weakened d-$gpawn$b is offset by $gWhite$b's weakened e-pawn, giving rise to
equal chances.]
12...d5
[In this way $gBlack$b solves his $gopening$b problems.]
13.e5 Nd7 14.Nxd5 Ndxe5 15.c4
[ 15.Nxe7+ Qxe7 and $gWhite$b's two $gbishop$bs $gadvantage$b are balanced by $gBlack$b's more
centralized $gpiece$bs. ]
15...Bg5 16.Nc5 Bxf4 17.Rxf4 b6 18.Ne4
[ 18.Nxe6 fxe6 19.Rxf8+ Qxf8 20.Nc3 Rd8 gives $gBlack$b a pull thanks to his more
active $gpiece$bs. ]
18...b5 19.b3
[ 19.cxb5 Bxd5 20.bxc6 Ng6 21.Rg4 f5 wins $gmaterial$b. ]
19...bxc4 20.Bxc4 Kh8 21.Qh5
[An empty gesture. I have nothing to fear from the combined $gforce$bs on the
$gkingside$b because my king has plenty of protection nearby.]
21...Bxd5 22.Bxd5 Qxd5 23.Rh4 h6 24.Rd1 Qa5
[The $gqueen$b seems to be a long way from home, but it keeps an eye on the e1-
square and the weakness of the $gback rank$b. So Geller tries to
chase it away.]
25.b4 Qxb4 26.Nf6
[At first glance, this is impressive because my $gqueen$b is under $gattack$b from the
$grook$b at h4. But the $gknight$b doesn't do anything at f6.]
26...Qe7 27.Rf1 Rfd8
[Here Geller gave up, since he has no $gcompensation$b for the $gmaterial$b. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Dur
.EVENT W Junior Championship Graz
.THEME S2,T7
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3
[The $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined, which gives $gBlack$b a solid yet somewhat passive
position.]
6...h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Qd2 c6
[Although $gBlack$b has the two $gbishop$bs, his light squared bishop is $gblock$bed by his
own $gpawn$bs.]
9.h4 Nd7
[This move allows White a strong $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b. Better
was 9...g6 10.O-O-O Bg7 ]
10.g4
[Now it's too late to try and $gblock$b the position with 10...g6.]
10...Re8
[ 10...g6 would fail to $gblock$b the $gkingside$b after 11.g5 hxg5 12.hxg5
Bg7 13.O-O-O]
11.O-O-O b5
[Owing to White's $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b $gBlack$b tries to counter-
$gattack$b on the opposite $gwing$b. Even though it will cost him a $gpawn$b to open up
the $gqueenside$b, this is $gBlack$b's best practical chance.]
12.cxb5 cxb5 13.Bxb5 Rb8 14.g5
[Returning the $gpawn$b in order to open up the g-$gfile$b, which leads directly to
$gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
14...hxg5 15.hxg5 Bxg5 16.Nxg5 Qxg5 17.f4
[Clears the second $grank$b for $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b to $gattack$b on the h-$gfile$b.]
17...Qf6 18.Qh2 g6 19.f5 Qg7
[ 19...gxf5 20.Rdg1+ Kf8 21.Qd6+ Re7 22.Bxd7 Rb6 allows $gWhite$b to win
$gmaterial$b. ]
20.fxe6 fxe6 21.Rdg1
[It's easy to see that $gWhite$b stands better, since $gBlack$b's $gattack$b has never
gotten farther than the first stage.]
21...Rf8 22.Bd3 Rf6 23.e4 e5 24.Nxd5 Rf7 25.Rxg6
.QUIZ 25.Rxg6
[$gBlack$b resigned since his $gqueen$b is deflected from covering the h8 square.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Sosonko
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME S5
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4
[By $gtransposition$b we have reached a line from the Nimzoindian $gDefense$b.]
5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 c5
[ 7...c6 8.Qc2 g5 9.Bg3 Ne4 with the idea of 10...Bf5 is also possible. ]
8.e3 g5 9.Bg3 Ne4 10.Bb5+
[This $gcheck$b would not have been possible had $gBlack$b played 7...c6.]
10...Kf8
[ 10...Nc6 11.O-O Bxc3 12.bxc3 Nxc3 13.Bxc6+ bxc6 14.Qc2 Ne4 15.dxc5 is better
for $gWhite$b thanks to the numerous $ghole$bs in $gBlack$b's position.]
11.dxc5
[With $gBlack$b's $gking$b exposed $gWhite$b wants an opened position as possible, even at
the cost of $gmaterial$b. ]
11...Nxc3 12.bxc3 Bxc3+ 13.Ke2 Bxa1 14.Qxa1
[As $gcompensation$b for the lost $gexchange$b White has a huge lead in
$gdevelopment$b and an iron grip on the dark squares, not to
mention the exposed position of $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
14...f6
[The only move. 14...Kg8 would lose to 15.Be5 Rh7 16.Bf6 Qa5 17.Bd3
Regaining the lost $gmaterial$b with a winning position. ]
15.h4 g4
[A mistake which hastens the end. $gBlack$b probably could not have defended
anyway.]
16.Nd4 Kf7 17.Bd3 Nd7
[ 17...a6 taking away the b5 square from White's knight fails to 18.Rb1 Nc6
19.Rb6 ]
18.Qc3 Ne5 19.Nb5
[The $gknight$b heads for an $goutpost$b at d6.]
19...Qe7 20.Nd6+ Kf8 21.Rd1 b6 22.Bc2 Ba6+
[ 22...bxc5 23.Rxd5 Be6 24.Rxe5 fxe5 25.Bxe5 Rg8 26.Bf4 Qxh4 27.g3 and $gBlack$b's
queen is $goverworked$b.]
23.Ke1 Bc4 24.Nxc4 dxc4 25.Rd6 Re8
[ 25...bxc5 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
26.Bxe5 fxe5 27.Qxc4 Qf7
[ 27...Rd8 28.Bb3 Rxd6 29.cxd6 Qd7 30.Qd5 is also hopeless for $gBlack$b. If you
don't see why setup this game and try defending $gBlack$b against Gambit. ]
28.Qe4
[$gBlack$b is $gdefense$bless against $gWhite$b's intended 29.Bb3.]
28...g3
[A last trick.]
29.fxg3
[$gBlack$b resigns as he is $gdefense$bless against 30.Bb3. If you don't see why try
defending $gBlack$b's position against Gambit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tseshkovsky
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Soviet Union Championship
.THEME T5,S15
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3
[ 5.Nb5 d6 6.c4 setting up a $gbind$b is also possible. ]
5...d6 6.g3
[White intends to $gcontrol$b the $gcenter$b by the $gfianchetto$b of his light
squared $gbishop$b.]
6...Nf6 7.Bg2 Bd7 8.O-O Be7 9.a4
[Played to deter $gBlack$b from expanding on the $gqueenside$b with a6 and b5.]
9...O-O 10.Nce2
[Going backwards with his $gdevelopment$b cannot be recommended. Better was
10. Ndb5 Qb8 11.Be3 which leads to complicated play with chances for both
sides. ]
10...Rc8 11.c3
[ 11.Nb5 d5 12.exd5 Nxd5 is a little better for $gBlack$b thanks to his lead in
$gdevelopment$b. ]
11...a6
[Played to prevent $gWhite$b from $gattack$bing the d-$gpawn$b with Nb5.]
12.h3 Qc7 13.g4 d5
[Following the advice of the old saying "an $gattack$b on the $gflank$b is best
countered with an $gattack$b in the $gcenter$b".]
14.exd5
[ 14.Nxc6 Bxc6 15.e5 Ne4 16.f3 Nc5 17.f4 f6 is better for $gBlack$b since $gWhite$b
will be unable to hold onto the $gcenter$b. ]
14...Nxd5 15.Bxd5
[Parting with the light squared $gbishop$b is suspicious. However, $gBlack$b has a
good game anyway.]
15...exd5 16.Nf4 Bc5 17.Nb3
[A mistake which fatally weakens the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b. Better was 17.Be3. ]
17...Ba7
[$gBlack$b sacrifices a pawn, since the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b is more important.]
18.Qxd5 Be6 19.Nxe6 fxe6 20.Qe4
[ 20.Qxe6+ Kh8 21.Be3 Bb8 22.f4 Rce8 wins the $gbishop$b on e3. ]
20...Rxf2
[Shattering White's $gkingside$b while setting up a deadly $gpin$b.]
21.Rxf2 Qg3+ 22.Qg2
[ 22.Kh1 Qxh3+ 23.Kg1 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Rf8+ 25.Ke2 Qf1+ 26.Ke3 Qe1+ 27.Kd3 Rd8+
28.Nd4 allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b.]
22...Bxf2+
.QUIZ 22...Bxf2
[The point! $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b is unable to $gcapture$b the $gbishop$b thanks to the
$gpin$b on the g-$gfile$b.]
23.Kf1
[This move only hastens the end. Better was 23.Kh1.]
23...Qe5 24.Bf4
[ 24.Kxf2 Rf8+ 25.Kg1 Qe1+ 26.Kh2 Rf2 $gpin$bs the queen. ]
24...Qxf4 25.Qxf2 Qc4+
[$gWhite$b resigned as he cannot save his $gknight$b on b3.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Murey
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME S6
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3
[The Petrosian system of the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b has brought me many
victories.]
5...d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5
[A continuation which has been becoming more popular recently. It is difficult
to explain why $gBlack$b should give up the $gcenter$b without a fight, but perhaps
good practical results are the reason why.]
7.Qc2
[At the time of this game this was a new twist to the position. $gWhite$b had
usually played 7.e3. The idea of 7.Qc2 is to play e4 in one move instead of
two.]
7...c5 8.e4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Nc6 10.Bb2
[Simple and strong! The $gpawn$b is well protected and the $grook$b is ready to occupy
the d1 square.]
10...Rc8
[Natural but bad. $gBlack$b will not be able to take $gadvantage$b of the position of
the White $gqueen$b, while the loss of a $gtempo$b will cost him dearly. It was
necessary to play 10...Be7, preparing to castle.]
11.Rd1 cxd4 12.cxd4 a6
[Played to keep White's $gbishop$b off the a4-e8 $gdiagonal$b.  12...Nxd4 allows
White to win $gmaterial$b. 12...Ne5, trying to take $gadvantage$b of White's queen
being on the c-$gfile$b, would backfire after...13.Bb5+ Bc6 when $gWhite$b can win
$gmaterial$b. ]
13.Qd2
[Now the counterchances connected with the pressure on the c-$gfile$b are
prevented and the d-$gpawn$b $gthreat$bens to advance to d7. In order to thwart d5
$gBlack$b would have to play Ne7, but what sort of position is that?]
13...Na5
[Understanding that the strategic struggle has been lost, $gBlack$b is trying to
find some tactical resources, but in vain - $gchess$b justice is on $gWhite$b's
side.]
14.d5 exd5
[ 14...Nc4 15.Bxc4 Rxc4 16.O-O is much better for $gWhite$b because of his lead in
$gdevelopment$b. ]
15.exd5 Bd6
[ 15...Qe7+ 16.Be2 Nc4 17.d6 Nxd6 18.O-O is winning for $gWhite$b since $gBlack$b's
$gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b. ]
16.Bxg7 Qe7+ 17.Be2 Rg8 18.Qh6
[Now the main $gdraw$bback of the $gBlack$b position is visible.  His $gpiece$bs cannot
join in the fight quickly, and his $gking$b is left to defend himself.]
18...f5 19.Bf6 Qf8 20.Qxh7 Qf7
[ 20...Rxg2 21.Ne5 With the deadly $gthreat$b of 22.Bh5+ is winning for $gWhite$b. ]
21.Qxf5
[The rest is a matter of artistic interpretation.]
21...Rg6 22.Qe4+ Kf8 23.Ng5 Rxg5 24.Bxg5 Re8 25.Bh6+ Kg8 26.Qg4+
[$gBlack$b resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Cuadras
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME T5,S13
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
[The Petrosian $gvariation$b in answer to the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b. $gWhite$b's idea
is to prevent $gBlack$b from $gpin$bning his $gknight$b after Nc3.]
4...Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 exd5
[This natural recapture continues $gBlack$b's fight for the center. Also possible
is 6...Nxd5, though 7.Qc2 (with the idea of gaining $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b
with 8.e4) has brought me a number of victories. ]
7.g3 Be7 8.Bg2 O-O 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Bf4
[$gWhite$b intends to play against $gBlack$b's somewhat exposed c-$gpawn$b.]
10...Nh5 11.Be3 c6 12.Qc2
[$gBlack$b's main problem in this position is the passive position of his $gpiece$bs,
while $gWhite$b's position has no obvious weaknesses to $gattack$b.]
12...f5
[This pawn advance only succeeds in making $ghole$bs at e5 and g5.]
13.Rad1
[Played with the idea of dropping the $gbishop$b back to c1 in event of f4.]
13...f4 14.Bc1 Bd6 15.e4
[An $gattack$b on the $gflank$b is best countered by an attack in the $gcenter$b.]
15...fxe3
[ If15...dxe4 16.Nxe4 ]
16.fxe3 Ndf6
[ 16...Ba6 17.Rfe1 Nxg3 18.hxg3 Bxg3 is an interesting alternative. ]
17.e4
[$gOpening$b up the position for my two $gbishop$bs.]
17...Nxe4 18.Nxe4 dxe4 19.Ng5
[This strong intermediate moves gives White a noticeable $ginitiative$b.]
19...Rxf1+ 20.Bxf1
[The $gbishop$b intends to transfer to the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b with threats to
$gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
20...Qe7 21.Bc4+ Kf8 22.Nxh7+ Ke8 23.Bg5
[For all practical purposes the game is over.]
23...Nf6 24.Rf1
[The $gpin$b on $gBlack$b's $gknight$b brings White further $gmaterial$b rewards.]
24...Kd7 25.Rxf6
[This small $gcombination$b removes all $gBlack$b resistance.]
25...gxf6 26.Nxf6+ Kc8
[ 26...Kc7 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
27.Nxe4 Qf8 28.Nxd6+ Qxd6 29.Qf5+
[$gBlack$b resigned since he must part with his $gqueen$b. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Comas
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S10
.DATE 1986
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.d4
[By $gtransposition$b we have reached the $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b.]
5...O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nbd7
[More commonly seen is 7...Nc6.]
8.Qc2 c6
[$gBlack$b should take the opportunity to open up the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b for his
dark squared $gbishop$b with 8...exd4 9.Nxd4 Re8,  when $gBlack$b has solved his
$gopening$b problems. ]
9.Rd1 Re8 10.Rb1 a5
[$gBlack$b should open up the position before $gWhite$b gains a $gspace$b $gadvantage$b with
11.d5. Better was 10...exd4. ]
11.d5 cxd5 12.cxd5
[$gBlack$b's main problem in this position is the inactivity of his $gpiece$bs.]
12...Nc5 13.Be3 Bd7 14.Bxc5
[Giving $gBlack$b the two $gbishop$bs in $gexchange$b for a powerful $gpassed
pawn$b.]
14...dxc5 15.Bb5 Nh5 16.g3
[Played to keep $gBlack$b's $gknight$b inactive on h5.]
16...Bg4
[A miscalculation which costs $gBlack$b $gmaterial$b. Still, White has a winning
position because of his $gpassed pawn$b, combined with $gBlack$b's inactive
$gpiece$bs.]
17.Bxe8 Bxf3 18.Rd3 Bg4 19.Bb5
[$gBlack$b resigned perhaps a bit prematurely, though he is the $gexchange$b down
with no counter play. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Wahls
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S2,T4
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6
[The Benoni $gDefense$b is favored by aggressive players due to the unbalanced
$gpawn structure$b.]
7.Bf4 Bg7 8.Qa4+
[With the idea of disrupting $gBlack$b's $gdefense$b of his $gqueenside$b.]
8...Bd7 9.Qb3 Qc7 10.e4
[ 10.Bxd6 Qxd6 11.Qxb7 O-O 12.Qxa8 Qb6 with the idea of trapping the queen
with 13...Na6 is good for $gBlack$b.]
10...Nh5 11.Be3 O-O 12.Nd2 Bd4 13.Be2 Bxe3 14.fxe3
[The weakened dark squares around $gBlack$b's $gking$b are far more serious than the
doubled $gWhite$b e-$gpawn$bs.]
14...Ng7
[ 14...a6 15.Bxh5 gxh5 is clearly better for $gWhite$b on account of $gBlack$b's
shattered $gpawn structure$b. ]
15.O-O
[$gWhite$b has the $gadvantage$b due to $gBlack$b's weak dark squares and backward
$gdevelopment$b.]
15...a6 16.e5
[A $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b which allows $gWhite$b's $gknight$bs to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's
dark squared weaknesses.]
16...dxe5 17.Nce4 b5
[ 17...f5 allows $gWhite$b a winning continuation. ]
18.Rac1 c4 19.Nf6+ Kh8 20.Qb4 Qd8 21.Nde4
[$gWhite$b's $gknight$bs have a total lock on the $gBlack$b army.]
21...Bf5 22.Qe1
[With the idea of transferring the queen over to the $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
22...Nd7 23.Qh4 g5
[ 23...h5 24.Qg5 Nxf6 25.Nxf6 when $gBlack$b has no $gdefense$b to 26.Qh6+ $gmate$b. ]
24.Qh6 Bg6
[ 24...Qe7 25.Rxf5 Nxf5 26.Qxh7+ $gmate$b. Now for a somewhat difficult quiz! ]
25.Nxh7
.QUIZ 25.Nxh7
[This $gsacrifice$b on h7 does away with any resistance $gBlack$b might have
offered.]
25...Bxh7 26.Nxg5
[$gBlack$b resigned since he has no good $gdefense$b to
$gWhite$b's intended 27.Qxh7+ $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pares
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S8,S15
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6
[The Dragon $gvariation$b is favored by those who enjoy razor $gsharp$b tactics.]
6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 O-O 9.Bc4
[The Yugoslav $gvariation$b which is considered the most aggressive line in
$gWhite$b's quest to slay the Dragon.]
9...Bd7 10.O-O-O Rc8 11.Bb3 Ne5 12.h4 h5
[This position has been debated by theory without any conclusion having yet
been reached. ]
13.Bg5
[ 13.Bh6 Bxh6 14.Qxh6 Rxc3 15.bxc3 also leads to unbalanced positions with
chances for both sides. ]
13...Rc5
[In order to support the $gpawn$b at b5.]
14.Rhe1
[ 14.Kb1 b5 15.g4 hxg4 16.h5 is more testing of $gBlack$b's $gopening$b play. ]
14...b5 15.f4 Nc4 16.Bxc4 bxc4
[Clearing the b-$gfile$b for the $gattack$b.]
17.e5 Qb6
[$gBlack$b has an $gadvantage$b thanks to his $gqueenside$b $ginitiative$b coming
ahead of White's $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
18.exf6 exf6
[The point! $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b is $gtrap$bped!]
19.Re7 Rb8
[$gBlack$b doesn't waste time recapturing the $gpiece$b, as it isn't going anywhere.]
20.b3 Qd8 21.Rde1 fxg5
[$gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b, commonly referred to as the eye of the Dragon,
exerts strong pressure on the h8-a1 $gdiagonal$b.]
22.hxg5 cxb3 23.axb3
[ 23.cxb3 Rxc3+ 24.Qxc3 Rc8 wins $gmaterial$b while maintaining the dark
squared $gattack$b. ]
23...Qa5
[$gWhite$b's dark squares collapse and with them goes the $gking$b.]
24.Nb1 Qa1
[Continuing with the dark squared theme.]
25.c3 Rbc8 26.c4 Rxc4+ 27.bxc4 Rxc4+
[White resigned as $gmaterial$b loss is unavoidable. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Arlandi
.EVENT Cannes Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S9,S22
.DATE 1988
.OPENING English
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g3
[Played with the idea of $gcontrol$bling the $gcenter$b by the $gfianchetto$b of the
light squared $gbishop$b.]
6...Bb4 7.Bg2 O-O
[ 7...Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 would leave $gBlack$b's dark squares weak. ]
8.O-O d5 9.cxd5 exd5
[A type of Tarrasch $gDefense$b has been reached where $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b has no right
to be on b4.]
10.Bg5 Bxc3 11.bxc3 Be6
[ 11...Nxd4 12.Qxd4 ]
12.Rb1
[$gWhite$b stands much better thanks to his two $gbishop$b and $gBlack$b's isolated d-
$gpawn$b.]
12...Na5 13.Rb5
[In this way $gWhite$b is able to bring more pressure against $gBlack$b's isolated d-
$gpawn$b. ]
13...a6 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Rb4
[White has a winning position on account of $gBlack$b's shattered $gpawn
structure$b.]
15...Rc8 16.e4 dxe4 17.Bxe4 f5
[Or 17...Rxc3 18.Bxh7+ Kxh7 19.Qh5+ Kg7 20.Nxe6+ fxe6 21.Rg4+ ]
18.Bxf5 Bxf5 19.Nxf5 Qxd1 20.Rxd1
[The ending is winning for $gWhite$b thanks to my more active $gpiece$bs.]
20...Rxc3 21.Rd7 Rf3 22.Rd5 b5
[ 22...Nc6 23.Rxb7 ]
23.a4 Rb3 24.Rg4+ Kh8 25.Nh6 Nc6 26.Rf5
[$gBlack$b resigned since $gmate$b is not far off. If you don't see how try defending
$gBlack$b against Gambit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Gueye
.EVENT Cannes Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S14,S3,S8
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Dutch
1.d4 f5
[The Dutch $gDefense$b which is a somewhat risky way of stopping White from
playing pawn e4 due to the weakening of $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b.]
2.g3 e6 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.c4 d5 5.Nd2 c6
[The Stonewall $gvariation$b gives $gBlack$b a solid yet passive position.]
6.Nh3
[A high class move which aims to $gcontrol$b the f4 square while keeping open the
h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b.]
6...Bd6
[ 6...Be7 is also possible with the idea of not having to worry about $gWhite$b
exchanging off dark squared $gbishop$bs,.]
7.Qc2 b6
[ 7...dxc4 8.Nxc4 is winning for $gWhite$b thanks to the $ghole$bs and inactive $gpiece$bs
in $gBlack$b's position. ]
8.Nf3
[Because most of $gBlack$b's $gpawn$bs are on $gwhite$b squares his light squared $gbishop$b
has limited mobility. Therefore, White wishes to $gexchange$b $gBlack$b's good
$gbishop$b, the dark squared one.]
8...O-O 9.O-O Qe7 10.Bf4
[Played to eliminate $gBlack$b's good $gbishop$b.]
10...Bxf4 11.Nxf4
[A new weakness has appeared in $gBlack$b's position, namely the $ghole$b on e5.]
11...Ne4
[ 11...Nbd7 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.Qc6 Rb8 14.Qxe6+ Qxe6 15.Nxe6 Re8 16.Nf4 is good
for White on account of his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b. ]
12.Ne5 Bb7 13.cxd5 cxd5 14.Rfc1
[$gWhite$b has a $gwinning position$b thanks to his $goutpost$bed $gknight$b on e5 combined
with his $gcontrol$b of the c-$gfile$b, not to mention $gBlack$b's $gbad bishop$b.]
14...Na6
[ 14...Rc8 allows $gWhite$b a winning $gcombination$b. ]
15.Qa4 Nd6 16.e3
[With the $gthreat$b of $gattack$bing the $gknight$b on a6 with 16.Bf1]
16...b5 17.Qa3
[$gPin$bs the $gknight$b on d6.]
17...Rfe8 18.b3
[Played to take the c4 square away from $gBlack$b's $gknight$b.]
8...Qd8 19.Bf1
[The $gbishop$b joins in the $gqueenside$b $gattack$b.]
19...Qb6
[An oversight which only hastens the end.]
20.Nd7
.QUIZ 20.Nd7
[Now $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b has no good square to protect the d6 $gknight$b from.]
20...b4 21.Nxb6 bxa3 22.Nxa8 g5 23.Bxa6 Bxa6 24.Nc7
[$gBlack$b resigned as his $gmaterial$b losses are mounting.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Weemaes
.EVENT Cannes Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S5,S9
.DATE 1988
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4
[ 3.d4 Bb4 would $gtranspose$b to the Nimzoindian $gDefense$b. ]
3...d5 4.e5 d4 5.exf6 dxc3 6.bxc3 Qxf6 7.d4
[I prefer $gWhite$b in this position since my strong $gcenter$b more than compensates
for the doubled c-$gpawn$bs.]
7...c5 8.Nf3 cxd4
[ 8...Be7 9.Bg5 Qg6 10.Bd3 Qh5 11.Bxe7 Kxe7 is good for $gWhite$b on account of
$gBlack$b's $gking$b being caught in the $gcenter$b. ]
9.cxd4 Nc6 10.a3
[In order to prevent Bb4+ which could be good for $gBlack$b in many $gvariation$bs.]
10...h6 11.Bb2 Bd6 12.Bd3
[$gWhite$b stands better thanks to his active $gpiece$bs. Notice $gBlack$b's light squared
$gbishop$b is locked in by his own $gpawn$bs.]
12...O-O 13.O-O e5 14.d5
[In freeing his light squared $gbishop$b $gBlack$b has allowed $gWhite$b a passed d-
$gpawn$b.]
14...Nb8
[ 14...Nd4 15.Nxd4 exd4 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. Now White wants to
eat the e-$gpawn$b.  How can this be achieved?]
15.c5
.QUIZ 15.c5
[A deflection move which takes $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b off the protection
of his e-$gpawn$b.]
15...Bxc5 16.Nxe5 Qf4 17.Rc1
[$gWhite$b has a $gwinning position$b thanks to his passed d-$gpawn$b and lead in
$gdevelopment$b. ]
17...b6 18.Rc4 Qg5
[ 18...Qf6 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
19.h4 Qd8
[One by one $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are $gforce$bd back to their original squares.]
20.Qf3 Qd6 21.Rf4
[Forcing weaknesses on the $gkingside$b since White is threatening to take the
f-$gpawn$b.]
21...f5 22.Nc4 Qd7 23.Re1 Bb7 24.Bxf5
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no good $gdefense$b to $gWhite$b's $gthreat$b of 25.Be6. If you
don't see why try defending $gBlack$b against Gambit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Schweizer
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S9,S16
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5
[The Grunfeld $gDefense$b, which I have played many times with the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs!]
4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3
[The $gexchange$b variation is considered one of White's most violent attempts
to gain an $gadvantage$b.]
6...Bg7 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2
[The $gknight$b goes to e2 thus avoiding the unpleasant $gpin$b of Bg4.]
8...Nc6 9.Be3
[$gWhite$b's $gcenter$b has just enough protection to maintain itself.]
9...O-O 10.O-O cxd4 11.cxd4 Bg4 12.f3 Na5 13.Bd3
[ 13.Bxf7+ Rxf7 14.fxg4 Rxf1+ 15.Kxf1 is a $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b I have played many
times with $gBlack$b! ]
13...Be6 14.d5
[This move carries with it an $gexchange$b sacrifice, the aim of which is to
weaken $gBlack$b's dark squares. ]
14...Bxa1 15.Qxa1 f6
[ 15...Bd7 16.Bh6 $gthreat$bening $gmate$b on g7. 16...f6 17.Bxf8]
16.Rb1 b6 17.Bh6
[ 17.dxe6 would be a mistake because of ...Qxd3]
17...Re8 18.Nf4
[Forcing the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b to move, thanks to the $gthreat$b of 19.Nxe6.]
18...Bf7 19.e5
[With the threat of trapping $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b by e6.]
19...Bxd5
[ 19...e6 is the alternative.]
20.Rd1 e6 21.Bb5 f5 22.Bxe8 Qxe8 23.Rxd5
[In this way White is able to open up the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b to $gadvantage$b.]
23...exd5 24.e6 d4 25.Qxd4 Qe7 26.Nd5 Qc5 27.Qxc5 bxc5 28.Nf6+
[$gBlack$b resigned since he is unable to stop $gWhite$b's passed e-$gpawn$b from
promoting.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Rosich
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S6,T1
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.f4
[The Grand Prix $gvariation$b, so named after the English players who have scored a
number of victories with it in their yearly competitions.]
2...d5 3.exd5 Nf6
[This move involves a pawn sacrifice in $gexchange$b for a lead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
4.c4
[ 4.Bb5+ Bd7 5.Bxd7+ Qxd7 6.c4 e6 7.Qe2 is the true test of $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b
$gsacrifice$b. ]
4...e6 5.dxe6 Bxe6
[ 5...fxe6 is also quite good as numerous games have shown. ]
6.Nf3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b's missing $gpawn$b is more than compensated for by the $ghole$bs in $gWhite$b's
position.]
7.Nc3 Bd6 8.d4
[ 8.d3 O-O 9.Be2 Trying to catch up in $gdevelopment$b makes more sense. ]
8...cxd4 9.Nxd4 O-O
[$gBlack$b has six pieces $gdeveloped$b to White's two. As a general rule three
$gtempi$b is worth at least a $gpawn$b - here I have four extra moves! ]
10.Nxe6 fxe6 11.Be3 Qe7 12.Qf3 Bb4
[$gWhite$b's main problem is that his $gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b.]
13.Be2 e5
[$gOpening$b up the $gcenter$b to get at the $gWhite$b $gking$b.]
14.O-O-O
[ 14.O-O was safer. ]
14...Bxc3 15.bxc3 exf4 16.Bd4 Rae8 17.Bxf6 Rxf6
[White's $gking$b finds himself just as exposed on the $gqueenside$b as he was in
the $gcenter$b.]
18.Rd2 Kh8
[There is no need to rush, as the $gWhite$b $gking$b has nowhere to hide. 18...Qa3+ is
also very strong, with play similar to the game. ]
19.Rhd1 Qa3+ 20.Rb2 Ne5 21.Qh3 f3
[An important move which cuts $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b off from the protection of the d3
square, deciding the game.]
22.gxf3 Rb6
[Forcing White's reply due to the $gpin$b.]
23.Rdd2 Nd3+
[Now you see the importance of f3. Had it been omitted $gWhite$b could play
24.Qxd3. $gBlack$b is now able to take $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's weakened $gback
rank$b.]
24.Bxd3 Re1+
[$gWhite$b resigned since $gmate$b is unavoidable. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Short
.EVENT Thessaloniki Olympiad
.THEME S6
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Be7
[A finesse with the idea of provoking White to move his knight to f3, thus
taking away the plan of f3 followed with e4.]
4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 c6 6.Qc2 g6 7.e3 Bf5 8.Qd2
[$gWhite$b removes his $gqueen$b in the hope of later gaining time against the $gBlack$b
$gbishop$b.]
8...Nf6
[ 8...Nd7 9.f3 g5 10.Bg3 h5 11.e4 is also better for $gWhite$b thanks to his
$gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. ]
9.f3 c5
[$gBlack$b does not intend to give up the $gcenter$b without a fight!]
10.Bh6
[Now the $gBlack$b $gking$b must remain in the $gcenter$b.]
10...cxd4
[ 10...Nc6 11.dxc5 d4 12.exd4 Qxd4 13.Qxd4 Nxd4 14.O-O-O Bxc5 allows $gWhite$b to
win $gmaterial$b. ]
11.exd4 a6
[Played in order to prevent Bb5.]
12.g4 Be6 13.Nge2 Nbd7
[This move is a mistake as it takes the d7 square away from the other $gknight$b.
Better was 13...Nc6. Then 14.Bg2 Bf8 15.O-O Bxh6 16.Qxh6 Qb6 17.Rad1 O-O-O
18.Rd2 is only slightly better for $gWhite$b because of his more active $gpiece$bs.]
14.Bg2 Nb6 15.b3
[Preventing Nc4 once and for all.]
15...Rc8 16.O-O Rc6 17.h3
[$gBlack$b's two main problems are: his $gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b, and he has no
targets to $gattack$b.]
17...Nfd7 18.Nd1 Rg8 19.Nf2 f5
[$gBlack$b hastens the end, since obviously one should not open the $gcenter$b with
one's $gking$b still there.]
20.Rae1 g5 21.gxf5 Bf7
[ 21...Bxf5 22.Ng3 Be6 23.Nh5 Rg6 24.Ng4 Qc7 25.Ng7+ Kd8 26.Nxe6+ Rcxe6
27.Rxe6 Rxe6 28.Bxg5 leaves $gWhite$b a $gpawn$b ahead. ]
22.Ng4 Bh5 23.Ng3
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no place to hide his $gking$b. For example...]
23...Bxg4 24.Bxg5
[taking $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b.]
24...Rxg5 25.Qxg5 Kf8 26.f6 Bxf6 27.fxg4
[When the new $gpin$b on the f-$gfile$b would decide the game. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kozul
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Belgrade
.THEME T5,S17
.DATE 1989
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
[The Nimzoindian $gDefense$b, named after the great $ghypermodern$b played Aaron
Nimzowitsch.]
4.Qc2
[$gWhite$b intends to keep his $gpawn$bs intact with Qxc3 in the event $gBlack$b plays
Bxc3.]
4...O-O 5.Bg5
[A very committal move since $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b is $gforce$bd off the c1-h6
$gdiagonal$b, with $gBlack$b's next move. ]
5...h6 6.Bh4 c5 7.dxc5 Na6 8.a3
[ 8.e4 Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 e5 is better for $gBlack$b due to $gWhite$b's tripled c-$gpawn$bs. ]
8...Bxc3+ 9.Qxc3 Nxc5
[Black's lead in $gdevelopment$b fully compensates for White's $gbishop
pair$b.]
10.Bxf6
[White wishes to do away with $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b by going into an
$gendgame$b.]
10...Qxf6 11.Qxf6 gxf6
[$gBlack$b stands a little better because of White's lagging $gdevelopment$b and
$gqueenside$b weaknesses.]
12.b4 Na4 13.e3 b6
[$gBlack$b has a natural target to $gattack$b, the $gpawn$b on c4.]
14.Nf3 Ba6 15.Nd2 Bb7 16.Bd3 Rac8
[ 16...Bxg2 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
17.Rc1
[Walks into a $gpin$b on the c-$gfile$b.]
17...d5
[Taking $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on the c-$gfile$b.]
18.Ke2 dxc4 19.Nxc4 Rfd8
[$gBlack$b's more active pieces carry over into an $gendgame$b $ginitiative$b.]
20.Rhd1 Ba6 21.Rd2 b5
[White resigned since $gmaterial$b loss in unavoidable because of the $gpin$b
on the c-$gfile$b. ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bareyev
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Paris
.THEME S16,T5
.DATE 1991
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3 O-O 5.e3
[This move is too passive for $gWhite$b to gain an $gopening$b $gadvantage$b. Better is to
continue normally with 5.e4. ]
5...c5
[$gBlack$b intends to $gexchange$b a wing pawn for a valuable $gcenter$b pawn.]
6.Be2 cxd4 7.exd4 d5
[$gBlack$b has solved his $gopening$b problems.]
8.O-O
[ 8.cxd5 Nxd5 leaves $gWhite$b with an isolated d-$gpawn$b. 8.c5 b6 9.b4 bxc5 10.dxc5
allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b. ]
8...Nc6 9.h3 Bf5
[$gBlack$b already has a slight $gadvantage$b since he has better $gdevelopment$b and
his $gpiece$bs are more active.]
10.cxd5 Nxd5
[A new weakness has appeared in $gWhite$b's position namely, the isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
11.Qb3 Be6 12.Qxb7 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b stands better, as he $gcontrol$bs the $gcenter$b.]
13.Nxd4 Bxd4 14.Bh6 Rb8 15.Qa6 Rxb2
[$gBlack$b intends to give up an $gexchange$b for $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b and active
$gpiece$b play.]
16.Nxd5
[ 16.Bxf8 Nxc3 17.Bxe7 Qxe7 is much better for $gBlack$b, as the two $gpiece$bs are
stronger than the lost $grook$b. ]
16...Qxd5 17.Bxf8 Kxf8 18.a4
[This must be viewed as a mistake since it gives $gBlack$b $gcontrol$b of the third
$grank$b. However, due to $gBlack$b's active $gpiece$bs, a good move is hard to suggest.]
18...Rb3 19.Rad1 Rg3
[White resigned since he has no good way of stopping $gBlack$b's plan of
20...Qxg2+ $gmate$b. Notice that White's f-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME S9
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
[I am playing the Petrosian $gvariation$b of the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b, so named
after my opponent who popularized it for $gWhite$b!]
4...Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5
[ 6...exd5, not giving up $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b so easily, is also playable. ]
7.e3 Be7 8.Bb5+
[Played to disrupt my opponent's normal $gdevelopment$b.]
8...c6 9.Bd3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 c5 11.O-O O-O 12.Qc2
[White weakens $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b before advancing in the $gcenter$b with e4.]
12...g6 13.e4 Nc6
[Played with the intention of putting pressure on $gWhite$b's d-$gpawn$b.]
14.Bh6 Re8 15.Rfd1 Qc7
[ 15...cxd4 16.cxd4 Nxd4 17.Nxd4 Qxd4 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
16.Qe2 Red8 17.Qe3
[Played in order to protect the d-$gpawn$b while eyeing the dark squares around
$gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
17...e5
[A committal move which gives $gWhite$b a passed d-$gpawn$b. However, $gBlack$b believes
it will do no harm since he can easily set up a $gblockade$b. 17...Rd7 18.Bf4
Qd8 19.Bb5 is better for $gWhite$b because of the pressure his $gbishop$bs exert on
the $gBlack$b position. ]
18.d5 Na5
[This position reminds me of the Grunfeld $gDefense$b, where $gBlack$b also allows a
passed d-$gpawn$b.]
19.c4
[Otherwise $gBlack$b will expand on the $gqueenside$b with 19...c4.]
19...Nb3 20.Ra2 f6 21.h4 Bc8 22.Rb1 Nd4 23.Nxd4 cxd4 24.Qg3 Bf8 25.Bd2
[Although both sides have protected $gpassed pawn$bs, White also has a
$gkingside$b $ginitiative$b.]
25...Bd6 26.Rf1 Qg7 27.a4
[$gWhite$b plays on both sides of the board in order to spread the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs
away from their $gking$b.]
27...a5 28.Rb2 Bc5 29.f4
[With the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b on c5 this advance is more powerful.]
29...Bd7 30.h5
[Played with a pawn sacrifice in order to $gbreak$b through on the $gkingside$b.]
30...Bxa4 31.h6 Qc7
[ 31...Qxh6 32.fxe5 ]
32.f5 g5
[ 32...Qf7 33.fxg6 hxg6 34.Bg5 is good for White thanks to the $gpin$b on the
f-$gfile$b. ]
33.Bxg5
[An interesting $gsacrifice$b which unfortunately I did not follow up correctly.]
33...fxg5 34.Qxg5+ Kf8 35.Qf6+
[A mistake. Correct was 35.f6. (It should be noted that I was in
serious time trouble.) Then 35...Qf7 is $gforce$bd otherwise $gWhite$b will
play 36.f7. So now 36.Qxe5 Re8 37.Qg5 Qg6 38.Rf5 Qxg5 39.Rxg5 when $gWhite$b's
three $gpassed pawn$bs prove decisive.]
35...Ke8 36.Ra1 Qe7 37.Qe6
[ 37.Qxe7+ Kxe7 38.Rxa4 Rd6 would retain $gdraw$bing chances because of the
opposite colored $gbishop$bs. ]
37...Rd6 38.Qg8+ Qf8 39.Qg3 Qxh6 40.Rxa4 Qc1+ 41.Kf2 Qxb2+
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lputian
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Tbilisi
.THEME S5,S9
.DATE 1976
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6
[I have played the $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b throughout my career, as it leads to
dynamic play for $gBlack$b].
5.f3
[With this move $gWhite$b has chosen the Saemish $gvariation$b to combat the $gKing$b's
Indian $gDefense$b.]
5...Nc6 6.Be3 a6 7.Qd2 Rb8 8.Rb1 O-O 9.b4
[$gWhite$b usually plays 9.Nge2, $gstrength$bening the central point d4, and only then
initiating operations on the $gqueenside$b. By playing b4 here, White actually
provokes $gBlack$b's reply and the following $gsacrifice$b of a $gpawn$b.]
9...e5
[This move is designed to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's lead in $gdevelopment$b by
$gopening$b up the position.]
10.d5 Nd4
[I played this move with the idea of sacrificing a $gpawn$b to open up the
$gdiagonal$b for dark squared $gbishop$b.]
11.Nge2
[ 11.Bxd4 exd4 12.Qxd4 would allow $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b. ]
11...c5 12.dxc6 bxc6 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Bxd4 Re8
[This move poses $gWhite$b a more difficult problem: to find the correct path in
the minefield.]
15.Be2
[Perhaps the proper decision was 15.Bd3.]
15...c5 16.bxc5 Nxe4
[This unexpected move brings out the weaknesses of $gWhite$b's 8.Rb1, 9.b4 plan.]
17.fxe4 Qh4+ 18.g3 Rxb1+ 19.Kf2 Rb2
[Played with the idea of deflecting the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b from the protection of the
d4 $gbishop$b.]
20.gxh4
[ 20.Qxb2 Bxd4+ 21.Ke1 Bxc3+ 22.Qxc3 Qxe4 is winning for $gBlack$b do to the dual
$gthreat$bs of $gmate$b on e2 and the $gcapture$b of $gWhite$b's $grook$b. Can you find the
$gwinning move$b now? It is tricky!]
20...Rxd2
.QUIZ 20...Rxd2
21.Bxg7 Kxg7 22.Ke3 Rc2 23.Kd3 Rxc3+ 24.Kxc3 dxc5
[The $gcombination$b has given $gBlack$b a technically won $gendgame$b, despite the
$gmaterial$b $gequality$b. This is due to White's shattered $gpawn
structure$b.]
25.Bd3 Bb7 26.Re1 Re5
[ 26...f5 27.e5 Be4 28.Bxe4 Rxe5 was also sufficient. ]
27.a4 f5 28.Rb1 Bxe4 29.Rb6 f4
[$gBlack$b's passed f-$gpawn$b decides the game.]
30.Rxa6 f3 31.Bf1 Bf5 32.Ra7+ Kh6 33.Kd2 f2 34.Be2 Bg4
[Played with the idea of deflecting the $gbishop$b from the $gpromotion$b square
at f1.]
35.Bd3 Re1 36.Rf7 Bf5 37.a5 Bxd3 38.Rxf2 Rf1
[White resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Marovic
.EVENT Banja Luka
.THEME T5,S8
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Qc2 c5
[This move is considered the best reply. On 7...c6, 8.Rd1 proves unpleasant,
as it will be difficult for $gBlack$b to achieve the advance e6-e5.]
8.O-O-O
[ 8.cxd5 It is well known that this move achieves nothing in view of ...Nxd5
9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Bd3 g6 11.dxc5 Nxc5 12.Rc1 Nxd3+]
8...Qa5 9.Kb1 h6
[One can hardly recommend this move, which weakens the position of $gBlack$b's
$gking$b .]
10.h4 dxc4
[Acceptance of the $gsacrifice$b is too risky. 10...hxg5 11.hxg5 Ne4 12.Nxe4 dxe4
13.Qxe4 g6 when $gWhite$b has a winning $gattack$b down the h-$gfile$b. ]
11.Bxc4 Nb6 12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.Be2 cxd4 14.exd4 Bd7
[$gBlack$b's position seems to be in danger, but if $gWhite$b acts slowly, Black will
create counter-play on the $gqueenside$b.]
15.Rh3
[With this $grook$b lift $gWhite$b is able to use the semi-opened g-$gfile$b.]
15...Na4 16.Rg3+ Kh8 17.Qd2 Nxc3+ 18.bxc3 Kh7
[ 18...Qf5+ 19.Kb2 Rg8 20.Qxh6+ Qh7 21.Qf4 retains the $gWhite$b $gadvantage$b with a
$gmaterial$b bonus. ]
19.Bd3+ f5 20.Ne5
[With the idea of 21.Ng4 taking $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b along the d3-h7
$gdiagonal$b.]
20...Bb5
[This is the only $gdefense$b to 21.Ng4. It seems that $gBlack$b has turned aside all
meaningful $gthreat$bs but the following move clarifies the situation.]
21.Rf3
[My strongest move of the game. It creates a horrible $gthreat$b of g2-g4 which
takes $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b along the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b.]
21...f6
[ 21...Bxd3+ 22.Qxd3 h5 23.g4 hxg4 24.Rxf5 Qb6+ 25.Kc2 exf5 26.Qxf5+ Kh6
27.Rg1 is winning for $gWhite$b as $gBlack$b has no good $gdefense$b.]
22.Nc4 Qc7 23.Qe2 Bxc4 24.Bxc4 e5 25.Rxf5
[Marovic has defended well. However, this has taken much thought and now my
opponent has found himself in time trouble.]
25...Ba3 26.Qe4 Kh8 27.Rh5 Qh7 28.Qxh7+
[This move is inaccurate although it does not through away the win. Better was
28.Bd3. 28.Bd3 Qxe4 29.Bxe4 Kg7 30.dxe5 fxe5 31.Rd7+ Rf7 32.Rxf7+ Kxf7 33.Rxh6
was the simplest path to victory. ]
28...Kxh7 29.dxe5 Kg6 30.g4 fxe5 31.Rd7
[A mistake which should have cost me a half point. move in the game, which
creates the $gthreat$b of Bd3, also looks reasonable, but Marovic finds an
excellent reply. 31.Rxe5 would have won without any real difficulty. For
example ...Rxf2 32.Re6+ Kg7 33.Rd7+ Kf8 34.Rxh6 with a mating $gattack$b. ]
31...Rae8
[Bringing his last $gpiece$b into play and defending against the $gthreat$bened
32.Bd3+ . After thinking for more than 20 minutes, I was amazed to find no
direct win and decided to play on my opponent's $gtime pressure$b.]
32.Rxb7 Rxf2 33.Rxa7
[Now $gBlack$b has a lot of $gcheck$bs, but the $gdraw$b can only be obtained by a quiet
move - 33...Rd8!]
33...Bf8
[ 33...Rd8 34.Bf7+ Rxf7 35.Rxa3 Rf2 36.Kc1 with an objectively $gdraw$bn position.
But $gBlack$b would still face many difficult obstacles.]
34.Ra6+ Kh7 35.Rf5
[Here $gBlack$b overstepped the time limit, but it is easy to see that his
position is hopeless. This game taught me a valuable lesson. I learned how one
hasty move can be costly. But all's well that ends well.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Polugayevsky
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME T1,S2
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6
[The Scheveningen $gVariation$b of the Sicilian $gDefense$b, where $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b cover
all the central squares.]
6.Be3 a6 7.g4
[This is Keres' idea and is played with the obvious intention of disorganizing
$gBlack$b's $gdevelopment$b, while launching a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
7...Nc6 8.g5 Nd7 9.Rg1 Be7 10.h4 O-O
[This move appears to be $gcastling$b into the $gattack$b. However, where else is the
$gking$b to go?]
11.h5 Nde5 12.Nxc6 Nxc6 13.f4 b5 14.Qf3 Bb7 15.Bd3
[White intends to open up the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b for his $gbishop$b.]
15...Nb4 16.f5 exf5 17.Qxf5 Nxd3+ 18.cxd3 Qc8
[$gBlack$b, not wishing to be $gmate$bd in the $gmiddlegame$b, proposes an ending with the
$gexchange$b of queens.]
19.h6 Re8 20.hxg7 Qxf5 21.exf5 Bxg5
[$gBlack$b reminds me that my $gking$b, having stayed in the $gcenter$b, is also exposed to
$gattack$b.]
22.Rxg5 Rxe3+ 23.Kd2 Rf3 24.Ne4 Bxe4 25.dxe4
[The $grook$b and $gpawn$b ending favors $gWhite$b due to my menacing pawn on g7.]
25...Re8 26.Rc1 d5 27.e5
[Reminds Black of his weakened $gback rank$b.]
27...h6
[Played to make a $gflight square$b for his $gking$b at h7. 27...Rxe5 allows a $gforce$bd
$gmate$b. ]
28.Rh5 Rxe5
[This move allows me to take $gadvantage$b of Black's weakened $gback rank$b. For
better or worse $gBlack$b had to try 28...Kxg7.]
29.f6 Rf2+
[ 29...Rxh5 Leads to a $gforce$bd $gmate$b, and 29...Re8 30.Rxh6 is winning for $gWhite$b
since $gBlack$b has no $gdefense$b against 31.Rh8+ $gmate$b. ]
30.Kd3 Rf3+ 31.Kd4 Re4+ 32.Kxd5 Re8 33.Rxh6 Rf5+ 34.Kd4 Rf4+ 35.Kc5 Re5+
36.Kb6 Re6+ 37.Rc6
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no good $gdefense$b to 38.Rh8+ $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Butnoris
.EVENT USSR
.THEME S8,S9
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Bogoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Nbd2
[I prefer this to 4.Bd2.]
4...O-O 5.e3 b6 6.Bd3 Bb7 7.O-O d5 8.a3 Bxd2 9.Bxd2
[$gWhite$b has the better game because of the two $gbishop$bs.]
9...Nbd7 10.cxd5 Bxd5
[ 10...exd5 11.b4 Holds no prospects for $gBlack$b. ]
11.b4 c5 12.Rc1
[ 12.dxc5 bxc5 13.Bc3 Ne4 14.Bb2 was also possible. ]
12...cxd4
[$gBlack$b considers that his active $gpiece$bs and the $ghole$b at c4 give him good
chances. However, this is a mistaken evaluation, as $gWhite$b's two $gbishop$bs and
$gBlack$b's $ghole$b on c6 gives White the $ginitiative$b.]
13.Nxd4 Ne5 14.Ba6
[White leaves no doubt to his $gcontrol$b of the c-$gfile$b by taking away the c8
square from the $gBlack$b $grook$b.]
14...Ne4 15.Be1
[It is important for $gWhite$b to retain the two $gbishop$bs.]
15...Qg5
[$gBlack$b is trying to solve his problems in a tactical way. 15...Nd6 16.Qe2 Nf5
17.Bc3 is better for $gWhite$b because of his two $gbishop$bs and $gcontrol$b of the c-
$gfile$b. ]
16.f4 Qg6 17.fxe5 Nc5
[$gThreat$bening $gmate$b on g2. ]
18.Bg3 Nxa6 19.Nf5 Rae8
[ 19...exf5 20.Qxd5 when $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b is much stronger than the $gBlack$b
$gknight$b. ]
20.Nd6 Re7 21.Rf4
[A strong move as the $grook$b increases the pressure on the f-$gfile$b and $gthreat$bens
the $gBlack$b $gking$b position.]
21...h5 22.e4 Ba8 23.Bh4 Rd7
[ 23...f6 24.exf6 gxf6 25.Rc3 Threatening to $gpin$b the queen with 26.Rg3. ]
24.Rc3 Qh6
[ 24...Nc7 25.Rg3 Qh7 26.Rg5 g6 27.Qa4 b5 28.Qxa7 f5 29.exf6 Rxd6 30.f7+ Rxf7
allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
25.Qf1 Nc7 26.Rcf3
[Tripling on the f-$gfile$b.]
26...f5 27.exf6
[I spent more than 30 minutes calculating the consequences. It was clear that
the complications were in favor of the more active $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs, but I was
seeking the simplest way to victory.]
27...Rxd6
[ 27...e5 28.Qc4+ Kh7 29.fxg7 exf4 30.Nf5 is also winning for $gWhite$b. ]
28.f7+ Kh7 29.Be7 e5 30.Bxf8 exf4 31.Bxd6 Qxd6 32.Qd3
[White's passed f-pawn combined with $gBlack$b's ineffective $gminor piece$bs give
me a $gwinning position$b.]
32...Qe7 33.Qc4
[ 33.Qd7 Qxd7 is also winning for $gWhite$b. ]
33...Kh6 34.Rxf4
[This move allows unnecessary complications. 34.f8Q Qxf8 35.Qxc7 g5 36.Rd3 was
the simplest path to victory. ]
34...Ne6 35.Qc8 Qd6 36.Qh8+ Kg6 37.f8N+ Nxf8 38.Qxf8 Qd1+ 39.Kf2 Qd2+ 40.Kg3
Qe1+ 41.Kh3
[$gBlack$b resigned since ...Bxe4 allows White to further his $gmaterial$b gains.
]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Natsis
.EVENT Malta
.THEME S16,S9,S12
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3
[This move has become increasingly popular over the years.]
7...c5 8.Rb1
[The $gkey$b idea to placing the $gknight$b on f3, the $grook$b ties the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b down
to the $gdefense$b of the b-$gpawn$b.]
8...O-O 9.Be2 Nc6 10.d5
[A $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b which excepted will weaken the dark squares around $gBlack$b's
$gking$b.]
10...Bxc3+
[ 10...Ne5 is also possible. ]
11.Bd2 Bxd2+ 12.Qxd2 Nd4
[ 12...Na5 13.h4 Bg4 14.h5 Bxh5 allows $gWhite$b a winning $gattack$b. ]
13.Nxd4 cxd4 14.Qxd4
[$gWhite$b stands better because of his $gcontrol$b over the $gcenter$b.]
14...Qa5+ 15.Qd2 Qxd2+ 16.Kxd2 Rd8 17.Ke3
[The ending is superior for $gWhite$b because of his potential passed d-$gpawn$b.]
17...b6 18.Rbc1 e6 19.Bc4 e5
[A mistake which gives $gWhite$b a passed d-$gpawn$b with nothing in return. 19...Kf8
20.Rhd1 Ke7 keeping pressure on White's $gcenter$b was better. ]
20.Bb3
[Clearing the c-$gfile$b for the $gWhite$b $grook$bs.]
20...Bd7 21.Rc7 a5 22.d6 b5 23.f4
[With the idea of $gopening$b up the f-$gfile$b to $gattack$b $gBlack$b's weak f-$gpawn$b.]
23...exf4+ 24.Kxf4 Ra6 25.e5 a4 26.Bd5 a3 27.Rf1
[$gWhite$b has a won game thanks to his passed d-$gpawn$b and $gBlack$b's weak pawn on
f7.]
27...Ra4+ 28.Ke3 Be6 29.Bxe6 fxe6 30.Rff7
[White has $gexchange$b one $gadvantage$b for another, namely $gcontrol$b of the
$gseventh rank$b.]
30...Rh4 31.Rg7+ Kh8 32.Rge7
[$gBlack$b resigned because of $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b which will shortly promote into a
$gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Danailov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT World Junior Championship Dortmund
.THEME T13,S8
.DATE 1980
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 g6 2.Nf3 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.d4 Nf6 5.e4
[The game has $gtranspose$bd to a $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b.]
5...O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8 Rxd8
[The $gExchange$b $gVariation$b, which has a $gdraw$bish reputation. ]
9.Bg5 Nbd7 10.Nd5
[With the idea of exchanging off as many $gpiece$bs as possible. However, this
takes time and allows $gBlack$b a slight $gadvantage$b. Better was 10.O-O-O
Rf8 11.Rhe1 c6 12.Nd2 Nc5 13.f3 a5 when it's unclear is $gBlack$b can make
anything of the $ghole$b on d4. ]
10...c6 11.Ne7+ Kf8 12.Nxc8 Rdxc8 13.O-O-O Nc5 14.Bxf6
[$gForce$bd in view of the $gthreat$b to $gWhite$b's e-$gpawn$b.]
14...Bxf6 15.Bd3
[Although the position may look equal $gBlack$b has a small $gadvantage$b thanks to
$gWhite$b's $ghole$b on d4.]
15...a5
[So $gWhite$b will be unable to drive the $gknight$b away with b4.]
16.Rhe1 Re8
[Relieves the $gbishop$b from the protection of the e-$gpawn$b.]
17.Bf1 Bd8 18.g3 a4 19.Kc2 Ba5 20.Re3 Rad8 21.Rxd8 Rxd8
[With $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b $gBlack$b $gadvantage$b will grow quickly.]
22.Bh3
[ 22.Nxe5 Rd2+ 23.Kc1 Rxf2 ]
22...f6 23.Re2 Ke7 24.Bg2 Nd3 25.a3 Nc5
[The $gknight$b returns to c5 to take $gadvantage$b of the new $ghole$b at b3.]
26.h4 h5 27.Re3 g5 28.hxg5 fxg5 29.Re2
[ 29.Nxg5 allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b. ]
29...Nb3 30.Kb1 Kf6
[$gWhite$b resigned since he is in $gzugzwang$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Gavrikov
.EVENT USSR Championship
.THEME S8,T5,T10
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3
[This move order gives $gWhite$b more options against the Tarrasch than 3.Nc3,
when $gBlack$b, in addition to the "normal" lines has several $gsharp$b and unclear
$ggambit$b $gvariation$bs to choose from.]
3...c5
[The Tarrasch $gDefense$b is well known to Gavrikov who has played it on a regular
basis. $gBlack$b's idea is to take an isolated d-pawn in $gexchange$b for active
$gpiece$b play.]
4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.O-O Be7 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.Bg5
[I prefer the $gpin$bning of $gBlack$b's $gknight$b to the newer systems involving
9.Nbd2.]
9...O-O 10.Nc3 d4 11.Bxf6 Qxf6 12.Nd5
[It was Jan Timman who first employed this move, securing the central light
squares. The older 12.Ne4 presents fewer problems for $gBlack$b.]
12...Qd8
[This retreat is $gBlack$b's safest. 12...Qd6 $gBlock$bs the a3-f8 $gdiagonal$b, which
may be needed by the dark squared $gbishop$b. ]
13.Nd2
[Now the light squares are covered by an impressive army of two $gknight$bs and a
$gbishop$b, and the b3 and c4 squares are open for occupation by the Nd2.]
13...a6
[It is tempting to regard this move as an outright $gblunder$b, even though until
this game was played it was considered playable.]
14.Rc1 Ba7 15.Nc4
[Previously this $gpiece$b had been wandering to the less effective e4 square,
where it only got in the way. This new idea was well prepared.]
15...Rb8
[Such timidity is not a permitted luxury in this $gopening$b. 15...Bh3 16.Bxh3
Qxd5 17.Bg2 Qe6 is only slightly better for $gWhite$b due to $gBlack$b's isolated d-
$gpawn$b. ]
16.Nf4 b5 17.Nd6 Qxd6 18.Rxc6 Qd8
[ 18...Qe5 19.Nd3 Qf5 20.Rd6 is much better for $gWhite$b since $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are
tied down to each others $gdefense$b. ]
19.Qc2 a5
[With the idea of developing the $gbishop$b to a6.]
20.Rc1
[$gWhite$b's $gadvantage$b is mounting and the tripling on the open c-$gfile$b is the
cause of $gBlack$b's future problems.]
20...Re8 21.Bd5
[The beginning of a fantastic $gattack$b based on $gBlack$b's light squared
weaknesses.]
21...Bb6 22.Qb3
[Not a single light squared wasted!]
22...Re7 23.Bf3
[Keep your eye on this $gpiece$b.]
23...Re5 24.Bh5 g6
[Now White is able to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's f-$gpawn$b which is $gpin$bned on
the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
25.Bxg6
.QUIZ 25.Bxg6
[The point. It is not the move itself which deserves our admiration but the
incredible build up, the epic journey of that $gbishop$b, which just 5 moves ago
stood on g2!]
25...hxg6 26.Rxg6+ Kf8 27.Rh6 Ke7
[ 27...Kg7 would allow $gWhite$b a brilliant mating $gattack$b. ]
28.Rcc6 Rf5
[Played with the idea of covering the f7 square. 28...Bd7 would allow $gWhite$b a
mating continuation. ]
29.Qf3 Bc7
[The $gBlack$b rook is $goverworked$b on the 5th rank.]
30.Qe4+ Re5 31.Ng6+ fxg6 32.Rh7+ Kf8 33.Qxg6
[$gBlack$b resigns as despite his two extra $gbishop$bs, he cannot avoid $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Fedorowicz
.EVENT World Junior Championship
.THEME S2,S7
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
[This is the Petrosian $gvariation$b of the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b.]
4...c5 5.d5 Ba6 6.Qc2 exd5 7.cxd5 g6
[$gBlack$b adopts one of the $gsharp$best continuations in response to the Petrosian
System.]
8.Nc3 Bg7 9.g3 O-O 10.Bg2 d6 11.O-O Re8 12.Re1 Qc7
[A new idea at the time this game was played. It turns out that Fedorowicz had
already played this move in the 1981 USA championship but I was unaware of
this.]
13.Bf4
[Trying to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b by the indirect $gattack$b on the h2-b8
$gdiagonal$b.]
13...Nh5 14.Bd2 Nd7 15.Qa4
[ 15.a4 is the thematic continuation holding back $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b play.
However, after ...c4 I saw no clear way to improve my position. ]
15...Bb7 16.Qh4
[Although no immediate $gattack$b is associated with this move. The idea is to
$gattack$b on the $gqueenside$b first diverting the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs away from the
protection of the $gking$b.]
16...a6 17.Rac1 b5 18.b4
[The point of $gWhite$b's plan. In this way he jams his opponent's operation.]
18...Qd8
[ 18...cxb4 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b due to the $gdiscovered
attach$b on the c-$gfile$b.]
19.Bg5 f6 20.Bd2 f5
[In this way the e4 is under $gBlack$b's $gcontrol$b and the Nh5 is marked for central
activity.]
21.Bg5 Qb6
[ 21...Bf6 With the idea of exchanging off $gpiece$bs should be preferred. ]
22.e4 cxb4 23.axb4 Rac8
[The $gcritical position$b. Both sides have achieved what they have been striving
towards, maximally activating "their own" areas of the board.]
24.Be3 Qd8 25.Bg5 Qb6
[This move was made quickly, and it was clear that my opponent had no
objection to a $gdraw by repetition$b. Contemplating the position, I detected that
there were some hidden $gcombination$bal possibilities.]
26.exf5
[This move carries with it a $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b. $gWhite$b will not obtain any
immediate gain. But there are all sorts of little things amiss in $gBlack$b's
position of his $gqueen$b, like the Bb7 and the Nh5, which weaken their $gking$b's
cover.]
26...Rxe1+ 27.Rxe1 Bxc3 28.Re7 Rc4 29.Qh3
[A simple and strong answer: the $gqueen$b lies in ambush. Her transfer from the
$gqueenside$b has proved most successful!]
29...Bc8 30.fxg6 Ndf6
[ 30...hxg6 31.Qe6+ Kh8 allows $gWhite$b a mating $gattack$b. ]
31.Bxf6 Nxf6 32.gxh7+ Kf8 33.h8Q+ Kxe7 34.Qg7+
[$gBlack$b resigned because the two $gqueen$bs will easily take care of his $gking$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Vaiser
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME S2,S7,S5
.DATE 1981
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4
[The Four $gPawn$b's $gAttack$b, once thought to be the $grefutation$b of the $gKing$b's Indian
$gDefense$b. A $gsharp$b and little investigated position arises which promises a
tense struggle.]
5...O-O 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 e6
[Vaiser stated after the game that this $gvariation$b had served him well for the
past 14 years.]
8.Be2 exd5
[Three years previous to this game Vaiser and I had played a $gblitz$b match.
Every time I played $gBlack$b we reached this position and Vaiser continued with
9.cxd5. However, I was in for an unpleasant surprise.]
9.e5!
[The exclamation mark is based on psychological considerations. My opponent
knew that of the three principal continuations, 9.exd5, 9.cxd5, and 9.e5, the
third would come as the greatest surprise. Now I was improvising.]
9...Ng4 10.cxd5 dxe5 11.h3 e4 12.hxg4
[Before this game was played theory had ignored this move with 12.Nxe4 being
preferred.]
12...exf3 13.gxf3
[$gBlack$b's chief problem is his lack of useful squares for the $gdevelopment$b
of his $gpiece$bs on the $gqueenside$b. Perhaps my experience at the board
influences my pessimistic evaluation, today I would prefer to play $gWhite$b's
position.]
13...Re8
[If I tried to prevent the advance f4-f5 by 13...f5, then the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b would be weakened, and that could prove the road to $gBlack$b's
destruction in the near future.]
14.f5
[Played with the idea of developing the dark squared $gbishop$b to h6 where it
will disturb the only defender of the $gBlack$b $gking$b, which is also Black's only
active $gpiece$b.]
14...Qb6
[ 14...gxf5 15.Bh6 Bxh6 16.Rxh6 Qg5 17.Qd2 Qxd2+ 18.Kxd2 fxg4 19.Ne4 Nd7
20.Rah1 With a winning $ginitiative$b for White on the h-$gfile$b.]
15.Bh6
[$gWhite$b pays no attention to the "mosquito bites" of his opponent and carries
on with his general plan.]
15...Qxb2
[I recognized the danger facing the $gBlack$b position, but decided to be
consistent and took the $gpawn$b. Perhaps it will turn out all right...]
16.Bxg7 Kxg7
[The abundance of $gWhite$b's $gattack$bing possibilities is noticeable at first
glance , but I comforted myself with the thought that not just any move would
win.]
17.f6+
[Well here the pace picked up...White couldn't hold himself back from storming
the walls of the $gking$b's fortress and sends in a single column of $gattack$b.
17.Rc1 During the game it seemed to me that this move was not sufficiently
forcing. Detailed analysis, however, later showed that I was wrong.]
17...Kg8
[In this position I began to glance at the $gWhite$b $gking$b which has remained in
the $gcenter$b.]
18.Qc1
[Vaiser proposes an $gendgame$b, where his opponent's lag in $gdevelopment$b
and the strong $gpawn$b on f6 would be factors operating in White's favor. But has
he got a surprise coming!]
18...Qb4
[This move seems suicidal, since the entrance of the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b to h6 creates
two deadly $gthreat$bs. However, I was well prepared for this.]
19.Kf1
[$gWhite$b should have regrouped and, putting aside his ambitious thoughts, come
to terms with the leveling of chances. 19.Qd2 should be preferred. 19.Qd2 Nd7
20.Rb1 Qd4 21.Qxd4 cxd4 22.Ne4 d3 23.Bxd3 Nxf6 24.Kf2 Nxd5 25.Rb5 is good for
$gWhite$b due to the weak f6 square.]
19...Nd7 20.Bb5
[This move looks pretty convincing-there seems no way to keep the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b
from reaching the coveted h6 square. 20.Qh6 Nxf6 when $gBlack$b's $gking$b is safe. ]
20...Qd4 21.Kg2
[ 21.Qh6 Nxf6 22.Bxe8 Qxc3 23.Kg2 Bxg4 24.Bxf7+ Kxf7 25.fxg4 Re8 when $gWhite$b's
can do nothing against the united $gstrength$b of $gBlack$b's ]
21...Re3
[This move is much stronger than the "greedy" 21...Qxf6, which would give
White considerable $gcounterplay$b. 21...Qxf6 22.Qh6 Qg7 23.Ne4 when $gBlack$b has
problems developing his $gqueenside$b due to the $gpin$bned knight. ]
22.Ne2 Qe5 23.Kf2 Rxe2+ 24.Bxe2 Nxf6
[Now one can sum up the results of White's "blitzkrieg". His $gattack$b has been
exhausted, and the extra $gexchange$b hardly carries any importance. $gBlack$b has
two $gpawn$bs for it, and the open position of $gWhite$b's $gking$b allow favorable
tactics.]
25.Qxc5
[In avoiding the worst, White heads for an $gendgame$b, but $gBlack$b manages to
win another $gpawn$b, after his $gadvantage$b is beyond doubt. It should be noted that
we were both in time trouble at this point.]
25...Bxg4 26.Qe3
[ 26.fxg4 allows $gBlack$b to win $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b. ]
26...Qxe3+ 27.Kxe3 Nxd5+ 28.Kf2 Be6 29.Rab1
[This position is superior for $gBlack$b, as he has three $gpawn$bs for the
$gexchange$b.]
29...b6 30.Rbc1 Nf4 31.a3 Nxe2 32.Kxe2 b5 33.Rc7 a5 34.Rb1 Bc4+ 35.Kf2 a4
[Such an $gantipositional$b $gpawn structure$b is justified, since supported by
the $gpawn$b the $gbishop$b is no less strong than the $grook$b.]
36.Re1 Rd8 37.Re3 Rd2+ 38.Kg3 Kg7 39.f4 Rb2 40.Rc5 h5
[Here the game was $gadjourned$b, but White, having $gsealed$b 41.Kh4,
resigned before resumption. One could argue with this, but $gBlack$b does have a
clear path to victory. For example (see $gvariation$b). 40...h5 41.Kh4 Rb3 42.Rg3
Rb1 43.Re3 Rg1 44.Rg5 Rh1+ 45.Kg3 f5 cutting off the $grook$b from the
$gqueenside$b. ]
41.Kh4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Sax
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME T5
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5
[I have enjoyed playing this from both sides of the board.]
4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4
[Also very popular is 7.Nf3.]
7...O-O 8.Be3 b6
[$gAttack$bing the $gcenter$b immediately with 8...c5 is more thematic.]
9.h4 Bb7
[ 9...Nc6 10.h5 Na5 11.hxg6 allows White a winning $gkingside$b $gattack$b. ]
10.Qf3
[This move reinforces White's $gcenter$b and is a plus for leaving the knight at
g1.]
10...Qd7 11.Ne2 h5 12.Bg5 Nc6 13.Nf4
[White intends to play 14.Nxg6 taking $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b.]
13...e6
[ 13...Na5 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
14.Rd1 Na5 15.Bd3
[White's strong $gcenter$b guarantees a lasting $ginitiative$b.]
15...e5
[ 15...c5 16.Nxh5 gxh5 17.Bf6 Bxf6 18.Qxf6 Qd8 19.Qh6 With the idea of lifting
the $grook$b to g3 via h3 with a winning $gattack$b for $gWhite$b]
16.dxe5 Bxe5 17.O-O
[White is much better in this position since $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b has been
seriously weakened with $gpawn$b h5, while $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are misplaced in
particular the $gknight$b on a5.]
17...Qg4
[ 17...Qa4 18.g4 with a formidable $gkingside$b $gattack$b. ]
18.Qe3 Rfe8 19.Be2 Bxf4
[ 19...Qc8 20.Nd5 Bxd5 21.Rxd5 when $gWhite$b stands much better because of his
two $gbishop$bs and $gkingside$b $ginitiative$b. ]
20.Bxf4 Nc4
[Embarking on an interesting $gcombination$b which unfortunately fails to a
counter not easily foreseen. $gBlack$b refrained from 20...Qxh4 21.e5
because of his weakened dark squares. ]
21.Bxc4 Rxe4 22.f3 Qxf4 23.Bxf7+ Kg7
[ 23...Kxf7 allows White to win $gmaterial$b by the use of a $gpin$b. ]
24.Qd3
[$gWhite$b has achieved an ending in which $gBlack$b will be hard pressed to maintain
$gmaterial$b parity.]
24...Qe3+ 25.Qxe3 Rxe3 26.Rd7
[This gains the $gseventh rank$b while $gthreat$bening a $gdiscovered check$b with
the $gbishop$b.]
26...Kh6
[ 26...Rxc3 would drop a $gpiece$b. ]
27.Rxc7 Ba6 28.Rd1 Bd3 29.Rd2 Bf5 30.Kf2 Re5 31.Rd5
[As a general rule when one is ahead in $gmaterial$b you should try to
$gexchange$b pieces and not pawns, since the pawns will be able to promote
later in the game.]
31...Rxd5 32.Bxd5 Rd8 33.c4 b5 34.Ke3 a5 35.Kf4 Bb1 36.g4
[The $gBlack$b $gking$b finds itself in a mating net, the $gthreat$b being 37.g5+ $gmate$b.]
36...hxg4 37.fxg4 Rf8+ 38.Kg3
[$gBlack$b resigned since to avoid $gmate$b he must part with further $gmaterial$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kupreichik
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT USSR
.THEME T5,S8
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2
[The first surprise. Kupreichik usually chooses a more aggressive system,
involving f2-f4 and Qf3.]
6...Nf6 7.Be3 Be7 8.f4 O-O 9.Qd2
[Kupreichik remains true to himself, heading for a complicated position with
opposite side $gcastling$b. $gWhite$b's chosen plan seems quite promising, since there
are good prospects for a $gkingside$b $gpawnstorm$b.]
9...e5
[An energetic $gBlack$b counterblow in the $gcenter$b, turns the game into different
channels.]
10.Nf3
[ 10.Nf5 Bxf5 11.exf5 d5 gives $gBlack$b an $ginitiative$b. ]
10...Ng4 11.f5
[Now all that remains for $gWhite$b is to play 12.Nd5 and his $gadvantage$b will be
beyond doubt. But as so often happens, that one $gtempo$b just isn't there.]
11...Nb4
[With the $gthreat$b of 12...Nxe3 and 13...Nxc2 winning $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
12.Bd3
[ 12.O-O-O d5 13.a3 Nxe3 14.Qxe3 d4 15.Qf2 Qc7 with an $gattack$b on the $gWhite$b
$gking$b. ]
12...d5 13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.exd5 e4
[The unfortunate position of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs and especially of his $gking$b makes
this $gcombination$b possible. The coming $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b destroys White,
aided by the $gdiagonal$b $gpin$bs on c1-h6 and g1-a7.]
15.Bxe4 Re8
[Now the $gcombination$b yields two almost symmetrical $gvariation$bs, depending on
which side $gWhite$b castles.]
16.O-O-O
[$gBlack$b's task would have been much more complicated after 16.O-O.]
16...Bf6
[A powerful move which opens the open $gfile$b for the $gBlack$b rook while taking
command of the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.Bg5
[Having come to terms with the unavoidable loss of a $gpiece$b, $gWhite$b vainly tries
to exploit $gBlack$b's slightly backward $gdevelopment$b. 17.h3 Nxe3 18.Qxe3 Bxf5
19.Nd2 allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b. ]
17...Rxe4 18.h3 Ne5 19.Bxf6 Qxf6 20.Nxe5 Qxe5 21.g4 Bd7
[The rest is a matter of $gtechnique$b.]
22.Rhe1 Re8 23.Rxe4 Qxe4 24.Qa5
[This hastens the inevitable. 24.b3 would have been more solid, and allowed
further resistance.]
24...Qe3+ 25.Kb1 Qxh3 26.Qxa7 Qxg4 27.Rc1 Bxf5 28.Qxb7 h5 29.b3 Qd4 30.a4 Qc3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Timman
.EVENT USSR vs.World
.THEME S13
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7
[The $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined which gives $gBlack$b a solid if somewhat passive
position.]
5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3 h6 7.Bxf6 Bxf6
[$gWhite$b has parted with the two $gbishop$bs. However, in a closed position this is
not so important.]
8.Qc2 c5 9.dxc5 Qa5
[ 9...dxc4 I played this move for $gBlack$b against Karpov in the 25 game of our
1985 World Championship Match. ]
10.cxd5 exd5 11.O-O-O
[$gBlack$b's isolated d-$gpawn$b is a weakness which needs immediate attention.]
11...Be6 12.Nxd5
[$gBlack$b has succeeded in $gopening$b the position for his $gbishop$bs but at the cost
of two $gpawn$bs.]
12...Rc8 13.Kb1
[If this move fails $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b will become menacing.]
13...Bxd5
[ 13...Rxc5 14.b4 Rxc2 15.Nxf6+ gxf6 16.bxa5 With an extra $grook$b for $gWhite$b. ]
14.Rxd5 Nc6 15.Bc4
[I preferred this aggressive move over the cautious 15.a3.]
15...Nb4 16.Qd2 Rxc5 17.Rxc5 Qxc5 18.Rc1 Qb6
[Timman, a $gpawn$b down, elects for $gattack$bing play based on pressure against
b2.]
19.Qd7 Rf8
[This move is an admission of defeat. 19...Nxa2 20.Rc2 Nc3+ 21.Kc1 Ne4
22.Bxf7+ Kh8 23.Ne5 Bxe5 leads to a winning $gattack$b for $gWhite$b. ]
20.Qb5 Qd6 21.e4 Nc6 22.Bd5 a6
[ 22...Nd4 23.Qd3 Qb6 24.e5 Nxf3 25.exf6 Ne5 26.Qf5 ]
23.Qxb7 Ne5 24.Rc8 Rxc8 25.Qxc8+
[With a two $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b the rest is just a matter of $gtechnique$b.]
25...Kh7 26.Qc2 Kg8 27.Nd2 g5 28.a3 Kg7 29.Nf1 Qb6 30.Ng3 Kg6 31.Ka2 h5 32.Qc8
h4 33.Qg8+ Bg7 34.Nh5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kouatly
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Evry Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME S7,S6
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.e4
[After jockeying for position we have reached the King's Indian $gDefense$b.]
5...O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.d5
[The Petrosian $gvariation$b so named after former World Champion Tigran
Petrosian, who added many new ideas to $gWhite$b's set up.]
7...a5
[Played in order to gain space on the $gqueenside$b.]
8.h4 Na6 9.Nd2 Nc5 10.g4
[$gWhite$b's $gattack$b may look $gthreat$bening but remember that White has left his $gking$b
in the $gcenter$b.]
10...a4 11.h5 gxh5 12.g5 Ng4
[The $gknight$b heads towards the $gWhite$b $gking$b.]
13.Nf1 f5
[The $gopening$b of the f-$gfile$b with $gWhite$b's $gking$b remaining in the $gcenter$b signals
that my opponent has done something wrong.]
14.f3 Nf2
[A $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b the aim of which is to $gdraw$b $gWhite$b's $gking$b into a mating
$gattack$b.]
15.Kxf2 fxe4
[$gBlack$b has plenty of $gcompensation$b for the $gpiece$b thanks to $gWhite$b's backward
$gdevelopment$b.]
16.Kg2 a3
[With the idea of weakening the h8-a1 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.Rxh5 exf3+ 18.Bxf3 e4 19.Be2 Bf5
[$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs have lost communication with one another.]
20.Qd2 Bg6 21.Rh3 Qd7
[With the disguised idea of doubling on the f-$gfile$b.]
22.Rg3 Qf7 23.Qe1 Rae8
[$gBlack$b's remaining $gpiece$b enters the $gattack$b!]
24.Be3 Nd3 25.Qd2 axb2 26.Rb1 Be5
[$gWhite$b is unable to stop the flood of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs from crashing through on
the $gkingside$b.]
27.Rg4 Nf4+ 28.Bxf4 e3
[This clearance move allows $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b on g6 to enter as well.]
29.Bxe3 Bxc3 30.Qxc3 Bxb1 31.Rf4 Rxe3
[White resigned since the further loss of $gmaterial$b is unavoidable.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Belyavsky
.EVENT Candidates Matches
.THEME S9,T5
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4
[This game was played in the quarter finals of the $gCandidate$bs Matches, the
final steps to the World Championship.]
1...d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5
[The $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined was also reached in our first and third match
games.]
5...Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 O-O 8.Bd3 b6 9.Nf3 Bb7 10.O-O c5 11.Ne5 Nbd7
[ 11...Nc6 was chosen by Belyavsky in game one. ]
12.Bf5
[This move was found after three days homework, as the third match game had
continued with 12.Qf3.]
12...Nxe5
[ 12...cxd4 13.Nxd7 Nxd7 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Qxd4 dooms $gBlack$b to prospectless
$gdefense$b, on account of his isolated d-$gpawn$b. ]
13.dxe5 Ne8
[ 13...Ne4 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 allows White to keep his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
14.Bg3 Nc7 15.Qg4 Qe8 16.Bd7 Qd8 17.Rad1 h5
[Trying to deflect the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b from the protection of his light squared
$gbishop$b.]
18.Qh3 h4 19.Bf4 Bg5 20.Bf5
[White intends to take $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on $gBlack$b's d-$gpawn$b with
21.Ne4.]
20...g6 21.Ne4
[A piece sacrifice which aims to open up $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b.]
21...Bxf4 22.exf4 gxf5 23.Qxf5 dxe4
[ 23...f6 24.Qg4+ Kh7 25.Qxh4+ Kg7 26.Qg4+ Kh7 with $gmate$b soon to follow. ]
24.Qg4+ Kh7 25.Rxd8 Rfxd8 26.Qxh4+ Kg8 27.Qe7 e3 28.Re1
[ 28.Qxc7 would be a horrible mistake allowing $gBlack$b a winning continuation.]
28...exf2+ 29.Kxf2 Rd2+ 30.Re2 Rxe2+ 31.Kxe2 Ba6+ 32.Kf2
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs prove no match for the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b and numerous $gpawn$bs.]
32...Ne6 33.f5 Nd4 34.e6 Rf8 35.Qg5+
[The $gqueen$b clears off the $gfile$b to make way for the e-$gpawn$b.]
35...Kh7 36.e7
[The passed e-$gpawn$b decides the game.]
36...Re8 37.f6
[This move leaves no doubt about the $gstrength$b of the passed e-$gpawn$b.]
37...Ne6 38.Qh5+ Kg8
[$gBlack$b resigned since the loss of further $gmaterial$b follows.]
39.Qg4+ Kh7
[Now $gWhite$b could win with a $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b. ]
40.Qxe6
.QUIZ 40.Qxe6
40...fxe6 41.f7
[When his $gpassed pawn$bs prove decisive.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Anand
.EVENT Dortmund
.THEME S16
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Slav
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4
[The Slav $gDefense$b where $gBlack$b trades a $gcenter$b $gpawn$b for active $gpiece$b play.]
5.a4
[$gWhite$b wants to stop $gBlack$b from protecting his c-$gpawn$b with 5...b5.]
5...Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4
[$gBlack$b $gpin$bs the $gknight$b on c3.]
8.O-O O-O 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Ne5
[$gWhite$b intends to advance his $gcenter$b with $gpawn$b f3 followed by e4.]
10...Re8 11.Rd1 Qc7 12.Nxd7 Qxd7 13.f3 Nd5 14.Na2 Bf8
[ 14...Bg6 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
15.e4 Bg6 16.Qe1
[A subtle move which frees the e2 square for the light squared $gbishop$b. 16.exd5
exd5 17.Qf1 dxc4 is better for $gBlack$b because of his two $gbishop$bs and $gWhite$b's
isolated d-$gpawn$b. ]
16...f5
[An oversight which costs $gBlack$b a $gpiece$b. ]
17.exd5
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Amura
.EVENT Buenos Aires Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME T5
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Be7 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3 Nbd7
[The $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined is known for it's extreme solidity.]
7.Qc2 c6 8.Rd1
[ 8.Bd3 is incorrect because of 8...dxc4 9.Bxc4 when $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b has had to
move twice in reaching the c4 square. ]
8...b6 9.Bd3
[Only now that $gWhite$b is out of $gwaiting move$bs does he play Bd3.]
9...h6
[ 9...dxc4 10.Bxc4 Bb7 is slightly better for $gWhite$b thanks to his $gspace$b
$gadvantage$b. ]
10.Bh4 Bb7 11.O-O c5 12.Bg3
[Keeps $gBlack$b's queen from moving to c7 thus stopping Black from connecting his
$grook$bs. 12.cxd5 exd5 13.dxc5 bxc5 is also playable since it leaves $gBlack$b with
$ghanging $gpawn$bs$b. ]
12...cxd4 13.exd4 dxc4 14.Bxc4
[$gWhite$b's isolated d-$gpawn$b is compensated for by his more active $gpiece$bs.]
14...Bxf3 15.gxf3 Nh5
[ 15...Rc8 16.Ba6 Ra8 17.Bb7 ]
16.d5 Nxg3 17.hxg3 exd5 18.Nxd5
[$gWhite$b's central $gpiece$b play gives him a small $gadvantage$b.]
18...Bd6 19.Ne3
[$gWhite$b's $grook$b on the d-$gfile$b ties down $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b to the $gdefense$b of her
$gminor piece$bs.]
19...Bc5
[ Or 19...Qe7 20.Rfe1 with $gWhite$b's $grook$bs dominating the open $gfile$bs. ]
20.Nf5 Rc8
[A mistake, as $gBlack$b overlooks the $gthreat$b. ]
21.Nxh6+ gxh6 22.Qg6+
[The point $gBlack$b is unable to $gcapture$b the queen thanks to White's $gpin$b on
the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
22...Kh8 23.Qxh6+ Kg8 24.Qg6+ Kh8 25.Qh5+ Kg7 26.Qg4+ Kh6 27.Rxd7 Qe8 28.Kg2
[$gBlack$b resigned since he has no $gdefense$b to 29.Rh1+ $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Zarnicki
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Buenos Aires Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME T5
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2 Be7
[The Scheveningen $gvariation$b is one of my favorites.]
7.O-O O-O 8.f4 a6
[Notice how $gBlack$b's e and d $gpawn$bs keep $gWhite$b's $gpiece$b off of the $gcenter$b.]
9.Be3 Qc7 10.Qe1
[White intends to transfer the queen over for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b. 10.a4
holding back $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b, is more frequently played. ]
10...b5 11.Bf3 Bb7 12.a3
[A necessity in order to stop $gBlack$b's intended 12...b4.]
12...Nbd7 13.Qg3 Rac8 14.Rae1
[ 14.Rad1, which protects the $gknight$b on d4 with the idea of advancing in the
$gcenter$b, may be better.]
14...Ba8 15.Kh1 Kh8
[Both $gking$b's tuck away in the corners, in mutual respect for each others'
$gattack$bs.]
16.Qf2 Qb8
[A strong move, with ideas of advancing the b-$gpawn$b, while clearing the c-$gfile$b
for the $grook$b.]
17.Bc1
[An admission that $gWhite$b has no concrete plan.]
17...Nb6 18.g4 d5
[Following the maxim that an $gattack$b on the $gflank$b is best countered by one in
the $gcenter$b.]
19.e5 Ne4 20.Nxe4 dxe4 21.Bxe4 Bc5
[$gPin$bning the $gknight$b.]
22.c3 Bxd4 23.Qxd4
[ 23.cxd4 Rxc1 24.Rxc1 Bxe4+ when $gBlack$b's two $gpiece$bs are stronger than the
$grook$b. ]
23...Rc4 24.Qd3 Rd8 25.Qf3
[As a result of $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b, his $grook$bs have been able to enter
the game with $gtempo$b. $gBlack$b now takes $gadvantage$b of White's $gking$b being on
the same $gdiagonal$b as $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b.]
25...Rxe4
.QUIZ 25...Rxe4
[With this temporary sacrifice $gBlack$b is able to capitalize on a $gpin$b
along the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b.]
26.Rxe4 Na4
[With the intention of playing 27...Nc5.]
27.b4 Rc8
[White resigned since he has no $gdefense$b against 28...Rc4 winning $gmaterial$b
due to the $gpin$b on the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Csom
.EVENT Baku
.THEME T4,S2
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Nge2 cxd4 6.exd4 O-O 7.a3
[This effectively $gforce$bs the $gbishop$b to retreat.]
7...Be7 8.d5 exd5 9.cxd5 Re8 10.g3 Bc5 11.Bg2
[At the time this game was played this natural developing move was a new
idea!]
11...d6
[ 11...Ng4 12.O-O Qf6 13.Nf4 Nxf2 14.Rxf2 Bxf2+ 15.Kxf2 g5 16.Ne4 With $gWhite$b's
superior $gdevelopment$b having the last word. ]
12.h3 Bf5 13.O-O Nbd7
[This simple move is the primary cause of $gBlack$b's later difficulties. 13...Ne4
14.Na4 Nd7 ]
14.g4
[The unexpected advance of the $gpawn$bs on the $gking$b-side is fully justified: it
seriously restricts $gBlack$b's $gknight$bs and promises to overgrow into a serious
$gattack$b, while the $gbishop$b on c5 cannot take part in the coming battle.]
14...Be4
[ 14...Bg6 15.Ng3 Ne5 16.g5 Nfd7 17.Nce4 is better for $gWhite$b due to his
$gkingside$b $ginitiative$b. ]
15.Ng3 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 Nf8 17.g5 N6d7 18.h4 Ne5
[$gBlack$b's last chance to generate any $gcounterplay$b was connected with the
moves 18...Rc8, 19...Bb6 and 20...Nc5.]
19.h5
[Played with the option of loosening $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b with pawn h6.]
19...f6 20.Nce4
[With $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b unable to defend his $gkingside$b, White in
effect is $gattack$bing with an extra $gpiece$b.]
20...fxg5 21.Bxg5 Qb6 22.h6 Nf7 23.hxg7 Nd7 24.Nf6+ Nxf6 25.Bxf6
[It is difficult to say where $gBlack$b could have played more strongly. $gWhite$b
simply throws his $gforce$bs onto the $gkingside$b. White now threatens to win the
$gBlack$b's $gbishop$b with 26.b4.]
25...Qb5 26.Rh1 Bb6 27.Qf3 Ne5 28.Nf5 Nf7
[ 28...Nxf3 would allow $gWhite$b a $gmate$b in one. ]
29.Rxh7
[With this sacrifice, $gBlack$b resigned since he has no way of stopping the
numerous $gthreat$bs; 29...Kxh7 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Pribyl
.EVENT USSR Teams
.THEME S9
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3
[In this position $gBlack$b usually strikes at the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b with 7...c5 or
7...O-O 8.Be2 c5.]
7...b6 8.Bb5+ c6 9.Bc4 O-O 10.O-O Ba6 11.Bxa6 Nxa6 12.Qa4
[ 12.Bg5 Qd7 13.Qd2 is also better for $gWhite$b due to his strong $gcenter$b and the
$gBlack$b $gknight$b which is out of the game at c6. ]
12...Qc8 13.Bg5 Qb7 14.Rfe1 e6 15.Rab1 c5
[A natural and practically $gforce$bd move. Since, 16.c4 was $gthreat$bened. 15...h6
16.Be3 is better for $gWhite$b due to his $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. ]
16.d5 Bxc3 17.Red1 exd5 18.exd5 Bg7
[The strong passed d-$gpawn$b and the unfortunate placement of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs
compensate White for the small $gmaterial$b loss.]
19.d6 f6
[Now $gWhite$b would have a pretty good position after 20.Bf4, but I preferred a
more energetic and interesting continuation.]
20.d7 fxg5
[20...Rad8 21.Qc4+ Kh8 22.Ne5 with the $gthreat$b of 23.Nf7+. 22...fxg5 23.Nf7+ Kg8
when $gWhite$b has a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in three.]
21.Qc4+ Kh8 22.Nxg5 Bf6
[ 22...Bd4 23.Rxd4 cxd4 24.Qxd4+ Kg8 25.Ne6 is winning for $gWhite$b due to the
dual threats of $gmate$b on g7 and the $gpawn$b $gpromotion$b.]
23.Ne6 Nc7 24.Nxf8 Rxf8 25.Rd6
[With the terrible $gthreat$b of 26.Rxf6 followed by the promoting of $gWhite$b's d-
$gpawn$b. 25.Qxc5 Qxg2+ 26.Kxg2 bxc5 27.Rb7 Ne6 28.Rd6 Nf4+ 29.Kf1 Bd8 30.Rxa7 is
also better for $gWhite$b, but I wanted more!]
25...Be7 26.d8Q Bxd8 27.Qc3+ Kg8 28.Rd7 Bf6 29.Qc4+ Kh8 30.Qf4
[The forcing $gvariation$b has concluded and $gWhite$b will regain his $gpiece$b.]
30...Qa6 31.Qh6
[$gBlack$b resigned since he has no good $gdefense$b against the intended 32.Qxh7+
$gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Portisch
.EVENT Niksic
.THEME S2,T4
.DATE 1983
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5
[This, though more fashionable, is hardly better than 6...cxd5.]
7.e3 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Be7 9.Bb5+ c6 10.Bd3 c5 11.O-O Nc6 12.Bb2
[Before advancing with $gpawn$b e4 $gWhite$b improves the stationing of his $gpiece$bs.]
12...Rc8 13.Qe2 O-O 14.Rad1 Qc7
[ 14...h6 15.dxc5 Bxc5 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. ]
15.c4
[This completely transforms the nature of the game. There is a $gthreat$b for
$gWhite$b's d-$gpawn$b to advance and to be backed up by e4; additionally the White
$gbishop$bs can rake $gBlack$b's $gking$b's position.]
15...cxd4
[ 15...Bf6 16.d5 Ne5 17.Nxe5 Bxe5 when White can win $gmaterial$b.]
16.exd4 Na5 17.d5
[All $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs spring into action; $gBlack$b's plan to tie White down to
$gdefense$b in the $gcenter$b proves futile.]
17...exd5
[ 17...Nxc4 18.Qe4 g6 19.Bxc4 Qxc4 20.Qe5 f6 21.Qxe6+ Rf7 22.Rc1 Qa6 23.Nd4
when $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs have been pushed to the side of the b]
18.cxd5 Bxd5
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b appears safe but $gWhite$b's following play does away with that
illusion. Can you find the killer move?]
19.Bxh7+
.QUIZ 19.Bxh7+
19...Kxh7 20.Rxd5 Kg8
[Now, though $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are ideally poised, there's nothing that is
obviously decisive. Until it dawned on me...what else? Yes! Yes! That's it.
$gSacrifice$b again!]
21.Bxg7
[This $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b is positional in nature. It enables $gWhite$b to centralize
his $grook$b and $gknight$b and they, together with the $gqueen$b, will make up a
formidable team to $gattack$b the exposed $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
21...Kxg7 22.Ne5
[An astonishing state of affairs. $gWhite$b has no direct $gthreat$bs. His $gpiece$bs have
no grip. Despite this Portisch chooses the only way that does not lose
immediately.]
22...Rfd8
[ 22...f5 23.Rd7 Qc5 24.Nd3 Takes $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on the $gseventh
rank$b 22...Qc2 23.Qg4+ Kh7 24.Rd3 Rc6 25.Qf5+ Kg7 allows $gWhite$b to win
$gmaterial$b. ]
23.Qg4+ Kf8 24.Qf5 f6
[This further weakening is practically $gforce$bd. 24...Bd6 25.Qf6 Kg8 26.Qg5+ Kf8
27.Qh6+ Kg8 28.Ng4 With numerous $gmate$b $gthreat$bs.]
25.Nd7+ Rxd7
[ 25...Kg7 26.Rd4 leaves $gBlack$b $gdefense$bless against $gWhite$b's intended 27.Rg4+.]
26.Rxd7 Qc5 27.Qh7 Rc7 28.Qh8+
[ 28.Rd3 would allow the pretty..Qxf2+ 29.Kxf2 Bc5+ 30.Kg3 Rxh7 when $gBlack$b has
escaped. ]
28...Kf7 29.Rd3 Nc4 30.Rfd1 Ne5
[A mistake which only hastens the end. 30...Bd6 31.h4 The advance of this $gpawn$b
combined with the $gthreat$bs to the $gBlack$b $gking$b continue to give $gWhite$b a big
$gadvantage$b.]
31.Qh7+ Ke6 32.Qg8+ Kf5 33.g4+ Kf4 34.Rd4+ Kf3 35.Qb3+
[This game was later awarded the USSR Sports Committee prize for the supreme
$gcreative$b achievement of 1983.]
.SCORE 1-0


.NEWGAME
.WHITE Garcia
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Baku
.THEME S2,T1
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.Nc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6
[The Benoni $gDefense$b, which leads to sharp play because of its unbalanced
$gpawn structure$b.]
7.Bf4
[Played with the hope of exploiting $gBlack$b's d-$gpawn$b, which is somewhat
weakened by the $gfianchetto$b of the dark squared $gbishop$b.]
7...Bg7 8.Qa4+ Bd7 9.Qb3 Qc7 10.Nf3
[ 10.Bxd6 Decoying the $gqueen$b from the protection of the b-$gpawn$b. would
backfire after 10...Qxd6 11.Qxb7 O-O 12.Qxa8 Qb6 ]
10...O-O 11.e5 Re8
[Thus $gBlack$b is able to take $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's $gking$b which
has remained in the $gcenter$b. 11...dxe5 12.Bxe5 Re8 13.O-O-O Rxe5 14.Nxe5
Qxe5 15.Qxb7 Wins $gmaterial$b for White.]
12.Be2
[ 12.O-O-O dxe5 13.d6 is also possible.]
12...Nh5
[In this way $gBlack$b is able to alleviate the pressure on his d-$gpawn$b.]
13.Be3
[ 13.exd6 Bxc3+ 14.Qxc3 allows $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b.]
13...dxe5 14.O-O Qb6 15.Nd2 Nf4 16.Bc4
[ 16.Bf3 Keeping the c4 square open for the $gknight$b makes more sense.]
16...Na6 17.Rfc1 Bf5 18.Qd1
[Going backwards with his $gdevelopment$b in not to be recommended. Better was
18.Nde4. 18.Nde4 ]
18...g5
[An amazing idea the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b will be able to use the 6th $grank$b
to transfer over to the $gkingside$b.]
19.Nb3 Qg6 20.Bxa6 bxa6 21.Nxc5
[$gBlack$b's lost $gpawn$b is only temporary as White will be unable to
protect his isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
21...Rad8 22.Qa4
[Understandably $gWhite$b is nervous about his $gqueen$b being on the d-
$gfile$b. But moving so far from the protection of his $gking$b should make
him feel worse. 22.Qd2 would have been wiser. ]
22...e4 23.Qxa6 Qh5
[While $gWhite$b has been chasing after $gpawn$bs $gBlack$b has been getting
ready for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
24.Qf1 Be5
[I am now $gthreat$bening to play 25...Ne2+ followed by 26...Qxh2+ $gmate$b.
24...Rd6 25.N5xe4 Bxe4 26.Nxe4 Rxe4 27.Rc8+ Bf8 28.Bc5 Ne2+ 29.Kh1 allows
$gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b.]
25.Bxf4 Bxf4 26.g3 Bxc1 27.Rxc1 Rd6 28.Re1 Rh6 29.Qg2 Bh3
[$gBlack$b has a winning position due to his $gkingside$b $gattack$b combined
with his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
30.g4 Qxg4 31.Qxg4 Bxg4 32.N5xe4 Kf8 33.Rc1 Bf3 34.Nd2 g4 35.Nxf3 gxf3 36.Rd1
Re5
[White resigned as his d-$gpawn$b is unable to advance. For example...]
37.Kh1 Reh5 38.d6 Rxh2+ 39.Kg1 Rh1+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE DEEP THOUGHT
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT New York
.THEME S14
.DATE 1989
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.c3
[It is truly a pity that the programmers chose this wimpy $gvariation$b for
such an important encounter!]
2...e6 3.d4 d5
[This position resembles a French $gDefense$b.]
4.exd5
[ 4.e5 $gTranspose$bs to the Advanced $gvariation$b of the French
$gDefense$b.]
4...exd5 5.Nf3 Bd6 6.Be3 c4
[Hampering White's natural $gdevelopment$b by taking away the d3 square.]
7.b3 cxb3 8.axb3 Ne7
[Before this game 8...Nf6 was favored leading to a slight $gadvantage$b for
$gWhite$b. However, after this game no one plays 8...Nf6 anymore!]
9.Na3 Nbc6 10.Nb5
[Although most commentators think this move loses time, this is wrong since
$gBlack$b also losses time with his $gbishop$b.]
10...Bb8 11.Bd3 Bf5
[With the majority of $gWhite$b's $gpawn$bs standing on dark squares $gBlack$b
welcomes the $gexchange$b of White's good $gbishop$b.]
12.c4
[We were later informed that the computer had a bug in it that gave other
moves priority over $gcastling$b! Perhaps the computer was hooked up to a 900
number?]
12...O-O 13.Ra4 Qd7 14.Nc3 Bc7 15.Bxf5 Qxf5 16.Nh4 Qd7 17.O-O
[The computer fails to realize that its pieces belong in the $gcenter$b of the
board.]
17...Rad8 18.Re1 Rfe8
[$gBlack$b has an obvious $gadvantage$b thanks to his $gcontrol$b of the
$gcenter$b which gives his $gpiece$bs greater $gmobility$b. For some reason
the computer thought it had the $gadvantage$b here.]
19.c5 Ba5!
[This is the $gkey$b to Kasparov's winning plan. No computer can look at this
position and figure out that a good knight versus $gbad bishop$b
$gendgame$b lies ahead, but even an average human is capable of understanding
this.]
20.Qd3 a6 21.h3 Bxc3 22.Qxc3 Nf5 23.Nxf5 Qxf5
[$gBlack$b has a technically won game due to his good $gknight$b against $gbad
bishop$b.]
24.Ra2 Re6
[Preparing to double on the e-$gfile$b.]
25.Rae2 Rde8 26.Qd2 f6 ]
27.Qc3
[The main problem with $gWhite$b's position is his inability to engage in an
active plan. He can only sit and wait to see where $gBlack$b will strike.]
27...h5 28.b4 R8e7 29.Kh1 g5 30.Kg1 g4 31.h4 Re4 32.Qb2 Na7
[$gBlack$b allows $gWhite$b no counter play by $gcontrol$bling the b5 square.]
33.Qd2 R4e6 34.Qc1
[$gWhite$b's play has been gradually reduced to shuffling his $gqueen$b around
with nothing to $gattack$b.]
34...Nb5 35.Qd2 Na3 36.Qd1 Kf7 37.Qb3 Nc4 38.Kh2
[ 38.b5 a5 would be similar to the game continuation.]
38...Re4 39.g3
[With all of $gWhite$b's $gpawn$bs on dark squares it is hard to tell where
the $gbishop$b stands.]
39...Qf3 40.b5 a5
[$gBlack$b's passed a-$gpawn$b gives $gWhite$b something else to worry about
besides his $gking$b.]
41.c6 f5 42.cxb7 Rxb7 43.Kg1 f4
[Shatters $gWhite$b's position.]
44.gxf4 g3 45.Qd1 Rbe7
[$gBlack$b is now threatening to win $gmaterial$b with 46...gxf2+ to which
there is no $gdefense$b.]
46.b6 gxf2+ 47.Rxf2 Qxd1 48.Rxd1 Rxe3 49.Rg2 Nxb6
[$gBlack$b is simply a $gpiece$b ahead. The remaining moves were...]
50.Rg5 a4 51.Rxh5 a3 52.Rd2 Re2
[White resigned since he will be unable to stop the $gpromotion$b of
$gBlack$b's a-$gpawn$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alexandrov
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Correspondence
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1909
.OPENING Philidor
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Nd7 4.Bc4 c6
[This is a very passive $gdefense$b, but $gWhite$b now gets carried away and
launches his $gattack$b prematurely. ]
5.Ng5
[The $gthreat$b at f7 is easily defended. ]
5...Nh6 6.f4
[$gWhite$b should simply have castled. ]
6...Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nf3
[$gBlack$b is now ahead in $gdevelopment$b, and therefore he can afford to
open up the game. ]
8...exd4 9.Nxd4
[Now Alekhine uses a simple tactical device to open up the $gcenter$b. ]
9...d5 10.exd5 Nb6
[$gBlack$b gains time with this $gfork$b on the $gbishop$b and pawn. ]
11.Bd3
[ 11.Be2 Bc5 12.Kh1 Nxd5 was also good for Alekhine, playing $gBlack$b in
another correspondence game from the same event. ]
11...Bc5
[Another strong move, creating an effective $gpin$b on the $gknight$b. ]
12.c3 Qxd5 13.Be3
[ 13.Kh1 Bxd4 14.cxd4 Bf5 15.Be3 Bxd3 16.Qxd3 Nc4 ]
13...Ng4
[Notice how much more productive $gBlack$b's $gminor piece$bs are than their
White counterparts. ]
14.Qf3 Re8
[$gBlack$b takes $gcontrol$b of the only open $gfile$b. ]
15.Qxd5
[ 15.Bf2 Nxf2 16.Qxf2 Bxd4 17.Qxd4 Qxd4+ 18.cxd4 Rd8 19.Re1 Be6 20.f5 Bc4]
15...Nxd5 16.Bc1
[Here Alekhine exploits the $gpin$b in fine fashion, and brings the game to a
quick conclusion. Try to find the $gwinning move$b (it isn't easy). ]
16...Nb4
.QUIZ 16...Nb4
[$gWhite$b resigned. If the $gbishop$b abandons c2, then the $gknight$b will
infiltrate, winning the $grook$b at a1. If 17.cxb4, then 17...Bxd4+ 18.Kh1
Nf2+ 19.Kg1 Nxd3 wins. That leaves just one other try, but it also fails: ]
17.h3 Nxd3 18.hxg4 Bxg4 19.Kh2 Bxd4 20.cxd4 Rad8
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Vygodchikov
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Correspondence
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1909
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4
[Alexander Alekhine was the only World Champion to actively take part in
correspondence play, though he did so mostly early in his career. The present
game shows that he employed his tactical style in the mail, too!]
1...e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Bc5
[This allows $gWhite$b to take $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b using a common
tactical trick.]
6.Nxe5 Nxe5 7.d4
[This $gfork$b regains the $gmaterial$b.]
7...Nxe4 8.Re1
[$gBlack$b also has to cope with the pressure on the e-$gfile$b.]
8...Be7
[This preserves the $gbishop$b and also helps seal the e-$gfile$b. $gBlack$b
emerges from the early battle unscathed.]
9.Rxe4
[ 9.dxe5 Nc5]
9...Ng6 10.Nc3
[The knight rarely belongs on c3 in the Spanish Game. That square is usually
reserved for a $gpawn$b.]
10...O-O 11.Nd5
[This is a violation of the $gopening$b principle which says that no $gpiece$b
should be moved twice in the $gopening$b without a specific goal. Chasing the
$gbishop$b is not worthwhile goal!]
11...Bd6 12.Qf3
[A pointless move. $gBlack$b should now just play 12...b5 and 13...Bb7 with a
wonderful game. Instead, Alekhine chooses another aggressive move, which is
also effective.]
12...f5 13.Bb3
[White tries to exploit the weakness of the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b. $gBlack$b
cannot take the $grook$b at e4, because disaster will strike. Alekhine wisely
moves his $gking$b to a safer square.]
13...Kh8
[ 13...fxe4 14.Ne7+ Kh8 15.Nxg6+ hxg6 16.Qh3+ ]
14.Re2 f4
[This strong move keeps $gWhite$b's $gforce$bs restrained.]
15.c4 c6 16.c5 Bb8 17.Nb6
[$gWhite$b now reckoned on 17...Ra7, but Alekhine understands that the
$grook$b has no role to play in this game, and cheerfully parts with it.
Instead, he opens a $gdiagonal$b for the $gbishop$b at c8.]
17...d5 18.Nxa8
[$gWhite$b should have $gcapture$bd the $gbishop$b instead.]
18...Nh4
[Now, whose $gknight$b is stronger?]
19.Qc3 f3
[The beginning of the final assault.]
20.Re5
[This $gexchange$b sacrifice keeps the $gbishop$b at b8 from participating in
the $gattack$b. 20.gxf3 Nxf3+ 21.Kf1 Bh3++ would have been cute, though
obviously avoidable.]
20...Bxe5 21.dxe5 Nxg2 22.Qd4 Qd7
[There was a faster way to win, as shown in the $gvariation$b. 22...Nf4
23.Bxf4 Qh4]
23.e6 Qxe6 24.Bd2 Qg6
[The infiltration at h3 would not have succeeded, because $gWhite$b would have
had a miraculous $gdefense$b. 24...Qh3 25.Bc3 Rg8 26.Qe5 Nf4 27.Qg5 Bg4
28.Bxg7+ Rxg7 29.Qd8+ Rg8 30.Qf6+ Rg7 31.Qd8+]
25.Bc2
[The only $gdefense$b against 25...Ne3 with $gdiscovered check$b, but now
the game is effectively over.]
25...Qxc2 26.Kh1 Qg6 27.Rg1 Bh3 28.Nb6
[The wayward $gknight$b tries to return, but it is too far away. Now a
brilliant $gcombination$b brings the game to a close.]
28...Nf4
.QUIZ 28...Nf4
29.Rxg6 Bg2+ 30.Rxg2
[ 30.Kg1 Ne2]
30...fxg2+ 31.Kg1 Ne2+ 32.Kxg2 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b resigned, as White's $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b is too great.]
.SCORE 0-1
.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Hort
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g4 Nc6 7.g5 Nd7 8.Be3 a6 9.f4
Be7 10.Rg1 Nxd4
[Hort played this reluctantly, since it concedes the $gcenter$b to $gWhite$b,
who now has better $gcontrol$b of e5. Therefore $gBlack$b will have to occupy
that square while he can.]
11.Qxd4 e5!
[$gBlack$b challenges $gWhite$b's central power and prevents White from
advancing to e5 which would have created serious problems on the $gkingside$b.
The weakness at d5 is not so important here but it, and the weak $gpawn$b at
d6, will be later.]
12.Qd2 exf4 13.Bxf4 Ne5
[$gBlack$b has executed his plan to take over the e5-square, but has had to
accept a weak Pd6 in return. ]
14.Be2 Be6 15.Nd5!
[White correctly establishes a $gblockade$b at d5. If he had castled first,
then $gBlack$b would have been able to thwart this plan with 15...Qa5!]
15...Bxd5 16.exd5
[A difficult choice. Generally, one uses a piece to $gblockade$b a pawn, but
here the weakness at d6 would have a counterpart at e4. Karpov's choice also
gives more scope to his light-squared $gbishop$b.]
16...Ng6
[Hort, recognizing the passivity of his position, strives to create
$gcounterplay$b by tactical means. The threat is the $gcapture$b at f4
followed by Qa5+.]
17.Be3 h6?!
[This is an error of judgement. $gBlack$b reasoned that $gWhite$b would not
$gcapture$b, because that would result in a displacement of his $gking$b. But
with the d-$gfile$b $gsealed$b, the $gWhite$b $gking$b will rest comfortably
at d1.]
18.gxh6 Bh4+ 19.Kd1 gxh6 20.Bxh6
[$gBlack$b now had to reconsider the situation. $gWhite$b's extra $gpawn$b at
c2 is not the most important factor. The question is, where should the Bh4 be
posted?]
20...Bf6 21.c3 Be5
[This is clearly a good square for the $gbishop$b, and there is a serious
$gthreat$b here of $gkingside$b infiltration with 22...Qh4, e.g., 23.Bg5 Qb6
24.Be3 Qc7. But Karpov, recognizing the danger, puts a stop to $gBlack$b's
plans.]
22.Rg4! Qf6?!
[Despite White's $gadvantage$bs (bishop pair, open lines in the center) Hort
should have taken the opportunity to restore the $gmaterial$b balance with
22...Bxh2. Instead, he chose to play for complications.]
23.h4!
[A strong positional move, saving and advancing the h-$gpawn$b. It is based on
the tactical point that 23...Nxh4? would be countered by 24.Bg7.]
23...Qf5 24.Rb4
[This $grook$b performs the double duty of protecting the fourth $grank$b and
$gattack$bing on the $gqueenside$b.]
24...Bf6 25.h5 Ne7
[Not 25...Ne5?, which drops a $gpiece$b to 27.Rf4!]
26.Rf4
[ 26.Rxb7?? Rxh6! 27.Qxh6 Qxd5+ picks up the Rb7.]
26...Qe5
[$gBlack$b is almost out of the woods. All he has to do is castle. But the
central $gfile$bs can still cause him problems.]
27.Rf3! Nxd5 28.Rd3 Rxh6
[No better was 28...Ne7 19.Bf4!]
29.Rxd5!
[$gWhite$b had to avoid the tactical trick 29.Qxh6 Bg5 when 30...Ne3+ would
have been very powerful.]
29...Qe4
[$gMate$brial equilibrium has been restored, but $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are
not well placed. $gWhite$b's roaming $grook$b now redeploys to a most menacing
position.]
30.Rd3! Qh1+
[The $gthreat$b of Re3, combined with pressure at h6, $gforce$b $gBlack$b to
take this desperate measure. He was in $gtime pressure$b as well.]
31.Kc2 Qxa1 32.Qxh6 Be5 33.Qg5
[Here Hort ran out of time and forfeited the game. $gWhite$b should win easily
from this position in any case.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Morphy,A
.EVENT New Orleans
.THEME {S8,T7}
.DATE 1849
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.d4 exd4 7.cxd4 Bb6 8.O-O Na5
[This loses time and puts the $gknight$b out of the game. $gBlack$b wants to
play ...d5, but he isn't ready to castle, so his king will feel a draft.]
9.Bd3 d5 10.exd5 Qxd5
[After this $gBlack$b is losing. With the e-$gfile$b open $gWhite$b is ready
to jump on the enemy $gking$b. $gBlack$b had to play 10...Ne7, though after 11
Ba3 it's pretty grim, since 11...O-O loses to 12 Re1 Re8 13 Ng5.]
11.Ba3 Be6
[$gBlack$b sees the e-$gfile$b needs protection, but this doesn't help.]
12.Nc3 Qd7 13.d5 Bxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Bb5+
[This $gshot$b deflects the $gqueen$b from the $gcenter$b $gfile$bs allowing
White to invade.]
15...Qxb5 16.Re1+ Ne7 17.Rb1
[$gWhite$b gets a little carried away with the deflection theme, as $gBlack$b
might resist a little by giving up his $gqueen$b with 17...Qd7. $gWhite$b
should just $gcapture$b on e7.]
17...Qa6 18.Rxe7+ Kf8 19.Qd5 Qc4 20.Rxf7+ Kg8 21.Rf8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Morphy,E
.EVENT New Orleans
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1849
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 d6 5.O-O Nf6
[$gBlack$b should play either 5...Bb6 or 5...Qe7, since now his own e-$gpawn$b
is weak.]
6.d4 exd4
[Now $gBlack$b suffers from a nasty cramp. 6...Bb6 was a better, but still
unhappy line.]
7.cxd4 Bb6 8.h3
[Keeping $gBlack$b cramped. Now 8...Nxe4 is dangerous after 9 d5 or 9 Re1 d5
10 Bxd5 Qxd5 11 Nc3.]
8...h6
[$gBlack$b fears 8...O-O, but now he's dangerously behind in $gdevelopment$b.]
9.Nc3 O-O 10.Be3 Re8
[Weakening f7, though it shouldn't be terminal.]
11.d5 Bxe3
[But this is a serious mistake. $gWhite$b can now open the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b
and the tactics will be awful for $gBlack$b.]
12.dxc6 Bb6 13.e5
[$gWhite$b encourages $gBlack$b to give up $gpawn$b $gcontrol$b of e5 so he
can later use his $gknight$b against f7. $gBlack$b doesn't want to move his
knight, since $gWhite$b will have $gthreat$bs like Qd5, hitting both f7 and
b7, but that was the best chance.]
13...dxe5 14.Qb3 Re7 15.Bxf7+ Rxf7
[$gBlack$b now loses because of the $gpin$b on the rook, but he probably
didn't like the idea of moving the $gking$b because of 16 Nh4.]
16.Nxe5 Qe8 17.cxb7
[Now $gBlack$b has no chance of $gbreak$bing the $gpin$b on his rook.]
17...Bxb7 18.Rae1 Ba6 19.Ng6 Qd8 20.Re7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Ayers
.EVENT Mobile
.THEME {T16,S8}
.DATE 1855
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 d6 7.Qb3
[ 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qxd8+ Nxd8 9.Nxe5 Be6 $gBlack$b has returned the $gpawn$b but
enjoys a comfortable game.]
7...Qe7
[The wrong square for the $gqueen$b, though it seems logical. The e7-square is
needed for a $gknight$b. 7...Qd7 8.dxe5 Bb6 9.e6 fxe6 10.Ng5 Na5 11.Bxe6 Nxb3
12.Bxd7+ Bxd7 13.axb3 Nf6 ]
8.d5 Nd4
[This looks like a clever move, since the $gknight$b cannot be $gcapture$bd by
the $gpawn$b because of the $gpin$b. But now the game gets quite exciting as
Morphy lets his $gking$b get chased around the board.]
9.Bb5+ c6 10.Nxd4 exd4
[ 10...cxb5 11.Qxb5+ Bd7 12.Qxa5 exd4 13.O-O Qxe4 14.c4 Ne7 15.Re1 Qg6 16.Qc7
b6 17.Ba3 ]
11.dxc6 Qxe4+ 12.Kd1 Bg4+ 13.f3 Bxf3+ 14.gxf3 Qxf3+ 15.Kc2 Qe4+
[$gBlack$b does not have time to $gcapture$b the $grook$b because of the
$gdiscovered check$b. 15...Qxh1 16.cxb7+ Kf8 17.bxa8Q+ Qxa8 18.Ba3
$gWhite$b has an extra $gpiece$b.]
16.Kb2 Bxc3+ 17.Nxc3 dxc3+ 18.Qxc3 O-O-O
[$gBlack$b seems to have castled to safety and has a pile of extra $gpawn$bs.
But Morphy will use the open $gfile$bs to $gattack$b.]
19.Re1 Qd5 20.cxb7+ Kxb7
[ 20...Kb8 The $gking$b would have been safer using the $gWhite$b $gpawn$b as
a shield.]
21.Rb1
[A brilliant $gquiet move$b. $gWhite$b sets up future $gthreat$bs on the open
b-$gfile$b.]
21...Nf6
[Now White unleashes a tremendous $gcombination$b involving the open file and
a $gdiscovered check$b.]
22.Bc6+
.QUIZ 22...Qxc6
22...Qxc6 23.Ka1+ Kc7 24.Qa5+ Kc8 25.Qxa7
[Now the open c-$gfile$b will bring the game to a rapid close.]
25...Nd7 26.Bd2
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Marache
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5,S1}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.e5
[The point of this move is to prevent $gBlack$b from playing Nf6 or advancing
the $gpawn$b from d7. But $gcastling$b would have been wiser.]
7...d5 8.exd6 Qxd6 9.O-O Nge7
[It turns out that the $gknight$b is better placed here anyway. Now $gWhite$b
should have seized the $gdiagonal$b with 10.Ba3, but instead Marache launches
a premature $gattack$b.]
10.Ng5 O-O 11.Bd3 Bf5
[This seems to be a straightforward $gdefense$b. But wait a minute, doesn't it
have a tactical flaw? Can't $gWhite$b simply trade $gpiece$bs at f5 and then
play Ba3, with a $gskewer$b on the a3-f8 $gdiagonal$b.]
12.Bxf5 Nxf5 13.Ba3
[Could Morphy have missed such a simple tactical device? Not a chance!]
13...Qg6
[Morphy is willing to part with a little $gmaterial$b to maintain his
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
14.Bxf8 Qxg5 15.Ba3 dxc3 16.Bc1
[The $gbishop$b has been quite busy ministering all over the world, but now
returns home. Notice that $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs all remain passive on the
home $grank$b.]
16...Qg6 17.Bf4
[To protect h2.]
17...Rd8 18.Qc2 Ncd4 19.Qe4
[$gWhite$b tries to get some $gpiece$bs near the $gking$b, for protection. But
the enemy horses stampede all over the $gkingside$b, creating an aesthetically
pleasing trail. Do you see the brilliant finish? ]
19...Ng3
.QUIZ 19...Ng3
[The knight cannot be $gcapture$bd because the White queen is $gen prise$b.]
20.Qxg6 Nde2++
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Meek
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S8,T5}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 c5 3.d5 e5 4.f4 d6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.fxe5 Bxf3 7.Qxf3 dxe5 8.Bb5+!
[This will set up the first of several $gpin$bs which will prove deadly to
$gBlack$b.]
8...Nd7 9.Nc3 Ngf6 10.Bg5
[The second $gpin$b.]
10...Be7 11.d6!
[The point of this $gsacrifice$b is to create an open d-$gfile$b, allowing a
$grook$b to be brought into the $gattack$b.]
11...Bxd6 12.O-O-O
.QUIZ 12.O-O-O
[Faced with the multitude of $gpin$bs (at d7 on both $gdiagonal$b and file,
and at f6) $gBlack$b resigned. If you think you can find a $gdefense$b, try
playing on against Gambit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Schulten
.EVENT New York
.THEME {T5,S8}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.O-O f5
[Awful. $gBlack$b exposes his $gkingside$b and opens the game when he is
behind in $gdevelopment$b.]
5.d4 exd4 6.e5
[This $gpawn$b is a bone in $gBlack$b's throat, and if he doesn't do something
about it $gWhite$b will $gbreak$b through in the $gcenter$b and exploit
$gBlack$b's inability to castle short.]
6...d6
[But this opens things even further with $gBlack$b having no chance to get
his $gking$b out of the way.]
7.exd6 Qxd6 8.Re1+
[$gWhite$b immediately exploits the open e-$gfile$b and invites $gBlack$b to
move into a nasty $gpin$b.]
8...Nge7 9.Ng5 Ne5
[Un$gpin$bning the knight on e7, but walking into to $gpin$bs on e5.]
10.Bf4 N7g6 11.Bxe5 Nxe5 12.Nf7
[The $gpin$b now nets at least a $gpiece$b, with $gBlack$b's $gking$b still
stuck in the middle .]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Schulten
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5,S6}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 d5 3.exd5 e4 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.d3 Bb4 6.Bd2
[This $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b on the Nc3, but $gBlack$b can reinstate it.]
6...e3
[It is worth a $gpawn$b to deflect the $gbishop$b from its defensive duties.]
7.Bxe3 O-O 8.Bd2 Bxc3 9.bxc3 Re8+ 10.Be2
[$gWhite$b has two extra $gpawn$bs, but the $gpawn structure$b is a mess and
the $gbishop$bs have no scope. $gBlack$b now uses the $gpin$b on the d-
$gfile$b to add more pressure.]
10...Bg4 11.c4 c6 12.dxc6 Nxc6
[$gBlack$b's superior $gdevelopment$b gives him a clear $gadvantage$b.]
13.Kf1
[$gWhite$b has now abandoned the notion of ever $gcastling$b. $gBlack$b's
would like to keep the pressure on, and invests the $gexchange$b to do so.]
13...Rxe2 14.Nxe2
[The $gknight$b is now $gpin$bned to the queen, and it is easy to pile on more
pressure which results in a quick kill.]
14...Nd4 15.Qb1 Bxe2+ 16.Kf2 Ng4+ 17.Kg1
[White's position is so pathetic that the $gking$b is nearly $gcheck$bmated by
the $gminor piece$bs alone. But to add insult to injury, Morphy finishes with
a fine $gcombination$b by sacrificing a piece.]
17...Nf3+ 18.gxf3 Qd4+ 19.Kg2 Qf2+ 20.Kh3 Qxf3+ 21.Kh4
[$gBlack$b resigned without waiting for 21...Nh6, which would be followed by
$gcheck$bmate.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Schulten
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3
[4.d3 is a move that leads to fewer complications.]
4...Bb4 5.e5
[If $gBlack$b were $gforce$bd to move the $gknight$b this would be a good
move, but $gWhite$b has a superior option.]
5...d5 6.exf6 dxc4 7.fxg7 Rg8
[At first glance this looks good for White, since the $gBlack$b $gpawn
structure$b is a mess. But even in 1857 it was known that $gBlack$b has
$gcompensation$b since it is easier to develop the remaining pieces.]
8.Qe2+ Be6 9.a3 Bc5
[All $gWhite$b has done is push the $gbishop$b to a better location.]
10.Nf3 Nc6 11.Ne4
[White tries to play actively with such pieces are already $gdeveloped$b.
The problem is the $gking$b, which is stuck in the middle of the board and has
no prospects of $gcastling$b.]
11...Nd4 12.Nxd4 Bxd4 13.c3 Qh4+ 14.Kf1
[ 14.Kd1 Bg4 ]
14...Bb6 15.d4 cxd3 16.Qxd3 Rd8 17.Qe2
[Now the queen is $goverworked$b. Not only must f2 and d1 be guarded, but also
c4. $gBlack$b can now win brilliantly. Do you see how? Be careful,
though. There is also a $gtrap$b!]
17...Rd1+
.QUIZ 17...Rd1+
[ 17...Bc4 18.Nf6+ ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Thompson
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.d3 Nf6 5.Nc3 h6 6.Ne2
[White has hardly $gdeveloped$b at all but is already thinking about
reorganizing! Either 6.Be3 or 6.O-O would have made much more sense.]
6...d6 7.c3 O-O 8.h3 Kh8
[What is the logic behind this move? Morphy understands that in order to
$gattack$b he will need to open up the f-$gfile$b by advancing the $gpawn$b at
f7 to f5. But the $gpin$b on the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b would prevent that. So the
king moves from g8.]
9.Ng3 Nh7 10.Qc2
[Now that we know what Morphy is up to, we see the point of this move too.]
10...f5
[Here we go!]
11.exf5 d5
[There is no rush to $gcapture$b this $gpawn$b. In fact, it will sit at f5 for
most of the game. Instead, Morphy takes $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b and
limits the scope of the $gbishop$b at c4, which must now retreat with loss of
time.]
12.Bb3 e4 13.dxe4 dxe4 14.Ng1
[Why retreat? Couldn't $gWhite$b $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b? With the $gking$b
still sitting at e1, the e-$gfile$b would prove dangerous. Try playing the
position as $gWhite$b against Gambit, and $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b. See
what happens!]
14...Ne5 15.Be3 Nd3+ 16.Ke2 Bxe3 17.fxe3
[There are three $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs near the $gking$b, but they are not
well-posted for defensive duties. $gBlack$b has only a $gknight$b in the
$gattack$b so far, but it will soon be joined by the $gqueen$b and,
surprisingly, the $gbishop$b from distant c8.]
17...Qh4 18.Nxe4 Qxe4 19.Qxd3 Qxg2+ 20.Kd1 Bxf5
[The recapture of the pawn, sitting there for ten moves, is perfectly timed.
Now the $gqueen$b must move, and the $gbishop$b can turn to its real task.]
21.Qe2
[The $gback rank$b is now very weak, and $gBlack$b already $gcontrol$bs
the 7th rank. So Morphy finishes with a nice $gcombination$b. Some sources
give the prosaic $gcapture$b of the $grook$b as ending the game, but according
to Maroczy the finish was...]
21...Bg4
[$gWhite$b resigned. The point is that the $gBlack$b $grook$b is moving to f1
on the next move.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Paulsen
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Four Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bc5
[This is an old fashioned, but very solid way of playing the $gopening$b.]
5.O-O O-O 6.Nxe5 Re8 7.Nxc6 dxc6 8.Bc4 b5
[A mistake, which weakens the $gpawn$b at c6.]
9.Be2
[$gBlack$b now $gcapture$bs the $gpawn$b at e4, which just opens up a serious
line to the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
9...Nxe4 10.Nxe4 Rxe4 11.Bf3 Re6 12.c3 Qd3
[$gBlack$b tries to prevent $gWhite$b from playing d4, which will allow the
$gbishop$b into the game. But the $gqueen$b is not well-suited to such a
meaningless task.]
13.b4
[A very bad move. It was time to chase the enemy $gqueen$b away. 13.Re1 Rxe1+
14.Qxe1 Bd7 15.Qe2 $gWhite$b no longer has any serious problems.]
13...Bb6 14.a4 bxa4
[$gForce$bd, otherwise 15.a5 would $gtrap$b the $gbishop$b.]
15.Qxa4 Bd7
[$gBlack$b completes his $gdevelopment$b.]
16.Ra2 Rae8 17.Qa6
[This is a clever attempt to $gexchange$b queens and reduce the $gattack$bing
$gforce$b. But $gBlack$b has other plans for the $gqueen$b, noticing that the
$gbishop$b at f3 is one of only two $gpiece$bs defending the $gWhite$b
$gking$b. Do you see the $gsacrifice$b?]
17...Qxf3!!
.QUIZ 17...Qxf3
[A brilliant queen sacrifice which opens up the White $gkingside$b. This can
be done because $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are all misplaced.]
18.gxf3 Rg6+ 19.Kh1 Bh3
[The $gthreat$b is 20...Bg2+ 21.Kg1 Bxf3 $gmate$b.]
20.Rd1 Bg2+ 21.Kg1 Bxf3+ 22.Kf1
[Here Morphy actually missed a quicker win. 22.Kf1 Rg2! 23.Qd3 Rxf2+ 24.Kg1
Rg2+ 25.Kf1 Rg1++ ]
22...Bg2+ 23.Kg1 Bh3+ 24.Kh1 Bxf2 25.Qf1
[The only $gdefense$b to $gmate$b.]
25...Bxf1
[and $gBlack$b went on to win.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Hampton
.EVENT London
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
[The Evans $gGambit$b was very popular during the 19th Century. It provides an
excellent example of the importance of $gcontrol$bling the $gcenter$b.
Eventually, however, $gBlack$b found effective defensive plans and it is no
longer popular.]
4...Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.O-O d6 7.d4
[We can see that $gWhite$b has built up an ideal central formation, supported
by both $gpiece$bs and $gpawn$bs.]
7...exd4 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.Nc3 Nf6
[$gBlack$b tries to develop quickly, but the central pawns now advance with
devastating effect.]
10.e5 dxe5 11.Ba3
[A very strong move which prevents $gBlack$b from $gcastling$b.]
11...Bg4
[ 11...exd4 12.Re1+ Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.Rxe6+ Kd7 15.Ng5 h6 16.Rxf6 gxf6
17.Qg4+ Ke8 18.Qe6+ ]
12.Qb3
[$gWhite$b strikes at the vulnerable f7-square.]
12...Bh5 13.dxe5 Ng4 14.Rad1 Qc8
[Now $gWhite$b has almost all of his $gpiece$bs in the $gattack$b. The
position can hardly be improved because the $grook$b at f1, the remaining
spectator, is needed there to guard the $gpawn$b at f2. So it is time to
strike!]
15.e6 f6
[ 15...fxe6 16.Bxe6 Qb8 17.Bxg4 Bxg4 18.Rfe1+ ]
16.Qb5
[$gAttack$bing the hanging $gbishop$b at h5.]
16...Bg6 17.Bd5
[Here $gBlack$b resigned. If you are not sure why, play out the game as Black
against Gambit. Even on a relatively low level, it should win every time!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Anderssen
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nb5 d6 6.Bf4 e5
[This creates a serious weakness at d5, which will be exploited by $gWhite$b.]
7.Be3 f5 8.N1c3 f4
[This was $gBlack$b's basic idea. After the $gbishop$b retreats, Black can
continue with rapid $gdevelopment$b. But Morphy has more aggressive plans.]
9.Nd5 fxe3 10.Nbc7+
[It is not the $grook$b $gWhite$b is after, but the $gking$b!]
10...Kf7 11.Qf3+ Nf6 12.Bc4
[This sets up a nasty $gdiscovered check$b.]
12...Nd4 13.Nxf6+ d5
[What now? $gWhite$b is $gattack$bing with four $gpiece$bs, but each one is
under an immediate $gthreat$b of $gcapture$b!]
14.Bxd5+ Kg6
[ 14...Ke7 15.Ng8+ Rxg8 16.Qf7+ Kd6 17.O-O-O ]
15.Qh5+ Kxf6 16.fxe3
[The important point of this delayed $gcapture$b is that it opens up the f-
$gfile$b. $gBlack$b could have held out a little longer here with 16...Qe7,
but decided to grab some $gmaterial$b instead.]
16...Nxc2+ 17.Ke2
[Now Anderssen realized that capturing the rook would lead to $gcheck$bmate,
so he resigned. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Bottin
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Open Game
1.e4 e5 2.c3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5
[$gWhite$b hopes to show that $gBlack$b's $gknight$b is misplaced. ]
4...Bc5 5.Qg4 Nxf2
[Too greedy. $gBlack$b could get good play by the sacrificial 5...d5 6.Qxg7
Rf8. The text loses by giving up $gcontrol$b of g5.]
6.Qxg7 Rf8 7.Bg5 f6
[The only other way to save his $gqueen$b was 8...Be7, when $gWhite$b just
wins a $gpiece$b by 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Kxf2.]
8.exf6 Rxf6
[There was still no escape for the $gqueen$b, and $gWhite$b was
$gthreat$bening 9.f7+ ]
9.Bxf6 Be7 10.Qg8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Bottin
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Open Game
1.e4 e5 2.c3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4 4.dxe5 Bc5
[The $gopening$b has turned into a very $gsharp$b position, and now $gWhite$b
turns up the heat!]
5.Qg4 Nxf2 6.Qxg7 Rf8
[$gWhite$b's invasion is more dangerous than $gBlack$b's.]
7.Bg5 f6 8.exf6 d5 9.Be2 Bg4
[This minor nuisance can be dealt with in an obvious way.]
10.Bxg4 Nxg4 11.f7+ Rxf7 12.Qxf7+ Kxf7 13.Bxd8 Nf2
[$gBlack$b has made far too many moves with this $gknight$b, which now moves
into a position from which it will never escape.]
14.Bh4 Nxh1 15.Nf3 Nc6 16.Nbd2 Rg8 17.Kf1 d4 18.cxd4 Nxd4 19.Nxd4 Bxd4 20.Nf3
Bb6 21.Re1 h6 22.Re7+ Kf8 23.Ne5 Rg7 24.Nd7+ Kg8 25.Rxg7+ Kxg7 26.Nxb6 axb6
[$gWhite$b wins because $gBlack$b's $gknight$b is $gtrap$bped. Notice that
this would be true even if the $gWhite$b $gking$b were far away, since the
$gbishop$b on h4 $gcontrol$bs all of the escape squares for the $gknight$b.]
27.g4 Kg6 28.Kg2 h5 29.h3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Jounoud
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S6,T10}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.d4
[An early example of the Smith-Morra $gGambit$b.]
2...cxd4 3.Nf3
[Better is 3.c3 at once.]
3...e5
[Suppose $gWhite$b takes the $gpawn$b at e5. ]
4.Bc4 Be7 5.c3 d6 6.Qb3
[There isn't anything to be done about the $gpawn$b at f7, because 6...Nh6
will be met by 7.Bxh6.]
6...dxc3 7.Bxf7+ Kf8 8.Nxc3 Nc6 9.Bxg8 Rxg8 10.O-O
[Don't be confused! $gBlack$b is not castled, and the $gking$b is vulnerable.]
10...Qe8 11.Ng5 Bxg5 12.Bxg5 Be6 13.Nd5 h6
[Now all $gWhite$b has to do is blast open the f-$gfile$b and victory is his.
The method is easy to find!]
14.f4 Qd7
[ 14...hxg5 15.fxg5+ Bf7 16.Nc7 Qe7 17.Nxa8 Ke8 18.Rxf7 Qxf7 19.Nc7+ Ke7
20.Qxb7 $gBlack$b will not survive.]
15.fxe5+ Ke8
[Now the $gBlack$b queen is $goverworked$b, having to defend both c7 and e6.]
16.Nc7+ Qxc7 17.Qxe6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Duke of Brunswick & Count isouard
.EVENT Paris Opera
.THEME {S1,T5}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Philidor
1.e4
[This is another game against Royalty (see also Morphy-Lyttleton). The present
game is better known, having been played at the Paris Opera during a
performance of the Barber of Seville. Talk about distractions!]
1...e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 Bg4 4.dxe5 Bxf3 5.Qxf3 dxe5 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.Qb3 Qe7 8.Nc3
[Given the circumstances of the game, Morphy just didn't feel like capturing
the $gpawn$b at b7. That would have taken the fun out of the game!]
8...c6 9.Bg5 b5 10.Nxb5
[That's more like it! Morphy $gsacrifice$bs a $gknight$b for the b-$gpawn$b
instead of capturing it for free at his 8th turn.]
10...cxb5 11.Bxb5+ Nbd7 12.O-O-O Rd8
[Both $gknight$bs are $gpin$bned, and Morphy now trades one $gpin$b for
another.]
13.Rxd7 Rxd7 14.Rd1 Qe6 15.Bxd7+ Nxd7
[$gBlack$b has an extra piece, but White $gcheck$bmates in two moves. If you
can't find Morphy's brilliant finish on your own, continue on and let Gambit show you.
Either way, it is a pleasant sight!]
16.Qb8+
.QUIZ 16.Qb8+
16...Nxb8 17.Rd8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Cunningham
.EVENT Blindfold Game
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1859
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 Bc5 3.c3 Nc6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.e5 Qe7
[This seems reasonable, but even at the time it was known that 6...d5 was the
correct move.]
7.O-O Ng8
[ 7...Ng4 8.h3 Ngxe5 9.Nxe5 Nxe5 10.cxd4 Nxc4 11.Re1 ]
8.cxd4 Bb6 9.d5
[$gWhite$b's $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b is absolute. From such a position
it is easy to win, because $gBlack$b has no room to maneuver, and will be
unable to complete $gdevelopment$b.]
9...Qc5
[ 9...Nxe5 10.Nxe5 Qxe5 11.Re1 ]
10.Na3 Nd4 11.Be3
[The $gpin$b is not the real problem for $gBlack$b. It is that he must now
part with one of his only $gdeveloped$b pieces.]
11...Nxf3+ 12.Qxf3 Qf8
[This is no place for a lady!]
13.Bxb6 axb6
[Now $gBlack$b has no $gdeveloped$b pieces. White has almost all of the forces
in the game. The end cannot be far off.]
14.Nb5 Kd8 15.Rac1
[$gWhite$b occupies the open $gfile$b and takes aim at c7.]
15...d6 16.exd6 cxd6 17.Qe3 Ra6
[Morphy now puts on a display of his impressive talents. The $gBlack$b
$gking$b has almost no maneuvering room. First, he employs a $gdiscovered
attach$b on the $grook$b at a6.]
18.Nc7 Qe7
[ 18...Kxc7 19.Bxa6+ would be a deadly $gdiscovered check$b.]
19.Ne6+
[$gWhite$b will $gexchange$b this $gknight$b for the $grook$b at a6.]
19...fxe6 20.Bxa6 Bd7
[Keeping in mind the possibility of Qxb6+, White now adds to the pressure.]
21.Bb5 Ke8
[ 21...Bxb5 22.Qxb6+ Ke8 23.Qxb5+ Kf7 24.dxe6+ Qxe6 25.Rfe1 ]
22.dxe6 Nf6
[The $gpawn$b cannot be $gcapture$bd because of the $gpin$b on the $gbishop$b
at d7.]
23.Rc8+
.QUIZ 23.Rc8+
[One final exploitation of the $gpin$b at d7!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Budzinsky
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1859
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 d5 4.Bxd5 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.d3?!
[This creates a $gpin$b at c3. Because the $gknight$b cannot move, the
$gbishop$b at d5 and $gpawn$b at e4 have less support.]
6...Nxd5 7.exd5 O-O 8.Qf3 Re8+ 9.Nge2
[A second $gpin$b is added, this time along the e-$gfile$b. Remember that the
$gknight$b is not really protected by its colleague at c3, because that
$gpiece$b is also $gpin$bned by the $gbishop$b at b4.]
9...Bxc3+ 10.bxc3 Qh4+ 11.g3 Bg4!
[$gBlack$b exploits the $gpin$b on e2 by adding one at f3. If the queen moves,
then $gBlack$b wins $gmaterial$b by capturing first at g3, then at e2. White
actually resigned here, but let's consider what might have happened.]
12.Qf2 fxg3 13.Qg2
[ 13.hxg3 Qxh1+ shows yet another $gpin$b being exploited, this time on the h-
$gfile$b!]
13...Rxe2+ 14.Qxe2 Bxe2 15.Kxe2 g2 16.Rg1 Qxh2 17.Be3 Nd7
[and $gBlack$b will win easily, perhaps setting up yet another $gpin$b on the
e-$gfile$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Laroche
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1859
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 Nf6
[This is bad since $gWhite$b will kick the $gknight$b around and gain time.]
7.dxe5 Ng4
[ 7...Nxe4 8.Qd5 ]
8.Bg5
[Now $gBlack$b must let his $gkingside$b get opened up.]
8...f6
[ 8...Ne7 9.h3 Nh6 10.Bxh6 ]
9.exf6 Nxf6 10.e5 h6
[Trying to $gbreak$b the $gpin$b in order not to lose a $gpiece$b, but he
allows something even worse.]
11.exf6 hxg5 12.fxg7
[Now the $gpawn$b will win $gBlack$b's $grook$b, since the $gbishop$b
$gcontrol$bs the $gpromotion$b square.]
12...Qe7+ 13.Qe2
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Unknown
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Two Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4 exd4 5.Ng5 d5 6.exd5 Nxd5
[This loses, as $gBlack$b's $gking$b becomes too exposed.]
7.O-O Be7 8.Nxf7
[Now $gBlack$b's $gking$b will get dragged to e6 where it will shortly die of
exposure.]
8...Kxf7 9.Qf3+ Ke6 10.Nc3
[This beautiful $gsacrifice$b has two purposes. First, $gWhite$b gets ready to
bring his $gqueen$b $grook$b into the fight, and second, $gBlack$b's d-
$gpawn$b is $gdraw$bn away from its post keeping the d-$gfile$b closed.
$gBlack$b can't decline, since d5 is $gattack$bed.]
10...dxc3 11.Re1+ Ne5
12.Bf4 Bf6 13.Bxe5 Bxe5 14.Rxe5+
[Now it will be $gWhite$b's $grook$b, $gqueen$b and $gbishop$b against
$gBlack$b's bare $gking$b, not a fair fight.]
14...Kxe5 15.Re1+ Kd4 16.Bxd5
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b has nowhere to run to.]
16...Re8 17.Qd3+ Kc5 18.b4+
[Not 18.Qxc3+ Kd6. Now 18...Kd6 allows 19.Bf3 $gmate$b.]
18...Kxb4
[ 18...Kb6 19.Qd4+ Ka6 20.b5+ with a $gmate$b similar to the game.]
19.Qc4+ Ka5 20.Qxc3+ Ka4 21.Qb3+ Ka5 22.Qa3+ Kb5 23.Rb1+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Maurian
.EVENT Unknown
.THEME {T5,T7}
.DATE 1855
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Qh4+
[This $gcheck$b causes the $gWhite$b $gking$b some discomfort, but it also
wastes a lot of time.]
4.Kf1 b5
[The idea behind this move is to gain some time back by annoying the
$gbishop$b should it $gcapture$b the pawn. But Morphy maintains the
$ginitiative$b by $gattack$bing the enemy $grook$b.]
5.Bd5 Nc6 6.Nf3 Qh5 7.d4
[With each move, $gWhite$b $gattack$bs an enemy $gpiece$b. This time it is the
f-$gpawn$b.]
7...Nf6 8.Bb3 Ba6
[$gBlack$b plans a $gdiscovered check$b by advancing the b-$gpawn$b.]
9.Qe2
[Now the b-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned. But Morphy has overlooked something. The
White $gking$b has only two defenders, the $gknight$b and $gqueen$b. Each of
them can be $gdraw$bn away from the monarch.]
9...Nxd4
[First the $gknight$b is lured away.]
10.Nxd4
[Now the $gqueen$b is $gforce$bd to leave the area.]
10...b4 11.Qxa6
[There wasn't any real choice, as otherwise the $gqueen$b is lost. But now the
$gking$b is $gdefense$bless, and $gBlack$b finishes neatly.]
11...Qd1+ 12.Kf2 Ng4+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Lyttleton
.EVENT Blindfold Game
.THEME {S8,T1}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5
[Morphy's opponent is not just an ordinary citizen, but a British Lord and
President of the British $gChess$b Association. All of which is of no use when
seated at the $gchess$bboard against Morphy, even when Morphy is blindfolded!]
2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4 g4 5.Ne5
[This position was frequently seen in games played in the 19th century.]
5...d6 6.Nxg4 Be7
[$gBlack$b gains time by $gattack$bing the weak $gpawn$b at h4.]
7.d4
[$gWhite$b occupies the $gcenter$b, achieving one of the primary objectives of
the $gopening$b.]
7...Bxh4+ 8.Nf2 Bxf2+
[It might have been nice to maintain this $gpin$b a bit longer, but $gBlack$b
wants to be able to bring the $gknight$b at g8 into the game.]
9.Kxf2 Nf6 10.Nc3 Qe7 11.Bxf4 Nxe4+ 12.Nxe4 Qxe4 13.Bb5+
[A powerful move, threatening a nasty $gpin$b with Re1.]
13...Kf8
[ 13...c6 14.Re1]
14.Bh6+ Kg8 15.Rh5
[$gWhite$b is closing in for the kill. The $gking$b is $gtrap$bped along the
$gback rank$b, so if $gWhite$b can get a $grook$b or $gqueen$b to the e-
$gfile$b and then to e8, the game ends.]
15...Bf5 16.Qd2
[The $gthreat$b is Re1.]
16...Bg6 17.Re1
[The move that was set-up by 13.Bb5+ finishes the game, as if the $gqueen$b
moves, Re8+ $gmate$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Carr
.EVENT Blindfold Game
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Unorthodox
1.e4 h6 2.d4 a5
[A time-honored strategy when playing against a blindfolded opponent is to
adopt an obscure, and often bad, $gopening$b, in the hope of creating
confusion. It is a bad idea, and rarely works!]
3.Bd3 b6 4.Ne2 e6 5.O-O Ba6 6.c4 Nf6 7.e5 Nh7 8.f4
[White has superior $gdevelopment$b and complete domination of the $gcenter$b.
Morphy hardly seems to be confused by his opponent's ridiculous $gopening$b
strategy.]
8...Be7 9.Ng3 d5 10.Qg4 O-O
[This is knows as "castling into it".]
11.Nh5
[Suppose $gBlack$b plays 11...g6 here. How could you bring the game to a rapid
close.]
11...g5
[$gBlack$b has little choice but to create this major weakness on the
$gkingside$b.]
12.fxg5 hxg5 13.Bxh7+ Kh8
[ 13...Kxh7 14.Nf6+ Bxf6 15.Rxf6 and $gcheck$bmate will follow shortly.]
14.Nf6 dxc4 15.Bc2
[Everyone at Electronic Arts hopes that you will never, ever, be in such dire
straits as $gBlack$b is here, even if your opponent is blindfolded! Black
now uses a $gcombination$b to $gexchange$b queens, but loses $gmaterial$b.]
15...Qxd4+ 16.Qxd4 Bc5 17.Qxc5 bxc5 18.Bxg5
[$gBlack$b's position cannot be said to be much improved. Fortunately, Morphy
does not allow Mr. Carr to live long enough to suffer greatly.]
18...Nc6 19.Rf3 Kg7
[Now Morphy $gforce$bs $gcheck$bmate in 6 moves.]
20.Bh6+
.QUIZ 20.Bh6+
20...Kxh6 21.Rh3+ Kg5 22.Rh5+ Kf4 23.Kf2 Rg8 24.g3+ Rxg3 25.hxg3+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Mongredien
.EVENT London
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1863
.OPENING Modern
1.e4 g6
[The so-called "Modern $gDefense$b". Quite old, actually!]
2.d4 Bg7
[What is so "modern" about this $gopening$b? The reader may well wonder, since
the early $gfianchetto$b was routinely employed by Mongredien in the mid 19th
Century.]
3.c3 b6 4.Be3 Bb7 5.Nd2
[The problem with $gBlack$b's approach at that time is that it acted as if
$gWhite$b were not a participant in the game. Here Steinitz erects a solid
$gcenter$b with plenty of support, and he does not overextend, so $gBlack$b
has no targets.]
5...d6 6.Ngf3 e5 7.dxe5!
[Steinitz resolutely avoids advances which might provide targets for
$gBlack$b's pieces. 7.d5 c6 8.c4 Ne7 9.Be2 f5 gives $gBlack$b good
$gcounterplay$b.]
7...dxe5 8.Bc4 Ne7 9.Qe2
[$gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs a lot of squares and is about to take the d-$gfile$b,
after which the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b can be embarassed.]
9...O-O 10.h4!
[The general rule is that one reacts to $gflank$b activity with a counter-
thrust in the centre, but here $gBlack$b has nothing to do in the middle of
the board.]
10...Nd7 11.h5 Nf6 12.hxg6!
[ 12.Nxe5 Nxh5 13.Nxf7 Rxf7 14.Rxh5 gxh5 15.Qxh5 Qf8 16.O-O-O b5 17.Rh1 h6]
12...Nxg6
[ 12...hxg6 13.Nxe5 ]
13.O-O-O c5?!
[$gBlack$b does not appreciate the danger he is in on the $gkingside$b.]
14.Ng5 a6
[This slow plan to dislocate the $gbishop$b has no chance of success.]
15.Nxh7!
[The beginning of a decisive $gcombination$b.]
15...Nxh7 16.Rxh7!!
.QUIZ 16.Rxh7
16...Kxh7 17.Qh5+ Kg8 18.Rh1
[ 18.Qxg6 Qf6! ]
18...Re8
[The only way to avoid $gmate$b at h7.]
19.Qxg6 Qf6 20.Bxf7+
[Now that the $grook$b has been displaced from f7, this brings the game to a
close.]
20...Qxf7 21.Rh8+ Kxh8 22.Qxf7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Bird
.EVENT London
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1866
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6
[Weak, as now $gBlack$b must either expose his queen or let his $gkingside$b
get mangled.]
5.Nxf6+ Qxf6 6.Nf3 Nc6
[The losing move. He had to play 6...h6 to prevent $gWhite$b's next move.]
7.Bg5 Qf5
[Losing more time with the $gqueen$b, but $gWhite$b would have a big edge
after: 7...Qg6 8.Bd3 f5 9.h4 ]
8.Bd3 Qg4
[The only move here was 8...Qa5+.]
9.h3 Qxg2 10.Rh2 Qxh2
[No way out.]
11.Nxh2 Nxd4 12.Bb5+
.QUIZ 12.Bb5+
[Winning another $gpiece$b, so $gBlack$b gives up.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Unknown
.EVENT New York blindfold
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1893
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 4.c3 d6
[This is a mistake, moving into a $gpin$b on his own $gknight$b when White can
$gattack$b it further with $gtempo$b.]
5.d4 exd4 6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Kf1
[The $gbishop$b is exposed on b4, so $gWhite$b doesn't want $gBlack$b to trade
it off. $gBlack$b should now cut his losses with 7...a6, though $gWhite$b
still wins $gmaterial$b.]
7...Bd7 8.Qa4 Qe7 9.d5 Qxe4 10.Nc3 Qe7 11.Bg5
[The $gbishop$b and $gknight$b won't run away, so $gWhite$b continues to win
time by $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
11...Nf6 12.Re1
[Now $gBlack$b's queen is $gpin$bned as well. ]
12...Ne5
[Now both $gknight$bs are $gpin$bned and $gBlack$b can hardly move anything.]
13.Qxb4 O-O-O 14.Rxe5
[Taking $gadvantage$b of the new $gpin$b on the d6 pawn.]
14...Bxb5+ 15.Nxb5 Qd7 16.Nxa7+ Kb8
[Now the b-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned so White take $gadvantage$b of that too.]
17.Re7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pollock
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bb6 5.c3 d6 6.a4 a6 7.a5
[This is premature. $gWhite$b gives up $gcontrol$b of b5 for nothing.]
7...Ba7 8.b5
[Also premature. $gWhite$b is wasting time and creating targets on his own
$gqueenside$b.]
8...axb5 9.Bxb5 Nf6 10.a6 O-O 11.d3 Ne7
[White has lost a lot of time on the $gqueenside$b and has no real $gattack$b
there, so $gBlack$b heads for the $gkingside$b.]
12.axb7 Bxb7
[Now all of $gBlack$b's pieces are aimed at the $gkingside$b, but White can't
put his $gking$b anywhere else: the open $gfile$bs make the $gqueenside$b
unsafe, and $gBlack$b can always open the $gcenter$b by ...d5.]
13.Na3 d5 14.O-O Ng6 15.exd5 Nxd5
[Now $gWhite$b can't keep a $gBlack$b $gknight$b out of f4 except by g3, which
would give $gBlack$b the entire a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b on a silver platter.]
16.Qe1 Qf6 17.Bg5 Qf5 18.Nc2 Nxc3 19.Rxa7
[$gWhite$b needs e3 for his $gknight$b in lines like 19 Qxc3 Bxf3 20 Bc1 Qg4,
since 21 g3 fails to 21...Qh3.]
19...Bxf3 20.Ne3
[20 Rxa8 fails after either 20...Rxa8 or 20...Ne2+.]
20...Qxg5 21.Rxa8 Rxa8 22.Qxc3 Nf4 23.Ra1 Ne2+
[$gWhite$b apparently forgot that $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b was protecting his
$grook$b, so now he just loses his $gqueen$b, though there was no $gdefense$b
to $gBlack$b's $gthreat$bs to e2 and g2.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Walbrodt
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.O-O Be7 5.Nc3 d6 6.d4 exd4 7.Nxd4 Bd7 8.Nde2
[$gWhite$b doesn't want to let $gBlack$b ease his position by trading
$gknight$bs and/or $gbishop$bs.]
8...O-O 9.Ng3 Ne5 10.Bxd7 Qxd7 11.b3
[Preventing $gcounterplay$b by ...Nc4 and preparing to aim the $gbishop$b at
$gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
11...Rad8
[$gBlack$b would like to free himself by ...d5, but with his $gknight$b
exposed on e5 this won't work.]
12.Bb2 Nc6
[$gBlack$b sees f4 coming and gets out of the way, but since $gWhite$b's
$gattack$bing on the $gkingside$b, 12...Ng6 would be better.]
13.Nf5
[Now g7 looks vulnerable, and moves like Nd4 and Ne2-g3-h5 are ominous.]
13...Qe6
[$gBlack$b is still trying to get in ...d5, but he just loses more time.]
14.Re1 Ne5 15.f4 Ng6 16.Nd5 c6
[16...Nxd5 would have lost to 17 Nxg7, but now $gBlack$b's $gking$b position
gets ripped open by other means.]
17.Nfxe7+ Nxe7 18.f5 Nxf5
[18...Qd7 loses to 19 Bxf6 cxd5 20 Qg4 g6 21 Qg5, $gthreat$bening 22 Bxe7
and 22 Qh6. ]
19.Nxf6+ gxf6 20.exf5 Qxf5 21.Rf1 Qe4 22.Bxf6 Rde8 23.Rf3 h5 24.Rg3+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Tinsley
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nf6 5.Bd3 Be7 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.O-O O-O 8.c3 b6
9.Qe2 Bb7 10.Rd1 Re8 11.c4 a5 12.Nc3 Qc8 13.Bf4 Bd6 14.Be5
[This is a very important move. $gWhite$b occupies the critical central square
at e5 and places pressure on the $gkingside$b, since the Nf6 is under
$gattack$b.]
14...Bxf3
[$gBlack$b played this move because he realized that $gWhite$b would lose a
$gpawn$b at e5 if he recaptured with the queen.]
15.gxf3 Bxe5 16.dxe5 Nh5
[But now the $gknight$b is stranded at the edge of the board. If it can get to
the f4-square, then it can retreat to g6 and the $gpawn$b at e5 will be
$gthreat$bened. But $gWhite$b sees that the Nd7 lacks support and unleashes a
$gcombination$b.]
17.Bxh7+
[If $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b, then Qd3+ wins the $gknight$b at
d7, and $gWhite$b emerges with an extra $gpawn$b and $gcontrol$b of the
$gseventh rank$b.]
17...Kh8 18.Be4 c6 19.f4!
[Another strong move. The $gpawn$b is returned so that the $gqueen$b can enter
the $gkingside$b.]
19...Nxf4 20.Qd2 Nh3+ 21.Kh1 g5
[A desperate move, but how else could the invasion of the $gqueen$b be
stopped?]
22.Bg2 Nxe5
[ 22...Nf4 23.Ne4 Now Nd6 is a nasty $gthreat$b.]
23.Bxh3 f6 24.f4 Nf7
[ 24...gxf4 25.Qxf4 Kg7 26.Rg1+ Kf7 27.Raf1 Nd7 28.Ne4 ]
25.Ne4 g4 26.Bxg4 f5
[With this $gfork$b $gBlack$b $gattack$bs two White pieces, but opens up a
critical $gdiagonal$b.]
27.Qc3+
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Burn
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING Semi-Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bd3 a6 8.dxc5 Bxc5
9.O-O O-O 10.Bd2 Re8 11.Rc1 Ba7 12.Ne2 Bg4 13.Bc3 Ne4 14.Ng3
[$gWhite$b has been playing to $gcontrol$b d4, but his play has lost time, and
$gBlack$b has brought his $gknight$b to a good square and $gpin$bned White's
knight.]
14...Nxf2
[$gBlack$b gives up his knight to open the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b onto White's
king.]
15.Rxf2 Rxe3 16.Nf5
[White hopes to ease the pressure by giving back some $gmaterial$b, but it
doesn't help. He should have tried 16 Kf1, getting off the $gdiagonal$b,
though $gBlack$b keeps the pressure on by 16...d4.]
16...Rxf3 17.gxf3 Bxf5 18.Bxf5 Qg5+ 19.Bg4
[Voluntarily moving into another $gpin$b, but there wasn't anything better.]
19...h5 20.Qd2
.QUIZ 20.Qd2
20...Be3
[So after all this $gpin$bning $gBlack$b finishes White off with a
$gskewer$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kluxen
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Hamburg
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1904
.OPENING Albin
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 d4 4.a3 Nc6 5.Bf4 Nge7 6.Bg3 Nf5 7.Qd3
[Too aggressive. Having lost time with a3 $gWhite$b shouldn't be weakening his
$gback rank$b like this.]
7...Qg5 8.f4
[Weakening his $gking$b position.]
8...Qh6 9.Nh3 Ne3 10.Nf2
[The decisive error, missing the point of $gBlack$b's maneuver.]
10...Bf5 11.Ne4 Bb4+
[A very pretty move, leaving $gWhite$b helpless against $gBlack$b's
$gknight$bs.]
12.Nbd2
[ 12.axb4 Nxb4 13.Qd2 Bxe4 14.Qxb4 Nc2+ ]
12...Bxd2+ 13.Kxd2 Qg6 14.Qb3 Bxe4 15.Bf2 Na5
[The $gqueen$b can't escape in the $gvariation$b: 15...Na5 16.Qb5+ Bc6 17.Qxa5
Nxc4+ ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Walter
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Mahrisch Ostrau
.THEME {S6, T1}
.DATE 1923
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.Bd3 Bg4 4.Nf3 e6 5.c4 Nbd7 6.Qb3
[White goes after a pawn but allows his $gkingside$b to get busted open.]
6...Bxf3 7.gxf3 c5 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Qxb7 cxd4 10.exd4 Bd6 11.Nc3 O-O 12.Nxd5
[Taking this second pawn is very risky, since his king will now be permanently
stuck in the $gcenter$b.]
12...Qa5+
[By this maneuver $gBlack$b prevents $gexchange$bs and gets his $gqueen$b to a
good $gattack$bing square.]
13.Nc3 Qh5 14.Be2
[$gBlack$b was $gthreat$bening 14...Rab8 15 Qc6 Rb6 when the f-$gpawn$b will
fall and $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b will give $gWhite$b a major headache.]
14...Rab8 15.Qa6 Rb6 16.Qd3 Re8 17.Ne4 Nd5 18.Nxd6
[$gWhite$b is desparate to castle, but the $gknight$b was his only good
$gpiece$b, and with $gBlack$b's rooks active there's no safety on the
$gkingside$b.]
18...Rxd6 19.O-O Rde6 20.Re1 Qh3 21.Kh1
[Avoiding 21...Rg6+, but setting up a $gback rank mate$b.]
21...Rxe2
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Steinitz
.EVENT St.Petersburg
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6 5.d4 Bd7 6.c3 Nf6 7.Nbd2 Be7 8.O-O O-O
9.Re1 Re8 10.Nf1 Bf8 11.Ng3 g6 12.h3 Bg7 13.Bc2 Bc8 14.d5 Ne7 15.Be3 Rf8
16.Qd2 Ne8 17.Bh6 Kh8 18.Rad1 Ng8 19.Bxg7+ Nxg7 20.c4 f5 21.Qc3 fxe4 22.Bxe4
Nf6 23.Qe3 Nxe4 24.Nxe4 Rf4
[This looks like a logical move, but the vulnerability of the $gBlack$b
$gking$b is now exposed by a brilliant $gcombination$b which also exploits the
weakness of the $gseventh rank$b. First Lasker puts more pressure at d6.]
25.c5 Bf5
[$gBlack$b has a simple $gthreat$b, to $gcapture$b at e4, and an indirect
threat at c5, because if the $gknight$b moves away, then the $gpawn$b at c5
can be $gcapture$bd. So $gWhite$b defends one $gknight$b with the other.]
26.Nfg5 Qd7
[This answers the threatened $gfork$b at f7. But now White clears the path for
his $gpiece$bs with a $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b.]
27.Qxf4 exf4 28.Nf6
[Notice that the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b must guard the f7-square, otherwise
29.Nf7 will be $gcheck$bmate!]
28...Ne6 29.Nxd7 Nxg5
[White is now ahead in $gmaterial$b, with an extra $gexchange$b. But even more
importantly, he can invade the $gseventh rank$b.]
30.Re7 Kg8 31.Nf6+ Kf8 32.Rxc7
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, because the $grook$b will continue his pillage of
the $gseventh rank$b, and there isn't anything $gBlack$b can do about it.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Bauer
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1889
.OPENING Bird's Opening
1.f4 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.b3 e6 4.Bb2 Be7 5.Bd3 b6 6.Nf3 Bb7 7.Nc3 Nbd7 8.O-O O-O
9.Ne2 c5 10.Ng3 Qc7 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.Bxe5
[Just compare the relative activity of the $gbishop$bs! $gBlack$b is already
in serious trouble.]
12...Qc6 13.Qe2 a6
[White has completed $gdevelopment$b and is ready to $gattack$b. The position
of the $grook$b at a1 cannot be improved, for the moment. Lasker starts by
eliminating one of the few defenders of the $gBlack$b $gking$b. But he doesn't
part with the Be5.]
14.Nh5 Nxh5
[White could simply recapture at h5 with a strong $gattack$b, but by
sacrificing a $gpiece$b the momentum is greatly increased.]
15.Bxh7+! Kxh7 16.Qxh5+ Kg8
[Now $gWhite$b might like to transfer a $grook$b to the h-$gfile$b, but this
is too slow, because $gBlack$b is ready to play d5-d4 and $gthreat$ben
$gmate$b at g2. Then he could sacrifice some $gmaterial$b in return and stay
in the game.]
17.Bxg7!!
[A brilliant move which $gthreat$bens $gmate$b at h8.]
17...Kxg7 18.Qg4+ Kh7
[Now the $gqueen$b guards g2 and $gWhite$b can $gthreat$ben the sideways
equivalent of a $gback rank$b mate.]
19.Rf3 e5
[The only $gdefense$b. Now the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b can come to h6.]
20.Rh3+ Qh6 21.Rxh6+ Kxh6 22.Qd7
[This wins one of the $gbishop$bs, and the game now is decisively in
$gWhite$b's favor.]
22...Bf6 23.Qxb7 Kg7 24.Rf1 Rab8 25.Qd7 Rfd8 26.Qg4+ Kf8 27.fxe5 Bg7
[ 27...Bxe5 28.Qh5! f6 29.Qxe5 shows another method of exploiting the $gpin$b
on the f-$gfile$b.]
28.e6 Rb7 29.Qg6
[White exploits the $gpin$b in the maximally efficient way.]
29...f6 30.Rxf6+ Bxf6 31.Qxf6+ Ke8 32.Qh8+ Ke7 33.Qg7+
[Now the $grook$b at b7 falls, so $gBlack$b gives up.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT St.Petersburg
.THEME {S3}
.DATE 1914
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.d4 exd4 6.Qxd4 Qxd4 7.Nxd4 Bd6
[In the Exchange Variation the $gbishop pair$b can be very useful to Black,
but White has a $gpawn majority$b on the $gkingside$b.]
8.Nc3 Ne7
[This is a very natural position for the $gknight$b, which can move to g6 or
c6 as required. At the same time, it is less of a target for $gWhite$b's
$gpiece$bs when it is on e7, compared to the more exposed position on f6.]
9.O-O O-O 10.f4
[This creates a weakness on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b.]
10...Re8
[11.e5 Bc5 12.Be3 Bxd4 13.Bxd4 Nd5 White has a $gpassed pawn$b,
but a $gblockade$b can be set up on the e6-square.]
11.Nb3
[ 11.h3 Bc5 12.Be3 Nd5 There are two $gpin$bs in this position, on the
$gknight$b at d4 and the $gbishop$b at e3.]
11...f6
[This is a mistake, creating a weakness. $gWhite$b's $gthreat$b of advancing
the $gpawn$b to e5 was not so dangerous.]
12.f5
[An important move, and a strong one. $gWhite$b concedes $gcontrol$b of e5,
but takes the e6-square.]
12...b6
[An attempt to bring the $gbishop$b to a useful $gdiagonal$b. But that piece
would have functioned better as a defender at d7. 12...Bd7 $gBlack$b could now
bring the $grook$b from a8 to d8, and then retreat the $gbishop$b to c8 if
necessary.]
13.Bf4 Bb7
[$gBlack$b should just have $gcapture$bd at f4.]
14.Bxd6 cxd6
[The $gBlack$b $gpawn$bs on the $gqueenside$b are weak.]
15.Nd4
[Capablanca had just overlooked this move.]
15...Rad8 16.Ne6
[This infiltration of the $goutpost$b at e6 puts $gBlack$b in real trouble.]
16...Rd7 17.Rad1 Nc8?
[ 17...c5 A strong move. 18.Nd5 Bxd5 19.exd5 b5
$gBlack$b will transfer the $gknight$b via c8-b6-d7-e5 and will then have a
good position, as noted by Capablanca.]
18.Rf2 b5 19.Rfd2 Rde7 20.b4 Kf7 21.a3 Ba8?
[ 21...Rxe6 This was the $gbest move$b available, since the $gknight$b at e6
was so powerful. 22.fxe6+ Rxe6
Can $gWhite$b win this position? It won't be easy.]
22.Kf2 Ra7 23.g4 h6 24.Rd3 a5 25.h4 axb4 26.axb4 Rae7
[A mistake. 26...Ra3 $gBlack$b seizes the $gopen line$bs and will bring the
$gknight$b into the game via b6.]
27.Kf3 Rg8 28.Kf4
[A serious error. The correct move was 28.Rg3.]
28...g6
[Now it is $gBlack$b's turn to go astray. 28...g5+ was correct.]
29.Rg3 g5+ 30.Kf3 Nb6 31.hxg5 hxg5 32.Rh3 Rd7 33.Kg3 Ke8 34.Rdh1 Bb7 35.e5
dxe5 36.Ne4 Nd5 37.N6c5 Bc8 38.Nxd7 Bxd7 39.Rh7 Rf8 40.Ra1 Kd8 41.Ra8+ Bc8
42.Nc5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Mieses
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Leipzig
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1890
.OPENING Vienna
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.exd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Nxc3 6.bxc3 c6 7.d4
[This contests the central territory, but now the $gpawn$b at c3 is weak.]
7...exd4 8.Qxd4
[$gWhite$b would lose a $gpawn$b if he $gcapture$bd with his own pawn. 8.cxd4
Bb4+ 9.Bd2 Qxd4 ]
8...Be7 9.Ne2
[$gWhite$b cannot afford to $gcapture$b at g7. 9.Qxg7 Bf6 10.Qh6 Bxc3+ ]
9...O-O 10.O-O Bf6 11.Qd3 Qa5
[$gBlack$b takes aim at $gWhite$b's weak $gpawn$bs.]
12.Be4
[White hopes to provoke a weakness in $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b, but his is a
fool's errand. Even if $gBlack$b pushes a $gpawn$b, $gWhite$b has removed the
best defender from his own $gking$b position.]
12...Rd8
[$gBlack$b sets a $gtrap$b: if $gWhite$b takes the $gpawn$b he won't be able
to get his $gbishop$b out.]
13.Bxh7+ Kh8 14.Qe4 Qh5
[There is no escape for the $gbishop$b. The White queen is $goverworked$b.]
15.Qc4 Qxh7 16.Qxf7
[White has two pawns for the $gbishop$b, but there are $ghole$bs on the
$gkingside$b and his $gpiece$bs are not actively participating in the game.]
16...Nd7 17.f4
[Otherwise 17...Ne5 would have been strong.]
17...Rf8 18.Qc4 Nb6 19.Qc5
[$gBlack$b is clearly winning, but his exploitation of his extra $gpiece$b is
brutal. He aims his whole army at White's king before White has a chance to
defend.]
19...Bh3 20.Rf2
[Now the $gback rank$b is vulnerable.]
20...Rfd8 21.Be3 Rd5 22.Qa3 Rad8
[The $gthreat$b of Rd1+ is very serious.]
23.Bd4
[White tries desparately to keep Black out of his $gback rank$b.]
23...c5
[But $gBlack$b removes the last obstacle.]
24.Bxf6 Rd1+ 25.Rf1 Qe4
[The threat is $gcheck$bmate at g2. White resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bird
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Liverpool
.THEME {T12}
.DATE 1890
.OPENING Bird's Opening
1.f4 d5 2.e3 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 O-O 6.Bd3 b6 7.b4
[This wastes time and weakens White's $gqueenside$b. White should simply
castle and get on with his $gdevelopment$b.]
7...Bb7 8.O-O Nbd7 9.a4
[White hopes to gain space on the $gqueenside$b, but only exposes himself
there.]
9...Rc8
[A dual purpose move-$gBlack$b prepares a retreat for his $gbishop$b in case
of a4-a5- a6 and prepares to take the $ginitiative$b with ...c5, when White's
self inflicted weaknesses on the c-$gfile$b will be exposed.]
10.a5 c5 11.axb6 axb6 12.Ra7 Bc6
[Before retreating to a8, $gBlack$b provokes $gWhite$b to push his b-$gpawn$b,
which will take the b5 square away from $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b or $gknight$b.]
13.b5 Ba8 14.Ne5 Rc7 15.Ra2 e6
[$gBlack$b prevents f5 and defends f7 with his $gqueen$b $grook$b.]
16.Nd2 Qb8
[Preparing to take over the a-$gfile$b. $gWhite$b should probably prevent this
by 17 Qa4, though his position is already awkward.]
17.Ndf3 Ra7 18.Rxa7 Qxa7 19.Bb2 c4
[Cutting off the $gdefense$b of the b5 $gpawn$b.]
20.Bc2 Qa5 21.Qa1 Nxe5 22.Qxa5 Nxf3+
[$gWhite$b didn't notice that this was a $gcheck$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE B.Lasker
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {T9, S6}
.DATE 1890
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd2 Bd6 7.Rc1 O-O 8.Be2 Ne4
[While $gWhite$b isn't doing much on the c-$gfile$b, $gBlack$b grabs some
$gspace$b in the $gcenter$b.]
9.Nxe4
[Losing a lot of time and giving $gBlack$b a nice $gpawn$b on e4. $gWhite$b
should have castled.]
9...dxe4 10.Ng1 e5
[$gWhite$b's $gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b, so $gBlack$b opens things
up.]
11.Bc3 Qe7 12.d5 f5 13.Rc2
[$gWhite$b's position is so tied up that he has no other way to guard f2.]
13...f4 14.Bf1 Bc5 15.exf4 exf4 16.Qh5 Bb4 17.Ne2 Ne5 18.Bxb4 Nd3+
[If you don't see why $gWhite$b resigned here, setup this game against gambit. Gambit will gladly show
you.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Golmayo
.EVENT Havana
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1893
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bg7 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Be2 O-O 8.f4 d6
9.O-O Ng4
[$gBlack$b hopes to $gsimplify$b away $gWhite$b's $gattack$bing potential, but
trades off his best defensive $gpiece$bs in the process.]
10.Bxg4 Bxd4
[10...Bxg4 loses a $gpiece$b.]
11.Bxd4 Bxg4 12.Qd2
[White won't give up the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b without a fight.]
12...Be6
[This loses a $gtempo$b, since White was going to play f5 and Rf3-h3 anyway.]
13.f5 Bc4 14.Rf3 Nxd4 15.Qxd4 Ba6 16.Nd5 Rc8 17.f6 Rc4 18.Qd2 exf6 19.Qh6
[Fitting punishment for $gBlack$b's tenth move: the very square he weakened is
occupied by the $gcheck$bmating $gpiece$b.]
19...f5 20.Rh3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Chigorin
.EVENT Brighton
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1903
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4 g4 5.Ne5 Nf6 6.Bc4 d5 7.exd5 Bd6 8.O-O
[The Rice $gGambit$b. $gWhite$b hopes to get an $gattack$b on the open e-
$gfile$b based on the $gpin$b he gets there after 8...Bxe5 9 Re1.]
8...Bxe5 9.Re1 Qe7 10.c3
[$gWhite$b can't play 10 d4.]
10...f3
[$gBlack$b gives back some $gmaterial$b to open up White's $gking$b positon.]
11.d4 Ne4
[$gThreat$bening 12...f2+ or 12...Qxh4.]
12.Rxe4 Bh2+ 13.Kxh2 Qxe4
[White has got some of his $gmaterial$b back, but his $gking$b is exposed and
$gBlack$b's will be safe on g8.]
14.g3 O-O 15.Bf4 c6 16.Nd2 Qg6 17.Qe1 Bf5 18.Qe7 Nd7
[Preparing to invade $gWhite$b's position by Rae8 and Re2+.]
19.Re1 cxd5
[An important move in $gBlack$b's plan. If $gWhite$b doesn't $gcapture$b,
Black will have the e4 square to invade on.]
20.Bxd5 Nf6
[Because of $gBlack$b's last move this gains a $gtempo$b. Now Black is ready
for Rae8.]
21.Qxb7 Rae8 22.Rxe8 Rxe8 23.Be5 Bc8
[Getting out of the $gqueen$b's way and deflecting $gWhite$b's queen from f7.]
24.Qc6 Qc2
[So it is the $gqueen$b and not the $grook$b that invades the $gseventh
rank$b. It doesn't matter.]
25.Bxf7+ Kf8
[Now after 26 Bd6+ Kg7 $gWhite$b has run out of $gcheck$bs and 27 Bf4 Re2+
will $gmate$b him. The same happens after 26 Qd6+ Re7 27 Qd8+ Kxf7.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Marshall
.EVENT Memphis
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1907
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bd3 c5 5.Nf3 c4
[Very bad. $gBlack$b gives up pressure on $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b for some
tactics that aren't there. He could have got the $gbishop pair$b and a good
game by 5...cxd4.]
6.Be2 dxe4 7.Ne5 Bd6 8.O-O a6
[Losing time. White's strong knight gives him an $ginitiative$b, so $gBlack$b
figures it's worth a $gtempo$b to make him move it, but $gBlack$b is falling
behind.]
9.Nxc4 h6
[Losing more time. He doesn't want to allow the $gpin$b Bg5, when the e4
$gpawn$b will be weak, but this is worse.]
10.f3
[With $gBlack$b having wasted so much time $gWhite$b opens things up.]
10...exf3 11.Bxf3 Bxh2+
[This is pathetic. $gBlack$b didn't want to sit back and get crushed, but he
doesn't even get an $gattack$b for the $gpiece$b.]
12.Kxh2 h5 13.Bf4
[Taking over the $gdiagonal$b leading to his king.]
13...Ng4+ 14.Kg1 g5 15.Be5 Rg8
[15...f6 would close the queen's route to the $gkingside$b and lose a pawn
after 16 Bxg4.]
16.Bxg4 hxg4 17.Ne4
[$gWhite$b can also win by 17 Nd6+ and 18 Rxf7+. ]
17...Nd7 18.Qxg4 Nxe5 19.dxe5 Kf8 20.Rad1 Qc7 21.Nf6
[$gBlack$b has had enough, though he could have resigned six moves ago with a
clear conscience.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Janowsky
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1910
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.Nf3
[These days, capturing at d5 is considered obligatory if $gWhite$b wants to
play for a win.]
4...Nf6
[Wrong $gknight$b. 4...Nc6 5.cxd5 exd5 6.dxc5 d4 shows why $gBlack$b needs a
knight at c6.]
5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5
[This position is advantageous for $gWhite$b.]
6...Be6
[$gBlack$b is $gforce$bd to defend the $gpawn$b at d5.]
7.e3 Nc6 8.Be2 Be7 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.O-O O-O
[Both sides have completed the initial deployment of their $gforce$bs and are
now ready to do battle. The immediate target is the $gpawn$b at d5, but
$gWhite$b first occupies an important open $gfile$b.]
11.Rc1 Be7
[Releasing the $gpin$b on the $gknight$b and getting out of the way of the
rook on c1.]
12.Nd4 Rc8 13.Qd2 Ne4
[$gBlack$b tries to free his game by exchanging, but his $gpiece$bs end up
badly placed.]
14.Nxe4 dxe4 15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.Nxc6 bxc6 17.Qa5
[White takes aim at $gBlack$b's weak $gpawn$bs on the $gqueenside$b.]
17...Rfd8 18.Rfd1 Bd5
[ 18...Rxd1+ 19.Rxd1 $gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs the d-$gfile$b and the important
square at d8.]
19.b4 Rd6
[This loses a $gpiece$b. $gBlack$b didn't notice that the $grook$b on c8 is no
longer protected, and that the $gpawn$b at c6 is therefore $gpin$bned. Do you
see the $gwinning move$b? ]
20.Rxd5 Rxd5 21.Qxd5
[Taking $gadvantage$b of Black's weak $gback rank$b. 21...cxd5 22 Rxc8+ forces
$gBlack$b to give back the $gqueen$b and $gWhite$b remains a $gpiece$b up.]
21...Qxb4 22.Rxc6
[After 22...Qe1+ White can use his extra bishop to cover his $gback rank$b. So
$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tarrasch
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1916
.OPENING Four Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nxe4
[$gBlack$b takes $gadvantage$b of the pawn $gfork$b next move to free his
position.]
5.Nxe4 d5 6.Bd3 dxe4 7.Bxe4 Bd6 8.d4 exd4 9.Nxd4 O-O 10.Be3
[10 O-O loses a $gpawn$b.]
10...Qh4
[$gBlack$b prevents White from $gcastling$b and $gdevelops$b his queen to a
strong square.]
11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.g3 Qh3 13.Qe2 c5 14.Nb3 Bg4
[Now White won't be able to castle $gqueenside$b either, since 15 f3 allows
Bxg3+.]
15.Qf1 Qh5 16.Nd2 Rfe8 17.Rg1 Rab8 18.Nc4 Be5 19.h3 Bxh3 20.Qe2
[Desparately trying to get his $gking$b out of the $gcenter$b, but $gBlack$b
will have none of it.]
20...Bg4 21.Qd3 Rbd8 22.Nxe5
[He doesn't have anything better, e.g. 22 Qb3 Qh2 23 Rf1 Bxg3. ]
22...Rxd3 23.Nxd3 Rxe3+
[Now 24 fxe3 allows Qh2, so $gWhite$b gives up.]
24.fxe3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tarrasch
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {T9, S6}
.DATE 1916
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 Be7
[$gBlack$b hopes to $gtranspose$b into a normal line, but he will get into
trouble on the e-$gfile$b.]
7.Re1 b5 8.Rxe4 d5 9.Nxe5
[$gBlack$b overlooked that after 9...dxe4 10 Nxc6 $gWhite$b is $gattack$bing
his $gqueen$b.]
9...Nxe5 10.Rxe5 bxa4 11.Nc3 Be6
[$gBlack$b had to drop a $gpawn$b, and he hopes to get his $gking$b to safety
this way, but $gWhite$b won't let him off so easy.]
12.Qh5
[Another $gdouble attach$b, $gthreat$bening both the d-$gpawn$b and the
$gbishop$b due to the $gpin$b on the f-$gpawn$b.]
12...g6 13.Qf3 Bf6
[$gBlack$b hopes to pick up White's d-$gpawn$b with this $gskewer$b, but he
hasn't looked deep enough.]
14.Rxd5 Bxd5 15.Nxd5
[A final $gdouble attach$b, on the $gbishop$b and the c7 $gpawn$b.
15...Nxd4 16 Nxc7+ is curtains for the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
15...Bg7 16.Bg5
[Even stronger than an immediate 16 Nxc7+, since now $gWhite$b's $grook$b may
join the $gattack$b with $gtempo$b.]
16...Qxg5 17.Nxc7+ Kd8 18.Nxa8
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Janowski
.EVENT World Championship (5)
.THEME {T5, S8}
.DATE 1910
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3 Be6
[This is a weak move in the Tarrasch. Remember that in general, $gknight$bs
should be $gdeveloped$b before $gbishop$bs!]
6.e4 dxe4 7.Nxe4 Nc6 8.Be3
[This is a bad move. The support of d4 should have taken place by more
indirect means. White should have $gpin$bned the $gknight$b at c6. 8.Bb5 Qa5+
9.Nc3 O-O-O 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.O-O ]
8...cxd4 9.Nxd4 Qa5+
[Now $gBlack$b has nothing better than $ginterposing$b the queen at d2, after
which the game would be a very dull affair indeed.]
10.Nc3
[ 10.Qd2 Qxd2+ 11.Kxd2 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 O-O-O 13.Ke3 ]
10...O-O-O 11.a3
[The $gpin$b at c3 and at d4 combine to make Lasker's life miserable. Janowski
could have finished up quickly with the simple 11...Bc5, but missed his
chance.]
11...Nh6
[ 11...Bc5 12.b4 Bxd4 13.Bxd4 Qg5 14.Ne2 Nxd4 15.Nxd4 Qe5+ ]
12.b4 Qe5 13.Ncb5
[Just compare the activity of the $gknight$b at b5 with that of its
counterpart at h6!]
13...Nf5 14.Rc1 Nxe3 15.fxe3 Qxe3+ 16.Be2
[$gWhite$b has nothing to fear, since $gBlack$b is $gattack$bing just with a
single $gpiece$b. Still, $gBlack$b has a good game and the $gWhite$b $gking$b
is stuck in the $gcenter$b. The $gpin$b on the d-$gfile$b is still valuable.]
16...Be7
[ 16...Bb3 17.Qd2 Qxd2+ 18.Kxd2 Kb8 19.Ke3 Bd5 20.Bf3 Nxd4 21.Nxd4 $gBlack$b
has all the winning chances here.]
17.Rc3 Bh4+
[This is the critical error. A tempting $gcheck$b, but it overlooks the fact
that there was an effective $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b. 17...Qxc3+ 18.Nxc3 Nxd4
19.Qc1 Nb3 20.Qe3 Bf6 21.Rf1 Bd4 22.Qg3 Rhe8 $gBlack$b still has a lot of
pressure and some winning chances.]
18.g3 Qe4
[Here the $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b would only have led to a $gdraw$b.
18...Qxc3+ 19.Nxc3 Bf6 20.Ncb5 Bxd4 21.Nxd4 Nxd4 22.Kf2 The position is
roughly level.]
19.O-O Bf6
[Lasker has survived the storm and is ready to $gattack$b on the
$gqueenside$b. First, however, he eliminates the annoying $gpin$b on the a1-h8
$gdiagonal$b.]
20.Rxf6 gxf6 21.Bf3 Qe5
[Now the $gpin$b on the c-$gfile$b allows White to $gcapture$b at a7. Then it
is time to clean up on the $gqueenside$b.]
22.Nxa7+ Kc7 23.Naxc6 bxc6 24.Rxc6+ Kb8 25.Rb6+ Kc8
[ 25...Ka7 26.Rb7+ Ka6 27.Qa4+ ]
26.Qc1+ Kd7 27.Nxe6 fxe6 28.Rb7+ Ke8 29.Bc6+
[and $gBlack$b resigned because $gmate$b is inevitable.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Black
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1913
.OPENING Russian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 4.Nf3 Nxe4 5.d4 d5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.c4
[$gWhite$b begins to undermine the $gdefense$b of the e4 $gknight$b.]
7...Bb4+
[$gBlack$b $gforce$bs $gWhite$b to $ginterpose$b on d2 so he can trade off the
exposed $gknight$b, but loses a $gtempo$b by moving his $gbishop$b a second
time. Note also that the $gbishop$b is $gen prise$b on b4.]
8.Nbd2 O-O 9.O-O Re8
[White, having un$gpin$bned his d2 $gknight$b, was threatening to $gcapture$b
on e4.]
10.cxd5 Nf6
[$gBlack$b wants to post his $gknight$b on d5, where it can't be chased by a
$gWhite$b $gpawn$b.]
11.Ne5
[$gWhite$b takes $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's loss of time to bring his own
$gknight$b to an agressive square, $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's weakness on f7.]
11...Nbd7
[This is a mistake, cutting his $gbishop$b off from the $gkingside$b.]
12.Ndf3
[Not only supporting his $gknight$b but $gthreat$bening to go to g5. ]
12...Nxd5
[This is a $gblunder$b: with one $gWhite$b $gknight$b already aimed at f7 and
the other ready to jump in at e5 or g5 $gBlack$b should not open the
$gdiagonal$b leading to that square.]
13.Nxf7
.QUIZ 13.Nxf7
[Breaking through before $gBlack$b has a chance to defend the $gdiagonal$b
by ...N7f6 and ...c6 or ...Be6.]
13...Kxf7 14.Ng5+ Kf8 15.Qh5
[$gWhite$b has too many $gthreat$bs. $gBlack$b can't cover the $gmate$b on f7
without losing too much $gmaterial$b, since the queen is indirectly
$gattack$bing the $gknight$b on d5, e.g. so $gBlack$b resigned here.]
15...Qe7 16.Nxh7+ Kg8 17.Qxd5+ Kh8 18.Qh5
[$gBlack$b is two pawns down and still getting $gcheck$bmated.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bernstein
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T1,T7}
.DATE 1914
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5
[The interesting $gpoints$b in this game don't start until move 29.]
2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Rc1 b6 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Qa4 Bb7
10.Ba6 Bxa6 11.Qxa6 c5 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.dxc5 bxc5 14.O-O Qb6 15.Qe2 c4 16.Rfd1
Rfd8 17.Nd4 Bb4 18.b3 Rac8 19.bxc4 dxc4 20.Rc2 Bxc3 21.Rxc3 Nd5 22.Rc2 c3
23.Rdc1 Rc5 24.Nb3 Rc6 25.Nd4 Rc7 26.Nb5 Rc5 27.Nxc3 Nxc3 28.Rxc3 Rxc3 29.Rxc3
[White is a pawn ahead, but the $gback rank$b is unprotected. It looks like
this can be exploited by $gcheck$bing with the $gqueen$b, but then it turns
out that $gBlack$b gets $gmate$bd.]
29...Qb2!!
.QUIZ 29...Qb2
[This is a brilliant example of a deflection which sets up the $gback rank$b
$gmate$b . $gWhite$b actually resigned here. Let's see why. 29...Qb1+ 30.Qf1
Rd1 31.Rc8+ Rd8 32.Rxd8++ ]
30.Qxb2
[ 30.Qe1 $gBlack$b can finish the job with a brilliant $gsacrifice$b: Qxc3!!
31.Qxc3 Rd1+ 32.Qe1 Rxe1++ ]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Spielmann
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1927
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 Nd7 4.Nc3 Ngf6 5.Bg5 Bb4 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Qa4 Bxc3+ 8.bxc3
O-O 9.e3 c5 10.Bd3 c4 11.Bc2 Qe7 12.O-O a6 13.Rfe1 Qe6 14.Nd2 b5 15.Qa5 Ne4
16.Nxe4 dxe4
[Looking at this position it hardly seems possible that White will soon have a
$gpassed pawn$b on the a-$gfile$b!]
17.a4 Qd5
[ 17...bxa4 18.Bxa4 Bb7 19.Qc7 ]
18.axb5
[The $gpawn$b cannot be $gcapture$bd because of the $gpin$b on the a-$gfile$b.
$gBlack$b $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b at g5, but this is not relevant to the
action.]
18...Qxg5 19.Bxe4 Rb8 20.bxa6
[In return for the $gpiece$b, $gWhite$b has three $gpawn$bs, normally
considered enough $gcompensation$b. But the fact that one of them is a
$gpassed pawn$b nearing the $gpromotion$b rank, and that the path to the 8th
rank is clear, is decisive.]
20...Rb5 21.Qc7 Nb6 22.a7 Bh3 23.Reb1 Rxb1+ 24.Rxb1 f5 25.Bf3 f4 26.exf4
[White won.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Reti
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {S7,S2}
.DATE 1928
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.c3 a6 5.Ba4 f5
[White's fourth move did nothing for his immediate $gdevelopment$b and took
the best square from his $gqueen$b $gknight$b, so $gBlack$b feels he can risk
this push for the $ginitiative$b.]
6.d4 fxe4 7.Ng5 exd4 8.Nxe4
[$gWhite$b might do better to castle and make a $ggambit$b of the
$gopening$b.]
8...Nf6
[$gBlack$b uses the exposed White knight to develop with $gtempo$b.]
9.Bg5 Be7 10.Qxd4
[$gWhite$b miscalculates that $gBlack$b won't be able to take $gadvantage$b of
his exposed $gqueen$b.]
10...b5
[Winning $gmaterial$b, but White must have felt that $gBlack$b's many pawn
moves would give White enough $gcounterplay$b.]
11.Nxf6+ gxf6 12.Qd5 bxa4 13.Bh6
[ 13.Qxc6+ Bd7 ]
13...Qd7
[This fine move defends the $gknight$b as well as the $gbishop$b on e7,
prepares to $gattack$b White's $gkingside$b by a later ...Qg4 or Qh3 and gets
ready to castle $gqueenside$b.]
14.O-O Bb7
[Aiming his extra $gpiece$b straight at $gWhite$b's $gking$b position.]
15.Bg7 O-O-O
[Another fine move. $gBlack$b is willing to give back a little $gmaterial$b to
take the $ginitiative$b. After White takes the rook $gBlack$b will have his
queen $gbishop$b, $gknight$b, $gqueen$b and $grook$b all aiming at $gWhite$b's
$gking$b, which has no defenders.]
16.Bxh8 Ne5
[Now White's queen won't be able to get back to defend the $gkingside$b.]
17.Qd1 Bf3
[Very powerful; $gBlack$b wins a $gtempo$b on White's $gqueen$b while not
allowing the $gcounterplay$b White might hope for after, e.g. 17...Qf5
18.Qxa4.]
18.gxf3 Qh3
[$gWhite$b has no $gdefense$b to $gthreat$bs like 19...Nxf3+ and 19...Rg8+]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Becker
.EVENT Carlsbad
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nd7 4.Nc3 Ngf6 5.Bf4
[$gWhite$b hopes to profit from $gBlack$b's $gknight$b being committed to the
passive square d7.]
5...dxc4 6.e3
[Note that $gWhite$b doesn't get anything from advancing his $gknight$b, as
shown in the $gvariation$b: 6.Nb5 Bb4+ 7.Nd2 Ne4 ]
6...Nd5
[$gBlack$b decides to eliminate any future $gthreat$bs to c7, but he loses
time doing so.]
7.Bxc4 Nxf4 8.exf4 Bd6 9.g3 Nf6 10.O-O O-O 11.Qe2 b6 12.Rfd1 Bb7 13.Rac1 a6
14.Bd3
[The $gbishop$b wasn't doing anything on c4, so $gWhite$b takes aim at h7 and
opens his $grook$b's line to c7.]
14...Bb4
[Black hopes to counterattack on the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b, but White can answer
any $gthreat$bs there easily, showing $gBlack$b's idea to be a simple loss of
time.]
15.Ne4
[$gThreat$bening to trade off the only defender of h7.]
15...Qd5 16.Nfg5
[Before trading off $gBlack$b's $gknight$b $gWhite$b prepares to take the a8-
h1 $gdiagonal$b away from $gBlack$b after a later Nxf6+ and Be4. ]
16...Ne8
[$gBlack$b sees only the $gthreat$b to c7, not the stronger threats on the a8-
h1 $gdiagonal$b and the $gkingside$b.]
17.Nxh7 f5
[ 17...Kxh7 18.Nf6+ ]
18.Nhg5
[$gBlack$b missed this move. Now taking White's knight on e4 loses another
pawn, so $gBlack$b has no good defence to 19.Qh5. If you don't see $gWhite$b's
wins after 18...Nf6, 18...fxe4 or 18...Qxd4, copy the game and try them out against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Colle
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 Bxc3+
[Too early, since White often has to waste a $gtempo$b by a3 to $gforce$b this
trade.]
5.Qxc3 Ne4
[This is also premature. $gBlack$b may have thought the $gknight$b was strong
here, but it is really overexposed.]
6.Qc2 d5 7.Nf3 O-O 8.e3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b hopes to free himself and destroy $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b $gcenter$b
by a later ...e5.]
9.Be2 Re8 10.O-O e5
[The $gbreak$b $gBlack$b was playing for, but this move is really a
$gblunder$b, since after the next move...]
11.cxd5
[both of $gBlack$b's $gknight$b's are $gattack$bed. Black resigned here,
because he saw that the only move to defend both $gknight$bs,]
11...Qxd5
[loses to ]
12.Bc4
[Driving the $gqueen$b from the defence of the $gknight$b on e4. $gBlack$b's
only try now is]
12...Nb4
[but it isn't good enough. You should be able to work out $gWhite$b's win
here.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alatortsev
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1935
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Bxe7 Qxe7 8.Nf3
Nxc3 9.bxc3
[The series of $gexchange$bs have eased $gBlack$b's defensive burden. Now both
sides complete their $gdevelopment$b.]
9...b6 10.Be2 Bb7 11.O-O c5 12.Ne5 Nc6 13.Nxc6 Bxc6
[$gBlack$b has achieved a comfortable position.]
14.Bf3 Rac8 15.a4 cxd4 16.cxd4 g6 17.Bxc6 Rxc6 18.Qd3 Qb7 19.Rfb1 Rfc8 20.h3
a6 21.Qa3 Rc2 22.Qd6
[If only there were no pawn at f2, $gBlack$b could deliver $gcheck$bmate in
one move, with Qxg2 $gmate$b. Seeing this, Capablanca finds a mating
$gattack$b.]
22...Rxf2!! 23.Qg3
[ 23.Kxf2 Rc2+ 24.Ke1 Qxg2 25.Qb8+ Kg7 26.Qe5+ f6 and $gWhite$b runs out of
$gcheck$bs.]
23...Re2
[$gWhite$b resigned, since the position is now hopeless, even though there is
no immediate $gmate$b $gthreat$b. If you think you can hold the position, try
playing it against $gGambit$b!]
24.Rc1 Rxc1+ 25.Rxc1 b5
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Janowski
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1916
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 Bf5
[Not a particularly effective move in this line. The $gcontrol$b of e4 comes
at a high price, if $gWhite$b responds correctly by capturing at d5 before
developing his queen at b3.]
5.Qb3?!
[This is not as effective, since $gBlack$b can respond symmetrically.]
5...Qb6!
[A classic question confronts $gWhite$b early in the game? Will the $gdoubled
pawns$b resulting from the $gexchange$b of queens be weak, or is the open a-
$gfile$b useful?]
6.Qxb6?! axb6 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 cxd5
[Already we have an interesting $gendgame$b. $gBlack$b has $gcontrol$b of e4
and the a-$gfile$b while $gWhite$b has targets at d5, b6, and b7. But the
$gpawn$bs are hard to get at.]
9.e3 Nc6 10.Bd2 Bd7!
[A tremendously insightful move! Capablanca sees that he must turn his weak
$gpawn$bs into fighting $gpiece$bs, and the idea is to play Na5 then b5-b4
which will constrict the White $gqueenside$b. White should prevent this with
11.Bb5!]
11.Be2?! e6 12.O-O
[If $gWhite$b had played 11.Bb5, he would have been able to play 12.Ke2,
keeping the $gking$b centralized in the $gendgame$b. As it turns out, the
$gking$b becomes a target!]
12...Bd6 13.Rfc1 Ke7 14.Bc3 Rhc8 15.a3?!
[Better was 15.Nd2. Now there is an additional $ghole$b on the $gqueenside$b,
and the b4-square belongs to $gBlack$b in any event.]
15...Na5 16.Nd2
[As $gBlack$b increases his pressure on the $gqueenside$b, Janowski correctly
decides to react in the $gcenter$b. But Capablanca is aware of his opponent's
plans.]
16...f5!
[This slows down the advance e3-e4 for some time, and makes $gWhite$b waste a
few moves in preparation.]
17.g3 b5 18.f3 Nc4 19.Bxc4 bxc4 20.e4 Kf7!
[With e4-e5 coming, $gBlack$b makes room for his $gbishop$b to retreat along
the a3-f8 $gdiagonal$b.]
21.e5 Be7 22.f4 b5
[The plan all along has been to advance this $gpawn$b, but now it takes on a
new significance. White must keep an eye on the $gqueenside$b, and his less
mobile $gpiece$bs are therefore ill-equipped to defend the $gking$b against a
direct assault.]
23.Kf2 Ra4 24.Ke3 Rca8
[The $gthreat$b of b5-b4 is renewed. Keep this position in mind as we
continue. It is in stark contrast to the position we will see in seven more
moves. But what is most important is that the White pieces can't defend the
$gkingside$b!]
25.Rab1 h6! 26.Nf3 g5 27.Ne1 Rg8! 28.Kf3 gxf4 29.gxf4 Raa8 30.Ng2 Rg4 31.Rg1
Rag8
[$gBlack$b's play requires no comment Capablanca saw that $gWhite$b's
$gpiece$bs were out of play and simply switched sides of the board. His
greater $gmobility$b enabled him to achieve a $gwinning position$b with great
ease.]
32.Be1
[$gWhite$b tries to get his $gbishop$b involved in the $gdefense$b. But we
recall that this $gpiece$b was dedicated to the protection of the
$gqueenside$b, guarding against b5-b4]
32...b4! 33.axb4
[Now $gBlack$b's fantasies involve Bd7-e4+. Not allowed by the rules, but
Black finds away to work around the rules. 33.Bxb4 Bxb4 34.axb4 h5 35.h4 Rg3+
36.Kf2 Rd3 37.Rgd1 Rgg3 was an unacceptable alternative.]
33...Ba4! 34.Ra1
[Completely missing the point. 34.Rc1 was needed, but then after 34...Bb3
$gBlack$b would have been able to invade on the a-$gfile$b.]
34...Bc2 35.Bg3 Be4+ 36.Kf2 h5 37.Ra7 Bxg2! 38.Rxg2 h4
[and the rest is simple: ]
39.Bxh4 Rxg2+ 40.Kf3 Rxh2 41.Bxe7
[ 41.Rxe7+ Kf8 42.Bf6 Rgh8! 43.Bxh8 Kxe7 ]
41...Rh3+ 42.Kf2 Rb3 43.Bg5+ Kg6 44.Re7 Rxb2+ 45.Kf3 Ra8 46.Rxe6+ Kh7
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Bogoljubow
.EVENT London
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.d4
exd4?!
[The release of tension in the $gcenter$b is premature. 9...Bg4 is the
contemporary reply.]
10.cxd4 Bg4 11.Be3 Na5 12.Bc2 Nc4 13.Bc1
[is this a loss of time? Not really, since the $gknight$b will eventually be
$gforce$bd back with b2-b3 and then the $gbishop$b can be profitably employed
at b2.]
13...c5
[Classical Spanish play. $gBlack$b will expand on the $gqueenside$b and White
will attempt to keep $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b and $gattack$b on the
$gkingside$b.]
14.b3 Na5 15.Bb2
[As promised. It would have been wrong to push the d-$gpawn$b, because then
$gBlack$b would simply swing his $gknight$b from f6 to d7 and stick the
$gbishop$b on the long $gdiagonal$b.]
15...Nc6 16.d5 Nb4
[$gBlack$b has lured $gWhite$b into playing d4-d5, but it has cost him some
time. He now attempts to eliminate the Spanish $gbishop$b, which can be
dangerous after e5.]
17.Nbd2 Nxc2 18.Qxc2
[Black now has the $gbishop pair$b, but White controls the center and has a
strong $gbishop$b at b2. Should he play on the kingside, as usual, or perhaps
undermine the $gBlack$b $gpawn structure$b with a2-a4. Or both? And how to
time all of this?]
18...Re8 19.Qd3
[A very nice move which increases the pressure on the $gqueenside$b while
making it easier for the queen to get to the $gkingside$b via the third rank.
Before making a concrete plan, White strives to improve the position of his
$gpiece$bs.]
19...h6
[If $gBlack$b was worried about e4-e5, he could have played Nf6-d7, but
$gWhite$b isn't ready for such action yet. 19...Nd7 20.e5 Bxf3 21.Nxf3 dxe5
22.Nxe5 Nxe5 23.Bxe5 Bd6 24.Bxd6 Qxd6 25.Rad1 is not likely to be enough to
win, given the $gblock$]
20.Nf1 Nd7 21.h3 Bh5?!
[Black is a little too attached to his $gbishop pair$b. He should have
$gcapture$bd and then played Bf6, to take $gcontrol$b of the e5 square which
has been the $gcenter$b of attention for some time.]
22.N3d2! Bf6 23.Bxf6 Qxf6
[$gBlack$b seems to have secured the central squares, but now $gWhite$b
deflects the $gBlack$b $gknight$b to the $gqueenside$b, and then launches his
$gattack$b.]
24.a4! c4 25.bxc4 Nc5 26.Qe3 bxa4
[The position has changed considerably. $gBlack$b has some valuable assets on
the $gqueenside$b and a seemingly well-placed $gknight$b, but it is actually
offside.]
27.f4!
[White is prepared to bring a $gpawnstorm$b against the enemy $gking$b. The
Nc5 cannot come to the aid of its monarch. The $gattack$b can be repelled, but
only by going into a complicated $gendgame$b.]
27...Qe7 28.g4 Bg6 29.f5 Bh7 30.Ng3 Qe5 31.Kg2 Rab8 32.Rab1 f6?!
[This is a passive move which creates further $ghole$bs in $gBlack$b's
position. Since all of his chances lay on the $gqueenside$b, he should have
continued with his infiltration of the $gWhite$b position. 32...Rb2 33.Rxb2
Qxb2 would have been appropriate. ]
33.Nf3! Rb2+ 34.Rxb2 Qxb2+ 35.Re2
[This is a much more comfortable position for $gWhite$b. The $ghole$b at e6
will be a nice landing site for the Nf3, and the $gpassed pawn$b is not
important.]
35...Qb3 36.Nd4! Qxe3 37.Rxe3 Rb8
[At first sight it seems that $gBlack$b has all the chances with his open
$gfile$b and $gpassed pawn$b. But White sees the potential of a passed d-
pawn!]
38.Rc3 Kf7 39.Kf3 Rb2 40.Nge2 Bg8
[Now White, keeping in mind the theme of the previous variations, sees that he
can achieve his goal of a passed d-$gpawn$b. He notices that the pawn at e4 is
not a $gmaterial$b consideration in this position.]
41.Ne6! Nb3
[Of course $gBlack$b cannot even think about exchanging at e6 and entombing
the $gbishop$b. 41...Nxe4 42.Kxe4 Rxe2+ 43.Kd4 is a winning $gendgame$b for
$gWhite$b, since the $gbishop$b is absolutely useless and the $gking$b is
close enough ]
42.c5!! dxc5 43.Nxc5 Nd2+ 44.Kf2 Ke7?!
[Again $gBlack$b finds himself unthinkingly following conventional wisdom by
moving his $gking$b to the $gcenter$b. But he needed to invest more thought in
his $gqueenside$b $gadvantage$b. 44...Nb1! was best.]
45.Ke1 Nb1 46.Rd3 a3?!
[and here $gBlack$b should have stuck to his plan, instead of belatedly
switching to the $gqueenside$b advance. 46...Kd6! gives $gdraw$bing chances.]
47.d6+ Kd8
[At this point $gWhite$b is concentrating on $gmate$b rather than a longwinded
$gendgame$b. The idea is that a $gknight$b at c6 would $gforce$b the $gking$b
off the $gqueen$bing square.]
48.Nd4! Rb6 49.Nde6+ Bxe6 50.fxe6 Rb8 51.e7+ Ke8 52.Nxa6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Grigoriyev
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1915
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4
[The very $gsharp$b McCutcheon $gVariation$b.]
5.e5 h6 6.exf6
[Nowadays the $gbishop$b usually retreats to d2 or e3 instead.]
6...hxg5 7.fxg7 Rg8 8.h4
[White moves quickly to open up more lines on the $gkingside$b.]
8...gxh4 9.Qg4 Be7
[But there is going to be great difficulty defending the weak $gpawn$b at g7.]
10.g3 c5
[This is a $gcritical position$b, and $gWhite$b makes a mistake. The correct
move is to remain consistent with the $gopening$b plan, and keep playing on
the $gkingside$b. Now Alekhine seizes the $ginitiative$b and never lets go.]
11.O-O-O Nc6 12.dxc5 Qa5
[See how quickly the picture has changed. $gBlack$b is now on the $gattack$b.]
13.Kb1 e5 14.Qh5 Be6
[The $gpawn$b at g7 has become irrelevant. $gBlack$b doesn't care about the
pawn at d5 either. The $ginitiative$b is much more important.]
15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.Rxd5 Nb4 17.Rxe5
[Both sides $gattack$b. But the one with the $ginitiative$b always has the
$gadvantage$b.]
17...Qxa2+ 18.Kc1 O-O-O
[The move performs double-duty. The $gking$b flees to safety and the $grook$b
at d8 now cuts off the escape path of $gWhite$b's monarch.]
19.Bd3 Qa1+ 20.Kd2 Qxb2 21.Ke3
[ 21.Rxe7 Qxc2+ 22.Ke1 Nxd3+ 23.Kf1 Qxf2+ ]
21...Bf6 22.Qf5+ Kb8 23.Re4 Rxd3+ 24.cxd3 Bd4+ 25.Kf4
[ 25.Rxd4 Nc2+ 26.Ke4 Re8+ 27.Kf4 Qxd4+ 28.Kf3 Ne1+ ]
25...Qxf2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Saemisch
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1923
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5
[Both players were blindfolded during this game!]
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Be2 e6 4.O-O d6 5.d4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Bf3 Ne5 8.c4 Nxf3+ 9.Qxf3
Be7 10.Nc3 O-O 11.b3 Nd7 12.Bb2 Bf6 13.Rad1 a6 14.Qg3 Qc7 15.Kh1 Rd8 16.f4 b6
[The $gbishop$b at f6 is the only guardian of the $gkingside$b. White now
blasts open the f-$gfile$b while destroying the $gpawn$bs at e6 and f7.]
17.f5! Be5
[$gBlack$b counters by $gthreat$bening the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b. Once it moves,
the $gknight$b will move to f6 and the $gkingside$b will be defended. But
Alekhine wastes no time defending the $gqueen$b.]
18.fxe6!!
.QUIZ 18.fxe6
18...Bxg3
[ 18...fxe6 19.Nxe6 ]
19.exf7+
[ 19.exf7+ Kf8 20.Ne6++ ]
19...Kh8 20.Nd5
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, because there was no $gdefense$b. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Takacs
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Kecskemet
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1927
.OPENING Reti
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Qc2
[$gWhite$b doesn't need to defend his c-$gpawn$b, since ...dxc4 could be
answered by Qa4+ regaining the $gpawn$b, and his $gqueen$b quickly becomes
exposed here.]
4...c5
[$gBlack$b takes $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's move order to prevent him from
establishing a $gpawn$b on d4.]
5.d4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 e5 7.Nf3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b feels that his secure $gpawn$b on e5 gives him enough $gspace$b in
the $gcenter$b, so he doesn't risk overextending himself by 8...e4.]
8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.a3
[$gWhite$b begins to regret his fourth move, as now he must lose time or have
his $gqueen$b harassed by ...Nb4.]
9...Be6 10.Bd2 Be7 11.Nc3 O-O 12.Bg2 Rc8
[$gBlack$b places his $grook$b menacingly opposite $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
13.Rd1
[$gWhite$b likewise places his $grook$b opposite $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b, but
with Black ahead in $gdevelopment$b and White's king still in the $gcenter$b
there is no doubt whose $grook$b will be stronger.]
13...Nd4
[$gBlack$b $gdraw$bs first blood, moving his $gknight$b into a strong
$gattack$bing position. Because of the $gpin$b of the $gknight$b on c3
$gWhite$b can't trade off $gBlack$b's aggressive $gknight$b:]
14.Qb1
[ 14.Nxd4 exd4 And $gWhite$b will loses the $gknight$b on c3.]
14...Bf6
[$gBlack$b reinforces his $gcenter$b pawn. White's king is uncomfortable, and
Black is ready to make it even less comfortable.]
15.O-O
[$gWhite$b is understandably anxious to get his $gKing$b out of the
$gcenter$b, but this loses $gmaterial$b. 15.h3 Nxc3 16.Bxc3 Bb3 when $gBlack$b
has a decisive $ginitiative$b.]
15...Nxc3
[Destroying the only defender of $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b on e2.]
16.bxc3 Nxe2+ 17.Kh1 Qc7
[Getting out of $gWhite$b's $grook$b's line of fire, defending the b7 $gpawn$b
and ganging up on $gWhite$b's c3 $gpawn$b.]
18.Qd3 Nxc3
[Taking a second pawn, and threatening a $gfork$b which White overlooks.]
19.Rc1 e4
[$gWhite$b seems to have overlooked that $gBlack$b's last move added another
defender to c3. It is ironic that the game ends with a final $gattack$b on
$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b, whose early $gdevelopment$b got him into trouble in the
first place.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Nimzowitsch
.EVENT Bled
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1931
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nge2
[Giving $gBlack$b the opportunity to win a $gpawn$b, but the cost is very
high.]
4...dxe4 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Nxc3 f5
[So $gBlack$b has a pawn, but White has a big lead in $gdevelopment$b and the
dark squares around $gBlack$b's $gking$b are very weak.]
7.f3 exf3 8.Qxf3 Qxd4
[This is really asking for it, as $gBlack$b must lose more time with his queen
and $gWhite$b can occupy the open d-$gfile$b soon.]
9.Qg3
[A strong $gdouble attach$b $gWhite$b will take one of the few defenders
of the dark squares $gBlack$b has left.]
9...Nf6 10.Qxg7 Qe5+ 11.Be2 Rg8 12.Qh6 Rg6 13.Qh4 Bd7 14.Bg5 Bc6 15.O-O-O Bxg2
[$gBlack$b is still greedy, but it doesn't matter anymore.]
16.Rhe1
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens to win $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b by a $gdiscovered
attach$b.]
16...Be4 17.Bh5
[Now $gWhite$b's army overruns $gBlack$b in a $gblitz$bkrieg.]
17...Nxh5 18.Rd8+ Kf7 19.Qxh5
[$gBlack$b resigned because he can't hold his h-$gpawn$b: 19...h6 20.Bxh6 and
21.Rf8+, 19...Qg7 20.Nxe4 fxe4 21.Rf1+. You can work out the win after
19...Kg7 for yourself, and verify it by playing against Gambit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Lukowski
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S5, S6}
.DATE 1931
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Qg4
[This looks strange, but $gWhite$b's pressure on g7 lets him bend the rules
about bringing out the $gqueen$b too early.]
4...Qf6
[But this is a $gblunder$b. $gBlack$b overestimates the strength of his
$gcheck$b on f2.]
5.Nd5 Qxf2+ 6.Kd1
[Now $gBlack$b has run out of $gcheck$bs but still has to defend against
$gthreat$bs to both c7 and g7, as well as his $gqueen$b getting $gtrap$bped.]
6...Kf8 7.Nh3 Qd4 8.d3 Bb6 9.Rf1
[In the time it has taken $gBlack$b to cover c7 and g7 White has $gdeveloped$b
three $gpiece$bs, including his $grook$b on the semi-open $gfile$b leading to
$gBlack$b's $gking$b and he now has $gthreat$bs like 10.Rxf7+ Kxf7 11.Nxb6+
and 10.Nxb6 axb6 11.Rxf7+.]
9...Nd8 10.c3 Qc5 11.Ng5 h6
[The final error, losing a $gtempo$b. He had to try 11...g6 or 11...h5, though
$gWhite$b's $gattack$b would be strong then as well.]
12.Qh5
[While $gBlack$b's $gcheck$b on f2 was easily answered. $gWhite$b's impending
check on f7 will be followed by his whole army flooding into $gBlack$b's
$gkingside$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Zurich
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1934
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 O-O 7.Rc1 c6 8.Bd3 dxc4
9.Bxc4 Nd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Ne4 N5f6 12.Ng3 e5 13.O-O exd4 14.Nf5 Qd8 15.N3xd4
Ne5 16.Bb3 Bxf5 17.Nxf5 Qb6 18.Qd6 Ned7 19.Rfd1 Rad8 20.Qg3 g6 21.Qg5 Kh8
22.Nd6 Kg7 23.e4 Ng8 24.Rd3 f6
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are not well-coordinated for the $gdefense$b. The
$gbishop$b at b3 is $gcontrol$bling the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b. First White drives
the king back into the corner.]
25.Nf5+ Kh8
[Now if we mentally remove the $gpawn$b at h7, we can slide the $grook$b from
d3 to h3 and deliver $gmate$b. Can you see the way to make that happen? ]
26.Qxg6
[The $gthreat$b of $gmate$b at g7 $gforce$bs $gBlack$b to $gcapture$b, but
then Rh3+ leads to $gmate$b, so he resigned instead.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Strazdins
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1935
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.c4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 dxc4
[Now $gBlack$b gets cramped by $gWhite$b's advancing d-$gpawn$b. 6...e6 would
have been better.]
7.d5 Ne5 8.Nf3
[White $gdevelops$b with gain of time by $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's advanced
knight. Black should now try to $gsimplify$b by 8...Bg4.]
8...Nd3+
[Losing more time. $gBlack$b is at least three moves from $gcastling$b and
simply can't afford this, as he quickly learns.]
9.Bxd3 cxd3 10.Qxd3 a6
[The decisive waste of time. $gBlack$b didn't want to let $gWhite$b $gcheck$b
him on b5, but now he's down five active $gpiece$bs to one.]
11.O-O e6
[It seems foolish to invite $gWhite$b to $gopen line$bs, but 11...g6 12.Bxf6
would also open the e-$gfile$b.]
12.Rad1 exd5 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nxd5
[One more gain of time. $gBlack$b has very few squares left as his $gqueen$b
must guard both c7 and d8.]
14...Qd8
[$gBlack$b resigns before White starts taking his pieces by 15.Qe3+ and
16.Nb6. If you don't see why this will win $gmaterial$b, play it against
Gambit!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Van Mindeno
.EVENT Holland
.THEME {T2}
.DATE 1938
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6 4.d4 exd4 5.Qxd4 Bd7 6.Bxc6 Bxc6 7.Nc3 Nf6 8.Bg5
Be7 9.O-O-O O-O 10.h4 h6
[$gBlack$b $gattack$bs the $gbishop$b, expecting it to retreat. But Alekhine
appreciates the value of an open $gfile$b and is willing to $gsacrifice$b a
$gpiece$b to accelerate his $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
11.Nd5
[This brings another $gpiece$b from the distant $gqueenside$b to a position
where it can join the $gattack$b if necessary. $gBlack$b accepts the
offering.]
11...hxg5 12.Nxe7+
[This removes one of the defenders from the $gkingside$b.]
12...Qxe7 13.hxg5 Nxe4
[ 13...Nh7 14.Rh5! would both defend the g-$gpawn$b and prepare the doubling
of $grook$bs on the h-$gfile$b.]
14.Rh5 Qe6
[$gBlack$b hopes to have time to move the $grook$b from f8 and evacuate the
$gking$b, and, if possible, to counterattack by capturing the pawn at a2. But
White does not give him a moment's rest.]
15.Rdh1
[$gThreat$bening Rh8 $gmate$b.]
15...f5
[Now the $gking$b can escape via f7. $gWhite$b can cut this escape route by
playing 16.g6, but then the $gqueen$b will $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b
(16...Qxg6) and then $gcheck$bing on the $gdiagonal$b with 17.Qc4+ will be met
by 17...d5.]
16.Ne5!
[The point of this move is to $gcontrol$b the f7 square. But there is a
second, and equally important goal. The $gpawn$b at d6 must remain in place to
guard against the $gvariation$b in the previous note.]
16...dxe5
[ 16...Qxe5 17.Qxe5 dxe5 18.g6 and $gBlack$b cannot escape being
$gcheck$bmated at h8.  Also 16...g6 17.Rh8+ Kg7 18.R1h7++ ]
17.g6
[$gBlack$b resigned, because now there is no pawn to $ginterpose$b at d5.]
17...Qxg6 18.Qc4+ Rf7
[ 18...Qf7 19.Rh8+ ]
19.Rh8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kubanek
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Prague
.THEME {T15}
.DATE 1943
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O d6 6.Bxc6+ bxc6 7.d4 Nxe4
[$gBlack$b hopes to maintain the knight here to use as the basis for a
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
8.Qe2 f5 9.dxe5 d5 10.Be3
[With $gBlack$b still at least two moves from $gcastling$b $gWhite$b should
either try to undermine $gBlack$b's $gknight$b by 10.Nfd2 and f3 open the
$gcenter$b by 10.c4.]
10...c5 11.c3
[A consequence of his previous passivity, but now $gBlack$b has the
$ginitiative$b.]
11...Be7 12.g3
[Fearing a possible ...f4 after $gBlack$b castles, but losing time and
weakening his $gking$b position.]
12...O-O 13.Ne1
[$gWhite$b finally decides to get the $gknight$b out of e4, but $gBlack$b has
taken over the $ginitiative$b, and on e1 the knight $gblock$bs in White's
rook.]
13...a5 14.f3
[Missing the point of $gBlack$b's last move. He had to play something like
14.Na3, to support c3.]
14...Ba6
[White has no desire to find out how $gBlack$b will use his $gmaterial$b
$gadvantage$b after 15.Qany Bxf1.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Book
.EVENT Margate
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1938
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O Nc6 7.Qe2 a6 8.Nc3
[8.a4 would lead to more common lines.]
8...b5 9.Bb3
[Alekhine correctly keeps the $gbishop$b on the $gqueenside$b, as the lack of
a $grook$b at d1 means that 9.Bd3 left d4 without sufficient protection.]
9...b4
[This came as a surprise to Alekhine, who expected $gBlack$b to play 9...Be7,
as in an encounter with Euwe. 9...Bb7?! 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.d5! exd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5
13.Bxd5 followed by e3-e4 and the eventual placement of the Ra1 at c1 would be
decisive.]
10.d5!
[Alekhine's judgement is probably correct, though Taimanov's preferred 10.Na4
is a worthy alternative. $gWhite$b's goal is to advance the e-$gpawn$b, and to
do this he must somehow release the pressure at d4.]
10...Na5
[ 10...exd5 11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.Rd1 followed by e3-e4 gives a clear $gadvantage$b
to $gWhite$b.]
11.Ba4+ Bd7
[$gWhite$b has achieved quite a lot, but wouldn't it be great if he also had a
$grook$b on an open d-$gfile$b? With this idea in mind, we can easily see how
Alekhine creates one of his impressive $gcombination$bs.]
12.dxe6
.QUIZ 12.dxe6
12...fxe6
[ 12...Bxa4 13.exf7+ Kxf7 14.Nxa4 ]
13.Rd1
[And here we are! The advance d4-d5 has borne delicious fruit! 13.Bxd7+ Qxd7
14.Rd1 Qc6! 15.Nb1 Be7=]
13...bxc3
[ 13...Be7 14.Bxd7+ Nxd7 15.Ne5 Ra7 16.Qh5+ g6 17.Nxg6 and $gWhite$b wins.]
14.Rxd7!!
[Alekhine describes this as the highpoint of the $gcombination$b. The main
reason why the $gWhite$b $gattack$b is consequential is the position of the
Na5 which cannot participate in the play.]
14...Nxd7 15.Ne5 Ra7 16.bxc3
[Taking stock of the position, it is clear that if the Bc1 can get into play
then $gBlack$b will be in serious difficulty.]
16...Ke7
[A strange looking move, but the alternatives are not pleasant. If 16...Be7 or
16...Bd6, then 17.Qh5+ is sufficient.]
17.e4!
[This sets up tricks with Bg5+.]
17...Nf6 18.Bg5
[And now Qh5+ is in the air.]
18...Qc7 19.Bf4 Qb6 20.Rd1 g6
[ 20...Nb7 21.Nc4 or  20...Ra8 21.Bg5 Rd8 22.Nd7 Qc7 23.e5 or  20...Rg8 21.Bg5
h6 22.Qh5]
21.Bg5 Bg7 22.Nd7!
[The decisive, thematic thrust that brings the game to a swift conclusion.]
.QUIZ 22.Nd7
22...Rxd7 23.Rxd7+ Kf8 24.Bxf6 Bxf6 25.e5
[and $gBlack$b resigned, rather than walk into the obvious line:]
25...Qb1+ 26.Rd1 Qf5 27.exf6 Qxf6 28.Qxa6 Qxc3 29.Qxe6
[to which there is simply no defence.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT AVRO
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1938
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Bd3 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.Ne2 Qb6 8.Nf3 cxd4
9.cxd4 Bb4+ 10.Kf1 Be7?!
[In this $gsharp$b line of the French, $gopening$b lines with 10...f6 is a
wiser move.]
11.a3 Nf8 12.b4 Bd7 13.Be3 Nd8?!
[$gBlack$b does have a plan: to play Bb5 and $gexchange$b the light-squared
$gbishop$bs. But this is easily parried, and turns out to be just a waste of
time.]
14.Nc3! a5
[$gBlack$b challenges White's $gqueenside$b formation and $gforce$bs White to
determine his short-term plans. Alekhine decides to plant a $gpawn$b at b5.]
15.Na4 Qa7 16.b5
[Now the scope of the Bd7 is severely limited, and $gBlack$b's plan, beginning
with 13...Nd8?!, is exposed as faulty.]
16...b6
[The picture is quite different from that of two moves ago. With the
$gqueenside$b secured, White now turns his attention to the $gkingside$b.]
17.g3!
[In order to achieve results on the $gkingside$b, White may need to use both
$grook$bs, so he takes time out to prepare a nice safe $ghole$b for his
$gking$b. Alekhine always prepared his $gattack$bs well. That's why he was
able to play so many $gcombination$bs]
17...f5 18.Kg2 Nf7 19.Qd2!
[Alekhine is not so captivated by his own plan that he forgets to keep an eye
on his opponent! Capablanca was preparing g7-g5 and Nf8-g6. This must be
stopped!]
19...h6 20.h4 Nh7 21.h5!
[Excellent judgement! Alekhine sees that the enemy $gknight$b will get to e4,
but reasons that the $ghole$b at g6 will be more important.]
21...Nfg5 22.Nh4 Ne4 23.Qb2 Kf7
[ 23...Bxh4 24.gxh4! keeps $gcontrol$b of $gcritical square$bs on the
$gkingside$b, and now 25.f3 will prove fatal to the Ne4.]
24.f3 Neg5
[Looking at the position, we can see that if the Pf5 were out of the way White
could launch a powerful $gattack$b. Alekhine wastes no time in achieving this
goal .]
25.g4! fxg4 26.Bg6+!
[A useful interpolation, which cuts off the communication of the enemy
$grook$bs.]
26...Kg8 27.f4 Nf3?!
[More resistant was 27...Nf7, but after 28.Bd3 $gBlack$b would still have been
in deep trouble. ]
28.Bxh7+! Rxh7 29.Ng6 Bd8 30.Rac1!
[Such a $gquiet move$b is easy to miss. But if $gWhite$b had left the c-
$gfile$b unguarded, $gBlack$b might have been able to establish some
$gcounterplay$b by swinging his heavy artillery there.]
30...Be8 31.Kg3!
[His majesty attends to the invasive $gknight$b personally! The $gthreat$b is
simply Kxg4 and Kxf3.]
31...Qf7 32.Kxg4 Nh4
[ 32...Ng5 33.fxg5 Qf5+ 34.Kg3 and the $gking$b is perfectly safe, while the
$gWhite$b $grook$bs aim for the f-$gfile$b.]
33.Nxh4 Qxh5+ 34.Kg3 Qf7 35.Nf3 h5
[Capablanca exceeded the time limit here, but his position was hopeless in any
event.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Potemkin
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT St. Petersburg
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1912
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.Ne2 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6 6.Na3?
[Knights do not belong at the edge of the board!]
6...d5 7.exd5 Nxd5 8.Nc2
[This is a very artificial formation, with a big $ghole$b at d3.]
8...O-O 9.d4 cxd4 10.cxd4 Bg4
[This $gpin$b of the $gknight$b is annoying, since it undermines the
protection of the $gisolated pawn$b at d4. So $gWhite$b $gbreak$bs it, but
this creates a weakness in the critical area surrounding the $gWhite$b
$gking$b.]
11.f3 Bf5 12.Ne3 Qa5+ 13.Kf2 Ndb4
[Now we can see the significance of the weak square at d3. The $gknight$b will
occupy the square with $gcheck$b, and this will interrupt the d-$gfile$b, so
that the $gpawn$b at d4 is vulnerable.]
14.Nxf5 Qxf5 15.g4 Nd3+ 16.Kg3
[The $gpawn$b at d4 keeps both $gknight$b and $gbishop$b from joining in the
$gattack$b. With this in mind, Alekhine unleashes a powerful $gcombination$b.]
16...Nxd4!! 17.gxf5 Nxf5+
[$gBlack$b resigned, since $gmate$b is inevitable.]
18.Kg4 h5+ 19.Kh3 Nf2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Rodzynski
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1913
.OPENING Hungarian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 d6 4.c3 Bg4 5.Qb3 Qd7 6.Ng5 Nh6
[This $gdevelopment$b of the knight at the edge of the board is justified
because the f7-square is protected and with a $gpawn$b at d2 and $gknight$b at
g5, $gWhite$b can't arrange to $gcapture$b the $gknight$b with the $gbishop$b
at c1.]
7.Bxf7+
[This $gsacrifice$b is motivated by the weakness of the $gpawn$b at b7, which
will be $gcapture$bd after the $gexchange$bs at f7 are completed.]
7...Nxf7 8.Nxf7 Qxf7 9.Qxb7
[Things look bad for $gBlack$b, whose $gknight$b and $grook$b are $gattack$bed
by the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b. But the White $gking$b is $gdefense$bless, and
this allows Alekhine to give up the $grook$b.]
9...Kd7!
[The $gking$b is perfectly safe here, and the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b will be out
of play in the corner.]
10.Qxa8 Qc4!
[$gBlack$b is going to use the weakness of the light squares to set up a
mating net.]
11.f3
[This locks out the $gbishop$b, but by sacrificing another $gpiece$b $gBlack$b
can dominate the light squares with the $gqueen$b.]
11...Bxf3 12.gxf3 Nd4!
[This exploits the $gpin$b on the c-$gfile$b and threatens $gmate$b at e2.]
13.d3 Qxd3
[Now there is no more $gpin$b on the c-$gfile$b.]
14.cxd4 Be7!! 15.Qxh8
[ 15.h4 Rxa8]
15...Bh4++
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Reshevsky
.EVENT Kemeri
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1937
.OPENING Alekhine
1.e4 Nf6
[Alekhine plays $gWhite$b against the $gdefense$b named after him! But there
is little of interest in this game until move 32.]
2.e5 Nd5 3.Nf3 d6 4.d4 Bg4 5.c4 Nb6 6.Be2 dxe5 7.Nxe5 Bxe2 8.Qxe2 Qxd4 9.O-O
N8d7 10.Nxd7 Nxd7 11.Nc3 c6 12.Be3 Qe5 13.Rad1 e6 14.Qf3 O-O-O 15.Bxa7 Qa5
16.Bd4 Qf5 17.Qg3 e5 18.Be3 Bb4 19.Na4 Ba5 20.f4 Bc7 21.b3 f6 22.fxe5 Qe6
23.h3 Rhg8 24.Bd4 Nxe5 25.Qc3 Nd7 26.c5 Rge8 27.b4 Nb8 28.Nb6+ Bxb6 29.cxb6
Qxa2 30.Qg3 Rd7 31.Bc5 Qf7 32.Ra1
[Alekhine seizes the open $gfile$b, $gthreat$bening to move the $grook$b to
the 8th $grank$b, $gpin$bning and winning the $gBlack$b $gknight$b.]
32...Qg6
[$gBlack$b responds by trying to $gexchange$b queens and eliminate the
threat.]
33.Qh2
[$gWhite$b preserves his $gqueen$b -- and the $gthreat$bs!]
33...Re5
[By placing this rook on the $gdiagonal$b, $gblock$bing the White queen from
acting on the b8 square, Reshevsky thinks that he has solved his problems. But
the $gback rank$b has become weak. How can White exploit this?]
34.Ra8
.QUIZ 34.Ra8
[First he $gpin$bs the $gknight$b.]
34...Rd2
[$gBlack$b fails to appreciate the danger, though it was probably too late to
save the game anyway. Can you find the $gwinning move$b?]
35.Rxb8+!
.QUIZ 35.Rxb8+
[This $gsacrifice$b of a $grook$b for a $gknight$b sets up a mating net.]
35...Kxb8
[We can now see that the $gBlack$b $gking$b would be $gcheck$bmated if we
could get a rook or $gqueen$b to the 8th $grank$b. This can be accomplished by
means of a $gsacrifice$b. See if you can find it. ]
36.Qxe5+ fxe5 37.Rf8+
[and $gBlack$b resigned because $gmate$b is inevitable.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Bogoljubow
.EVENT World Championship (4)
.THEME {S18, S8}
.DATE 1934
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bd3 Nbd7 6.f4 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 Bb7
9.Nf3 a6 10.a4
[The obvious move would have been to castle here.]
10...b4 11.Ne2 c5 12.O-O Be7 13.a5
[$gWhite$b is driving on the wrong side of the road! He should be acting on
the $gkingside$b.]
13...O-O 14.Ng3 g6
[A good defensive move, which keeps the f-$gpawn$b from advancing.]
15.Qe2 cxd4 16.exd4 Nb8 17.Ne5
[This is a $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b, but it is well-motivated because $gBlack$b
has not completed his $gdevelopment$b yet.]
17...Nc6
[Bogoljubow declines, appreciating the value of $gdevelopment$b.]
18.Nxc6 Bxc6 19.Bc4
[Alekhine later admitted that he should have just grabbed the $gpawn$b at a6.]
19...Bb7 20.Be3
[Here $gBlack$b could have obtained an excellent position by establishing a
$gblockade$b at d5 with 20...Nd5. Instead, he regroups.]
20...Qd6 21.Rad1 Rfe8 22.b3 Bf8 23.Rd3
[An ugly move, $gbreak$bing off the communication on the a6-f1 $gdiagonal$b.
But Alekhine, recognizing his difficult position, starts swimming. That is, he
makes seemingly aimless moves to confuse the opponent.]
23...Qc7
[$gBlack$b should have $gattack$bed down the h-$gfile$b with 23...h5!, but the
ugly $grook$b at d3 may get to the g-$gfile$b or h-file, so he refrains.
$gWhite$b continues to tread water.]
24.Qa2 Bd6 25.Bd2 Qc6 26.Be1 Rad8 27.Rd2
[$gWhite$b's position has become very artificial, and the Be1 and Qa2 look
particularly misplaced. But the awkwardness of his moves is confusing
Bogoljubow.]
27...Be7
[This was a major error. $gBlack$b should be $gattack$bing on the
$gkingside$b, and so the $gbishop$b should have moved to b8, keeping
pressure on the long $gdiagonal$b, and moving to the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b when
needed there.]
28.Qb2 Rd7 29.Rc2
[$gWhite$b's "swimming" maneuvers have paid off, though he is not out of the
water yet. Still, his $gpiece$bs are much better coordinated here.]
29...Qd6
[$gBlack$b could have kept the $gadvantage$b with 29...Ng4!]
30.Ne2 Nd5
[Much too late. Bogoljubow should have tried to get back to the previous note
by playing 30...Qc6 31.Ng3 Ng4!]
31.Qc1
[$gWhite$b occupies the important c-$gfile$b. The swimming is over and
Alekhine now plays with purpose. Finally he will be able to set his sights on
the $gkingside$b.]
31...Bd8 32.Bg3
[$gThreat$bening f4-f5.]
32...Qe7 33.Ra2 Qf6 34.Qd2 Qf5
[$gBlack$b has $gblock$baded the f-$gpawn$b, but the $gqueen$b is too heavy a
$gpiece$b for this purpose. Now the players drift into time-trouble for a
while.]
35.Bd3 Qf6 36.Bc4 Be7 37.Qd3 Red8 38.Be1 Qf5 39.Qd2 Qe4 40.Bd3 Qe3+ 41.Bf2
[This was the sealed move. The game was $gadjourned$b at this point, and
Alekhine had some time to work out his strategy.]
41...Qxd2 42.Rxd2 Rc8 43.Bc4
[A good move. The idea is to cut off the c-$gfile$b so that the $grook$bs can
be repositioned onto it.]
43...Kg7 44.g3 Rcd8 45.Rc1 h6 46.Bd3 f5 47.Rdc2
[$gWhite$b now has $gcontrol$b of the only open $gfile$b.]
47...g5
[A terrible move, but it is hard to blame Bogoljubow, who just didn't see the
brilliant reply.]
48.g4
[A strong move which opens up the $gkingside$b and makes the previously
useless $gbishop$b at d3 into a fighting weapon on the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b.]
48...Nxf4
[ 48...gxf4 49.gxf5 exf5 50.Bxf5]
49.Nxf4 gxf4 50.gxf5 e5
[ 50...exf5 51.Bxf5 Rd5 52.Rc7]
51.Re1
[A final brilliant move, preparing a finishing $gcombination$b.]
51...exd4
[Now $gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs both open $gfile$bs and can $gforce$b a
simplification which leads to a $gwinning position$b.]
52.Rxe7+ Rxe7 53.Bh4 Kf7 54.Bxe7 Kxe7 55.Rc7+ Rd7
[$gBlack$b has no choice, but now the f-$gpawn$b advances.]
56.f6+ Ke8 57.Bg6+ Kd8 58.f7 Kxc7 59.f8Q f3 60.Qxb4 Rd6 61.Bd3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Bruse
.EVENT Plimont 1938
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1938
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Nf3 dxe4
[$gBlack$b does better to hold onto his $gcenter$b $gpawn$b by 3...Bg4.]
4.Nxe4 Bf5 5.Ng3 Bg6
[He had to play 5...Bg4. Now he will lose to much time because the $gbishop$b
is a target on g6.]
6.h4 h6
[Otherwise $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b after 7.h5.]
7.Ne5 Bh7
[$gBlack$b doesn't want his $gkingside$b to get mangled after 7...Nf6 8.Nxg6
fxg6, but that would be no worse than what happens now.]
8.Qh5 g6 9.Bc4 e6
[$gBlack$b's last two moves have been $gforce$bd to avoid $gmate$b on f7. Now
his $gbishop$b is buried and his $gkingside$b is weak.]
10.Qe2 Nf6
[Missing the point of $gWhite$b's last move. He should have played 10...Qe7 or
Qc7 but $gWhite$b would keep a big edge.]
11.Nxf7 Kxf7 12.Qxe6+
[So $gWhite$b $gmate$bs on f7 after all.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Breyer
.EVENT Vienna
.THEME {S19}
.DATE 1921
.OPENING Nimzowitsch
1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4
[A thoroughly $ghypermodern$b approach. $gBlack$b allows $gWhite$b to
establish a big $gcenter$b, and now launches an $gattack$b against it.]
3...e5! 4.dxe5
[ 4.Nf3 would have led to the boring territory of the Scotch Four
$gKnight$bs.]
4...Nxe5 5.f4 Nc6
[$gWhite$b has accepted the invitation and re-established a $gpawn$b centre
with gain of time.]
6.e5?!
[ 6.Bc4! would have been more sensible. Now the centre becomes overextended.]
6...Ng8 7.Bc4
[ 7.Nf3 d6 8.Bb5 Bg4!? 9.h3 Bd7 10.O-O Nh6 11.Qe1 dxe5 12.fxe5 Bc5+ 13.Kh1 Nf5
14.Ne4 Be7 15.Bg5 Bxg5 16.Nfxg5 gives $gWhite$b a promising game.]
7...d6
["Black has achieved an ideal position a la Steinitz and now acts to eliminate
the advanced $gWhite$b $gpawn$b" -- Tartakower.]
8.Nf3 Bg4 9.O-O Qd7 10.Qe1 O-O-O
[Although this move slightly weakens f7, it allows $gBlack$b to act without
restraint on the $gkingside$b.]
11.Ng5 dxe5!
[Well-timed!]
12.Kh1
[ 12.Nxf7? Qd4+ 13.Kh1 Qxc4 14.Nxh8 Bb4┴  12.Bb3!? f6 13.Nf7 Nd4 14.Nxh8 Nxb3
15.axb3 Bc5+ 16.Kh1 exf4 17.Bxf4 g5 18.Bg3 Re8┐ 19.Ne4 Qd4]
12...f6
[ 12...Na5 comes into consideration immediately.]
13.Nf7 Na5! 14.Nxd8
[ 14.Bd5 c6 15.Nxh8 cxd5 16.fxe5 Bb4╛]
14...Nxc4 15.Qe4 Nd6 16.Qb4
[A $gcritical position$b. $gWhite$b is counting on $gBlack$b's capturing at
d8, but Breyer comes up with a brilliant move which leads to a series of
$gexchange$bs which leave $gWhite$b with a hopeless game.]
16...Be7!!
.QUIZ 16...Be7
[ 16...Qxd8,  16...Kxd8,  and  16...Nh6 all fail to 17.fxe5.]
17.fxe5 fxe5 18.Nxb7?!
[ 18.Nc6! was the only chance.]
18...Nxb7 19.Rf8+ Bxf8 20.Qxf8+ Qd8!
[ 20...Nd8? 21.Bg5 h6 22.Bxd8 Qxd8 23.Qxg7 Nf6 24.Ne4! ]
21.Qxg7 Nf6 22.Bg5 Rg8 23.Qh6
[ 23.Qxf6? Rxg5!]
23...Rg6 24.Qh4 Nd6 25.Rf1 Nf5 26.Qxg4 Nxg4 27.Bxd8 Nge3 28.Rf3 Kxd8 29.h3 Rg3
30.Rxg3 Nxg3+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Colle
.EVENT Carlsbad
.THEME {T8}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.d4 e6 3.c4 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 Bxd2+ 7.Nbxd2 d6 8.O-O O-O
9.Re1
[$gWhite$b prepares to take over the $gcenter$b by e4.]
9...Nbd7 10.Qc2
[$gWhite$b feels that, since e4 is inevitable he should wait for $gBlack$b to
committ his $gpiece$bs before committing his own $gpawn$bs.]
10...e5 11.Nxe5
[This $gdiscovered attach$b wins a $gpawn$b. $gBlack$b tries to cut his
losses, but only makes things worse.]
11...Bxg2
[This $gintermediate move$b at least keeps White from taking over the a8-h1
$gdiagonal$b as he would if $gBlack$b took the knight.]
12.Nxd7 Bh3
[But this is one intermediate move too many. $gBlack$b hopes for
$gcounterplay$b around $gWhite$b's $gking$b position, but after:]
13.Nxf8
[He is simply down too much $gmaterial$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Geller
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Zurich
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1953
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 b6 7.Bd3 Bb7 8.f3 Nc6
9.Ne2 O-O 10.O-O Na5
[While White is gearing up for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b, $gBlack$b calmly
wins the $gpawn$b on c4.]
11.e4 Ne8
[$gBlack$b avoids the nasty $gpin$b 12 Bg5 and prepares to meet 12 f4 by
12...f5. White's next move prevents this, but takes another $gtempo$b.]
12.Ng3 cxd4 13.cxd4 Rc8 14.f4 Nxc4 15.f5 f6
[$gBlack$b couldn't let $gWhite$b play 16 f6, when 16...Nxf6 17 Bg5 followed
by 18 Nh5 would be just as bad as 16...gxf6 17.Nh5 and 18 Bh6 or letting
$gWhite$b take on g7.]
16.Rf4
[$gWhite$b gets ready to $gbreak$b in on h7, but Euwe has seen that White will
still be a long way from $gmate$b. While Geller is getting ready to hit h7,
Euwe will get his own $gpiece$bs into position to invade on the
$gqueenside$b.]
16...b5
[Now $gBlack$b has b6 for his $gqueen$b, and it becomes apparent that
$gWhite$b's $gking$b may come under long range fire.]
17.Rh4 Qb6 18.e5 Nxe5 19.fxe6 Nxd3 20.Qxd3 Qxe6 21.Qxh7+ Kf7 22.Bh6
[Now $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 23 Nh5, and it's not clear how $gBlack$b will
stop this but...]
22...Rh8
[Geller must have missed this. $gBlack$b gives up a whole rook just to deflect
the $gqueen$b from c2, and all of a sudden it's $gWhite$b who's getting
$gmate$bd.]
23.Qxh8 Rc2 24.Rc1 Rxg2+ 25.Kf1 Qb3 26.Ke1 Qf3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1957
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 Bb4 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 c5 8.Bd3 Nc6
9.Nge2 cxd4 10.exd4 O-O 11.O-O Be6
[This misplaces the other $gbishop$b, which is now a target for Nf4. He should
try 11...Be7, though $gWhite$b keeps some edge.]
12.Bc2 Be7 13.Nf4 Qb6
[This loses, but $gBlack$b is in trouble after other moves as well since he
can't keep White from getting the Bc2/Qd3 $gbattery$b.]
14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Qd3
[Now $gBlack$b can't play 15...g6 because of 16 Nxe6, so he has to let
$gWhite$b's queen into his $gkingside$b.]
15...Rfd8 16.Rae1
[The $gcheck$b at h7 can't be stopped, so $gWhite$b prepares to take away
$gBlack$b's only $gflight square$b (after Qh7+ Kf8 Qh8+), e7.]
16...Nb4
[After 16...Kh8 $gWhite$b can simply play 17 Qh7.]
17.Qh7+ Kf8 18.a3 Nxc2 19.Ncxd5 Rxd5 20.Nxd5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Keres
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Holland (6)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1939
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4
[Paul Keres, the greatest player to come from Estonia, was probably the best
player never to become World Champion. Here he defeats the reigning title-
holder of the time.]
1...Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 Nc6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bg5! h6 7.Bh4 d6
[The $gpin$b may be annoying, but it cannot easily be broken, as Botvinnik
pointed out: 7...g5? 8.Bg3 g4 9.Nh4 Nxd4 10.Qd2! Nf5 11.Nxf5 exf5 12.Qxh6]
8.e3 Qe7 9.Be2 e5
[$gBlack$b has treated the $gcenter$b with classical respect, and $gWhite$b
must decide whether he should $gcapture$b, advance, or maintain the status
quo.]
10.d5! Nb8
[The correct move. Now that $gWhite$b has conceded $gcontrol$b of c5, that
square will be the natural home for the $gknight$b. From b8 it only takes two
moves to reach c5.]
11.Nd2!
[This move serves many purposes. It $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b on the Nc3, and
overprotects e4. Now if an eventual g7-g4, $gBlack$b cannot gain more time
with g5-g4. White will also be able to $gattack$b with a $gpawnstorm$b on the
$gkingside$b.]
11...Nbd7 12.O-O a5 13.Rae1!
[The Rf1 should remain in place because it supports the advance of the f-
$gpawn$b. There is no need to worry about action on the $gqueenside$b, because
White's $gpiece$bs enjoy such freedom of movement that they can switch sides
quickly.]
13...Re8
[This is aimed at preventing $gWhite$b from going after the weak square c7
with Nc3-b5. 13...Nc5 would have been consistent with $gBlack$b's plans and
might have been better than the text.]
14.f4
[ 14.Nb5 Bxd2 15.Qxd2 Ne4 16.Qc2 Qxh4 17.Nxc7 Qd8 18.Nxa8 Ndc5 and the
$gknight$b is $gtrap$bped.]
14...Bxc3 15.Qxc3 Ne4 16.Nxe4 Qxh4 17.g3 Qe7
[Now $gWhite$b must think of a plan. Clearly his $gbishop$b is not a long-
term asset, and if $gBlack$b plays f5-f5, it will be difficult to
$gexchange$b.]
18.Bg4!
[This assures that the $gbishop$bs will come off the board, and then the
$gpawn structure$b will favor $gWhite$b. The $gthreat$b of 19.Bxd7 Bxd7 20.f5!
is quite strong and therefore $gBlack$b must $gexchange$b both sets of $gminor
piece$bs.]
18...Nf6
[ 18...Nf8? 19.Bxc8 Raxc8 20.f5 secures a significant spatial $gadvantage$b.]
19.Nxf6+ Qxf6 20.Bxc8 Raxc8
[After avoiding 21.Qxa5? exf4!, $gWhite$b must reconfigure his position so
that his $grook$bs will be effective on an $gopen line$b. Which $gfile$b?]
21.Rf2!
[This exploits the $gpin$b on e5, since the double-rook $gendgame$bs favor
White. Now Keres will gain more space on the $gkingside$b by playing f4-f5,
after which he can concentrate on the $gqueenside$b.]
21...b6 22.Ref1 Qg6 23.f5! Qf6 24.e4!
[Given the fact that $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs enjoy superior $gmobility$b, it is
possible for him to preserve chances on both sides of the board by locking the
$gcenter$b. The threat of a $gkingside$b pawn storm will trouble $gBlack$b for
some time.]
24...c6?!
[This approach to the problem is too radical, or at least premature, since
White has not yet weakened his $gqueenside$b by advancing the $gpawn$bs
there.]
25.dxc6 Rxc6
[Now $gWhite$b has opened some lines and useful light squares, and $gBlack$b
now has to defend the weaknesses at b6 and d6. But $gBlack$b $gthreat$bens
26...b5!]
26.a4! Kf8 27.Rd1 Rec8 28.b3 Ke7
[$gBlack$b has now secured his $gqueenside$b, but the $gkingside$b is defended
only by the queen. Before undertaking action there, White will have to bring
his own $gqueen$b into play and ensure that his $grook$bs can move freely on
the f- and g-$gfile$bs.]
29.Qf3 Kd7 30.h4 Kc7 31.Kf1!
[The $gking$b crawls out of the way, so that the $grook$bs can do their job.]
31...Kb7 32.Ke2 R8c7 33.Rh2 Qd8 34.g4 f6 35.Rg2 Rc8
[It is easy to see that the only way $gWhite$b can win is by a properly timed
g4-g5 but at the same time he must make sure that $gBlack$b is tied to the
$gdefense$b of d6]
36.Rg3 Qd7 37.Qd3! Qf7 38.Rh1 Rh8 39.Rhh3 Rcc8!
[$gBlack$b now offers the d6-$gpawn$b as a $gsacrifice$b, since he will
receive more than enough $gcompensation$b if $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b is
granted to him. But $gWhite$b correctly keeps the position closed in the
$gcenter$b, and $gbreak$bs on the $gkingside$b.]
40.g5! hxg5 41.hxg5 Qc7
[ 41...Rxh3 42.Rxh3 fxg5 would allow $gWhite$b to $gcapture$b at d6, since the
d-$gfile$b could not be contested.]
42.Qd5+ Ka7 43.Rd3 Rxh3
[The $gsealed$b move. The alternative was to go into a $grook$b $gendgame$b.
43...fxg5 44.Rxh8 Rxh8 45.Qxd6 Qxd6 46.Rxd6 Rh4 47.Kf3 Rh3+ 48.Kg4 Rxb3
49.Rd7+ Ka6 50.Rxg7 and the f-$gpawn$b decides.]
44.Rxh3 fxg5 45.Rh7!
[The $gthreat$b of f5-f6 $gforce$bs $gBlack$b to adopt a passive $gdefense$b,
and that allows the $gWhite$b $gking$b to take an active part in the game.]
45...Qe7 46.Kf3 Rf8 47.Kg4 Rf7
[$gWhite$b has achieved a lot, but he must now find a way to exploit his
spatial $gadvantage$b. He needs $gopen line$bs against the $gBlack$b
$gking$b!]
48.b4! axb4
[ 48...Qc7 49.bxa5 bxa5 50.Rh8  or 48...Qb7 49.Qxb7+ Kxb7 50.b5  is hopeless
for $gBlack$b.]
49.a5!
[$gWhite$b relentlessly $gforce$bs $gopen line$bs, knowing that the $grook$b
on h7 only appears to be out of play. In fact, it can get to the $gqueenside$b
in two moves, via h8 or h1.]
49...Qb7 50.axb6+ Kxb6 51.Qxd6+ Ka7 52.Qxe5 b3 53.Rh3!
[A fine move, which prevents the advance of the b-$gpawn$b because of Ra3+.
Now $gBlack$b cannot afford to $gexchange$b queens, as when the b-pawn falls
the $gendgame$b is a trivial win for $gWhite$b.]
53...Rf6 54.Qd4+ Rb6 55.Rxb3!
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Speyer
.EVENT Holland Championship
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 c6 4.c4 e6 5.Nbd2
[5.Nc3 is more common.]
5...c5 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.O-O b6
[$gBlack$b should have attended to his $gkingside$b $gdevelopment$b.]
8.cxd5 exd5 9.e4
[Since $gBlack$b is not ready to castle, the $gopening$b of the e-$gfile$b is
the logical plan.]
9...Bb7 10.exd5 Bxd5 11.Re1+ Be7
[ 11...Be6 12.Bc4]
12.dxc5 Nxc5
[ 12...bxc5 13.Qe2 with a nasty $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b.]
13.Bb5+ Kf8
[There will be no $gcastling$b.]
14.b3 Bb7 15.Bb2 Nd3 16.Bxd3 Qxd3 17.Rc1 Rd8
[$gThreat$bening Bxf3. But Euwe responds with a nice $gsacrifice$b.]
18.Rxe7 Bxf3
[ 18...Kxe7 19.Ba3+ Ke8 20.Qe1+ Ne4 21.Rc7 Rd7 22.Rxb7 Rxb7 23.Nxe4 The
$gthreat$b of $gdiscovered check$b $gforce$bs the win of additional
$gmaterial$b.]
19.Ba3
[Now Euwe $gsacrifice$bs the $gqueen$b, though this, too, must be declined.]
19...Qa6
[ 19...Bxd1 20.Re3+ Kg8 21.Rxd3 Rxd3 22.Rc8+]
20.Rcc7
[The $gqueen$b remains under $gattack$b, but it still cannot be $gcapture$bd.]
20...Qxa3
[ 20...Bxd1 21.Rxf7+ Kg8 22.Rxg7++]
21.Rxf7+ Ke8
[ 21...Kg8 22.Rxg7+ Kf8 23.Rcf7+ Ke8 24.Qe1+]
22.Qe1+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Timofeyev
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 Bb4+ 6.Nc3 a6 7.Qc2 Nfd7 8.e4 Nc6
9.Be3
[$gWhite$b has complete $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b, which will provide the
basis for an $gattack$b. The 17-year old Botvinnik shows that he understands
the $gopening$b well.]
9...Na5
[His opponent lacks such wisdom, and violates $gopening$b principles by
failing to continue with $gdevelopment$b.]
10.Bd3 Nb6 11.a3 Bd6 12.Rd1 O-O
[Finally! But now this loses a $gpawn$b immediately.]
13.e5 Be7 14.Bxh7+ Kh8 15.Qe4 g6
[Does $gBlack$b think the $gbishop$b is $gtrap$bped?]
16.Bxg6 fxg6 17.Qxg6
[And now the $gBlack$b $gking$b is hopelessly exposed.]
17...Rf5 18.d5
[This move contains many $gthreat$bs, from the $gdiscovered attach$b on
the $gqueen$b with 19.dxe6, which also removes the defender from the
$grook$b, and also there is a threat to $gcapture$b at b6 and create a
$gpassed pawn$b with d5-d6.]
18...Nxd5 19.Nxd5 exd5 20.e6 Rf6 21.Bd4
[The $gpin$b $gforce$bs the win of $gmaterial$b.]
21...Bxe6 22.Ng5
[And now $gmate$b is $gthreat$bened.]
22...Bg8 23.Qh6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Abramovic
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING Dutch
1.d4 f5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 b6
[$gBlack$b aims his queen $gbishop$b at the $gkingside$b, also further
restraining e4 by $gWhite$b.]
5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 Bb7 7.Bd3 O-O 8.O-O Ne4
[So $gBlack$b occupies this $gkey$b square, hoping the $gknight$b will support
a $gkingside$b $gattack$b, while simultaneously encouraging White to trade off
his most active $gpiece$b.]
9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Rc1
[$gWhite$b doesn't want to trade on e4, which would give $gBlack$b both the
open f-$gfile$b and a cramping $gpawn$b on e4, and he also doesn't want
$gBlack$b to leave him with doubled c-$gpawn$bs, but this move wastes time.]
10...Na6
[$gBlack$b connects his $grook$bs while supporting both c7 and c5 in the event
$gWhite$b tries to $gbreak$b on the c-$gfile$b.]
11.a3
[Losing more time.]
11...Rf6
[$gBlack$b brings the heavy artillery to bear against White's $gkingside$b.]
12.Qa4
[After this White is lost; his queen is cut off from the $gkingside$b, and
$gBlack$b will trade off his only good defensive $gpiece$b there, the
$gknight$b on f3.]
12...Nxc3 13.Rxc3 Bxf3 14.Qxa6
[White thinks he is keeping his $gkingside$b intact by not taking on f3, but
the $gbishop$b is a one $gpiece$b mating net while the $gknight$b had nothing
to do with the $gattack$b. $gWhite$b would still be lost after: 14.gxf3 Rg6+
15.Kh1 Qg5 And White has no defence to the $gmate$b on g2.]
14...Rg6 15.g3 Qg5
[Good enough, but $gBlack$b could win faster by 15...Qh4.]
16.Re1 Qh5 17.e4 Qxh2+
.QUIZ 17...Qxh2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kan
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT USSR Championship
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bb6 5.a4 a6 6.Nc3 Nf6 7.Nd5
[$gWhite$b grabs some $gspace$b in the $gcenter$b and offers his opponent a
$gpawn$b. $gBlack$b takes the bait but soon finds himself swamped in the
middle.]
7...Nxe4 8.O-O O-O 9.d3 Nf6
[Botvinnik must have felt that with his $gking$b out of the $gcenter$b there
was no danger, but he quickly realizes that this is not the case.]
10.Bg5 d6 11.Nd2
[Kan uses his lead in $gdevelopment$b to gang up on f6. If White can occupy
f6, $gmate$b will follow effortlessly. Botvinnik tries heroically to stop
this, but the cost is too high.]
11...Bg4 12.Bxf6 Qc8 13.Nxb6 cxb6 14.f3 Be6 15.Bh4 Nxb4 16.Be7 Qc5+ 17.Kh1
Rfe8 18.Ne4 Qc6 19.Bxd6
[Even Botvinnik, a pioneer of dynamic play, could lose like one of Morphy's
opponents when he broke the rules in an $gopen game$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Batuyev
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1930
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 dxc4 8.Bxc4 c5
9.O-O cxd4 10.exd4 Nb6 11.Bb3 Nbd5 12.Ne5 Nd7 13.Bxe7 Nxe7 14.Qe2 Nf6 15.Rfd1
b6 16.Rac1 Bb7 17.f3 Rc8
[$gBlack$b seems to have a lot of $gpiece$bs guarding the $gking$b, but
$gWhite$b sees that the e6-square is very weak, and by investing a $gpiece$b
he can crack open the enemy position.]
18.Nxf7 Rxf7 19.Qxe6!
[Capturing with the $gbishop$b would have $gfork$bed $gBlack$b's $grook$bs,
but this is even stronger, keeping a super-$gpin$b on the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.
$gBlock$bing the $gdiagonal$b will not help $gBlack$b, as the following series
of $gcapture$bs demonstrates: 19.Qxe6 Ned5 20.Nxd5 Nxd5 21.Bxd5 Bxd5 22.Rxc8
Bxe6 23.Rxd8+ Rf8 24.Rxf8+ Kxf8 25.d5]
19...Qf8 20.Ne4
[It is to White's $gadvantage$b to $gexchange$b pieces, since he can always
recover his $gmaterial$b investment with interest by capturing at f7.]
20...Rxc1 21.Rxc1 Nfd5
[ 21...Nxe4 22.fxe4 White has two very powerful $gpassed pawn$bs.]
22.Nd6
[This adds even more pressure to the $gpin$b, while also $gattack$bing the
$gbishop$b at b7 .]
22...Ba8 23.Re1
[A subtle move which exploits the power of the $gpin$b. After $gexchange$bs at
f7, the $gking$b will wind up there, and so the $gknight$b at d5 will be
$gpin$bned. Therefore the $gknight$b at e7 will lack support.]
23...g6 24.Nxf7 Qxf7 25.Qxe7!
[A $gvariation$b on the theme. $gBlack$b resigned because capturing the
$gqueen$b with either $gpiece$b will lead to a lost position:]
25...Nxe7
[ 25...Qxe7 26.Rxe7]
26.Rxe7! Bd5 27.Rxf7 Bxf7 28.Bxf7+ Kxf7 29.Kf2
[The $gking$b and $gpawn$b $gendgame$b is a simple win with two extra pawns in
hand.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Breitman
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1931
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.g3 O-O 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.Nge2 Bg4 8.f3 Bd7
9.Be3 Qc8 10.g4 e5 11.d5 Na5 12.b3 b6 13.Qd2 Nb7 14.Bg5 Nc5 15.Ng3 a6 16.h4 b5
[White $gattack$bs on the $gkingside$b and $gBlack$b counterattacks on the
$gqueenside$b. But now White puts and end to $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b
aspirations.]
17.b4 Nb7 18.cxb5 axb5 19.h5
[The $gattack$b can now proceed without interruption.]
19...c5 20.dxc6 Bxc6 21.Bh6 Qc7 22.Rc1 Qe7
[$gBlack$b is trying to defend, but now Botvinnik delivers the crowning blow.]
23.Nf5
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you do not see what happens on 23...gxf5, try to play this against
Gambit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Savitsky
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1932
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3
[This is an uncommon line against the Nimzoindian, though it does appear from
time to time.]
4...c5 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 Nd4
[There is a trick here. What happens if $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b?
]
8.Qa4 Bxc3+ 9.bxc3
[Tripled $gpawn$bs are usually weak, but since $gWhite$b has an extra pawn, it
is OK. Of more concern is the fact that none of the $gkingside$b pieces are
$gdeveloped$b and White has not castled. In fact, he won't do so until the
penultimate move!]
9...Nf5 10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.Rc1 Qg5
[$gAttack$bing the $grook$b at c1. But $gBlack$b should have played more
solidly. 11...Qe7 12.Qa5 d6]
12.Qa3 b6 13.Nf3 Qe7 14.g4
[Now the $gknight$b has no choice.]
14...Nh4 15.Nxh4 Qxh4 16.Bg2
[The power of a $gbishop$b on an open $gdiagonal$b is impressive. Now the game
is won, since $gBlack$b will lose more $gpawn$bs without $gcompensation$b.]
16...Rb8 17.Qxa7 Qg5 18.O-O
[ 18.Qxb8 Qxc1++ would have been embarrassing for $gWhite$b!]
18...Qe5 19.cxb6
[$gBlack$b has no $gdefense$b against the advancing $gpawn$bs, and so he
resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Menchik
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {T12}
.DATE 1934
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 Nd5 7.Bxc4 Nxf4 8.exf4
[White has $gdoubled pawns$b, but they $gcontrol$b important squares, and he
enjoys a big lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
8...Bd6 9.g3 O-O 10.O-O Nf6 11.Qe2 b6 12.Rfd1 Bb7
[$gBlack$b's only accomplishment is the establishment of $gcontrol$b over the
long $gdiagonal$b, but she has no support for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.
Still, this position was already known to theory from one of Capablanca's
games.]
13.Rac1 Qe7
[13...a6 had previously been played, but that was too slow, allowing $gWhite$b
to $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b.]
14.a3 Rfd8 15.Ne5 c5 16.Nb5 cxd4 17.Nxd4 Bxe5
[A mistake. The $gbishop$b should have moved to c5.]
18.Qxe5
[Now $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens Nf5 followed by Nd6.]
18...Qd6 19.Bb3 Qxe5 20.fxe5 Ne8
[$gBlack$b defends both c7 and d6. But her $gforce$bs are in no position to
guard the $gpawn$bs at f7 and e6, which now become targets as $gWhite$b
advances the f-pawn.]
21.f4 a6 22.Kf2 Kf8
[22...Bd5 would have been a better $gdefense$b. The $gcontrol$b of the long
$gdiagonal$b cannot bring any real benefits.]
23.f5 Bd5 24.fxe6 Bxb3
[$gBlack$b seems to have everything under $gcontrol$b, as after $gWhite$b
$gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b with the knight then the pawn on e6 can be
recaptured. But White has a powerful intermediate move based on a $gfork$b at
c6.]
25.e7+
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, not waiting for the inevitable end.]
25...Kxe7 26.Nc6+ Kf8 27.Rxd8 Rxd8 28.Nxd8 Bd5 29.Nc6
[And $gWhite$b's $gadvantage$b is sufficient for victory.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Spielmann
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1935
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5 Qb6
[The $gqueen$b gets exposed here. $gBlack$b should play quietly with 6...e6.]
7.cxd5 Qxb2
[7...Nxd4 loses a $gpiece$b. After the text move $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b is in
hot water.]
8.Rc1 Nb4 9.Na4 Qxa2 10.Bc4 Bg4
[10...Qa3 loses to 11 Ra1.]
11.Nf3
[Avoiding 11 f3 Qxf3.]
11...Bxf3 12.gxf3
[$gBlack$b loses his $gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Budo
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {T8}
.DATE 1938
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6
[This position, known as the Panov $gAttack$b, can arise out of a number of
$gopening$b strategies.]
6.Nf3 Be7 7.Bg5 dxc4 8.Bxc4
[Now the game has $gtranspose$bd into the $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Accepted.
White has an isolated pawn but also enjoys superior $gdevelopment$b.]
8...O-O 9.O-O Nbd7 10.Qe2 Nb6 11.Bb3 Bd7
[This position had already been seen in a World Championship game between
Lasker and Capablanca, in 1921.]
12.Rad1 Bc6 13.Ne5 Bd5
[$gBlack$b has invested a lot of time in this $gbishop$b.]
14.Bc2 Nfd7
[$gBlack$b senses the approaching storm, and tries to reduce the $gattack$bing
$gforce$b via $gexchange$bs.]
15.Bf4 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Bg5 17.Qh5 h6 18.Bg3 Qc7 19.h4 Bd8
[ 19...g6 20.Bxg6 fxg6 21.Qxg6+ Qg7 22.Qxg7+ Kxg7 23.hxg5 hxg5 24.a4 $gWhite$b
has an extra $gpawn$b.]
20.Rd4 Qc5 21.Rg4 f5
[ 21...Kh8 22.Bf4 Be7 23.Bxh6 gxh6 24.Qxh6+]
22.exf6 Rxf6 23.Be5 Bc6
[The stage is set for the finish. If the $gbishop$b were not at e5, then
$gWhite$b could $gcapture$b $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b. With that hint, find the
finish! If you have problems, play it out against $gGambit$b.]
24.Rxg7+
[$gBlack$b resigned because if the $grook$b is $gcapture$bd, then the
$gqueen$b is lost.]
24...Kxg7
[ 24...Kh8 25.Rf7 Kg8 26.Rxf6 Bxf6 27.Qg6+]
25.Bxf6+
.QUIZ 25.Bxf6+
[A $gdiscovered attach$b wins the $gqueen$b.]
25...Bxf6 26.Qxc5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Dubinin
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT USSR Championship
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1939
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.d3
[The normal move is 9.h3, preventing the enemy $gbishop$b from reaching g4.]
9...Na5 10.Bc2 c5 11.Nbd2 Qc7 12.Nf1 h6 13.h3
[We have $gtranspose$bd back to more normal lines of the Spanish Game, except
that usually $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b is at d4 rather than d3.]
13...Be6 14.Ne3 Rad8 15.Nf5
[A typical maneuver. $gBlack$b cannot let the $gknight$b remain in
$gattack$bing position.]
15...Bxf5 16.exf5 Nc6 17.d4 exd4 18.cxd4 d5 19.Be3 Rfe8
20.Rc1 c4
[$gBlack$b has a pleasant position, with a strong $gqueenside$b $ginitiative$b
and $gcontrol$b of $gkey$b squares in the $gcenter$b.]
21.g4 Ne4 22.Bb1 Bd6
[Now it is $gBlack$b who is $gattack$bing on the $gkingside$b, and White has
to be concerned with the $gpawn$b at d4, which requires constant $gdefense$b.]
23.Nh4 Bf4 24.Qf3 Bg5 25.Ng2 Bxe3 26.Qxe3
[ 26.fxe3 Ng5]
26...Re7
[Now $gBlack$b wins $gmaterial$b.]
27.Qf4 Nxd4 28.Qxc7
[Now $gBlack$b wins in two moves. Do you see how? ]
28...Nf3+
.QUIZ 28...Nf3+
29.Kf1 Ned2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Mazel
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S5, T10}
.DATE 1940
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4
[$gWhite$b gains $gspace$b and hopes to discourage $gBlack$b from an eventual
...d5.]
3...c5
[$gBlack$b hopes to proves that d4 is a weakness.]
4.f4
[This gains more $gspace$b in the $gcenter$b but wastes time and weakens his
$gkingside$b.]
4...Nc6 5.Nf3 d5
[So $gBlack$b plays ...d5 after all, reckoning that $gWhite$b's weaknesses and
loss of time allow it.]
6.e5 Ng4 7.cxd5 exd5 8.Qb3
[Playing with fire. Having already made five $gpawn$b moves, $gWhite$b
shouldn't be wasting time with his $gqueen$b.]
8...Nb4
[Covering both d5 and b7 and eyeing the $ghole$b at d3.]
9.a3
[The final loss of time. $gWhite$b doesn't see the real danger of $gBlack$b's
next move.]
9...c4
[Not only gaining time and taking over d3 but opening the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b
as well.]
10.Qa4+
[Losing more time, since the $gqueen$b must go to d1 anyway, though it doesn't
really matter.]
10...Bd7 11.Qd1 Qb6
[$gWhite$b resigned here, since his $gqueen$b can't cover both c2 and f2,
e.g.]
12.d4 cxd3 13.Qd2 Nc2+
.SCORE 0-1


.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bondarevsky
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1941
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bd3 cxd4 6.O-O
[A well-known $ggambit$b line. Usually this $gpawn$b can be $gcapture$bd later
on, though in this game it survives to the end, and delivers the crushing blow
that finishes the game.]
6...Bc5 7.a3
[7.Nbd2 was correct, intending 8.Nb3.]
7...Nge7 8.Nbd2 Ng6 9.Nb3 Bb6 10.Re1 Bd7 11.g3
[ 11.Bxg6 hxg6 12.Nbxd4 Nxd4 13.Nxd4 Qh4]
11...f6 12.Bxg6+ hxg6 13.Qd3
[ 13.Nbxd4 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 fxe5 15.Rxe5 is good for $gWhite$b.]
13...Kf7
[The $gking$b will be quite safe here, and now $gBlack$b's heavy artillery can
be transfered to the h-$gfile$b.]
14.h4
[ 14.exf6 gxf6 15.Nbxd4 Nxd4 16.Nxd4 e5]
14...Qg8
[A very strong move. The idea is to play the $gqueen$b to h7, advance the g-
$gpawn$b, $gexchange$b queens, and use all of the remaining pieces to
$gattack$b the enemy $gking$b.]
15.Bd2 Qh7 16.Bb4 g5 17.Qxh7 Rxh7 18.exf6
[ 18.hxg5 fxe5 19.Nxe5+ Nxe5 20.Rxe5 Bc7 21.Re2 e5 The central $gpawn$bs give
$gBlack$b a decisive $gadvantage$b.]
18...gxf6 19.hxg5 e5 20.gxf6 Kxf6 21.Bd6 Re8 22.Nh4 Rg8 23.Kh2 Bf5 24.Re2 d3
25.Rd2
[ 25.cxd3 Bxd3 26.Rd2 Bc4 27.Nc1 Nd4]
25...dxc2 26.f4 Be3 27.Bxe5+ Nxe5 28.fxe5+ Ke7
[The $gthreat$b is Rxh4+ followed by Bf4+ and $gmate$b in a few moves.]
29.Rf1
[Now all $gBlack$b has to do is decoy the $grook$b away from the f-$gfile$b.]
29...c1Q
[White resigned, because he either loses a rook or gets $gcheck$bmated.]
30.Rxc1
[ 30.Nxc1 Bxd2 31.Rxf5 Bxc1]
30...Rxh4+ 31.gxh4 Bf4+ 32.Kh1 Be4++
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Keres
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1941
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 c5 8.O-O-O
[ 8.e3 cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6 10.Bb5 O-O 11.Nge2 Qb6 $gBlack$b has the
$ginitiative$b.]
8...Bxc3 9.Qxc3 g5 10.Bg3 cxd4 11.Qxd4
[By $gopening$b up the c-$gfile$b, $gBlack$b creates opportunities for
$gattack$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
11...Nc6 12.Qa4 Bf5 13.e3
[White has still not $gdeveloped$b any of the pieces on the $gkingside$b and
therefore it will be hard for those $gpiece$bs (or the $gbishop$b at g3) to
come to the $gdefense$b of the $gking$b.]
13...Rc8 14.Bd3
[ 14.Ne2 a6 15.Nc3 b5 16.Qxa6 b4 17.Bb5 Bd7 18.Nxd5 Nb8+ The $gdiscovered
check$b wins the $gqueen$b.]
14...Qd7 15.Kb1 Bxd3+ 16.Rxd3 Qf5
[This $gpin$b must be broken, but how?]
17.e4
[ 17.Qc2 Nb4]
17...Nxe4
[The $gthreat$b is Nxg3, with a $gdiscovered attach$b on the $grook$b at
d3.]
18.Ka1 O-O 19.Rd1 b5
[This deflects the $gqueen$b from the important d4-square.]
20.Qxb5 Nd4
[Because of the weakness of the $gback rank$b, this knight cannot be
$gcapture$bd.]
21.Qd3 Nc2+ 22.Kb1 Nb4
[$gWhite$b resigned, because there is no $gdefense$b.]
23.Qe2 Nd2+ 24.Ka1 Nc2++
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Zhivtsov
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1943
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5
[This line has become known as the Botvinnik $gVariation$b. In this early
example, the future World Champion defends the $gBlack$b side.]
5...dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5
[White tries to capitalize on the $gpin$b at f6.]
7...h6 8.Bh4 g5
[Now the $gpin$b is broken, but by temporarily sacrificing a $gpiece$b White
can re-establish it.]
9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.Qf3
[$gWhite$b could also have $gcapture$bd the $gknight$b now. Another plan is
11.g3, followed by the $gfianchetto$b of the $gbishop$b at g2, with pressure
on the long $gdiagonal$b.]
11...Bb7 12.exf6 Qb6 13.Qe3 O-O-O
[ 13...c5 14.d5]
14.O-O-O Qa5 15.Kb1 Nb6 16.h4
[$gBlack$b is $gattack$bing on the $gqueenside$b, and White should not be
wasting time advancing the h-$gpawn$b. 16.Be2 was correct.]
16...b4 17.Ne4 c5 18.f3 c3 19.Be2
[ 19.bxc3 Nd5]
19...Bd5 20.a3
[ 20.b3 c2+ 21.Kxc2 Qxa2+ 22.Kd3 Qxb3+ 23.Kd2 Qxe3+ 24.Kxe3 c4]
20...Na4 21.dxc5 Bxc5 22.Nxc5 Nxc5 23.bxc3
[ 23.Rc1 Nb3 24.Rc2 Nd4 25.Qxd4 Ba2+]
23...bxc3 24.Rd3 Qb6+ 25.Kc1 Qb2+ 26.Kd1 Nxd3 27.Bxd3 Bb3+
[$gWhite$b exceeded the time limit here, but his position was hopeless
anyway.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Koblents
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1945
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.b3 b6 9.Bb2
Bb7 10.Qe2 Rc8 11.Rac1 Bd6
[Both sides have $gdeveloped$b in accordance with the principles of the
$gopening$b. Now $gWhite$b takes action to secure more territory in the
$gcenter$b.]
12.e4 dxc4 13.bxc4 e5
[$gBlack$b is not about to permit his opponent to $gcontrol$b the entire
$gcenter$b!]
14.dxe5 Bxe5 15.Rcd1 Qe7 16.Nh4
[White now turns his attention to the $gkingside$b. $gBlack$b should reply
with a sensible move like 16...Rfd8. Instead, he makes a reckless move on the
$gqueenside$b.]
16...Qb4 17.Qc2
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b seems safe, but if the $gbishop$b is dislodged from e5,
then the e-pawn will advance an open up a $gdiagonal$b for the $gbattery$b of
queen and $gbishop$b.]
17...Nc5 18.a3 Qa5 19.Nf5 Rcd8 20.f4 Nxd3 21.Rxd3
[White does not mind this $gexchange$b, since the rook can operate on the
$gkingside$b. $gBlack$b can win a pawn here, and does.]
21...Qc5+ 22.Kh1 Qxc4
[The $gbishop$b at e5 is under $gattack$b, but so is the $grook$b at d3.
$gBlack$b probably anticipated a series of $gexchange$bs on the third
$grank$b, but Botvinnik has a better idea.]
23.fxe5 Rxd3 24.exf6
[The $gattack$b is more important than a small amount of $gmaterial$b.]
24...Rd7
[ 24...Rxc3 25.Ne7+ Kh8 26.fxg7+ Kxg7 27.Bxc3+ f6 28.Bxf6+ Kh6 29.Qd2+ Kh5
30.Qg5+]
25.Qc1 Rfd8
[Now $gWhite$b would like to play Qg5, but there is a small problem -- the
$grook$b at f1 is $gen prise$b.]
26.Rg1
[$gBlack$b resigned, because there was no hope of a successful $gdefense$b.
Try playing the $gBlack$b side against Gambit and you will see why.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Denker
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT USA-USSR Radio match
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1945
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5
hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.exf6 Bb7 12.Be2 Qb6 13.O-O
[Denker was familiar with Botvinnik's experience in this line and was prepared
for this game. Botvinnik was also ready.]
13...O-O-O 14.a4
[But this came as somewhat of a surprise. Still, the move is not very good,
because it allows me to advance my $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs and does little to
disrupt my $gqueenside$b play.]
14...b4 15.Ne4 c5 16.Qb1 Qc7 17.Ng3
[ 17.h4 Bh6]
17...cxd4
[The point of this move is to deflect the $gbishop$b from coverage of the f3-
square.]
18.Bxc4 Qc6 19.f3
[White was forced to accept this weakening of the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b because
19.Bf3 was no longer possible. If there were no $gpawn$b at d4, Botvinnik
could now win the $gbishop$b at g5 by playing Qc5+.]
19...d3 20.Qc1
[Defending the $gbishop$b.]
20...Bc5+ 21.Kh1 Qd6 22.Qf4
[Now $gBlack$b finishes with a fine mating $gcombination$b. Do you see how it
works? ]
22...Rxh2+
.QUIZ 22...Rxh2+
23.Kxh2 Rh8+ 24.Qh4 Rxh4+ 25.Bxh4 Qf4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steiner
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING Dutch
1.d4 e6 2.c4 f5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Be7 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Qc2 d5 8.Nf3 c6
[The Stonewall Dutch is a fighting $gopening$b for $gBlack$b, who slowly
transfers pieces to the $gkingside$b and then $gattack$bs.]
9.O-O Qe8 10.Bf4 Qh5 11.Rae1 Nbd7 12.Nd2 g5 13.Bc7 Ne8
[The $gbishop$b is an important defender of the $gkingside$b, so it must be
eliminated.]
14.Be5 Nxe5 15.dxe5 f4
[Now the dark squares are more vulnerable. Notice the importance of
$gBlack$b's $gpawn$b at d5, which $gcontrol$bs the e4-square so that it cannot
be used by the $gWhite$b $gknight$bs.]
16.gxf4 gxf4 17.Nf3 Kh8
[The g-$gfile$b is needed for $grook$bs.]
18.Kh1 Ng7 19.Qc1
[ If 19.e4 then 19...fxe3 20.fxe3 Nf5 21.Qf2 Rg8 22.Ne2 Qh6]
19...Bd7 20.a3 Rf7 21.b4 Rg8 22.Rg1 Nf5 23.Nd1
[ 23.Qxf4 Ng3+ 24.fxg3 Rxf4 25.gxf4 Be8]
23...Rfg7 24.Qxf4
[ 24.Bf1 Qxf3+ 25.exf3 Rxg1++]
24...Rg4 25.Qd2 Nh4
[The $gknight$b at f3 is the $gkey$b to $gWhite$b's $gdefense$b. By
eliminating it, $gBlack$b secures the victory.]
26.Ne3 Nxf3 27.exf3 Rh4 28.Nf1 Bg5
[Botvinnik was convinced that this victory was due to Denker's lack of
understanding of the ideas of the Dutch $gDefense$b, and this game stands as a
model of appropriate play by $gBlack$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Keres
.EVENT World Championship Tournament
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Re8 7.Ne2 e5 8.Ng3 d6
9.Be2 Nbd7
[Here the knight makes it difficult to develop the $gbishop$b at c8, so
9...Nc6 would have been better.]
10.O-O c5 11.f3 cxd4?
[This is a mistake because there really isn't any chance of creating play
along the c-$gfile$b.]
12.cxd4 Nb6 13.Bb2 exd4 14.e4!
[$gWhite$b takes $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. The d-$gpawn$b can be
recovered later, since it is so weak that there is no way that $gBlack$b will
be able to hold onto it.]
14...Be6 15.Rc1!
[Admirable patience! On 15.Qxd4 Na4 $gBlack$b might have had some
$gcounterplay$b.]
15...Re7 16.Qxd4 Qc7?
[$gBlack$b would have done better to transfer a $gknight$b to c5 via a4. Now
$gWhite$b $gbreak$bs through decisively.]
17.c5 dxc5 18.Rxc5 Qf4
[$gBlack$b must guard against $gcheck$bmate at g7. White needs to apply more
pressure. The difficult move to find is $gWhite$b's next, because the
$gbishop$b seems to be so well placed at b2.]
19.Bc1!
[The reasoning here is that $gWhite$b wants to bring a $grook$b to g5, but
that square is guarded by the $gqueen$b. Therefore $gWhite$b drives away the
enemy queen and takes $gcontrol$b of the g5-square, $gattack$bing g7 from the
front.]
19...Qb8 20.Rg5 Nbd7
[What now? $gWhite$b exploits the central position of the $gqueen$b to set up
a deadly $gpin$b, sacrificing a rook in the process.]
21.Rxg7+!!
.QUIZ 21.Rxg7
21...Kxg7
[Now the Nf6 is $gpin$bned, and that allows White to bring more $gpiece$bs
into the $gattack$b.]
22.Nh5+ Kg6
[If the $gBlack$b $gking$b had retreated, $gWhite$b would simply have
$gcapture$bd at f6 with an overpowering game.]
23.Qe3!
[The $gthreat$b is Qg5 $gmate$b, whether or not $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs at h5.
There being no adequate $gdefense$b, $gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {Y1}
.DATE 1955
.OPENING King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.O-O O-O 5.d3 c5 6.e4 Nc6 7.Nbd2 d6 8.a4 Ne8
[Botvinnik prepares a vigorous counterattack down the f-file. The safest and
best treatment is 8...Rb8 followed by shifting the weight of the struggle to
the $gqueenside$b.]
9.Nc4 e5 10.c3 f5
[Rather too enterprising. Sounder is 10...h6 followed by 11...Be6.]
11.b4!
[This time the $gHypermodern$b idea comes with an offer of $gmaterial$b. A
well-founded $gsacrifice$b: the b-$gfile$b is opened and $gWhite$b diminishes
$gBlack$b's influence in the $gcenter$b by $gattack$bing c5.]
11...cxb4 12.cxb4 fxe4
[ 12...Nxb4 13.Qb3! and the weakness of the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b is exploited.
12...h6 was a safer plan. The text was played with the idea of accepting
$gWhite$b's offer later on.]
13.dxe4 Be6 14.Ne3 Nxb4 15.Rb1 a5 16.Ba3 Nc7 17.Bxb4 axb4 18.Rxb4 Bh6
[Botvinnik replies with an active defence. He intends 19 Rxb7 Bxe3 20 fxe3 Na6
and Nc5.]
19.Rb6!
[The d-$gpawn$b is more important than the b-pawn.]
19...Bxe3 20.fxe3 Bc4 21.Rxd6 Qe8 22.Re1
[White's $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b is of no significance, and $gBlack$b can
easily regain his $gpawn$b. The chief defect of $gBlack$b's position is the
exposed situation of his $gking$b and the lack of coordination between his
other $gpiece$bs.]
22...Rf7
[ 22...Rxa4? 23.Nxe5! Qxe5 24.Qxa4 Qxd6 25.Qxc4+  22...Qxa4! 23.Qxa4 Rxa4
24.Nxe5 and $gBlack$b has some prospects of survival.]
23.Ng5 Re7 24.Bf1! Bxf1 25.Rxf1
[$gThreat$bening Qb3+ and Rdf6.]
25...Qxa4
[ 25...h6 loses to 26.Rff6!! hxg5 27.Rxg6+ Kh8 28.Rh6+ Kg8 29.Rdg6+ Rg7
30.Qb3+ Qf7 31.Rxg7+ Kxg7 32.Rh7+ Kxh7 33.Qxf7+]
26.Rd8+ Re8 27.Qf3! Qc4 28.Rd7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Szabo
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING English
1.c4 g6 2.g3 Bg7 3.Bg2 e5 4.Nc3 Ne7 5.d3 c6 6.e4
[A more $ghypermodern$b approach would be to allow $gBlack$b to play d7-d5.]
6...d6 7.Nge2 a6 8.a4 a5 9.Be3 Be6 10.O-O Qd7
[This interferes with the $gdevelopment$b of the knight at b8.]
11.b3 h5 12.h4 Bh3
[$gBlack$b's $gattack$b has too little $gforce$b to cause any concern.]
13.d4
[$gWhite$b takes complete $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b, which will give him a
solid base from which to conduct operations on the $gflank$b.]
13...O-O 14.Ra2 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 d5
[$gBlack$b allows the game to open up, even though his $gpiece$bs are not well
placed to do battle.]
16.dxe5 dxc4 17.bxc4 Bxe5
[ 17...Qxd1 18.Rxd1 Bxe5 19.Rb2]
18.Qxd7 Nxd7 19.Rd2
[$gWhite$b now $gcontrol$bs the only open $gfile$b, and will use it to
infiltrate the $gseventh rank$b.]
19...Bxc3
[ 19...Rfd8 20.Rfd1]
20.Rxd7 Bb4
[$gBlack$b seems to have coordinated his $gpiece$bs, but this coordination can
be disrupted.]
21.c5 Rfe8 22.Rfd1 f5
[ 22...Ra7 23.Rc7 Kf8 24.Rdd7]
23.Rxb7 fxe4 24.Rd6 Kf7 25.Nf4 Reb8 26.Rbd7 Ke8 27.Ne6
[$gBlack$b resigned, since Bg5 is coming.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Golombek
.EVENT Moscow Olympiad
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING Hedgehog
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5 3.g3 g6 4.b3 Bg7 5.Bb2 O-O 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.O-O b6
[This is weak, since after $gWhite$b's next $gBlack$b won't be able to trade
$gknight$bs and thus he'll get stuck with a permanent cramp.]
8.d4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bb7 10.Nc3 Qc8 11.Nc2
[Avoiding $gexchange$bs and preparing Ne3-d5.]
11...d6 12.e4 Nd7 13.Qd2 Nc5 14.f4 Ne6 15.Rad1 Ned4
[$gBlack$b finally trades $gknight$bs, but in the meantime $gWhite$b has got
his $gpiece$bs to very active squares.]
16.Nxd4 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b should have recaptured with the $gbishop$b, as the knight can't
stay on d4.]
17.Nd5
[$gWhite$b lets $gBlack$b take his $gknight$b, but the price is a strong c-
$gfile$b and an even better $gcenter$b. $gBlack$b must now try 17...Nc6 and
suffer.]
17...Bxd5 18.cxd5 Nb5
[Losing at once. He had to play 18...e5, though $gWhite$b is winning after 19
dxe6 Nxe6 20 Bxg7 and 21 Qxd6.]
19.Bxg7 Kxg7 20.Rc1
[$gBlack$b loses his $gknight$b after 20...Qany 21 a4 and 22 Qb2+ or Qc3+.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Uhlmann
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Munich Olympiad
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1958
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 e6 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 5.Bd3 Bb7 6.Nf3 Ne4 7.O-O f5
[The game has switched from a Nimzoindian to a Dutch $gDefense$b. ]
8.Qc2 Bxc3 9.bxc3 O-O 10.Rb1 c5
[This prevents $gWhite$b from advancing his $gpawn$b, but at the same time it
weakens the $gpawn structure$b on the $gqueenside$b and White now puts some
pressure there.]
11.a4 Qc7 12.a5 d6 13.Nd2 Nxd2 14.Bxd2 Nd7 15.Rb2 bxa5 16.Ra1 Nb6 17.Rxa5
[Otherwise $gBlack$b would have advanced the $gpawn$b to a4. But now Black
takes the $ginitiative$b with a powerful pawn sacrifice.]
17...Be4 18.Bxe4 fxe4 19.Qb3
[The $gpawn$b could not be accepted. 19.Qxe4 Nxc4 20.Qxe6+ Qf7]
19...Nxc4 20.Qxc4 Qxa5 21.Qxe6+ Kh8 22.Ra2 Qc7 23.Qxe4
[After a series of moves which were pretty-much $gforce$bd, the picture has
become much clearer. $gBlack$b has a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b (the
$gexchange$b for a pawn) but more importantly, there is a strong $gdouble
attach$b which wins the game.]
23...Qf7
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Robatsch
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.d4 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Be7 7.Qc2 O-O
[ 7...Ne4 8.Bxe7 Qxe7 9.Nxd5]
8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.Nf3 Re8 10.O-O Nf8
[A typical maneuver in the $gExchange$b $gVariation$b of the $gQueen$b's
$gGambit$b.]
11.Rae1 Ne4 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Bxe4 dxe4 14.Nd2
[$gBlack$b is now faced with a difficult, but hardly new, choice. 14...f5 was
known to be bad, but after an hour's thought he chose a move which was no
better.]
14...b6
[The $gthreat$b is Ba6.]
15.Qa4 f5 16.f3 exf3 17.Nxf3 Bb7 18.Ne5
[This $gknight$b is more powerful than both of $gBlack$b's $gminor piece$bs!
White's future plans involve getting the $gpawn$b at f5 out of the way so that
the $grook$b can infiltrate on the $gseventh rank$b.]
18...Qe6 19.Qc2 Bc8 20.e4 Qd6 21.Rd1 Ne6 22.Qb3
[Now there is the serious $gthreat$b of 23.exf5, so $gBlack$b must open up the
line.]
22...fxe4 23.Rf7 a5
[ This is a very complicated position, as can bee seen in the $gvariation$bs
23...Ng5 24.Nxe4 Nxe4 25.Rf8+ Kxf8 26.Qf7++,  23...Nxd4 24.Rf8+ Kxf8 25.Qf7++
,  23...Rf8 24.Rxf8+ Kxf8 25.Nxe4 Qd5 26.Qf3+ and finally  23...e3 24.Ne4 Qd5
25.Qxe3 Nxd4 26.Nf6+ gxf6 27.Qg3+ Bg4 28.Qxg4+ Kh8 29.Qg7+]
24.Nxe4
[Here $gBlack$b resigned. Do you see what happens on 24...Qd5? If not, challenge
Gambit with the game because it is very entertaining!]
24...Qd5 25.Rxg7+
.QUIZ 25.Rxg7+
25...Kxg7
[ 25...Nxg7 26.Nf6+ Kh8 27.Qxd5 cxd5 28.Nf7++]
26.Qg3+ Kf8 27.Rf1+ Ke7 28.Qh4+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Szabo
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Hedgehog
1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nc6 6.Nc2 d6 7.e4 Nh6 8.h4
[when $gBlack$b places a knight at f6 and has $gfianchetto$bed the $gbishop$b
at g7, then this is usually the appropriate strategy.]
8...f5 9.h5 fxe4 10.hxg6
[But this is overambitious. White should simply have recaptured at e4.]
10...hxg6 11.Nxe4 Bf5
[$gBlack$b is way ahead in $gdevelopment$b and continues to bring his forces
into the game quickly.]
12.Nc3 Qa5 13.Bd2 Qe5+ 14.Ne3 O-O-O 15.Qa4
[$gBlack$b has completed $gdevelopment$b, and White has not, so it is time for
the action to begin.]
15...Ng4 16.Rxh8 Rxh8 17.Qb5
[$gWhite$b wants to reduce the pressure by exchanging $gqueen$bs but Botvinnik
will not cooperate.]
17...Qf4 18.Ncd1 Nd4 19.Qa5 Rh1 20.Rc1 Ne5
[The $gthreat$b is Nd3++.]
21.Qc7+ Kxc7 22.Nd5+ Kd7 23.Nxf4 g5
[The $gqueen$bs may be gone, but the $gattack$b continues unabated. $gBlack$b
resigned. Here is one reason why:]
24.Be3 gxf4 25.Bxd4 Nd3+ 26.Kd2 Nxc1 27.Bxg7 Rxf1 28.Kxc1 e5 29.Kd2 Bg4 30.f3
Be6 31.b3 Rg1
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Keres
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bc5 5.Nxe5 Bxf2+ 6.Kxf2 Nxe5 7.e4 c5 8.d3 d6
9.h3 h5 10.Be2 Nh7 11.Kg2 h4 12.g4 Ng5 13.Be3 Bd7 14.Qd2 Ne6 15.b4 b6 16.Rab1
Bc6 17.Rhf1 Bb7 18.Kg1 Nc6 19.Nd5 Ncd4 20.Bd1 f6 21.Kh2 Bc6 22.a4 a5 23.bxa5
bxa5 24.Qf2 Ra7
[To get into the $gBlack$b fortress, $gWhite$b must do something about the
barrier at f6 and g7.]
25.g5 O-O
[$gBlack$b seems to have castled to safety, but in fact $gWhite$b will now
slam the door shut and $gtrap$b the enemy $gking$b.]
26.g6 f5
[This defends the pawn at h4 by opening up a $gdiagonal$b for the $gBlack$b
queen. Botvinnik realizes that if he can win the $gpawn$b and bring the
$gqueen$b to the h-$gfile$b, then that will wrap things up. But how to deflect
the $gqueen$b?]
27.Rb8!!
.QUIZ 27.Rb8
[$gBlack$b resigned, because the queen must leave the $gdiagonal$b, since the
$gknight$b at d5 $gcontrol$bs e7 and f6, and the $gbishop$b at e3 controls g5.
And when the $gqueen$b moves, $gBlack$b's $gdefense$b collapses.]
27...Qxb8 28.Qxh4 Rc8 29.Qh7+ Kf8 30.Qh8++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Portisch
.EVENT Monaco
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1968
.OPENING English
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2 Be6 6.Nf3 Nc6 7.O-O Nb6
[This move is directed toward preventing $gWhite$b from playing d2-d4, but
Botvinnik had been here before, against Flohr.]
8.d3 Be7 9.a3 a5 10.Be3 O-O 11.Na4 Nxa4
[ 11...Nd4 would have been better, $gcontrol$bling the c2-square. The e-
$gpawn$b is taboo because of the infiltration on the light squares.]
12.Qxa4
[$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are more actively placed, and he has achieved an
excellent "reversed Sicilian" position.]
12...Bd5 13.Rfc1 Re8 14.Rc2!
[Botvinnik noted that this was the most difficult move of the game to find.]
14...Bf8
[ 14...b5?! looks tempting, but in fact the $gpawn$b can be safely consumed,
e.g., 15.Qxb5 Rb8 16.Qa4 Nd4 17.Nxd4 exd4 18.Bxd5 dxe3 19.B]
15.Rac1 Nb8
[ 15...e4 16.dxe4 Bxe4 17.Rd2 would have been wiser, even though $gWhite$b
would gain $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b.]
16.Rxc7 Bc6
[Now it looks as though $gWhite$b must play 17.R7xc6, but in fact there is a
much stronger plan.]
17.R1xc6!
[ 17.R7xc6 Nxc6 $gBlack$b stands better.]
17...bxc6
[ 17...Nxc6 18.Rxb7]
18.Rxf7!
[The decisive move, because the light-squares belong to White. The Bg2 will
awaken and join the invading $gforce$bs.]
18...h6
[ 18...Kxf7? would lead to a quick kill after 19.Qc4+.]
19.Rb7 Qc8 20.Qc4+ Kh8
[ 20...Qe6 21.Nxe5 Qxc4 22.Nxc4 leaves $gWhite$b with an overwhelming
$gadvantage$b, since he can pick off the $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs at will. Now
White has a fine $gcombination$b. Do you see it?]
21.Nh4!!
.QUIZ 21.Nh4
[A fresh sacrificial offering of a $grook$b buys time for the $gbishop$b to
enter the game.]
21...Qxb7 22.Ng6+ Kh7 23.Be4 Bd6
[Otherwise 24.Ne7+ and 25.Qg8++.]
24.Nxe5+ g6 25.Bxg6+ Kg7 26.Bxh6+
[Eliminating the final obstacle. 26.Bxh6+ Kxh6 27.Qh4+ Kg7 28.Qh7+ Kf6 29.Ng4+
Ke6 30.Qxb7]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT World Championship (2)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Bb4
[This is a rather old-fashioned $gvariation$b of the Semi-Slav Defense in the
$gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined.]
7.a3 Ba5 8.Qc2 Qe7 9.Bd2 dxc4 10.Bxc4 e5 11.O-O O-O 12.Rae1 Bc7 13.Ne4 Nxe4
14.Qxe4 a5 15.Ba2 Nf6 16.Qh4 e4 17.Ne5
[$gWhite$b invites a series of $gexchange$bs at e5.]
17...Bxe5 18.dxe5 Qxe5 19.Bc3
[This $gpin$b allows White to place a great deal of pressure on $gBlack$b's
$gkingside$b, especially at f6.]
19...Qe7 20.f3
[A strong move. Still, White could have disrupted the $gkingside$b $gpawn
structure$b by capturing the $gknight$b, the $gthreat$b of $gopening$b the
$gfile$b so that the $grook$b can participate is much more powerful.]
20...Nd5 21.Qxe7 Nxe7 22.fxe4
[Now we have an $gendgame$b where the $gmaterial$b is even, but where White
has a $gbishop pair$b and the semi-open f-file, while Black can take some
comfort in the fact that White's $gpawn structure$b has been shattered.]
22...b6
[Despite the doubled $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs, $gBlack$b is in a difficult position
because of the activity of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs. To exploit this, White
first grabs the d-$gfile$b.]
23.Rd1
[Now we examine the position, but mentally remove the Rf8 from the board. That
gives us a simple $gmate$b in one with Rd8. Given this, it is easy to
understand $gWhite$b's main $gthreat$b: Rxf7!, using the power of the Ba2.]
23...Ng6
[Ok, the first plan must be abandoned. But now $gWhite$b can infiltrate the
enemy position with $gtempo$b.]
24.Rd6 Ba6!
[A good reply. $gBlack$b will reposition the $gbishop$b at b5, where it more
actively defends the $gpawn$b at c6.]
25.Rf2 Bb5
[The pressure on the f-$gfile$b is more important than doubling $grook$bs on
the d-$gfile$b .]
26.e5
[$gWhite$b's plan is to advance the e-$gpawn$bs, using one to eliminate the
opposing pawn at f7, and allowing its brother to become a $gpassed pawn$b.]
26...Ne7
[Now that $gWhite$b has $gtempo$brarily conceded $gcontrol$b of d5, the
$gBlack$b $gknight$b hopes to find a new home there. 26...Rae8 permits
$gWhite$b to carry out his plan:  27.e6 fxe6 28.Rd7 Re7 29.Bxe6+ Kh8 30.Rxf8+
Nxf8 31.Rxe7]
27.e4!
[This regains $gcontrol$b of d5.]
27...c5 28.e6 f6
[ 28...fxe6? 29.Rxe6!]
29.Rxb6 Bc6
[If you imagine the position with the $gknight$b gone from e7, you see that
the $gdiscovered check$b with e6-e7 is good. So perhaps you can guess
$gWhite$b's next move.]
30.Rxc6!
.QUIZ 30.Rxc6
30...Nxc6 31.e7+ Rf7 32.Bd5
[The most effective move. The $gpin$b on the Nc6 is even stronger than the one
at f7, and if 32...Rc8, then on 33.Bxc6 the $gbishop$b cannot be recaptured
because the $gpawn$b would $gqueen$b. So $gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Vidmar
.EVENT Nottingham
.THEME {S10, T5}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nc3 O-O 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Bd3 c5 8.O-O cxd4
9.exd4 dxc4 10.Bxc4 Nb6 11.Bb3
[$gWhite$b already enjoys a comfortable position, and $gBlack$b should have
taken some measures to reduce the pressure. 11...Nd5 is called for.]
11...Bd7 12.Qd3 Nbd5
[$gBlack$b $gblock$bades the $gpawn$b, which is the correct positional
reaction, but some commentators suggested that the other $gknight$b would have
been the correct one. After 12...Nfd5 13.Bc2 g6 $gWhite$b would still have
enjoyed a small $gadvantage$b.]
13.Ne5 Bc6 14.Rad1
[The interdependence of $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs is both an asset and a
liability. $gWhite$b is going to $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b, so $gBlack$b
must strive for activity.]
14...Nb4?!
[Continued $gdevelopment$b was called for, with either 14...Qa5 or 14...Rc8.
The $gknight$b will not accomplish anything more than encouraging $gWhite$b's
$gqueen$b to move to a more effective post on the $gkingside$b.]
15.Qh3 Bd5
[$gBlack$b spends more time jousting with the Bb3, but this problem is easily
solved. On the other hand, 15...Nfd5 16.Bc1! would also have been very strong
for $gWhite$b.]
16.Nxd5 Nbxd5
[Now it is time for $gWhite$b to create a concrete plan based on his
positional $gadvantage$bs. The target is f7. One would like to have a semi-
open f-$gfile$b, and also eliminate the $gpawn$b at e6. Two concepts equal one
plan!]
17.f4! Rc8
[ 17...g6 is not playable because of 18.Bh6 Re8 19.Ba4 and the $gbishop$bs
combine from a great distance to win the $gexchange$b.]
18.f5 exf5
[$gForce$bd, since 18.Qd6 19.fxe6 fxe6 leaves the $gpawn$b at e6 much too
weak.]
19.Rxf5 Qd6?!
[This allows $gWhite$b to achieve his strategic goal by tactical means, but
19... Rc7 20.Rdf1 and 21.Qh4 would have left $gBlack$b in despair. ]
20.Nxf7!!
[The $gcombination$b of $gpin$bs on the file and on the $gdiagonal$bs reap
rewards.]
20...Rxf7
[ 20...Kxf7 21.Bxd5+]
21.Bxf6 Bxf6
[ 21...Nxf6 22.Rxf6! Qxf6 23.Qxc8+ Bf8 24.Bxf7+ Qxf7 25.Rf1 Qe7 26.Rxf8+ Qxf8
27.Qxf8+ Kxf8 28.Kf2 is an easy win.]
22.Rxd5 Qc6
[ 22...Bxd4+ 23.Kh1!]
23.Rd6
[Avoiding the final $gtrap$b of 23.Rc5?? Bxd4+!]
23...Qe8 24.Rd7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 a6
9.e4 c5 10.e5 cxd4 11.Nxb5 axb5 12.exf6 Qb6 13.fxg7 Bxg7 14.O-O Nc5 15.Bf4 Bb7
16.Re1 Rd8 17.Rc1 Rd5 18.Be5 Bxe5 19.Rxe5 Rxe5 20.Nxe5 Nxd3 21.Qxd3 f6
[The $gBlack$b $gking$b is clearly in a lot of trouble, with only a little
nuisance value on the g-$gfile$b as $gcompensation$b. The $gcombination$b of
$gqueen$b and $grook$b are so strong that $gWhite$b can afford to part with
the $gknight$b.]
22.Qg3!! fxe5
[$gBlack$b might as well $gcapture$b, as the $gqueen$b will infiltrate at g7
anyway.]
23.Qg7 Rf8 24.Rc7
[$gWhite$b has complete control of the $gseventh rank$b and $gthreat$bens
$gmate$b at d7 and d7. $gBlack$b must $gsacrifice$b the $gqueen$b in order to
stay in the game.]
24...Qxc7
[ 24...Qd6 25.Rxb7 d3 26.Ra7! The $gthreat$b is Ra8+.]
25.Qxc7 Bd5
[Even though $gBlack$b no longer has to worry about $gcheck$bmate, the queen
can $gattack$b most of the $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs and resistance proves futile.]
26.Qxe5 d3 27.Qe3 Bc4 28.b3 Rf7 29.f3
[$gWhite$b is in no hurry. This move creates a little breathing $gspace$b for
the $gking$b which can now work on the dark squares. The $gbishop$b can be
$gcapture$bd later.]
29...Rd7 30.Qd2 e5 31.bxc4 bxc4 32.Kf2 Kf7 33.Ke3 Ke6 34.Qb4 Rc7
[ 34...d2 35.Qxd2 Rxd2 36.Kxd2 and the $gendgame$b is easily winning for
$gWhite$b. ]
35.Kd2 Rc6 36.a4
[$gBlack$b gave up here.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Gligoric
.EVENT Moscow Olympiad
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING English
1.c4 g6 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.Nc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Nh6
[A rather artificial formation.]
6.h4 d6 7.d3 Rb8 8.h5 Bd7 9.Bxh6 Bxh6 10.hxg6 hxg6
[White's tactical operations on the $gkingside$b have resulted in an open h-
$gfile$b and a $gpin$b on the $gbishop$b at h6.]
11.Qc1
[This $gforce$bs $gBlack$b's reply, since the $gqueen$b cannot be $gcapture$bd
because of $gmate$b at h8.]
11...Bg7 12.Rxh8+ Bxh8 13.Qh6
[$gWhite$b is $gattack$bing effectively with the $gqueen$b, to be supported by
a $gknight$b.]
13...Bxc3+ 14.bxc3
[Now the $gBlack$b $gking$b has no $gdefense$b. We soon have an example of a
king hunt, where the enemy monarch will be chased all over the board and
finally snared far from home.]
14...e6 15.Ng5 Ke7 16.Kd2
[The $gWhite$b $gking$b will be safe here and now the $grook$b can transfer to
the h-$gfile$b.]
16...Be8 17.Qg7 Kd7 18.f4
[ 18.Nxf7 Qe7]
18...Qe7 19.Rh1 Nd8 20.Ne4 Kc7 21.Rh8 Bc6 22.Nf6
[What happens if $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b at g2? ]
22...Kb6
[ 22...Bxg2 23.Re8]
23.Bxc6 Nxc6 24.Rh7 Nd8
[Now White exploits the $gpin$b on the $gseventh rank$b.]
25.Qxg6 Ka6
[$gBlack$b appreciates the danger. Once $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs at f7 there
will be a $gfork$b available at d7.]
26.a4
[Keeping the $gBlack$b $gking$b hemmed in. Otherwise b7-b5 would be
possible.]
26...Ka5 27.Qg5 Kxa4 28.Rh1
[The $gthreat$b is Kc2, depriving the enemy $gking$b of another $gflight
square$b.]
28...Kb3 29.Qh4 Kb2 30.g4
[This is the simple way, but Botvinnik could have finished more elegantly.
30.Rb1+ Kxb1 31.Qh1+ Kb2 32.Qc1+ Kb3 33.Qb1+ Ka3 34.Kc2 and $gmate$b next
move.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Padevsky
.EVENT Moscow Olympiad
.THEME {S15, T5}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.Nc3 d6 6.Nf3 c5 7.d5 Na6
[This move is not as strange as it looks. In positions with this sort of
$gpawn structure$b, the $gknight$b serves well at c7, where it can support the
advance of the b-$gpawn$b to b5.]
8.O-O Nc7 9.Nd2 Rb8 10.Qc2 e5
[Why does $gBlack$b change plans? He should have simply continued with his
original idea. 10...b5 11.cxb5 Nxb5 12.Nxb5 Rxb5]
11.dxe6 Bxe6 12.b3 d5 13.cxd5 Nfxd5 14.Bb2
[The theme of this game is now set. Whoever makes best use of the a1-h8
$gdiagonal$b will win.]
14...b6 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Rad1
[White will occupy the long $gdiagonal$b a1-h8 with the queen, but only at the
most appropriate moment. There is no rush. Right now there is more interesting
action on the d-$gfile$b.]
17...Bxg2 18.Kxg2 Qe7 19.Ne4
[This is an important move, since it covers the critical f6-square.]
19...Rbd8 20.h4
[Better was 20...f6.]
20...Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Rd8
[$gBlack$b is expecting to $gexchange$b pieces and $gdraw$b. But f6 is weaker
than it seems .]
22.Qb2+
[Now!]
22...f6
[The f6-square is $gpin$bned. Note that the word "square" is used, rather than
"pawn". That is your hint. Can you find the win? ]
23.Nxf6
.QUIZ 23.Nxf6
23...Kf7
[ 23...Qxf6 24.Qxf6+ Kxf6 25.Rxd8  or 23...Rxd1 24.Nd5+ or 23...Rd4 24.e3]
24.Rxd8 Qxd8 25.Nxh7 Ne6 26.Qe5 b5 27.Ng5+
[$gWhite$b has two extra $gpawn$bs, and that is enough to win the $gqueen$b
and pawn $gendgame$b.]
27...Nxg5 28.hxg5 Qa8+ 29.e4 Qc6 30.Kf3 c4 31.bxc4 Qxc4
[This makes it easy by allowing White to $gexchange$b queens.]
32.Qd5+
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you think that you can save the position, go ahead and
play it out with Gambit as your antagonist!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT World Championship (2)
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 5.Nge2 Ba6 6.a3 Be7 7.Nf4 d5
[$gBlack$b has chosen an aggressive $gopening$b plan, placing immediate
pressure on $gWhite$b's position. This course is justified by the fact that
his $gdevelopment$b is equal to that of his opponent.]
8.cxd5 Bxf1 9.Kxf1
[ 9.dxe6 Ba6 10.exf7+ Kxf7 11.Qb3+ Ke8 12.Ne6 Qd7 13.Nxg7+ Kd8 14.Ne6+ Kc8]
9...exd5
[ 9...Nxd5 10.Ncxd5 exd5 11.Qh5 c6 12.Ne2 g6]
10.g4
[This was a portion of Botvinnik's home cooking. In World Championship matches
both players usually come well-prepared, working with a team of analysts for a
period of months. And better $gopening$b preparation can turn into
$gpoints$b!]
10...c6 11.g5 Nfd7
[White continues the $gkingside$b aggression. The weaknesses on the light
squares are not so important because $gBlack$b does not have a light-squared
$gbishop$b.]
12.h4 Bd6 13.e4
[$gWhite$b now $gcontrol$bs the $gcenter$b.]
13...dxe4 14.Nxe4 Bxf4 15.Bxf4 O-O
[$gBlack$b must castle before White can play Nd6, but now the $gpawnstorm$b
continues.]
16.h5 Re8 17.Nd6 Re6 18.d5
[The $gpawn$b cannot be $gcapture$bd, but the $grook$b has no comfortable
retreat square. It is not easy to see why 18...cxd5 19.Qxd5 Na6 is unplayable,
but try to find the solution yourself.]
18...Rxd6
[ 18...cxd5 leads  to a long forcing $gvariation$b which wins for $gWhite$b:
19.Qxd5 Na6 20.Nxf7 Kxf7 21.g6+ hxg6 22.hxg6+ Ke7 23.Bd6+ Kf6 24.Qf3+ Kxg6
25.Rg1+ Kh7 26.Qf5+ Kh8 27.Rh1+ Kg8 28.Qxe6+]
19.Bxd6 Qxg5
[It looks like $gBlack$b has weathered the storm. He is down the $gexchange$b
but has an extra $gpawn$b and the $gWhite$b $gking$b position looks suspect.
Botvinnik now plays an excellent move which takes $gcontrol$b of a number of
$gkey$b squares.]
20.Qf3 Qxd5
[Now we have an $gendgame$b, where the security of $gWhite$b's $gking$b is not
an issue.]
21.Qxd5 cxd5 22.Rc1 Na6 23.b4 h6 24.Rh3 Kh7 25.Rd3 Nf6
[The $gbishop$b at d6 $gdominates$b the knight at a6. Now White wins another
pawn and the rest is easy.]
26.b5 Nc5 27.Bxc5 bxc5 28.Rxc5 Rb8 29.a4 Rb7 30.Rdc3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T8}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Catalan
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.d4 Nbd7 7.Nc3 dxc4 8.e4 c6
9.a4 a5 10.Qe2 Nb6
[$gBlack$b has held the $gpawn$b, but his $gpiece$bs are badly placed and he
can't free himself.]
11.Rd1
[Restraining ...c5 or ...e5.]
11...Bb4 12.Ne5
[Now $gWhite$b will get the $gpawn$b back but $gBlack$b will remain cramped.]
12...Qe7 13.Be3 Bd7 14.Nxc4 Nxc4 15.Qxc4 b5
[$gBlack$b hopes to get his $gpiece$bs active after 16 axb5 cxb5 17 Nxb5
Rac8.]
16.Qe2 Rab8 17.axb5 cxb5 18.e5 Ne8 19.d5 exd5 20.Nxd5 Qxe5 21.Nxb4 axb4
22.Rxd7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Keres
.EVENT Candidates' Tournament
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Bg5 c5 5.dxc5
[$gWhite$b's system is passive to begin with, and after this $gBlack$b takes
over the $ginitiative$b. 5 e3 is better.]
5...Na6 6.g3 Nxc5 7.Bg2 d6 8.Rc1
[$gWhite$b didn't like the looks of 8 Nf3 Nfe4, but he's wasting time.]
8...O-O 9.b4
[White isn't well enough $gdeveloped$b to be making this aggresive gesture.
$gBlack$b now gets a powerful $ginitiative$b.]
9...Ne6 10.Bd2 a5
[Immediately exploiting $gWhite$b's eighth move. White must either allow lines
to be opened for $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs or give Black a lock on c5.]
11.a3
[11 b5 was the lesser evil. In $gcombination$b with the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b the
a-$gfile$b is deadly.]
11...axb4 12.axb4 Nd4 13.Nh3
[The final error. White doesn't want to $gblock$b the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b, his
only asset, but now he gets overrun.]
13...Be6 14.Nd5
[14 e3 gets trashed by 14...Bg4, and 14 c5 loses all his $gpiece$bs to
14...Bb3, but the text isn't much better.]
14...Nxd5 15.cxd5 Bd7
[$gThreat$bening 16..Ba4.]
16.Rc3 Ra2
[Now $gBlack$b $gthreat$bens 17...Nxe2 among other things.]
17.Qb1 Qa8 18.Rc1 Bf5
[19 e4 allows 19...Bxh3 20 Bxh3 Nf3+.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Ader
.EVENT Tel Aviv Olympiad
.THEME {Y1}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Zukertort
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 g6 3.b4
[This idea dates back to Reti himself, who used against no less a player than
Capablanca! White will combine pressure along the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b with a
rapid $gqueenside$b advance, but $gBlack$b can obtain play against the b-
$gpawn$b.]
3...Bg7 4.Bb2 O-O 5.Bg2 c6 6.c4 d5
[The main alternative to this is to adopt a $gKing$b's Indian formation based
on d7-d6 and e7-e5.]
7.Na3!
[The best square for the knight. On a3 it reinforces the $gqueenside$b and
does not obstruct the path of the Bb2.]
7...a5 8.b5 dxc4?
[This creates targets on the $gqueenside$b. 8...Bg4! is stronger.]
9.bxc6! Nxc6 10.Nxc4 Be6
[$gBlack$b is weak on the b-$gfile$b and b6 may become an $goutpost$b for
$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs; White has a latent central $gpawn majority$b; his Bb2
is extremely powerful, yet if $gBlack$b $gexchange$bs it for the Bg7 then the
$gking$b will be in danger.]
11.Nce5 Nxe5 12.Bxe5 Qd7 13.O-O Rfc8 14.Qb1 Bd5 15.d3 Qa4?
[Pointless. $gBlack$b should employ his one remaining asset and play 15...b5.]
16.e4 Bc6 17.Re1 Nd7 18.Bxg7 Kxg7 19.Qb2+ Kg8 20.Rab1 Rc7 21.d4 Nf8 22.d5
[$gWhite$b's restrained $gpawn$bs now conquer the centre and $gBlack$b is
crushed by a three-pronged $gattack$b.]
22...Be8 23.e5 Rac8 24.d6 Rd7 25.Ng5! Rc2 26.Qb6 f6 27.Bd5+ Kg7 28.dxe7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Reshevsky
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6 5.c3 Nge7 6.d4 Bd7 7.Bb3 h6 8.Nbd2 Ng6
9.Nc4 Be7 10.O-O O-O 11.Ne3 Bf6
[Both sides have $gdeveloped$b comfortably and $gBlack$b is putting pressure
on the $gcenter$b. $gWhite$b deals with that matter quickly and decisively.]
12.Nd5! Re8 13.dxe5! Bxe5
[ 13...dxe5 14.Nxf6+ wins $gmaterial$b.  13...Ngxe5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.f4 Nc6
16.e5! gives $gBlack$b a lot to worry about. For example:
16...dxe5 17.Nxf6+ gxf6 18.fxe5 fxe5 19.Bxh6]
14.Nxe5 dxe5
[Not only has White secured the $gbishop pair$b, but he has reduced the Black
$gknight$bs to passive functions while his own steed occupies a magnificent
post at d5. The d-$gfile$b is where the action is, so $gWhite$b transfers a
$grook$b there.]
15.Qf3! Be6 16.Rd1 Bxd5
[$gBlack$b's play has been pretty much $gforce$bd, but now $gWhite$b has both
the central $gfile$b and $gkingside$b pressure.]
17.Rxd5 Qe7
[The d7-square would be a nice home for the $grook$b, and $gWhite$b uses the
$gthreat$b of infiltration to secure a more active position for his
$gqueen$b.]
18.Qf5! Nf8
[ 18...Rad8 looks logical, but $gWhite$b can obtain an $gadvantage$b by
exploiting the indirect $gpin$b at f7: 19.Bxh6! gxh6 20.Rxd8 Rxd8 21.Qxg6+ Kf8
22.Qxh6+ Ke8 23.Bd5]
19.Be3 Ne6 20.Rad1 Red8
[$gWhite$b's position is very strong, and now he makes a $gquiet move$b which
deprives $gBlack$b of the use of f4, and puts him in near $gzugzwang$b.]
21.g3 Rd6
[A commital move which leaves $gBlack$b with a $gbackward pawn$b, but
there was little else available. If the $gbackward pawn$b were the only
$gdraw$bback, it wouldn't be too bad, but the resulting weakness at b6 will
turn out to be important.]
22.Rxd6 cxd6 23.Qg4!
[The cheap trick at h6 is not the real point of the move, which has the far
more subtle goal of enabling the queen to get to the h4-d8 $gdiagonal$b.
Already Smyslov sees the potential power of a $gbishop$b at b6!]
23...Kh8 24.Bb6! Nb8
[$gBlack$b also appreciates $gWhite$b's last move and hastens to drive the
offending cleric from its new post. Reshevsky would no doubt have preferred to
play Rc8 first, but that was not possible. 24...Rc8 25.Rd2 Nb8 26.Qd1! Rc6
27.Ba7 Nd7 28.Bd5! Rc7 29.Bxe6 fxe6 30.Rxd6]
25.Bxe6 fxe6 26.Qh4!
[Taking $gadvantage$b of the fact that $gBlack$b cannot $gexchange$b at d4
without dropping the d-pawn. But as it turns out White forces the
$gexchange$b at d8, and still gets his prize.]
26...Qd7 27.Qd8+ Qxd8 28.Bxd8 Nd7
[ 28...Nc6 29.Bb6 and $gBlack$b cannot defend d6.]
29.Bc7 Nc5 30.Rxd6 Rc8
[ 30...Nxe4 31.Rxe6 and the e-$gpawn$b falls.]
31.Bb6 Na4 32.Rxe6 Nxb2 33.Rxe5 Nc4 34.Re6 Nxb6 35.Rxb6 Rxc3 36.Rxb7
[and the $gendgame$b is relatively straightforward.]
36...Rc2 37.h4 Rxa2 38.Kg2 a5 39.h5 a4 40.Ra7
[The $grook$b is properly behind the $gpawn$b and also $gcontrol$bs the
$gseventh rank$b, so the $gkingside$b pawns can advance easily.]
40...Kg8 41.g4 a3 42.Kg3 Re2 43.Kf3 Ra2 44.Ke3 Kf8 45.f3 Ra1 46.Kf4 a2 47.e5!
[An important move, becuase it secures the f6-square, so that when $gBlack$b
trades the a-$gpawn$b for the f-pawn, $gWhite$b will be able to place his
$gking$b at g6.]
47...Kg8 48.Kf5 Rf1 49.Rxa2 Rxf3+ 50.Kg6 Kf8 51.Ra8+ Ke7 52.Ra7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Farago
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1976
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 d5 4.e5 Nfd7
[This is too passive. $gBlack$b does better with either 4...Ne4 or 4...d4.]
5.cxd5 exd5 6.d4 c5 7.Nf3 Nc6 8.Bb5
[The $gpawn$b on e5 cramps $gBlack$b's position, so $gWhite$b works hard to
maintain it.]
8...a6 9.Bxc6 bxc6 10.O-O Be7 11.dxc5
[Now $gWhite$b's $gknight$bs will become quite active.]
11...Nxc5 12.Nd4 Qb6 13.Be3 O-O
[13...Qxb2 would be horrible after 14 Nxc6, since 14...Qxc3 (else 15 Nxd5)
gets crushed by 15 Nxe7 Kxe7 16 Rc1 and 17 Bxc5+.]
14.Rc1 Rd8 15.b4 Ne4
[15...Qxb4 allows 16 Nxc6.]
16.Na4 Qb7 17.Nxc6
[$gBlack$b will lose at least one more $gpawn$b after, e.g. 17...Re8 18 Nb6
Rb8 19 Nxe7+ Rxe7 20 Rxc8+ Rxc8 21 Nxc8 Qxc8 22 Qxd5.]
17...Re8
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spraggett
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Montpellier
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Bogoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 a5 5.Nc3 O-O 6.e3 d6 7.Qc2 Nbd7 8.Bd3 e5
9.O-O Re8
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens to win a $gpiece$b by 11...Bxc3 and 12...e4.]
10.e4 exd4
[Now $gBlack$b will have good squares for his $gpiece$bs on c5 and e5.]
11.Nxd4 c6 12.Rae1 Ne5 13.h3
[This creates a weakness in White's $gkingside$b. He wanted to play f4 to get
the $gknight$b off of e5, but $gBlack$b's next move prevents that and sets a
$gtrap$bs that $gWhite$b falls right into.]
13...Bc5 14.Be3 Bxh3
.QUIZ 14.Bxh3
[This wins a $gpawn$b, since 15 gxh3 allows 15...Bxd4 16 Bxd4 Nf3+, and
Spraggett was too disgusted with himself to play on.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Barcza
.EVENT Helsinki
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1952
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 5.d4 exd4 6.e5 Nd5?!
[Although the $gknight$b at d5 seems to occupy an important post in the
$gcenter$b, it will be difficult for $gBlack$b to maintain the $goutpost$b as
$gWhite$b increases the pressure.]
7.O-O O-O
[ 7...dxc3 is not playable because the $gknight$b at d5 can be $gcapture$bd by
the $gqueen$b.]
8.cxd4 Bb6 9.Bc4!
[Since the $gbishop$b occupies b6, there is no good square for the $gknight$b
to retreat to.]
9...Nce7
[ 9...Nde7 10.d5 Nb8 $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs are driven backwards and $gWhite$b
$gdominates$b the $gcenter$b.]
10.Bg5!
[An important $gpin$b, which indirectly reduces the support of the $gknight$b
at d5.]
10...Qe8
[What else? The $gpin$b must be broken! 10...c6 11.Bxd5 cxd5 12.Nc3 Here the
weakness at d5 will be critical.]
11.Qb3!
[The consistent application of pressure at d5 means that $gBlack$b can do
little but try to hold things together.]
11...c6 12.Nbd2!
[White continues to develop all of the pieces, while $gBlack$b lags far
behind. We can see that this $gknight$b is headed for d6, via e4.]
12...h6
[ 12...Bc7 13.Ne4 Nb6 14.Nd6! Bxd6 15.exd6 Nxc4 16.dxe7 $gBlack$b's failure to
develop has resulted in a loss of the rook at f8.]
13.Bxe7 Nxe7
[Even a quick glance at the board reveals $gWhite$b's domination, thanks to
the superior mobilization of the $gforce$bs.]
14.Ne4 d5
[ 14...Nf5 15.Nd6 Nxd6 16.exd6 The $gbishop$b at c8 is $gtrap$bped and
$gWhite$b will quickly bring two $grook$bs on to the e-$gfile$b.]
15.exd6 Nf5?
[$gBlack$b is too preoccupied with regaining the little bit of $gmaterial$b.
The pawn at d6 is weak, and more $gcounterplay$b could have been achieved by
sacrificing a second $gpawn$b in order to get some $gpiece$bs into play.
15...Nd5 16.Bxd5 cxd5 17.Qxd5 Be6 18.Qxb7 Bc4 19.Rfc1 Rb8 20.Qe7 Qb5 $gBlack$b
might have had a little bit of $gcounterplay$b here.]
16.Rfe1
[The $gthreat$b is Nf6+, exposing the $gqueen$b on e8 to $gattack$b.]
16...Qd8
[ 16...Qd7 17.Ne5!]
17.Ne5! Nxd6 18.Nxd6 Qxd6 19.Bxf7+ Rxf7
[ 19...Kh8 20.Ng6+ Kh7 21.Nxf8+]
20.Qxf7+ Kh7 21.Nc4
[$gBlack$b, already down the $gexchange$b, resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship (9)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Ba5
[Normally $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs at c3, but this retreat leads to
complications with a very unbalanced $gpawn structure$b.]
6.b4 cxd4 7.Qg4 Ne7 8.bxa5 dxc3
[White's $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs are very weak, and the pawn at c3 is an
annoyance, but $gWhite$b will pick up g7 and h7 and have an outside $gpassed
pawn$b.]
9.Qxg7 Rg8 10.Qxh7 Nd7?!
[This knight belongs on c6. Now White will execute a very simple plan: advance
the h-$gpawn$b until it becomes a $gqueen$b! Of course he will have to be
careful in the execution of the strategy.]
11.Nf3 Nf8
[Botvinnik proposed 11...Qc7 as an improvement, but Smyslov correctly
$gpoints$b out that $gWhite$b has a strong reply: 11...Qc7 12.Bb5! Rxg2?!
13.Kf1 Rg8 14.Rg1 Rxg1+ 15.Kxg1 and the $gpin$b makes it very hard for
$gBlack$b to develop.]
12.Qd3 Qxa5 13.h4
[Here we go! It turns out that $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b at c3 just gets in the
way.]
13...Bd7 14.Bg5!
[$gBlack$b is prevented from $gcastling$b, and the $gcontrol$b of the h4-d8
$gdiagonal$b keeps $gBlack$b $gpin$bned down. Smyslov uses this fact and his
h-$gpawn$b to win the game in fine style.]
14...Rc8 15.Nd4!
[$gBlack$b was going to try and wiggle out with a $gcombination$b of Rc8-c4-
e4+ and the placement of a $gknight$b at f5. This stops both plans.]
15...Nf5
[Now $gWhite$b does not want to $gcapture$b immediately, because the Nf8 would
occupy the new $ghole$b at e6. But how to answer the $gthreat$b of Nf5xd4 and
Bb5?]
16.Rb1! Rc4?!
[Smyslov considers 16...b6 best, but it is hard to blame Botvinnik, for what
follows is truly inspired.]
17.Nxf5 exf5 18.Rxb7 Re4+
[How does $gWhite$b win? If
White is to move in this position then Rb8+ is fatal. That's really all one
needs to know in order to finish the game brilliantly.]
19.Qxe4!!
.QUIZ 19.Qxe4
19...dxe4 20.Rb8+ Bc8 21.Bb5+ Qxb5
[ 21...Nd7 22.Rxc8+]
22.Rxb5
[Now the game is over, not because of the $gexchange$b, but rather because of
the flying h-$gpawn$b which was the cornerstone of $gWhite$b's strategy.]
22...Ne6 23.Bf6 Rxg2 24.h5 Ba6 25.h6!
[It is only fitting that the $gpawn$b has the final say. After the $gbishop$b
$gcapture$bs the $grook$b there is no way to stop the $gpawn$b from
$gqueen$bing.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Moscow vs. Leningrad
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.c4 Nc6
[Spassky leaves the well-known paths of 5...Nf6.]
6.Nc3 Bc5 7.Nb3 Bb4 8.Bd3 Nge7 9.O-O O-O
[Both sides have been developing, but now $gBlack$b adopts a typical plan
for this type of formation. He $gcapture$bs on c3, and then advances his d-
$gpawn$b. But his artificial position (Ne7) helps $gWhite$b.]
10.Qc2 Bxc3 11.Qxc3 d5 12.Be3 dxc4 13.Bxc4 Qc7 14.Rac1 Rd8 15.f4 Bd7
[$gBlack$b seems ready to claim $gequality$b, after Ra8-c8. But the weakness
of the dark squares on the $gqueenside$b give White an inviting target for the
Be3.]
16.Qe1!
[$gWhite$b transfers his $gqueen$b to f2, where it will not only support the
g1-a7 $gdiagonal$b, but also gives more impetus to an advance of the f-pawn,
since f7 is no longer guarded by the $gBlack$b $grook$b.]
16...b6
[ 16...b5 17.Be2 Be8 18.Qf2 Rab8 19.Nc5 exploits the dark squares in a
different way.]
17.Qf2 Rab8 18.f5! Qc8
[Examining this diagram we see that the pressure point is e6, and the next few
moves are aimed directly at the target. They prove to be the last moves!]
19.Nd4! Nxd4
[ 19...e5 opens a line, but more importantly allows $gWhite$b to advance the
f-$gpawn$b further.]
20.Bxd4 Nc6 21.fxe6 Bxe6 22.Bxe6
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
22...Qxe6 23.Rxc6 Qxc6 24.Qxf7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Simagin
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Modern
1.Nf3 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.e4 a6
[An unusual plan, playing on both $gwing$bs. The normal move is 3...d6, while
the move 3...c5!? is also popular.]
4.Bd3 d6 5.O-O
[Now $gBlack$b could $gtranspose$b to a Pirc with 5...Nf6 but Simagin prefers
a more original plan of $gdevelopment$b.]
5...Bg4 6.c3 Nd7 7.Nbd2 e6 8.Qb3 Bxf3 9.Nxf3 Rb8
[Simagin seems inspired by Chigorin, who often moved his $grook$b to b8 in
support of the $gpawn$b.]
10.Bg5 Ne7 11.Rad1 O-O 12.Rfe1
[Both sides have completed their $gdevelopment$b, and White's pieces are
better placed. But now $gBlack$b weakens his $gkingside$b, allowing a central
counterattack.]
12...h6 13.Bf4 g5 14.Bg3 Ng6 15.e5!
[I have played these sorts of formations for $gBlack$b and always find the
advance of the e-$gpawn$b an effective method of undermining my position. In
the present game $gBlack$b suffers even more because he has not gained
$gspace$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
15...d5 16.Qc2 Nf4
[ 16...Qe8 17.h4 g4 18.Nh2 h5 19.f3 gxf3 20.Nxf3 would allow $gWhite$b to
build a strong $gattack$b on the f-$gfile$b, using g5 for the $gknight$b.]
17.Bxf4 gxf4
[White must now develop a plan. Smyslov anticipates that $gBlack$b will have
to advance his f-$gpawn$b in order defend the pawn at f4. That will weaken the
pawn at e6, so doubling $grook$bs on the e-$gfile$b is called for.]
18.Re2! c5 19.Qd2 f6
[The only way to avoid dropping the $gpawn$b at f4.]
20.exf6 Qxf6 21.Rde1 Rbe8
[Now there is a weak $gdiagonal$b to be exploited.]
22.Bb1! cxd4 23.cxd4 Rf7 24.Qc2 Rfe7 25.Qh7+ Kf8 26.Bg6 Rc8
[$gWhite$b's $gattack$b cannot achieve much since it involves only two
$gpiece$bs. But the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs are so tied down that $gWhite$b has
time to extricate the $gqueen$b.]
27.h4! Rc6 28.h5
[The point of the last two moves becomes clear if one mentally removes the
$gpawn$b at e6. If $gWhite$b had not done this, $gBlack$b could have
complicated matters with e6-e5!]
28...Rc4 29.Bd3
[$gWhite$b tries to get the $grook$b to leave the c-$gfile$b, so that it can
be used as an expressway to the 8th $grank$b.]
29...Rc6 30.Bg6 Rc4
[Obviously Smyslov has to come up with a better plan. He does so with a very
clever and unexpected move. Since the $gbishop$b is not effective in
$gattack$bing the $grook$b from d3, Smyslov creates another possibility at
a2!]
31.a3! Rc6 32.Bb1 Bh8
[ 32...Rc4?! 33.Ba2 Rc6 34.Bxd5! exd5 35.Rxe7 Qxe7 36.Rxe7 Kxe7 37.Qxg7+]
33.Qd3
[Finally! Now $gBlack$b has to keep an eye on h4, otherwise $gWhite$b will
play Nh4-g6.]
33...Rg7
[The $grook$bs has finally abandoned the c-$gfile$b, and $gWhite$b uses it to
bring the $gqueen$b in to deliver the final blow.]
34.Qb3! Rb6
[$gWhite$b has finally succeeded in driving the $grook$b from the c-$gfile$b,
and now the $gqueen$b rushes in to end the game.]
35.Qc3 Rg8
[ 35...Rc6 36.Qb4+ Kg8 37.Qxb7]
36.Qc8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Strelkov
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1949
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Ng3
[$gBlack$b is somewhat cramped, so $gWhite$b avoids $gexchange$bs.]
6...c5 7.c3 cxd4 8.Nxd4 a6
[$gBlack$b doesn't want to allow a $gknight$b into b5, but this loses time. He
should have played simply 8...Be7 and castled.]
9.Bd3 Nc5 10.Bc2 e5
[This gets $gBlack$b into trouble, as he will only be able to kick $gWhite$b's
$gknight$b out of f5 by ...g6, which will leave his $gkingside$b very weak.]
11.Qe2 Bd6 12.Ndf5 O-O 13.Bg5
[This $gpin$b is quite unpleasant. $gBlack$b can only get out of the $gpin$b
by letting White rip open his $gking$b position, while $gWhite$b can quietly
prepare to $gmate$b by moves like Nh5, Nxf6+ and Qh5. $gBlack$b must try to
$gbreak$b the $gpin$b by Ne6.]
13...Bc7 14.Rd1
[This fine move gives $gBlack$b an unhappy choice: give up his $gqueen$b or
$gblock$b his queen $gbishop$b's $gdiagonal$b. $gBlack$b chooses the latter,
allowing White's queen to join the $gattack$b.]
14...Ncd7 15.Nh5
[The $gpin$b on the d-file makes the $gpin$b on the d8-h4 $gdiagonal$b
stronger, as now $gBlack$b has no way to $gstrength$ben the $gdefense$b of
f6.]
15...Bb6 16.Bxf6
[$gBlack$b must lose his $gqueen$b or be $gmate$bd in a few moves. If you
don't see how strong $gWhite$b's $gattack$b is, playing this with Gambit will confirm it for
you. White Won]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Hamann
.EVENT Kislovodsk
.THEME {S8, T12}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O Bb4
[A risky line. The dark-squared $gbishop$b usually belongs at e7 in the
Sicilian $gDefense$b so that it can help with the defense.]
8.Bg5 Bxc3 9.Bxf6
[An $gintermediate move$b which disrupts $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b structure,
already weakened by the absence of the $gbishop$b.]
9...gxf6 10.bxc3 Qxc3 11.Rb1 Nc6 12.Nxc6 dxc6 13.Rb3 Qc5 14.Qd2
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens to play Rd1. $gBlack$b is so worried about an
infiltration at h6 that he misses the main point.]
14...h5 15.Rd1 Ke7 16.Rd3 Qb6
[The domination of the open $gfile$b by $gWhite$b is enough to guarantee a
quick kill.]
17.e5
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you are not sure why, then play out the position as
Black against $gGambit$b and see what happens.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Uhlmann
.EVENT Herceg Novi blitz
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Reti
1.g3 d5 2.Bg2 Nf6 3.c4 dxc4 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.O-O a6 6.Na3 c5 7.Nxc4 e6 8.d4
[$gWhite$b will have more active $gpiece$bs after 8...cxd4 9 Qxd4, while
8...b5 exposes the rook on the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b.]
8...Rb8
[This $gblunder$b loses two $gtempi$b and lets $gWhite$b plant a $gpiece$b
right in the middle of $gBlack$b's position.]
9.Bf4 Ra8 10.dxc5 Nxc5
[$gBlack$b doesn't like the looks of 10...Bxc5 11 Nd6+, but now $gWhite$b wins
a $gpiece$b.]
11.Qxd8+ Kxd8 12.Rfd1+ Nfd7
[The same fate awaits $gBlack$b after 12...Ncd7 or 12...Bd7.]
13.Nb6 Ra7 14.Bb8
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Bellon Lopez
.EVENT Kapfenberg
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 b6
[This is awkward; with White developing normally, $gBlack$b puts his
pieces offside and risks falling behind in $gdevelopment$b.]
4.O-O Bb7 5.c3 d5
[Very bad. Now $gBlack$b will get into trouble because of the $gpin$b on his
$gknight$b.]
6.Qa4 Rc8 7.Qxa7
[This is important not so much because $gWhite$b wins a $gpawn$b but because
$gBlack$b can no longer play ...a6 to $gbreak$b the $gpin$b.]
7...Rc7 8.Ne5
[Now $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens just 9 exd5 or Qa4, piling more pressure on c6.]
8...e6 9.exd5 exd5 10.Re1
[Threatening Nxc6+ and strengthening the $gpin$b, since now a $gknight$b on e7
will be $gpin$bned and useless for the $gdefense$b of c6.]
10...Be7 11.Qxb6 Qc8 12.d4 Kf8
[$gBlack$b finally gets out of the $gpin$bs, but it's too late.]
13.Nxc6 Bxc6 14.Bf4
[Undermining the defence of c6. $gBlack$b must now lose at least another
$gexchange$b, so he called it a day.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Gedevanishvili
.EVENT Poti
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Alekhine
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3 e6 4.d4 Nxc3 5.bxc3 d6 6.f4 c5 7.Nf3 cxd4 8.cxd4 dxe5
9.fxe5 Bb4+ 10.Bd2 Qa5 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.O-O
[Tal continues with $gdevelopment$b, reasoning that it is worthwhile to
$gsacrifice$b a $gpawn$b to keep his lead.]
12...Bxd2 13.Nxd2 Qc3
[ 13...Nxd4 14.Nc4 Qc5 15.Nd6+ would give $gWhite$b a strong $gattack$b, since
$gBlack$b's $gthreat$bs can be eliminated by playing Kg1-h1.]
14.Rf4 O-O 15.Kh1 Ne7 16.Ne4 Qb2 17.Rb1 Qxa2
[$gWhite$b has $gsacrifice$bd a $gpawn$b, but the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b has been
sent into exile, and the White $gforce$bs are massing for a big $gattack$b on
the $gkingside$b.]
18.Nf6+ gxf6
[$gWhite$b has $gsacrifice$bd one $gpiece$b to fracture the $gpawn$b barrier
protecting the enemy $gking$b. Now Tal gives up a second $gpiece$b to remove
the remaining defender.]
19.Bxh7+! Kh8
[The $gbishop$b cannot be $gcapture$bd. 19...Kxh7 20.Qh5+ Kg8 21.Rbf1 The
$gthreat$b is Rh4 and $gmate$b on the h-$gfile$b.]
20.Rh4 Kg7
[$gBlack$b is $gthreat$bening to escape by playing Ng6 and Rh8. $gWhite$b must
find a way to bring the $gqueen$b into the $gattack$b, but must also guard the
vulnerable $grook$b at b1.]
21.Qc1!
.QUIZ 21.Qc1
21...Ng8
[This guards the critical h6 square. But not for long!]
22.Bxg8
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you are not sure why, let Gambit demonstrate by setting up Gambit as White
and Garry will show you how $gWhite$b wins against any $gdefense$b.]
22...Kxg8
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Uhlmann
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S6, S8}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5
[The Tarrasch $gVariation$b of the French has a reputation for dry, positional
games. Not this time!]
4.Ngf3 Nc6 5.Bb5 dxe4 6.Nxe4 Bd7 7.Bg5 Qa5+ 8.Nc3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bb4
[$gBlack$b should have played 9...Be2, with a more defensive attitude.]
10.O-O Bxc3 11.bxc3 Qxc3
[$gBlack$b is too greedy and should have attended to $gdevelopment$b or
$gattack$bed either $gbishop$b with a $gpawn$b. If only the e-$gfile$b were
open, $gBlack$b would be in trouble. So Tal $gsacrifice$bs a $gpiece$b to open
the $gfile$b.]
12.Nf5 exf5 13.Re1+ Be6 14.Qd6
[The threats are still developing, but $gBlack$b is very cramped and
cannot get his defensive $gforce$bs close to the $gking$b.]
14...a6
[Now Tal ignores the $gthreat$b against one $gbishop$b, but thinks about the
other. If only it were on the a3-f8 $gdiagonal$b...]
15.Bd2 Qxc2 16.Bb4
[Mission accomplished. Now it is just a matter of mopping up.]
16...axb5 17.Qf8+ Kd7 18.Red1+ Kc7 19.Qxa8
[Uhlmann resigned. If $gBlack$b had $gcapture$bd the $gbishop$b then $gmate$b
in two would have followed. If you don't see how, play this against Gambit.
19...Nge7 would be best, but after capturing the $grook$b at h8 $gWhite$b
would have too much $gmaterial$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Gonzales
.EVENT Skopje Olympiad
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.c3 Nf6
[$gBlack$b seeks to meet $gWhite$b's planned 5.d4 by 5...cxd4 6.cxd4 d5.]
5.Qe2 Qc7 6.O-O a6 7.Ba4
[White preserves his $gbishop$b and tempts $gBlack$b to advance his
$gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs, so they will become targets.]
7...b5 8.Bc2 c4
[Now $gBlack$b can meet 9.d4 by 9...cxd3, but his queenside is very exposed.]
9.a4
[White $gattack$bs on the $gqueenside$b before $gBlack$b has the chance to
cover his weaknesses.]
9...Rb8 10.axb5 axb5 11.d3
[$gWhite$b is willing to allow 11...cxd3 now that he has the a-$gfile$b and
the b5 $gpawn$b as a target.]
11...d5
[A decisive $gblunder$b. $gBlack$b hopes to get some $gpiece$b play but simply
loses a $gpawn$b and lets White's $gpiece$bs flood into his $gqueenside$b.]
12.exd5 Nxd5
[ 12...cxd3 13.Qxd3 Ne5 14.Nxe5 Qxe5 15.Bb3]
13.dxc4 bxc4 14.Qxc4 Nb6
[He has to $gbreak$b the $gpin$b on the c6 $gknight$b before White plays Be4
and Nd4.]
15.Qf4
[$gBlack$b resigned here. This may seem a little premature, but after...]
15...Qxf4
[ 15...e5 16.Qf6 Rg8 17.Re1 Bd6 18.Bf4]
16.Bxf4 Rb7 17.Be4 Bd7 18.b4
[It's hopeless.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Shamkovich
.EVENT USSR Championship
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nc3 e6 7.Bd3 c5 8.Qe2 cxd4
9.Nxd4 Bc5 10.Nb3 Bd6 11.Bg5 a6 12.O-O-O Qc7 13.Kb1 O-O 14.Ne4 Be5 15.f4 Bxf4
16.Nxf6+ Nxf6 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Qg4+ Kh8 19.Rhf1 Be5 20.Bxh7 f5 21.Qh4 Kg7
22.Rf3 Re8 23.g4 f4 24.g5 Kf8
[$gWhite$b's $gattack$b is proceeding nicely, but there are no open $gfile$bs
to work with, so the $grook$bs do not play a significant role. On the other
hand, $gBlack$b has a beautiful $gbishop$b which does help defend by guarding
the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
25.Rxf4!!
[Tal, one of the most romantic of all $gchess$b champions, gives up a whole
rook just to deflect the $gbishop$b from covering g7.]
25...Bxf4 26.Qh6+ Ke7 27.Qf6+ Kf8
[$gWhite$b has successfully infiltrated with the $gqueen$b, but even queen and
$gbishop$b are not enough to deliver $gmate$b. But aided by a $gpawn$b...]
28.g6 Bh6
[Otherwise the $gpawn$b would advance to g7 and deliver $gmate$b. But now the
f-$gfile$b, which had been $gblock$bed by the $gbishop$b, is wide open.]
29.Rf1
[$gBlack$b resigned, faced with certain $gmate$b)]
29...Rd8 30.Qh8+ Ke7 31.Rxf7+ Kd6 32.Qd4+ Kc6 33.Qc5++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Vaganian
.EVENT Dubna
.THEME {T10}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nc6 4.Ngf3 Nf6 5.e5 Nd7 6.Nb3 f6
[This is risky, but it's $gBlack$b must $gattack$b $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b
somehow.]
7.Bb5
[This protects e5 by $gpinbning one of the $gknight$bs.]
7...fxe5 8.dxe5 Nc5 9.Ng5
[$gWhite$b begins to exploit the weaknesses $gBlack$b has given himself,
setting up possible $gattack$bs by Qh5+ and Qh4 or Qf3.]
9...Bd7
[In his eagerness to $gattack$b e5 $gBlack$b completely misses the
$gthreat$b.]
10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qh5+ g6 12.Qf3
[$gBlack$b resigned here, since he can only defend the $gmate$b by Qe7.]
12...Qe7 13.Nxc5
[$gBlack$b loses a piece, since 13...Qxc5 allows 14 Qf7+ Kd8 15 Qf6+
$gfork$bing $gking$b and $grook$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Platonov
.EVENT Dubna
.THEME {S1,T5}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 Qb6 8.Qd2 Qxb2
9.Nb3 Qa3 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.Be2 Nc6 12.O-O Bd7 13.Bh5 Bg7 14.Rf3 O-O 15.Raf1 Na5
16.Rh3 Nxb3 17.axb3 Rac8 18.Kh1 f5 19.exf5 Qb4
[$gWhite$b's $gpawn$bs on the f-$gfile$b just seem to be in the way, so Tal
gets rid of them!]
20.f6 Bxf6 21.f5!
[This not only offers up the $gpawn$b at f5, but also invites $gBlack$b to
$gcapture$b the $gknight$b at c3. Tal realizes that the knight has no useful
role in the $gattack$b on the enemy $gking$b.]
21...Rxc3 22.Rg3+
[The $gcheck$b drives the $gking$b into the corner, because the $grook$b at c3
is $gpin$bned to the queen at b4.]
22...Kh8
[ 22...Bg7 23.f6 Rxg3 24.Qxb4 and $gWhite$b wins.]
23.Qh6
.QUIZ 23.Qh6
[The $gdouble attach$b on the $grook$b at f8 and the $gbishop$b at f6
$gforce$bd $gBlack$b to resign. Why? It seems that $gBlack$b can $gcapture$b
the $grook$b at g3 and escape, but $gWhite$b is prepared for this.]
23...Rxg3 24.Bg6!!
[The $gthreat$b is Qxh7 $gmate$b. There is no $gdefense$b except to
$gcapture$b at g6. If $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs with the f-$gpawn$b (the h-pawn
is $gpin$bned by the queen), then White $gcapture$bs the rook at f8 with
$gcheck$bmate. So...]
24...Rxg6 25.fxg6
[Now $gWhite$b has the same $gthreat$bs. The next move is either Qxh7 $gmate$b
or Qxf8 $gmate$b .]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT USSR
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1974
.OPENING Pirc
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O
[This is the Classical Pirc, an $gopening$b in which $gBlack$b concedes the
$gcenter$b in return for rapid $gdevelopment$b, hoping to strike back
later.]
6...Nc6 7.d5 Nb8 8.Re1 e5 9.dxe6 Bxe6 10.Bf4 h6 11.Nd4 Bd7 12.Qd2 Kh7 13.e5
dxe5 14.Bxe5 Ne4 15.Nxe4 Bxe5 16.Nf3 Bg7 17.Rad1 Qc8 18.Bc4 Be8
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are out of play, and although there are a few
defenders near the monarch, $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs can $gbreak$b through
quickly.]
19.Neg5+!!
[$gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs a $gknight$b in order to shatter the $gpawn$b
barrier protecting the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
19...hxg5 20.Nxg5+ Kg8 21.Qf4
[There is now additional pressure at f7, and the $gqueen$b $gthreat$bens to
transfer to h4 from which it can deliver $gmate$b at h7.]
21...Nd7
[$gBlack$b plans to bring this $gknight$b to f6 to defend the critical f6
square. But Tal puts paid to this plan with a simple and effective
$gsacrifice$b.]
22.Rxd7! Bxd7 23.Bxf7+
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, because the $gking$b gets $gmate$bd if it moves to
the h-$gfile$b but capturing the $gbishop$b also leads to immediate disaster:]
23...Rxf7 24.Qxf7+ Kh8 25.Qxg6 Bf5 26.Nf7+ Kg8 27.Nh6+ Kh8 28.Nxf5 Qg8 29.Re7
Bf8 30.Qh5+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Huebner
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Wijk aan Zee
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O f6
[Usually advancing this $gpawn$b in the $gopening$b is a bad idea, but here it
is appropriate because the $gpawn$b at e5 needs support.]
6.d4 Bg4 7.dxe5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 fxe5
[This $gisolated pawn$b, which can no longer be defended by a pawn on
either side, is very weak.]
9.Rd3 Bd6 10.Nbd2 Nf6 11.Nc4
[This move, leading to the $gexchange$b of $gWhite$b's e-$gpawn$b for
$gBlack$b's, is harmless. 11 b3 is the only way to keep tension in the
position.]
11...O-O 12.Ncxe5 Bh5
[Since $gWhite$b can't hold onto his e-$gpawn$b anyway, Tal decides to keep
the $gbishop pair$b.]
13.Bf4 Bxf3
[This wins a $gpiece$b, since 14 gxf3 or Rxf3 both fail to 14...Nh5.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pytel
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Yurmala
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1983
.OPENING English
1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nc6 3.Nc3 g6 4.e3 d6 5.d4 Bg7 6.d5 Ne5 7.Nd2 f5 8.Be2 Nf6 9.h3
[Preparing to drive back $gBlack$b's $gknight$b, but weakening his $gking$b
side.]
9...e6 10.f4
[White drives the knight from its good square, but his $gkingside$b is now
quite porous.]
10...Nf7 11.dxe6
[If $gWhite$b had let $gBlack$b take on d5 he would have had no
$gcompensation$b for the hole on e4, but now he falls behind in
$gdevelopment$b.]
11...Bxe6 12.Bf3 O-O 13.O-O
[$gWhite$b doesn't like the looks of 13 Bxb7 Nh5. Now, however, $gBlack$b
dissolves his only weakness and prepares to go to work on $gWhite$b's $gking$b
position.]
13...Rb8 14.a4
[White can't allow ...b5, when $gBlack$b would have the $ginitiative$b all the
way across the board.]
14...d5 15.cxd5 Nxd5 16.Nxd5 Bxd5 17.e4 Be6
[$gBlack$b avoids trading on e4, which would give $gWhite$b a square for his
$gknight$b.]
18.Qc2 Qh4
[A great square for the $gqueen$b, and the consequence of $gWhite$b's risky
$gpawn$b moves.]
19.Nb3 fxe4 20.Bxe4 Ng5
[Beautiful. Now $gWhite$b must either allow the f-$gfile$b to be opened onto
his $gking$b or let $gBlack$b's $gknight$b join the party after, e.g. 21 Bd3
Bxh3.]
21.fxg5 Rxf1+ 22.Kxf1 Rf8+ 23.Bf3
[23 Kg1 Qf2+ followed by Be5+ isn't any better.]
23...Bc4+
[$gWhite$b gets $gmate$bd after 24 Kg1 Qe1+ 25 Kh2 Be5+ 26 g3 Rxf3 27 Qxc4+
Kh8.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Garcia Gonzalez
.EVENT Sochi
.THEME {T15}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Dresden
1.e4 c6 2.c4 e5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bb4
[Black wants to take over e4, and is willing to give up the $gbishop pair$b to
get it.]
5.dxe5 Nxe4 6.Qd4
[$gBlack$b should play 6...Bxc3+ 7 bxc3 d5 when $gWhite$b has a tiny edge.
Instead he wins a $gpawn$b but gets his $gpiece$bs uncoordinated.]
6...d5 7.cxd5 Qa5 8.Qxe4 Bxc3+ 9.Kd1 cxd5
[He had to play 10...Bb4 and try to take $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's $gking$b
position.]
10.Qc2
[This wins a $gpiece$b.]
10...d4 11.bxc3 dxc3 12.Ne2 O-O 13.Qxc3 Qa4+ 14.Ke1 Be6 15.Nd4 Rc8 16.Bb5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Chiu
.EVENT National Open
.THEME {S11}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.c3 Bg7 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4 Qb6
[$gBlack$b let $gWhite$b get a big $gcenter$b in the hope of getting pressure
against it. Tal renders this irrelevant by simply giving up a $gpawn$b, in
return for which he gets a six $gtempo$b lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
7.Nc3 Nxd4 8.Nd5
[8...Qxb5 would lose to 9.Nc7+, so $gBlack$b has to develop White's queen and
retreat his own.]
8...Nxf3+ 9.Qxf3 Qd8 10.Bf4
[Forcing a decisive weakening.]
10...e5 11.Be3
[$gWhite$b has more than enough for the $gpawn$b, but 11.Qc3 would have won on
the spot.]
11...Ne7 12.Bg5 f6 13.Nxf6+ Bxf6 14.Qxf6 Rf8 15.Qxe5 Qa5+ 16.Kf1 Qd8 17.Bh6
Rg8 18.Bc4 d6 19.Qf6 d5 20.exd5 Nf5 21.Re1+ Kd7 22.Bb5+ Kc7 23.Rc1+ Kb8
24.Bf4+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Larsen
.EVENT Montreal
.THEME {T12}
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2 Be7 8.O-O-O a6
9.f4 Qc7
[This is too slow. $gWhite$b's $gspace$b edge allows him to prepare
simultaneously for an $gattack$b either in the $gcenter$b or on the
$gkingside$b, so $gBlack$b should go straight for $gcounterplay$b by 9...Bd7
and 10...b5.]
10.Be2 Nxd4
[ 10...O-O 11.Bf3 Bd7 12.Rhe1 $gWhite$b has a $gbind$b and $gBlack$b doesn't
have any comfortable defence to the $gthreat$b of 13.e5.]
11.Qxd4 b5 12.e5 dxe5 13.fxe5 Nd5
[$gBlack$b has lost too much time and can no longer play normal moves.
13...Nd7 14.Bxe7 Kxe7 15.Qh4+ Ke8 16.Ne4 $gWhite$b has a huge $gbind$b.]
14.Bxe7 Nxc3
[The first of several zwischenzugs by both sides. $gBlack$b prevents $gWhite$b
from winning a $gpawn$b on d5 before recapturing the $gbishop$b. 14...Nxe7
15.Nxb5 axb5 16.Bxb5+ $gBlack$b is getting $gmate$bd on d8 in two moves.]
15.Bf3
[$gBlack$b missed this zwischenzug which keeps the $ginitiative$b for White.
Now $gBlack$b's best chance would be 15...Ne2+, forcing $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b
to retreat.]
15...Nxd1 16.Bd6 Qc4 17.Qb6
[Another $gintermediate move$b, which maintains all the threats and brings the
$gqueen$b a perfect $gattack$bing square.]
17...Nf2
[$gBlack$b tries one last $gintermediate move$b, hoping for:]
18.Bc6+
[ 18.Qxf2 Qf4+ 19.Kb1 Bd7 when White's $gbishop$b is $gpin$bned onto his
queen.]
18...Bd7 19.Bxd7+ Kxd7 20.Qb7+ Kd8 21.Qxa8+ Qc8 22.Qa7
[The final tactic: $gWhite$b threatens both $gmate$b on e7 and the
$gknight$b on f2.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Bled Candidates
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d3 d5 3.Nd2 e5 4.Ngf3 Nd7
[$gBlack$b hopes to consolidate his $gpawn$b $gcenter$b, but $gWhite$b decides
to open the game instead of allowing this.]
5.d4 dxe4 6.Nxe4 exd4 7.Qxd4 Ngf6 8.Bg5 Be7 9.O-O-O O-O
[With the $gcenter$b open and $gking$bs on opposite sides the stage is set for
a dogfight.]
10.Nd6 Qa5 11.Bc4 b5 12.Bd2
[$gWhite$b frees g5 for his $gknight$b and drives $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b to a
weaker square.]
12...Qa6 13.Nf5 Bd8 14.Qh4
[$gWhite$b gives up his $gbishop$b to gain time to get the rest of his
$gpiece$bs into the $gattack$b.]
14...bxc4 15.Qg5 Nh5 16.Nh6+ Kh8 17.Qxh5 Qxa2 18.Bc3 Nf6
[So far $gBlack$b has defended well and he could hold by 18...Bf6. The text
loses because the weakness of Black's $gback rank$b.]
19.Qxf7
[Now all of the squares around $gBlack$b's $gking$b are under $gattack$b.]
19...Qa1+ 20.Kd2 Rxf7 21.Nxf7+ Kg8 22.Rxa1 Kxf7 23.Ne5+ Ke6 24.Nxc6 Ne4+
25.Ke3 Bb6+ 26.Bd4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Langeweg
.EVENT Sochi
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Semi-Tarrasch
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e3 Nc6 7.Bc4 cxd4 8.exd4 Nxc3
9.bxc3 Be7 10.O-O O-O 11.Bd3 b6 12.Qe2 Bb7 13.Bb2 Qd5 14.c4 Qh5 15.Be4 Rfe8
16.Rfd1 Na5 17.Bxb7 Nxb7 18.Rac1 Bf8 19.Rc3 Rec8 20.d5 Nc5 21.Re3 exd5 22.Rxd5
Qh6 23.Nd4 Na4
[$gBlack$b's $gforce$bs are offside and $gWhite$b has a huge army ready to do
battle against the enemy $gking$b.]
24.Nf5
[Not only does this $gattack$b the $gqueen$b, but it also unleashes the power
of the $gbishop$b at b2. $gBlack$b does not have time to $gcapture$b it,
because he must save the $gqueen$b.]
24...Qc6
[Now the $gking$b is almost completely without defenders, so the
$gsacrifice$bs begin.]
25.Bxg7!!
.QUIZ 25.Bxg7
[Obviously the $gbishop$b cannot be $gcapture$bd because then Ne7+ would win
the $gqueen$b.]
25...Qxd5
[$gBlack$b hopes that $gWhite$b will $gcapture$b the $gqueen$b, allowing the
saving move 26...Rc1+. But $gWhite$b has a much stronger option.]
26.Nh6+!
[Now $gBlack$b has no choice, there is only one legal move.]
26...Kxg7 27.Qg4+
[and here $gBlack$b resigned, because 27...Kh8 allows 28.Qg8 $gmate$b, while
capturing the $gknight$b is no better:]
27...Kxh6 28.Rh3+ Qh5 29.Rxh5++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Kostro
.EVENT Siegen Olympiad
.THEME {T6}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 dxc4 7.e4 g5 8.Bg3 b5 9.Be2
Bb7 10.O-O Nbd7 11.d5 cxd5 12.exd5 Qb6 13.dxe6 fxe6 14.Nd4 Bc5 15.Ndxb5 O-O
16.Bf3 Bxf3 17.Qxf3 Rac8 18.Rad1 Qc6 19.Qe2 Nd5
[$gWhite$b's $gforce$bs do not seem well-placed to $gattack$b the enemy
$gking$b, in spite of the weaknesses on the $gkingside$b. But the pawn at e6
is very weak, and White can use the idea of $ginterference$b to get at it.]
20.Nd6!!
.QUIZ 20.Nd6
20...Bxd6 21.Qxe6+
[Mission accomplished! Not only is the $gattack$b under way, but $gWhite$b
will even recover the $gmaterial$b investment at d6.]
21...Kg7 22.Bxd6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Adorjan
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Toluca Interzonal
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING English Defense
1.c4 b6 2.d4 Bb7 3.Nc3 e6 4.e4 Bb4 5.Bd3 f5
[$gWhite$b has grabbed a lot of $gspace$b, but given $gBlack$b a target in the
process. $gBlack$b last move sharpens things up a lot. Since $gWhite$b
can't play 6.exf5 Bxg2 7.Qh5+ Kf8, he has to leave e4 as a target.]
6.Qh5+ g6 7.Qe2 Nf6 8.f3 Nc6 9.e5
[The losing move. $gWhite$b has committed to a big $gcenter$b and was feeling
the heat, but now the tactics explode in his face. 10.Be3 f4 would be fine for
$gBlack$b, so $gWhite$b would've done better with a more modest buildup.]
9...Nxd4 10.Qf2 Nh5 11.Qxd4 Bc5
[No more $gqueen$b. If $gWhite$b had left the $gknight$b alone he'd just be
out a $gpawn$b. Now he could resign, but in an Interzonal one doesn't give up
easily.]
12.Qxc5 bxc5 13.Be3 Qh4+ 14.g3 Nxg3 15.Bf2 f4 16.Be4 O-O-O 17.O-O-O Ne2+
18.Ngxe2 Qxf2 19.Rhf1 Qe3+ 20.Rd2 d5 21.Nd1 Qxd2+ 22.Kxd2 dxe4+ 23.Kc2 g5
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Hunerkopf
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Federal Republic of Germany
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Scotch
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6 5.e5 d5 6.Bb5 Ne4 7.Nxd4 Bc5 8.Be3 Bxd4
9.Qxd4 O-O 10.Bxc6 bxc6
[White lost time in order to weaken $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs. He
should now play to consolidate by 11.O-O.]
11.f3
[This weakens White's $gkingside$b.]
11...c5 12.Qa4
[This is a big mistake. $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b now gets cut off from the
$gcenter$b and the $gkingside$b and $gBlack$b's knight gives him a ready made
$gattack$b on the weakened e1-h4 $gdiagonal$b.]
12...Bd7
[It is important to drive $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b off the fourth $grank$b, so
that after a subsequent ...Qh4+ $gBlack$b's $gknight$b is not $gpin$bned onto
his queen.]
13.Qa3 Qh4+ 14.g3
[Losing immediately. $gWhite$b has missed $gBlack$b's 16th move. His best try
would be 14.Kd1, though $gBlack$b would keep an $gattack$b after 14...Qh5.]
14...Nxg3 15.Bf2
[White had counted on this counter $gpin$b, but by leaving the c1-h6
$gdiagonal$b the $gbishop$b has exposed White's other weakness, the first
rank.]
15...Qh6
[$gWhite$b resigned here, since he has only one way to avoid the $gcheck$b on
c1 without losing his $grook$b,]
16.Be3
[Which leaves him helpless after:]
16...Qh5
[$gBlack$b will end up at least two $gpawn$bs ahead with a continuing
$gattack$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Seirawan
.EVENT Zurich
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Pirc
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h3 O-O 6.Be3 a6
[White's slow $gdevelopment$b lets $gBlack$b go for $gcounterplay$b on the
wings.]
7.a4 b6
[$gBlack$b takes aim at $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b, but this move is risky. With
the $gbishop$b off the c8-h3 $gdiagonal$b White can often get an $gattack$b
going quickly by e4-e5-e6 and jumping in with the rest of his $gpiece$bs.
$gBlack$b should play 7...d5.]
8.Bc4 Bb7
[With $gWhite$b ready to jump in on e6 this is a mistake. He should try
8...Nc6, though $gBlack$b's funny $gpiece$b placement should let $gWhite$b
keep the $ginitiative$b.]
9.e5 Ne4
[$gBlack$b hopes to trade $gpiece$bs to dull $gWhite$b's $gattack$b, but this
loses time when he can least afford it. 9...dxe5 would have been a better try,
though $gWhite$b has a plus after 10.dxe5 Qxd1+ 11.Rxd1 due to $gspace$b and
$gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b.]
10.Nxe4 Bxe4 11.Ng5
[$gBlack$b underestimated this move. White offers a pawn to get his pieces
into the $gattack$b at warp speed.]
11...Bxg2
[Madness. $gBlack$b simultaneously opens a line onto his own $gking$b and
gives up two $gtempi$b. He would have done better to try 11...d5 or Bf5,
though it's pretty bad anyway.]
12.Rg1 Bc6
[$gBlack$b is probably lost after this. 12...d5 would have closed the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b. White could reopen it by 13.Bb3 Be4 14.Nxe4 dxe4 15.Qg4, but at
least $gWhite$b would have one $gpiece$b fewer to $gmate$b with.]
13.Qg4 e6
[$gBlack$b finally does something about the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b, but with five
$gpiece$bs already aiming at his $gking$b, it's too late.]
14.O-O-O Nd7 15.h4 dxe5 16.dxe5 Qe7
[$gBlack$b hopes to get his $gknight$b to f6 to defend his $gking$b, but...]
17.Rxd7
[Spassky nixes that idea with this fine sac. $gWhite$b now has all his
$gpiece$bs trained on $gBlack$b's $gking$b, while Black's $gqueen$b, queen
$gbishop$b and queen $grook$b aren't playing.]
17...Bxd7 18.h5 f5
[Getting the $gqueen$b in, but exposing e6.]
19.Qh3 f4
[Trying to keep $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b out, but now e6 is terminal.]
20.hxg6 Bxe5
[$gOpening$b the g-$gfile$b looks suicidal, but it doesn't matter anymore.
After, e.g. 20...h6 21.Bd2 $gWhite$b adds the possibility of Nf7-h6+ to his
bag of $gthreat$bs.]
21.Nxe6 Bxe6 22.Bxe6+ Kg7 23.gxh7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Andruet
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Federal Republic of Germany
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Bogoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Bxd2+ 5.Qxd2 d5 6.Nc3 O-O 7.e3 Qe7 8.Rc1 Rd8
9.Qc2
[$gWhite$b aims for pressure on c7, but he lets $gBlack$b get his $gknight$bs
to strong squares on the $gkingside$b.]
9...Nbd7 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Bd3 Nf8 12.Ne2
[The beginning of a dubious maneuver. $gWhite$b can't decide whether to use
this $gknight$b for $gattack$b or defence, and doesn't get his $gqueenside$b
play going soon enough.]
12...c6 13.O-O Ng6 14.Ng3
[After this $gWhite$b will always have to worry about a $gknight$b coming into
e4 or h4.]
14...Re8 15.Qc5
[This just loses time, since $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b is just as close to the
$gkingside$b on d8, while White's queen will have to retreat.]
15...Qd8 16.Nd2
[Heading for the $gqueenside$b to aid his $gattack$b there, but allowing
$gBlack$b's $gknight$b a great $gattack$bing square. ]
16...Nh4 17.b4 a6 18.a4 Bd7 19.Rb1 Ng4
[Yipe. White hasn't got his $gbreak$b in on the $gqueenside$b yet, but
$gBlack$b's $gknight$bs are doing a dance on $gWhite$b's $gking$b.]
20.Qc2 g6
[Preventing $gWhite$b from $gsimplify$bing by Bf5 or Nf5.]
21.b5 axb5 22.axb5 h5 23.bxc6 bxc6 24.Rfe1
[Weakening f2, but $gBlack$b was $gthreat$bening things like ...Nxg2 Kxg2
Rxe3.]
24...Qf6
[$gAttack$bing the new weakness and preventing any possible future
$gcounterplay$b by Bxg6.]
25.Ndf1 Ra3
[$gThreat$bening 26...Rxd3, and further ganging up on e3.]
26.Re2 c5
[$gThreat$bening 27...c4 or cxd4. ]
27.dxc5 Ne5
[Very pretty. $gWhite$b only sees one of the $gthreat$bs, but he's long gone
anyway.]
28.Bb5 Qf3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Aftonov
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {T10}
.DATE 1949
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 c5 5.Bxc4 e6 6.O-O a6 7.Qe2 b5 8.Bb3 Nc6
9.Nc3 cxd4?!
[This is a positional mistake, because the $gisolated pawn$b which it creates
will be able to quickly satisfy its lust to expand. Better was 9...c4.]
10.Rd1 Bb7 11.exd4 Nb4
[$gBlack$b is obeying a classical principle of establishing a $gblockade$b in
front of the $gisolated pawn$b. But thanks to the $gpin$b on the e-
$gfile$b, White has a resource. ]
12.d5! Nbxd5 13.Bg5!
[$gBlack$b's position is a virtual $gpin$b-cushion (Bg5 on Nf6, Qe2 on Pe6,
and Rd1 on Nd5). The simple $gthreat$b is 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.Bxd5, since
15...Qxd5 loses to 16. Rxd5.]
13...Be7 14.Bxf6 gxf6
[ 14...Bxf6 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.Bxd5 Qxd5 17.Rxd5]
15.Nxd5 Bxd5
[ 15...exd5 16.Nd4 would have also led to a crushing position for $gWhite$b.]
16.Bxd5 exd5 17.Nd4
[This position can already be considered winning, because of the weakness of
$gBlack$b's $gpawn structure$b and the strong position of the Nd4. The simple
$gthreat$b is Rd1-e1 and Nd4-c6.]
17...Kf8 18.Nf5 h5
[Otherwise $gWhite$b would have delivered a nasty $gcheck$b at h6. Now the
$goverworked$b $gBlack$b queen is deftly exploited to bring a rapid conclusion
to the game.]
19.Rxd5!
.QUIZ 19.Rxd5
19...Qxd5 20.Qxe7+ Kg8 21.Qxf6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Bucharest
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1953
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5
[The Leningrad $gVariation$b of the Nimzoindian, which Boris Spassky used to love
to play.]
4...h6 5.Bh4 c5 6.d5
[This reduces the flexibility of $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b and should not lead to
any $gadvantage$b for $gWhite$b.]
6...d6 7.e3 exd5 8.cxd5 Nbd7 9.Bb5?! O-O
[ 9...Bxc3+! 10.bxc3 a6 11.Bxd7+ Bxd7 is at least equal and possibly even
better for $gBlack$b, who is poised to expand his $gqueenside$b]
10.Nge2 Ne5 11.O-O Ng6 12.Bg3 Nh5 13.Bd3 Nxg3 14.Nxg3
[$gBlack$b has removed one of the potential $gattack$bers of his weak d-
$gpawn$b, and the other, the Nc3, departs quickly.]
14...Ne5 15.Be2 Bxc3! 16.bxc3
[$gBlack$b's strong $goutpost$b at e5 and $gqueenside$b majority might seem to
give him the $gadvantage$b here but the strongpoint cannot be maintained and
it is hard to find useful employment for the B at c8.]
16...Qh4?!
[This wrongheaded plan allows $gWhite$b to obtain a better game. There simply
isn't enough $gattack$bing $gforce$b here to make a dent in $gWhite$b's
armor.]
17.f4! Ng4! 18.Bxg4 Bxg4?!
[Capturing with the $gqueen$b would have saved precious time, as will become
obvious.]
19.Qa4! Bc8 20.e4
[Having eliminated the $gattack$b, Spassky establishes a dominating
$gcenter$b.]
20...Qg4 21.Qc2 h5 22.Rf3 b5?!
[Smyslov, the harmonist, is now simply flapping his wings to no effect.]
23.e5! h4 24.Nf1 Bf5 25.Qd2 dxe5? 26.fxe5 Bg6 27.Re1 h3 28.d6!
[Although $gBlack$b has the $gbishop$b, it is $gWhite$b who threatens to
dominate the light squares. $gBlack$b should now try to place pressure on the
$gpawn$b at e5, but first he has to reposition the $gbishop$b.]
28...Be4 29.Ne3 Qe6
[ 29...Qg5 30.Rg3 Qxe5? 31.Ng4 Qe6 32.Rxe4 Qxe4 33.Nf6+ ]
30.Rf4 Bxg2 31.Nf5
[$gThreat$bening $gmate$b in a few moves after 32.Ne7+.]
31...Rfe8 32.Re3! Rad8 33.Nxg7! Rxd6
[ 33...Kxg7 34.Rg3+ Kf8 35.Rfg4 ]
34.Nxe6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT World Championship (5)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1969
.OPENING Semi-Tarrasch
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.d4 c5 5.cxd5 Nxd5
[The game has $gtranspose$bd into a Semi-Tarrasch Variation of the $gQueen$b's
$gGambit$b Declined, an $gopening$b which can arise via a bewildering variety
of move orders, even from the Caro Kann (1.e4 c6)!]
6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Bb4+ 9.Bd2 Bxd2+ 10.Qxd2 O-O 11.Bc4 Nc6 12.O-O b6
13.Rad1 Bb7
[This is a very typical Semi-Tarrasch position.]
14.Rfe1 Rc8
[A simple glance at the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b is sufficient to encourage White to
build a plan based on undermining the $gpawn chain$b f7-e6.]
15.d5
[But this may be premature. If $gBlack$b plays 15...Na5!, then the $gbishop$b
will have to retreat, since the sacrificial attempt 16.dxe6 does not work.
Petrosian missed this chance.]
15...exd5?! 16.Bxd5!
[This is the correct $gcapture$b. 16.exd5 would have created a $gpassed
pawn$b, but it would be easily $gblock$baded. And, more important, the light
squared $gbishop$b now has room to maneuver without having to worry about Nc6-
a5.]
16...Na5 17.Qf4 Qc7 18.Qf5 Bxd5
[The pressure was building at f7, so $gBlack$b trades a $gpiece$b which is not
involved in the $gdefense$b for an $gattack$bing $gpiece$b, almost always a
good idea.]
19.exd5
[With the $gbishop$bs gone, the $gpassed pawn$b is somewhat harder to
$gblockade$b, and $gBlack$b's knight is definitely offside. 19...Nb7 might
have been best here.]
19...Qc2?!
[$gBlack$b simply has no right to play so ambitiously when his position is
inferior and $gWhite$b can afford to ignore the $gthreat$b at a2. On the other
hand, $gWhite$b has no desire to see the $gqueen$bs off the board, as the lady
plays escort to the Pd5]
20.Qf4! Qxa2 21.d6 Rcd8 22.d7
[Spassky has achieved the goal of advancing his $gpawn$b to the $gseventh
rank$b, where it severely restricts the $gmobility$b of the $gBlack$b
$gforce$bs. He now needs a new plan to exploit his $gadvantage$b, and it will
involve infiltration via the c-$gfile$b]
22...Qc4 23.Qf5 h6 24.Rc1! Qa6 25.Rc7
[The next phase has been accomplished. Now the $gknight$b has to get into the
act. Again, it is important to consider a seemingly impossible goal. The
$gknight$b belongs at c6. Although that seems difficult to achieve, it is
not.]
25...b5 26.Nd4 Qb6
[ 26...b4 27.Qe5! with the $gthreat$b of Nf5]
27...Nc4 28.Qc5]
27.Rc8! Nb7
[$gBlack$b had to do this, as the alternatives fail. 27...b4 28.Re8! Qxd4
29.Rxf8+ Rxf8 30.Rxf8+ Kxf8 31.Qc5+!! Qxc5 32.d8Q+]
28.Nc6
[And the $gknight$b reaches the desired square, after which Spassky finishes
the game beautifully.]
28...Nd6 29.Nxd8!!
.QUIZ 29.Nxd8
29...Nxf5 30.Nc6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Bronstein
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 d5 4.exd5 Bd6
[4...Nf6 is normal, but Bronstein loves to improvise.]
5.Nc3 Ne7 6.d4 O-O 7.Bd3 Nd7
[$gBlack$b should play 7...c6 to eliminate the cramping $gpawn$b on d5.]
8.O-O h6
[$gBlack$b feared a possible Ng5, but this is a serious loss of time. He
should have played 8...Nf6.]
9.Ne4
[$gWhite$b gives up a $gpawn$b to get his $gpiece$bs into $gattack$bing
positions with gain of time.]
9...Nxd5 10.c4 Ne3 11.Bxe3 fxe3 12.c5 Be7
[Playing to hold the e3 $gpawn$b by 12...Bf4 gets into trouble by 13 g3 and
now neither 13...Bg5 14 Nfxg5 hxg5 15 Qh5 nor 13...f5 14 Nc3 Bg5 15 h4 Be7 16
Nd5 is any good.]
13.Bc2 Re8
[$gBlack$b sees the approaching $gattack$b on h7 and thus doesn't want his
$gknight$b traded off after 13...Nf6 14 Qd3 Nxe4 15 Qxe4, but that might be
better than the text, which gives White an extra $gtempo$b to build up.]
14.Qd3 e2
[$gBlack$b doesn't like the looks of 14...Nf8 15 Ne5 and tries to $gbreak$b up
$gWhite$b's $gbattery$b, but...]
15.Nd6
[White gives up a whole rook just for one $gtempo$b to $gattack$b f7.
$gBlack$b should play 15...Bxd6 16 Qh7+ Kf8 17 cxd6 exf1Q+ 18 Rxf1 cxd6 19
Qh8+ Ke7 20 Qxg7 Rg8 21 Re1+ Ne5 22 Qxh6 Be6, when he may get out alive.]
15...Nf8 16.Nxf7 exf1Q+ 17.Rxf1 Bf5
[Desperation, but 17...Kxf7 18 Ne5+ Kg8 19 Qh7+ is a beautiful way to get
$gmate$bd and 17...Qd5 loses to 18 Bb3 Qxf7 19 Bxf7+ Kxf7+ 20 Qc4+ Kg6 21
Qg8.]
18.Qxf5 Qd7 19.Qf4 Bf6 20.N3e5 Qe7 21.Bb3 Bxe5 22.Nxe5+ Kh7 23.Qe4+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (1)
.THEME {O1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
[Quite brave of Spassky, to test Fischer in the latter's favorite $gopening$b.
But then Spassky is also the master of the $gBlack$b side of the Spanish
Game!]
3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 O-O 8.c3 d6 9.h3 Nb8
[The Breyer System, Spassky's pride and joy.]
10.d4 Nbd7 11.Nbd2 Bb7 12.Bc2 Re8 13.Nf1
[ 13.b4 a5! prevents the planned advance of $gWhite$b's a-$gpawn$b to a5.]
13...Bf8 14.Ng3 g6 15.Bg5 h6 16.Bd2 Bg7 17.a4 c5 18.d5 c4 19.b4!?
[This is an innovation, and perhaps a strong one. It is not just the move that
is new, but the idea of a delayed b4 after $gBlack$b has advanced to c4.]
19...Nh7 20.Be3 h5 21.Qd2 Rf8 22.Ra3
[Spassky must have been feeling a creeping uneasiness, caused by the
potential problems on the a-$gfile$b, where $gWhite$b's heavy artillery will
congregate.]
22...Ndf6
[$gBlack$b lacks adequate counterply, since there is no real hope of playing
f7-f5. Therefore he tries to regroup his $gpiece$bs to prevent a $gcapture$b
at b5, and also prepares to $gsacrifice$b a $gpiece$b for the dominating
central $gpawn$bs.]
23.Rea1 Qd7 24.R1a2 Rfc8 25.Qc1 Bf8 26.Qa1 Qe8 27.Nf1 Be7 28.N1d2
[ 28.N3d2 is an interesting alternative, intending to advance the f-$gpawn$b.]
28...Kg7 29.Nb1
[This threatens to liquidate a lot of $gpiece$bs following $gcapture$bs on
a5 and a8, after which Nb1-a3 will win the weak $gpawn$b at b5. So $gBlack$b
must try a desperate $gsacrifice$b.]
29...Nxe4! 30.Bxe4 f5 31.Bc2 Bxd5 32.axb5 axb5 33.Ra7 Kf6 34.Nbd2
[The $gknight$b has done its duty on the $gqueenside$b and returns to provide
support for the $gcenter$b and for its fellow steed at f3.]
34...Rxa7 35.Rxa7 Ra8 36.g4
[Fischer strives to open the position, even if this entails exposing his
$gking$b to some danger. This is better than exchanging at a8, as the
resulting simplification would not help $gWhite$b's $gattack$b.]
36...hxg4 37.hxg4 Rxa7 38.Qxa7 f4!
[Well-timed! 38...Qa8 would lead to an easy win for $gWhite$b.]
39.Bxf4!
[Fischer's superb $gtechnique$b is evident as he returns his trophy
immediately. If he had tried to hang on to it, victory would have been less
likely. 39.Bb6?! Qa8! 40.Qd7 Bxf3 41.Nxf3 Qxf3 42.Bd8 Bxd8 43.Qxd8+ is
unclear.]
39...exf4 40.Nh4!
[Another strong move which is not obvious. The natural path would lead
$gWhite$b astray: 40.Qd4+ Ke6 41.Qg7 Nf8 and $gBlack$b can hold on.]
40...Bf7?
[The fatal error. The $gknight$b retreat was called for. 40...Nf8! 41.Qd4+ Ke6
42.Nf5 Bf6! 43.Qxf4 Be5 and $gBlack$b could still put up a fight.]
41.Qd4+ Ke6 42.Nf5!
[There is the threat of a big $gfork$b at g7.]
42...Bf8
[ 42...gxf5 43.Bxf5++]
43.Qxf4 Kd7 44.Nd4!
[The b5-$gpawn$b is unprotected. Spassky makes one more attempt at
$gcounterplay$b.]
44...Qe1+ 45.Kg2 Bd5+ 46.Be4 Bxe4+ 47.Nxe4 Be7 48.Nxb5 Nf8 49.Nbxd6 Ne6
[Spassky resigned here, rather than face...]
50.Qe5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (2)
.THEME {O12}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7
[The $gKing$b's Indian, another Fischer favorite.]
4.e4 d6 5.f3
[The $gsharp$b Saemisch $gvariation$b, though dulled somewhat by Spassky's
choice of continuations.]
5...c5
[Normal is 5...O-O, but the early $ghypermodern$b advance is also seen.]
6.dxc5
[ 6.d5 would lead to an ultra-$gsharp$b Modern Benoni, but Spassky prefers the
accepted line, which lead to an early $gendgame$b.]
6...dxc5 7.Qxd8+ Kxd8 8.Be3
[ 8.e5?! Nfd7 9.f4 f6! 10.exf6 exf6 11.Bd2 Re8+ 12.Be2 Nc6 13.O-O-O Nd4= was
agreed $gdraw$bn in Marovic-Ivkov, Malaga 1981.]
8...Nfd7 9.Nge2
[ 9.O-O-O b6 10.f4 Bxc3 11.bxc3 Bb7 12.Nf3 Ke8 13.e5 Bxf3 14.gxf3 f5 15.exf6
Nxf6 16.f5 gave $gWhite$b an $gadvantage$b in Spassky-Gheorghiu,]
9...b6 10.O-O-O
[Now Fischer introduces a completely new plan, developing his knight on the
$gflank$b. ]
10...Na6 11.g3 Nc7 12.f4 e6
[The $gBlack$b $gknight$bs look very artificial.]
13.Bh3
[This connects the $grook$bs and prepares f4-f5, but $gWhite$b could have
played more strongly by exchanging light-squared $gbishop$bs. 13.e5!? Bb7
14.Rg1 Ke7 15.Bg2 Bxg2 16.Rxg2 f6 17.g4! fxe5 18.f5! and $gWhite$b has a
strong $gattack$b.]
13...Ke7 14.Rhf1 h6 15.e5 Bb7 16.g4
[$gWhite$b prepares to play Ng3 and f5.]
16...Rad8 17.Ng3 f6 18.Nce4 fxe5 19.f5!
[$gWhite$b has full $gcompensation$b for the $gsacrifice$bd $gpawn$b, but
Fischer defends well.]
19...Bxe4 20.Nxe4 gxf5 21.gxf5 Nf6 22.Rg1?!
[This lets Fischer escape. 22.Ng3!? Rxd1+ 23.Kxd1 Rd8+ 24.Ke2 gives $gWhite$b
a dangerous $ginitiative$b. After capturing on e6, the light squares will be
very weak.]
22...Rxd1+ 23.Kxd1 Bf8 24.Nxf6 Kxf6 25.Rf1 exf5 26.Rxf5+ Kg7 27.Rxe5?!
[This is natural, but nevertheless questionable, since $gBlack$b can now both
consolidate his position and win the important $gpawn$b at h2. 27.Rf2!
deserved consideration, for example Be7 28.Bd2 Rd8 29.Ke2 intending 30.Bc3.]
27...Bd6 28.Re4 Bxh2 29.Ke2 h5
[This modest $gpawn$b will reach the $gseventh rank$b in a few moves and
dramatically grow in stature. ]
30.Re7+ Kf6 31.Rd7 Be5 32.b3 h4 33.Kf3 Rg8 34.Bg4?
[This is wrong, though few commentators noticed it at the time. Alternatives
promised excellent $gdraw$bing chances. 34.Bf4! Bxf4 35.Kxf4 Ne6+ 36.Bxe6 Kxe6
37.Rxa7 Rh8 38.Rg7 h3 39.Rg6+! Ke7 40.Rg1=]
34...h3! 35.Rh7 h2 36.Bf4 Rf8!!
[A very strong move. White now must part with the $gexchange$b because of the
$gthreat$b of 37...Kg6.]
37.Bxe5+?
[ 37.Bxh2 Kg6+ 38.Ke4 Kxh7 39.Bxe5 gives $gWhite$b more chances to escape.]
37...Kg6+ 38.Ke4 Kxh7 39.Bxh2 39...Re8+ 40.Kf5
[Intending to tether $gBlack$b's $gking$b to the edge of the board. 40.Kd3 is
no better.]
40...Ne6 41.Kf6 Nd4
[Fischer has achieved a technically $gwinning position$b, but surprisingly he
does not find the resources to crush his opponent. ]
42.Bd6 Re4 43.Bd7 Re2 44.a4 Rb2
[ 44...Nxb3 was more logical, but even after the text the position is still a
win.]
45.Bb8 a5 46.Ba7 Rxb3 47.Ke5 Nf3+ 48.Kd6 Nd2 49.Be6 Rb4 50.Kc6
50...Nb3?
[This throws away the win. 50...Nxc4 51.Bxc4 Rxc4 52.Kxb6 Rxa4 53.Kxc5 Kg6
54.Kb5 Ra2 55.Bc5 a4 56.Kb4 Kf5 and the $gBlack$b $gking$b will march to d3.]
51.Bd5 Rxa4 52.Bxb6 Ra1 53.Bxc5 a4 54.Bb4
[Now the winning chances are gone, since the c-$gpawn$b is preserved.]
54...a3 55.c5 Nd4+ 56.Kd7 Rd1
[ 56...a2 57.Bxa2! Rxa2 58.c6=]
57.Bxa3 Nc2 58.c6 Rxd5+ 59.Bd6
[Agreed $gdraw$bn, because a $gpiece$b must be $gsacrifice$bd to stop the
$gpawn$b. Try playing on against $gGambit$b if you need proof.]
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (3)
.THEME {O1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Nb8 10.d4 Nbd7 11.Nbd2 Bb7 12.Bc2 Re8 13.Nf1 Bf8 14.Ng3 g6 15.Bg5 h6 16.Bd2
exd4
[Spassky deviates from the first game of the match. The idea is to create more
scope for the dark-squared $gbishop$b.]
17.cxd4 c5 18.Bf4
[This is the most logical reaction, targeting the weak $gpawn$b at d6.
$gBlack$b's position is solid however, with the $gbishop$b guarding d6 from
f8.]
18...cxd4!
[This second $gexchange$b brings Spassky good fortune. It is hardly a new
idea, however. The idea was used in a game between Tal and Keres, at Curacao
1962. $gBlack$b gets active piece play in return for his suspect $gpawn
structure$b.]
19.Nxd4
[ 19.Qxd4 Nc5]
19...Ne5 20.b3 d5
[This classical central thrust gives $gBlack$b an active game.]
21.Qd2
[ 21.Bxe5 Rxe5 22.f4 Rxe4 23.Nxe4 dxe4]
21...dxe4 22.Nxe4 Nd5 23.Bg3 Rc8 24.Re2
[Perhaps this was an error. 24.Rad1 f5 25.Nc5 Bxc5 26.Bxe5 Rxe5 27.Rxe5 Bxd4
28.Qxd4 Rxc2 ]
24...f5 25.Bxe5 Rxe5 26.Ng3 Rxe2 27.Ngxe2 Nb4 28.Rd1 Nxc2
[ 28...Nxa2 29.Bxf5 gxf5 30.Qxa2 Qg5 In this complicated position both sides
have chances.]
29.Nxc2 Qxd2 30.Rxd2
[We have reached a position where $gBlack$b should hold the $gadvantage$b
thanks to his $gbishop pair$b, but in fact it is hard to achieve much.]
30...Rc7 31.Ne3 Kf7 32.h4 Bc8
[32...h5 looks good, too.]
33.Nf4 g5 34.hxg5 hxg5 35.Nd3 Bg7
[$gBlack$b could have tried for a little more with 35...Be6.]
36.Nd5 Rc6 37.N5b4 Rc7 38.Nd5 Rc6 39.N5b4 Rc7
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (4)
.THEME {O9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4
[Perhaps influenced by the renewed interest in the $gopening$b in the 1980s.
The $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Accepted is an unusual choice from Fischer, who
usually prefers a more $ghypermodern$b treatment of 1.d4.]
3.Nf3
[3.e4 is a popular alternative which has been the subject of much scrutiny
lately.]
3...Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O a6 7.dxc5
[Spassky shows a definite preference for $gendgame$bs in this match! 7.Qe2 and
7.a4 are the more common moves.]
7...Qxd1
[ 7...Bxc5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 9.Nbd2 Ke7 10.b3 b6 11.Bb2 Bb7 12.Be2 Nbd7=]
8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.b3
[ 9.a3 with the idea of playing b4, is more common here.]
9...Nbd7 10.Bb2 b6
[The cautious approach. The extended $gfianchetto$b (10...b5) is riskier
because the $gpawn chain$b can be undermined by a2-a4.]
11.Nc3 Bb7 12.Rac1 Be7
[ 12...O-O? 13.Na4 Be7 14.Bxf6 Nxf6 15.Nxb6]
13.Nd4 Rc8 14.f3 b5 15.Be2 Bc5
[$gBlack$b has achieved full $gequality$b.]
16.Kf1?!
[A very lame move. 16.Kf2 Ke7 17.a4 bxa4 18.Nxa4 Ba7 maintains $gequality$b.]
16...Ke7 17.e4?
[A strategic disaster. White weakens the long $gdiagonal$b without any good
reason, allowing Fischer to develop an interesting counterattack. 17.Kf2 was
the correct move.]
17...g5!
[$gBlack$b intends to advance the g-$gpawn$b, $gcapture$b at f3, bring a
$gknight$b to f4 and put a $grook$b on the g-$gfile$b, a simple and effective
plan.]
18.Nb1
[The point of this move is to try to $gexchange$b dark squared $gbishop$bs
after Ba3.]
18...g4
[ 18...Bd6 might have been more accurate, e.g., 19.Kf2 g4 with at least
$gequality$b.]
19.Ba3 b4?
[It is hard to believe that Fischer overlooked the obvious $gexchange$b
$gsacrifice$b which follows. 19...Bxa3 20.Nxa3 gxf3 21.gxf3 Rhg8 22.Kf2 Ne5
with good play for $gBlack$b.]
20.Rxc5! Nxc5 21.Bxb4
[Now $gWhite$b's position is superior thanks to his ferocious $gbishop$b and
the vulnerable $gBlack$b $gking$b. The distance between a very good position
and a very bad one is very small indeed!]
21...Rhd8 22.Na3 gxf3 23.gxf3 Nfd7 24.Nc4
[$gWhite$b has already achieved a completely dominating position because all
of his pieces are active, while $gBlack$b lacks any $gcounterplay$b.]
24...Ba8 25.Kf2 Rg8 26.h4 Rc7 27.Nc2 Rb8 28.Ba3
[This prevents Fischer from countersacrificing the $gexchange$b, and maintains
the strong $gpin$b.]
28...h5 29.Rg1 Kf6 30.Ke3 a5 31.Rg5
[Spassky intensifies the pressure with every move.]
31...a4?
[This makes Spassky's task easier, but it is hard to find an alternative. Now
White gets a powerful $gpassed pawn$b.]
32.b4 Nb7 33.b5 Nbc5 34.Nd4
[$gWhite$b's domination is complete. Fischer now embarks on a desperate
$gsacrifice$b, but it doesn't work.]
34...e5?
[A mistake.]
35.Nxe5! Nxe5 36.Rf5+ Kg7 37.Rxe5 Nxe4!
[The point of the $gcombination$b. If $gBlack$b takes the knight Fischer will
escape.]
38.Bd3!
[ 38.fxe4 Rc3+]
38...Rc3 39.Bb4
[Spassky's ship steers clear of the final reef and the game heads for home. ]
39...Rxd3+ 40.Kxd3 Nf6 41.Bd6 Rc8 42.Rg5+ Kh7 43.Be5 Ne8 44.Rxh5+ Kg6 45.Rg5+
Kh7 46.Bf4 f6 47.Rf5 Kg6 48.b6
[This modest $gpawn$b decides the outcome of the game.]
48...Rd8 49.Ra5 Bxf3 50.h5+! Kf7
[ 50...Bxh5 51.b7]
51.Ra7+
[$gBlack$b resigns. The worst game by Fischer in the first half of the match.
Spassky played quite well. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (6)
.THEME {O9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O a6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5
9.b3
[ 9.Nbd2 b5 10.Be2 Bb7 11.Nb3 Be7 12.Na5 $gForce$bd Spassky to grovel with the
$gBlack$b $gpiece$bs against Bronstein at Moscow 1964, so Spassky chose
another plan. ]
9...Nbd7 10.Bb2 b5
[Fischer departs from the path of the fourth game, which saw 11..b6.]
11.Be2 Bb7 12.Nbd2 Ke7
[ 12...O-O is probably playable, for example 13.a4 bxa4 14.Rxa4 Nb6!?]
13.a4
[It is precisely this move which often discourages the extended $gfianchetto$b
by $gBlack$b. The following $gexchange$b leaves the a-pawn weak. Few players
seem to enjoy the $gBlack$b side of these positions.]
13...bxa4
[ 13...b4 is not on because of  14.Nc4 with tremendous pressure.]
14.Rxa4 Rhb8?!
[ 14...Nb6 seems best. 15.Ra5 Bb4 16.Ba3 Bxa3 17.Rxa3 Nfd5 18.Rda1 Nb4
secures the $gdefense$b. ]
15.Rc1!
[This ties down the Nd7 and Bc5 therefore $gBlack$b experiences some
discomfort.]
15...Bd5
[ 15...Nd5? 16.Rxc5 Nxc5 17.Ba3 is reminiscent of game 4 of the match!]
16.Ne5!
[The weakness of c6 is important. $gBlack$b's light-squared $gbishop$b can
easily be placed in a position where it has too much work to do.]
16...Bd6 17.Nxd7 Nxd7 18.Rxa6 Rxa6 19.Bxa6 f6
[A mistake. 19...Bxb3 20.Bxg7  19...Nc5]
20.Bc4 Bxc4 21.Rxc4 Nc5 22.Rc3
[The inactivity of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs reduces the $gadvantage$b of the
extra $gpawn$b.]
22...f5 23.Ba3 Ne4
[An interesting move.]
24.Rc7+ Kd8 25.Bxd6 Nxd2 26.Rxg7 Rxb3 27.h4 h5 28.Bf4
[One might well expect $gWhite$b to win from this position.]
28...Ke8 29.Kh2 Rb2 30.Kh3 Ne4 31.f3 Nf2+ 32.Kh2 Nd3 33.Bg5 e5 34.Kh3 Nf2+
35.Kh2 Nd3 36.Bh6 Ne1
[The $gpin$b on the g-$gpawn$b is most annoying.]
37.Kg1 Nd3 38.Bg5 Rb1+ 39.Kh2 Rb2 40.Re7+
[Instead, 40.Rh7 would have won, as discovered by the computer program Deep
Thought II.]
40...Kf8 41.Re6 Kg7 42.Kh3 Re2 43.Rd6 Ne1 44.Bf6+ Kg8 45.Bxe5 Rxe3! 46.Bf4
[ 46.Rd5 The computer program $gDeep Thought$b II claimed that $gWhite$b would
have won here, but human analysts felt that 46...Kf7 would pro]
46...Re2 47.Rg6+
[More problems would have followed 47.Rf6.]
47...Kf7 48.Rg5 Ke6 49.Bc7 Ra2 50.Bb6 Nd3 51.Kh2 Ne1 52.Kh3 Nd3 53.Bc7 Rc2
54.Bb6 Ra2 55.Kg3 Ne1 56.Rxh5 Rxg2+ 57.Kf4 Nd3+ 58.Ke3 Ne5 59.Rh6+ Kd5 60.Bc7
Rg7 61.Bxe5 Kxe5
[Score: Spassky 2, Fischer 1, 3 $gdraw$bs.]
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (7)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.d3
[Fischer decides to avoid the main lines, rather uncharacteristically.]
9...Na5
[Spassky shifts from the Breyer to the Classical Chigorin formation.]
10.Bc2 c5 11.Nbd2 Re8
[ 11...Nc6 is a good alternative.]
12.h3
[ 12.Nf1 might lead to some messy complications, for example h6 13.a4 b4
14.cxb4 cxb4 15.Ne3 Bf8 16.d4 Qb6 ]
12...Bf8 13.Nf1 Bb7 14.Ng3 g6 15.Bg5 h6 16.Bd2 d5?
[A tactical error. $gBlack$b must be very careful with this methodical
$gbreak$b. The Spassky himself succeeded with d5 vs. Tal in a fairly similar
situation. 16...Nc6 is correct.]
17.exd5 c4
[Apparently Spassky overlooked a tactical point here or at the next move.
17...Qxd5 18.c4! Qd8 19.Ne4 is clearly better for $gWhite$b.]
18.b4!
[It is even more effective, then the same $gbreak$b in the first game.]
18...cxd3
[ 18...cxb3 19.axb3 and there is no way to prevent c4, after which $gWhite$b
is cruising.]
19.Bxd3 Qxd5
[ 19...Nc4 20.Bxc4 bxc4 21.Nxe5 Qxd5 22.Qf3! Rxe5 23.Rxe5 Qxe5 24.Qxb7 and
$gBlack$b has no $gcompensation$b for the $gpawn$b.]
20.Be4!
[This is the point. ]
20...Nxe4 21.Nxe4 Bg7 22.bxa5 f5
[Spassky decides that he is going to $gsacrifice$b a $gpiece$b for active
$gcounterplay$b, the $gbishop pair$b, and a $gpawnstorm$b.]
23.Ng3 e4 24.Nh4 Bf6?
[The critical mistake. 24...Rad8 would have provided adequate
$gcounterplay$b.]
25.Nxg6 e3
[This $gsharp$b continuation regains the $gpiece$b, because of the $gthreat$b
of $gmate$b at g2 , but the endgame nevertheless favors $gWhite$b.]
26.Nf4!
[Guarding g2 and forcing the next few moves.]
26...Qxd2 27.Rxe3 Qxd1+ 28.Rxd1 Rxe3 29.fxe3
[The smoke clears and Spassky's $gbishop$bs are not enough $gcompensation$b
for the $gpawn$bs.]
29...Rd8
[ 29...Bxc3 30.Nxf5 is an easy win for $gWhite$b.]
30.Rxd8+ Bxd8 31.Nxf5 Bxa5
[$gBlack$b hopes that the $gbishop$bs will compensate for the missing
$gpawn$bs, but the clerics are not all-powerful ayatollahs!]
32.Nd5! Kf8
[ 32...Bxd5 33.Ne7+ Kf7 34.Nxd5]
33.e4 Bxd5
[What else? 33...Ke8 34.Nd6+]
34.exd5 h5 35.Kf2 Bxc3
[$gBlack$b finally gets this $gpawn$b out of the way, but $gWhite$b has one
$gpassed pawn$b and one potential $gpassed pawn$b, which prove decisive.]
36.Ke3 Kf7 37.Kd3 Bb2 38.g4 hxg4 39.hxg4 Kf6 40.d6 Ke6 41.g5! a5
[ 41...Kxf5 42.d7 ]
42.g6 Bf6 43.g7
[The $gpawn$bs are just too active. Even sacrificing the remaining $gpiece$b
will not help.]
43...Kf7
[ 43...Bxg7 44.Nxg7+ Kxd6 45.Kd4 a4 46.Nf5+ is a simple winning $gendgame$b,
since $gBlack$b cannot eliminate the $gWhite$b $gpawn$b.]
44.d7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (8)
.THEME {Y1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nge2 a6 8.Qd2 Rb8
[This is the starting position of the $ghypermodern$b Saemisch.]
9.h4
[An aggressive move. Alternatives include 9.Nc1, 9.a3, 9.Rb1, 9.Bh6 and
9.O-O-O. ]
9...h5
[$gBlack$b does not allow the h-$gfile$b to be opened easily with h4-h5.]
10.Bh6
[Probably Spassky thought that his $gattack$b will be assisted by the
inclusion of the $gpawn$b moves on the h-$gfile$b, but the pawn at h5 is
better than at h7.]
10...e5!?
[Evidently a new idea, though very much in the spirit of the position. ]
11.Bxg7 Kxg7 12.d5
[ 12.O-O-O is more logical, because with the $gbishop$bs gone it does not make
sense to keep the position closed.]
12...Ne7 13.Ng3
[To stop b7-b5.]
13...c6
[Time to chip away at the central wedge!]
14.dxc6 Nxc6 15.O-O-O
[Black could now defend his $gbackward pawn$b with ...Nd4, but the weakness of
$gWhite$b's c-$gpawn$b and the presence of the $gking$b on the c-$gfile$b
provide options.]
15...Be6! 16.Kb1
[ 16.Qxd6 Qxd6 17.Rxd6 Nd4 and $gWhite$b would have difficulty extricating the
$grook$b, while the eventual occupation of the c-$gfile$b by a Black $grook$b.]
16...Ne8
[Now $gBlack$b protects the d-$gpawn$b and the g5-square against the idea of
Nf5+. This disrupts the coordination of $gBlack$b's $grook$bs but the
$gknight$b will be redeployed at c7 or f6 at an appropriate moment.]
17.Nd5 b5! 18.Ne3 Rh8!
[Since there is no possibility of playing f7-f5 without great risk, Fischer
supports the h5-square. Fischer is playing in the style of Nimzowitsch here,
using prophylactic moves.]
19.Rc1 Qb6 20.Bd3 Nd4 21.Nd5 Qa7!
[$gBlack$b will $gcapture$b at d5 at a more opportune moment. From a7 the
$gqueen$b can be transferred to e7 and help protect the $gkingside$b.
21...Bxd5 22.cxd5 Nf6 23.Rc3 Rbc8 24.Rhc1 with $gcontrol$b of the c-$gfile$b.]
22.Nf1 Nf6!?
[The $gknight$b has done its tour of duty at e8 and now it gets out of the way
and reconnects the $grook$bs. But this is a bit risky.]
23.Nfe3
[Spassky could have more aggressively exploited the $gkingside$b structure.]
23...Bxd5 24.cxd5
[ 24.Nxd5 Nxd5 25.cxd5 and the $gknight$b is obviously much more powerful than
the $gbishop$b.]
24...Rbc8 25.Rcf1
[Spassky avoids the $gexchange$b of rooks and prepares the advance of the f-
$gpawn$b. But he never gets a chance to play it.]
25...Qe7! 26.g4
[This $gbreak$b turns out to be ineffective. 26.f4!? The idea is to play f5.]
26...Nd7 27.g5
[White gains some space, but his $gpawn structure$b will be more vulnerable in
an $gendgame$b.]
27...Kf8
[This is heavy-duty prophylaxis. Perhaps Fischer re-read Nimzowitsch's My
System before the match. But he may have missed the redeployment of
$gWhite$b's $gbishop$b at h3.]
28.Rf2 Ke8
[$gBlack$b is moving his $gking$b to a secure position. It can reoccupy the
$gkingside$b later. The immediate effect is to discourage f3-f4.]
29.Bf1! Nc5 30.Bh3 Rc7 31.Rc1!?
[A good move or an oversight? As Spassky handles it, things turn out badly,
but perhaps this move is actually very strong! 31.f4? Nxe4  31.Rhf1 intending
Bg2 and f4 comes into consideration since $gBlack$b has no immediate
$gthreat$bs.]
31...Ncb3!
[A simple but effective $gcombination$b.]
32.axb3 Nxb3
[This is the $gcritical position$b.]
33.Rc6?
[ 33.Qc2!? is Kasparov's preference.]
33...Nxd2+ 34.Rxd2 Kf8 35.Rxa6
[ 35.Rdc2 Ra7 Intending Kg7.]
35...Ra7! 36.Rc6 Kg7 37.Bf1
[$gWhite$b could probably have resigned here.]
37...Ra1+! 38.Kxa1 Qa7+ 39.Kb1 Qxe3
[Finally the $gqueen$b achieves an active position!]
40.Kc2 b4
[$gWhite$b resigned, facing $gthreat$bs of b4-b3 and Qxf3. One of the most
dramatic games in the first part of the match. Score: Fischer 3, Spassky 2, 3
$gdraw$bs.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (10)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
[The Nimzoindian $gDefense$b, another of Fischer's $ghypermodern$b favorites.]
4.Qc2
[Spassky responds with the Classical $gvariation$b, which has surged in
popularity in the last decade. Has Fischer kept up with the theory?]
4...d5
[This is an approved plan, which takes $gadvantage$b of the abandonment of the
d-$gfile$b by the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b, undermining the support of d4.]
5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5
[A natural continuation, keeping up the battle for d5 and employing themes of
the $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined, $gExchange$b $gVariation$b.]
6...h6
[There are all sorts of alternatives here, but Fischer sticks to the main
line.]
7.Bh4 c5 8.dxc5 Nc6 9.e3
[$gBlack$b continues to develop quickly, rather than waste time picking up the
weak $gpawn$b at c5.]
9...g5 10.Bg3 Qa5 11.Nf3 Ne4 12.Nd2 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Bxc3
[The $gcritical position$b of the $gopening$b. Fischer clearly is happy to
get into a theoretical brawl.]
14.Rb1 Qxc5 15.Rb5 Qa3 16.Rb3 Bxd2+ 17.Qxd2 Qa5 18.Bb5
[Spassky plays for a win after three disappointing games. 18.Rc3!? was
probably wiser, avoiding the $gexchange$b of $gqueen$bs. Spassky is enough of
a specialist in the Tarrasch to appreciate that! ]
18...Qxd2+ 19.Kxd2
[Once again we have an early $gendgame$b.]
19...Bd7 20.Bxc6 Bxc6 21.h4 Ke7 22.Be5 f6 23.Bd4
[The $gbishops of opposite color$b, and the fact that White's is more active,
suggest an evaluation of the position as roughly level.]
23...g4 24.Rc1 Ke6 25.Rb4 h5 26.Rc3 Rhc8 27.a4?
[This creates a weakness. 27.a3 was wiser, with a balanced game.]
27...b6 28.Kc2 Be8
[$gBlack$b wants to $gexchange$b $grook$bs. Fischer has the $gadvantage$b
now.]
29.Kb2 Rxc3 30.Bxc3 Rc8 31.e4?!
[After this advance $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b gains additional scope. 31.Bd4 Bg6
32.Bc3 was a safer option, though $gWhite$b's game would be very passive.]
31...Bc6 32.exd5+ Bxd5 33.g3 Bc4
[This locks in the $gWhite$b $grook$b. $gBlack$b plans Kd5, and then Re8-e2+.]
34.Bd4 Kd5 35.Be3 Rc7 36.Kc3 f5 37.Kb2 Ke6 38.Kc3 Bd5+ 39.Kb2 Be4 40.a5 bxa5
41.Rb5 a4 42.Rc5 Rb7+
[ 42...Rxc5? 43.Bxc5 would be a dead $gdraw$b.]
43.Ka3 a6 44.Kxa4 Bd5 45.Ka5 Ke5 46.Kxa6
[The position appears very $gdraw$bish but Fischer is determined to fight to
the end and he almost succeeds. The basic idea is to sacrifice the
$gexchange$b at just the right moment, when the $gpawn$bs can be activated.]
46...Rb3 47.Rc7 Ke4 48.Rh7
[This is the only chance for $gcounterplay$b. Spassky tries to get a passed h-
$gpawn$b. The complications which follow are both interesting and
instructive.]
48...Rxe3 49.fxe3
[ 49.Re7+? Kf3 50.Rxe3+ Kg2 51.Ra3 Bf3 52.Ra2 Kf1 intending Be2+ and Kxf2.]
49...Kxe3 50.Rxh5 Be4 51.Rh8
[$gWhite$b is ready to advance his $gpawn$b.]
51...Kf3
52.Re8 Kxg3 53.h5 Bd3+ 54.Kb6 f4
[All the $gpassed pawn$bs are racing toward the goal line, but who get the
prize first?]
55.Kc5!
[The most accurate move, forcing a $gdraw$b. Even against less precise play a
draw would still be likely, however. 55.h6 f3 56.Rf8 f2 57.Kc5 Kg2 58.Kd4 Bh7
59.Ke3 g3 60.Rf7 Kg1 61.Ke2 Bg8 62.Rf6 Bc4+ 63.Ke3=]
55...f3 56.Kd4 Bf5 57.Rf8 Kf4 58.h6 g3
[ 58...f2 59.h7 f1Q 60.h8Q and a $gdraw$b is likely, since $gBlack$b cannot do
anything with his $ginitiative$b, since the $gbishop$b is $gpin$bned.]
59.h7 g2 60.h8Q g1Q+ 61.Kc4
[Now all White has to do is avoid the $gexchange$b of queens.]
61...Qc1+ 62.Kb3 Qc2+ 63.Kb4 Qe4+ 64.Kc3 Qc6+ 65.Kb3 Qd5+ 66.Kc3 Qc5+ 67.Kb2
Qb4+ 68.Ka2
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (11)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5
[After the disaster of the previous Spanish Inquisition, Spassky slides into
Sicilian territory.]
2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
[Somewhat of a surprise. Fischer usually prefers the well-traveled paths of
more topical lines, enjoying the theoretical duels.]
3...g6 4.Bxc6!? bxc6
[Theory prefers 4...dxc6, but there is nothing wrong with this choice.]
5.O-O Bg7 6.Re1 e5
[A critical advance, which prevents $gWhite$b from playing e4-e5 or d2-d4. But
the $gblock$bing of the long $gdiagonal$b creates an interesting opportunity
for $gWhite$b. Spassky consistently rejects previous praxis, but opts for
6...f6 in game 13.]
7.b4!
[A typical example of a move which is trivial when played prematurely (at move
2) but which can be quite effective if delayed until an appropriate moment.]
7...cxb4 8.a3
[This $ggambit$b underlines the defects of 6...e5. ]
8...c5?
[ 8...d6 9.axb4 Ne7 10.h3 O-O 11.d3 gives $gWhite$b a slightly better
position, because there are some weaknesses in $gBlack$b's position. But
8...bxa3 9.Bxa3 d6 gives $gWhite$b sufficient $gcompensation$b for the
$gpawn$b, but how much more?]
9.axb4 cxb4 10.d4
[ 10.Bb2 d6 11.d4 exd4 would $gtranspose$b back to the game.]
10...exd4
[ 10...d6?! 11.dxe5 dxe5 12.Qxd8+ Kxd8 13.Bd2! regains the $gpawn$b with
interest.]
11.Bb2 d6
[Now the long $gdiagonal$b can be the site of some tactical operations.]
12.Nxd4!
[ 12.Bxd4 Nf6 would be roughly equal, with the $gbishop pair$b working to
$gBlack$b's $gadvantage$b.]
12...Qd7
[ 12...Qb6 13.Nd2 Bxd4 14.Nc4 Bxf2+ 15.Kh1 Qc5 16.Nxd6+ Ke7 17.Nf5+!  wins for
$gWhite$b.]
13.Nd2 Bb7
[ 13...Ne7 would have been more cautious but $gWhite$b would have had a strong
position in any case.]
14.Nc4 Nh6
[Now the $gWhite$b $gknight$b makes a brilliant leap.]
15.Nf5!!
.QUIZ 15.Nf5
15...Bxb2
[ 15...Nxf5 16.exf5+ Kf8 17.Bxg7+ Kxg7 18.f6+ Kg8 19.Qxd6 Qxd6 20.Nxd6 Bc6
21.Ra6! Bd5 22.Rxa7! would lead to a rapid $gWhite$b victory.]
16.Ncxd6+ Kf8 17.Nxh6 f6?
[The losing move.]
18.Ndf7 Qxd1 19.Raxd1 Ke7 20.Nxh8 Rxh8 21.Nf5+!
[A reprise of the main theme. This time, it is decisive.]
21...gxf5 22.exf5+ Be5
[The only way to avoid losing a $grook$b. 22...Kf8 23.Rd8+ Kg7 24.Re7+]
23.f4 Rc8 24.fxe5 Rxc2
[ 24...fxe5 25.Rxe5+ Kf6 26.Rb5 and $gBlack$b has no $gcounterplay$b at all.]
25.e6!
[The protected $gpassed pawn$b will remain a pain in $gBlack$b's side for some
time.]
25...Bc6 26.Rc1!
[This forces the $gexchange$b of rooks.]
26...Rxc1
[ 26...b3 27.Rxc2 bxc2 28.Rc1 Be4 29.g4 a5 30.Kf2 a4 31.Ke3 and $gBlack$b can
give up.]
27.Rxc1 Kd6 28.Rd1+ Ke5
[ 28...Ke7 29.Ra1 and the a-$gpawn$b goes.]
29.e7 a5
[$gBlack$b's last gasp. 29...Kxf5 30.Rd6 Ba4 31.Ra6]
30.Rc1 Bd7 31.Rc5+ Kd4 32.Rxa5
[The rest is simple.]
32...b3 33.Ra7 Be8 34.Rb7 Kc3 35.Kf2 b2 36.Ke3 Bf7 37.g4 Kc2 38.Kd4 b1Q
39.Rxb1 Kxb1 40.Kc5 Kc2 41.Kd6
[and $gBlack$b resigned, since a losing $gendgame$b is inevitable:]
41...Kd3 42.Kd7 Ke4 43.e8Q+ Bxe8+ 44.Kxe8 Kf4 45.Kf7 Kg5 46.Kg7
[etc.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (12)
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nge2 a6 8.h4
[A very unusual move in this position, but it can lead to more normal lines if
White chooses to $gtranspose$b.]
8...h5 9.Nc1
[This is the real new idea. It is perhaps not an appropriate move in this
position, though the real test does not come in the present game. 9.Qd2 Rb8 is
also possible.]
9...e5?!
[ 9...Rb8!? 10.Nb3 Bd7 is more consistent with $gBlack$b's strategy, aiming
for an early $gbreak$b with b5.]
10.d5 Ne7
[ 10...Nd4 is probably stronger.]
11.Be2 Nh7
[$gBlack$b prepares to launch $gkingside$b $gcounterplay$b with f7-f5, after
which the $gpawn$b at h4 can become very weak. His $gknight$bs suffer from the
lack of entry squares on the $gkingside$b, a situation brought about by
8...h5.]
12.Nd3
[$gWhite$b now $gcontrol$bs f4 as well as g5, so there really is no
possibility of $gkingside$b counterplay for $gBlack$b.]
12...f5 13.a4!
[$gWhite$b prevents $gBlack$b from playing a freeing b7-b5. This shuts down
any $gqueenside$b action on $gBlack$b's part.]
13...Nf6 14.Nf2
[This is the logical continuation of $gWhite$b's strategy, limiting
$gBlack$b's $gcounterplay$b at each turn and taking $gcontrol$b of more
squares, in this case g4 and e4.]
14...a5?
[A simply horrible move. it prevents a4-a5, but eliminates any chance of
getting in b7-b5.]
15.Qc2 c5?
[Another error, but a consistent follow-up to the previous mistake. Fischer
must have underestimated White's potential energy on the $gkingside$b. 15...f4
16.Bd2 Bh6 17.g3 fxg3 18.Bxh6 gxf2+ was a better plan.]
16.O-O-O b6 17.Rdg1 Nh7 18.Nb5 Kh8?
[Pointless, since the $gknight$b at e7 cannot be brought to h6 because
$gWhite$b will plant a $gpawn$b at g5. 18...f4 might still be best, for
example 19.Bd2 Rf7 20.g4 fxg3 21.Rxg3 Nf8 22.Nh3 Bxh3 23.Rgxh3]
19.g4
[The prelude to a direct $gkingside$b $gattack$b, which is difficult to
counter. The main basis of the $gattack$b is the weakness of g6.]
19...hxg4 20.fxg4 f4
[Much too late.]
21.Bd2
[It is now clear that $gBlack$b has no $gcounterplay$b, and his king is in
danger on the h-$gfile$b.]
21...g5
[Fischer did not want to endure $gWhite$b's persistent pressure, but this is a
desperate $gsacrifice$b which only hastens the end.]
22.hxg5 Ng6 23.Rh5
[The $gthreat$b is 24.Rhg1.]
23...Rf7 24.Rgh1 Bf8 25.Qb3 Rb8 26.Qh3
[$gWhite$b $gdominates$b the entire board and the success of his $gattack$b is
beyond question.]
26...Rbb7 27.Nd3
[This is a decisive transfer of $gWhite$b's $gknight$b to the $gblock$bading
square f3.]
27...Kg8 28.Ne1 Rg7
[ 28...Qe8 is possibly a bit more resistant, but there are serious problems
anyway.]
29.Nf3 Rbf7 30.Rh6
[Desperation, but well justified.]
30...Qd7 31.Qh5!
[Strong and simple. There is no way to save the $gknight$b.]
31...Qxg4 32.Rxg6 Qxh5 33.Rxg7+ Rxg7 34.Rxh5 Bg4
[$gBlack$b is just down a $gpiece$b here.]
35.Rh4 Bxf3 36.Bxf3 Nxg5 37.Bg4!
[A last finesse. $gBlack$b cannot $gcapture$b at e4 because of the $gcheck$b
at e6.]
37...Rh7 38.Rxh7 Kxh7 39.Kc2! Be7
[ 39...Nxe4 40.Bf5+]
40.Kd3 Kg6 41.Nc7 Kf7 42.Ne6 Nh7 43.Bh5+ Kg8
[ 43...Kf6 44.Be1! and $gBlack$b's $gking$b must worry about getting
$gmate$bd!]
44.Be1 Nf6 45.Bh4 Kh7 46.Bf7 Nxd5
[This regains a little $gmaterial$b, but the win is still simple.]
47.cxd5 Bxh4 48.Bh5 Kh6 49.Be2 Bf2 50.Kc4 Bd4 51.b3 Kg6
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b cannot protect his soldiers.]
52.Kb5 Kf6 53.Kc6 Ke7 54.Ng7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (13)
.THEME {S13}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 g6 4.Bxc6 bxc6 5.O-O Bg7 6.Re1 f6
[Here Spassky deviates from game 11, where 6...e5 7.b4! proved problematic.]
7.c3
[Preparing a classical central advance. 7.b3!? comes into consideration, and
seems more appropriate for the position, given $gBlack$b's $gdoubled pawns$b.]
7...Nh6 8.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4 O-O 10.Nc3 d6
[$gBlack$b's position has a couple of $ghole$bs on the light squares, but
these do not seem to be serious weaknesses.]
11.Qa4?!
[This allows $gBlack$b to $gexchange$b $gqueen$bs almost by $gforce$b, which
gives him a comfortable position. 11.Qc2 seems more promising.]
11...Qb6! 12.Nd2
[An ugly little move, which hopes to drive $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b from its
strong position. 12.h3 Nf7 13.Be3? Qxb2 14.Qxc6?? Bb7]
12...Nf7 13.Nc4 Qa6!
[ 13...Qxd4?? would be a horrible $gblunder$b: 14.Be3 Qd3 15.Rad1 and the
$gqueen$b is lost.]
14.Be3 Qxa4 15.Nxa4 f5!
[This essential move activates Black's $gbishop pair$b.]
16.exf5
[ 16.f3 fxe4 17.fxe4 Bd7 gives $gBlack$b a fluid position with a great deal of
$gcounterplay$b.]
16...Bxf5
[ 16...gxf5 is an interesting alternative.]
17.Rac1 Rfc8
[This is a dynamically balanced position, with each side having to worry
about a weak $gpawn$b (d4, c6).]
18.Na5 Bd7 19.b3 Rab8 20.Nc3 Kf8 21.a3 Nh6
[The $gknight$b will be transferred to a strong position at f5. 21...c5
22.dxc5 dxc5 23.Nd5! is clearly favorable for $gWhite$b.]
22.b4 Nf5 23.Red1 Ke8
[ 23...Nxe3 24.fxe3 Bh6 25.Kf2 gives $gBlack$b two $gbishop$bs against two
$gknight$bs, but the $gbishop$bs lack natural targets.]
24.Ne4 Rb5
[Spassky realizes that the $gknight$b on f5 is a major asset.]
25.h3 h5
[$gBlack$b does not want the horse to be chased away!]
26.Rd2 a6 27.Kf1 Rd5 28.Rcd1 Rb5
[The position is fully equal and the rest of the game contains mostly minor
thrusts and parries of little interest.]
29.Ke2 Be6 30.Rc1 Kd7 31.Nc3 Rbb8 32.Kf1 h4 33.Ke2 Bf6 34.Ne4 Bd5 35.Kd3
[ 35.Nxf6+ exf6 36.f3 Re8 37.Rd3 Nxe3 38.Rxe3 Rxe3+ 39.Kxe3 Re8+ gives
$gBlack$b better chances, because the Na4 is dominated by the Bd5.]
35...Bg7 36.Rdc2 Rc7 37.Re1 Rf8 38.f3 Rb8 39.Nc3 Bg8 40.Ne2 Bf7 41.Bd2 Bf6
42.Rec1 Rbc8 43.Nc4
[This threatens Nb6+ and brings the game to a $gdraw$bn conclusion.]
43...Rb7 44.Na5 Rbc7 45.Nc4 Rb7
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (14)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bxc4 c5 6.O-O a6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5
[Another quiet $gopening$b. In the other games the action heated up
eventually. Not this time.]
9.b3 b5
[Fischer boldly plays the extended $gfianchetto$b again!]
10.Be2 Bb7 11.Bb2 Nbd7 12.Nbd2 O-O!
[In game 4, Fischer played 12...Ke7 but found 13.a4! uncomfortable. Here he
reserves e7 for his $gbishop$b.]
13.Rac1
[ 13.a4 bxa4 14.Rxa4 Nb6 gives $gBlack$b a fully satisfactory game, as does
14...Be7.]
13...Rfc8 14.h3 Kf8 15.Kf1
[Both $gking$bs head for the $gcenter$b.]
15...Ke7
[Now the occupation of this square by the $gking$b is appropriate.]
16.Ne1
[ 16.a4 bxa4 17.bxa4 Bc6 with good $gcounterplay$b, since White's rooks are
misplaced.]
16...Bd6
[The position is completely equal.]
17.a4 Bc6 18.axb5 axb5 19.Rc2 Rc7 20.Rdc1 Rac8 21.Bf3 Bxf3
[Now the $gpiece$bs fly off the board and a peace pact is forthcoming.]
22.Ndxf3 e5 23.Rxc7 Rxc7 24.Rxc7 Bxc7 25.Nc2 Ne4 26.Na3 b4 27.Nc4 f6 28.Ne1
Ndc5 29.Nc2 Nxb3 30.Nxb4 Nbd2+ 31.Nxd2 Nxd2+ 32.Ke2 Nc4
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (15)
.THEME {S24}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING English
1.c4
[Something of a surprise, although Fischer did play the English in the first
match too.]
1...e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3
[The choice of the $gkingside$b $gfianchetto$b means that we are headed for a
Tarrasch, Catalan, English, or $gHedgehog$b. Still a wide choice!]
3...d5 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.d4
[Now we have a Catalan $gOpening$b, and Spassky opts for the closed
$gvariation$b.]
6...Nbd7 7.Nbd2
[This is a fairly popular line, but does not place much pressure at d5, and
$gWhite$b can hope for a minimal $gadvantage$b, at best.]
7...b6 8.cxd5
[The double $gfianchetto$b approach.]
8...exd5 9.Ne5 Bb7 10.Ndf3
[ 10.Ndc4 perhaps makes better use of the long $gdiagonal$b, exploiting the
$gpin$b at d5.]
10...Ne4 11.Bf4 Ndf6
[$gBlack$b has achieved full $gequality$b.]
12.Rc1 c5 13.dxc5 bxc5
[$gBlack$b's $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b at c5 and d5 are strong in this
configuration. One can compare game 6 of the first match, where they proved to
be weak.]
14.Ng5 Nxg5 15.Bxg5 Ne4
[The excellent coordination of $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs lead to simplifications
without risk.]
16.Bxe7 Qxe7 17.Bxe4 dxe4
[ 17...Qxe5 18.Bf3 maintains strong pressure at d5.]
18.Nc4 e3
[This is a bold attempt to punish $gWhite$b for ignoring Nimzowitsch's
principle that central $gpawn$bs must be $gblock$baded.]
19.f3
[Now the question is whether the $gpawn$b at e3 is strong or weak. 19.Nxe3?
Qe4]
19...Rad8 20.Qb3 Rfe8 21.Rc3 Bd5!
[This preserves the important e-$gpawn$b.]
22.Rfc1
[ 22.Rxe3 Bxc4 23.Rxe7 Bxb3 24.Rxe8+ Rxe8 25.axb3 Rxe2 with a $gdraw$bish
$gendgame$b.]
22...g6 23.Qa3
[ 23.Qa4 was preferred by $gDeep Thought$b.]
23...Bxf3
[Spassky plays with youthful vigor. The $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b is romantic
and worthy of consideration, but there was a less interesting $gdraw$bing
line. 23...Bxc4 24.Rxc4 Rd2! 25.Re4 Qd7 26.Qxe3 Rxe4 27.Qxe4 Qd4+! 28.Qxd4
cxd4 with equal chances in the $gendgame$b.]
24.exf3
[ 24.Rxe3? Be4! ]
24...e2 25.Re1 Rd1 26.Kf2 Rxe1 27.Kxe1
27...Qd7!
[There are two $gthreat$bs here: Qd1+ and Qh3. Now $gWhite$b must play with
extreme caution.]
28.Qb3!
[ 28.Rd3 Qh3 29.Ne3 Rxe3! 30.Rxe3 Qf1+ 31.Kd2 Qd1+ and a $gdraw$b will
result.]
28...Qh3 29.Ne3 Qxh2
[ 29...Rxe3? 30.Rxe3 Qf1+ 31.Kd2 and the d1-square is covered by the Qb3.]
30.g4 Rb8! 31.Qd5
[ 31.Qc2?? would lose to Rxb2!! 32.Qxb2 Qg1+ 33.Kxe2 Qh2+ 34.Kd3 Qxb2 and
$gWhite$b's $gpawn$bs will fall quickly.]
31...Rxb2!
[Now $gWhite$b must $gforce$b the $gdraw$b.]
32.Qd8+ Kg7 33.Nf5+ gxf5
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (16)
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 d6
[Like a conjurer, Fischer pulls yet another surprise $gopening$b out of his
sleeve. He plans to go his own way in this $gopening$b, neither opting for the
popular Benko $gGambit$b nor playing the standard modern Benoni idea of e7-
e6.]
4.Nc3 g6 5.e4 Bg7 6.Bg5
[This is played in the spirit of the Averbakh $gVariation$b of the $gKing$b's
Indian. Other ideas include 6.Nf3 and 6.Bd3. This line leads to greater
complications appropriate to the match standing.]
6...h6 7.Bh4
[An unusual choice. Usually the $gbishop$b retreats along the c1-h6
$gdiagonal$b and later forms a $gbattery$b with the queen. Now Black can
develop $gcounterplay$b quickly.]
7...g5 8.Bg3 Qa5
[$gBlack$b must not delay his $gcounterplay$b! 8...O-O 9.Bd3 would give White
excellent $gattack$bing prospects.]
9.Bd3?
[Inviting immediate complications, but this is still known to theory. 9.Qd2 is
correct.]
9...Nxe4 10.Bxe4 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 Qxc3+ 12.Kf1
[After a few $gforce$bd moves $gBlack$b is a $gpiece$b down for two $gpawn$bs,
but $gWhite$b's $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b cannot be maintained.]
12...f5
[By sacrificing a $gpiece$b for two $gpawn$bs, $gBlack$b $gattack$bs both of
$gWhite$b's $gbishop$bs, deprives the enemy monarch of his $gcastling$b
privilege and thereby disrupts the communication of the $grook$bs. 12...Qxc4+
13.Bd3 Qxd5?? 14.Bb5+ wins the $gqueen$b.]
13.Rc1
[ 13.Ne2 Qf6 14.Bc2 f4 15.h4 Rf8 and $gWhite$b has a hopeless position.]
13...Qf6! 14.h4
[ 14.Qh5+ Kd8 15.h4 g4! A theme later exploited by Fischer.]
14...g4 15.Bd3?
[$gWhite$b has to part with one of his $gbishop$bs, but which one? The dark-
squared $gbishop$b seems more important. 15.Bxf5!? deserves consideration,
enabling $gWhite$b to complete his $gdevelopment$b.]
15...f4 16.Ne2 fxg3 17.Nxg3
[Things have calmed down a bit, and $gBlack$b has an extra $gpawn$b, but some
weak light-squares.]
17...Rf8 18.Rc2
[$gWhite$b is almost out of the woods, but his $grook$b still stands idly at
h1, and this is all Fischer needs to get things going.]
18...Nd7!
[$gBlack$b returns the $gpawn$b for rapid mobilization.]
19.Qxg4 Ne5 20.Qe4 Bd7 21.Kg1 O-O-O
[$gBlack$b is now ready for action, while his opponent is still playing
without a $grook$b, and it cannot be brought into the game quickly.]
22.Bf1
[ 22.Kh2 Ng4+ 23.Kg1 Qa1+  22.Nh5 Qf7  22.f3 Rg8!]
22...Rg8 23.f4 Nxc4!
[A crucial $gintermediate move$b. 23...Rxg3 24.fxe5 would have given $gWhite$b
some chances.]
24.Nh5 Qf7 25.Qxc4 Qxh5 26.Rb2 Rg3!
[The beginning of the final offensive.]
27.Be2 Qf7 28.Bf3 Rdg8 29.Qb3
[ 29.Kf2 Qg7 30.Rhb1 Rxg2+ ]
29...b6 30.Qe3 Qf6 31.Re2 Bb5 32.Rd2
[ 32.Qxe7 Qxe7 33.Rxe7 Rxf3! ]
32...e5!
[Fischer finishes with surgical precision.]
33.dxe6
[ 33.Rf2 exf4 ]
33...Bc6! 34.Kf1 Bxf3
[Spassky resigned in the face of Qa1+.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (17)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3
[Again Fischer avoids the main lines of the Sicilian. This $gvariation$b,
however, comes as quite a surprise since it has always been a favorite of
Spassky's.]
2...Nc6 3.Nge2
[This flexible approach allows White to $gtranspose$b back into the main
lines, should that prove appropriate.]
3...e6
[$gBlack$b aims for the traditional d7-d5 $gbreak$b. 3...e5 is considered
stronger.]
4.g3 d5
[4...d6 could have led back to a Scheveningen Sicilian, e.g., 4...d6 5.d4 cxd4
6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Bg2]
5.exd5 exd5 6.Bg2
[ 6.d4 stops the advance of $gBlack$b's d-$gpawn$b but it is a weak move
because of Bg4 7.Bg2 Nxd4 8.h3 Bf3! and $gWhite$b is already in trouble.]
6...d4 7.Nd5 Nf6 8.Nef4 Nxd5 9.Nxd5 Bd6 10.O-O O-O 11.d3
[ 11.c4!? is an interesting alternative.]
11...Be6 12.Nf4
[A new move. 12.Qh5 was played in an earlier game.]
12...Bf5?
[Yet again Spassky fails to react properly to an $gopening$b surprise.
$gBlack$b must preserve the light-squared $gbishop$b, of course, but this was
not the best way to accomplish the task. 12...Bxf4 13.Bxf4 Bd5 14.Re1 Qd7
15.Qh5! f5 16.a3 gives White a slight $ginitiative$b and the $gbishop pair$b.]
13.h3 Rb8
[$gBlack$b has difficulty countering $gWhite$b's pressure on the light-
squares.]
14.Bd2 Re8 15.Re1 Rxe1+ 16.Qxe1 Qd7
[This allows $gWhite$b to eliminate one of $gBlack$b's $gbishop$bs, but there
were no happy alternatives. 16...Bd7 17.Qe4!  16...h6 17.g4! and $gWhite$b
will punish $gBlack$b for weakening the $gkingside$b $gpawn structure$b.]
17.g4 Re8 18.Qd1 Bxf4 19.Bxf4 Be6 20.Qf3!
[This prevents Bd5 by $gBlack$b.]
20...Nb4!?
[Spassky introduces some interesting complications with this move, but they
turn out better for $gWhite$b. 20...Rd8 seems more sensible, e.g., 21.a3 f6
and $gBlack$b will be able to transfer the $gbishop$b to d5.]
21.Qxb7
[ 21.a3 Bd5]
21...Nxc2 22.Rc1 Qxb7 23.Bxb7
[Yet again we have an early $gendgame$b!]
23...Nb4
[The $gpawn$b at d3 is now under $gattack$b, as well as the pawn at a2.]
24.Be4 Bxa2 25.Bd2!
[A necessary finesse. 25.Rxc5? Bb1! 26.Rc4 Bxd3 27.Bxd3 Nxd3 28.Rxd4 Nxf4
29.Rxf4=]
25...Bd5
[There is no saving the c-$gpawn$b, so $gBlack$b at least occupies the d5
square. 25...a5 26.Rxc5 Bb1 27.Bxb4 axb4 28.Rc4! and $gBlack$b will not be
able to save the $gpawn$bs or the game.]
26.Bxd5 Nxd5 27.Rxc5 Nb6 28.Kf1 f6 29.Ra5
[$gWhite$b's superiority is beyond doubt. he has an active $grook$b and
$gBlack$b has weak $gpawn$bs. Still, it is not all that easy to get the full
point, because there are sources of $gcounterplay$b in the $gBlack$b position,
as Spassky demonstrates.]
29...Re7 30.Bb4 Rd7 31.Bc5 Kf7 32.Ke2 g5
[ 32...Ke6 33.Ra6 Rb7 34.Bxd4 and $gWhite$b wins.]
33.Kf3 Kg6 34.Ke4!
[Fischer starts sending the $gking$b on a fantastic voyage.]
34...h5 35.Bxd4 Re7+ 36.Kf3 h4
[This fixes the pawn at h3, giving some chance of picking it off later.]
37.Bc5 Re1!
[Passive play simply will not do! 37...Rd7 38.Ke4 Nc8 39.d4 etc.]
38.Rxa7 Nd5!
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are finally active, but it has cost two $gpawn$bs. The
$gthreat$b is Nf4.]
39.Bf8!
[$gWhite$b responds with a $gthreat$b of his own: 40.Rg7+!]
39...Re8 40.Bd6
[ 40.Rg7+ Kh6 41.Rd7+ Rxf8 42.Rxd5 Rb8 and $gBlack$b can hold.]
40...Re6
[ 40...Rd8 41.Ra6! Rd7 42.Ke4]
41.Rd7
[ 41.Ra6 Nb4! exploits the $gpin$b on the sixth rank.]
41...Nb6 42.Rd8 Nd5 43.b4 Re1!
[Another counterattack is launched.]
44.b5!
[Fischer sees deeply into the $gendgame$b pool, plumbing the depths in an
effort to find his way to victory. 44.Bc5 Nf4 45.b5 looks logical, but
$gBlack$b has real $gdraw$bing chances after 45...Ne6.]
44...Rb1 45.Rb8 Rb3?
[This is the decisive error. The problem is that Spassky will lose an
important $gtempo$b. 45...Kf7! was the correct move, intending to centralize
the $gking$b.]
46.Ke4!
[Fischer provides an instructive $gendgame$b lesson here.]
46...Nc3+ 47.Kd4 Nxb5+ 48.Kc4 Rc3+ 49.Kxb5 Rxd3 50.Kc6 Rxh3
[$gBlack$b has $gsacrifice$bd the $gknight$b for a single $gpawn$b, but it is
a very dangerous $gpassed pawn$b. Still, Fischer plays with great precision in
this problem- like $gendgame$b.]
51.Kd5! Rf3 52.Ke6 Rxf2 53.Rg8+ Kh7 54.Kf7!
[The $gBlack$b monarch cannot be spared from the intrusion into his home.]
54...Ra2
[ 54...h3 55.Rg7+ Kh6 56.Bf8 with a mating net.]
55.Rg7+ Kh6
[ 55...Kh8 56.Kg6 Ra6 57.Rf7 Ra8 58.Rf8+ Rxf8 59.Bxf8 h3 60.Bd6]
56.Bf8! Ra7+ 57.Kxf6!
[ 57.Kg8?? Rxg7+ 58.Bxg7+ Kg6 59.Bf8 f5! 60.gxf5+ Kxf5 and $gBlack$b wins!]
57...Ra6+ 58.Kf7
[There is no longer any $gdefense$b to Kg8, so $gBlack$b resigned. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (18)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 a6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Bxc4 e6 6.O-O c5 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5
9.Nbd2
[Spassky decides not to repeat the $gfianchetto$b plan of the previous games.]
9...O-O
[According to reports from the scene, Fischer spent 25 minutes on this move.]
10.a3
[Finally Spassky returns to the realm of ordinary theory.]
10...b5 11.Be2 Bb7 12.b4 Be7 13.Bb2 Nbd7
[Both sides have employed the extended $gfianchetto$b and there is a great
deal of symmetry. The presence of the $grook$b at d1 has little effect.]
14.Rac1 Rfc8 15.Nb3
[The idea behind this plan, initiated at the ninth turn, is to bring the
$gknight$b to a5. But so many $gpiece$bs leave the board that Fischer reaches
a $gdraw$bn game without difficulty.]
15...Rxc1 16.Rxc1 Rc8 17.Rxc8+ Bxc8 18.Nfd4 Nb8 19.Bf3 Kf8 20.Na5 Bd6 21.Ndb3
[Spassky methodically increases the positional pressure on the $gqueenside$b.]
21...e5!
[This takes $gcontrol$b of the critical d4-square and limits the scope of the
Bb2.]
22.Nc5 Ke7 23.h3 Nfd7 24.Nd3 f6
[Fischer defends accurately. The game is now level.]
25.Be4 g6 26.f4
[A last attempt to try to stir up some action, but it does not succeed.]
26...exf4 27.exf4 Nb6 28.Nb7 Bc7 29.Nbc5 Nc4 30.Bc1 Nd7 31.Kf1 Nxc5 32.Nxc5
Bb6 33.Bd3 Bxc5 34.bxc5 Be6 35.Kf2 Kd7 36.Bxc4 Bxc4
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (19)
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nge2 e5 4.Nd5
[This $gknight$b immediately occupies $gBlack$b's weak square.]
4...Nge7 5.Nec3 Nxd5 6.Nxd5 Be7 7.g3
[The $gfianchetto$b of the $gbishop$b is an innovation which leads to quite
different play from that of the normal lines. It is probably more flexible
than the $gdevelopment$b of the $gbishop$b at c4. 7.Bc4 is a major
alternative.]
7...d6 8.Bg2 h5!
[This threatens to advance the h-$gpawn$b with great effect.]
9.h4
[ 9.h3 h4 10.g4 Bg5! gives $gBlack$b excellent $gcounterplay$b.]
9...Be6
[ 9...Bg4!? deserves consideration.]
10.d3 Bxd5 11.exd5 Nb8
[ 11...Nd4?! 12.c3 Nf5 13.Bh3!]
12.f4!
[Fischer tries to grab the $ginitiative$b right way, since otherwise $gBlack$b
will simply complete his $gdevelopment$b and enjoy a comfortable game.]
12...Nd7 13.O-O g6 14.Rb1
[Fischer now turns his attention to the $gqueenside$b. 14.f5 is tempting, but
it is not strong: Nf6! 15.fxg6 fxg6 16.Bg5 O-O and $gcontrol$b of g4 gives
$gBlack$b a good game.]
14...f5! 15.b4 b6 16.bxc5 bxc5 17.c4 O-O 18.Qa4 Bf6
[How should this position be evaluated? A $gbishop pair$b is useful, of
course, but these clerics are not very active right now, compared with
$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs.]
19.Rb7
[It is clear that $gWhite$b's strategy must involve penetration of the
$gqueenside$b.]
19...Nb6 20.Qb5
[ 20.Qc6 Rc8 accomplishes nothing for $gWhite$b.]
20...Rf7 21.Rxf7 Kxf7 22.Bd2 Rb8 23.Qc6
[$gWhite$b wants to play Rb1, but that could not be played right away. 23.Rb1
Nd7 and $gBlack$b has no problems.]
23...Nc8?
[This parries the $gthreat$b of Rb1, but now $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs are too
far from the important strategic ouposts at e5 and d7.]
24.Re1 Ne7 25.Qa4 Qc7 26.Kh2 exf4?
[$gOpening$b up the position now favors $gWhite$b, who $gcontrol$bs the e-
$gfile$b. 26...Rb2?! 27.Bc3 Rf2? 28.Kg1  26...Ng8! is a strange move, but it
is best, because the $gknight$b will be able to gallop to g4. Nevertheless,
$gWhite$b will still have an $gadvantage$b.]
27.Bxf4 Be5 28.Re2
[Now we can see that the second $grank$b needs protection. 28.Bxe5?! dxe5 and
$gBlack$b can cover the sixth $grank$b with Rb6, and then adopt the $gknight$b
maneuver with Ng8-f6-g4.]
28...Rb6
[Preventing Qc6, and thus freeing the $gknight$b from the defensive chore.]
29.Kh3!
[$gWhite$b's $gking$b finds the safest square.]
29...Ng8?
[An outrageous $gblunder$b, though $gBlack$b's position was in any event
difficult. 29...Bxf4 30.gxf4 Rb8]
30.Rxe5!
[This is the easiest way to win. 30.Bxe5 dxe5 31.Rxe5 Nf6!]
30...dxe5 31.Bxe5 Qe7
[ 31...Qxe5 32.Qxa7+ Ne7 33.Qxb6 and the safety of the $gWhite$b $gking$b
means that the a-$gpawn$b flies.]
32.d6
[$gOpening$b up d5 for the $gbishop$b.]
32...Rxd6 33.Bxd6 Qxd6 34.Bd5+ Kf8 35.Qxa7 Ne7 36.Qa8+ Kg7 37.Qb7 Kf8 38.a4
f4!
[$gBlack$b is busted, but Spassky creates some complications.]
39.a5 fxg3 40.a6 Qf4 41.Bf3
[ 41.Bg2?? Qg4++]
41...Nf5 42.Qe4 g2 43.Qxf4 g1Q 44.Be4 Qa1 45.a7 Qxa7 46.Bxf5 gxf5 47.Qxf5+ Kg7
48.Qg5+ Kf8 49.Qh6+ Kg8 50.Qxh5 Qc7 51.Qg6+ Kh8 52.Qf6+ Kg8 53.Qe6+
[ 53.Kg4 Qd7+ 54.Kg5 Qxd3?? 55.Qg6+ and $gWhite$b wins easily.]
53...Kh8 54.Qd5
[ 54.h5! was best.]
54...Qf7 55.Kg2
[ 55.Qxf7 is stalemate! 55.d4 Qf1+ 56.Kg4 Qg1+ 57.Kh5 Qd1+ 58.Kg6 Qg4+ 59.Kf7
Qg8+! 60.Ke7 Qh7+ 61.Kd8 Qxh4+ 62.Kc7 Qxd4=]
55...Qg6+ 56.Kh3 Qf7 57.Qe5+ Kh7 58.Kg4 Qg6+ 59.Kf4 Qh6+ 60.Kf3 Qg6 61.Qe4
Kh8! 62.Ke2
[ 62.Qxg6 is also stalemate.]
62...Qd6 63.Qe3 Qh2+ 64.Kd1 Qh1+ 65.Kd2 Qh2+ 66.Kc3 Qxh4 67.d4 Kh7
[ 67...cxd4+ 68.Qxd4+ Qxd4+ 69.Kxd4 and $gWhite$b wins.]
68.d5?
[ 68.dxc5! would have won, since the $gpawn$bs create a barrier against
perpetual $gcheck$b.]
68...Qf6+ 69.Kd3 Qd6 70.Qg5 Kh8 71.Kd2 Qb6 72.Qe5+ Kg8 73.Qe8+ Kg7 74.Qb5 Qc7
75.Kc2 Kf8 76.Qa6 Qh2+ 77.Kb3 Qb8+ 78.Qb5 Qc7 79.Ka3 Qa7+ 80.Kb3 Ke7 81.Kc2
Kd8 82.Kd2 Qc7 83.Qa6 Qf4+ 84.Kc2
[Now there is no avoiding the $gperpetual check$b. Fischer's $gendgame$b
play in this game was simply terrible, and he must have been kicking himself
all night.]
84...Qe4+
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (20)
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Ne2 Nf6 3.Nbc3 e6 4.g3 Nc6
[ 4...d5 is playable.]
5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O d6
[This gives White a free hand on the $gkingside$b and fails to achieve
$gBlack$b's $gopening$b objective: the advance d7-d5. $gBlack$b should choose
6...g6 instead, and Fischer does so in game 22.]
7.d3 a6
[ 7...Rb8 is logical.]
8.a3
[ 8.h3 was played in Fischer-Garcia, Buenos Aires 1970.]
8...Qc7 9.f4
[White unleashes his $gkingside$b $gpawnstorm$b.]
9...b5 10.Kh1 O-O 11.Be3 Bb7 12.Bg1 Rab8 13.h3 Ba8 14.g4
[This shows the Closed Sicilian in its most aggressive form.]
14...b4?!
[This is dubious, because it creates light-square weaknesses on the
$gqueenside$b. Still, it is hard to find convincing alternatives, since White
seems to have a strong game all over the board.]
15.axb4 cxb4 16.Na4 Nd7 17.Qd2 Rfc8 18.b3
[Now $gWhite$b will be able to transfer a $gknight$b to a strong position at
c4.]
18...a5 19.g5 Bf8 20.Ra2 Ne7 21.Nd4! g6
[ 21...e5? is perhaps what Fischer originally had in mind, but it doesn't
work: 22.fxe5! dxe5 23.Bh2 and the $gpin$b on the $gpawn$b at e5 gives White
the better game.]
22.Nb2 Bg7 23.Nc4 d5?!
[Fischer's psychology does not permit him to suffer without $gcounterplay$b,
so he tries to introduce some complications.]
24.Nxa5
[Why not? The $gknight$b may be offside for a while but $gBlack$b is in no
position to do anything about it.]
24...dxe4 25.dxe4 e5 26.Ne2 exf4
[Otherwise the f-$gpawn$b will advance with devastating effect.]
27.Nxf4 Ne5
[$gBlack$b's $goutpost$b at e5 does not give sufficient $gcounterplay$b, and
White easily eliminates it.]
28.Nd3 Rb5 29.Nxe5 Qxe5 30.Nc4 Qxg5
[$gBlack$b loses the $gexchange$b and really doesn't get anything in return.]
31.Be3 Qh4 32.Nd6 Bc3 33.Qf2 Qxf2 34.Rxf2 Rbb8 35.Nxc8 Rxc8 36.Ra7
[The infiltration of the $grook$b is decisive.]
36...Kf8 37.Bh6+ Ke8 38.Bg5 f6 39.Bxf6 Bxf6 40.Rxf6 Bc6 41.Kg1 Bd7 42.Rd6 Bc6
43.Bf1
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (21)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nb5 d6 6.c4 Nf6 7.N5c3 Be7
8.g3
[This seems to be a new idea. The $gbishop$b is usually $gdeveloped$b at e2.]
8...O-O 9.Bg2 a6 10.O-O Rb8
[This prepares a $gbreak$b with b7-b5, which had to be delayed because of
pressure on the long $gdiagonal$b.]
11.Na3 Qc7
[ 11...b6 is a more convincing defence, setting up a $ghedgehog$b.]
12.Be3 Bd7 13.Rc1
[$gWhite$b is setting up $gthreat$bs of Nb5 and Nd5.]
13...Ne5 14.h3 Rfc8 15.f4 Ng6
[This is not the normal position for a $gknight$b in this setup, but it is
playable.]
16.Qd2
[ 16.f5 Ne5 would provide $gBlack$b with a useful $goutpost$b.]
16...Be8
[ 16...b6 might be better played immediately.]
17.Rfd1 b6 18.Qf2 h6 19.Kh2
[A useful $gwaiting move$b in a position in which no immediate action is
useful.]
19...Qa7
[The idea is to prepare to establish a $gbattery$b on the long $gdiagonal$b
with Bc6 and Qb7.]
20.Qe2 Qc7?!
[Perhaps Spassky decided that Nc3-d5 was no big deal, but in any event
20...Bc6 would have been a useful move.]
21.Bf3 Bc6 22.Nab1 Qb7 23.Nd2 b5 24.cxb5 axb5 25.b4!
[It is necessary to stop $gBlack$b's b-pawn from advancing and taking
$gcontrol$b of valuable territory.]
25...Qa8
[Now that there are weaknesses on the a-$gfile$b, this is a good place for the
$gqueen$b. 25...Ra8 also comes into consideration.]
26.Rc2 d5!?
[This is generally a strong strategic move in the Sicilian, but there was an
interesting alternative in 26...Qa3!? ]
27.e5 Ne4 28.Bxe4! dxe4 29.Bc5!
[This is very strong, achieving the strategic goal of closing the c-$gfile$b.
Spassky now counts on the pressure on the long $gdiagonal$b and his active
$gpiece$bs.]
29...Bxc5 30.bxc5 Rd8 31.Re1
[ 31.Ndxe4? Rxd1 32.Qxd1 Bxe4 ]
31...Ne7
[The $gknight$b prepares to occupy d5.]
32.Ncxe4 Nf5
[ 32...Qa4 is an interesting option, leading to unclear complications.]
33.Nb3 Nd4 34.Nxd4 Rxd4 35.Nd6 Qa4 36.f5!
[An important thrust!]
36...Ra8 37.Rb2 Qa3!
[This is better than 37...Rb4.]
38.fxe6 fxe6 39.Nxb5 Bxb5 40.Qxb5 Rd3
[Spassky targets g3.]
41.Rg2! Qc3 42.Ree2! Ra3 43.Rc2 Qxe5 44.Rce2 Re3 45.Rxe3 Rxe3 46.a4 Rc3 47.c6!
Qd6
[The c-$gpawn$b just marches along...]
48.c7! Rxc7?
[This is the decisive mistake. $gBlack$b should have played 48...Qxc7 49.Qe8+
Kh7 50.Qxe6 and tried to grovel in the $gendgame$b.]
49.Qb8+ Kh7 50.a5 h5
[ 50...Rc6 51.Qxd6 Rxd6 52.Ra2 Ra6 53.Kg2 and $gWhite$b will win.]
51.h4 Qc5 52.a6 Rf7 53.Qb1+ Kh6 54.Qa2 Re7 55.Qd2+ Kg6 56.Re2 Kh7 57.Qc2+ Qxc2
58.Rxc2 Kg6 59.Ra2
[Simple $gtechnique$b brings the game to a close.]
59...Ra7 60.Ra5 e5 61.Kg2 Kf6 62.Kf2 Ke6 63.Ke3 Kf5 64.Kf3 g6 65.Ra3 g5
66.hxg5 Kxg5 67.Ke4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (22)
.THEME {Y2}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Ne2 Nf6 3.Nbc3 d6 4.g3 Nc6
[Finally we have a fairly normal Closed Sicilian. Spassky has a great deal of
experience in these positions from the $gWhite$b side, as it used to be his
speciality. But this game does not flow into his well-traveled territory.]
5.Bg2 g6
[ 5...Bg4 is a sensible try, $gpin$bning the $gknight$b and encouraging the
weakening move f2-f3 but it hasn't been seen in a while.]
6.O-O Bg7 7.d3 O-O
[The game is in the classical spirit. Nowadays $gBlack$b usually prefers to
place the knight at e7 when $gfianchetto$bing the king $gbishop$b.]
8.h3
[Here $gBlack$b has a wide range of options.]
8...Rb8
[$gBlack$b aims for early $gqueenside$b play.]
9.f4 Bd7
[ 9...Ne8 comes into consideration.]
10.Be3
[ 10.g4 is premature, since White has not completed $gdevelopment$b. An
unconvincing example is presented in Koskela-Gerelma, below.]
10...b5 11.a3
[ 11.Qd2 is consistent with $gWhite$b's $gopening$b strategy. If the
$gknight$b is $gattack$bed with b5-b4 then it can transfer to the
$gkingside$b.]
11...Ne8
[The idea is to use the power of the Bg7 to support the invasion of the
$gknight$b at d4.]
12.d4 cxd4 13.Nxd4 b4
[On the one hand this entails a weakening of the $gpawn$b at a7, but the
$grook$b will be active at b4, where it can place pressure on $gWhite$b's
$gcenter$b from the $gflank$b, another $ghypermodern$b idea.]
14.Nxc6
[ 14.axb4 Bxd4 15.Bxd4 Rxb4 16.Bf2 Rxb2 ]
14...Bxc6 15.axb4 Rxb4 16.Rxa7 Rxb2 17.e5
[This leads to a great simplification of the position. $gWhite$b could have
played with a bit more ambition. 17.Nd5 Bxd5 18.exd5 is slightly better for
$gWhite$b.]
17...Bxg2 18.Kxg2 Nc7 19.exd6 exd6 20.Na4 Ra2 21.Bb6 Qe8!
[The only move, but a sufficient one. Now the game comes to a quick and quiet
conclusion.]
22.Rxc7 Qxa4 23.Qxd6 Rxc2+ 24.Rxc2 Qxc2+ 25.Bf2 Qe4+ 26.Kg1
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (23)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nge2 Nc6 4.g3 d5
[Spassky repeats the $gopening$b which did not bring him success in game 17,
but he must have had some improvement in mind. Fischer does not let him spring
it.]
5.exd5 exd5 6.d3
[Fischer deviates from game 17.]
6...Nf6
[ 6...Bg4 is not so good here: 7.Bg2 Nd4 8.h3 and $gWhite$b has the better
game.]
7.Bg2 Be7 8.Bg5!
[White threatens to $gexchange$b at f6, and increase pressure on the
$gcenter$b. In the present match Fischer seems to have evidenced a disrespect
for the common wisdom that $gbishop$bs are stronger than $gknight$bs.]
8...d4
[ 8...Be6 9.Nf4! Bg4 10.f3 Be6 11.Nxe6 fxe6 12.O-O will leave $gBlack$b with
the difficult task of defending the $gpawn$b at e6.]
9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Ne4 Be7 11.Nf4 O-O 12.O-O Re8 13.Qh5
[White has harmoniously $gdeveloped$b his forces and Spassky must now be
careful.]
13...g6! 14.Qd5 Bf5!
[ 14...Qxd5?! 15.Nxd5 and the $gknight$bs round up all the critical dark
squares, especially f6 and c7.]
15.Rfe1 Kg7 16.a3 Rc8 17.h3 Qxd5 18.Nxd5 Bf8
[Spassky has successfully repulsed the initial wave of the $gattack$b, and
chances are roughly level. Even without queens, Fischer goes after the
$gkingside$b.]
19.g4 Be6 20.Nef6 Rcd8 21.g5 Bd6 22.Re4
[Fischer prepars his beloved march of the h-pawn. But $gBlack$b's resources are
up to the defensive task.]
22...Ne7! 23.Rh4 Rh8 24.Re1 Nf5 25.Rhe4 h6!
[Now it is White who must be careful on the $gkingside$b, where $gBlack$b is
setting up a counterattack.]
26.h4 hxg5 27.hxg5 Rh4 28.Rxh4 Nxh4
[$gBlack$b now has a slight $gadvantage$b, $gthreat$bening to $gcapture$b at
g2 and use the $gbishop pair$b to great effect.]
29.Re4!
[Fischer is willing to argue that the $gknight$bs are as strong as the
$gbishop$bs. 29.Be4 c4! leaves $gWhite$b in an uncomfortable position.]
29...Nf5!
[The most sensible decision. 29...Nxg2 30.Kxg2 Rh8 31.Nf4! Bxf4 32.Rxf4 Rd8
33.Rh4 and now White stands better, as any $gexchange$b of rooks will provide
an easy win.]
30.Nf4 Ba2!?
[Spassky wants to hang onto his $gbishop pair$b, trying to squeeze a full
point from the position. The idea is to $gattack$b the base of the $gpawn
chain$b with Bb1. 30...Bxf4 31.Rxf4 b6 would have provided an even
$gendgame$b.]
31.N4d5 Bxd5 32.Nxd5 Kf8 33.Kf1 Re8 34.Rxe8+ Kxe8
[This $gendgame$b is likely to be $gdraw$bn as a result of the $gbishop$bs of
opposite colors.]
35.Nf6+ Kd8 36.Bxb7
[ 36.Bd5 Bf4 37.Bxf7 Nd6 38.Bxg6 Bxg5 39.Ne4 Nxe4 40.Bxe4 b6 41.a4 Kd7 42.Ke2]
36...Bf4
[The weakness of the g-$gpawn$b now provides $gBlack$b with the necessary
target.]
37.Ne4 Bc1 38.a4 Bxb2 39.Nxc5 Bc1 40.Be4
[Fischer decides to continue the battle. 40.Ne4 Ke7 41.Bd5 Bf4 and $gBlack$b
will follow with Nd6, with an easy $gdraw$b.]
40...Bxg5 41.Bxf5 gxf5 42.Nb3 Bf6 43.Kg2
[$gWhite$b starts the long trek to the $gpawn$b at f7.]
43...Kd7 44.Kg3 Ke6 45.Na5
[$gWhite$b's plan is simple. $gCapture$b the enemy $gpawn$b at a7 and then
advance the $gpawn$b at a2 to the 8th $grank$b.]
45...Be5+
[ 45...Kd5?! 46.Kf4! ]
46.Kh4 Bf6+!
[Spassky helps Fischer toward the objective at f7, confident in the
$gcounterplay$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
47.Kh5 Kd5 48.Kh6 Kc5!
[ 48...Ke5 49.Nc6+ Kf4 50.Nxa7 Kf3 51.Nc6 Kxf2 52.a5 and $gWhite$b achieves
the goal more quickly than in the game.]
49.Kh7 Kb4 50.Nc6+ Kc3 51.Kg8
[ 51.Nxa7 Kb4 gets rid of the pesky a-$gpawn$b.]
51...Kxc2 52.Kxf7 Bh8
[The only move.]
53.a5 Kxd3 54.a6 Ke2 55.Nxa7 d3 56.Nc6 d2 57.a7 d1Q 58.a8Q
[$gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b in this $gendgame$b, and it is up to Fischer
to display strong defensive $gtechnique$b.]
58...Qd5+ 59.Kg6 Qe6+ 60.Kh7 Bc3 61.Nd8!
[The final finesse in the long game. The $gdraw$b is now unavoidable, but
Spassky tries to create a mating net anyway.]
61...Qe7+ 62.Kg6 Qf6+ 63.Kh5 Qh8+
[ 63...Bd2 64.f4 Bxf4 65.Qg2+!?]
64.Kg6 Qg7+ 65.Kxf5 Qf6+ 66.Kg4 Qg6+ 67.Kf4 Bd2+ 68.Ke5 Bc3+ 69.Kf4 Qd6+
70.Kf5 Qd7+ 71.Kg5 Qe7+ 72.Kf5 Qf6+ 73.Kg4 Qg7+ 74.Kf5 Qf6+ 75.Kg4 Qg6+ 76.Kf4
Bd2+ 77.Ke5 Qg5+ 78.Ke6 Qg4+ 79.Kf7 Qd7+ 80.Kg6
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (24)
.THEME {O4}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Ne2 Nf6 3.Nbc3 d6 4.g3 g6 5.Bg2 Nc6 6.O-O Bg7 7.d4
[Finally, a real Sicilian!]
7...cxd4 8.Nxd4
[The $gkingside$b $gfianchetto$b is not considered dangerous against the
Dragon formation, but there was some interest in the line in the 1980's.]
8...Bg4
[ 8...Nxd4 9.Qxd4 O-O is the normal line.]
9.Nde2
[ 9.f3 Bd7 10.Be3 ought to be at least slightly better for $gWhite$b.]
9...Qc8 10.f3 Bh3!
[$gBlack$b has $gequalize$bd.]
11.Bxh3 Qxh3 12.Bg5
[The idea is to provoke $gBlack$b into playing h7-h6.]
12...O-O 13.Qd2 h6 14.Be3
[ 14.Nf4 Qd7 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nfd5 Bg7 is about even.]
14...Kh7 15.Rac1 Qd7 16.Nd5
[$gWhite$b plays methodically. This formation makes it hard for $gBlack$b to
achieve $gcounterplay$b on the c-file.]
16...Nxd5 17.exd5 Ne5 18.b3 b5!
[The idea here is to limit White's activity on the $gqueenside$b. $gBlack$b
has at the very least achieved $gequality$b, even if White manages to transfer
the $gknight$b to c6.]
19.Bd4 Rac8 20.f4
[ 20.c3 is a reasonable alternative, e.g., Qb7 21.Be3]
20...Ng4 21.Bxg7 Kxg7 22.Nd4 Nf6
[This $gattack$bs the weak $gpawn$b at d5, and $gforce$bs $gWhite$b's reply.]
23.c4
[ 23.Nc6? Nxd5!]
23...bxc4 24.bxc4 e6!
[A useful $gbreak$b, and clearly better than the alternatives. 24...Qa4 25.Nc6
and 24...Rfe8 25.f5!]
25.dxe6
[ 25.Nc6 exd5 26.cxd5 Rfe8 27.Qb2 can be met by 27...Qf5! 28.Rfd1 Kh7 and now
Nxd5 is $gthreat$bened.]
25...fxe6 26.Rfe1 Rfe8 27.Nb3 a6
[Now the $gqueen$b can make use of the a7-square.]
28.Qd4! Rc6
[The weaknesses at c4 and d6 offset each other. and the game is now dead
even.]
29.Red1 e5 30.Qxe5 Rxe5 31.fxe5 dxe5 32.Rxd7+ Nxd7 33.Rd1 Nf6 34.c5 Kf7 35.Rc1
Nd7 36.Kf2 Ke6 37.Ke3 Kd5 38.Rd1+ Ke6 39.Rc1
[There is no avoiding the $gdraw$b now.]
39...Kd5
[Agreed $gdraw$bn, since no progress can be made.]
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (25)
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nge2 d6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 e6
[Another open Sicilian, this time a Scheveningen.]
6.Be3
[This is used to steer the game into a specific $gvariation$b of the
Scheveningen, namely, a delayed Keres $gAttack$b. The idea of a Keres Attack
is to play an early g2-g4-g5, aiming directly at the enemy $gking$b.]
6...Nf6 7.Qd2 Be7 8.f3
[This introduces the English $gAttack$b, favored by Nigel Short and other
British $gGrandmaster$bs.]
8...a6 9.O-O-O
[$gBlack$b can also launch the $gkingside$b $gattack$b before $gcastling$b.]
9...O-O
[With players castled on opposite $gwing$bs the life-or-death struggle
begins.]
10.g4
[This is the basic idea of the English $gAttack$b, which is sort of a delayed
Keres $gAttack$b. White launches a $gpawnstorm$b against the $gBlack$b
$gking$b.]
10...Nxd4
[ 10...Nd7 will just $gtranspose$b below after an eventual g4-g5.]
11.Bxd4
[ 11.Qxd4 b5 12.h4 Bb7 ]
11...b5
[ 11...Nd7 is also possible.]
12.g5
[Technically this is a theoretical new idea, but in fact the game steers back
into charted territory quickly. 12.Kb1 is the alternative.]
12...Nd7 13.h4 b4?
[ 13...Bb7 14.Bd3 Rc8 15.Kb1 Ne5 16.Qf2 $gWhite$b stands better.]
14.Na4 Bb7?
[Here is the true new idea. 14...Qa5 15.b3 Nc5]
15.Nb6!
[This is Fischer's new idea. 15.Qxb4? Bc6 Intending Rb8, an idea that had
already been noticed by theoreticians, though it had not yet been played in an
attested game.]
15...Rb8
[ 15...Nxb6 16.Qxb4 d5 17.Qxb6 Qxb6 18.Bxb6 dxe4 19.Rd7! wins for $gWhite$b.]
16.Nxd7 Qxd7 17.Kb1
[$gWhite$b has the superior position because of a spatial $gadvantage$b and
prospects for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
17...Qc7 18.Bd3 Bc8 19.h5 e5 20.Be3 Be6
[Spassky could have reached a similar position some time ago, with less danger
to himself on the $gkingside$b. Now Fischer quickly builds his $gattack$b.]
21.Rdg1 a5 22.g6!
[A typical example of the g6-$gbreak$b, seen many times in the games of
Mikhail Tal.]
22...Bf6
[Relatively best, since any $gcapture$b at g6 could prove deadly. ]
23.gxh7+ Kh8 24.Bg5
[$gWhite$b eliminates $gBlack$b's most effective defender.]
24...Qe7
[ 24...Bxg5 25.Rxg5 f6 would have provided stiffer resistance, though
$gWhite$b would still have had an impressive $gattack$b.]
25.Rg3
[$gWhite$b wants to double $grook$bs on the g-$gfile$b.]
25...Bxg5 26.Rxg5 Qf6
[ 26...f6! would have been a stronger $gdefense$b.]
27.Rhg1 Qxf3!
[Otherwise $gWhite$b will play his $gqueen$b to g2 with an overpowering
$gattack$b. Now Fischer must work for the win.]
28.Rxg7! Qf6 29.h6
[A problem-like solution. $gWhite$b must $gsacrifice$b both h-$gpawn$bs to
expose the enemy $gking$b to the mating $gattack$b.]
29...a4 30.b3
[A prophylactic move to eliminate any $gcounterplay$b.]
30...axb3 31.axb3 Rfd8
[$gBlack$b tries to play d5, and get something going.]
32.Qg2 Rf8 33.Rg8+ Kxh7 34.Rg7+ Kh8 35.h7!
[Since Rg8+ followed by a $gcheck$b on the h-$gfile$b is inevitable, $gBlack$b
resigned. Score: Fischer 9, Spassky 4, 12 $gdraw$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (26)
.THEME {S21}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 d6 4.Nc3 g6 5.e4 Bg7
[Fischer plays a Benoni-style $gKing$b's Indian. After a brief spell in a
$gtransposition$bal Twilight Zone, the game returns to well-known channels.]
6.Bd3
[This is a more reliable move than 6.Bg5.]
6...O-O 7.Nf3
[Spassky plays conservatively, confident that $gBlack$b's formation is not a
solid one. The point is that by delaying e7-e6, $gBlack$b will allow his
opponent to recapture at d5 with the e-pawn, and the $gpawn structure$b will
be good for $gWhite$b]
7...Bg4
[This is a well-known maneuver to fight for the e5 square, but we think that
$gBlack$b could have occupied that $gkey$b square immediately with a good
game. 7...e5 8.O-O Ne8 and f7-f5 will give $gBlack$b an excellent position.]
8.h3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3
[The $gexchange$b of $gbishop$b for knight is a common theme in this
variation. The $gbishop$b has little future in this $gpawn$b formation, and
the two $gknight$bs can be used effectively. Fischer has shown a preference
for $gknight$bs in this match.]
9...Nbd7 10.Qd1
[$gWhite$b avoids Ne5, which would have $gfork$bed the $gbishop$b and
$gqueen$b, leading to the elimination of the powerful $gbishop$b.]
10...e6 11.O-O exd5 12.exd5
[We would reach, by $gtransposition$b, a position from an older game.]
12...Ne8
[ 12...Re8 13.Bd2 a6 14.a4 Re7]
13.Bd2 Ne5 14.Be2 f5!?
[Fischer employed an analogous idea in his game against Korchnoi from the
Sousse Interzonal, 1967. The idea is to take $gcontrol$b of e4 and stop f2-f4-
f5.]
15.f4 Nf7?
[The e6-square looks weak, but it is not easy to take $gadvantage$b of this.
Still, the $gknight$b should have gone to d7, from which it could retreat to
f8 later if needed, or work on the $gqueenside$b via b6.]
16.g4!
[White's goal is to increase the activity of his $gbishop pair$b and take
$gcontrol$b of all the important dark squares, in particular e5 and f6.]
16...Nh6?!
[It is not easy to give a recommendation for $gBlack$b here, but inviting g4-
g5 was hardly the correct plan. There are two alternatives which come to mind,
each of which may help justify Fischer's play in the $gopening$b. 16...fxg4
17.hxg4 g5!? undermines $gWhite$b's pressure at e5. ]
17.Kg2
[ 17.g5 immediately would have been more accurate.]
17...Nc7 18.g5 Nf7 19.Rb1 Re8 20.Bd3 Rb8 21.h4 a6 22.Qc2 b5 23.b3!
[$gWhite$b's general plan is to advance his h-$gpawn$b, while $gBlack$b's
potential $gqueenside$b $gcounterplay$b has been neutralized by this move.
Fischer is a player who requires active $gpiece$b play, and here he is
suffocating.]
23...Rb7
[Fischer's play on the b-$gfile$b will be futile. Spassky now increases the
pressure slowly and surely.]
24.Rbe1 Rxe1 25.Rxe1 Qb8
[The $gthreat$b is to $gcapture$b on c4 and infiltrate on b2, but Spassky
deprives Fischer of any such play with his next move.]
26.Bc1! Qd8 27.Ne2!
[The $gknight$b is being transfered to an $gattack$bing post at g3.]
27...bxc4 28.bxc4 Ne8 29.h5 Re7 30.h6!
[$gWhite$b continues to press against $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs. Now Spassky
steers straight for the thematic $gsacrifice$b of the $gknight$b at f5.]
30...Bh8 31.Bd2 Rb7 32.Rb1 Qb8 33.Ng3 Rxb1 34.Qxb1 Qxb1 35.Bxb1
[The elimination of the heavy $gpiece$bs favors $gWhite$b, since $gBlack$b's
remaining $gforce$bs have no scope.]
35...Bb2 36.Kf3 Kf8
[$gWhite$b has achieved a $gwinning position$b. Now perhaps the most efficient
path to victory is the one which both $gDeep Thought$b and our analytical team
prefer, namely the immediate $gsacrifice$b at f5.]
37.Ke2
[ 37.Nxf5 gxf5 38.Bxf5 Kg8 39.Bc8 and the a-$gpawn$b falls. Spassky chooses
another path, and it is also convincing.]
37...Nh8
[An ugly move, but otherwise disaster could strike quickly. 37...Ke7 38.Nxf5+
gxf5 39.Bxf5 and the h-$gpawn$b falls.]
38.Kd1 Ke7 39.Kc2 Bd4 40.Kb3 Bf2 41.Nh1?
[The $gknight$b would have been better stationed at e2, covering the d4 square
and depriving $gBlack$b of the $goutpost$b there.]
41...Bh4 42.Ka4 Nc7 43.Ka5 Kd7 44.Kb6
[intending Kb7.]
44...Kc8 45.Bc2 Nf7 46.Ba4 Kb8 47.Bd7 Nd8
[ 47...Bxg5 was the last chance, but even here $gWhite$b would win with
accurate play.]
48.Bc3 Na8+
[$gBlack$b's $gknight$bs are utterly useless. 48...Nf7 49.Be6 Nd8 50.Bg8]
49.Kxa6 Nc7+ 50.Kb6 Na8+ 51.Ka5 Kb7 52.Kb5 Nc7+ 53.Ka4 Na8 54.Kb3
[The $gking$b has accomplished its task of eliminating $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b
and now returns home to safety.]
54...Kc7 55.Be8 Kc8 56.Bf6 Nc7 57.Bxg6 hxg6 58.Bxd8
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (27)
.THEME {O1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O f6 6.d4 exd4 7.Nxd4 c5 8.Ne2 Qxd1
9.Rxd1 Bd7 10.Nbc3 Ne7
[This takes $gcontrol$b of the important d5 square, and the $gknight$b can be
$gdeveloped$b later at g6. ]
11.Bf4 O-O-O 12.Rd2
[This is a new idea. Fischer intends to create pressure on the d-$gfile$b. But
the standard plan with 12.Bg3 makes more sense.]
12...Ng6 13.Bg3 Ne5 14.Bxe5
[ 14.b3 prevents the $gknight$b from entering at c4, but the $gpawn$b can go
there instead.]
c4 15.Nd5 Bd6 16.Rad1 Be6
[This position is even.]
14...fxe5 15.Rad1 c4 16.Kf1 Bc5
[$gBlack$b's active $gbishop$bs give him the $gadvantage$b, but Fischer
manages to redeploy his $gknight$bs and keep the balance.]
17.Ng1 Bg4 18.Rxd8+ Rxd8 19.Rxd8+ Kxd8 20.Nce2 Ke7 21.Ke1 b5 22.c3 Kf6 23.h3
Bh5 24.Ng3
[ 24.g4 is more active.]
24...Bf7 25.Nf3 g6 26.Nf1 g5!?
[This is an attempt to rattle $gWhite$b's position and create some targets for
the $gbishop$bs. But it allows White to establish strong $goutpost$bs on the
weakened light squares.]
27.Ke2 Bg6 28.N3d2!
[With this move Fischer completes his defensive program. Now the game is even,
but Spassky presses on.]
28...h5 29.Ne3 c6 30.Kf3 Bf7
[The $gexchange$b of dark-squared $gbishop$b for knight would bring $gBlack$b
nothing.]
31.Ndf1 a5 32.Ke2 Be6 33.Ng3 Kg6 34.a3 Bf7 35.Ngf5 Be6 36.Kf3 Bd7 37.Kg3 Be6
38.h4!
[Fischer loses patience, but 38.Ke2 would also have been equal.]
38...Bd7 39.hxg5 Kxg5 40.Nh4 Bg4!
[Now $gBlack$b has to play carefully in order to maintain the balance. ]
41.Nxg4
[ 41.Nf3+ Bxf3 42.Kxf3 h4 ]
41...hxg4 42.Nf5 a4 43.f3 gxf3 44.Kxf3 Bf8
[This prevents the $gWhite$b $gknight$b from reaching e7 and d6.]
45.Ne3 Kh5 46.Nf5 Bc5
[The $gbishop$b at c5 $gdominates$b the $gknight$b at f5, preventing it from
entering. So a $gdraw$b was agreed.]
47.g4+
[would have been too risky:]
47...Kg5 48.Ng7 Kf6 49.Ne8+? Kf7 50.Nc7 Be7
[followed by Bg5 and $gBlack$b is better.]
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (28)
.THEME {S3}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nge2 a6 8.h4 h5
9.Nc1 e5 10.d5 Nd4
[Fischer does not repeat his mistake from game 12.]
11.Nb3 Nxb3 12.Qxb3
[ 12.axb3 Kh7! 13.Qd2 Ng8 and $gBlack$b will play Bh6, solving his major
problem in this $gopening$b.]
12...Kh7! 13.Be2 Bh6 14.Bxh6 Kxh6 15.O-O-O Kg7 16.Kb1 Qe7 17.Rdg1 Rh8 18.g4!
[Spassky tries the same $gattack$bing method as in game 8, but $gBlack$b's
$gdefense$b is easier here because his $gpiece$bs are better coordinated.]
18...hxg4 19.fxg4 Nd7 20.g5 Nc5 21.Qd1 a5
[This preserves the $gknight$b's $goutpost$b at c5, which is very important in
this formation. Positionally, it can already be said that $gBlack$b has a
better game, so White must $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b.]
22.Rf1 Bd7 23.Qe1 Rh7
[Fischer pressures the h-$gpawn$b, by doubling $grook$bs a few moves from
now.]
24.Qg3 Rf8 25.Rf6 Rfh8
[ The advance of the h-$gpawn$b is no longer possible, even if it were
desirable.]
26.b3
[ 26.Rhf1 Be8 and $gWhite$b would have to worry about the dangling h-
$gpawn$b.]
26...Be8 27.Bg4 Bd7 28.Bd1 Be8 29.Bg4 Bd7 30.Bd1 Be8 31.Rf2!?
[Spassky avoids the repetition of moves, but objectively the game is
completely even.]
31...c6! 32.a4
[A wise choice, as if $gWhite$b plays with too much ambition he can find
himself in a difficult position. 32.a3 b5! 33.cxb5 cxb5 34.b4 axb4 35.axb4 Na6
36.Rb2 Qa7! with a slight $gadvantage$b for $gBlack$b.]
32...Qd8 33.Ka2 Qe7 34.Bg4 Bd7 35.Bd1 Be8
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Belgrade (29)
.THEME {O1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Nb8
[We return to the Breyer $gVariation$b which dominated the early games of the
match .]
10.d4 Nbd7 11.c4
[Fischer tries a different plan, which dates back to the 1950's, when it
scored heavily for $gWhite$b.]
11...c6
[The approved reaction, which has been established for 30 years.]
12.cxb5
[There are many alternatives here. It should come as no surprise that Fischer
chooses the continuation which was most popular in the early 1970s.]
12...axb5 13.Nc3 Bb7
[An interesting decision, since 13...Ba6 has long been considered best.]
14.Bg5 b4 15.Nb1 h6
[An attempt to improve upon previous games.]
16.Bh4 c5 17.dxe5
[ 17.d5 Nb6 18.Nbd2 Ba6 19.Rc1 Ne8 and the $gknight$b will leap to b5 via c7.]
17...Nxe4!
[ 17...Nxe5 18.Nxe5 dxe5 19.Nd2 would leave $gBlack$b with big problems on the
$gqueenside$b.]
18.Bxe7 Qxe7 19.exd6 Qf6
[ 19...Qxd6?! 20.Qxd6 Nxd6 21.Rd1 Ra6 22.Nbd2 and $gWhite$b would play Rc1
with pressure at c5.]
20.Nbd2 Nxd6 21.Nc4 Nxc4 22.Bxc4 Nb6 23.Ne5
[This is $gforce$bd, since otherwise the $gpawn$b at b2 is lost. But
$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are not as well-coordinated as they seem.]
23...Rae8
[Spassky aims for complications, but he could have settled for a slight edge
with quieter play. 23...Nxc4 24.Nxc4 Rfd8 25.Qe2 Qg5 26.f3 Ba6 ]
24.Bxf7+ Rxf7 25.Nxf7 Rxe1+ 26.Qxe1 Kxf7 27.Qe3
[$gBlack$b has a small $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b, but his $gking$b is
vulnerable and the $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs are weak.]
27...Qg5
[The idea is to $gexchange$b queens and eliminate mating threats. 27...Qxb2
28.Re1 and $gBlack$b is in trouble. 27...Nd7 28.Re1]
28.Qxg5 hxg5 29.b3 Ke6
[Now $gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b, with a more active $gking$b and two
$gpiece$bs for the $grook$b and $gpawn$b.]
30.a3 Kd6?
[ 30...bxa3! 31.Rxa3 Kd6 32.f3 Nd5 33.Ra1 g6]
31.axb4 cxb4 32.Ra5!
[Now there are no longer any winning plans, since 32...Bd5 is met by 33.Rb5!]
32...Nd5 33.f3 Bc8 34.Kf2 Bf5 35.Ra7 g6
[ 35...Bc2 36.Rxg7 Bxb3 37.Rxg5 Bc4 38.Ke1 b3 39.Kd2 and the $gking$b can
handle the b-$gpawn$b all by itself.]
36.Ra6+ Kc5 37.Ke1 Nf4
[$gBlack$b $gattack$bs the $gkingside$b pawns, as the $gqueenside$b offers
nothing. 37...Bc2 38.Kd2 Bxb3 39.Rxg6]
38.g3 Nxh3 39.Kd2
[$gWhite$b hopes to be able to advance the $gpawn$b to g4.]
39...Kb5 40.Rd6 Kc5 41.Ra6 Nf2
[The knight re-enters the game, but a $gdraw by repetition$b is forced.]
42.g4 Bd3 43.Re6
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Sveti Stefan (9)
.THEME {O1}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6
[Fischer abandons the Spanish Inquisition in favor of one of his old weapons,
the $gExchange$b $gVariation$b.]
5.O-O f6 6.d4 exd4 7.Nxd4 c5 8.Nb3 Qxd1 9.Rxd1 Bg4 10.f3 Be6 11.Nc3
[This is an important move order finesse. 11.Be3 b6 12.Nc3 Ne7 $gBlack$b has a
comfortable position since 13.Bf4 can be met by 13...c4, when the d-$gfile$b
will be $gblock$bed.]
11...Bd6 12.Be3 b6 13.a4 O-O-O 14.a5 Kb7 15.e5
[A strong move, but contrary to some opinion, not a new idea.]
15...Be7 16.Rxd8 Bxd8
[Here is where Fischer innovates, improving on a 1976 game.]
17.Ne4!
[Exploiting the possibility of a $gfork$b at c5. 17.axb6 cxb6 18.Ne4 Bxb3
19.Nd6+ Kc6 20.cxb3 Ne7 21.Rxa6 Nd5 was agreed $gdraw$bn in Adorjan-Ivkov,
Skopje 1976.]
17...Kc6
[ 17...Bxb3 18.cxb3 f5 19.Rd1! Ne7 20.Ng5 Nc6 21.axb6 Bxg5 22.Bxg5 Kxb6 23.Rd7
Re8 24.Rxg7 Rxe5 25.Rxh7 Re1+ 26.Kf2 Rb1 27.h4!]
18.axb6 cxb6
[ 18...Bxb3 19.b7! Kxb7 20.Nxc5+ and $gWhite$b should win easily. Or 18...fxe5
19.b7 Kxb7 20.Nbxc5+ and $gWhite$b wins.]
19.Nbxc5!! Bc8
[ 19...bxc5 20.Rxa6+ Kb7 21.Nxc5+ ]
20.Nxa6 fxe5 21.Nb4+
[and Spassky resigned. An effective $gopening$b preparation leading to a quick
kill and a big match lead. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Belgrade (30)
.THEME {O12}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 Nc6 7.Nge2 a6
8.h4 h5 9.Nc1 Nd7
[Fischer decides to innovate, using a less direct method of placing pressure
at d4. Eventually, he will move the $gknight$b from c6 and play c7-c5.]
10.Nb3
[This seems logical, but as we will see it turns out to be a dubious idea.
10.Qd2 e5 11.d5 Nd4 12.Nb3 would have been stronger.]
10...a5!
[This is another component of Fischer's new plan. He $gthreat$bens to advance
the $gpawn$b and drive away the $gknight$b at b3, thus indirectly undermining
the support of the d4-square.]
11.a4?!
[A direct reply, but it weakens b4 and allows $gBlack$b to establish a strong
$goutpost$b there. The $gknight$b should have retreated to c1, even though
that would amount to a waste of time. Still, b5 would be a target. 11.Nc1 e5
12.d5 Nd4 13.Nb3 ]
11...Nb4 12.Be2 b6!
[This prepares the important advance of the c-$gpawn$b to c5, adding to the
pressure at d4.]
13.g4!?
[Spassky, in a desperate situation in the match, tries to play $gsharp$bly but
this is a premature $gbreak$b. In game 20, it succeeded, but only because the
$gcenter$b was closed. 13.Qd2! was correct, e.g., c5 14.Rd1 Bb7 15.O-O Here
$gWhite$b would have had a very good game.]
13...hxg4 14.fxg4 c5 15.h5 cxd4 16.Nxd4?
[A mistake, although $gBlack$b is already gaining the upper hand because
$gWhite$b's $gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b and the $gpawn$b at e4 is
becoming a liability. 16.Bxd4 Nc5! 17.Bxg7 Kxg7 and in this unclear position
$gBlack$b has good chances.]
16...Nc5 17.Nd5?
[This is an empty gesture which only weakens the $gpawn$b at e4. Still, it is
hard to find anything convincing for $gWhite$b. 17.h6 Be5 17.Qd2 e5! 18.Bh6
Bh8 19.Bxf8 Qxf8 20.hxg6 exd4?? 21.Qg5 f6 22.Rxh8+]
17...Bb7!
[ 17...Nxe4? 18.Nxb4 axb4 19.hxg6 fxg6 20.Qc2 Ng3 21.Qxg6 Nxh1 22.Bd3
$gWhite$b will win. ]
18.Nf5?!
[This may have some psychological effect, but objectively Fischer has nothing
to worry about. 18.Bf3 The idea is to pave the way for the $gqueen$b to get to
e2.]
18...gxf5 19.gxf5 Bxd5 20.exd5
[Now 20...Bf6 is a solid $gdefense$b, but Fischer calculated that he could
afford to grab the $gpawn$b at b2.]
20...Bxb2 21.Kf1 Qd7
[An important component of $gBlack$b's $gdefense$b. He $gattack$bs the
$gpawn$b at f5 and ties down $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs. 21...Bxa1 22.Qxa1 f6
23.Rg1+ Kh8 24.Rg6 and White has serious $gthreat$bs.]
22.Qb1 Bxa1
[Now the $grook$b can be safely $gcapture$bd.]
23.Rg1+
[ 23.Qxa1 Qxf5+]
23...Kh8
[ 23...Kh7? would have been dangerous for $gBlack$b. 24.f6+ Kh8 25.Bg4!
and if 23...Bg7 then 24.Bh6!]
24.Qxa1+ f6 25.Qb1
[The f-$gpawn$b is once again protected.]
25...Rg8 26.Rg6 Rxg6 27.hxg6 Kg7
[Spassky resigned the game, and the match comes to an end. Final Score:
Fischer 10, Spassky 5, 15 $gdraw$bs.]
.SCORE 0-1



.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Lapiken
.EVENT US Open
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 Bf5 4.O-O e6 5.d3 c6 6.Nbd2 Na6 7.a3
[White decides to play on the $gqueenside$b rather than the normal 7 Qe1, 8 e4
and $gkingside$b play.]
7...Nc5 8.c4 b5
[Creating a weakness on c6, which $gWhite$b exploits immediately.]
9.Nd4 Qd7 10.Nxf5 exf5 11.Nb3 h6 12.Be3 Ne6 13.Nd4
[Once again $gWhite$b $gattack$bs both c6 and f5. Now $gBlack$b should play
13...Nxd4 14 Bxd4 Be7 and try to defend b5 and d5.]
13...g6
[Trading the weak pawn on f5 for an entire weak $gdiagonal$b a1-h8.]
14.Qb3 Rb8
[This loses, but he had to drop something. His best chance was 14...Bg7.]
15.Nxc6 Qxc6 16.cxd5 Nc5
[$gBlack$b must have counted on this, but $gWhite$b has another $gdouble
attach$b coming.]
17.Qc3 Qd6 18.Bxc5 Qxc5 19.Qxf6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Dale Ruth
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT US Open
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.O-O O-O
9.h3 Nbd7 10.Re1 b5 11.a4
[Provoking an advance he isn't ready to meet.]
11...b4 12.Nd5 Nxd5 13.Qxd5 Qc7 14.Qb3
[$gWhite$b can't take the $grook$b because of 14...Nb6, but the $gqueen$b is
still misplaced and exposed on b3. It was best to retreat to d1 and suffer
quietly.]
14...Nc5 15.Qxb4 d5 16.exd5
[Now $gWhite$b loses by $gforce$b. $gBlack$b would have a huge edge after 16
Qc3 d4 17 Qd2 Nxe4, but no immediate win.]
16...e4 17.Nd2 Nd3 18.Qxe4
Nxe1 19.d6 Bxd6 20.Qxa8 Bb7 21.Qxf8+ Kxf8 22.Kf1 Nxc2 23.Rb1 Nd4 24.Bd3 Bb4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Letelier
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Leipzig Olympiad
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 O-O 5.e5
[This advance has disappeared completely from the tournament scene. $gWhite$b
is overextending his $gcenter$b, and $gBlack$b will be able to strike back
easily.]
5...Ne8 6.f4 d6 7.Be3 c5
[$gBlack$b moves quickly to undermine $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b.]
8.dxc5 Nc6 9.cxd6 exd6 10.Ne4 Bf5! 11.Ng3?!
[ 11.Nxd6 Nxd6 12.exd6 Bxb2 13.Nf3 Re8! ]
11...Be6 12.Nf3 Qc7 13.Qb1
[White's $gqueenside$b ambitions are unrealistic, but it was time for the
$gqueen$b to leave the d-$gfile$b anyway. The dual purpose is to support the
advance of the f-$gpawn$b, but this has a tactical flaw. ]
13...dxe5 14.f5 e4! 15.fxe6 exf3 16.gxf3 f5!
[This is much stronger than grabbing the weak $gpawn$b at e6. $gBlack$b has
now secured the $ginitiative$b.]
17.f4 Nf6 18.Be2 Rfe8 19.Kf2 Rxe6 20.Re1 Rae8
[The pressure on the e-$gfile$b and the active position of the $gminor
piece$bs give $gBlack$b a clear, and perhaps decisive $gadvantage$b.]
21.Bf3 Rxe3! 22.Rxe3 Rxe3 23.Kxe3
[Now Fischer provides an aesthetic conclusion to the game. Can you figure it
out?]
23...Qxf4+!!
.QUIZ 23...Qxf4
[and White resigned, faced with $gcheck$bmate. For example:]
24.Kf2
[ 24.Kxf4 Bh6++ ]
24...Ng4+ 25.Kg2 Ne3+ 26.Kf2 Nd4 27.Qh1 Ng4+ 28.Kf1 Nxf3
[and the end comes quickly.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Ghitescu
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Leipzig
.THEME {T8}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b forsakes the traditional ...c5 $gbreak$b and plays for ...e5
instead.]
7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Bd6 9.Bb5 e5 10.Bxc6 exd4
[This zwishenzug saves a $gpawn$b unless $gWhite$b wants to play 11 cxb7 Bxb7,
when all $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are pointed at his $gking$b.]
11.exd4 bxc6 12.Bg5 Re8 13.Qd3 c5
[Opening up the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b for his $gbishop$b and eliminating the
weakness on c6, as well as allowing $gWhite$b to play...]
14.dxc5 Bxh2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Ciocaltea
.EVENT Varna Olympiad
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6 5.c3 Bd7 6.d4 Nge7 7.Bb3 h6
[$gBlack$b can't play 7...Ng6 because of 8.Ng5.]
8.Qe2 Ng6 9.Qc4
[A novel way of confusing the enemy army. 9...Be6 loses a $gpiece$b after
10.d5 Na5 11.Qa4+, so $gBlack$b must either play 9...Qe7, completely locking
up his own $gkingside$b, or expose his queen on f6.]
9...Qf6 10.d5 b5
[Otherwise $gWhite$b just $gcapture$bs on c7 and gets away.]
11.Qe2 Na5 12.Bd1 Be7 13.g3
[$gBlack$b would have done better to $gsimplify$b with 12...Nh4 or f4, to get
some space on the $gkingside$b. Fischer prevents that and sets a nasty trap as
well.]
13...O-O 14.h4 Rfc8
[The losing move. $gBlack$b had to play 14...Nh8 or Bd8 to save the $gqueen$b,
though things look grim then too.]
15.Bg5 hxg5 16.hxg5 Qxg5
[$gBlack$b would do better with 16...Nf4, though it doesn't matter much, since
after 16.gxf6 Nxe2 17.fxe7 Nc1 18.Kd2 he's down a $gpiece$b.]
17.Nxg5 Bxg5 18.Na3 c6 19.dxc6 Be6 20.Qh5 Bh6 21.Bg4 Bxg4 22.Qxg4 Nxc6 23.Rd1
b4 24.Nc4 bxc3 25.bxc3 Nd4 26.Nb6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Najdorf
.EVENT Varna Olympiad
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.h3 b5 7.Nd5 Bb7
[$gBlack$b should probably take the pawn. White gets an $ginitiative$b after
8.Qf3, but $gBlack$b seems to hold. Now Najdorf's $gking$b has nowhere to
hide.]
8.Nxf6+ gxf6 9.c4
[The $gkingside$b is already unsafe, and no Fischer goes to work on the
$gcenter$b and the $gqueenside$b.]
9...bxc4 10.Bxc4 Bxe4 11.O-O d5 12.Re1
[No rest for the weary. $gBlack$b's last move is shown to have serious
$gdraw$bbacks-- he can't get his $gbishop$b back to b7, and his dark squares
look weak.]
12...e5 13.Qa4+ Nd7 14.Rxe4
[This sacrifice reopens the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b and gives White $gcontrol$b of
all the light squares in the $gcenter$b.]
14...dxe4 15.Nf5 Bc5 16.Ng7+
[Typically, Fischer's play is ruthlessly accurate. The text allows $gWhite$b
to finish his $gdevelopment$b with the $gBlack$b king a sitting duck in the
$gcenter$b.]
16...Ke7 17.Nf5+ Ke8 18.Be3
[Again, simple but deadly-$gBlack$b must either lose time retreating the
$gbishop$b or give up d6. If 18...Qb6, 19.Bxf7+.]
18...Bxe3
19.fxe3 Qb6 20.Rd1 Ra7 21.Rd6 Qd8 22.Qb3
[Now if $gBlack$b could only castle there would be some hope, but $gWhite$b's
16th move ruled that out.]
22...Qc7 23.Bxf7+ Kd8 24.Be6
[$gBlack$b is helpless-if he tries 24...Qc1+, after 25.Rd1 he has no way to
cover b6 and b8 without giving up d7. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Purevzhav
.EVENT Varna Olympiad
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 Nc6 8.Qd2 O-O
9.Bc4 Nd7
[The slowest continuation accepted by theory. $gBlack$b hopes to get play
against White's $gqueenside$b with his $gknight$bs, but weakens his $gking$b
position.]
10.O-O-O Nb6 11.Bb3 Na5 12.Qd3
[$gWhite$b doesn't want to allow either $gknight$b to move to c4, which would
$gforce$b him to give up his Be3. $gBlack$b might then get strong play on the
dark squares.]
12...Bd7 13.h4 Rc8 14.h5
[So $gWhite$b $gdraw$bs first blood. Once he takes on g6 he will be able to
play Bh6, leaving $gBlack$b's $gking$b naked to the wind.]
14...Nac4 15.hxg6 hxg6
[If 15...Nxe3, $gWhite$b would not play 16.gxh7+, when his own $gpawn$b on h7
would keep the $gkingside$b closed, but 16.gxf7+ Kh8 17.Qxe3, when h7 is a
target and $gWhite$b already $gthreat$bens 18.Rxh7+ Kxh7 19.Rh1+.]
16.Bh6 e6 17.f4
[$gThreat$bening 18.Qh3, when $gBlack$b will have no $gdefense$b to $gmate$b
on h7 or h8.]
17...e5 18.Nf5
[Renewing the $gthreat$b of Qh3. If $gBlack$b takes the $gknight$b he gets
$gmate$bd after 18...gxf5 19.Bxg7 Kxg7 20.Qg3+ Kf6 21.Qg5+ Ke6 22.ef.]
18...Bxf5 19.exf5 Nxb2
[A last desparate bid for $gcounterplay$b, but Fischer has seen everything.]
20.Kxb2 e4 21.Bxg7
.QUIZ 21.Bxg7
[$gBlack$b may have missed this move. He can't take the $gqueen$b because of
22.f6 and $gmate$b on h8.]
21...Kxg7 22.Nxe4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Rivera
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Varna Olympiad
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 d5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 c5 7.Bd3 dxc4 8.Bxc4 Qc7
9.Bb3 b6 10.Ne2 O-O 11.Bb2 Nc6 12.O-O Na5 13.Ng3 Bb7 14.Rc1
[This loses instructively--$gWhite$b obviously saw $gBlack$b's next but
figured that after 15.f3 he had met the $gthreat$b, but didn't notice that
14...Qb6 contained a subtler $gthreat$b.]
14...Qc6 15.f3 Qb5
[The subtler $gthreat$b of 14...Qb6--$gWhite$b must now lose a $gbishop$b,
and, though he gives it a try, he can't $gtrap$b $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
16.Ba4 Qxb2
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Benko
.EVENT US Championship
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Pirc
1.e4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.f4 Nf6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Bd3 Bg4 7.h3 Bxf3 8.Qxf3 Nc6
9.Be3 e5 10.dxe5 dxe5 11.f5 gxf5 12.Qxf5 Nd4 13.Qf2 Ne8 14.O-O Nd6 15.Qg3 Kh8
16.Qg4 c6 17.Qh5 Qe8
[White has the f-$gfile$b, well-placed pieces and a slightly better $gpawn
structure$b. $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs are scattered, and the $gbishop$b does
little from its post at g7. Fischer exploits these factors quickly.]
18.Bxd4
[The knight at d4 was a potential defender on the $gkingside$b, and the
$gbishop$b was not going to participate in the $gattack$b anyway.]
18...exd4
[ 18...exd4 19.e5 looks like it wins a $gpiece$b, because of the $gthreat$b of
Qxh7 $gmate$b, but $gBlack$b has a $gdefense$b.] 19...f5! 20.Qxe8 Nxe8 21.]
19.Rf6
[A brilliant move. The idea is to encourage $gBlack$b to move the $gbishop$b
to a position where it $gblock$bs the f-$gpawn$b from advancing, eliminating
the $gdefense$b mentioned in the previous note. 19.Rf6 Bxf6 20.e5 h6 21.Qxh6+
Kg8 22.Qh7+]
19...Kg8 20.e5 h6 21.Ne2
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, because $gmate$b is still unavoidable, for example]
21...Nc8 22.Qf5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Fine
.EVENT Poughkeepsie
.THEME {T7, T10}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O dxc3 8.Qb3 Qe7
[8...Qf6 is normal. $gBlack$b's move uses the $gthreat$b of a later ...Qb4 to
get play, but $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs just get in each others' way.]
9.Nxc3 Nf6 10.Nd5
[$gWhite$b $gforce$bs $gBlack$b to open the e $gfile$b onto his own $gking$b,
accentuating his lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
10...Nxd5 11.exd5 Ne5 12.Nxe5 Qxe5 13.Bb2
[White's lead in $gdevelopment$b is decisive, but the tactics Fischer uses to
prove this are most instructive.]
13...Qg5 14.h4
[Deflecting the $gqueen$b from g7. If $gBlack$b doesn't $gWhite$b wins by
doubling on the e $gfile$b and mating on e7 or e8.]
14...Qxh4 15.Bxg7 Rg8 16.Rfe1+ Kd8 17.Qg3
[The second deflection of the $gqueen$b, and this time there is no answer--
$gBlack$b can't hold both his queen and the d8-h4 $gdiagonal$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Burger
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Two Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nd4
[$gBlack$b tries to get $gcompensation$b for his $gpawn$b by $gattack$b
$gWhite$b's advanced $gpiece$bs with gain of time.]
6.c3 b5 7.Bf1 Nxd5 8.cxd4 Qxg5 9.Bxb5+ Kd8
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b is shielded by $gWhite$b's two d-$gpawn$bs, but White's
king will come under fire on either the e-$gfile$b or the $gkingside$b.]
10.Qf3 Bb7 11.O-O e4
[$gBlack$b gives up another pawn to keep White's queen on the a8-h1
$gdiagonal$b where it will be a target for $gdiscovered attach$bs from
$gBlack$b's $gbishop$b.]
12.Qxe4
[ 12.Qxf7 Be7 And White can't meet $gBlack$b's $gattack$b $gkingside$b attack.
]
12...Bd6
[$gBlack$b now has four $gpiece$bs aimed at $gWhite$b's $gking$b, more than
enough $gcompensation$b for $gWhite$b's two sickly d-$gpawn$bs.]
13.d3
[Overlooking $gBlack$b's threat.]
13...Bxh2+ 14.Kxh2 Nf4
[$gWhite$b resigned, because he can't meet both the $gthreat$b on his
$gqueen$b and $gmate$b $gthreat$bs by ...Qxg2 or ...Qh4+ and Ne2.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Nyman
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {S5,T1}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 d5 4.Bxd5 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bb4 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O Bxc3 8.dxc3 c6
9.Bc4 Qb6+
[Black should trade queens and live with a slight disadvantage after White
takes on f4.]
10.Kh1 Nxe4 11.Qe1 Re8 12.Bxf4 Nd6 13.Bxd6 Rxe1 14.Raxe1
[For his queen White has a huge lead in $gdevelopment$b and threats against
f7. Now 14...Be6 would lose to 15 Ng5.]
14...Bd7 15.Ng5 Na6 16.Rxf7
[After 16...Kh8, the only $gdefense$b to the $gthreat$bened $gdiscovered
check$b, $gWhite$b takes the $gbishop$b and will $gmate$b by Nf7+.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pietzsch
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Havana
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1965
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O d6 6.d4 Nbd7 7.Nc3 e5 8.dxe5 dxe5
9.Qc2 c6 10.Rd1 Qe7 11.Ng5
[This just loses time. The night can't stay on e4, so it should stick to f3.]
11...Ne8
[Now if either $gknight$b moves to e4, then ...f5 is strong, so Pietzsch tries
something else, but he soon finds the position $gopening$b up to his
disadvantage.]
12.e4 Nc7
[Eyeing the new weakness on d4.]
13.Be3
[The $gbishop$b is now a target for f7-f5-f4.]
13...h6 14.Nf3 Ne6 15.Rab1
[Hoping to get something on the $gqueenside$b, but this is too slow. $gBlack$b
gets the $ginitiative$b right away on the $gkingside$b, since he can gain time
$gattack$bing $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs.]
15...f5 16.Nh4
[Since $gWhite$b can't follow up with f4 due to the weakness of the f
$gfile$b, this just misplaces another $gpiece$b. Pietzsch hopes to get light
square play, but just misplaces another $gpiece$b. ]
16...Qf7 17.exf5 gxf5 18.Bh3
[Another potential target. Fischer now hits all White's $gpiece$bs with
$gtempo$b, and it's no surprise that in the end something must drop.]
18...f4
[This does weaken the light squares, but such considerations are of lesser
importance than $gking$b safety, which $gWhite$b lacks.]
19.Qg6
[$gWhite$b must have thought this move got him out of trouble, but punishment
is swift.]
19...Ng5
[The $gwinning move$b. $gWhite$b has too many $gpiece$bs hanging.]
20.Bxd7 Bxd7 21.Qxf7+ Rxf7 22.gxf4
[Otherwise $gBlack$b will trade on g3 and penetrate to f2.]
22...exf4 23.Bd4 Bg4 24.Rd2 Rd7
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Gligoric
.EVENT Havana Olympiad
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O
[White gains a $gtempo$b by threatening to win $gBlack$b's e-$gpawn$b.]
5...f6 6.d4 Bg4 7.c3
[White offers a pawn to maintain his $ginitiative$b after:]
7...exd4
[$gBlack$b falls in with $gWhite$b's plans. He should play to hold e5 by
7...Bd6.]
8.cxd4
[The establishment of the $gpawn$b $gcenter$b (e4, e4) is the primary goal of
many $gopening$b strategies. It limits the $gmobility$b of the enemy
$gforce$bs, and either $gpawn$b can advance with good effect.]
8...Qd7
[$gBlack$b hopes to pressure $gWhite$b's d-$gpawn$b, but he has missed a
tactic which will keep a strong $ginitiative$b for White.]
9.h3 Be6
[It is no better to win $gWhite$b's d-$gpawn$b now than before. 9...Bh5 10.Ne5
Bxd1 11.Nxd7 Kxd7 12.Rxd1 leads to a good $gendgame$b for White.]
10.Nc3
[But now $gWhite$b's strong $gcenter$b will give him an $gattack$b whichever
way $gBlack$b castles.]
10...O-O-O 11.Bf4
[Now $gWhite$b will get an $gattack$b against $gBlack$b's $gking$b, but
waiting in the $gcenter$b wouldn't have worked because $gWhite$b could open
things up by 11.d5.]
11...Ne7
[The losing move, as now he doesn't have time to keep $gWhite$b's $gknight$b
out of his $gking$b position. 11...Bd6, trying to blunt $gWhite$b's
$gbishop$b, was the best chance.]
12.Rc1 Ng6 13.Bg3 Bd6 14.Na4 Bxg3
[Now $gBlack$b will have no way to dislodge White's knight from c5,
making the $gattack$b a straightforward rout. He should have tried 14...Kb8.
14...Rhe8 15.d5 cxd5 16.Nb6+]
15.fxg3 Kb8 16.Nc5 Qd6 17.Qa4 Ka7
[Completely missing $gWhite$b's next move. He could have tried to hang on by
17...Bc8 18.Rc3 Nf8 although $gWhite$b's $gattack$b should win in the end.]
18.Nxa6 Bxh3
[Desperation. Try to find a clear win for $gWhite$b in all lines after
18... bxa6 19.Rxc6.]
19.e5
[Cutting $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b off from g3, which was Black's final, desparate
hope.]
19...Nxe5 20.dxe5 fxe5 21.Nc5+ Kb8 22.gxh3 e4 23.Nxe4 Qe7 24.Rc3 b5 25.Qc2
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Soruco Garcia
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Havana Olympiad
.THEME {S2,T8}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 b5 8.a3
[The beginning of some very passive play by $gWhite$b.]
8...Be7 9.Be3 O-O 10.O-O Bb7 11.f3
[$gWhite$b worries about the weakness of his e-$gpawn$b, but $gBlack$b takes
over the $ginitiative$b after this.]
11...Nbd7 12.Qd2 Ne5 13.Qf2 Qc7 14.Rac1 Kh8
[With $gWhite$b unable to do anything anywhere on the board $gBlack$b prepares
to take the $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b as well.]
15.Nce2 Rg8 16.Kh1
[Getting off of the g-$gfile$b in case $gBlack$b $gforce$bs it open, but
moving onto the $gdiagonal$b of $gBlack$b's queen $gbishop$b.]
16...g5 17.h3
[$gWhite$b doesn't want to allow ...g4 when his e-$gpawn$b will become
hopelessly weak and $gBlack$b will have an $gattack$b on his $gking$b as well,
but now the dark squares around $gWhite$b's $gking$b are weak.]
17...Rg6 18.Ng3 Rag8 19.Nxe6
[$gWhite$b sees ...h5, ...Rh6 and ...g4 coming and panics, but it is hard to
see what he could have done. to stop $gBlack$b's $gattack$b.]
19...fxe6 20.Bxe6 Nxe4
[This $gdiscovered attach$b on $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b ends White's hope of
counterattack.]
21.Nxe4 Rxe6
[$gWhite$b has nothing for his $gpiece$b and $gBlack$b is ready to resume his
$gattack$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Dely
.EVENT Skopje
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 a6 8.f4 Qa5
[The $gqueen$b isn't really doing anything here and $gBlack$b's $gking$b will
soon feel the heat. $gBlack$b should just play 8...Be7.]
9.O-O Nxd4 10.Qxd4 d5
[The point of $gBlack$b's eighth move. He $gthreat$bens 11...Bc5, but
$gWhite$b has no trouble preventing that and $gBlack$b is inviting $gWhite$b
to open the $gcenter$b while his $gking$b still lives there.]
11.Be3 Nxe4
[This makes things really bad, $gopening$b the d-$gfile$b and wasting more
time.]
12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.f5
[White plays to open more lines, espescially the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b and the f-
$gfile$b.]
13...Qb4
[Hoping to ease the pressure by exchanging, but White doesn't have to agree to
this.]
14.fxe6 Bxe6
[ 14...Qxd4 15.exf7+ Kd8 16.Bxd4 The $gthreat$b to take on g7 freezes
$gBlack$b's $gkingside$b and White will simply bring his rooks to the e]
15.Bxe6 fxe6
[ 15...Qxd4 16.Bxf7+ And $gWhite$b comes out a $gpiece$b ahead.]
16.Rxf8+
[$gWhite$b $gforce$bs $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b back in order to penetrate with
his own queen.]
16...Qxf8 17.Qa4+
[$gBlack$b resigned here. 17...Ke7 and 17...Kf7 lose the $gqueen$b, and
17...Kd8 gets $gmate$bd after 18.Rd1+ and 19.Qd7+, as you can confirm with
Gambit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Sofrevsky
.EVENT Skopje
.THEME {T7, T9}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 Be7 8.Be3 O-O
9.Qe2
[Fischer has always enjoyed playing the $gWhite$b side of this $gopening$b,
known as the Velimirovic $gAttack$b in the Sicilian $gDefense$b.]
9...Qa5 10.O-O-O Nxd4 11.Bxd4 Bd7 12.Kb1 Rad8 13.Qe3 b6 14.Bxf6 gxf6
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b is completely undefended, but $gWhite$b does not have
much in the way of an $gattack$b. The $gBlack$b queen can transfer to the
$gkingside$b and help in the $gdefense$b. Fischer eliminates that possibility
with a brilliant stroke.]
15.Nd5!! Rfe8
[$gBlack$b has to decline the $gsacrifice$b, otherwise $gWhite$b's $grook$b
joins the $gqueen$b in the $gattack$b, while $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b is
$gforce$bd out of the way. 15...exd5 16.Rxd5 Qa6 17.Rh5 Bg4 18.Qg3 Qe2 19.f3
f5 20.h3]
16.Nxe7+ Rxe7 17.Rxd6
[So, White does not get the desired $gattack$b, but gains $gmaterial$b
instead.]
17...Rc8 18.Qd4
.QUIZ 18.Qd4
[This is a $gdouble attach$b on the $gbishop$b at d7 and $gpawn$b at f6,
earning $gWhite$b even more $gmaterial$b.]
18...Be8 19.Qxf6
[$gBlack$b now resigned, as Fischer $gthreat$bened a big $gsacrifice$b at e6.
Try playing 19...Rec7 against Gambit and see what he does!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Byrne, D
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Sousse Interzonal
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 b5 8.f4 Bb7 9.f5
e5 10.Nde2 Nbd7 11.Bg5 Be7 12.Ng3 Rc8 13.O-O
[Now $gWhite$b's $gking$b becomes a target. He had to play 13.Nh5 to keep
$gequality$b.]
13...h5
[This $gsharp$b rim $gshot$b sets the theme for the rest of the game: Fischer
snipes alternately against the White king and e pawn, and his $ginitiative$b
snowballs.]
14.h4 b4
[Now $gWhite$b must either give up a $gpawn$b or allow the h $gfile$b to be
opened.]
15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nd5 Bxh4 17.Nxh5 Qg5
[Bringing the heavy artillery to bear against $gWhite$b's $gking$b in a
wonderfully unorthodox manner.]
18.f6
[A desperate attempt to get play, but after $gBlack$b's next move, $gWhite$b's
$gknight$b becomes irrelevant.]
18...g6 19.Ng7+ Kd8 20.Rf3 Bg3
[$gBlack$b's $gthreat$bs on the h $gfile$b are now decisive.]
21.Qd3 Bh2+ 22.Kf1 Nc5 23.Rh3 Rh4 24.Qf3 Nxb3 25.axb3 Rxh3 26.Qxh3 Bxd5
27.exd5 Qxf6+ 28.Ke1 Qf4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Reykjavik (5)
.THEME {S23}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Bd3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 d6 8.e4 e5
9.d5
[$gWhite$b has taken a fundamental decision to close the $gcenter$b and try to
exploit his spatial $gadvantage$b.]
9...Ne7
[This may seem to go against the conventional strategy of deploying the
$gknight$b on the $gflank$b to $gattack$b the P at c4, but in this position
such a strategy will not be effective, so the N is transferred to the
$gkingside$b where it will be useful.]
10.Nh4
[$gWhite$b aims at an early f2-f4, a logical plan. 10.Nd2 is also sensible,
but $gBlack$b can get a good game without difficulty by bravely placing his
$gKing$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
10...h6
[This keeps the $gWhite$b $gbishop$b from getting to g5 where it can cause
trouble, and paves the way for the eventual advance of the g-$gpawn$b.]
11.f4 Ng6!
[A bold move, permitting White to cripple the $gpawn structure$b on the
$gkingside$b. But Fischer knew what he was doing.]
12.Nxg6 fxg6
[The g-$gpawn$b will be able to advance, but in the meantime it sits and
prevents f4-f5.]
13.fxe5?
[A very poor move, though history has shown that $gBlack$b has a good game
anyway. ]
13...dxe5 14.Be3 b6 15.O-O O-O 16.a4?
[When the $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs are locked on light-squares in the $gcenter$b
this is usually a bad idea, because the P can be cemented to the light square
by a7-a5, after which it becomes a target.]
16...a5! 17.Rb1 Bd7 18.Rb2 Rb8 19.Rbf2 Qe7 20.Bc2 g5
[Both of $gWhite$b's $gbishop$bs have been rendered harmless. $gBlack$b is
preparing to establish a $gknight$b $goutpost$b on f4.]
21.Bd2 Qe8!
[The $gqueen$b will be redeployed at g6 and the e-$gpawn$b will come under
fire.]
22.Be1 Qg6 23.Qd3 Nh5 24.Rxf8+ Rxf8 25.Rxf8+ Kxf8 26.Bd1 Nf4
["Nimzowitsch would have loved this position -- restraint, $gblockade$b,
doubled P complexes and an $goutpost$b in an open." -- Keene (Aron Nimzowitsch
-- A Reappraisal).]
27.Qc2??
[A simply awful move for a World Championship game. 27.Qb1 and $gWhite$b could
have continued the battle.]
27...Bxa4
[and here Spassky resigned, rather than face ]
28.Qxa4 Qxe4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Buenos Aires (7)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6 5.Bd3 Nc6 6.Nxc6 bxc6 7.O-O d5 8.c4 Nf6
9.cxd5 cxd5 10.exd5 exd5
[Clearly the isolated $gqueen$b $gpawn$b is going to play a significant role
in the game. Part of $gWhite$b's strategy will be to dominate the adjacent
$gfile$bs.]
11.Nc3 Be7 12.Qa4+ Qd7 13.Re1!
[Fischer doesn't engage in cheap theatrics. 13.Bb5?! axb5! 14.Qxa8 O-O and the
follow up with Bb7 and an eventual advance of the d-$gpawn$b will give
$gBlack$b an excellent game.]
13...Qxa4 14.Nxa4
[The isolated pawn is even weaker in the $gendgame$b, and White is halfway
toward achieving his goal of dominating the c- and e-$gfile$bs. The $gpawn$b
at a6, defended doubly for the moment, is also a potential weakness.]
14...Be6 15.Be3 O-O 16.Bc5!
[This is the $gkey$b move. With the dark-squared $gbishop$bs off the board,
the $grook$bs can $gattack$b the $gisolated pawn$b from the side. In
addition, the c5-square will be more easily secured for occupation by the
$gknight$b.]
16...Rfe8 17.Bxe7 Rxe7 18.b4!
[Now we can observe the weakness of the $gpawn$b at a6, which will come under
the watchful eye of the $gknight$b from its new $goutpost$b at c5. This,
combined with the power of the Be2, will tie down $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs.]
18...Kf8 19.Nc5 Bc8
[Mission accomplished. Now $gWhite$b must find a way to increase the pressure
on d5 but how can he do this?]
20.f3!
[Fischer's plan is almost brutal in its simplicity. He $gthreat$bens to
$gexchange$b rooks, march his king up the $gdiagonal$b to d4, chase the knight
from f6 and grab the weak $gpawn$b at d5.]
20...Rea7 21.Re5
[Just as planned back at move 13!]
21...Bd7 22.Nxd7+!
[There comes a time in every plan when the immediate goal is achieved, and it
is time to capitalize. The $gknight$b, though well placed, has done its job
and now the domination of the remaining open $gfile$b is the primary
objective.]
22...Rxd7 23.Rc1
[The weakness of the $gpawn$bs continues to plague $gBlack$b, who must now
worry about the $gthreat$b of Rc1-c6.]
23...Rd6 24.Rc7 Nd7 25.Re2 g6 26.Kf2 h5 27.f4 h4 28.Kf3 f5 29.Ke3
[The sixth is protected. $gBlack$b is virtually in $gzugzwang$b, so he
advances his prized $gpawn$b, and opens up more lines for $gWhite$b.]
29...d4+ 30.Kd2 Nb6 31.Ree7 Nd5 32.Rf7+ Ke8 33.Rb7
[This appears to drop a a $gpawn$b, but in fact it guarantees victory.]
33...Nxb4 34.Bc4!
[and Petrosian resigned, because after 34...Nc6 35.Rh7 Rf6 36.Rh8+ Rf8
37.Bf7+.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Leipzig Olympiad
.THEME {E4, T5}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3
Bxf3 9.gxf3 e6 10.Qxb7 Nxd4 11.Bb5+ Nxb5 12.Qc6+ Ke7 13.Qxb5 Nxc3
[ 13...Qd7 14.Nxd5+ Qxd5 and $gBlack$b has nothing to worry about.]
14.bxc3 Qd7
[$gBlack$b should have created some $gspace$b for the $gking$b with 14...f6.]
15.Rb1 Rd8
[Another mistake. The a-$gpawn$b needs the support of the $grook$b.]
16.Be3 Qxb5 17.Rxb5 Rd7 18.Ke2
[ 18.Ra5 Rb7 19.Rxa7 Rxa7 20.Bxa7 Kd7 21.Kd2 Bd6 with the $gthreat$b of Ra8.]
18...f6 19.Rd1 Rxd1 20.Kxd1 Kd7 21.Rb8
[The threat is Bc5, exploiting the $gpin$b on the $gback rank$b.]
21...Kc6 22.Bxa7 g5
[The only way $gBlack$b can get his $gpiece$bs into play is by moving the
$gbishop$b to g7.]
23.a4 Bg7 24.Rb6+ Kd5 25.Rb7 Bf8 26.Rb8 Bg7 27.Rb5+ Kc6 28.Rb6+ Kd5
[It is not clear why Fischer repeated the position. Probably he had not worked
out the sinning moves yet.]
29.a5 f5 30.Bb8 Rc8 31.a6 Rxc3 32.Rb5+ Kc4 33.Rb7 Bd4 34.Rc7+ Kd3 35.Rxc3+
Kxc3
[It looks as though $gBlack$b is about to enter a long period of suffering
after 36.a7. But then $gBlack$b will $gsacrifice$b the $gbishop$b for the
$gpawn$b. There is a better move. Do you see it?]
36.Be5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Elo
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Milwaukee
.THEME {E4}
.DATE 1957
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5
[The interesting point of this game is the ending, so you might want to
advance to move 37.]
2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.f4 e5 7.Nf3 Qc7 8.Bd3 Nbd7 9.O-O b5
10.Qe1 Bb7 11.a3 g6 12.Qh4 Bg7 13.g4 exf4 14.Bxf4 O-O 15.Qg3 Ne5 16.Nxe5 dxe5
17.Bxe5 Qc5+ 18.Rf2 Nh5 19.Bd6 Qxc3 20.bxc3 Nxg3 21.Bxf8 Rxf8 22.hxg3 Bxc3
23.Rb1 Bd4 24.a4 Bc8 25.axb5 axb5 26.Rxb5 Bxg4 27.Kg2 Bxf2 28.Kxf2 Be6 29.Rc5
Kg7 30.Kf3 Kf6 31.Kf4 Ra8 32.g4 h6 33.g5+ hxg5+ 34.Rxg5 Rh8 35.Rg2 g5+ 36.Kf3
Rh3+ 37.Rg3 Rxg3+ 38.Kxg3
[We have reached a pure $gbishop$b $gendgame$b where $gBlack$b has a good
bishop and $gWhite$b has a $gbad bishop$b, hemmed in by the $gpawn$bs at
c2 and e4.]
38...Ke5
[In any $gendgame$b, the king should play an active role. Here it infiltrates
on the dark squares.]
39.c3
[$gWhite$b prevents the $gBlack$b $gking$b from reaching d4.]
39...Bd7 40.Bc4 f6
[On the dark squares the $gpawn$bs are immune to $gattack$b from the enemy
$gbishop$b.]
41.Bd5
[The $gbishop$b now protects the $gpawn$b from a more active position.]
41...Be8
[The $gbishop$b circles to a new post from which it can $gattack$b the
$gpawn$b.]
42.c4
[$gWhite$b hopes this $gpawn$b will just march down the board. In fact, all
this does is weaken d4.]
42...Kd4 43.Kg4 Bg6
[The $gWhite$b $gking$b cannot get across the central line, and, since the
$gpawn$bs are safe, $gWhite$b is in a passive position.]
44.Kf3 Bh5+ 45.Kf2 Bd1
[The idea is that the $gWhite$b $gking$b is cut off from the other $gforce$bs.
Now the c-$gpawn$b is doomed.]
46.Kg3 Be2 47.c5 Kxc5 48.Be6 Kd4 49.Bf5
[The $gWhite$b $gforce$bs are better coordinated, but the game is lost.]
49...Ke3
[Here $gWhite$b resigned, since Bf3 follows and the remaining $gpawn$b falls.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Cardoso
.EVENT New York
.THEME {E4, S9, T13}
.DATE 1957
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bc4
[This has become known as the Fischer $gVariation$b. However, the interesting
material of this game lies not in the $gopening$b, but in the $gendgame$b.]
6...e6 7.O-O Bd7 8.Bb3 Nc6 9.Be3 Be7 10.f4 Qc7 11.f5 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5 13.a3 e5
14.Be3 Bc6 15.Nd5 Bxd5 16.Bxd5 Nxd5 17.Qxd5 Rc8 18.c3 Qc4 19.Qb7 Qc6 20.Qxc6+
Rxc6 21.a4 Kd7 22.axb5 axb5 23.Ra7+ Rc7 24.Rfa1 Rb8 25.Kf2 Rbb7 26.Rxb7 Rxb7
27.Ke2 Bd8 28.Kd3 h6 29.Ra8 h5 30.b4 Be7 31.Rg8 Bf6 32.Rf8 Kc6 33.c4
[This move creates a $gpassed pawn$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
33...Rd7 34.Ra8 bxc4+ 35.Kxc4 Rc7 36.Ra7
[Now the rooks are exchanged. In a $gbishop$b $gendgame$b where the bishops
are of the same color (light-square or dark-square), a $gpassed pawn$b is a
valuable asset, and usually leads to victory.]
36...Rxa7 37.Bxa7 Bd8 38.Be3 f6 39.b5+ Kd7 40.Kd5 Ba5
[$gBlack$b has an additional problem. The $gbishop$b is "bad" in that the
$gpawn$bs are on the same colored squares, making them targets for the enemy
$gbishop$b and reducing the $gspace$b available for maneuvers.]
41.Ba7
[Now advancing the b-$gpawn$b would be a mistake. 41.b6 Bb4 42.b7 Kc7 43.Ke6
Kxb7 44.Kf7 Bc5 45.Bd2 Kc6 46.Kxg7 d5 47.Kxf6 dxe4 48.Kxe5 e3 49.Be1 Bd6+
50.Ke6 Bxh2 51.f6 Bd6 52.f7 Bf8]
41...Bb4 42.Bb8 Bc5 43.g3
[$gBlack$b is in $gzugzwang$b. Any move will lead to a loss. But if it were
possible to just "pass", there would be no way for $gWhite$b to make
progress.]
43...Ke7 44.Kc6 g6 45.fxg6
[Now there are two $gpassed pawn$bs.]
45...f5
[Here Fischer brought the game to a quick close with a nifty $gsacrifice$b.]
46.Bxd6+
.QUIZ 46.Bxd6
[$gBlack$b resigned. Resistance would be futile.]
46...Bxd6 47.g7 Kf7 48.Kxd6 Kxg7 49.b6 fxe4 50.b7 e3 51.b8Q
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Geller
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Palma de Mallorca
.THEME {E2}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.O-O c6 6.d4 d5 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Ne5 Bf5
9.Nc3 Ne4 10.Be3 Nxc3 11.bxc3 Nc6 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Qa4 Qb6 14.Rac1 Rab8 15.c4
Bxd4 16.Bxd4 Qxd4 17.e3 Qe5 18.cxd5 cxd5 19.Rfd1 e6 20.Qxa7 Ra8 21.Qd4 Qxd4
22.Rxd4 Rxa2 23.e4 dxe4 24.Bxe4 Bxe4 25.Rxe4
[We have reached a double-rook $gendgame$b. $gBlack$b has an extra pawn and
$gcontrol$b of the $gseventh rank$b, but the large number of open
$gfile$bs gives $gWhite$b plenty of room to maneuver and, with no $gpawn$b
weaknesses, White should survive.]
25...Rb8 26.Re3 g5 27.h3 Kg7 28.Rc7
[$gWhite$b takes the $gseventh rank$b and $gthreat$bens to play Rf3, tying
down $gBlack$b's $gforce$bs.]
28...Kg6 29.Rf3 f6 30.Re7 Re2 31.g4
[$gWhite$b has a good defensive formation and it is hard to see how $gBlack$b
can make progress. But Fischer is famous for his refusal to agree to $gdraw$bs
while there is still play in the position.]
31...Rb1+ 32.Kg2 Ree1 33.Ra3
[This creates an escape path for the $gking$b.]
33...h5 34.Raa7 Rg1+ 35.Kf3 hxg4+ 36.hxg4 Rb3+ 37.Ke2 Rxg4 38.Rxe6
[The picture has clarified a bit. But $gWhite$b still has no reason to worry.]
38...Rb1 39.Raa6 Rf4 40.Ra2 Rh1 41.Rea6 Rb4 42.R6a4
[If a pair of $grook$bs are $gexchange$bd now, the $gdraw$b would be fairly
simple for $gWhite$b.]
42...Rbb1 43.Ra8 Rhg1 44.Kf3 Rb5 45.R8a5 Rb3+ 46.Ke2 Rbb1 47.Ra8 Kf5 48.R2a5+
Kg4 49.Ra4+ Kh5 50.Rh8+
[We enter an arid period of maneuvering without much purpose.]
50...Kg6 51.Rg8+ Kf7 52.Rd8 Rbe1+ 53.Kf3 Re5 54.Rd2 Rf5+ 55.Ke2 Re5+ 56.Kf3
Kg6 57.Re4 Rf5+ 58.Ke2 Ra5 59.Re3 Kh5 60.Red3 Raa1 61.Rd8 f5 62.Kf3 Ra3+
63.R2d3 g4+ 64.Kf4
[Now Fischer finally decides to try his hand at the single-rook $gendgame$b.]
64...Rxd3 65.Rxd3 Rf1 66.Rd2 Kh4
[ 66...Kg6 67.Ra2 $gBlack$b could never make any progress here.]
67.Kxf5 g3
[$gBlack$b uses the $gpin$b to advance the $gpawn$b. After the game, Geller
said he was confused, and thought that he could $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b with
$gcheck$b here.]
68.f4 Kh3 69.Rd3
[$gWhite$b is prepared to $gsacrifice$b the $grook$b for the $gpawn$b at the
appropriate time, when the $gBlack$b $gking$b is further down the board. The
idea is that king and $gpawn$b against $grook$b is $gdraw$bn provided that the
$gpawn$b is far enough advanced.]
69...Kh4 70.Rd2
[A big mistake. $gWhite$b needs a certain amount of distance between his
$grook$b and the enemy $gking$b, in order to constantly give $gcheck$b without
the king being able to come up and $gattack$b the $grook$b. 70.Rd7 Kh3 71.Rh7+
Kg2 72.Kg4 Kf2 73.f5 g2 74.Rh2 Rh1 75.Rxg2+ Kxg2 76.f6 and a $gdraw$bn
position results.]
70...Ra1 71.Ke5
[This is the decisive error. $gWhite$b could still have $gdraw$bn with the
correct move . 71.Rd8 g2 72.Rh8+ Kg3 73.Rg8+ Kf3 74.Ke6 g1Q 75.Rxg1 Rxg1 76.f5
Kf4 77.f6 Kg5 78.f7 Rf1 79.Ke7 Re1+ 80.Kd8 Rf1 81.Ke8 Re1+ 82.Kd8]
71...Kg4
[Now $gWhite$b is going to lose the f-$gpawn$b.]
72.f5
[ 72.Rd8 Re1+ 73.Kf6 Kxf4]
72...Ra5+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Larsen
.EVENT Candidates' Match (5)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Bb3 Be7 8.Be3 O-O
9.O-O Bd7 10.f4 Qc8 11.f5 Nxd4 12.Bxd4
[$gWhite$b has established some pressure in the $gcenter$b, and $gBlack$b
should have responded by $gattack$bing e4 with 12...Bc6.]
12...exf5 13.Qf3 fxe4 14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Qxe4
[Now the pressure is not on the $gcenter$b, but directly at the $gkingside$b,
where $gWhite$b's $gforce$bs are aimed.]
15...Be6 16.Rf3 Qc6
[$gBlack$b is desperately trying to $gexchange$b pieces before he gets
$gcheck$bmated.]
17.Re1 Qxe4 18.Rxe4 d5
[ 18...Bxb3 19.Rxb3 with a $gdouble attach$b at b7 and e7.]
19.Rg3
[$gBlack$b cannot $gcapture$b the $grook$b.]
19...g6
[ 19...dxe4 20.Rxg7+ Kh8 21.Rxf7+ Kg8 22.Rg7+ Kh8 23.Rxe7+ Kg8 24.Bxe6+]
20.Bxd5 Bd6
[Here the $gWhite$b $gbishop$bs work so well together that Fischer is able to
sacrifice the $gexchange$b. 20...Bxd5 21.Rxe7 $gBlack$b would have had
excellent $gdraw$bing chances, thanks to the $gbishop$bs of opposite color.]
21.Rxe6 Bxg3
[ 21...fxe6 22.Bxe6+ Rf7 23.Rf3 Raf8 24.Rxf7 Rxf7 25.Bxa7 ]
22.Re7 Bd6 23.Rxb7 Rac8 24.c4
[White's $gpassed pawn$b is the $gkey$b to victory.]
24...a5 25.Ra7 Bc7 26.g3 Rfe8 27.Kf1
[Even the $gking$b takes part in the game, by defending against an incursion
by the $grook$b.]
27...Re7 28.Bf6 Re3 29.Bc3 h5 30.Ra6
[This threatens Rxg6+, because the f-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned.]
30...Be5 31.Bd2 Rd3 32.Ke2 Rd4 33.Bc3 Rcxc4
[A puzzling tableau, but when the smoke clears $gWhite$b cruises to victory.]
34.Bxc4 Rxc4 35.Kd3 Rc5 36.Rxa5 Rxa5 37.Bxa5 Bxb2 38.a4 Kf8 39.Bc3 Bxc3
40.Kxc3
[This king and pawn $gendgame$b is a very easy win, and it is rare that White
would even continue the game at this level of competition. But it does give us
a chance to see how the outside $gpassed pawn$b decides the game.]
40...Ke7 41.Kd4 Kd6 42.a5 f6 43.a6 Kc6 44.a7 Kb7 45.Kd5 h4 46.Ke6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Chalker
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Russian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 exd4 4.e5 Ne4 5.Qe2
[$gWhite$b tries to prove $gBlack$b's $gknight$b is misplaced. 5...f5 or
5...would lose a $gpawn$b for shaky $gcompensation$b.]
5...Bb4+
[If White $ginterpose$bs on d2 $gBlack$b will take over the $ginitiative$b; if
he moves his $gking$b $gBlack$b will have two exposed $gminor piece$bs. ]
6.Kd1
[Now that $gWhite$b's $gking$b is stuck in the $gcenter$b $gBlack$b show
$gsacrifice$b a $gpawn$b by 6...d5 7.exd6 f5, with complications.]
6...Nc5
[By cutting his $gbishop$b off from the $gkingside$b $gBlack$b lets his queen
get $gtrap$bped.]
7.Bg5 d3
[$gBlack$b's best try, keeping White's queen out of c4, but not good enough.]
8.cxd3 f6 9.exf6+ Kf7 10.Ne5+ Ke6 11.Nc6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Chaney
.EVENT Houston (simul)
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Philidor
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 f5
[$gBlack$b opens up his $gkingside$b while he's behind in $gdevelopment$b, a
formula for an early demise.]
4.dxe5 fxe4 5.Ng5
[$gThreat$bening $gBlack$b's e-$gpawn$b and preventing 5...dxe5.]
5...d5 6.Nc3
[This $gdevelops$b a piece with gain of $gtempo$b.]
6...Ne7
[$gBlock$bing in his whole $gkingside$b.]
7.e6
[This wins at least the $gexchange$b, since $gBlack$b can't do anything to
keep the $gknight$b out of f7.]
7...Ng6 8.Nf7 Qf6 9.Nxh8
[$gBlack$b has no appetite for 9...Nxh8 10.Nxd5, when he must lose at least
another $gexchange$b. Play this out against Gambit if you don't see why.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Boatner
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Be7
[$gBlack$b doesn't want to gain a $gtempo$b after 6.d4 as he would after
5...Bc5.]
6.d4 d6
[This is a mistake. $gBlack$b should play 6...Na5 to neutralize $gWhite$b's
$gbishop$b.]
7.Qb3
[$gWhite$b should play 7.dxe5. The text lets $gBlack$b defend by 7...Na5,
since 8.Bxf7+ is no good.]
7...Nh6 8.Bxh6
[Now 8...Na5 doesn't work as $gBlack$b will come out a $gpiece$b down.]
8...gxh6 9.Bxf7+ Kf8 10.Bh5
[$gBlack$b can only stop the $gmate$b on f7 by 10...d5, when he will end up
two $gpawn$bs down with his $gking$b still exposed.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Sugerman
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d6 8.Qb3
[In this standard line of the Evans $gGambit$b $gWhite$b plays for pressrue
against f7 to compensate for his $gpawn$b.]
8...Bb6
[This loses--$gBlack$b gives back the $gpawn$b for no reason and lets his
$gking$b get pushed around.]
9.Bxf7+ Kf8 10.Bxg8 Rxg8 11.Ng5
[This $gdouble attach$b against f7 and h7 wins $gmaterial$b.]
11...Ne5
[ 11...Qe8 12.Nxh7+ Ke7 13.Bg5+ Kd7]
12.Nxh7+
[$gBlack$b loses a $grook$b after 12...Ke8 13.Qxg8+ or his $gqueen$b after
12...Ke7 13.Bg5+]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Gloger
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {T5, S6}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Polish
1.b4
[White grabs space on the $gqueenside$b and prepares to $gfianchetto$b his
$gbishop$b.]
1...e5 2.Bb2 f6
[$gBlack$b $gblock$bs the $gbishop$b's $gdiagonal$b but weakens his
$gkingside$b.]
3.e4
[With $gBlack$b having weakened his $gkingside$b White shifts into $ggambit$b
mode and plays for $gattack$b.]
3...Bxb4 4.Bc4
[Now $gBlack$b will be unable to castle.]
4...Ne7 5.Qh5+ Ng6
[5...g6 6.Qh4 leaves $gBlack$b's $gknight$b awkwardly placed, but now the
$gpin$b on the $gknight$b will become unpleasant.]
6.f4
[White offers another pawn to open his queen $gbishop$b's $gdiagonal$b.]
6...exf4 7.Nf3
[Threatening to $gattack$b the $gpin$bned $gknight$b by 8.Nh4.]
7...Nc6 8.Nc3
[Now $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 9.Nh4 Ne7 10.Nd5.]
8...Bxc3 9.Bxc3 d6 10.Nh4 Nce7 11.Nf5 Kf8 12.O-O
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 13.Rxf4 followed by 14.Nxg7 and 15.Rxf6 or 15.Bxf6.]
12...Qe8
[This loses by cutting off a possible escape square for $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
13.Bxf6
[$gBlack$b can't take the $gbishop$b because of 14.Qh6 $gmate$b.]
13...Bxf5 14.exf5 d5 15.fxg6 gxf6 16.Qh6+ Kg8 17.g7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Jones
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 f6
[After this $gBlack$b is almost lost.]
3.fxe5 Nc6
[3...fxe5 4.Qh5+ gives $gBlack$b the unhappy choice of losing a $grook$b after
4...g6 5.Qxe5+ or his $gking$b after 4...Ke7 5.Qxe5+ Kf7 6.Bc4+.]
4.d4 Be7 5.exf6 gxf6
[If 5...Nxf6 $gWhite$b plays 6.Bd3 $gthreat$bening 7.e5 and 8.Qh5+.]
6.Qh5+ Kf8 7.Bc4 Qe8 8.Bh6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bernstein
.BLACK Fischer
.EVENT Netanya
.THEME {T11, T16}
.DATE 1968
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 Nc6 4.Bg2 g6 5.d3 Bg7 6.f4 b6
[$gBlack$b waits to commit his $gking$b $gknight$b in order not to give
$gWhite$b a $gkingside$b target.]
7.Nf3 Bb7 8.O-O Qd7 9.Be3 f5
[In one stoke $gBlack$b prevents $gWhite$b from getting play by f5, prepares
to pile up on White's e-pawn and enhances his queen $gbishop$bs $gdiagonal$b.]
10.Qd2 Nf6 11.Kh1
[To save his $gqueen$b $gbishop$b from 11...Ng4.]
11...O-O-O 12.Rae1
[$gWhite$b tries to play in the $gcenter$b where he has no real object of
$gattack$b. He should have gone after $gBlack$b's $gking$b with 12.a3
intending to follow up with b4.]
12...Kb8 13.Bg1
[Losing. $gWhite$b pursues his imaginary play on the e-$gfile$b completely
oblivious to how tangled his pieces are becoming on the $gkingside$b.]
13...fxe4 14.dxe4
[14.Nxe4 is no better.]
14...Ba6
[$gBlack$b wins the $gexchange$b for nothing, since 15.Rf2 doesn't work after
15...Ng4.]
15.Ng5 Bxf1 16.Bxf1 Rhe8 17.Bb5
[$gWhite$b hopes to get counterchances by e4-e5-e6, but $gBlack$b's next move
squelches this.]
17...e5 18.fxe5 Rxe5 19.Bxc6 Qxc6 20.Nf7 Rde8
[$gBlack$b gives back the $gexchange$b to eliminate White's only active
piece.]
21.Nxe5 Rxe5 22.Qf4 b5 23.a3 b4 24.axb4 cxb4 25.Bd4
[This loses a $gpiece$b, but if the $gknight$b moves away $gBlack$b plays
25...Nxe4 and $gBlack$b will win by a $gdiscovered check$b on the a8-h1
$gdiagonal$b.]
25...Rf5
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Kral
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Nf3 Ngf6 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 7.Bd3 Be7 8.Qe2
O-O 9.Bg5 c5 10.dxc5 Qa5+ 11.c3 Qxc5 12.O-O-O
[Here $gBlack$b makes a big mistake.]
12...b5
[Now there is a path to the rook at a8 on one $gdiagonal$b, and a path to h7
on another $gdiagonal$b. The $gdiagonal$bs intersect at e4. If the White queen
occupies that square, we would have a $gdouble attach$b.]
13.Bxf6 Bxf6
[$gWhite$b to move and win.]
14.Qe4 g6 15.Qxa8 b4 16.c4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Hostalet Ferrer
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 c5 5.e3
[This passive reply doesn't mix well with $gWhite$b's last.]
5...O-O 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.Qxc3 Nc6 8.Bd3
[To prevent ...Ne4, but now White will lose a $gtempo$b after an eventual
...dxc4.]
8...cxd4 9.exd4 d5 10.Ne2 dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5
[Karpov takes the $ginitiative$b violently. Now 12.dxe5 Ne4 followed by
13...Qa5+ and ...Q or Nxe5 will embarrass $gWhite$b's $gking$b and $gqueen$b.]
12.Be3 Ne4 13.Qb3 Qa5+ 14.Kf1
[$gForce$bd: if 14.Kd1 exd4 15.Nxd4 Rd8 or 14.Nc3 exd4.]
14...Nxd4
[With White tied down covering the $gfork$b on d2, Karpov jumps in and
eliminates a $gkey$b defensive $gpiece$b.]
15.Nxd4 exd4 16.f3
[This gets it over with, but $gWhite$b was trashed anyway, e.g. 16.Bc1 Be6
17.Bxe6 fxe6 18.Qxe6+ Kh8 and $gBlack$b's $grook$bs will join the party.]
16...dxe3 17.fxe4 Qd2
[$gWhite$b may not be immediately $gmate$bd after 18.Be2, but $gBlack$b can
play moves like ...Be6, Qa5 and f5 and wine without much resistance.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Sangla
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1968
.OPENING Torre
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5 c5 4.c3 cxd4 5.cxd4 Qb6 6.Qb3 Ne4 7.Bf4 Nc6 8.e3?
[This move cuts off the $gbishop$b at f4 from the $gdefense$b of the d2-
square.]
8...Bb4+ 9.Nbd2
[This $gknight$b is now $gpin$bned, fatally. 9.Nfd2 would have been wiser. The
point is that in either case one of the $gknight$bs will be at d2.]
9...g5!
[This $gpawn$b cannot be ignored, because it will advance to g4, driving away
the $gknight$b at f3, and when it leaves, the knight at d2 doesn't have enough
protection.]
10.Bxg5 Bxd2+ 11.Nxd2
[$gForce$bd, because the $gking$b cannot $gcapture$b because the $gbishop$b is
protected by the $gknight$b at e4.]
11...Qa5!
.QUIZ 11...Qa5
[$gBlack$b renews the $gpin$b at d2, and also $gattack$bs the $gbishop$b at
g5. White must lose at least one of his $gpiece$bs, so $gresignation$b is
justified.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Torre
.EVENT Leningrad Interzonal
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Alekhine
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6
[A fairly recent preference in the Alekhine $gDefense$b.]
5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 Bg7 7.Ng5 d5 8.f4 Nc6 9.c3 f6
[The point is to support the $gcenter$b.]
10.Nf3 Bf5 11.O-O Qd7 12.Nbd2 fxe5 13.fxe5 O-O 14.Rf2 Na5
[Karpov now decides to eliminate the light-squared $gbishop$bs.]
15.Bc2 Bxc2 16.Qxc2 Qf5 17.Qd1 e6 18.Nf1
[Here Torre finally launches his hypermodern counterattack in the center.]
18...c5 19.h3 cxd4 20.cxd4 Nc6 21.b3 Nd7 22.Ba3 Rf7
[$gBlack$b's $gminor piece$bs are not doing much but observing the play. By
deflecting the $gqueen$b, Karpov manages to $gtrap$b it.]
23.g4! Qe4
[ 23...Qf4 24.Bc1 Qe4 25.Ng3 also leaves the $gqueen$b without an escape
route.]
24.Ng5
[The $gqueen$b is $gtrap$bped, so $gBlack$b resigned. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Hort
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {T5, S8}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.e3 b6
[This is the Tartakower $gVariation$b of the $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined,
a subtle and refined $gopening$b which has held great appeal to Karpov.]
8.Rc1 Bb7 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.O-O c5 12.Qc2 a6 13.Rfd1
[The Tartakower $gVariation$b requires good positional sense and an
understanding of the dynamics of this particular $gpawn structure$b.]
13...c4!?
[Although $gWhite$b did not $gcapture$b at c5 on move 12, he is now ready to do so,
and that is why Karpov advanced the $gpawn$b. His strategy will prove correct if
he can also play b6-b5, but Hort puts an end to that idea.]
14.a4! Bc6?
[A full question mark for this positional $gblunder$b. The advance b6-b5 has
become an idee fixe for Karpov, notwithstanding Hort's anticipation. While
$gBlack$b has eyes only for the $gqueenside$b, Hort has not forgotten about
the $gcenter$b!]
15.Ne5!
[White can occupy this $goutpost$b since the base of $gBlack$b's pawn chain at
d5 is without sufficient support. If $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs at e5, he loses a
$gpawn$b. But as things stand, $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens to remove an important
defender.]
15...Qc7
[ 15...Bb7 $gtempo$brarily keeps the $gdefense$b intact, but after]
16.Bf3
[the $gthreat$b of Ne5xc4 is quite real, and even after 16...Rac8, an eventual
$gbreak$b with e3-e4 is inevitable.]
16.Nxc6 Qxc6 17.Bf3
[There is an immediate threat of 18.Nxd5 Nxd5 19.Bxe7!, exploiting the $gpin$b
on the long $gdiagonal$b.]
17...Bb4
[This move not only removes the $gthreat$b at e7, but also creates the
possibility of eliminating the Nc3 which is putting pressure on d5. But Hort
realizes that the $gpin$b can be effective immediately.]
18.Nxd5!! Nxd5 19.Qf5!
[White regains his $gmaterial$b, since 19...N7f6 is met by 20.Bxf6 and the Nd5
falls.]
19...Qxa4 20.Bxd5 Rac8
[Karpov should have defended along his second $grank$b with 20...Ra7, but he
must have overlooked $gWhite$b's next move.]
21.b3!
[Hort found this move because he was examining positions with the Rf8 moved
off the f-$gfile$b. This move opens the c-file, and $gforce$bs the Rf8 to
move.]
21...cxb3
[ 21...Qb5 22.bxc4 Qa4 23.Ra1 and the Nd7 is dead.]
22.Rxc8 Rxc8 23.Qxf7+ Kh8 24.Bxb3 Qb5 25.Be6
[and the $gpin$b wins!]
25...Rf8 26.Bxd7!
[Karpov resigned, since after 26...Rxf7 27.Bxb5 axb5 28.Rb1 his $gendgame$b is
lost, while 26...Qe2 is met by 27.Qb3.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT USSR Teams
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Nb8
[The Breyer $gVariation$b of the Spanish Game, one of Boris Spassky's
favorites.]
10.d3
[For a long time Karpov preferred this $gquiet move$b to the standard 10.d4.]
10...Bb7 11.Nbd2 Nbd7 12.Nf1 Re8 13.Ng3 Nc5 14.Bc2 Bf8
[This is the main starting position for the 10.d3 $gvariation$b. $gWhite$b
will now spend some time attending to the $gqueenside$b before $gattack$bing
the enemy $gking$b.]
15.b4 Ncd7 16.d4 h6 17.Bd2 Nb6 18.Bd3 g6?!
[Too passive. $gBlack$b should stake a claim on the $gqueenside$b before it is
too late and the best way of doing so would be to aim for c7-c7 with a
preparatory Rc8. That plan is not without risk, but it is better than treading
water.]
19.Qc2 Nfd7 20.Rad1
[Karpov carefully completes his mobilization before launching his $gattack$b.
More importantly, he recognized the potential usefulness of this $grook$b on
the d-$gfile$b, despite the fact that the $gfile$b is almost filled with
$gpiece$bs!]
20...Bg7
[Now Karpov must create his plan. The $gcenter$b is still filled with tension.
The Rd1 has distant "man-on-man" coverage against the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
21.dxe5!
[A well-timed $gexchange$b. $gBlack$b should now recapture with the knight,
even though after 22.Nxe5 Bxe5 23.f4 $gWhite$b will have a strong central
positon.]
21...dxe5?! 22.c4!
[This $gforce$bs the weakening of $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b $gpawn
structure$b.]
22...bxc4 23.Bxc4 Qe7?!
[Spassky wants to play c7-c5 as soon as possible, eliminating his weak
$gpawn$b. But he should have taken the opportunity to $gexchange$b his knight
for $gWhite$b's powerful light-squared $gbishop$b.]
24.Bb3! c5 25.a4!
[Karpov already has the idea of a plan in which he will $gsacrifice$b the
$gexchange$b by allowing $gBlack$b to play Bb7-c6-a4 after the Bb3 is chased
back to a2. This plan is based on an evaluation of the Re1 as relatively
useless.]
25...c4
[ 25...cxb4 26.a5 Rac8 27.Qa2 Na8 28.Bxb4! is a decisive blow.]
26.Ba2 Bc6 27.a5! Ba4 28.Qc1 Nc8 29.Bxh6!
[The superior activity of $gWhite$b's $gforce$bs which results from the
$gsacrifice$b of the $gexchange$b will enable him to $gattack$b on the
$gkingside$b.]
29...Bxd1 30.Rxd1 Nd6?!
[Understandably, $gBlack$b wants to get this $gknight$b into a position to
help with the $gdefense$b of the $gking$b. Best was 30...Ra7, though that
would have parted with the c-$gpawn$b after 31.Bxg7 Kxg7 32.Qxc4.]
31.Bxg7 Kxg7
[$gWhite$b now observes that the horses are guarded only by the $gqueen$b, which can
be deflected.]
32.Qg5!
.QUIZ 32.Qg5
[with the amusing point that 32...Qxg5 33.Nxg5 leaves $gBlack$b with no way to
stop the loss of one of the $gknight$bs, while 32...Nf6?? drops the $gqueen$b to
33.Nf5+.]
32...f6 33.Qg4
[Maintaining the $gthreat$b of Nf5+.]
33...Kh7 34.Nh4
[and $gBlack$b resigned rather than invite 34...Rg8 35.Bxc4! or 34...Nf8
35.Nxg6! Nxg6 36.Qh5+ Kg7 37.Rxd6! and the thematic Nf5+ follows. The entire
plan was based on play along the d-$gfile$b which Karpov anticipated with
20.Rad1!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Uhlmann
.EVENT Madrid
.THEME {S22, S14, S8}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5 5.Ngf3 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd6 7.dxc5 Bxc5
[This is called an "isolated $gqueen$b $gpawn$b" (IQP) position because the
pawn at d5 cannot be protected by any other $gpawn$b. The pawn is weak and
$gWhite$b will try to win it, but $gBlack$b has $gcounterplay$b on the
adjacent open files.]
8.O-O Nge7 9.Nb3 Bd6
[In IQP positions like these White has two main objectives: the $gblockade$b
of the $gisolated pawn$b and the elimination of $gBlack$b's dark-squared
$gbishop$b.]
10.Bg5!
[This move directly implements $gWhite$b's plan by transfering the $gbishop$b
to a post from which it can reach the h2-g8 $gdiagonal$b (via h4 to g3).]
10...O-O 11.Bh4 Bg4 12.Be2 Bh5?!
[The superior 12...Re8! had already been introduced by Uhlmann, but he was
probably afraid of a prepared innovation.]
13.Re1 Qb6 14.Nfd4!
[Not only does $gWhite$b achieve half of his goal, but he also places
$gBlack$b in a position where he faces a difficult decision concerning the
fate of the Bh5.]
14...Bg6
[If $gBlack$b had $gexchange$bd $gbishop$bs the $gisolated pawn$b would
have less protection. Uhlmann decides that the $gbishop$b may be of use at e4,
since any eventual f2-f3 will weaken the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b.]
15.c3 Rfe8 16.Bf1! Be4 17.Bg3!
[Now that all of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs have been properly positioned, the
$gexchange$b of $gbishop$bs is appropriate.]
17...Bxg3 18.hxg3
[$gWhite$b need not worry about the doubled g-$gpawn$bs. They are actually
strong from both offensive and defensive perspectives.]
18...a5!?
[The weakening of b5 is probably more significant than $gBlack$b's mild
$ginitiative$b, but perhaps the move was played without taking into
consideration $gWhite$b's potential $gsacrifice$b of the b-$gpawn$b.]
19.a4 Nxd4 20.Nxd4!
[Karpov correctly maintains the $gblockade$b with the piece, since if
20...Qxb2 then 21.Nb5! $gthreat$bens both 22.Nc7 and 22.Re2.]
20...Nc6
[The position remains rather closed, and the e-$gfile$b is the only line which
can be exploited. To do this, $gWhite$b must drive the Re8 away.]
21.Bb5!
[The $gpin$b encourages $gBlack$b's rook to leave the e-$gfile$b. Probably
21...Bg6 would have been best here.]
21...Red8?! 22.g4!
[A very clever move, the point of which is to create threats of trapping
the enemy $gbishop$b should it retreat to g6 (with f2-f4-f5).]
22...Nxd4
[This is a major positional concession, since it leads to an $gendgame$b where
$gBlack$b has a $gbad bishop$b and $gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs the e-$gfile$b.]
23.Qxd4 Qxd4 24.cxd4 Rac8 25.f3 Bg6 26.Re7
[The immediate objective has now been achieved, and after the doubling of
rooks on the e-file Karpov illustrates his famous $gendgame$b technique to
secure the point.]
26...b6 27.Rae1 h6 28.Rb7 Rd6 29.Ree7 h5 30.gxh5 Bxh5 31.g4 Bg6 32.f4 Rc1+
33.Kf2 Rc2+ 34.Ke3 Be4 35.Rxf7 Rg6 36.g5 Kh7 37.Rfe7 Rxb2 38.Be8! Rb3+ 39.Ke2
Rb2+ 40.Ke1 Rd6 41.Rxg7+ Kh8 42.Rge7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Seirawan
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT London
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.Rc1
[White avoids committing his e-$gpawn$b, hoping to find a brighter future for
his light-squared $gbishop$b on g2.]
7...b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nxd5
[Not 9...Bxh4 10 Nxc7. With the $gpawn structure$b clarified White intends to
put pressure on d5 and c7, while $gBlack$b hopes to get play on the e-$gfile$b
and possibly $gbreak$b with ...c5.]
9...exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.g3 Re8
[Now if 12.Bg2 $gBlack$b will play 12...Ba6 and gang up on e2, catching
$gWhite$b's $gking$b in the $gcenter$b.]
12.Rc3
[A multi purpose move. The rook may lead a $gbattery$b $gattack$b on c7 and
may also go to e3 to neutralize the pressure on e2.]
12...Na6
[If 12...c5 then 13 dxc5 bxc5 14 Qxd5 Bb7 15 Qb3 and $gWhite$b will
consolidate after Re3. Karpov's move covers c5 and c7, and the $gknight$b may
jump to b4 later.]
13.Qa4
[Very aggressive--$gWhite$b $gattack$bs both the $gknight$b and the $grook$b,
but leaves his $gback rank$b exposed.]
13...c5
[It isn't clear whether this is a $gsacrifice$b or a $gblunder$b, but
$gBlack$b seems to get a strong $gattack$b for his $gknight$b.]
14.Re3 Be6 15.Qxa6 cxd4 16.Rb3
[Preventing $gcheck$bs on b4. It now seems that $gBlack$b should be able to
keep up the pressure on the e-$gfile$b, but Seirawan consolidates beautifully.]
16...Bf5 17.Bg2 Bc2 18.Nxd4
[Giving back $gmaterial$b to kill $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b.]
18...Bxb3 19.Nxb3 Rac8
[$gBlack$b might try 19...Qb4+, but after 20 Kf1, $gWhite$b will consolidate by
21 Bf3 and 22 Kg2, and $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs will be even more confused than
in the game.]
20.Bf3 Rc2 21.O-O Rxb2
[Now $gBlack$b has got back almost all his $gmaterial$b, but his pieces don't
work together well, while White will calmly prepare a nasty counterattack.]
22.Rd1 Rd8 23.Nd4
[$gWhite$b's position is a wonderful picture of harmony, while $gBlack$b is
just trying to keep out the flood. Notice how all of $gBlack$b's light squares
are potential targets: b5,c6,f5 and d5.]
23...Rd7 24.Nc6 Qe8 25.Nxa7
[Now $gWhite$b offers a $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b, but, in contrast to
$gBlack$b's offer on move 13, he has a concrete mating continuation in mind.]
25...Re7 26.a4 Qa8 27.Rxd5 Qxa7 28.Rd8+ Kh7 29.Qd3+ f5
[29...g6 allows 30 Qd4.]
30.Qxf5+ g6 31.Qf6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Piket
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {O11}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.Nc3 O-O 5.e4 d6 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6
[This is the classical treatment of the $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b.
$gWhite$b maintains the broad $gcenter$b, which will eventually become closed.
Then it will become a battle on both $gflank$bs.]
8.d5 Ne7 9.Ne1
[This retreat is well-established, but the alternative 9.Nd2 is also popular.
In either case White needs to regroup on the $gkingside$b, and find a home for
the dark-squared $gbishop$b.]
9...Nd7 10.Be3 f5
[Here we go. $gBlack$b is going straight after the enemy $gking$b. If the plan
does not succeed then $gWhite$b will have a free hand on the $gqueenside$b.]
11.f3 f4 12.Bf2 g5 13.b4
[$gWhite$b has many other possibilities, but this is the most direct move.
Still, there is much to be said for 13.Nb5.]
13...Nf6 14.c5 Ng6 15.cxd6 cxd6
[$gWhite$b has opened the c-$gfile$b and will now occupy it.]
16.Rc1 Rf7
[This guards the critical f7-square.]
17.a4 Bf8
[A good move, because d6 will need support, and in any event the $gbishop$b is
no longer very useful at g7, because it is $gblock$bed in by the $gpawn$b
wedge.]
18.a5 Bd7 19.Nb5
[See how useful Bf8 turned out to be! $gWhite$b should perhaps have attended
to the safety of the $gking$b with 19.Kh1.]
19...g4
[$gBlack$b can't afford to waste any time.]
20.Nc7 g3 21.Nxa8
[Perhaps this is the decisive mistake. After 21.hxg3 the position would be
very complicated, but there is no immediate win. Here is one suggested line .
21.hxg3 fxg3 22.Bxg3 Bh6 23.Nxa8 Nh5 24.Bf2 Ngf4 25.Nd3 Rg7 26.Nxf4 Bxf4 27.g4
Bxc1 28.Qxc1 Nf4 29.Qe3 h5 30.Rc1 hxg4 31.fxg4 Nxe2+ ]
21...Nh5
[By resisting the temptation to advance the h-$gpawn$b, I managed to keep this
square free for the $gknight$b.]
22.Kh1 gxf2 23.Rxf2 Ng3+ 24.Kg1 Qxa8 25.Bc4
[Now how do I continue the $gattack$b? I need to involve my $gqueen$b
somehow.]
25...a6
[Aha! I can use it on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b.]
26.Qd3 Qa7 27.b5 axb5 28.Bxb5
[Now for the kill! Do you see the move?]
28...Nh1
.QUIZ 28...Nh1
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Anand
.EVENT Dortmund
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Slav
1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 c6 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.O-O O-O
9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Ne5 Re8 11.Rd1 Qc7 12.Nxd7 Qxd7 13.f3
[The $gthreat$b here is 14.e4. For some reason, Anand not only allows the
advance, but gives it winning $gforce$b!]
13...Nd5
[This seems to create $gthreat$bs at c3. But the threats vanish when the
$gknight$b goes away!]
14.Na2
[Now $gBlack$b is lost, since I $gthreat$ben not only Bxd5 followed by Nxb4,
but also the $gfork$b 15.e4.]
14...Bf8 15.e4 Bg6 16.Qe1 f5 17.exd5
[There is no point in continuing the discussion, so Anand resigned.]
17...exd5 18.Be2
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Timman
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Hilversum (1)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Bb7 10.d4 Re8
[This is the Flohr-Zaitsev $gVariation$b of the Spanish Game, which is a
relatively recent $gdevelopment$b, being pioneered in the professional arena
in 1976. Both Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov are fond of it.]
11.Nbd2 Bf8 12.a3 h6
[With this move the game returns to an older line, named after former World
Champion Vassily Smyslov.]
13.Bc2 Nb8 14.b4 Nbd7 15.Bb2 g6
[A typical position in the Zaitsev/Smyslov hybrid of the Spanish Inquisition.
White has two options: quiet play with 16.Qb1 or aggressive $gqueenside$b
action.]
16.c4!?
[Jan Timman has played this bold line against both Karpov and Kasparov.]
16...exd4 17.cxb5 axb5 18.Nxd4 c6
[In this position, White aims at the targets on the $gqueenside$b, and
therefore the $gbest move$b is probably 19.Bd3, but that hadn't been
discovered yet.]
19.a4 bxa4 20.Bxa4 Qb6
[Kasparov's innovation, prepared for this game. $gBlack$b's plan is
illustrated nicely by the present game. He will aim for the liberating advance
d6-d5 when his $gpiece$bs will be better placed than their $gWhite$b
counterparts.]
21.b5?!
[With this move $gWhite$b hopes to highlight the weakness at d6, but the plan
fails and in the third game of the match Timman improved with 21.Nc2 which
became the standard move in 1986.]
21...cxb5 22.Bxb5 d5!
[This move eliminates $gBlack$b's only weakness and puts strong pressure on
the $gcenter$b. White already suffers from a $gpin$b on the b-$gfile$b and his
$gpiece$bs do not seem to be doing anything.]
23.Rxa8 Bxa8 24.Qa4 Nc5!
[More pressure on the $gcenter$b. And in addition, $gBlack$b has taken the
$ginitiative$b.]
25.Qc2 Rb8
[Because of the $gpin$b, this move allows the rook to escape without losing
time, because sooner or later $gWhite$b will have to waste a move to $gbreak$b
it.]
26.exd5 Nxd5
[A strange sight! Most of the $gpiece$bs remain on the board but the
$gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs have been swept clear. One would assume that the
position is equal, but in fact $gBlack$b still holds a slight $ginitiative$b.
]
27.Nc4?!
[Timman fails to appreciate the danger and tries to regain the $ginitiative$b.
The $gbest move$b here would have been the double retreat 27.Ba1 Nf4 28.Bf1!
with a solid defensive formation. Now $gBlack$b expands his domination of
critical lines.]
27...Qc7 28.Ne5?!
[The final chance for $gequality$b lie in 28.Re8, exchanging off the dangerous
$gBlack$b rook. But now Kasparov was able to develop a plan to exploit his
spatial $gadvantage$b, based on $gcontrol$b of the b-file and the h8-a1
$gdiagonal$b.]
28...Bg7! 29.Nec6
[ 29.Bc6? would have met with an impressive $grefutation$b:  Bxe5! 30.Qxc5
Rxb2 31.Qxd5 Bxd4 32.Re8+ Kh7 33.Qxd4 Rb1+]
29...Bxc6 30.Bxc6 Nf4
[$gBlack$b's $gcontrol$b of the b- and c-$gfile$bs, combined with the $gpin$b
on the $gdiagonal$b and more active knights gives him a decisive
$gadvantage$b!]
31.Bb5
[Timman tries to cut off the b-$gfile$b, establish his own $gpin$b on the c-
file, and free his game with Rc1. $gBlack$b would just love to get his
$gqueen$b onto the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b with deadly threats at g2. This is
easily done! 31.Re8+ Rxe8 32.Bxe8 Nce6 exploits the $gpin$b at d4, with a
little help from the threatened $gfork$b at e2.]
31...Rxb5! 32.Nxb5 Qc6 33.f3 Qxb5
[and $gBlack$b has a decisive $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b. But with the
symmetrical $gpawn structure$b the win still requires the creation of an
effective plan. It is easy to see that a $gknight$b planted at g3 would be
nice, but it needs support.]
34.Bxg7 Kxg7 35.Qc3+ Kg8 36.Qe5 Nfe6 37.Ra1 Qb7
[First $gBlack$b organizes his $gdefense$b. The next step is to advance the h-
$gpawn$b so that the eventual infiltration of the $gknight$b to g3 can be
accomplished.]
38.Qd6 h5 39.Kh1 Kh7 40.Rc1 Qa7 41.Rb1 Ng7 42.Rb8 Nce6 43.Qe5 Nd4 44.Rb1 h4
[One cannot avoid being impressed by the ease with which the World Champion
achieved his objectives. The maneuvering of the $gknight$bs makes sense only
in hindsight.]
45.Qb8 Qe7 46.Qb4 Qf6 47.Qf8 Ne2 48.Rd1 Nf5 49.Qb8 Ne3 50.Qd8 Qf4
[$gBlack$b has properly declined all offers to $gexchange$b queens. It is mate
he is after!]
51.Re1 Nf1!
[And Timman, seeing that inevitable Nf1-g3-e2-f2, gave up.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Yusupov
.EVENT USSR Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Bogoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 a5 5.g3 O-O 6.Bg2 b6 7.O-O Ba6 8.Bg5 Be7
9.Qc2 Nc6 10.a3 h6 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.Rd1 Qe7 13.e3
[This leads to overcrowding on the $gqueenside$b. Better was 13...g6.]
13...Rae8?!
[In this slow opening, $gBlack$b has actually outstripped White's
$gdevelopment$b. But $gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs the $gcenter$b, and d7-d5 will not
be appropriate because of the position of the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b, putting
pressure on the c-$gfile$b.]
14.Nfd2
[A strong move which $gthreat$bens to post the $gknight$b effectively at e4,
while $gopening$b up lines for the Bg2 and threatening to disrupt $gBlack$b's
$gpawn structure$b . In addition, the Pc4 is guarded so that the other
$gknight$b can enter the game.]
14...g5?!
[$gBlack$b overreacts to the positional $gstrength$b of $gWhite$b's game.
14...g6 would have been more solid.]
15.Nc3 Bg7
[White should probably bring $gBlack$b's extended $gfianchetto$b into question
by playing 16.f4, but he is concentrating on the $gqueenside$b, and in
particular, on the c-$gfile$b.]
16.Nb5 Qd8 17.f4 Ne7!
[$gBlack$b has taken $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's faulty plan by reorganizing
his $gpiece$bs so that the Ne7 can take part in the defence. Unfortunately,
Yusupov soon forgets why he wanted the $gknight$b at e7.]
18.Nf3 Nf5 19.Qf2?!
[Kasparov notes that this was not the correct square for the $gqueen$b. It
would have been better placed at e2, where it could protect the $gpawn$b at
c4.]
19...c6 20.Nc3 gxf4 21.gxf4 Bxc4
[Although $gWhite$b is a $gpawn$b down, he is at the same time almost a
$gpiece$b ahead, because $gBlack$b's light-squared $gbishop$b is incapable of
reaching the $gkingside$b to help in the defence. In addition, $gWhite$b now
takes charge of the $gcenter$b.]
22.e4
[Now Yusupov makes a major strategic error. He must return the $gknight$b to
its defensive post at e7.]
22...Nd6?
[ 22...Ne7 23.Kh1! f5 24.e5 brings $gWhite$b sufficient $gcompensation$b for
his $gpawn$b, because $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b is very weak. ]
23.Ne5 f5 24.Nxc4 Nxc4
[$gBlack$b does not mind parting with his $gbishop$b, but the problem is that
the Nc4 is far away from the $gkingside$b. Kasparov now chases it to an
utterly useless position on the $gback rank$b.]
25.b3! Nd6 26.e5 Nc8
[At this point $gWhite$b must determine his strategy for the remainder of the
game. His goal is to infiltrate the $gkingside$b, and exploit the weak light
squares. 26...Ne4 27.Bxe4 fxe4 28.Nxe4 is clearly better for $gWhite$b, with a
SuperKnight at e4 and threats along the g-$gfile$b.]
27.Bf3!
[Clearly the $gbishop$b must get involved in this task.]
27...Kh7
[$gBlack$b escapes the g-file, and hopes to use it to $gexchange$b rooks,
lessening $gWhite$b's $gattack$bing $gforce$b.]
28.Bh5 Re7 29.Kh1 Rg8?!
[Although this is consistent with $gBlack$b's plan, he chooses the wrong
$grook$b. The correct strategy was 29...Bh8! followed by Re7-g7. ]
30.Rg1 Bh8
[If $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b stood on f5, and were not $gattack$bed, then
$gmate$b in two. But how do we realize this fantasy? The solution is stunning!
30...Bf8? 31.Qh4 sets up a very nasty $gpin$b!]
31.Ne4!!
[Because of the $gthreat$b of Nf6+, the $gknight$b must be $gcapture$bd. But
this gives White access to the f5-square. The sacrifice of $gmaterial$b is not
so important because $gBlack$b's $gknight$b is so out of play.]
31...fxe4 32.f5 Rg5?
[An error in $gtime pressure$b. $gBlack$b should have brought the $gqueen$b
over to help with the $gdefense$b: 32...Qf8 33.Rxg8 Kxg8 34.f6! Rg7!]
33.Rxg5 hxg5 34.f6 Kh6
[ 34...Qf8 35.fxe7 Qxf2 36.e8Q wins because $gBlack$b has no $gcheck$bs.]
35.fxe7 Qxe7
[ 35...Nxe7 36.Qf7 Bg7 37.Rf1 Bh8 38.Rf6+ Bxf6 39.exf6]
36.Bf7! d6
[ 36...g4 37.h4! gxh3 38.Rg1 Bg7 39.Qf4+ Kh7 40.Qxe4+ Kh8 41.Qg6]
37.Rf1 g4 38.Bxe6!! Qxe6 39.Qh4+ Kg7
[and here $gBlack$b resigned before I could play 40.Rf6.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Hjorth
.EVENT World Junior Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 Nf6 7.Nc3 Be7 8.O-O O-O
[The Classical Tarrasch is an interesting $gdefense$b which I have played from
both sides of the board.]
9.Bg5 c4
[This is a risky $gvariation$b. For a while, this game stood as the
$grefutation$b of the line, though improvements for $gBlack$b have been
found.]
10.Ne5 Be6 11.f4 Nxe5 12.fxe5
[I introduced this move in the present game. The idea is that the f-$gfile$b
will be a useful asset in the $gattack$b and that a $gpawn$b at d4 may be
helpful too.]
12...Ne4 13.Bxe7 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Qxe7
[The only strategy available to $gWhite$b is to try to eliminate $gBlack$b's
$gpawn$b at d5 so that the central $gpawn$bs can advance. $gBlack$b will try
to thrust the $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs forward as quickly as possible.]
15.e4! Qd7 16.a4!
[A very important move, restraining $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b play. That
accomplished, White can turn his attention to the $gkingside$b.]
16...Rfd8 17.Qh5 Rac8
[The battle lines are $gdraw$bn. Now $gWhite$b doubles $grook$bs on the f-
$gfile$b. This will leave the a-$gpawn$b hanging, but if the $gattack$b is
fast enough it won't matter.]
18.Rf4 Rc7 19.Raf1 Qxa4?
[$gBlack$b should be worrying about the $gdefense$b of his $gkingside$b, so
19...Qe8 was best, although White would retain a strong $ginitiative$b.]
20.exd5! Rxd5
[$gForce$bd, since otherwise f7 loses its most valuable defender. The f7-
square is the cornerstone of $gBlack$b's position, and obviously $gWhite$b
would like to play Rxf7 as soon as feasible.]
21.Bxd5 Bxd5
[The $gmaterial$b is not important. If $gWhite$b does not $gbreak$b through
quickly $gBlack$b will make a new $gqueen$b on the other $gflank$b. The goal
is achieved effectively.]
22.e6!
[What is surprising about this move is that it seems to contribute nothing to
the task of deflecting the $gbishop$b from f7. In fact, however, it opens up
the d5-square so that the $gWhite$b $gpawn$b can chase the $gbishop$b from the
$gkey$b square.]
22...Bxe6 23.d5 Qb5
[This creates a $gpin$b on the 5th rank, but the $gpin$b can be easily broken.
23...Rc5 24.Rxf7!  23...g6 24.Qh4 with the $gthreat$b of Qd8+.]
24.Rh4!
[The simultaneous $gthreat$bs at e6 and h7 $gforce$b victory.]
24...Qc5+ 25.Rf2 Bxd5 26.Rd4!
[This $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b at f2 while exploiting the $gpin$b along the 5th
$grank$b.]
26...Rd7 27.Rf5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Candidates' (12)
.THEME {O10}
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 c5 3.c4 e6 4.cxd5 exd5
[Play has $gtranspose$bd into the Tarrasch $gDefense$b. Smyslov chooses the
approved line.]
5.g3 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Nc3 Nc6
[This is the starting position of the Classical Tarrasch, which I adopted
during my rise to the World Championship in 1983-84. It is a fighting
$gdefense$b which also requires positional understanding.]
9.Bg5
[$gWhite$b has many options here, but this remains the favorite, just ahead of
the $gcapture$b at c5.]
9...cxd4
[The normal move. 9...c4 was popular for some time, but I had some great
successes with $gWhite$b against it and then it faded for a while. Recently,
however, new resources have been found for $gBlack$b.]
10.Nxd4
[The stage is set. $gBlack$b has an $gisolated pawn$b which is
$gblock$baded by the $gWhite$b $gknight$b. The $gpawn$b is a weakness, but if
it can advance, it will cramp $gWhite$b's position. A dynamically balanced
game usually results.]
10...h6 11.Be3 Re8
[In order to achieve an $gadvantage$b $gWhite$b will eventually $gcapture$b an
enemy $gbishop$b on e6, weakening $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b and gaining the
bishop pair. On the other hand it will be difficult to fight against
$gBlack$b's $gpawn$b $gcenter$b.]
12.a3
[Many plans have been tried here, including bringing the $gqueen$b out to b3
or a4, moving the $grook$b to c1 etc. This move keeps the $gBlack$b $gknight$b
from getting to b4, and making Qc2 or Qd3 possible without risk.]
12...Be6 13.Nxe6 fxe6 14.Qa4
[$gWhite$b plans Rad1 and Kh1. I decided to move my $gking$b to a safer post
at h8 and then operate against e3. I guessed that Smyslov might want to play
f4, which would weaken e3. Also, I knew that my Nc6 belonged at c4.]
14...Kh8 15.Rad1 Rc8 16.Kh1 a6 17.f4 Na5
[I am about to achieve my objective, so Smyslov correctly makes a $gsharp$b
move which alters the character of the struggle.]
18.f5
[Now it looks tempting to move a $gpiece$b to c4, but I couldn't find any good
continuation.]
18...b5
[ 18...Rc4 19.Qc2 e5 20.Qd2 d4 21.Bxh6 dxc3 22.Qg5  18...Nc4 19.Bc1]
19.Qh4
[Smyslov makes menacing gestures on the $gkingside$b, threatening to sacrifice
at h6. My next move not only defends h6, but also takes the $ginitiative$b by
$gattack$bing the enemy $gqueen$b.]
19...Ng8 20.Qh3
[This was the wrong square. 20.Qg4 Nc4 21.Bc1 Bg5 Now Smyslov would have had a
promising sacrificial line. Tal would certainly have seen this entire line:
22.fxe6 Bxc1 23.Rxd5 Qb6 24.Rf7 Bg5 25.Rxg5 hxg5 26.Qh5+ Nh6 27.Qg6 Nf5
28.Qxf5 Nd6 29.Qg6 Qd4 30.Be4 Nxe4 31.Nxe4 Rc1+ 32.Kg2 Rg1+ 33.Kh3]
20...Nc4 21.Bc1 Bg5
[This is a strategy based on $gcontrol$b of the dark-squares, which is common
in the Tarrasch. Once the dark-squared $gbishop$bs are gone the e3-square
becomes a serious weakness.]
22.fxe6 Bxc1 23.Rxc1 Ne3
[White cannot permit this knight to sit there and rule the $gkingside$b and
$gcenter$b, so Smyslov sacrifices the $gexchange$b for two pawns, but these
pawns are weak and $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are ideally placed.]
24.Nxd5 Nxf1 25.Rxf1 Rf8 26.Nf4
[Smyslov should have $gexchange$bd $grook$bs, but he was short of time and way
behind in the match (I led 7-4 at the time).]
26...Ne7 27.Qg4
[Another World Champion, Mikhail Tal, suggested 27.Qh5 here.]
27...g5
[This move effectively wins the game. The $gWhite$b $gknight$b is driven back,
$grook$bs are $gexchange$bd, and the $gbishop$b will be badly placed. Also,
the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b is in a poor position. The rest is simple.]
28.Qh3 Rf6 29.Nd3 Rxf1+ 30.Bxf1 Kg7 31.Qg4 Qd5+ 32.e4 Qd4 33.h4 Rf8 34.Be2 Qe3
35.Kg2 Ng6 36.h5 Ne7 37.b4 Kh7 38.Kh2 Rd8 39.e5
Rxd3 40.Bxd3+ Qxd3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bg4 5.Bxc4 e6 6.h3 Bh5 7.Nc3 a6 8.g4 Bg6
9.Ne5 Nbd7 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Bf1 c6 12.Bg2 Qc7 13.O-O Be7 14.f4 Nb6 15.g5 Nfd7
16.Qg4 O-O-O
[I have emerged from the $gopening$b with a clear $gadvantage$b and can
$gattack$b the $gqueenside$b at will and with abandon -- or so I thought!]
17.Rb1 Kb8 18.b4 Nd5 19.Na4 f5 20.Qg3 Nxb4
[How dare he! Well, Petrosian was a great player and achieved the highest
award holding the World Championship title. Still, it is hard to believe that
one can open up a $gfile$b that leads directly to the $gking$b.]
21.Bd2 Nd5 22.Rfc1 Ka7 23.Qe1 Ba3 24.Rc2
[$gBlack$b has plenty of $gpiece$bs to help defend the $gking$b. Still, I had
plenty of confidence in my $gattack$bing position.]
24...Qd6 25.Rb3 Qe7 26.Qe2 Rb8 27.Qd3
[Finally my $gqueen$b has taken up an active post.]
27...Bd6 28.Nb2 Rhc8 29.Nc4 Bc7 30.a4
[I am ready to advance the $gpawn$b to a5.]
30...b5
[A desperate move, but a very strong one.]
31.axb5 cxb5 32.Ra2
[$gBlack$b cannot afford to $gcapture$b the $gknight$b, becuase it would leave
the $gking$b $gtrap$bped on the edge of the board. If you don't believe me,
$gcapture$b the $gknight$b and play against Gambit at tournament
$gstrength$b. You won't last long!]
32...Kb7
[An incredible move which had a tremendous psychological effect on me. I just
couldn't find a way to get at the enemy $gking$b and chose a bad plan. But the
position continued to haunt me, and back in Moscow I finally worked it out.]
33.Bb4
[This is so natural, but what I really needed to do was swing my $gknight$b to
this square and $gbreak$b in the $gcenter$b. 33.Na3 Bb6 34.Nc2 Ra8 35.Nb4 Qd6
36.e4 fxe4 37.Qxe4 Ra7 38.Qxg6 Bxd4+ 39.Kh1 N7b6 40.f5 Well, I didn't see this
far in the game. ]
33...Qe8 34.Bd6 Ra8 35.Qb1
[Now I was beginning to get worried. I figured that I could just swim for a
bit, placing my $gpiece$bs on better squares and eventually coming up with
some brilliant $gcombination$b. But Petrosian came up with a shocker...]
35...Kc6
[What a great move! The $gking$b boldly leaves the safety of the fortress and
goes out into the exposed area $gcontrol$bled by $gWhite$b's army, But
suddenly that army seems to be in disarray. My $gpiece$bs are not coordinated
and I have no plan.]
36.Rba3
[A bad move. Now instead of winning the game, I lose quickly.]
36...bxc4 37.Rxa6+ Rxa6 38.Rxa6+ Bb6 39.Bc5 Qd8
[$gBlack$b has defended well and has an extra $gpiece$b.]
40.Qa1 Nxc5 41.dxc5 Kxc5
[It is only fitting that the $gBlack$b monarch have the final word, so I
resigned. The moral of the story is that you need nerves of steel to defend.
If you can keep your head, then you might just find an effective
counterattack.]
42.Ra4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alburt
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Daugavpils
.THEME {E6}
.DATE 1978
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.d4 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Bg5 c5 7.d5 h6 8.Bf4 e6 9.dxe6
Bxe6
[This creates a $gpawn structure$b which forms the basis for most of the
$gmiddlegame$b operations.]
10.Bxd6 Re8 11.Nf3 Nc6 12.O-O Qa5 13.Nd2 Red8 14.Nb3 Qb6 15.Na4 Qb4 16.Nbxc5
Bxc4 17.Bxc4 Qxc4 18.Nxb7 Nxe4 19.Rc1 Qb5 20.Nxd8 Rxd8 21.Qc2 Nd4 22.Qxe4 Ne2+
23.Kh1 Nxc1 24.Rxc1 Rxd6 25.Qc2 Qg5 26.Rd1 Qf5 27.Qc1 Rxd1+ 28.Qxd1 Qxf2
29.Qg1 Qc2 30.b3 Qxa2 31.Nc5 Qd2 32.Qb1 Bd4 33.Nd3 Qe3 34.Nb4 h5 35.Qd1 h4
36.Nc2 Qxb3 37.Qxd4 Qb1+ 38.Qg1 Qxc2 39.Qxa7 Qd1+ 40.Qg1 Qxg1+ 41.Kxg1 Kg7
42.Kf2 Kf6 43.Ke3 Ke5 44.Kf3 f5
[I had an extra pawn, but had to be careful, because if I $gexchange$b two
$gpawn$bs and wind up with $gking$b and $grook$b pawn versus king the game
will be $gdraw$bn.]
45.Ke3
[The $gadvantage$b of studying the $gendgame$b is that when such positions
arise they can be brought to the proper conclusion without original thought.
Here I knew that the winning method was to get a passed f-$gpawn$b.]
45...g5 46.h3 Kd5
[I am going to try to circle around the back and eat the $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs.
Alburt must stop me.]
47.Kd3
[Good, we are moving further away from the $gpawn$bs. Let's go one more
$gfile$b to the $gqueenside$b.]
47...Kc5 48.Kc3
[Again, my opponent can't afford to let me circle around his $gking$b.]
48...g4 49.Kd3
[ 49.hxg4 fxg4 50.Kd3 h3 51.gxh3 gxh3 52.Ke3 h2 53.Kf2 h1Q]
49...gxh3 50.gxh3 Kd5
[First objective accomplished! I have a $gpassed pawn$b and can defend it
against operations by the enemy $gking$b.]
51.Ke3 Ke5 52.Kf3 f4 53.Kf2 Ke4 54.Ke2 f3+ 55.Kf1
[What now? The $gendgame$b is not simple. I need to gain the opposition. Look
at the $gvariation$b that will take place if I go to f4: 55.Kf1 Kf4 56.Kf2 Ke4
57.Kf1 Ke3 58.Ke1 f2+ 59.Kf1 Kf3 Oops! It is stalemate!]
55...Kf5
[This is the $gkey$b. I am going to lose some time so that I can switch the
player who has to move. Now I can set up a situation similar to that of the
previous note, but with an important difference.]
56.Kg1 Ke5 57.Kf1 Ke4
[We have already seen this position, but now it is $gWhite$b to move. My
opponent, a future champion of the United States, was a good enough
$gendgame$b player to realize that resistance was useless, and he resigned,
not waiting for]
58.Kf2
[ 58.Ke1 Ke3 59.Kf1 f2 60.Kg2 Ke2 61.Kh2 Ke1 62.Kg2 f1Q+]
58...Kf4 59.Kf1 Kg3 60.Kg1 Kxh3 61.Kf2 Kg4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Georgadze
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Hungarian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bc4 Be7 4.d3 Nf6 5.c3 O-O 6.O-O c6 7.Bb3 Be6 8.Bc2 h6 9.Re1
Nbd7 10.Nbd2 Qc7
[$gBlack$b has adopted an unpretentious $gopening$b, and I also played
quietly. But now I am ready to stake my claim in the $gcenter$b and secure a
spatial $gadvantage$b.]
11.d4 Rfe8 12.h3
[Time out! I don't want any enemy $gpiece$bs reaching g4!]
12...Nf8 13.c4 Ng6
[Georgadze appreciated that it would not be wise to open up the game while I
am in $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. 13...exd4 14.Nxd4 Qb6 15.N2f3 Bxc4 16.Nf5
In return for the pawn I have a dangerous $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
14.d5
[I keep advancing my central $gpawn$bs and $gcontrol$b a lot more $gspace$b.]
14...Bd7
[ 14...cxd5 would have been wiser. Then $gBlack$b could have played on the
$gqueenside$b.]
15.Nb1
[I have plenty of time here, so I bring the $gknight$b to a more useful
square.]
15...Bf8 16.Nc3 c5 17.Ba4
[I wanted to eliminate the light-squared $gbishop$bs because mine doesn't do
much (it is a $gbad bishop$b) and his defends the light-squares.]
17...a6 18.Bxd7 Nxd7 19.g3 Be7 20.h4
[These moves are designed to limit the scope of the enemy $gpiece$bs.]
20...Nf6 21.Nh2
[I want to use f3 for the $gqueen$b.] 21...Qd7 22.a4 Qh3 [This is nothing to
worry about. There is no way for $gBlack$b to
$gattack$b my $gking$b.]
23.Qf3 Qd7 24.a5
[Tightening the screws on the $gqueenside$b.]
24...Nf8 25.Bd2 Rec8 26.Nf1 Ng4 27.Na4
[Threatening a nasty $gfork$b at b6.]
27...Bd8 28.Rec1 Rab8
[OK, everything is ready for a decisive breakthrough on the
$gqueenside$b.]
29.b4 cxb4 30.Bxb4 h5 31.Nb6 Bxb6 32.axb6 Qe7
[Now I have a target at d6 and will advance my c-$gpawn$b at the appropriate
moment .]
33.Qa3 Rd8 34.f3 Nh6 35.c5 dxc5 36.Bxc5 Qf6 37.Kg2
[Just a bit of safety, in case I want to move my $gqueen$b.]
37...Re8 38.Be3 Nd7 39.Rab1 Qe7
[Here $gBlack$b lost the game, because the rules required the completion of 40
moves by each player in 150 minutes each. But it doesn't matter, because I
could just $gexchange$b queens and take the $gseventh rank$b with my rook.]
40.Qxe7 Rxe7 41.Rc7
[I doubt $gBlack$b could hold this position. Try it against Gambit if you
wish!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Andersson
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {S5, S20}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
[My favorite $gvariation$b during the 1980's was this old and forgotten line
which Petrosian used to play. Now it is considered one of the main lines of
the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b!]
4...Bb7 5.Nc3 Ne4
[Until this game, the violation of the $gopening$b principle which says never
to move a $gpiece$b twice without good reason was considered acceptable in
this position. But after the game, it disappeared from the tournament arena.]
6.Nxe4 Bxe4 7.Nd2 Bg6
[The $gbishop$b has switched sides of the board. It was more common to retreat
back to b7.]
8.g3
[Since $gBlack$b has abandoned the long $gdiagonal$b, it makes sense for White
to take it over for himself.]
8...Nc6
[This square would have been better occupied by a $gpawn$b.]
9.e3 a6 10.b4
[I am taking $gcontrol$b of a lot of territory on the $gqueenside$b, so my
Swedish opponent chooses to take some action there.]
10...b5 11.cxb5 axb5
[Now there is a $gtrap$b. Suppose I $gcapture$b on b5. Do you see what
Andersson had in mind? ]
12.Bb2 Na7
[A very subtle move, typical of the style which has kept Andersson among the
world's elite for two decades already. The idea is to play d7-d5, and then
bring the $gknight$b to c4 via c8 and b6! Wonderful!]
13.h4
[But while all that is going on, I have my sights set on the $gkingside$b.]
13...h6
[Just a little weakness, but it gets the $gcreative$b juices flowing.]
14.d5
[Who cares about a little $gpawn$b? I want my $gbishop$b in the game.]
14...exd5 15.Bg2 c6 16.O-O
[My $gadvantage$b has grown. I have a big lead in $gdevelopment$b and
$gcontrol$b a lot of $gspace$b -- just the kind of position I love! Now I just
have to smash open the $gkingside$b with e2-e4. But not yet, let's get some
more pieces involved.]
16...f6 17.Re1 Be7 18.Qg4 Kf7
[Well, if the $gking$b occupies this square then the $gbishop$b cannot, so it
is time to push it into the corner.]
19.h5 Bh7 20.e4
[Now!]
20...dxe4 21.Bxe4 Bxe4 22.Nxe4
[The g6 square is very weak, but so is g7, though it is harder to appreciate
at the moment.]
22...Nc8
[ 22...Rf8 23.Rad1 d5 24.Nxf6 Bxf6 25.Qe6++  22...Re8 23.Qg6+ Kf8 24.g4 and I
can bring my $gknight$b to f5 via g3.]
23.Rad1
[This is a strong move. To $gattack$b successfully means getting all the
$gpiece$bs involved in the $gattack$b. This $grook$b will soon be on g4,
believe it or not!]
23...Ra7
[$gBlack$b wants to move the d-$gpawn$b and use the $grook$b at a7 to help
defend the $gking$b. So I had better get the $gattack$b moving quickly. Now
comes a series of $gsacrifice$bs.]
24.Nxf6 gxf6
[ 24...Bxf6 25.Qg6+ Kf8 26.Bxf6 gxf6 27.Re6]
25.Qg6+ Kf8 26.Bc1 d5 27.Rd4
[Now you can see why I brought this $grook$b into the game at move 23.]
27...Nd6 28.Rg4 Nf7
[So the h-$gpawn$b is protected, right?]
29.Bxh6+
[Wrong. I can $gcapture$b it anyway!]
29...Ke8
[ 29...Rxh6 30.Qg8++]
30.Bg7
[Here Andersson resigned. As he stopped the clock, he said "I will not play
with Kasparov anymore!" Of course he has, and we have had many exciting games,
but I think this is still the best!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Christiansen
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Moscow Interzonal
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f4
[The Four $gPawn$bs $gAttack$b is the most aggressive response to the
$gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b. If $gBlack$b is well-prepared, however, he can
wind up with a strong $ginitiative$b.]
5...O-O 6.Nf3 c5
[This is the most principled reply, $gattack$bing $gWhite$b's broad $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b in true $ghypermodern$b style.]
7.d5 e6
[$gBlack$b can also adopt the strategy of the Benko $gGambit$b by playing
7...b5, but I have never really liked that $gopening$b and prefer to stick to
a $gKing$b's Indian or Benoni style.]
8.dxe6
[8.Be2 is the normal move. This $gcapture$b weakens my $gpawn structure$b a
bit but also gives me useful central $gpawn$bs, which play a major role in
this game.]
8...fxe6 9.Bd3
[I think 9.Be2 would have been a better move.]
9...Nc6 10.O-O Nd4 11.Ng5 e5 12.f5 h6 13.Nh3
[ 13.fxg6 hxg5 14.Bxg5 Be6 15.Nd5 This looks like a promising sacrificial
line, but there is a strong reply. 15...Bxd5 16.exd5 e4 17.Bxe4 Qe7
The three $gpawn$bs are not sufficient $gcompensation$b for $gBlack$b's
active $gpiece$b.]
13...gxf5 14.exf5 b5 15.Be3 bxc4 16.Bxc4+ Kh8 17.Bxd4 cxd4
[These central $gpawn$bs give $gBlack$b a big $gadvantage$b.]
18.Nd5
[Now I need to get the $gpawn$bs marching forward.]
18...Ba6 19.Nxf6 Bxc4 20.Nh5 Bxf1 21.Qg4
[White has sacrificed the $gexchange$b for a small $gkingside$b $gattack$b. But
the real issue is still the central $gpawn$bs. ]
21...Qd7 22.Rxf1 d3 23.Qf3 d2 24.g4 Rac8 25.Qd3 Qa4 26.Nf2 Qd4 27.Qxd4 exd4
[The $gpawn$bs are tripled and seemingly weak, but they still get the job
done.]
28.Nf4 Rfe8 29.Ne6 Rc1 30.Nd1 Bf6 31.Kf2 Bg5 32.Ke2 Rc5
[The rook cannot be $gcapture$bd because of the $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b.]
33.Kd3 Re5 34.Nxg5 [ 34.Kxd4 Re1]
34...hxg5 35.Rf2 Re4 36.h3 Re3+ 37.Kxd4 R8e4+ 38.Kd5 Re2 39.Rf3 Re1 40.f6 Rf4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Korchnoi
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {O12}
.DATE 1991
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.d4 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.Ne1
Nd7 10.Be3 f5 11.f3 f4 12.Bf2 g5 13.a4
[Piket played 13.b4 against me in this position. You can load that game and
examine it, noting that the plan is quite different here. The idea is to play
Nb5, and if $gBlack$b plays b7-b6, I can play a4-a5.]
13...Ng6
[This is the most common move, though there are lots of other possibilities.
13...h5 is an agressive and interesting line that leads to a $gpawn$b
$gsacrifice$b. 13...h5 14.Nb5 Nf6 15.Nxa7 Bd7 16.Nb5 g4]
14.Nd3 Nf6 15.c5 h5 16.h3 Rf7
[This is a typical defensive maneuver. The $grook$b protects c7.]
17.c6 a5
[Even though I want to continue with my $gkingside$b $gattack$b, I have to
stop for a moment to protect my $gqueenside$b.]
18.cxb7
[ 18.b4 b6 19.bxa5 bxa5 $gWhite$b will not be able to make progress on the
$gqueenside$b.]
18...Bxb7 19.b4 Bc8 20.bxa5 Bh6
[This is the $gcritical position$b. I think that $gWhite$b could have won some
valuable time by playing 21.a6 which would have deflected the $gbishop$b from
c8.]
21.Nb4 g4 22.Nc6 Qf8 23.fxg4 hxg4 24.hxg4
[ 24.Bxg4 Nxg4 25.hxg4 f3 $gBlack$b has an overwhelming $gattack$b.]
24...Bg5 25.Bf3 Qh6 26.Re1 Nh4
[The $gthreat$b is Nxf3+ followed by Bxg4. So $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs at h4.]
27.Bxh4 Bxh4
[This is the right $gcapture$b, because the $gbishop$b has a role to play in
the final assault.]
28.g5 Qxg5 29.Re2 Ng4 30.Rb1 Bg3 31.Qd3 Qh4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Timman
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {S16, S8}
.DATE 1991
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.g3
[The $gkingside$b $gfianchetto$b is a popular plan for White against the
$gKing$b's Indian.]
4...O-O 5.Bg2 d6 6.O-O Nbd7 7.Nc3 e5 8.Qc2
[This is a somewhat passive plan.]
8...c6 9.Rd1 Qe7
[This is a good move, because $gBlack$b's future plans involve the e-$gfile$b, which
will play an important role to the very end of the game.]
10.b3 exd4 11.Nxd4 Re8 12.Bb2 Nc5
[I am going to $gcontrol$b e4 forever!]
13.e3 a5
[This is an important move, and is typical of such formations. Now the
$gknight$b cannot be dislodged by an advance of the b-$gpawn$b to b4.]
14.a3
[$gWhite$b takes measures to remedy the situation. But this costs precious
time.]
14...h5
[White works on the $gqueenside$b, I can now take action on the
$gkingside$b because I $gcontrol$b the $gcenter$b.]
15.b4 Nce4 16.b5 Bd7 17.Rac1 h4 18.a4
[White has eyes only for the $gqueenside$b. Timman should have $gcapture$bd at e4,
trading the ineffective $gknight$b at c3 for my $gattack$bing $gpiece$b. He will soon
regret letting me use both of my $gknight$bs!]
18...hxg3 19.hxg3
[$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are not well posted for $gdefense$b. $gBlack$b is in a
position to $gsacrifice$b now, primarily thanks to the $gcontrol$b of the
$gcenter$b.]
19...Nxf2 20.Qxf2 Ng4 21.Qf3 Nxe3
[I have just two $gpawn$bs for the $gknight$b, but the e-$gfile$b is a highway
to victory.]
22.Re1 Bxd4 23.Nd5
[This is an impressive attempt to get out of danger. If I take the $gknight$b
then Timman would grab my $gbishop$b at d4, with horrible consequences for me.
But I up the ante by offering my $gqueen$b for a strong $gattack$b.]
23...Ng4+ 24.Bxd4 Qxe1+ 25.Rxe1 Rxe1+ 26.Bf1
[White has a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b, but that soon dissipates.]
26...cxd5 27.Qxd5 Rae8 28.Bf2 Be6 29.Qxb7 Rc1
[The two rooks are more useful than the $gqueen$b. White's $gqueenside$b
$gpawn$bs have no way of advancing and the $grook$bs will soon be joined
together in a mighty $gattack$bing $gforce$b.]
30.Qc6 Rc8 31.Qe4 R8xc4 32.Qa8+ Kh7 33.b6 Rb4 34.Qxa5 Rbb1
[Now it is all over.]
35.Kg2 Rc2
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Yusupov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Linares
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1990
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 Bg7 4.Bg2 O-O 5.d4 d6 6.O-O Nbd7 7.Nc3
[We have reached a standard $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b by
$gtransposition$b.]
7...e5 8.h3 c6 9.e4 Qb6
[This is a useful square for the $gqueen$b, putting pressure on d4 and forcing
the $gbishop$b to stay at home to guard the $gpawn$b at b2. A typical
$ghypermodern$b strategy.]
10.c5
[This is an interesting move, attempting to derail $gBlack$b's strategy. 10.d5
used to be the main line, but it is no longer considered strong. ]
10...dxc5 11.dxe5 Ne8 12.Na4 Qa6 13.Bf4
[Both 13.Bg5 and 13.Qc2 are interesting alternatives.]
13...Nc7 14.Qc2 Ne6 15.Rfd1 Re8 16.Rd6
[16.Nc3 might have been better, planning to swing the $gknight$b to e2. Now I
take control of the middlegame, making significant progress on the
$gqueenside$b.]
16...Qa5 17.Rad1 Nb6 18.Nxb6 axb6 19.a3 Qa4 20.Qe2
[ 20.Qd2 Qxe4 Now $gWhite$b can win the $gqueen$b but still winds up with a
bad game. 21.Nd4 Qxd4 22.Rxd4 Nxd4
$gBlack$b has a only $grook$b and a $gbishop$b for the $gqueen$b, but there is
pressure at e5 and the $gminor piece$bs will work well together.]
20...b5 21.Qe3
[Yusupov should have played to complicate the game with 21.h4, which would at
least contest the $ginitiative$b.]
21...b4 22.axb4 Qxb4 23.R6d2 Ra2 24.Rb1 c4
[$gWhite$b is completely on the defensive.]
25.Rc2 b5 26.Bh6 Qc5 27.Qc1
[It was better to $gexchange$b queens and try to tough it out in the
$gendgame$b. 27.Qxc5 Nxc5 28.Bxg7 Kxg7 29.Nd4 Bd7]
27...Nd4 28.Bxg7 Kxg7 29.Nxd4 Qxd4
[The position should be won for $gBlack$b, who has a better $gpawn structure$b
and a more useful $gbishop$b. I was getting into serious $gtime pressure$b,
and tried to make simple, logical moves.]
30.b3 Rxc2 31.Qxc2 c3 32.Rd1 Qc5 33.b4 Qxb4 34.Rd3 c5 35.Rxc3 c4 36.f4 Qc5+
37.Kh2 Qd4 38.Rf3 b4
[My opponent thought this was a $gblunder$b in a position where 38...Rd8 would
have led to a simple win. But the move I played actually leads to an
aesthetically pleasing conclusion.]
39.Qa4 c3
[Here the rook cannot be taken because of the $gpassed pawn$bs.]
40.Rxc3
[ 40.Qxe8 Qd7 41.Qxd7 Bxd7 The $gpawn$bs cannot be stopped. ]
40...Bd7 41.Rc4 Bxa4 42.Rxd4 Rb8 43.Bf1 Bc2
[This sets up a situation where the $gpassed pawn$b has an escort.]
44.Bc4 b3 45.Bxb3
[There is no choice. Now I am winning.]
45...Rxb3 46.g4
[$gWhite$b has two $gpawn$bs for the $gpiece$b, but as long as I avoid a
couple of $gtrap$bs the win is easy.]
46...Re3 47.f5 gxf5
[ 47...Rxe4 48.f6+ Kh6 49.Rxe4 Bxe4 50.e6 fxe6 51.g5+ Kxg5 52.f7]
48.exf5 Rxe5 49.Rd2 Ba4 50.Kg3 Re3+ 51.Kh4 Bb5 52.Rd5 Bd3
[ 52...Bf1 53.f6+ I lose! ]
53.Rc5 h6 54.Rc3 Rf3 55.Rb3 Be2 56.Rb2 Bf1 57.Rh2 Kf6 58.Rh1 Ke5 59.Rh2 f6
60.Rh1 Ke4 61.Rh2 Kf4 62.Rh1 Bg2 63.Rh2 Rg3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (16)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1990
.OPENING Scotch
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
[I used the Scotch Game in this match in part because I knew it would have
some surprise value, and also because I felt there were some untapped
resources to be exploited. The $gopening$b really is unjustly neglected!]
3...exd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nxc6 bxc6 6.e5 Qe7 7.Qe2 Nd5 8.c4 Nb6
[ 8...Ba6 This was Karpov's choice in the previous game in which he had
$gBlack$b, and it worked for him there. ]
9.Nd2 Qe6 10.b3 a5
[A waste of time. 10...Be7 This would have been a safer choice.]
11.Bb2 Bb4
[ 11...a4 This would obviously have been a more consistent move. But I could
have obtained the $gadvantage$b. 12.Qe3 Bb4 13.Bd3 d5 14.O-O Bxd2 15.Qxd2
dxc4 16.bxc4 Nxc4 17.Bxc4 Qxc4 18.Ba3
$gBlack$b's $gking$b would be $gtrap$bped in the $gcenter$b.]
12.a3
[OK, my friend, what do you want to do with the $gbishop$b?]
12...Bxd2+ 13.Qxd2
[This is a key position. I have the $gbishop pair$b and can $gattack$b on the
$gkingside$b, but Karpov has some chances on the $gqueenside$b.]
13...d5
[ 13...a4 14.c5 Nd5 15.b4 d6 would have been interesting.]
14.cxd5 cxd5 15.Rc1 O-O
[This $gsacrifice$bs a $gpawn$b, but it was probably the $gbest move$b.
Especially since I took it. 15...c6 16.Qc2]
16.Rxc7
[I should have resisted this temptation! 16.Bd3 a4 17.O-O axb3 18.f4 Now I
would have sacrificed a pawn for the $ginitiative$b. Much more my style!]
16...Qg6 17.f3 Bf5
[ 17...a4 This would have given Karpov more chances.]
18.g4 Bb1
[ 18...Bxg4 19.Rg1  18...Be6 19.Bd3 Qh6 20.Qxh6 gxh6 21.a4]
19.Bb5 Rac8 20.Rxc8 Rxc8 21.O-O
[ 21.Qxa5 Qc2]
21...h5
[ 21...Rc2 22.Qd4 Qh6 23.Rf2]
22.h3 hxg4 23.hxg4 Bc2 24.Qd4
[ 24.Rc1 Bxb3 25.Rxc8+ Nxc8 26.Qc3 Qc2  24.Qe3]
24...Qe6
[ 24...Bxb3 25.e6]
25.Rf2 Rc7
[ 25...Bxb3 26.Rh2 Bc2 27.Bc3]
26.Rh2
[ 26.Bc3]
26...Nd7
[ 26...Bxb3 This would allow a $gdouble attach$b.]
27.Qd3]
27.b4
[A mistake. I had played well up to this point. I should have moved the other
$gpawn$b. ]
27...axb4 28.axb4 Nf8 29.Bf1
[ 29.Be2]
29...Bb3 30.Bd3 Bc4 31.Bf5 Qe7 32.Qd2
[ 32.Bc3 Ne6 33.Qd2 Rd7]
32...Rc6 33.Bd4 Ra6 34.Bb1 Ra3 35.Rh3
[ 35.Bc3 Qa7+ 36.Bd4 Qe7]
35...Rb3 36.Bc2 Qxb4 37.Qf2 Ng6
[ 37...Ne6 38.Qh4 Rb1+]
38.e6
[I had played pretty well for a few moves, but now I threw away my
$gadvantage$b. 38.Bxb3 Bxb3 39.f4 The win would have been quite easy here.]
38...Rb1+ 39.Bxb1
[ 39.Kh2 Qd6+]
39...Qxb1+ 40.Kh2 fxe6
[Here the game was $gadjourned$b. Karpov's sealed move gets the queens off the
board, and is an expression of confidence that the $gendgame$b can be
$gdraw$bn.]
41.Qb2 Qxb2+ 42.Bxb2 Nf4
[ 42...e5 43.Kg3]
43.Rh4
[ 43.Rg3 Be2 I would have a hard time getting the $grook$b into the game.]
43...Nd3 44.Bc3 e5 45.Kg3 d4
[ 45...Kf7 46.Rh5 Ke6 47.Rh8]
46.Bd2 Bd5 47.Rh5 Kf7 48.Ba5 Ke6 49.Rh8 Nb2
[ 49...e4 50.fxe4 Bxe4 51.Bb6]
50.Re8+ Kd6 51.Bb4+ Kc6 52.Rc8+
[ 52.Rxe5 Nd3]
52...Kd7 53.Rc5 Ke6 54.Rc7 g6
[ 54...Kf6 55.Bf8]
55.Re7+ Kf6 56.Rd7 Ba2
[ 56...Nd3 57.Rxd5 Nxb4 58.Rd6+ Kf7 59.f4]
57.Ra7 Bc4 58.Ba5 Bd3 59.f4 exf4+
[ 59...e4 60.Bb6]
60.Kxf4 Bc2 61.Ra6+ Kf7 62.Ke5 Nd3+
[ 62...d3 63.Ra7+ Ke8 64.Ke6 Bb3+ 65.Kf6 Bc4 66.Re7+ Kf8 67.Bb4  62...Nc4+
63.Kxd4 Nxa5 64.Rxa5]
63.Kxd4 Nf2 64.g5 Bf5 65.Bd2 Ke7 66.Kd5 Ne4 67.Ra7+ Ke8 68.Be3 Nc3+ 69.Ke5 Kd8
70.Bb6+ Ke8 71.Rc7 Ne4 72.Be3 Ng3 73.Bf4 Nh5
[The $gknight$b is $gtrap$bped at the edge of the board, but helps to defend
the $gkey$b f6-square. I want to dominate the $gknight$b by playing Be5.]
74.Ra7 Kf8 75.Bh2 Ng7 76.Bg1 Nh5 77.Bc5+ Kg8 78.Kd6 Kf8 79.Bd4 Bg4 80.Be5
[Now I have to get my $gking$b to d8. Karpov defends well and I have some
difficult work ahead of me. I played for a while, knowing that $gadjournment$b
was coming. ]
80...Bf5 81.Rh7
[ 81.Kc6]
81...Kg8 82.Rc7 Kf8 83.Kc6 Kg8 84.Re7
[ 84.Ra7]
84...Kf8 85.Bd6
[ 85.Ra7]
85...Kg8 86.Re8+ Kf7 87.Re7+ Kg8 88.Be5 Kf8
[Here the game was $gadjourned$b and I was able to seal my move and go home.
This is the kind of positions computers can chew on all night!]
89.Ra7
[ 89.Kd6 Bg4 90.Ra7]
89...Bg4 90.Kd6 Bh3 91.Ra3 Bg4 92.Re3 Bf5 93.Kc7 Kf7 94.Kd8
[Mission accomplished! Now the winning plan is clear.]
94...Bg4 95.Bb2 Be6
[ 95...Nf4 96.Re7+ Kf8 97.Ba3]
96.Bc3 Bf5
[ 96...Nf4 97.Rf3]
97.Re7+ Kf8 98.Be5 Bd3 99.Ra7 Be4 100.Rc7 Bb1 101.Bd6+ Kg8 102.Ke7
[Karpov resigned. 102.Ke7 Ng7 103.Rc8+ Kh7 104.Be5 Nf5+ 105.Kf8]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (20)
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1990
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Bb7 10.d4 Re8 11.Nbd2 Bf8 12.a4 h6 13.Bc2 exd4 14.cxd4 Nb4 15.Bb1 c5 16.d5 Nd7
17.Ra3 f5 18.Rae3 Nf6
[This was not known to the $gchess$bplaying public at the time but I was
prepared for it. 18...f4 19.R3e2 Qf6 20.e5  18...Nb6]
19.Nh2
[I made this move almost instantly, demonstrating to Karpov that I was the one
who had the opening under $gcontrol$b. At this point White, speaking
objectively, has a clear $gadvantage$b, with more active $gpiece$bs.]
19...Kh8
[ 19...fxe4 20.Nxe4 Nbxd5 21.Nxf6+ Nxf6 22.Rxe8 Nxe8 23.Qd3]
20.b3 bxa4
[ 20...c4 21.bxc4 bxc4 22.Nxc4 fxe4]
21.bxa4 c4
[This takes $gcontrol$b of the d3-square.]
22.Bb2
[My plan is simple. I want to $gattack$b, attack, attack! Karpov should have
completed his $gdevelopment$b now with 22...Rc8, but instead he panics and
releases the tension in the $gcenter$b.]
22...fxe4
[ 22...Rc8 23.Rf3 fxe4 24.Nxe4 A very messy position with unclear
complications.]
23.Nxe4 Nfxd5
[ 23...Nbxd5 24.Bxf6 Nxf6 25.Nxf6 Rxe3 26.Rxe3 Qxf6 27.Qc2]
24.Rg3
[I am really putting on the pressure. $gBlack$b's next move is necessary to
defend the weak squares on the sixth $grank$b.]
24...Re6
[ 24...Nd3 25.Bxd3 cxd3 26.Qh5]
25.Ng4
[ 25.Nf3 Qe8]
25...Qe8
[But here Karpov goes astray. Still, it is hard to find a good $gdefense$b.
25...Nd3 26.Bxd3 cxd3 27.Nxh6 Rxh6 28.Ng5 Qd7 29.Re6]
26.Nxh6 c3
[ 26...Rxh6 27.Ng5 Qh5 28.Kh2 There is no $gdefense$b for $gBlack$b. ]
27.Nf5 cxb2 28.Qg4 Bc8
[$gBlack$b has an extra piece and an advanced $gpassed pawn$b, but his
$gking$b is still in serious danger. In fact, there is no $gdefense$b. ]
29.Qh4+
[ 29.Nxg7 Rxe4]
29...Rh6
[ 29...Kg8 30.Ng5 Rxe1+ 31.Kh2 Bxf5 32.Bxf5 Rh1+ 33.Kxh1 b1Q+ 34.Bxb1 Qe1+]
30.Nxh6 gxh6 31.Kh2
[ 31.Nf6 Qxe1+ 32.Kh2 Bg7 (32...Qe5) 33.Qxh6+ Bxh6 34.Rg8+  31.Nxd6 Qxe1+
32.Kh2 Qe6]
31...Qe5
[ 31...Ra7 32.Nf6 Qf7 33.Re8 Nxf6 34.Qxh6+]
32.Ng5 Qf6 33.Re8 Bf5 34.Qxh6+
[ 34.Nf7+ Qxf7 35.Qxh6+ Bh7 36.Rxa8]
34...Qxh6 35.Nf7+ Kh7 36.Bxf5+ Qg6 37.Bxg6+
[ 37.Rxg6 Ne7 38.Rxe7]
37...Kg7 38.Rxa8 Be7 39.Rb8 a5 40.Be4+ Kxf7 41.Bxd5+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Schurer
.EVENT Simultaneous Exhibition
.THEME {S5, T8}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Bf4
[The effect of the $gbishop$b on the h2-b8 $gdiagonal$b will be felt
throughout the game.]
6...e6 7.e3 Ne4
[$gBlack$b should complete $gdevelopment$b before moving the knight a second
time.]
8.Bd3 f5
[8...Bb4 was necessary here, to get rid of the $gknight$b at c3.8...Nxc3 would
also have been reasonable.]
9.O-O Be7
[Now the $gcapture$b at c3 was mandatory. The $gknight$b wreaks havoc
immediately.]
10.Nb5 O-O 11.Nc7 Rb8 12.Nxe6
[A $gfork$b and discovered $gattack$b in a single move! Both $grook$bs and the
$gqueen$b are attacked.]
12...Qb6 13.Nxf8 Bxf8 14.Bxb8 Nxb8
[Now White is up a double $gexchange$b, for which $gBlack$b has no
$gcompensation$b at all.]
15.Ne5 Qxb2 16.Rc1
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK West
.EVENT telex
.THEME {T16, T15}
.DATE 1977
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bb4
[$gBlack$b is willing to lose a lot of time to weaken White's $gqueenside$b.]
6.e5 Nd5 7.Bd2 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bf8
[$gBlack$b doesn't like the looks of 8...Be7 9 Qg4, but now he's down four
$gtempi$b.]
9.Bd3 d6
[Offering to open lines with the opponent so far ahead in $gdevelopment$b is
suicidal, but he probably didn't like 9...Nc6 10 Qe2 either.]
10.Qe2 Nd7
[$gBlock$bing in his $gbishop$b like this is a bad idea anyway, and here it
loses by $gforce$b.]
11.Nxe6 Qb6
[11...fxe6 12 Qh5+ doesn't work after either 12...g6 13 Bxg6+ hxg6 14 Qxg6+
Ke7 15 Bg5+ or 12...Ke7 13 Bg5+.]
12.Nc7+
[12...Qxc7 loses the queen after 13 exd6+, so $gBlack$b loses a whole rook.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Magerramov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Training Match
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1979
.OPENING English
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.g3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 d5 6.Bg2 e5 7.Nf3
[Provoking $gBlack$b's pawns yet further.]
7...e4 8.Nd4 dxc4
[Now $gWhite$b's $gknight$b is exposed, and he should probably give up on
getting the $gpawn$b back right away.]
9.Nc3 Bc5 10.Qa4+
[This gets the $gpawn$b back, but $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs become very tangled
up. 10 Be3 was better.]
10...Bd7 11.Qxc4 Qb6 12.Be3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens 13...Na5, so $gWhite$b should take on c6 and live
with a rotten position after 14...Bxe3 15 fxe3 Bxc6.]
13.Nc2 Bxe3 14.Nxe3 Na5
[$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b is $gtrap$bped.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Ligterink
.EVENT Malta Olympiad
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 Ne4 8.Bd2 Bf6
9.Rc1 c5 10.d5 exd5 11.cxd5 Nxd2 12.Nxd2 d6 13.Nde4 Re8 14.Qd2 a6 15.b4 Be7
16.bxc5 bxc5 17.Qf4 Qc7 18.Na4 Qa5 19.Rb1 Bxd5 20.Nb6 Bxe4 21.Bxe4 Ra7
[$gBlack$b's position does not look too bad, since $gWhite$b does not have
much $gattack$bing $gforce$b on the $gkingside$b. But since Qf5 will threaten
mate (Qxh7+ and Qh8 $gmate$b), Kasparov sets up a $gdouble attach$b.]
22.Nc8!
.QUIZ 22.Nc8
[The $gknight$b cannot be $gcapture$bd because then Qf5 will $gattack$b the
$grook$b and also $gthreat$ben $gmate$b at h7.]
22...Nc6 23.Nxa7 Nxa7 24.Bd5
[$gBlack$b resigned, because if 24...Rf8, then 25.Rb7 is deadly.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tukmakov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6
[Somehow I always keep putting the $gKing$b's Indian aside and then come back
to it at critical times in my career.]
3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Bg5
[This system, named for Yuri Averbakh, has never caused me much concern.]
6...c5 7.d5 b5
[This $gsacrifice$b is similar to that of the Benko $gGambit$b. It is not the
best move, speaking objectively, but when I want to introduce complications it
serves the purpose well.]
8.cxb5 a6 9.a4
[I know this is the $gbest move$b. I played it as $gWhite$b against Spassky
the same year. But as $gBlack$b I had a better reply prepared.]
9...h6
[Before reacting in the $gcenter$b I wanted to drive the $gbishop$b back.]
10.Bd2 e6 11.dxe6 Bxe6 12.Nf3 axb5 13.Bxb5
[ 13.axb5 Bb3 14.Qxb3 Rxa1+]
13...Na6 14.O-O Nc7
[I have a lot of pressure for the $gpawn$b, but not more than enough for
$gequality$b .]
15.Re1 Nxb5 16.Nxb5 d5
[An important moves which opens up the $gcenter$b. The delayed advance of the
$gpawn$b is typical of $ghypermodern$b play.]
17.exd5 Nxd5 18.Ne5
[A good move. The $gthreat$b is Nxg6, because if I $gcapture$b the $gknight$b
then my $gbishop$b on e6 is loose.]
18...Re8 19.Rc1
[A natural move, but it leads to disaster. I am employing the equivalent of a
"full court press" in basketball, keeping up the pressure all over the board.
I must keep the $ginitiative$b at all costs.]
19...Bf5
[Now the $gknight$b at e5 is under $gattack$b. Should it advance or retreat?]
20.Nc6
[ 20.Nc4 Rxe1+ 21.Bxe1 Nf4 22.Qxd8+ Rxd8 I would have $gcontrol$b of the
important d-$gfile$b.]
20...Qd7
[This $gsacrifice$bs a second $gpawn$b. But keep your eye on the c5-square, it
plays a very important role from here on!]
21.Rxc5 Rxe1+ 22.Qxe1
[ 22.Bxe1 Re8 The $gback rank$b is very weak, and I threaten Nf4!]
22...Re8 23.Qc1 Nb6
[I must keep $gattack$bing. If my opponent gets time to breathe my attack will
end and those $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs will race down the board and kill me.]
24.b3 Re2 25.Ba5
[Everything seems under $gcontrol$b. As it turns out this is an error, which
allows me to create new $gthreat$bs. 25.Bc3 Rc2 26.Qe1 Be4 This would have
been a very messy position.]
25...Be4 26.Ne5 Qe7
[Now Tukmakov had to play 27.Qe1 which would have led to a very messy
position. I have no idea how the game would have turned out. But fortunately
for me he made a mistake.]
27.Nd4 Ra2 28.Bxb6 Bxe5
[Things are beginning to happen on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b, and White has a
$gback rank$b weakness.]
29.Qe3
[I will never forget this position. The next move brought me the championship
of the Soviet Union, and a tremendous amount of aesthetic pleasure as well.]
29...Qxc5
[$gBlack$b resigned. I $gthreat$ben Ra1.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Bugonjo
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Bogoindian
[Former World Champion Petrosian beat me twice in 1981. My aggressive play did
not bring me any luck, so at the super-tournament at Bugojno, I decided to try
to play positionally against him. The result was one of my best games.]
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Qe7 5.g3 Bxd2+ 6.Qxd2 O-O 7.Bg2 d5
[A quiet system. I just want to get my pieces $gdeveloped$b comfortably.]
8.O-O dxc4 9.Na3 c5 10.dxc5 Qxc5 11.Rac1 Nc6 12.Nxc4 Qe7
[Petrosian reacts a bit nervously, and will find it hard to develop his
$gbishop$b.]
13.Nfe5 Nxe5
[ 13...Bd7 14.Nxd7 Qxd7 15.Qxd7 Nxd7 16.Nd6]
14.Nxe5 Nd5
[An attempt to limit the power of my $gbishop$b, but the d5-square is now a
target.]
15.Rfd1 Nb6 16.Qa5
[An interesting move. The idea is to transfer my $gqueen$b to c5 at the
appropriate time. As it turns out, that moment will be the final move of the
game!]
16...g6
[This creates $ghole$bs in the $gkingside$b, but without a dark-squared
$gbishop$b there is not too much I can do with them.]
17.Rd3 Nd5 18.e4
[One might think that Petrosian welcomed this $gdevelopment$b, since now my
$gbishop$b is cut off by its own $gpawn$b. But I have other ideas for the
bishop.]
18...Nb6 19.Bf1 Re8 20.Rdd1
[The $grook$b is no longer accomplishing anything on the third $grank$b, and I
need to bring my $gbishop$b into the game.]
20...Rf8 21.a3 Kg7 22.b3 Kg8 23.a4
[My pawns are sneaking up the $gqueenside$b with a purpose. I can now plan on
moving a $grook$b to c5 and then bringing the $gqueen$b behind it for support
from c3 which also operates on the long $gdiagonal$b.]
23...Rd8
[$gBlack$b must try to contest the open $gfile$bs, but now the weakness of the
$gback rank$b becomes important.]
24.Qc5
[Here Petrosian resigned. If 24...Re8, then I would have $gexchange$bd
$gqueen$bs and then $gcheck$bed on the 8th $grank$b, followed by an advance of
the a-$gpawn$b, which would have deprived the $gbishop$b at c8 from its
$gdefense$b.]
24...Qxc5 25.Rxd8+ Qf8
[ 25...Kg7 26.Rxc5]
26.Rxf8+ Kxf8 27.Rc7
[The invasion of the $grook$b on the $gseventh rank$b is decisive, even
though the $gmaterial$b is even.]
27...f6 28.Ng4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Gheorghiu
.EVENT Moscow Interzonal
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6
[This is a good move, and is the main alternative to 1...d5. Both moves have
the same basic idea -- to stop $gWhite$b from building a strong $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b with 2.e4.]
2.c4
[Now if $gBlack$b plays 2...d5, $gWhite$b will $gcapture$b and then whichever
$gpiece$b recaptures at d5, there will be ample opportunity to $gattack$b it.
We can already see the battle of ideas begin. The fight for the $gcenter$b is
underway!]
2...e6
[Since $gBlack$b cannot contest the $gcenter$b directly, a path is made for
the $gbishop$b. Once it is deployed, $gBlack$b will be able to castle. Also,
the move 3...d5 is possible, since if $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs, $gBlack$b can
recapture with a $gpawn$b.]
3.Nf3 b6
[Now the other $gbishop$b will have a home.]
4.Nc3 Bb7 5.a3
[Now $gBlack$b cannot develop the $gbishop$b at b4 (though that was possible
at the previous turn), so it is time to focus again on the $gcenter$b.]
5...d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5
[After 6...ed the $gbishop$b at b7 would have had less scope. $gBlack$b has
other plans for contesting the $gcenter$b.]
7.Qc2
[ 7.e4 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Bxe4 $gBlack$b wins a $gpawn$b, so the central advance was
premature.]
7...c5
[$gBlack$b gives up the battle for e4, and tries to shift the conflict to d4.]
8.e4 Nxc3 9.bxc3
[But now the d4-square is supported by a $gpawn$b, so $gWhite$b has obtained a
strong $gcenter$b. As a result, I $gcontrol$b more $gspace$b, and my opponent
is at a disadvantage.]
9...Be7 10.Bb5+ Bc6 11.Bd3
[Why did I move to b5, only to retreat to d3? My idea was simply to lure the
$gbishop$b to the c6-square, which would have been a better home to the
$gknight$b.]
11...Nd7 12.O-O h6
[$gBlack$b should just have castled. The idea was to prevent my moving a
$gpiece$b to g5, but this wasn't really a $gthreat$b. So it amounts to a waste
of precious tim.]
13.Rd1
[I bring the $grook$b to the d-$gfile$b, because I plan to blast it open very
soon now!]
13...Qc7 14.d5
[There is some old but valid $gchess$b wisdom that states that whoever has the
$gadvantage$b had better act quickly, before it disappears! First formulated
by World Champion Steinitz, I really do believe it. So I $gsacrifice$bd a
$gpawn$b here.]
14...exd5 15.exd5 Bxd5 16.Bb5
[The $gbishop$b returns to b5 to $gpin$b the enemy $gknight$b. Notice that the
$gpin$b is even stronger because I have a $grook$b on the d-$gfile$b which can
add to the pressure.]
16...a6
[Gheorghiu tries to drive my $gbishop$b away. I can take his bishop at d5, but
that can wait.]
17.Bf4
[My idea is to deflect the $gqueen$b from its defensive tasks.]
17...Qxf4 18.Bxd7+ Kxd7 19.Rxd5+
[Now I have a real $gattack$b. All of my $gpiece$bs can participate, while the
enemy $gforce$bs are scattered all over the place. I love these positions!]
19...Kc7 20.Re1
[I grab another open $gfile$b with gain of time, since the $gbishop$b is under
$gattack$b.]
20...Bd6 21.Rf5
[A $gdouble attach$b on $gqueen$b and $gpawn$b.]
21...Qc4 22.Re4 Qb5 23.Rxf7+ Kb8 24.Re6 Rd8 25.c4 Qc6
[Circling the wagons. But now there is a $gpin$b on the 6th rank, and I know
what to do with it!]
26.Ne5 Qc8 27.Qb1
[All those pieces, but how can the b-$gpawn$b be protected? Gheorghiu gave up
here, but if you think you can defend, go ahead and let Gambit finish up!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kavalek
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Bugonjo
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.h3
[This is a fairly harmless system, but it does lead to $gsharp$b play.]
6...e5 7.d5 Na6
[Usually knights do not belong on the rim, but here it makes sense because the
$gknight$b can operate effectively from c5 or b4.]
8.Be3 Nh5 9.Nh2
[An experiment. The usual move is 9.Nd2.]
9...Qe8 10.Be2
[This is a bit too quiet. Better was 10.g4, since $gWhite$b can castle
$gqueenside$b.]
10...Nf4 11.Bf3
[Now d3 will be very weak.]
11...f5 12.h4 Qe7
[The point of this move is to set up pressure on the e-$gfile$b.]
13.g3
[Kavalek no doubt expected the $gknight$b to retreat, but I had my sights set on
d3 .]
13...Nb4
[A pretty surprising move! But because my $gqueen$b is on e7, he can't take my
$gknight$b.]
14.Qb3
[ 14.gxf4 fxe4 15.fxe5 Nd3+ 16.Kd2 Rxf3 17.Nxf3 Bg4 18.Nxe4 Nxe5 The $gpin$b
wins! 14.O-O g5 15.exf5 Bxf5 was what I expected. If he ever takes the
$gknight$b, I recapture with the g-pawn and have a very strong $gking$bs]
14...Nfd3+ 15.Ke2
[ 15.Kd2 f4]
15...f4 16.Bd2 fxg3
[I played this in less than a minute, and started kicking myself right away. I
saw the right move immediately after I had completed the $gcapture$b. I threw
away the chance to play a brilliancy! 16...Nxf2 This would have led to a
fantastic finish. For example: 17.Qxb4 fxg3 18.Raf1 gxh2 19.Rxf2 Rxf3 If you
spend some time analyzing this position, and other lines after 16... Nxf2, you
will see that I would have won in all cases. ]
17.fxg3 Rxf3
[This is the $gbest move$b, but my $gsacrifice$bs should now lead only to a
$gdraw$b.]
18.Nxf3 Bg4 19.Raf1 Rf8
[Now $gWhite$b's position looks precarious, but Kavalek could have $gdraw$bn
had he found the right move.]
20.Nd1
[ 20.Be3 Bh6 21.Bxh6 Bxf3+ 22.Rxf3 Rxf3 23.Kxf3 Qf6+ 24.Kg2 Qf2+ 25.Kh3 Qf3
26.Kh2 $gBlack$b has nothing better than a $gdraw$b. This is the ]
20...Qf7
[Now the game is effectively over.]
21.Be3 Bxf3+ 22.Kd2
[ 22.Rxf3 Qxf3+ 23.Kd2 Qxh1]
22...Qd7 23.Rhg1
[ 23.a3 This was the $gbest move$b, but Kavalek would still be in deep
trouble.]
23...Qh3 24.a3 Bxe4 25.Rxf8+ Bxf8 26.axb4 Qh2+ 27.Kc3 Nc1
[White resigned, since when the queen moves I can play Ne2, $gfork$bing the
$gking$b and $grook$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (11)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 O-O 5.Bg5 c5 6.e3 cxd4 7.exd4 h6 8.Bh4 d5
9.Rc1 dxc4
[The game has $gdeveloped$b along Classical lines. Even though Karpov chooses
the Nimzoindian $gDefense$b, he isn't really a $gHypermodern$b player at
heart. So it is somewhat strange that he prematurely concedes the $gcenter$b
with this move.]
10.Bxc4 Nc6 11.O-O Be7
[Actually, I have an extra $gtempo$b by comparison with most $gQueen$b's
$gGambit$b positions. We have left the world of the Nimzoindian for good, and
the excursion of the $gbishop$b from f8 to b4 and back to e7 is just a waste
of time.]
12.Re1 b6 13.a3 Bb7 14.Bg3 Rc8 15.Ba2 Bd6
[A good move. Karpov eases the pressure on his position by preparing to trade
$gbishop$bs. He also creates a nice square at e7 for the $gknight$b. I over-
reacted.]
16.d5
[I should have moved the $gbishop$b to e5 or h4, but instead I started a
fierce battle in which many soldiers left the battlefield.]
16...Nxd5 17.Nxd5 Bxg3 18.hxg3 exd5 19.Bxd5 Qf6
[What have I accomplished with all this? Not much. But my $gbishop$b is
powerful and I found a $gcreative$b plan.]
20.Qa4
[The real point of this move is to transfer the queen to the $gkingside$b. But
it also sets a $gtrap$b.]
20...Rfd8 21.Rcd1
[I am dangling the b-$gpawn$b as bait. Karpov is much too good a player to
fall for the $gtrap$b, but perhaps the distraction caused him to create a
situation on the h3-c8 $gdiagonal$b he would quickly come to regret.]
21...Rd7
[Correct was 21...Rc7.]
22.Qg4
[Now Karpov $gblunder$bs horribly.]
22...Rcd8
[It all seems so logical, $gpin$bning the $gbishop$b at d5. But it loses by
$gforce$b.]
23.Qxd7 Rxd7 24.Re8+ Kh7 25.Be4+
[Karpov resigned, because after 25...g6 26.Rxd7 Ba6 I simply $gcapture$b at
c6.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Speelman
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Madrid Rapids
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 g6
[When I am in the mood to play a $gKing$b's Indian, I sometimes play this
against the English $gOpening$b.]
2.e4 Bg7 3.d4 d6 4.Nc3 Nf6
[And here we are!]
5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.Be3
[$gWhite$b normally castles in such positions, but in the $gKing$b's Indian
this is a viable alternative. The only problem is that the $gbishop$b at e3
can be $gattack$bed by a $gknight$b.]
7...Ng4 8.Bg5 f6 9.Bh4 g5
[My $gbishop$b at g7 looks pretty bad, but $gWhite$b's is no better.]
10.Bg3 Nh6 11.h3 Nc6 12.d5
[Now I have a choice. It is almost certainly better to retreat the $gknight$b
to e7 but I was in the mood for a $gsharp$b game, especially since we were
playing at a very fast time $gcontrol$b. So I took a chance.]
12...Nd4 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Qxd4 f5
[In return for the $gpawn$b I have a $gbishop$b which is once again alive and
well, ready to exert a lot of pressure on the $gdiagonal$b. White's $gbishop$b
at g3, however, is pathetic. But is this worth the $gmaterial$b investment?]
15.Qd2 f4 16.Bh2 Nf7
[Now Speelman over-reacts and tries to immediately free his $gtrap$bped
$gbishop$b. If he had castled $gqueenside$b, it is not clear my plan would
have been justified and in fact in 1991 a practical example cast doubt on my
plan.]
17.h4
[ 17.O-O-O Ne5 18.f3 c5 19.dxc6 bxc6 20.h4 The delay of the advance of the h-
$gpawn$b has resulted in a clear $gadvantage$b for $gWhite$b. ]
17...h6 18.hxg5 hxg5 19.g3
[It looks like $gWhite$b is achieving his objective but I now $gsacrifice$b a
$gpawn$b to thwart his plans.]
19...f3 20.Bxf3 Ne5 21.Be2
[I have given up a second $gpawn$b to open up a line and also bring my
$gknight$b into the $gattack$b with $gtempo$b.]
21...g4 22.Bg1 c5 23.dxc6 bxc6 24.O-O-O
[Obviously the $gking$b could not remain in the $gcenter$b much longer! Now
what will I do about the d-$gpawn$b which is now under $gattack$b?]
24...Be6 25.Qxd6 Qg5+ 26.Kb1 Qg6
[This little maneuver is worth much more than a $gpawn$b. Look at Speelman's
silly $gbishop$b at g1, and see how my $gpiece$bs are lining up against his
$gking$b. The $gWhite$b $gqueen$b is needed for $gdefense$b, but it is far
from home.]
27.Ka1 Rab8
[$gWhite$b is in deep trouble. Jon Speelman is a very $gcreative$b player and
his next move is ingenious, especially in a game played in just a few minutes.
But it was perhaps not best.]
28.Rh5
[In return for the $grook$b, $gWhite$b gets my $gbishop$b in addition the
$gpawn$bs he has already been given. 28.f4 gxf3 29.Bf1 This strange series of
moves was suggested by Viktor Korchnoi, and it is probably best.]
28...Qxh5 29.Qxe6+ Kh8 30.Qe7 Nf3 31.Bxf3 Rxf3 32.Na4 Re8 33.Qxa7 Qe5
[Notice how well my $gpiece$bs are centralized. $gWhite$b's are scattered all
over the place.]
34.Qb6 Qxe4 35.Qb4 Qc2
[This invasion of the $gseventh rank$b brings the game to a quick close.]
36.Rb1 Rd3
[The $gqueen$b will be joined by at least one $grook$b.]
37.Qc5 Re2 38.Qh5+ Kg8 39.Qxg4
[Now $gBlack$b $gmate$bs in two moves.]
39...Qxb1+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Smirin
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 e5 7.O-O Nc6 8.d5 Ne7 9.Nd2
[This is the main alternative to 9.Ne1.]
9...a5
[The most popular reply.]
10.a3 Nd7 11.Rb1 f5 12.b4
[$gBlack$b's 9th move succeeded in holding this back for a while, but now
$gWhite$b is back on track on the $gqueenside$b. I like to have the
$ginitiative$b!]
12...b6
[$gBlack$b can ignore this the $gattack$b at a5 and play 12...Kh8, preparing
to use the g-$gfile$b for a $gkingside$b onslaught.]
13.f3 f4
[It is still not too late to opt for 13...Kh8.]
14.Na4 axb4 15.axb4 g5
[In this footrace, $gWhite$b has a headstart.]
16.c5 Nf6 17.cxd6 cxd6 18.b5 Bd7 19.Nc4 Nc8
[An ugly move, but the b-$gpawn$b must be protected.]
20.Ba3
[Another ugly move is now $gforce$bd, to defend the d-$gpawn$b.]
20...Ne8 21.g4
[With this move I try to keep the $gkingside$b closed. $gBlack$b has to
$gcapture$b en passant here, or face a long battle with no $gcounterplay$b at
all.]
21...fxg3 22.hxg3 g4 23.Bc1
[I keep an eye on the dark squares of the $gkingside$b this way.]
23...gxf3 24.Bxf3 Nf6 25.Bg5 Ra7 26.Rf2 Rb7 27.Rb3 Ra7 28.Rb1 Rb7 29.Rb3 Ra7
[Hmm, I am not getting anywhere!]
30.Rb4
[This is the right move. Next I will $gsacrifice$b the b-$gpawn$b and then I
will be the one $gattack$bing on $gkingside$b.]
30...Kh8 31.Qf1 Bxb5 32.Rxb5 Rxa4
[So $gBlack$b has a $gpawn$b. Big deal. I can $gsacrifice$b more than that!]
33.Bg2 h6 34.Bh4
[The $gbishop$bs step aside so that the big $gpiece$bs can get into the act.]
34...Qe8 35.Bxf6 Rxf6 36.Rxf6 Qxb5 37.Re6
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are so useless that I can afford to part with the
$gknight$b.]
37...Kg8
[ 37...Qxc4 38.Re8+ Kh7 39.Qf5+ or  37...Rxc4 38.Qf7 Rc1+ 39.Kh2 ]
38.Bh3 Rxc4 39.Rxh6
[There goes the last barrier! Now nothing can stop me.]
39...Bxh6 40.Be6+ Kh8 41.Qf6+
[$gBlack$b resigned, because there is no way to prevent $gmate$b. If you don't
believe me, try making Gambit white then let Gambit show you!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Timman
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Hilversum (3)
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Bb7 10.d4 Re8 11.Ng5 Rf8 12.Nf3 Re8 13.Nbd2 Bf8 14.a3 h6 15.Bc2 Nb8 16.b4 Nbd7
17.Bb2 g6 18.c4 exd4 19.cxb5 axb5 20.Nxd4 c6 21.a4 bxa4 22.Bxa4 Qb6 23.Nc2 Qc7
24.Bb3 Ba6 25.Rc1 Bg7 26.Ne3 Bb5 27.Nd5 Nxd5 28.Bxg7 Kxg7 29.exd5 Ne5
[Here Timman could have maintained the balance with 30.dxc6, but he chose to
comlicate matters.]
30.Ne4
[Now $gBlack$b can $gfork$b White's rooks. Do you see how?]
30...Nd3
.QUIZ 30...Nd3
31.Qd2
[I should have set up a strong $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b with 31...Qe7 but he
didn't, perhaps because he failed to appreciate that his $gking$b is actually
vulnerable. There was no need to take either $grook$b just yet.]
31...Ra3
[This brings another $gpiece$b into play and looks strong, but Timman comes up
with a magnificent $gdefense$b.]
32.Nf6
[A positively brilliant move. The threat is Nxe8+ $gfork$bing king and queen.]
32...Rxe1+ 33.Rxe1 Kxf6
[ 33...Qd8 34.Ng4 Nxe1 35.Qxh6+ Kg8 36.dxc6 Rxb3 37.c7 Qxc7 38.Nf6++]
34.Qc3+ Ne5 35.f4
[The game has turned around completely. $gBlack$b is on the defensive,
suffering from a severe $gpin$b at e5 which makes up for the missing
$gpiece$b. Kasparov now misses his last chance to save the game, hoping in
vain for a win!]
35...Ba4
[ 35...Kg7 36.fxe5 dxe5 37.Qb2 Ra8 38.Rxe5 Kg8 Perhaps there would still be a
possibility for a half-point here.]
36.fxe5+ dxe5
[Now $gWhite$b needs to open a pathway to f7.]
37.d6 Qxd6 38.Qf3+ Ke7 39.Qxf7+ Kd8 40.Rd1
[The $gpin$b wins!]
40...Ra1
[A counter-$gpin$b temporarily saves the day, but the $gpin$bs are not over!]
41.Qf6+
[and $gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (1)
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3
[Until now I had mostly played 4.e3, the most common move. But I wanted to
surprise Karpov in this initial game of our match.]
4...c5 5.g3
[This system, often used by Oleg Romanishin, really caught Karpov off-guard,
and he thought for a long time before responding. This may explain why he
quickly deviated from the best-known $gvariation$bs.]
5...Ne4 6.Qd3 Qa5
[Capturing at d4 is normal.]
7.Qxe4 Bxc3+ 8.Bd2 Bxd2+ 9.Nxd2 Qb6
[A mistake. For a few years this position had been bouncing around, and I had
prepared it well. But even after 9...Nc6 $gWhite$b stands well.]
10.dxc5 Qxb2 11.Rb1 Qc3 12.Qd3
[This forces an $gendgame$b which is clearly better for White. If the queen
retreats then after 13.Bg2 $gBlack$b is paralyzed.]
12...Qxd3 13.exd3 Na6
[ 13...Nc6 14.Bg2 b6 15.Ne4 Ke7 16.Kd2 f5 17.cxb6 axb6 18.Nc3 $gBlack$b has
too many weaknesses to hold out for long.]
14.d4 Rb8
[Better was 14...e5, but I still would have had a superior position. Karpov
rarely parts with $gpawn$bs unless it is absolutely necessary.]
15.Bg2 Ke7 16.Ke2
[I slipped up here. Usually in the $gendgame$b the king belongs in the
$gcenter$b, but there are a few tactics lying around which should have led me
to simply castle onto the $gkingside$b.]
16...Rd8 17.Ne4 b6 18.Nd6 Nc7
[Karpov's idea -- exchanging for the $gknight$b at d6 via Ne8 -- is a good
one, but there was an even stronger move available. 18...bxc5 19.Nxc8+ Rdxc8
20.Bb7 Rxb7 The point! 21.Rxb7 cxd4 22.Rxa7 Nc5 $gBlack$b has a strong
position in the $gcenter$b and a well-posted $gknight$b, which provide a lot
of $gcompensation$b for the $gexchange$b.]
19.Rb4
[I am preparing to double $grook$bs on the b-$gfile$b.]
19...Ne8 20.Nxe8
[Not best. I should have taken the $gbishop$b instead. Perhaps I was
influenced by the fact that it hadn't made a single move yet!]
20...Kxe8
[Karpov returns the favor by capturing with the wrong $gpiece$b! His
$gforce$bs all lie powerless on the $gback rank$b -- a pretty pathetic sight
that could only appeal to a player like Petrosian. ]
21.Rhb1 Ba6 22.Ke3 d5 23.cxd6
[An example of an $gen passant$b $gcapture$b.]
23...Rbc8 24.Kd3
[In this first game I was not a full $gstrength$b and missed the simple and
effective winning line. 24.Ra4 Bxc4 25.Bb7 b5 26.d7+ Kxd7 27.Bxc8+ Kxc8
28.Rxa7]
24...Rxd6 25.Ra4 b5 26.cxb5 Rb8 27.Rab4
[$gBreak$bing the $gpin$b on the b-$gfile$b, but now $gBlack$b can regroup.]
27...Bb7 28.Bxb7 Rxb7 29.a4
[We have reached a double-rook $gendgame$b where I have an extra pawn, but it
is a rather weak one. Still, with proper $gtechnique$b such positions are easy
to win .]
29...Ke7 30.h4 h6 31.f3 Rd5 32.Rc1
[$gBlack$b's $grook$bs are in no position to contest the only open $gfile$b.]
32...Rbd7 33.a5 g5 34.hxg5 Rxg5
[ 34...hxg5 35.b6 axb6 36.axb6 Rb7 37.Rc5]
35.g4 h5 36.b6 axb6 37.axb6 Rb7 38.Rc5 f5
[There was nothing better. But now it is all over.]
39.gxh5 Rxh5 40.Kc4 Rh8 41.Kb5 Ra8 42.Rbc4
[The game was $gadjourned$b here, but Karpov resigned before the game was
resumed.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT World Championship (16)
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nb5 d6 6.c4 Nf6 7.N1c3 a6 8.Na3 d5
[This $ggambit$b was introduced in the 12th game of the match. It was popular
for a while and was called the "Garry $gGambit$b" by some. Karpov came well-
prepared this time.]
9.cxd5 exd5 10.exd5 Nb4 11.Be2
[Karpov returns the pawn for rapid $gdevelopment$b. Usually this is a
reasonable strategy. But I wasn't interested in regaining the $gpawn$b. I
wanted to fight!]
11...Bc5
[I played this quickly, and Karpov knew it was all prepared at home.]
12.O-O O-O 13.Bf3
[Karpov decides to continue the fight. Otherwise he would have just let a lot
of $gpiece$bs come off the board. 13.Bg5 Nbxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Bxf6 Qxd1
16.Rfxd1 gxf6 Despite the fractured $gpawn$bs, this position would have been
$gdraw$bn fairly easily]
13...Bf5 14.Bg5 Re8
[It was essential to take $gcontrol$b of the open $gfile$b, and, in
particular, the e4- square.]
15.Qd2 b5
[For the rest of the game the $gWhite$b $gknight$b suffers quietly at a3.]
16.Rad1 Nd3
[A more eminent position could not have been dreamed of by the $gknight$b,
which is destined to play a brilliant role in the ultimate victory of the
$gBlack$b army.]
17.Nab1
[Hardly an improvement. 17.d6 would have been best.]
17...h6 18.Bh4 b4
[Not only does this drive the $gknight$b at c3 away, it also limits the
options for the poor cousin at b1.]
19.Na4 Bd6
[Both of $gWhite$b's $gknight$bs lie along the edge of the board.]
20.Bg3 Rc8
[I take $gcontrol$b of another open $gfile$b.]
21.b3
[Now Karpov is getting ready to redeploy his $gknight$b from a4 to b2 to c4,
where it will be useful. But by $gattack$bing on the other side of the board I
deprive my opponent of the opportunity to bring the $gknight$b to b2.]
21...g5
[I am not concerned with the weakening of the $gkingside$b because White's
$gpiece$bs cannot get at my $gking$b, and now I $gthreat$ben to advance the
$gpawn$b and $gtrap$b the enemy $gbishop$b (remember that I took $gcontrol$b
of e4 earlier!).]
22.Bxd6
[ 22.h4 might have been a wiser choice.]
22...Qxd6 23.g3 Nd7
[It seems that $gWhite$b can finally play the $gknight$b to b2, but then there
would have been a fantastic $gcombination$b which would have $gtrap$bped the
$gqueen$b in the middle of the board.]
24.Bg2 Qf6
[Now I have a firm grip on b2 again, and I won't let go!]
25.a3 a5 26.axb4 axb4 27.Qa2 Bg6
[This prevents 28.Nd2. I keep those horses corralled!]
28.d6
[ 28.Nd2 Re2  28.Bh3 Rcd8]
28...g4
[Even though there are plenty of $gpiece$bs on the board, $gWhite$b has almost
no moves !]
29.Qd2 Kg7 30.f3
[ 30.f4 Bf5]
30...Qxd6 31.fxg4 Qd4+ 32.Kh1 Nf6
[Finally I am ready to begin the final assault.]
33.Rf4 Ne4
[My $gknight$bs are certainly better than Karpov's!]
34.Qxd3
[A $gsacrifice$b, but what else was there to do?]
34...Nf2+ 35.Rxf2 Bxd3 36.Rfd2 Qe3 37.Rxd3
[Only two of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs, the $grook$bs, are coordinated. But now I
$gbreak$b them down, too.]
37...Rc1 38.Nb2 Qf2 39.Nd2 Rxd1+
[One of the finest games I have ever played.]
40.Nxd1 Re1+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (19)
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 Ne4
[An unusual move, especially from Karpov, a Classical player. Still, he
clearly wanted to disrupt the $gopening$b, to neutralize anything I might have
prepared.]
5.Qc2 f5 6.g3 Nc6
[This was completely new. 6...b6 7.Bg2 Bb7 This would have $gtranspose$bd into
a Classical Dutch $gdefense$b.]
7.Bg2 O-O 8.O-O Bxc3 9.bxc3 Na5
[Karpov is combining some of the ideas he had used in previous games from this
match. But I have two trump cards, a lead in $gdevelopment$b and the $gbishop
pair$b .]
10.c5 d6 11.c4
[This is a strong $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b. If Karpov accepts, then 12,Ba3 is a
good reply.]
11...b6
[But declining the $gsacrifice$b was incorrect. Probably Karpov thought that I
was going to play 12.Nd2, but I have better uses for that square.]
12.Bd2 Nxd2
[ 12...dxc5 13.Bxa5 bxa5 14.Rfd1 $gWhite$b has much better prospects.]
13.Nxd2 d5
[All the commentators seemed to disapprove of this move, but in fact the error
was in the entire $gopening$b strategy. At this point he was already in deep
trouble.]
14.cxd5 exd5 15.e3 Be6
[$gBlack$b is doomed to passive play while $gWhite$b can easily improve the
position of the $gmajor $gpiece$bs$b.]
16.Qc3 Rf7 17.Rfc1 Rb8 18.Rab1 Re7 19.a4 Bf7 20.Bf1 h6 21.Bd3 Qd7 22.Qc2 Be6
[22...g6 would have been a little stronger.]
23.Bb5 Qd8 24.Rd1 g5
[Finally Karpov gets tired of waiting and launches a counterattack. But there
is no piece support for the $gpawnstorm$b.]
25.Nf3
[I will plant this $gknight$b at e5. In addition, I will be able to place my
$gbishop$b at e4, though that takes quite a bit of preparation.]
25...Rg7 26.Ne5 f4 27.Bf1
[The $gbishop$b did its job on the $gqueenside$b. Now I need it in the
$gcenter$b.]
27...Qf6 28.Bg2 Rd8 29.e4
[It is time to open up the game. I am effectively a $gpiece$b ahead, since the
enemy $gknight$b is stranded at a5.]
29...dxe4 30.Bxe4 Re7 31.Qc3 Bd5 32.Re1 Kg7 33.Ng4
[Now the weakness at g5 is felt.]
33...Qf7 34.Bxd5 Rxd5 35.Rxe7 Qxe7 36.Re1 Qd8 37.Ne5 Qf6 38.cxb6
[$gOpening$b more lines.]
38...Qxb6
[ 38...cxb6 39.Qc7+ Kg8 40.Ng4 Qg7 41.Re8+ Kh7 42.Re7]
39.gxf4
[$gOpen line$bs on the $gqueenside$b. Open lines in the $gcenter$b. Open lines
on the $gkingside$b!]
39...Rxd4
[A $gblunder$b in $gtime pressure$b, but the game would not have lasted long
anyway. 39...gxf4 40.Qf3 Qe6 41.Kh1 Rxd4 42.Qg2+ Kh7 43.Rg1]
40.Nf3 Nb3 41.Rb1 Qf6
[The game was $gadjourned$b here, but I played my move in public anyway.]
42.Qxc7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT World Championship (24)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Sicilian
[This game was for all the marbles. If Karpov won, he would retain his title.
I needed only a $gdraw$b, but it is very dangerous for me to play without
risk. I decided that I would accept any invitation to an open battle.]
1.e4
[Karpov throws down the gauntlet immediately.]
1...c5
[I reply with the $gsharp$best of my weapons -- the Sicilian $gDefense$b.]
2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e6
[The Scheveningen $gVariation$b is appropriate for championship play. It is
$gsharp$b, but also subtle. A complicated, double-edged struggle usually
arises. We both knew the $gopening$b well, and continued our previous
"discussions".]
7.O-O Be7 8.f4 O-O 9.Kh1 Qc7 10.a4 Nc6 11.Be3 Re8 12.Bf3 Rb8 13.Qd2 Bd7 14.Nb3
b6 15.g4
[Karpov $gattack$bs rather earlier than usual, deviating from his play in the
18th game. He was inspired by a game which was played after that encounter, in
the $gCandidate$bs' tournament in France. Wonders of modern communication!]
15...Bc8 16.g5 Nd7 17.Qf2
[And here Karpov introduced an improvement over that game.]
17...Bf8 18.Bg2 Bb7 19.Rad1 g6 20.Bc1
[A very good move, played after almost 45 minutes of thought. The idea is that
the 3rd rank can be used by a rook to transfer to the $gkingside$b and bring
pressure against my $gking$b.]
20...Rbc8
[I should have played 20...Nc5, because time was important. 20...Nc5 21.Nxc5
bxc5 22.Rd3 Nd4 23.Rh3 Qe7 My $gdefense$bs should be sufficient.]
21.Rd3 Nb4 22.Rh3 Bg7
[A careless move in such a critical game. I should have played 22...f5 in
order to more easily defend my second $grank$b. 22...f5 23.gxf6 Nxf6 24.Qd4 e5
25.Qxb4 d5 26.Nxd5 Nxd5 27.Qe1 Nxf4 $gBlack$b stands better.]
23.Be3
[One of the most important decisions of Karpov's World Championship career,
and one which may have cost him the title. Deep analysis later revealed the
best line, but Karpov played this move after just a few minutes. 23.f5 exf5
24.exf5 Bxg2+ 25.Kxg2 Qb7+ 26.Kg1 Rc5 A complicated position, with chances for
both sides. But there are many byways to explore!]
23...Re7
[If I had $gcapture$bd on c3, disaster would have struck quickly. Do you see
how? 23...Bxc3 24.bxc3 Qxc3 25.Bd4 Qxc2 26.Rxh7 Kxh7 27.Qh4+ Kg8 28.Qh8++]
24.Kg1
[Karpov now waits to see what I have in mind, but this is not so simple, since
my next move is seemingly absurd.]
24...Rce8
[Why am I doubling $grook$bs on the closed e-$gfile$b? Karpov must have asked
himself this question more than once. But there is a good reason. Now if
$gWhite$b plays 25.f5, I can open up the e-$gfile$b. And I have $gkingside$b
aspirations, too.]
25.Rd1
[The best reply. Now it is my turn to find an effective move.]
25...f5
[I am planning to $gsacrifice$b a $gpawn$b and use the power of my $gbishop$bs
to good effect.]
26.gxf6
[ 26.Qd2 e5 27.exf5 gxf5 28.Nd5 Nxd5 29.Bxd5+ Kh8 $gBlack$b $gcontrol$bs the
$gcenter$b.]
26...Nxf6
[I give up the b-$gpawn$b which, however, cannot be taken right away.]
27.Rg3
[ 27.Bxb6 Qb8 The $gthreat$b is Ng4. 28.Bf3 e5 29.f5 gxf5 30.exf5 e4
31.Bg2 e3 32.Qe2 Bxg2 33.Qxg2 Qxb6]
27...Rf7 28.Bxb6 Qb8 29.Be3
[Despite the presence of many pieces, the White $gkingside$b is vulnerable.]
29...Nh5 30.Rg4
[ 30.Rf3 Bxc3 31.bxc3 Na2]
30...Nf6 31.Rh4
[If 31.Rg3 Nh5, then Karpov would be repeating move and accepting a $gdraw$b,
which would have cost him his title. 31.Rg5 Bh6 32.Rg3 Nh5 33.Rf3 Ref8 34.Bh3
Bc8 $gWhite$b is in trouble. If you think you can defend, try playing the
position against $gGambit$b.]
31...g5 32.fxg5 Ng4
[I want to get rid of the $gbishop$b at e3.]
33.Qd2 Nxe3 34.Qxe3 Nxc2 35.Qb6
[A strong move. But Karpov was running short of time and my next move added
further confusion to the position.]
35...Ba8
[At the time, I thought Karpov's position was indefensible, but it turns out
that it was more complicated than I thought. Fortunately, he $gblunder$bed
here.]
36.Rxd6
[After this move Karpov is lost, if I play correctly. 36.Qxb8 Rxb8 37.Bh3 Re7
38.Rxd6 Rxb3 39.Rd8+ Kf7 40.Rxa8 Rxb2 This is still a very messy position, but
my analysis indicates that I come out on top.]
36...Rb7 37.Qxa6 Rxb3
[I missed a more effective line here. I moved too quickly, influenced both by
Karpov's $gtime pressure$b and the feeling that victory was near. 37...Nb4
38.Qa5 Qxd6 39.e5 Qd3 40.Bxb7 Qe3+ 41.Kf1 Nd3 $gMate$b at f2 is
$gthreat$bened.]
38.Rxe6 Rxb2 39.Qc4 Kh8 40.e5
[Karpov had just a few seconds left. Had he found the $gbest move$b, his
"reward" would have been a losing $gendgame$b. 40.g6 h5 41.Rxe8+ Qxe8 42.Nd1
Na3 43.Qf7 Qxf7 44.gxf7 Rb1 45.Bf3 Nc4 46.Rf4 Rb8 My extra $gpiece$b is worth
more than the three scattered $gpawn$bs.]
40...Qa7+ 41.Kh1 Bxg2+ 42.Kxg2 Nd4+
[This wins a whole rook. Karpov pondered for a few minutes and then
congratulated me both on my victory in this game and on winning the World
Championship.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (2)
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1990
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4
[I decided that 1.e4 was going to be my first move during this match.]
1...e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
[Later on I switched to the Scotch Game, but at the start of the match I was
happy to provide the Spanish Inquisition. Karpov was hardly surprised. After
all, in $gchess$b, EVERYBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition!]
3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Bb7 10.d4 Re8
[The familiar $gvariation$b worked out by Igor Zaitsev, Karpov's trainer, in
the late 1970's. It is the most popular line these days.]
11.Nbd2 Bf8
[The point of this move order is that $gWhite$b cannot immediately adopt the
plan of swinging the knight to the $gkingside$b via f1. ]
12.a4
[ 12.Nf1 exd4 13.cxd4 Nxe4]
12...h6 13.Bc2 exd4 14.cxd4
[Having $gexchange$bd at d4, $gBlack$b can now $gattack$b my $gbishop$b at
c2.]
14...Nb4 15.Bb1 bxa4
[This is an important position. $gBlack$b has pressure at e4, so $gWhite$b
must build up the $gcenter$b.]
16.Rxa4 a5 17.Ra3
[The rook will be able to get to the $gkingside$b along the third rank.]
17...Ra6
[Pretty much the same idea. The d-$gpawn$b can advance and then the $grook$b
helps protect the $gkingside$b.]
18.Nh2 g6 19.f3
[This was my prepared innovation. All of a sudden this position looks very bad
for $gBlack$b, whose $gpiece$bs are uncoordinated.]
19...Qd7 20.Nc4 Qb5 21.Rc3 Bc8
[Probably an error. Advancing the d-$gpawn$b was best, but does not solve all
of the problems. 21...d5 22.Na3 Qb6 23.e5 Nd7 24.f4 c5 25.Be3]
22.Be3 Kh7 23.Qc1 c6
[This is a bad move, because it defeats the purpose of placing the $grook$b at
a6. Now it can play no role on the $gkingside$b. Better was 23...Qd8.]
24.Ng4 Ng8
[This was no time to play passively! It was still possible to escape immediate
disaster by taking the knight. 24...Bxg4 25.hxg4 Qb8 26.Kf2 d5]
25.Bxh6
[A killer move! A lot of the commentators at the site thought I had made and
error in my calculations, but they were wrong!]
25...Bxh6 26.Nxh6 Nxh6 27.Nxd6 Qb6 28.Nxe8 Qxd4+ 29.Kh1 Qd8
[The $gknight$b is $gtrap$bped. This is what the "experts" thought I missed.
But I knew what I was doing. $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are scattered and cannot
work together. That there are more of them is not the point.]
30.Rd1 Qxe8 31.Qg5 Ra7
[ 31...Ng8 32.Qh4+ Kg7 33.Rd8 Qe6 34.f4 $gBlack$b has a two $gknight$bs for a
$grook$b and a $gpawn$b, but can't possibly survive.]
32.Rd8 Qe6 33.f4 Ba6 34.f5 Qe7 35.Qd2 Qe5
36.Qf2 Qe7 37.Qd4 Ng8 38.e5 Nd5 39.fxg6+ fxg6 40.Rxc6 Qxd8 41.Qxa7+ Nde7
42.Rxa6 Qd1+ 43.Qg1 Qd2 44.Qf1
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (18)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1990
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
[I switch back to the Spanish Game. Karpov responded quickly with a new
$gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b.]
3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 Nd7 10.d4 Bf6 11.a4
Bb7 12.Na3 exd4 13.cxd4
[We had been here before, in the final game of the New York leg.]
13...Nb6 14.Bf4
[Best!]
14...bxa4 15.Bxa4 Nxa4 16.Qxa4
[$gBlack$b has gotten rid of the famous "Spanish $gbishop$b", but aside from
that he hasn't done much. My $gpiece$bs occupy better squares. He has no good
squares under $gcontrol$b, so now he takes over b4 for his $gknight$b.]
16...a5 17.Bd2 Re8 18.d5 Nb4 19.Bxb4
[So much for the big square! Well, Karpov has the $gbishop pair$b, but the one
at b7 certainly doesn't impress.]
19...axb4 20.Qxb4 Rb8 21.Qc4 Qc8 22.Nd4 Ba6 23.Qc3
[OK, so now he has both $gbishop$bs working as $gcompensation$b for the pawn
and miserable $gpawn structure$b. And I am going to make something of the
pawn!]
23...c5
[ 23...Rb6 24.Nac2 Qb7 25.b3 Bb5 This would have been a tougher nut to crack!]
24.dxc6 Bxd4 25.Qxd4 Qxc6 26.b4
[Here we go!]
26...h6 27.Re3 Re6 28.f3 Rc8 29.Rb3
[Having secured the $gkingside$b I can give the $gqueenside$b my undivided
attention.]
29...Bb5 30.Rb2 Qb7 31.Nc2 Qe7 32.Qf2 Rg6 33.Ne3 Qe5 34.Rbb1
[These retreats are justified by the fact that I must eliminate all
$gcounterplay$b before returning to the advance of the b-pawn.]
34...Bd7 35.Ra5 Qe7
[Maybe 35...Qd4 would have provided more resistance.]
36.Ra7 Qd8 37.Nd5 Kh7 38.Kh2 Rb8 39.f4 Re6 40.Qd4 Qe8
[Here I $gsealed$b my move and went home. The rest of the game was simple and
I wrapped it up quickly the following day.]
41.Re1 Bc6 42.Qd3 Qf8 43.Rc1 Bxd5 44.exd5+ Rg6 45.Qf5 Kg8 46.Rac7 Rf6 47.Qd7
Rd8 48.Qxd8 Qxd8 49.Rc8 Qf8 50.R1c4 Rf5 51.Rxf8+ Kxf8 52.Rd4 h5 53.b5 Ke7
54.b6 Kd7 55.g4 hxg4 56.hxg4 Rf6 57.Rc4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pomar
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Siegen Olympiad
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.Nf3 Bg4 5.g3 Qc8
[A very artificial move of the sort that appealed to Petrosian's somewhat
unusual taste in back-$grank$b formations.]
6.Bg2 Nh6
[More eccentricity.]
7.h3 Bd7 8.e4 f6
[Petrosian comments: "After 8 moves $gBlack$b has a bad position. $gWhite$b
has obtained the ideal pawn $gcenter$b, has $gdeveloped$b his pieces and can
initiate an $gattack$b without difficulty."]
9.Be3 Nf7 10.Qd2 c5 11.dxc5
[It would have been better to advance this $gpawn$b and keep the position
closed.]
11...dxc5 12.O-O-O Nc6 13.Kb1
[ 13.Bxc5 Na5 14.b3 Qxc5 15.Qxd7+ Kf8 $gBlack$b will be able to mount a strong
counterattack on the $gqueenside$b.]
13...b6 14.g4
[Pomar knows he has a good game, but has no idea what to do with it. This is
an aggressive move with no particular point.]
14...Rb8 15.Rhe1 Rb7 16.e5 fxe5
[Here $gBlack$b might have engaged in a promising $gexchange$b sacrifice:
16...Nfxe5 17.Nxe5 Nxe5 18.Bxb7 Qxb7]
17.Ng5 O-O
[Now each side has an $goutpost$b on the d-$gfile$b. White should have
occupied it with the $gbishop$b.]
18.Nd5 Nxg5 19.Bxg5 Be8 20.Bh6 e6 21.Bxg7 Rxg7
[$gBlack$b has easily repulsed the mini-$gattack$b.]
22.Nc3 Nd4
[Now $gBlack$b seizes the $ginitiative$b. Notice that the d5-square is no
longer available for use by the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs.]
23.Rxe5 Rgf7 24.Ne4 Qc7
[The $grook$b is going to get $gtrap$bped.]
25.Rg5 Rf4 26.Qd3 h6 27.Nd6 hxg5 28.Nxe8 Rxe8 29.Qxg6+ Kf8 30.Qxg5 Qh7+
[and $gBlack$b resigned because smothered $gmate$b is coming)]
31.Ka1 Nc2+ 32.Kb1 Na3+ 33.Ka1 Qb1+ 34.Rxb1 Nc2++
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Count Bruehl
.BLACK Philidor
.EVENT London
.THEME {E2}
.DATE 1783
.OPENING Bishop's Opening
1.e4
[The interesting part of this game begins at move 40.]
1...e5 2.Bc4 c6 3.Qe2 d6 4.c3 f5 5.d3 Nf6 6.exf5 Bxf5 7.d4 e4 8.Bg5 d5 9.Bb3
Bd6 10.Nd2 Nbd7 11.h3 h6 12.Be3 Qe7 13.f4 h5 14.c4 a6 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.Qf2 O-O
17.Ne2 b5 18.O-O Nb6 19.Ng3 g6 20.Rac1 Nc4 21.Nxf5 gxf5 22.Qg3+ Qg7 23.Qxg7+
Kxg7 24.Bxc4 bxc4 25.g3 Rab8 26.b3 Ba3 27.Rc2 cxb3 28.axb3 Rbc8 29.Rxc8 Rxc8
30.Ra1 Bb4 31.Rxa6 Rc3 32.Kf2 Rd3 33.Ra2 Bxd2 34.Rxd2 Rxb3 35.Rc2 h4 36.Rc7+
Kg6 37.gxh4 Nh5 38.Rd7 Nxf4 39.Bxf4 Rf3+ 40.Kg2 Rxf4 41.Rxd5 Rf3
[This is an example of a rook and pawn $gendgame$b, also just called a rook
$gendgame$b . Even though White has more pawns, they are scattered and
isolated. The $gdoubled pawns$b are particularly weak, so $gBlack$b actually
has the $gadvantage$b.]
42.Rd8 Rd3 43.d5 f4 44.d6 Rd2+ 45.Kf1 Kf7
[$gWhite$b's $gpawn$b has advanced down the board, but the $gBlack$b $gking$b
takes an active role in the $gdefense$b.]
46.h5 e3 47.h6 f3
[Now $gBlack$b has established mating net. The $gthreat$b is Rd1 $gmate$b.
$gWhite$b actually resigned, because the only escape from $gmate$b is to move
the $gking$b away from the $gpawn$bs, but then $gBlack$b gets a $gqueen$b:]
48.Kg1 Rg2+ 49.Kf1
[ 49.Kh1 e2]
49...e2+ 50.Ke1 Rg1+ 51.Kd2 Rd1+ 52.Kc2 e1Q
.SCORE 0-1



.NEWGAME
.WHITE Larsen
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT USSR vs. World
.THEME {S9, S1}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack
1.b3
[This is a $ghypermodern$b $gopening$b which concedes the $gcenter$b to $gBlack$b. It is often
called the Larsen $gAttack$b or Nizmowitsch-Larsen Attack, but this game did
little to further its reputation.]
1...e5
[The correct reply. Not only does this move occupy important central
territory, but it also limits the $gscope$b of the $gbishop$b which will be housed
at b2.]
2.Bb2 Nc6 3.c4
[A reasonable alternative is 3.e3, intending 4.Bb5.]
3...Nf6 4.Nf3
[Bobby Fischer preferred 4.e3 in a game played the same year. This move is too
provocative.]
4...e4 5.Nd4 Bc5 6.Nxc6
[ 6.e3 Bxd4 7.exd4 d5 The $gbishop$b at b2 will be $gblock$bed by the $gpawn$b at d4 for a
long time.]
6...dxc6 7.e3
[ 7.d4 exd3 8.Qxd3 Qe7 $gBlack$b still has a good game, but perhaps not as strong
as in the game.]
7...Bf5 8.Qc2 Qe7 9.Be2
[ 9.d4 exd3 10.Bxd3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3 Rd8 12.Qc2 O-O $gBlack$b has a significant lead
in $gdevelopment$b.]
9...O-O-O 10.f4
[This is a major mistake, because the $gking$b's position is weakened. But Larsen
may have been getting a little desperate, because $gBlack$b already had the
$gadvantage$b in $gdevelopment$b. 10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.Nc3 Qe5 12.O-O h5 $gBlack$b has a
strong $gattack$b.]
10...Ng4
[One thing $gWhite$b has to watch out for is an eventual Nxe3, since the $gopening$b
of the d-$gfile$b by dxe3 will limit the escape routes for the $gWhite$b $gking$b.]
11.g3
[Whenever this move is played it weakens the $gpawn structure$b on the
$gkingside$b. A common reply is the advance of the h-pawn from h7 to h5 and
eventually to h4, where it can be $gexchange$bd for the $gpawn$b at g3, $gopening$b up the
h-$gfile$b.]
11...h5 12.h3
[Now Spassky unleashes a powerful $gsacrifice$b which brings the game to a quick
and brutal conclusion. Unless you are a very strong player (in which case you
are familiar with this game), you probably can't figure it out yourself.]
12...h4 13.hxg4
[ 13.Bxg4 Bxg4 14.hxg4 hxg3 15.Rg1 Here 15...Rh2 wins, but Spassky also had a
more brilliant option, which he demonstrated after the game: 15...Rh1 16.Rxh1
g2 17.Rg1 Qh4+ 18.Ke2 Qxg4+ 19.Ke1 Qg3+
and $gBlack$b wins.]
13...hxg3
[This $gpassed pawn$b provides the $gmaterial$b out of which Spassky fashions
a brilliant victory!]
14.Rg1
[Now, if you examined the $gvariation$b at move 13, you might find the solution
that earned this game its reputation as one of the most brilliant ever.
14.Rxh8 Rxh8 15.gxf5 Rh1+ 16.Bf1 g2]
14...Rh1 15.Rxh1 g2 16.Rf1
[ 16.Rg1 Qh4+ 17.Kd1 Qh1 18.Qc3 Qxg1+ 19.Kc2 Qf2 20.gxf5 Qxe2 21.Na3 And here
there is yet another fantastic move. 21...Bb4 22.Qxb4 Qd3+ 23.Kc1 g1Q+]
16...Qh4+ 17.Kd1 gxf1Q+
[White resigned, because $gcheckmate$b is inevitable.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Hug
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Bath
.THEME {T7,T5}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Bf5 4.O-O Nf6 5.d3 e6 6.Nbd2 Be7 7.Qe1
[Against Hug's $gKing$b's Indian $gAttack$b, Spassky has selected a solid defensive
formation.]
7...h6 8.e4 Bh7 9.Qe2 O-O 10.b3
[White turns his attention to the $gqueenside$b. The more direct 10.e5 might
have been more effective.]
10...a5 11.a3 c5 12.a4 Nc6
[$gBlack$b's position looks much more natural.]
13.Bb2 Re8 14.Ne5
[White's strategy involves using the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b, and, in particular,
the e5-square. Spassky cuts across this plan with the next move.]
14...Nd4 15.Qd1
[ 15.Bxd4 cxd4 The c-$gfile$b will be used by $gBlack$b to put tremendous pressure on
the $gbackward pawn$b at c2.]
15...Qc7 16.Nef3 dxe4 17.dxe4 Red8
[This is an example of what I call man-on-man coverage, similar to the
basketball notion that one $gpiece$b sometimes plays the role of dealing with a
particular enemy $gpiece$b. The $grook$b confronts the enemy $gqueen$b from a distance.]
18.Re1 Nxf3+ 19.Bxf3
[$gForce$bd, because of the $gpin$b on the $gknight$b at d2.]
19...c4
[Threatening a $gfork$b at c3.]
20.bxc4 Bb4
[More pressure is added to the $gpin$b.]
21.c3 Be7 22.Qe2 Nd7
[The next battleground is the c5-square.]
23.Nb3 Ne5 24.c5 Bxc5 25.Nxc5
[We have reached the $gcritical position$b. Now Spassky uses a deflection which,
in $gcombination$b with a $gfork$b, leads to a winning position. Do you see how?
If not, set this game up against Gambit.]
25...Rd2
.QUIZ 25...Rd2
26.Nd3
[ 26.Qxd2 Nxf3+  26.Qe3 Nc4 The $gqueen$b and $gbishop$b at b2 are $gfork$bed.]
26...Rxe2 27.Bxe2 Nc4 28.Bf1 Qc6 29.Bc1 Bxe4 30.Nc5 Bd5
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Bilek
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1967
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bg5
[This is known as the Richter-Rauzer $gAttack$b, a line which has been seen a lot
at the highest levels of play but for some reason is not seen much in the
amateur ranks. It leads to a complex game.]
6...Bd7
[The normal move is 3...e6. The $gbishop$b move has become known as the Modern
$gVariation$b.]
7.Qd2 a6
[More consistent is 7...Rc8. There is no need to advance the a-$gpawn$b early in
this line.]
8.O-O-O Rc8 9.f4 h6 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.Be2 h5
[The idea here is to provide a square for the $gbishop$b at h6. Notice how cramped
the $gBlack$b $gking$b is. The monarch must remain in the $gcenter$b, since both $gflank$bs
have crippled $gpawn structure$bs.]
12.Kb1
[To avoid any nasty $gpin$bs on the c1-h6 $gdiagonal$b.]
12...e6 13.Rhf1
[Despite the fact that there are $gpawn$bs at f6 and f7, Spassky realizes that the
f-$gfile$b will play an important role in the $gattack$b.]
13...b5
[$gBlack$b tries to get something going on the opposite $gwing$b.]
14.Nxc6 Rxc6 15.Bf3
[There is the treat of a $gdiscovered attach$b with 16.e5.]
15...Rc5 16.f5 Qa5
[Other plans on the $gqueenside$b might have been more effective, such as
16...b4 or 16...Qc7. But perhaps best was 16...Re5, which Bilek might have
played had he seen what was coming! 16...exf5 17.Nd5 And the $gknight$b is so
powerful that $gBlack$b is actually lost. If you don't believe me, try playing the
position again.]
17.fxe6 fxe6
[Now how does $gWhite$b make progress? The answer is stunning.]
18.e5
[This $gpawn$b walks onto the most heavily guarded square on the board! But $gBlack$b
cannot afford to open either the d-$gfile$b or the f-file, so the $gcapture$b must be
made by the $grook$b.]
18...Rxe5
[ 18...fxe5 19.Qg5]
19.Qf4 Rf5
[ 19...Be7 20.Ne4]
20.Qg3 Rg5
[ 20...Kf7 This would have been a more effective way of guarding against the
$gcheck$b at g6, but it has other $gdraw$bbacks: 21.Ne4 d5 22.Qb8 dxe4 23.Rxd7+ Kg8
24.Qe8 Rh7 25.Qxe6+ Kh8 26.Rxh7+ Kxh7 27.Qxf5+]
21.Qh4 d5
[Otherwise 22.Ne4 would be a crusher! Now $gWhite$b demolishes the defensive
barrier with an effective $gsacrifice$b.]
22.Bxd5 exd5 23.Rxf6
[The new threats are Qxg5 and Nxd5.]
23...Rhg8 24.Nxd5 Bg4
[Now Spassky finishes elegantly. Do you see how?
This is a very enjoyable position (for Spassky).]
25.Rxf8+
.QUIZ 25.Rxf8
[$gBlack$b resigned. The exposed $gking$b is soon $gcheck$bmated.]
25...Kxf8
[ 25...Rxf8 26.Qxg5 Rf7 27.Qe5+ Kd8 28.Nb6+ Bd7 29.Qb8+ Ke7 30.Rxd7+ Kf6
31.Qf4+ etc.]
26.Rf1+ Ke8 27.Nf6+ Kd8 28.Nxg8
[and the rook falls, after which the White pieces will easily $gcheckmate$b the
$gBlack$b $gking$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Furman
.BLACK Spassky
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1957
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 g6 3.e4 Bg7 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nc6 6.Be3
[The game started out as a Reti $gOpening$b but play has now $gtranspose$bd into a
Sicilian $gDefense$b. Learning how to handle $gtransposition$bs is among the more
difficult tasks of $gstudy$bing the $gopening$b.]
6...Nh6
[The idea behind this move is to rapidly advance the f-$gpawn$b to f5 and attack
the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b.]
7.Nc3 O-O 8.Be2 f5 9.exf5 Bxd4
[This may seem surprising, since the $gfianchetto$bed $gbishop$b is $gBlack$b's most
powerful weapon in this $gopening$b $gvariation$b. But at the time it was thought to
be good.]
10.Bxd4
[$gWhite$b plays the obvious move. But capturing at h6 would have been more
effective, according to Spassky.]
10...Nxf5 11.Bc5 d6 12.Ba3
[The $gbishop$b is now misplaced and has little effect. $gWhite$b will have to invest
a lot of time and energy bringing it back into the game on the a1-h8
$gdiagonal$b.]
12...Nfd4 13.O-O Bf5 14.Rc1
[The $gthreat$b was Nc2.]
14...Qd7 15.Nd5 Rf7
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are much better coordinated than $gWhite$b's and the f-$gfile$b can be
used to mount an $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b.]
16.b3 Raf8 17.Bb2 e5 18.b4 Be6
[Now $gWhite$b takes $gadvantage$b of the retreat of the $gbishop$b to take $gcontrol$b of the
b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b. Furman perhaps expected Spassky to accept the sacrifice of
a $gpawn$b at b4.]
19.Bd3
[Spassky has more on his mind than mere $gpawn$bs.]
19...Bg4
[This is a crushing blow which wins the game for $gBlack$b. The $gthreat$b is Nf3+
with a mating $gattack$b.]
20.f3
[Now $gBlack$b gets to $gsacrifice$b a different $gpiece$b! 20.Qd2 Nf3+ 21.gxf3 Bxf3
22.Qg5 Rf4 23.Nxf4 Rxf4 24.h3 Qxh3 25.Bxe5 Rg4+ 26.Qxg4 Qxg4+ 27.Bg3 Qh3]
20...Bxf3 21.gxf3 Nxf3+ 22.Kh1 Qh3 23.Rf2 Ne1
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens Rxf2, but if the $grook$b leaves the second $grank$b, then there is a
$gmate$b at g2, while if it moves laterally it opens up the f1-square for invasion.
Furman resigned instead of making such a decision.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Tolush
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1950
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 c6 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.Bg5
[The White $gbishop$b $gpin$bs the $gknight$b.]
7...O-O 8.e3 Bg4 9.Ne5
[The $gWhite$b $gknight$b takes up a powerful post in the $gcenter$b. While, at the same
time $gthreat$bening to win a $gpiece$b.]
9...Bh5 10.f4
[10. f4 is a multipurpose move which reinforces the White knight and gains
$gspace$b on the $gking$b side.]
10...Qa5 11.Bd3
[11. Bxf6 gxf6 ,doubling the $gBlack$b f-$gpawn$bs, is also playable. However, 11.Bd3
developing another piece into the $gkingside$b $gattack$b is better. White is now
$gthreat$bening to win a $gpawn$b.]
11...h6 12.Bxf6
[12. Bxf6 $gbreak$bs open the $gBlack$b's $gking$b position.]
12...gxf6 13.g4
[13.g4 is a beautiful way to continue the $gkingside$b $gattack$b. Although, at a
first glance it appears that $gWhite$b has forgotten about his $gknight$b. ]
13...fxe5 14.fxe5 Be7 15.O-O-O Bg5
[ 15...Bg6 16.Bxg6 fxg6 17.Qxg6+ Kh8 18.Qxh6+ Kg8 19.Qe6+ Rf7 20.Rhf1 would
win the $gBlack$b $grook$b.]
16.gxh5 Kh8 17.Qf2 f5 18.h4 Be7 19.Qf4
[Faced with a mating $gattack$b $gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Taimanov
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1955
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Bb4 7.O-O O-O 8.Qc2 Bd6
[$gBlack$b plans to challenge the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b by playing 8...Bd6, dxc4 and e5.
However, a better move order was to start with 8...dxc4. As played $gWhite$b is
able to give support to his c-$gpawn$b.]
9.b3
[$gWhite$b plans on answering 9...bxc4 with 10. bxc4. Thus lending support to his
central $gpawn$bs. While, at the same time allowing both his $gbishop$bs to aim at the
$gBlack$b $gkingside$b.]
9...dxc4 10.bxc4 e5 11.Bb2 Re8 12.Ne4
[White offers $gBlack$b an $gexchange$b on e4. Which will remove an important
defender from the $gBlack$b $gkingside$b.]
12...Nxe4 13.Bxe4 h6 14.Rad1 exd4
[A mistake which opens up the position for the $gWhite$b $gattack$b. 14...Qe7 Trying
to keep the position closed should be preferred.]
15.Bh7+ Kh8 16.Rxd4 Bc5
[ 16...Nf6 17.c5 Nxh7 18.Rxd6 Qe7 19.Rxh6 This takes $gadvantage$b of the $gBlack$b g-
$gpawn$b being $gpin$bned by the White $gbishop$b on b2.]
17.Rf4 Qe7
[ 17...Nf6 18.Bxf6 gxf6 would fatally weaken the $gBlack$b $gking$bs position.]
18.Re4 Qf8 19.Rh4 f6
[ 19...Nf6 20.Rxh6 gxh6 21.Bxf6+ Wins the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
20.Bg6 Re7 21.Rh5
[21. Rh5 frees the h4 square for the $gWhite$b $gknight$b.]
21...Bd6 22.Rd1 Be5 23.Ba3 c5 24.Nh4
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no good way of meeting the intended light-squared
onslaught.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Pachman
.EVENT Bled
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING English
1.Nf3 c5 2.g3 Nc6 3.Bg2 g6 4.O-O Bg7 5.d3 e6 6.e4 Nge7 7.Re1 O-O
[ 7...d6 This should be strongly considered. The idea is to take $gcontrol$b of
the dark squares.]
8.e5
[Taking $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's weakened dark squares.]
8...d6 9.exd6 Qxd6 10.Nbd2 Qc7
[ 10...b6 This would have the $gadvantage$b of first seeing how $gWhite$b would $gattack$b
the $gqueen$b instead of guessing.]
11.Nb3 Nd4
[Although, $gBlack$b has protected his c-$gpawn$b. A better way was 11...b6 preparing
to $gfianchetto$b the $gbishop$b on b7.]
12.Bf4
[A good move which $gdevelops$b a piece with a gain of $gtempo$b.]
12...Qb6 13.Ne5
[$gWhite$b has the clever $gthreat$b of 14. Nc4, $gattack$bing the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b, followed
by 15. Nxc5 winning a $gpawn$b.]
13...Nxb3
[ 13...Bxe5 Stopping White from playing 14. Nc4 would leave $gBlack$b's
$gkingside$b weakened after 14.Bxe5 when White would have an $gadvantage$b due to
his more active $gpiece$bs and $gBlack$b's weakened dark squares.]
14.Nc4 Qb5 15.axb3 a5
[15...a5 is played with the idea of stopping White's threat of 16. Ra5 winning
the c-$gpawn$b.]
16.Bd6
[A powerful $gpin$b on the $gBlack$b $gknight$b. Which leaves Black's $gpiece$bs in
disarray.]
16...Bf6 17.Qf3
[Once again White finds a way to develop a piece with a gain of $gtempo$b. ]
17...Kg7 18.Re4
[Petrosian himself later criticized this move.]
18...Rd8 19.Qxf6+
[A very beautiful $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b that leads to $gmate$b.]
19...Kxf6 20.Be5+ Kg5 21.Bg7
[$gBlack$b resigned. Since he has no way of stopping 22. h4+ Kh5 23. Bf3 $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Candidates Curacao
.THEME {S11}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Nbd7 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 7.Nf3 c5 8.Qd3
Be7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Qb5+
[A bad move which wastes time while developing the $gBlack$b pieces.]
10...Bd7 11.Qxb7
[Vulnerable b-$gpawn$bs are often referred to as $gpoisoned pawn$bs because the time
wasted in capturing them is often used by the opponent to develop forces and
punish the greedy consumer.]
11...Rb8 12.Qxa7 Rxb2 13.Bd3
[$gWhite$b gives back the extra $gpawn$b fearing the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b on f6. Now we see
how the $gpawn$b he ate earlier turns out to be "poisoned".]
13...cxd4 14.O-O Bc6
[The tactics have cleared with $gBlack$b standing better thanks to his two $gcenter$b
$gpawn$bs.]
15.Qa3
[$gWhite$b desperately tries to keep the $gBlack$b $gking$b from $gcastling$b.]
15...Qb6 16.Bc4 Rb4
[A good move which $gblock$bs the White queen from the a3-f8 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.Qd3 O-O 18.a3 Ra4 19.Rfd1 Qa7 20.Ra2 Rxc4
[$gWhite$b resigned as 21. Qxc4 Bd5 followed by Bxa2 would leave White a $gpiece$b
down.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Keres
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1952
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Nf3 d5 6.Bd3 c5 7.O-O b6 8.dxc5 bxc5
9.Ne2
[9.cxd5 exd5 would leave $gBlack$b with $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b.]
9...Nbd7 10.b3
[$gWhite$b wishes to keep an eye on the $gBlack$b $gcenter$b with 10. b3 and Bb2. Although
strategically correct 10. b3 has a tactical flaw.  10.Ng3 would be better,
since, it would allow $gWhite$b to $gcontrol$b the $gcenter$b after 10... e5 11. cxd5 e4
12. Nxe4.]
10...e5 11.Bb1 e4
[ 11...d4 looks strong. However, $gWhite$b would get good play after 12.Ng3 Bb7
13.a3 Ba5 14.b4]
12.Nd2 Ba6 13.Bb2
[ 13.cxd5 would drop $gmaterial$b after 13...Bxe2 14. Qxe2 Bc3 winning the
$grook$b.]
13...Qa5
[Qa5 looks good at first since $gBlack$b has a $gdouble attach$b on the $gWhite$b
$gknight$b. However, it does nothing to increase $gBlack$b's main $gadvantage$b of time
and $gspace$b. Furthermore, $gWhite$b has a strong tactic to save the $gpiece$b. 13...Nb6
would put more pressure on $gWhite$b's position for example 14.cxd5 Qxd5 15.Bxf6
Qxd2 winning $gmaterial$b because of the $gpin$b at e2.]
14.Nxe4
[With this $gtempo$brary $gsacrifice$b, White is able to trade his $gknight$b for the
$gBlack$b $gbishop$b.]
14...dxe4 15.a3 Bd2 16.b4 cxb4
[ 16...Qb6 17.Qxd2 Bxc4 would leave chances for both sides.]
17.Qxd2 Bxc4 18.axb4 Qg5
[Better was 18...Qb6 not losing a $gtempo$b with the $gqueen$b.]
19.Ra5
[With this move White gains a $gtempo$b on the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
19...Qh4
[ 19...Qg4 would be better. The idea is to centralize the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b after
20.Re1 Qe6]
20.h3 Rfb8 21.Ng3 Rb5
[ 21...Bxf1 would drop the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b after 22.Nf5 Qh5 23.Ne7+ Kf8 24.Rxh5
when White is winning on account of his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
22.Rxb5 Bxb5 23.Rc1 Bd3 24.Bxd3 exd3 25.Bd4 Ne4 26.Qxd3 Nxg3 27.fxg3 Qxg3
28.Qe4
[White takes $gadvantage$b of Black's weakened $gback rank$b.]
28...Rd8 29.Qe7 Qb8
[Forced. Here White uses a deflection theme combined with the $gback rank$b
weakness to achieve victory. Do you see $gWhite$b's next move? Try to find it!]
30.Bxa7
.QUIZ 30.Bxa7
30...Qxa7
[Taking the $gbishop$b loses the $gexchange$b, but $gBlack$b would still be lost,
because of his inactive pieces and $gmaterial$b deficit. 30...Qa8 31.Rc7 would
leave $gBlack$b in $gZugzwang$b.]
31.Qxd8+ Nf8 32.Qe8
[$gWhite$b must not bring the $grook$b down to the 8th $grank$b too quickly!  32.Rc8 Qxe3+
33.Kh2 Qe5+ 34.Kg1 Qe1+]
32...Qa3 33.Rc7
[$gThreat$bening to $gmate$b in two with 34. Qxf7+ and 35. Qxg7++.]
33...Qb3 34.Qe7 Qd5 35.Kh2 h6 36.Rc8
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no way of defending the $gknight$b on the $gback
rank$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Olafsson
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Bled
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 Qd7 5.Qg4 f5 6.Qg3 b6 7.h4 Bb7 8.Bd3 Nc6 9.Nge2
O-O-O 10.Bd2 Nh6 11.a3 Be7 12.Bb5
[White $gpin$bs the $gBlack$b $gknight$b on c6. 12.Qxg7 Ng4 would put the White queen
in serious danger of being $gtrap$bped.]
12...Rdg8
[ 12...a6 Although trying to $gbreak$b the $gpin$b looks natural, White has a
strong reply. 13.Bxc6 Bxc6 14.Qxg7 Ng4 15.Bg5 allowing $gWhite$b to take $gadvantage$b
of $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b. 15...Bxg5 16.Qxd7+ Rxd7 17.hxg5]
13.Qd3 Nf7 14.O-O-O
[ 14.Nf4 would be better, threatening a $gfork$b.]
14...Kb8
[A very deep and yet simple move. Petrosian's idea is to $gbreak$b the $gpin$b, on
the $gBlack$b $gknight$b, with 15...Qc8.]
15.Nf4 Qc8
[Although $gBlack$b's position looks cramped, he is almost ready to begin striking
at $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b. The target, as is so often the case in the French $gDefense$b,
is the pair of $gpawn$bs at d4 and e5.]
16.Nce2 Ncd8 17.Qb3
[17. Qb3 is a miscalculation which costs $gWhite$b a $gpawn$b and the game. Better was
17. c3. 17.c3 c5 18.Kb1 Although, $gBlack$b would still stand better due to, his
play on both $gflank$bs.]
17...c6 18.Bd3 c5
[Finally! $gBlack$b achieves the goal of the $gopening$b and $gbreak$bs down $gWhite$b's
$gcenter$b .]
19.dxc5 Bxc5 20.Nh3 Nxe5
[$gBlack$b has won a very valuable $gcenter$b $gpawn$b. Given Petrosian's $gtechnique$b, it is
good enough for the victory.]
21.Bf4 Ndf7 22.Bb5
[ 22.Qc3 $gAttack$bing the $gpin$bned $gknight$b again. would be met adequately by
22...Bd6.]
22...Ka8
[$gBlack$b gets his $gking$b out of the $gpin$b. Which allows his $gknight$b on e5 to
move.]
23.Nd4 Ng6 24.Qa4
[An unsound $gsacrifice$b which ends the game. Still, $gWhite$b had no good response
to $gBlack$b's $gthreat$b of $gpawn$b e5. ]
24...Bxd4 25.Bd7 Qf8 26.Rxd4 e5 27.Rb4 exf4 28.Rxb6 Nfe5 29.Rxb7 Kxb7 30.h5
[ 30.Qb5+ Kc7 when $gBlack$b would soon realize his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
30...Qd6 31.hxg6 Qxd7 32.Qxf4 Nxg6
[White resigned as $gBlack$b is up a whole rook.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Gligoric
.EVENT Bled
.THEME {S9s}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING English
1.c4 g6 2.g3 Bg7 3.Bg2 d6 4.Nc3 c5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Nge2 Nf6 7.b3 O-O 8.O-O Bd7 9.d4
Qc8
[Played with the idea of $gattack$bing the $gWhite$b squares with 10...Bh3.]
10.Re1
[In order to answer $gBlack$b's light squared $gattack$b with Bh1.]
10...Bh3 11.Bh1 Bg4 12.Qd2
[White $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b on his $gknight$b.]
12...Bxe2 13.Rxe2 cxd4 14.exd4 Qg4
[ 14...Ng4 might have led to interesting play.]
15.Bb2 e6
[$gBlack$b covers the $gkey$b $gcenter$b square of d5. However, a new weakness has been
created on d6.]
16.Rd1 Rfe8 17.Nb5
[$gWhite$b wastes no time in $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's new weakness on d6.]
17...Rad8 18.Bxc6
[This little $gcombination$b gives White a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
18...bxc6 19.Nxa7 Ne4 20.Qd3 Ng5 21.Nxc6 Ra8 22.Bc1 e5 23.Bxg5 Qxg5 24.dxe5
dxe5 25.b4
[White has a winning $gadvantage$b because of his three $gpassed pawn$bs.]
25...Qg4 26.Rde1 Qc8 27.b5 Qc7 28.Qe4 h5 29.c5 Qb7 30.Qc4 Re6 31.Nxe5 Rae8
32.Nxf7
[$gBlack$b resigned because of...]
32...Rxe2 33.Ng5+ Kh8 34.Rxe2 Rxe2 35.Qxe2
[when White's three $gpassed pawn$bs would win easily.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Olafsson
.EVENT Candidates' Tournament
.THEME {Y1}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 O-O 6.Be2 b6 7.O-O Bb7
[This is a typical $ghypermodern$b handling of the $gopening$b by $gBlack$b, who has
indirect pressure on the $gcenter$b.]
8.Na4 cxd4 9.exd4 Be7 10.a3
[A useful move which prepares to gain space on the $gqueenside$b with $gpawn$b b4
and then $gfianchetto$b the queen $gbishop$b.]
10...Ne4
[An excellent central post for the $gknight$b.]
11.b4 f5 12.Bb2 Bf6
[Perhaps better was an immediate 12...d6 with the idea of reinforcing the
$gknight$b with Nbd7, Ndf6.]
13.Qb3 d6 14.Nc3
[$gWhite$b brings his out of play $gknight$b back into the game.]
14...Qe7 15.Rad1 Nd7 16.Nxe4 fxe4
[$gBlack$b is fully justified in doubling his e-$gpawn$bs because of the play down the
newly opened f-$gfile$b.]
17.Ne1 Bg5 18.Nc2 Rf7
[$gBlack$b prepares to double his $grook$bs on the f-$gfile$b. ]
19.Bc1 Bxc1 20.Rxc1 Raf8
[An interesting position has arisen with $gWhite$b having an $gadvantage$b on the
$gqueenside$b, while $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs have been building up on the
$gkingside$b.]
21.Ne3 Ba8
[ 21...Qg5 would have been more to the point.]
22.Rc2 Kh8 23.a4
[While $gBlack$b's last two moves have done little to further his $gkingside$b
$gadvantage$b. White has followed a consistent plan on the $gqueenside$b.]
23...Qg5 24.Qa3 Rf6 25.Ra2 h5 26.a5 Bb7 27.Qc3 R8f7 28.axb6 axb6
[Take notice of $gBlack$b's wrecked $gpawn structure$b. The weak pawns will be
especially hard to defend in the $gendgame$b.]
29.g3 Nf8 30.h4 Qh6 31.Ng2 g5 32.hxg5 Qxg5 33.Qe3 Qg7 34.Bxh5 Rc7 35.Be2 Rh6
36.f4 exf3 37.Bxf3 Qxg3
[$gBlack$b resigned. 37...Qxg3 Black resigned in view of...]
38.Qxh6+ Nh7 39.Bxb7 Rxb7 40.Rf8+]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Korchnoi
.EVENT Candidates' Tournament
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING English
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.Nc3 d5 6.Bg5 dxc4 7.e3 Qa5
[This early queen sortie gives White the $ginitiative$b. Better was to develop
normally with 7...Bg7. 7...Bg7 8.Bxc4 O-O 9.O-O a6 10.Qe2 b5 11.Bb3 Bb7
12.Rfd1 Qa5 13.e4 when $gWhite$b's centralized $gpiece$bs give him the edge.]
8.Bxf6
[A strong move which doubles the $gBlack$b f-$gpawn$bs and secures the $gWhite$b $gknight$b on
d4.]
8...exf6 9.Bxc4 Bb4
[ 9...Bg7 10.O-O O-O 11.Nd5 Gives the $gadvantage$b to $gWhite$b due to, his well
centralized $gminor piece$bs.]
10.Rc1 a6
[$gBlack$b doesn't have time for this luxury. Better was $gcastling$b.]
11.O-O Nd7
[White stands much better due to, $gBlack$b's backward $gdevelopment$b.]
12.a3
[$gWhite$b also had the more aggresive 12. Nd5. 12.Nd5 Bd6 13.b4 Bxb4 14.Nb3 Wins
$gmaterial$b for White as $gBlack$b has no way of answering both threats or 15
Nxb4 and Nc7+.]
12...Be7
[ 12...Bxc3 13.Rxc3 would also leave $gWhite$b standing better. Due to, White's
better $gdevelopment$b and better $gpawn structure$b.]
13.b4 Qe5
[ 13...Qxa3 14.Nd5 when $gWhite$b is $gthreat$bening 15. Nc7+ or 15. Ra1.]
14.f4
[$gBlack$b would go down quickly after 14...Qxe3+ 15. Kh1 due to the open $gking$b
$gfile$b]
14...Qb8 15.Bxf7+
[With all of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs on the back two $grank$bs, $gWhite$b is able to start a
winning $gattack$b.]
15...Kxf7 16.Qb3+ Ke8
[ 16...Kg7 17.Ne6+ Kh6 18.Rf3 g5 19.f5 when the $gBlack$b $gking$b would find himself
in a mating net.]
17.Nd5
[Although, technically $gWhite$b is down a $gpiece$b for a $gpawn$b, he has a winning
position. This is due to, $gBlack$b's backward $gdevelopment$b.]
17...Bd6 18.Ne6
[$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs quickly move into the disorganized $gBlack$b camp. ]
18...b5 19.Ndc7+ Ke7 20.Nd4
[A perfect example of the saying "when you see a good move look again, you may
see a better one". White is in no hurry to gain back $gmaterial$b with 20.
Nxa8 since the $gBlack$b $grook$b isn't going anywhere.]
20...Kf8 21.Nxa8
[$gBlack$b resigned as 21...Qxa8 22. Qe6 Qb8 23 Nc6 Qc7 24 Ne7 would be hopeless.]
21...Qxa8 22.h4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {E2}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING English
1.c4 g6 2.Nf3 Bg7 3.Nc3 e5 4.g3 Ne7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.d4 exd4
[6...exd4 gives up the central pressure. Better was to retain the tension with
6...d6.]
7.Nxd4 Nbc6 8.Nxc6 Nxc6
[ 8...bxc6 would leave $gBlack$b with doubled c-$gpawn$bs and three pawn islands to
$gWhite$b's two $gpawn$b islands.]
9.O-O d6
[ 9...Bxc3 10.bxc3 It's true $gBlack$b has doubled the $gWhite$b c-$gpawn$bs but  at the
severe price of $gBlack$b weakening the dark squares.]
10.Bd2 Bg4
[A subtle move. The idea is to $gforce$b White to weaken his $gkingside$b with 11.
h3.]
11.h3 Be6 12.b3 Qd7
[Due to $gBlack$b's 10...Bg4 the $gqueen$b now goes to d7 with a $gdouble attach$b on
the $gWhite$b h-$gpawn$b.]
13.Kh2 Rae8 14.Rc1 f5
[$gBlack$b overestimates his chances on the $gkingside$b. Better was 14...Ne7.
14...Ne7 $gControl$bling the central square of d5 was to be preferred.]
15.Nd5
[$gWhite$b wastes no time in occupying the critical d5 square.]
15...Kh8 16.Be3 Bg8 17.Qd2 Nd8 18.Rfd1 Ne6 19.Nf4
[A strong move which stops the $gBlack$b $gknight$b from reaching the e4 square via
c5.]
19...Nxf4 20.Bxf4 Qc8 21.h4 Re7 22.Bf3 Bf7 23.Qa5 Be8 24.c5
[ 24.Qxa7 is also good as Bc6 25.Bxc6 bxc6 26.Bxd6 cxd6 27.Qxe7 would win the
$gexchange$b.]
24...d5
[$gBlack$b sets a positional $gtrap$b.]
25.Bd6
[ 25.Rxd5 $gWhite$b avoided 25. Rxd5 as after Bc6 26.Rd2 Bxf3 27.exf3 White's
extra $gpawn$b would be a useless doubled one.]
25...Qd7
[ 25...cxd6 26.cxd6 Qd7 27.dxe7 Qxe7 would not only leave $gWhite$b an
$gexchange$b up, but allow the White rook to enter the $gseventh rank$b]
26.Bxe7 Qxe7 27.Rxd5 f4 28.Qd2 Bc6 29.Rd3 Bb5 30.Rd4
[White gives back the $gexchange$b which forces an ending where he will be a
$gpawn$b up.]
30...fxg3+ 31.fxg3 Bxd4 32.Qxd4+ Qg7 33.Qxg7+ Kxg7 34.Rc2 Re8 35.Kg2 Kf6
36.Kf2 Bc6
[$gBlack$b enters into the $grook$b and $gpawn$b ending. ]
37.Bxc6 bxc6 38.Rc4 Ke5 39.Ra4
[A good move which ties down the $gBlack$b $grook$b to the defence of the a-$gpawn$b.]
39...Ra8 40.Ra6 Kd5 41.b4 Kc4 42.a3 Kb5 43.Ra5+ Kc4 44.Ke3 a6 45.Kf4
[With both of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs busy on the $gqueenside$b, the White $gking$bs goes
over to the unprotected $gBlack$b $gpawn$bs on h7 and g6.]
45...Kd5 46.Kg5 Re8 47.Rxa6 Rxe2 48.Ra7
[Remember that rooks belong on the $gseventh rank$b where the enemy pawns
can't protect themselves.]
48...Re5+ 49.Kf4 Re7 50.Rb7 Ke6 51.a4 Kd7 52.Rb8
[A little finesse which keeps the $gBlack$b $gking$b from $gWhite$b's a $gpawn$b. Black
resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Qb3 dxc4 5.Qxc4 Bg7 6.e4 O-O 7.Be2 Nc6 8.Nf3 Nd7
9.Be3 Nb6 10.Qc5
[ 10.Qd3 f5 With chances for both sides.]
10...Bg4 11.d5 Nd7 12.Qa3 Bxf3 13.Bxf3 Nd4 14.O-O-O Nxf3 15.gxf3 Nb6
[ 15...c6 Trying to open up lines to the $gWhite$b $gking$b is also possible.]
16.Qb3 Qd7 17.h4
[White starts his $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
17...h5 18.f4 e6 19.dxe6 Qxe6 20.Qxe6 fxe6 21.Rhg1 Kh7 22.Nb5
[White stands better in the $gendgame$b because of his more active pieces.]
22...Rf7 23.Nd4 Re8
[ 23...Bxd4 24.Rxd4 Re8]
24.Nf3 Bh6 25.Ng5+ Bxg5 26.Rxg5 Nc4
[ 26...Nc8 would be more defensive.]
27.Rdg1
[ 27.f5 would unleash the energy out of the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs after exf5 28.exf5
Rxf5 29.Rd7+ Kh8 30.Bd4+ Ne5 31.f4 winning the $gknight$b.]
27...Rg8 28.Kc2
[With no danger of being $gmate$bd the $gWhite$b $gking$b moves to a more active
position.]
28...b6
[$gBlack$b is wrong to place his $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs on Black squares which the
enemy $gbishop$b can $gattack$b. 28...Nd6 Bringing the $gknight$b back to defend the
$gkingside$b.]
29.f3 a6
[With the idea of playing Rd7, Nf7 defending the $gkingside$b. While the
$gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs would be safer on the light squares.]
29.b3 Nd6 30.f3 Rd7 31.R5g2 Rdd8 32.a4 Nf7 33.Bc1 e5 34.Be3 exf4 35.Bxf4 Rd7
36.Rd2 Rxd2+ 37.Kxd2 Rd8+ 38.Ke2 c5 39.a5
[White has a big $gadvantage$b due to his $gqueenside$b $ginitiative$b and passed
e-$gpawn$b.]
39...Rd7
[ 39...bxa5 40.Ra1 Rd7 41.Rxa5 Rb7 42.Rxc5 Rxb3 43.Rc7 winning $gmaterial$b on
the $gseventh rank



















$b.]
40.axb6 axb6 41.Ra1 Kg7 42.Ra6 Rb7 43.Ra8 Kf6
[ 43...b5 44.Rc8 c4 45.b4 would leave $gBlack$b helpless.]
44.Rc8 Ne5 45.Ke3 Nd7 46.Rc6+ Kf7 47.e5
[White's $gpassed pawn$b marches ahead.]
47...Nf8 48.Rf6+ Kg7 49.Ke4 b5 50.Rc6 Kf7 51.Rxc5
[With the winning of this $gpawn$b the rest is a matter of $gtechnique$b.]
51...Ne6 52.Rd5 Ke7 53.Be3 Rb8 54.Rd6 b4 55.Ra6 Rb5 56.Ra7+ Ke8 57.f4 Kf8
58.f5
[$gBlack$b resigned because he is a $gpawn$b down with more losses on the way.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Botvinnik
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S14}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 c6 6.e3 Bf5 7.g4 Be6 8.h3 Nf6
9.Nf3 Nbd7 10.Bd3 Nb6 11.Qc2 Nc4 12.Kf1
[The $gWhite$b $gking$b will find safety on the g2 square.]
12...Nd6 13.Nd2 Qc8 14.Kg2 Nd7 15.f3
[ 15.Bxh7 g6 16.Bxg6 fxg6 17.Bxd6 Bxd6 18.Qxg6+ Ke7 The $gpiece$b would be more
valuable than the three $gpawn$bs.]
15...g6 16.Rac1
[ 16.e4 gaining $gkey$b central ground was better.]
16...Nb6 17.b3 Qd7 18.Ne2 18...Ndc8
[$gBlack$b's idea is to oppose the powerful $gbishop$b on f4, with Bd6. While the
$gknight$b heads towards e7.]
19.a4 a5 20.Bg3 Bd6 21.Nf4 Ne7 22.Nf1 h5
[Now that $gBlack$b has the $gcenter$b under $gcontrol$b, he gains ground on the $gflank$b.]
23.Be2 h4 24.Bh2 g5 25.Nd3 Qc7 26.Qd2 Nd7 27.Bg1
[$gWhite$b is wrong to run from the fight. As $gBlack$b now has possession of the b8-h2
$gdiagonal$b.]
27...Ng6 28.Bh2 Ne7
[This move can be explained by the match standing. $gBlack$b was willing to take a
$gdraw$b by repeating the position over and over.]
29.Bd1 b6 30.Kg1 f6 31.e4 Bxh2+ 32.Qxh2 Qxh2+ 33.Rxh2 Rd8 34.Kf2 Kf7 35.Ke3
Rhe8 36.Rd2 Kg7 37.Kf2 dxe4 38.fxe4 Nf8 39.Ne1 Nfg6 40.Ng2 Rd7
[A dynamic position. The question is whether $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b $gpawn$bs are strong
or targets for the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs to $gattack$b.]
41.Bc2 Bf7 42.Nfe3 c5 43.d5 Ne5 44.Rf1
[ 44.Nc4 challenging the $gBlack$b $gknight$b on e5 was a better choice.]
44...Bg6 45.Ke1
[ 45.Nc4]
45...Nc8 46.Rdf2 Rf7 47.Kd2 Nd6
[The $gBlack$b knights have set up a powerful $gblockade$b and soon advance with
decisive effect.]
48.Nf5+ Bxf5 49.exf5 c4
[The $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs, consisting of a $gbad bishop$b, two inactive $grook$bs and a $gknight$b
that is out of play, can only watch as the $gqueenside$b is torn apart.]
50.Rb1 b5 51.b4 c3+
[$gBlack$b clears the c-$gfile$b for the decisive $gattack$b.]
52.Kxc3 Rc7+ 53.Kd2 Nec4+ 54.Kd1 Na3 55.Rb2 Ndc4 56.Ra2 axb4 57.axb5 Nxb5
[The $gBlack$b $gknight$bs rule the board.]
58.Ra6 Nc3+ 59.Kc1 Nxd5 60.Ba4 Rec8 61.Ne1 Nf4
[Faced with multiple $gthreat$bs $gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.d4 Ne4 8.Qc2 Nxc3
9.Qxc3 f5 10.b3 Bf6 11.Bb2 d6 12.Rad1 Nd7 13.Ne1 Bxg2 14.Nxg2 Bg5
[ 14...Qe7 Finishing $gBlack$b's $gdevelopment$b is also possible.]
15.Qc2 Bh6 16.e4 f4 17.Ne1 Qe7
[This move does nothing to stop $gWhite$b's play in the $gcenter$b. Better was
17...Qg5. 17...Qg5 18.e5 dxe5 19.dxe5 Nxe5]
18.e5 dxe5 19.dxe5 Rad8 20.Qe2 Qg5 21.Kg2 a5 22.Nf3 Qh5 23.Ba3 Rfe8
[ 23...Rf7 Followed up by $gpawn$b g5 would retain $gBlack$b's $gattack$bing chances.]
24.Rd4
[With $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b $gattack$b having been repulsed, White directs his
attention to the $gcenter$b.]
24...Nb8 25.Rfd1 Rxd4 26.Rxd4 fxg3 27.hxg3
[White stands better due to his more active pieces and better $gpawn
structure$b.]
27...Qf7 28.Qe4 g6 29.Qb7 Bg7 30.c5
[This thrust creates further $ghole$bs in $gBlack$b's $gpawn structure$b.]
30...bxc5 31.Bxc5 Nd7 32.Qxc7 Nxe5 33.Qxf7+ Nxf7 34.Ra4 Bc3 35.Rc4
[ 35.Bd4 Also puts great pressure on $gBlack$b's position.]
35...Bf6 36.Bb6 Ra8 37.Ra4 Bc3 38.Bd4 Bb4 39.a3 Bd6
[ 39...Be7 40.b4 Bd8 41.Bc3 Rc8 would put up more resistance.]
40.b4 Bc7 41.Bc3 Kf8 42.b5
[White creates a very strong $gpassed pawn$b. 42.bxa5 was also good.]
42...Ke8 43.Rc4 Kd7 44.a4 Rc8 45.Nd2 Nd6 46.Rd4 Ke7 47.Rd3 Nb7 48.Ne4
[$gBlack$b can offer little resistance to White's protected $gpassed pawn$b and
more active $gpiece$bs.]
48...e5 49.Bb2 Bb6 50.Ba3+ Ke6 51.Ng5+ Kf5 52.Nxh7 e4 53.g4+
[ 53.Rd7 would have been more active.]
53...Kf4 54.Rd7 Rc7 55.Rxc7 Bxc7 56.Nf6 Bd8 57.Nd7 Kxg4 58.b6 Bg5 59.Nc5 Nxc5
60.Bxc5 Bf4 61.b7 Bb8 62.Be3 g5
[ 62...Kf5 63.Kh3 g5 64.Bd2 Ke6 65.Kg4 Kd7 66.Bxg5 Kc7 67.Bf4+ Kxb7 68.Bxb8
Kxb8 69.Kf5 with a won $gking$b and $gpawn$b ending for $gWhite$b.]
63.Bd2 Kf5 64.Kh3 Bd6 65.Bxa5 g4+ 66.Kg2
[$gBlack$b resigned in view of White's $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Johansson
.EVENT Havana Olympiad
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e6 7.f4 Nc6 8.Be3 Qc7
9.O-O Bd7 10.Nb3 b5
[A typical position in the Sicilian $gDefense$b. $gBlack$b $gattack$bs on the
$gqueenside$b and White operates on the $gkingside$b and in the $gcenter$b.]
11.a3 Be7 12.Rf2 b4 13.axb4
[ 13.Na4 Nxe4 14.Nb6 Rb8 15.Rf3 Rxb6 16.Bxb6 Qxb6+ 17.Kh1 Nf2+ 18.Rxf2 Qxf2]
13...Nxb4 14.Bf3 Rc8
[$gBlack$b continues to ignore the safety of the $gking$b.]
15.g4 h6
[This $gpawn$b thrust just gives $gWhite$b a target to $gattack$b. Better was O-O.]
16.g5 hxg5 17.fxg5 Nh7 18.Qd2 Nf8
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs lack coordination due to his $gking$b being stuck in the $gcenter$b.]
19.Qd4
[The double $gattack$b on $gBlack$b's $gknight$b and g-pawn nets White $gmaterial$b.]
19...Nc6 20.Qxg7 Rh7 21.Qg8 Ne5 22.Be2 Bc6 23.Rxa6
[White has the $ginitiative$b on the whole board.]
23...Rd8
[Now $gWhite$b wins with a nice $gcombination$b.]
24.Rxc6
[This $gexchange$b sacrifice ends the game quickly.]
24...Nxc6 25.Bb5
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no good response to $gWhite$b's many $gthreat$bs. If you
don't see the $gthreat$bs try defending against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Zaitsev
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1966
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4 d6 4.d4 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.Nf3 e5 7.d5 Nh5 8.g3
[Played with the idea of stopping $gBlack$b's intended 8...Nf4]
8...f5 9.exf5 Qf6
[ 9...gxf5 9...gxf5 would drop a $gpawn$b after 10.Nxe5 dxe5 11.Bxh5]
10.Ng5
[A very strong move whose purpose is two-fold. First, $gWhite$b is $gthreat$bening to
win a pawn with 11. Bxh5 gxh5 12. Qxh5. Secondly, The knight is looking to
penetrate the $gBlack$b camp at e6.]
10...Qxf5 11.O-O Nf6 12.Bd3 Qg4 13.Be2 Qf5 14.f3 Bh6 15.Bd3 Qd7 16.Ne6
[$gWhite$b has a big $gadvantage$b due to his powerful $gknight$b on e6 and $gBlack$b's
undeveloped $gqueenside$b.]
16...Bxc1 17.Qxc1
[ 17.Nxf8 Be3+ 18.Kh1 Kxf8 when $gBlack$b stands better due to his $gmaterial$b
$gadvantage$b of two $gpiece$bs for the $grook$b.]
17...Rf7 18.f4
[With $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b out of the game White wastes no time on his
$gkingside$b $gattack$b. The remainder of the game is pretty much $gforce$bd.]
18...exf4 19.Qxf4 Nxd5
[Perhaps $gBlack$b hoped that $gWhite$b would not notice either of the $gattack$bs on his
$gqueen$b.]
20.Qxf7+ Qxf7 21.Rxf7 Bxe6 22.Nxd5 Bxd5 23.Rxc7
[$gBlack$b resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Hort
.EVENT Sarajevo
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack
1.Nf3 c5 2.b3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Bb2 e6 5.c4 Nc6 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Be2 Be7 8.O-O O-O
9.d4
[We have $gtranspose$bd into a Tarrasch $gDefense$b, which usually involves active
piece play for $gBlack$b but a better $gpawn structure$b for White.]
9...Bg4 10.dxc5
[$gBlack$b's choice of $gopening$b involves accepting an isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
10...Bxc5 11.Nc3 Rc8 12.Rc1 Be7 13.Nd4
[As Aron Nimzovitch showed there are three steps to playing against the
$gisolated pawn$b: $gBlock$bade, $gattack$b, destroy.]
13...Bxe2 14.Ncxe2
[$gWhite$b has the d-$gpawn$b firmly $gblock$baded.]
14...Qd7 15.Nf4 Rfd8 16.Qd3 Ne4 17.Nxc6
[$gWhite$b $gexchange$bs one $gadvantage$b for another. $gBlack$b no longer has to worry about
an $gisolated pawn$b, but the pawn which will land on c6 will be a new target.]
17...bxc6 18.Rc2
[Preparing to double $grook$bs, bringing more pressure against $gBlack$b's weak c-
$gpawn$b.]
18...Bf8 19.Rfc1 Qb7 20.Qe2 Re8 21.Qg4
[Practically forcing $gBlack$b to weaken his $gkingside$b due to the threat of 22.
Nh5.]
21...g6 22.Qd1
[A new weakness has arisen in the $gBlack$b camp, namely the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b. ]
22...Bd6
[Played with the idea of meeting 23. Qd4 with Be5.]
23.Nxd5 Rcd8
[ 23...cxd5 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Rxc8+ Qxc8 26.Qd4 f6 27.Qxd5+ Kg7 28.Qxe4 leaves
White with a winning $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
24.Rxc6 Qb8 25.f4 Re6 26.Qd4
[Black resigned due to his $gmaterial$b disadvantage. If you don't see a clear
winning plan for $gWhite$b after 26...f6 try playing it out against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Lombard
.EVENT Bath
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5
[Petrosian was the first to use this system regularly as $gWhite$b, but now it is
more closely associated with the Kasparov name.]
7.e3 Nd7 8.Nxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 Bd6 10.Qc2
[Notice how the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b and $gbishop$b form a powerful $gbattery$b against the
$gBlack$b $gkingside$b.]
10...h6 11.b4 a6 12.O-O O-O 13.Rb1 Qe7 14.a4 Nf6 15.b5 axb5 16.axb5
[$gWhite$b has given $gBlack$b a backward c-$gpawn$b.]
16...Ne4 17.Bb2 Ng5 18.Ne5
[$gWhite$b stands better due to his more active $gbishop$bs.]
18...Bxe5 19.dxe5 d4
[$gBlack$b thinks that the opening of the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b is worth the
investment of a $gpawn$b. But Petrosian simply ignores the offering and maintains
the $ginitiative$b instead. A valuable lesson in the relative merits of the
two!]
20.f4
[Stopping $gBlack$b's trick of Nf3+ and Qg5. ]
20...Ne6 21.f5 Qg5 22.fxe6 Qxe3+ 23.Qf2
[$gBlack$b resigned as after 23...Qxd3 24. exf7+ Kh8 25. e6 as he has no good way
of stopping the White $gpawn$bs. Otherwise he is just a $gpiece$b down.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Venalainen
.EVENT Nice Olympiad
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1974
.OPENING Hedgehog
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bg7 6.e4 d6
[By $gtransposition$b we have reached a Sicilian $gDefense$b, the Maroczy $gBind$b
$gVariation$b where $gWhite$b's twin pillars at e4 and c4 restrict $gBlack$b's options,
but the $gbishop$b at g7 can become powerful.]
7.Be2 O-O 8.O-O Nc6 9.Be3 Bd7 10.Qd2 a6 11.f3 Qa5 12.Nb3 Qd8
[$gBlack$b has invested some time in luring the $gWhite$b $gknight$b away from d4.]
13.Rfd1 b6 14.Rac1
[White stands better due to his better $gdevelopment$b and $gbind$b on the light
squares.]
14...Rb8 15.Kh1
[If the position opens up $gWhite$b's $gking$b will be safer tucked away in the
corner.]
15...Be6 16.Nd5 Nd7
[ 16...Bxd5 17.cxd5 Na7 18.Bxa6]
17.Nd4
[$gWhite$b's central superiority is obvious.]
17...Nxd4 18.Bxd4 Bxd4 19.Qxd4 Re8 20.Rc3
[The rook lift is an important prelude to White's coming $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
20...Qc8 21.f4 Qc5 22.Qd2 Rbc8 23.Rdc1 Qf2 24.Rf1 Qh4 25.f5 Bxd5 26.exd5
[$gBlack$b resigned as he is $gdefense$bless against the $gWhite$b $gattack$b on the h-$gfile$b.
For example:]
26...Ne5 27.fxg6 hxg6 28.Rh3 Qe4 29.Qh6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Kupreichik
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1976
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.cxd5 cxd5 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Bf4 e6 7.e3 Bd6 8.Bg3
[This retreat allows White to recapture with the h-pawn and open a file in the
event that $gBlack$b chooses to $gcapture$b at g3.]
8...Ne4
[A violation of the $gopening$b principle that one should generally not move a
single piece twice in the opening before completing $gdevelopment$b.]
9.Nxe4 dxe4 10.Nd2
[Now $gBlack$b has to worry about defending the weak $gpawn$b at e4.]
10...Bxg3 11.hxg3 e5 12.dxe5 Qa5
[ 12...Nxe5 13.Qa4+ Nc6 14.Qxe4+]
13.Qb3
[$gWhite$b is willing to give back the $gpawn$b at e5, in return for the right to
develop his pieces quickly.]
13...Qxe5 14.Be2 Qe7
[$gBlack$b drops the $gqueen$b back to defend the b-$gpawn$b, thus freeing up the $gbishop$b.
But the real problem is that he is behind in $gdevelopment$b.]
15.Rc1 O-O
[$gBlack$b falls into a $gtrap$b. $gCastling$b should be done early in the game, but not
after the h-$gfile$b is already open!]
16.Nxe4 Qxe4 17.Bd3 Qb4+
[Perhaps $gBlack$b counted on this move to solve his problems. 17...Qxg2 18.Bxh7+
Kh8 19.Be4+ Qxh1+ 20.Bxh1]
18.Qxb4 Nxb4 19.Bxh7+ Kh8 20.Bb1+
[$gWhite$b has two $gpawn$bs for the $gpiece$b but more importantly his pieces are in no
position to defend the $gking$b because they have never entered the game.]
20...Kg8 21.Rc4
[$gBlack$b probably missed this $grook$b lift when he castled. $gWhite$b's idea is to play
Rch4 and Rh8 $gmate$b.]
21...a5 22.Bh7+ Kh8 23.Bf5+
[$gBlack$b resigned as $gmate$b in unavoidable. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Harandi
.EVENT Rio de Janeiro Interzonal
.THEME {S3}
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3 Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bf4 Bd6 8.Bg3 O-O
9.e3 Ne4 10.Qb3 c6
[ 10...Re8 11.Bd3 c5 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.Qc2 when $gWhite$b stands better because of
$gBlack$b's isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
11.Bd3 Re8 12.Bxe4 dxe4 13.Ne5 Bxe5 14.dxe5
[Taking back with the pawn is surprising at first, but how is $gBlack$b going to
defend the d-$gpawn$b?  $gWhite$b also gets a grip on the d6 square.]
14...Nd7
[ 14...c5 15.Rd1 Qc8 16.Nb5 when $gBlack$b has no way of preventing the $gknight$b
from penetrating to d6.]
15.Nxe4 Nxe5 16.Rd1 Qc7 17.Nd6 Ba6
[ 17...Re6 18.Nc4 would win $gmaterial$b because of the $gpin$b on the $gBlack$b
$gknight$b.]
18.Nxe8 Rxe8
[$gBlack$b has lost the $gexchange$b and all that remains is for the White king to
find a safe home.]
19.f3
[With the idea of making a safe haven for the king.]
19...Qc8 20.Bxe5 Rxe5 21.Kf2 h6 22.Rd2 c5 23.Rhd1 Re8 24.Rd7 c4 25.Qb4
[$gBlack$b resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit. If you don't see a
winning plan for $gWhite$b try defending it against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Timman
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Las Palmas Interzonal
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.a4 Bg4 6.Ne5 Bh5 7.f3
[The idea is to build a strong $gpawn$b $gcenter$b but this plan makes it very hard
for $gWhite$b to castle.]
7...Nfd7 8.Nxc4 e5
[A $gtempo$brary pawn sacrifice which allows $gBlack$b to develop quickly and take
over the $ginitiative$b.]
9.Nxe5 Nxe5 10.dxe5 Nd7 11.f4 Bb4 12.Qc2 Qe7
[Played with the idea of gaining the e4 square after 13...f6 14 exf6 Nxf6.]
13.e4 g5 14.Be2
[ 14.g4 Bxg4 15.Rg1 h5 16.h3 Qc5 17.Rg3 gxf4 when $gBlack$b is winning because of
$gWhite$b's shattered position.]
14...gxf4 15.e6
[This $gpawn$b thrust is to ambitious. 15.Bxh5 Qh4+ 16.Qf2 Qxh5 17.Bxf4 was a
better way to play.]
15...Qh4+ 16.Kf1
[ 16.g3 fxg3 17.exd7+ Ke7 leaves $gBlack$b with an overwhelming position. ]
16...Bxe2+ 17.Qxe2 fxe6
[$gBlack$b has a won game due to his $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b and White's exposed
$gking$b.]
18.Qf2 Qe7 19.e5 Nxe5 20.Bxf4 Rf8 21.Rd1 Bc5
[$gWhite$b resigned because of $gBlack$b's winning $gattack$b down the f-$gfile$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Minic
.EVENT Sarajevo
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING King's Indian
1.c4 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 c5 4.d5 d6 5.e4 Nf6
[After 5 moves we have reached a position from the $gKing$b's Indian $gDefense$b.]
6.Bd3 O-O 7.Bg5 h6 8.Bd2 e6
[$gBlack$b adopts the strategy of the Modern Benoni $gopening$b.]
9.h3 exd5 10.exd5 Re8+ 11.Nge2 a6
[ 11...Na6 This might be better, moving the $gknight$b to c7 before occupying a6.]
12.a4
[A preventative move with the idea of discouraging $gBlack$b's intended $gpawn$b b5.]
12...Nfd7 13.f4
[This is not only a $gkingside$b $gattack$bing move but a positional move which
takes away the e5 square from the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs.]
13...Qh4+
[This $gcheck$b does not accomplish anything, since $gWhite$b's $gking$b is better off at
f1 than on the exposed e-$gfile$b. 13...Nf8 may be the $gbest move$b at this point.]
14.Kf1 b6 15.Qe1 Qd8 16.g4 a5 17.Qg3 Nf6 18.f5
[With the $gBlack$b $gknight$b no longer able to go to e5 $gWhite$b immediately launches a
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
18...Nbd7
[$gBlack$b $gsacrifice$bs a $gpawn$b for play down the f-$gfile$b.]
19.fxg6 fxg6 20.Bxg6 Rf8 21.Kg2
[The $gking$b could be in danger on the f-$gfile$b, since there is a $gBlack$b $grook$b at
f8.]
21...Ne5 22.Bd3 Ra7
[ 22...Nxd3 23.Qxd3 Bxg4 24.hxg4 Nxg4 $gBlack$b is $gattack$bing with just a $gknight$b,
supported by a $grook$b, but the $gqueen$b cannot help out: 25.Raf1 Rxf1 26.Rxf1 Qh4
27.Qh3]
23.Nf4 Raf7 24.Be2 Nh7
[$gBlack$b wants to move this $gknight$b to g5.]
25.Rhf1 Nf6
[But now it returns back home. 25...Ng5 26.h4 Nh7 27.Ne6 Bxe6 28.dxe6 Rxf1
29.Rxf1 Rxf1 30.Bxf1 Qe7 31.Nd5 Qxe6 32.Be2 Nd7 33.Bd3 Bxb2 34.Bf5 Qf7
35.Qxd6]
26.Rae1 Re7 27.b3 Rfe8 28.Bd1 Nf7 29.Rxe7 Rxe7 30.Be2
[$gBlack$b resigned because he is $gmaterial$b down and without $gcounterplay$b.
At this level of competition that is more than sufficient reason.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1963
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.c4 g6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.e3 O-O 6.Be2 dxc4 7.Bxc4 c5 8.d5 e6
9.dxe6 Qxd1+ 10.Kxd1 Bxe6 11.Bxe6 fxe6 12.Ke2
[A dynamic position has arisen. True $gBlack$b has an isolated e-$gpawn$b. However,
this is compensated for by his $gqueenside$b $gpawn majority$b and slightly
more active $gpiece$bs.]
12...Nc6 13.Rd1 Rad8
[ 13...Kf7 Giving the e-$gpawn$b protection is preferable.]
14.Rxd8 Rxd8 15.Ng5
[A well disguised idea. The $gknight$b is actually heading to e4 but is currently
$gattack$bing the e-$gpawn$b.]
15...Re8 16.Nge4 Nxe4 17.Nxe4 b6 18.Rb1
[Freeing the $gbishop$b from the $gdefense$b of the b-$gpawn$b.]
18...Nb4 19.Bd2
[The a-$gpawn$b is poisoned.]
19...Nd5
[ 19...Nxa2 20.Ra1 Nb4 21.Bxb4 cxb4 22.Rxa7 Bxb2 23.Rb7 Regains the $gpawn$b while
leaving $gBlack$b with all the weaknesses.]
20.a4
[White restrains the enemy $gpawn majority$b.]
20...Rc8 21.b3 Bf8
[The $gBlack$b $gbishop$b heads to e7 to keep the reins on the $gWhite$b $gknight$b.]
22.Rc1 Be7
[ 22...Rc7 would have protected the $gBlack$b $grook$b and thus of broken the
$gpin$b.]
23.b4 c4
[ 23...Kf7 24.bxc5 bxc5 would leave $gBlack$b with an $gisolated pawn$b at c5.]
24.b5 Kf7 25.Bc3
[Remember these three steps to winning an isolated pawn, $gblockade$b, $gattack$b,
destroy.]
25...Ba3 26.Rc2 Nxc3+ 27.Rxc3 Bb4 28.Rc2 Ke7 29.Nd2 c3 30.Ne4 Ba5 31.Kd3 Rd8+
32.Kc4 Rd1 33.Nxc3
[White has followed through on his plan, $gblockade$b, $gattack$b, destroy.]
33...Rh1 34.Ne4
[A deep move to understand with $gvariation$bs. The idea is that the h2 $gpawn$b is
insignificant compared with the dominant posts $gWhite$b gains for his $gpiece$bs.]
34...Rxh2 35.Kd4 Kd7
[Played to stop the White rook from penetrating to the 7th. 35...Rxg2 36.Rc7+
Ke8 37.Ke5 leaves the $gBlack$b $gking$b in a mating net.]
36.g3 Bb4 37.Ke5 Rh5+ 38.Kf6 Be7+ 39.Kg7 e5 40.Rc6 Rh1
[$gWhite$b has an overwhelming $gadvantage$b because of his swarming $gpiece$bs.]
41.Kf7 Ra1 42.Re6 Bd8 43.Rd6+ Kc8 44.Ke8 Bc7 45.Rc6 Rd1 46.Ng5 Rd8+ 47.Kf7
Rd7+ 48.Kg8
[$gBlack$b resigned because he will be unable to save his $gkingside$b pawns.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Fischer
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Candidates' Tournament
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Bb4 5.e5 h6 6.Bd2 Bxc3 7.Bxc3 Ne4 8.Ba5 O-O
9.Bd3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b $gdevelops$b with $gtempo$b at the $gbishop$b's expense.]
10.Bc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3
[White is worse because of his doubled c-pawns and backward $gdevelopment$b.]
11...f6 12.f4
[Since White is lagging behind in $gdevelopment$b he desperately tries to keep
the position closed. 12.exf6 Qxf6 13.Nf3 e5 when $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b would
give him a big $gadvantage$b.]
12...fxe5 13.fxe5 Ne7
[The $gknight$b makes way for operations against $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b and
$gqueenside$b.]
14.Nf3 c5 15.O-O Qa5 16.Qe1 Bd7
[$gBlack$b is building up his $gforce$bs for an $gattack$b against $gWhite$b's doubled c-
$gpawn$bs.]
17.c4 Qxe1 18.Rfxe1 dxc4 19.Be4
[$gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs a $gpawn$b to free his $gpiece$bs up. 19.Bxc4 b5 20.Bd3 c4 allows
$gBlack$b to stabilize his $gqueenside$b $gadvantage$b.]
19...cxd4 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Ba6 Rb4 22.Rad1 d3
[Petrosian eliminates the remaining obstacle and creates a $gpassed pawn$b.]
23.cxd3 cxd3 24.Rxd3 Bc6
[$gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b due to, the $gWhite$b $gbishop$b being offside while his
$gminor piece$bs have an excellent post on d5.]
25.Rd4
[ 25.Nd4 Bd5 would leave the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs in each others way.]
25...Rxd4 26.Nxd4 Bd5 27.a4 Rf4 28.Rd1 Ng6 29.Bc8 Kf7 30.a5 Nxe5 31.a6
[With $gBlack$b being a clear $gpawn$b up $gWhite$b's chances rest with the a-pawn.]
31...Rg4 32.Rd2 Nc4 33.Rf2+ Ke7 34.Nb5 Nd6 35.Nxd6
[ 35.Nxa7 Rc4 Wins $gmaterial$b for $gBlack$b.]
35...Kxd6 36.Bb7 Bxb7 37.axb7 Kc7 38.h3
[ 38.Rf7+ Kb8 39.Kf2 a5 40.Re7 Rg6 41.Rd7 e5 42.Rd5 Ra6 when $gWhite$b has no good
way of stopping the a-$gpawn$bs advance.]
38...Rg5 39.Rb2 Kb8 40.Kf2 Rd5 41.Ke3 Rd7 42.Ke4 Rxb7 43.Rf2
[$gWhite$b resigned because he is two $gpawn$bs down.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Schweber
.EVENT Stockholm Interzonal
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Bg5 h6 7.Be3 e5 8.d5 c6 9.h4
cxd5 10.cxd5 Nbd7 11.h5 g5
[$gForce$bd as $gBlack$b would come under a direct $gkingside$b $gattack$b if he allowed
the h-$gfile$b to be opened. ]
12.f3 a6 13.g4
[The White $gpawn chain$b from d5-h5 holds the $gBlack$b army in a complete lock.
$gBlack$b has no $gspace$b for his $gpiece$bs and must sit and wait while his opponent
finds a plan of $gattack$b.]
13...b5 14.a4 b4
[The $gBlack$b $gpawn$b comes rushing forward. However, it's not backed up by a single
$gBlack$b $gpiece$b.]
15.Nb1 a5 16.Nd2 Nc5
[ 16...Ba6 17.Bxa6 Rxa6 18.Nc4 when $gWhite$b keeps all his $gadvantage$bs, more
active $gpiece$bs, better $gpawn$b structure and targets to $gattack$b a5.]
17.Bxc5 dxc5
[$gWhite$b has traded his good $gbishop$b for a different type of $gadvantage$b: weak c-
$gpawn$b.]
18.Bb5 Bb7 19.Ne2 Ne8 20.Bxe8 Rxe8
[$gWhite$b has the big $gadvantage$b of having the two $gknight$bs in a closed position.
The $gbishop$bs being better in open positions.]
21.Nc4 Ba6 22.Qb3 Qf6 23.Rc1 Bf8 24.Ng3 Bc8
[Played with the idea of trading the $gbishop$b for the $gknight$b in the event of
Nf5. However, $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs have been reduced to total passivity.]
25.O-O Rd8 26.Kg2 Ra7 27.Rf2
[The $gWhite$b $grook$b is headed over to the c-$gfile$b to put more pressure on the weak
$gBlack$b $gpawn$b.]
27...Kh7 28.Rfc2 Qa6
[A miscalculation which costs $gBlack$b a $gpawn$b. However, this wouldn't have
changed the result since it was only a question of time before $gWhite$b wins.]
29.Nxe5 Rc7 30.Nc4 Bg7 31.Qd3 Kg8 32.Rd2 Re7 33.e5
[$gWhite$b returns the e-$gpawn$b in order to promoter a series of $gexchange$bs which
will reduce the game to an elementary ending.]
33...Bxe5 34.Nxe5 Rxe5 35.Qxa6 Bxa6 36.Rxc5 Bc8 37.Rxa5 f5 38.gxf5
Bxf5 39.Nxf5 Rxf5 40.Rb5 Rdf8 41.d6 Rxb5
[ 41...Rxf3 42.d7 would cost $gBlack$b a $grook$b.]
42.axb5 Kf7 43.d7
[$gBlack$b resigned. 43.d7 Rd8 44.b6 Ke7 45.b7 b3 46.Kg3 Kf7 47.b8Q Rxb8 48.d8Q
wins easily.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Bertok
.EVENT Stockholm Interzonal
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1962
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.e3 e6 6.Bxc4 c5 7.O-O b5 8.Bb3 Bb7
9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Rd1 Bd6 11.e4 cxd4 12.Rxd4 Bc5
[ 12...Qb8 13.Rxd6 Qxd6 14.e5 Bxf3 15.Qxf3 Qxe5 16.Bf4 After which $gWhite$b wins
the $grook$b on a8.]
13.Rd3 Ng4
[A natural and energetic response to the $gthreat$b of e5. 13...Qb8 Also gains
$gcontrol$b of the e5 square.]
14.Bg5
[Developing the $gbishop$b with a gain of $gtempo$b.]
14...Qb6
[ 14...Bxf2+ 15.Kf1 Qb6 16.h3 when $gBlack$b has to many $gpiece$bs hanging.]
15.Nd5
[A powerful thrust made possible because the $gBlack$b $gking$b hasn't found time to
castle.]
15...Qa5
[ 15...exd5 16.exd5+ Kf8 17.d6 Re8 18.Be7+ Kg8 19.Bxf7+ Kxf7 20.Ng5+ when
$gBlack$b finds himself in a mating net.]
16.Rf1
[$gBlack$b's only $gthreat$b is eliminated, and he is left with his $gking$b still in the
$gcenter$b.]
16...Rc8 17.Nf4 Nge5 18.Nxe5 Nxe5 19.Rh3
[Played with the idea of discouraging $gBlack$b from $gcastling$b.]
19...Nc4 20.Rd1 Qb6 21.Nh5 Rg8
[ 21...O-O would be refuted by 22.Nf6+ gxf6 23.Bxf6 Rfd8 24.Rxh7 Kxh7 25.Qh5+
Kg8 26.Qh8+ $gMate$b.]
22.Rhd3 Nd6 23.e5 Ne4 24.Be3
[ 24.Rd8+ Rxd8 25.Rxd8+ Qxd8 26.Bxd8 Kxd8 when $gBlack$b's active $gpiece$bs give him
the $ginitiative$b.]
24...Bxe3 25.Rxe3 Qc6 26.Qg4 Ke7 27.Rde1 f5 28.exf6+ gxf6 29.Qh3
[The $gWhite$b $gqueen$b eyes $gBlack$b's weak e6-$gpawn$b for the final assault on the
uncastled $gking$b.]
29...f5 30.f3 Ng5 31.Qxf5 Rcf8 32.Rxe6+ Nxe6 33.Rxe6+ Kd8 34.Qd3+
[$gBlack$b resigned as 34...Qd7 drops the $gqueen$b to 35. Rd6.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Schmid
.EVENT Zurich
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 c5 2.d5 d6 3.c4 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5.e4 Nf6 6.Be2 O-O 7.Nf3 e6 8.O-O exd5
9.cxd5
[The Modern Benoni is a very $gsharp$b $gopening$b, thanks to the precarious central
formation.]
9...Re8 10.Nd2 Na6 11.f3 Nc7 12.a4 b6 13.Nc4
[Even though many moves have been played, both combatants are well-prepared,
and had been $gstudy$bing these formations.]
13...Ba6 14.Bg5 Bxc4 15.Bxc4 a6 16.Kh1
[If the game opens up the $gking$b will be safer tucked away in the corner.]
16...Rb8 17.Qe2 Qc8 18.Bf4 Bf8 19.Rab1 Nh5
[ 19...b5 20.axb5 axb5 21.Nxb5 Nxb5 22.Bxb5 $gWhite$b would win a $gpawn$b and have an
$gattack$b on the $gBlack$b $grook$b.]
20.Bd2
[White has $gdeveloped$b his pieces for play on either wing, depending on what
plan $gBlack$b chooses.]
20...f5 21.g4
[$gBlack$b will find his $gpiece$bs lack coordination to defend against the direct
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
21...Nf6
[ 21...fxg4 22.fxg4 Ng7 23.Rf2 when $gBlack$b would be defenceless on the f-$gfile$b.]
22.gxf5
[The open g-$gfile$b will be the $gkey$b to $gWhite$b's success in this game.]
22...gxf5 23.Rg1+ Kh8 24.Rg3
[$gWhite$b prepares to double $grook$bs on the g-$gfile$b.]
24...Re7 25.Rbg1 Rg7 26.e5
[This central $gbreak$b allows all the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs to participate in the $gattack$b.
While his counterparts can only watch on helplessly out of play.]
26...dxe5 27.Qxe5 Nce8 28.Rxg7 Bxg7 29.Rxg7
[White sacrifices the $gexchange$b which allows the White queen and $gbishop$bs to
weave a mating net.]
29...Kxg7 30.Qe7+ Kg6 31.d6
[$gBlack$b resigned. 31.d6 Qb7 32.Qe3 when Black's $gking$b cannot escape.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.d4 Bb7 5.a3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.e3
[Petrosian was successful with this line but it didn't become popular until
Kasparov took it up in the 1980s.]
7...Be7 8.Bb5+ c6 9.Bd3 c5 10.Nxd5 Qxd5 11.dxc5 Qxc5 12.Bd2 Nc6 13.Rc1 Qd6
14.Qc2 Rc8 15.O-O h6
[This weakens the $gBlack$b $gkingside$b. 15...Bf6 Followed by g6 would be less
weakening.]
16.Rfd1 O-O 17.Bc3 Qb8 18.Qa4
[The queen prepares to switch over to the $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
18...Rfd8 19.Qe4
[White $gforce$bs another weakening in the $gBlack$b $gpawn structure$b due to the
$gthreat$b of Qh7+.]
19...g6
[Look at this position. All $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are on the $gqueenside$b, and the
$gking$b stands naked in the corner. $gWhite$b will destroy the $gBlack$b fortress with a
strong $gattack$b, using his better-placed $gpiece$bs.]
20.Qg4 h5
[ 20...Kh7 21.Bxg6+ fxg6 22.Qxe6 Gives $gWhite$b a winning $gattack$b.]
21.Qh3 f5
[Played with the idea of stopping White from playing $gpawn$b g4. However, $gBlack$b
has new problems on the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
22.Bc4 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Kf7 24.e4
[After this central $gbreak$b $gBlack$b's position collapses .]
24...Qf4 25.Re1 Qg4 26.exf5
[$gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs his $gbishop$b in order to $gbreak$b open $gBlack$b's $gking$b position.]
26...Qxc4
[ 26...gxf5 27.Bxe6+ Kf8 28.Bxc8]
27.fxg6+ Ke8
[Now White has a powerful $gpassed pawn$b, which also helps the $gattack$b by
covering the f7-square. 27...Kxg6 28.Rxe6+ Kf7 29.Rxc6 Qxc6 30.Ne5+ when $gWhite$b
wins the $gqueen$b.]
28.g7 e5
[ 28...Kd7 29.Rd1+ Kc7 30.Qg3+ Wins $gmaterial$b for White.]
29.Qxh5+ Kd7 30.Rd1+ Bd6 31.Bxe5 Nd4
[ 31...Nxe5 32.Nxe5+]
32.Nxd4
[$gBlack$b resigned. 32.Nxd4 Bxe5 33.Nf3+ Bd6 34.Ne5+ would win the Black $gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Larsen
.EVENT Copenhagen
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING Wade Defense
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 d6 3.Nf3 Bg4
[An unusual $gopening$b, but playable.]
4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.e4 e5 6.Be2 Be7 7.O-O O-O 8.Be3 Bh5
[Since White will $gexchange$b $gbishop$bs anyway (by Nd2), this amounts to a
waste of time. Better was 8...c6.]
9.Nd2 Bxe2 10.Qxe2 exd4
[$gBlack$b $gexchange$bs in the $gcenter$b. Otherwise $gWhite$b would play $gpawn$b d5 giving
$gBlack$b a $gbad bishop$b.]
11.Bxd4 Re8 12.f4 Bf8 13.Rad1 a6
[$gWhite$b has a big $gspace$b $gadvantage$b which means a greater choice of plans.]
14.Qf3 c6 15.g4
[With the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs
so cramped they don't have room to defend against the direct $gkingside$b
$gattack$b.]
15...Nc5 16.Bxc5 dxc5
[$gWhite$b has given $gBlack$b doubled c-$gpawn$bs. While gaining a 4 to 3 majority on the
$gkingside$b. In effect $gBlack$b is a pawn down.]
17.e5 Nd7 18.Nde4 Qc7 19.Rd3
[From d3 the $gWhite$b $grook$b keeps an eye on both the d-$gfile$b and h3 square.]
19...Nb6 20.b3 Rad8 21.Rfd1 Be7 22.g5
[The pawn makes way for the decisive $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
22...Nc8 23.Qh5 Rxd3
[ 23...g6 24.Qh6 Rxd3 25.Rxd3 Rd8 26.Nf6+ Bxf6 27.exf6 Rxd3 28.Qg7++]
24.Rxd3
[White's $gkingside$b $gpawn majority$b is amplified by the fact that one of
the $gpawn$bs occupies a strong position at e5.]
24...Rd8
[Here $gWhite$b has a crushing $gsacrifice$b. Can you find it?]
25.Nf6+
.QUIZ 25.Nf6
[A $gsacrifice$b which opens up the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
25...gxf6 26.Rh3 Kf8 27.Qxh7 Ke8 28.g6 Bf8
[ 28...fxg6 29.e6 takes away $gBlack$b's $gflight square$b.]
29.g7 Bxg7 30.Qxg7
[Although, $gmaterial$b is equal White still has a winning $gattack$b.]
30...Qe7
[ 30...Kd7 31.Rd3+ Ke8 32.Qh8+ Ke7 33.exf6+ Ke6 34.Qxd8]
31.Ne4 Rd1+ 32.Kf2 f5 33.Nf6+ Kd8 34.Rh8+
[$gBlack$b resigned as his $gqueen$b will be $gtrap$bped next move. 34.Rh8+ Kc7 35.Re8]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Suetin
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING English
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.e3 e6 5.d4 d5 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Be2 a6 8.O-O c4
9.Ne5 Qc7
[ 9...Bd6 is correct, so that $gBlack$b can castle quickly.]
10.Nxc6 Qxc6 11.b3 b5
[ 11...Bb4, was better, developing the $gbishop$b with $gtempo$b while preparing
to castle.]
12.bxc4 bxc4 13.e4
[With the $gBlack$b $gking$b in the $gcenter$b, this explosive $gpawn$b thrust gives $gWhite$b an
$gadvantage$b.]
13...dxe4
[$gOpening$b up the position with his $gking$b in the $gcenter$b is a mistake.]
14.Bg5 Bf5
[ 14...Be7 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Nxe4 O-O 17.d5 Qb6 18.Rb1 Qd4 19.Nxf6+ Qxf6 20.Bxc4
$gWhite$b has won a $gpawn$b but the $gBlack$b $gking$b is safe.]
15.d5 Qc7 16.Bxf6 gxf6
[White has a winning position due to $gBlack$b's wrecked $gpawn structure$b and
vulnerable $gking$b.]
17.Bg4 Bxg4 18.Qxg4 Qe5 19.Nxe4 f5 20.Qh5 O-O-O
[ 20...Qxe4 21.Rfe1 wins the $gqueen$b.]
21.Nd2 c3 22.Nc4 Qd4 23.Qxf5+ Rd7 24.Ne5
[$gBlack$b resigned due to the $gpin$bning of his rook.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Matanovic
.EVENT USSR vs. Yugoslavia
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Nf3 O-O 6.Be2 b6 7.O-O Bb7 8.Na4 cxd4
9.exd4 Qc7
[$gBlack$b overestimates his chances. His first concern should have been for the
safety of his dark squared $gbishop$b. 9...Be7 Followed by $gpawn$b d5 was better.]
10.c5 bxc5 11.a3 Ba5 12.dxc5 Ng4
[This was the trick $gBlack$b had in mind when playing 9...Qc7.]
13.h3 Bxf3 14.hxg4 Bxe2 15.Qxe2 Qc6 16.b3 Bc7 17.Rd1 Na6
[$gWhite$b stands much better due to his hold on the open $gfile$bs and central
squares.]
18.Be3 f5 19.gxf5 Rxf5 20.Rac1 Be5
[ 20...Raf8]
21.f4 Bc7
[ 21...Bxf4 22.Bxf4 Rxf4 23.Rd6 Qb7 24.Rxa6 leaves $gWhite$b up a $gpiece$b.]
22.Nb6
[A surprising blow which quickly ends the game.]
22...axb6 23.cxb6 Qb7 24.Rxd7
[White wins $gmaterial$b because of the $gpin$b on the $gbishop$b.]
24...Rf7 25.Rxf7 Kxf7 26.bxc7 Rc8
[ 26...Nxc7 27.Qh5+ Kg8 28.Qe5 Rc8 29.Bd4 Ne8 30.Qxe6+]
27.Qh5+ Kf8 28.Rd1 Qxc7 29.Qxh7 Qc3 30.Bd4
[$gBlack$b resigned in view of the $gdouble attach$b on g7.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Khasin
.EVENT USSR Semi-Finals
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1957
.OPENING Catalan
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Be7 5.O-O O-O 6.d4 c6 7.Nc3 b6
[A typical position from the Catalan $gOpening$b. $gBlack$b's formation is solid.]
8.Ne5
[$gWhite$b posts his $gknight$b in the $gcenter$b while unleashing the $gbishop$b along the
h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b.]
8...Bb7 9.e4 dxc4
[ 9...dxe4 10.Nxe4 Nbd7 Now $gWhite$b can win a $gpawn$b.]
10.Nxc4 Ba6 11.b3 b5 12.Ne5 b4 13.Ne2 Bxe2 14.Qxe2 Qxd4
[$gBlack$b has won a pawn but at the expense of not developing his
$gqueenside$b $gpiece$bs.]
15.Bb2 Qb6 16.Rac1
[Although, a $gpawn$b down $gWhite$b stands better due to his more active $gpiece$bs and
$gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
16...Rd8 17.Qf3 Qa6 18.Rfe1
[Notice how $gBlack$b can't develop his $gqueenside$b without losing $gmaterial$b
i.e. 18...Nbd7 19. Nxc6]
18...Rd2 19.Nc4 Rd8 20.Bf1 Qc8 21.Ne5 c5 22.Nxf7
[White $gbreak$bs down $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b defences.]
22...Kxf7 23.e5 Qc6 24.Qf4
g5 25.Qxg5 Rg8 26.Qf4 Rg4 27.Qe3 Re4 28.Qd3 Rxe1 29.exf6
[This leaves the $gBlack$b $gking$b defenceless.]
29...Rxf1+ 30.Rxf1 Bf8 31.Rd1
[White prevents the $gBlack$b $gqueenside$b from developing with 31...Nd7.]
31...e5 32.Qxh7+ Kxf6 33.f4
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Filip
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Candidates
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 d6 3.Bg2 e5 4.d3 g6 5.O-O Bg7 6.e4 O-O 7.Nbd2 Nbd7 8.a4 a5
9.Nc4 Nc5 10.Be3 Ne6 11.h3
[Played to stop Ng4. 11.Ng5 would also stop Ng4 without weakening $gWhite$b's
castled position.]
11...b6 12.Qd2 Ba6 13.b3 Nh5
[White has been playing without a plan and the $ginitiative$b has passed over
to $gBlack$b, who is preparing for a $gpawn$b advance with f5.]
14.c3 Qe7 15.b4 f5 16.exf5 gxf5 17.Ng5 f4
[With this move the game changes from a positional channel to a tactical one.]
18.Nxe6 Qxe6 19.b5
[This is the $gcritical position$b. If the $gbishop$b retreats from a6 $gWhite$b will have
time to recover. when $gattack$bing, the $ginitiative$b is the most important
thing!]
19...f3 20.bxa6
[ 20.Bxf3 Rxf3 21.bxa6 Qxh3 With the $gthreat$b of Nxg3.]
20...fxg2 21.Kxg2 d5
[The tactics have ended with $gBlack$b on top because of his $gcenter$b $gcontrol$b and
$gWhite$b's exposed $gking$b.]
22.Na3 Rxa6 23.Qe2 Qg6 24.Kh2 Raa8 25.Nc2 Rae8 26.Rae1 c5 27.Rg1 Nf6
[With all of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs centralized he is now ready for the central $gbreak$b
with d4.]
28.Qd2 d4 29.cxd4 cxd4 30.Bg5 Nd5 31.Rg2
[ 31.Re4 would put up more resistance.]
31...Rf3 32.Re4 Nc3 33.Rg4 h5 34.Rh4 Rxd3 35.Qc1 Rd1 36.Qb2 Rb1
[$gWhite$b resigned as he will lose his $gqueen$b to Bf8.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Horowitz
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT USSR vs USA Match
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1955
.OPENING Benoni
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e5 4.Nc3 d6 5.e4 g6 6.g3 Bg7 7.Bg2 O-O 8.Nge2 Nh5 9.O-O
Nd7 10.Be3 f5 11.f4 exf4
[Since $gWhite$b has more room for his $gpiece$bs, it wouldn't make sense to maintain
the central tension. While after these $gexchange$bs $gBlack$b gains the e5 square for
his $gpiece$bs.]
12.Nxf4 Nxf4 13.Bxf4
[ 13.gxf4 fxe4 14.Nxe4 Nf6 is fine for $gBlack$b due to the $ghole$bs in $gWhite$b's
position.]
13...Ne5
[This $goutpost$b at e5 is the foundation of $gBlack$b's winning strategy.]
14.Qe2 a6 15.Bh3
[Played with the idea of exchanging his bad light squared $gbishop$b.]
15...Bd7 16.exf5 gxf5
[Takes away the e4 square from $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs. 16...Bxf5 would play into
$gWhite$b's hands after 17.Bxf5 Rxf5 18.Ne4]
17.Rae1 Qe8 18.Nd1 Qg6 19.Ne3 Rae8 20.Qc2 Qh5
[$gBlack$b eases the pressure against his f-$gpawn$b by driving back the light squared
$gbishop$b.]
21.Bg2 Re7 22.b4 b6 23.bxc5 bxc5 24.Qb3 Rfe8 25.Nc2 a5
[Before beginning play in the $gcenter$b $gBlack$b locks up the $gqueenside$b.]
26.h3 a4 27.Qb6 Qg6 28.Qa6 Bh6 29.Kh1
[Very nice $gBlack$b $gexchange$bs off White's best $gminor piece$b.]
29...Bxf4 30.gxf4 Nd3 31.Rxe7 Rxe7
[$gWhite$b has no way of opposing the invasion of the $gBlack$b army.]
32.Qa5 Re2 33.Qd8+ Be8 34.Bf3 Rxc2 35.Bh5 Nf2+
[White resigned, since he gets $gcheck$bmated after.]
36.Rxf2 Rc1+ 37.Kh2 Qg1+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Czerniak
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Belgrade
.THEME {S23}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.c3 Nf6 4.Qc2 Qc7 5.d3 g6 6.Be2
[$gWhite$b is playing the $gopening$b with no ambition whatsoever, and $gBlack$b achieves
a comfortable game effortlessly.]
6...Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.h3 b6 9.Bf4 Nbd7 10.Nbd2 Bb7 11.Bh2 e5 12.Nh4
[ 12.Nc4 would be more solid.]
12...d5
[After $gWhite$b has taken a $gpiece$b away from the $gcenter$b, $gBlack$b wastes no time in
grabbing the $ginitiative$b.]
13.f4
[ 13.Nhf3 $gWhite$b should admit his last move was a mistake and bring the $gknight$b
back into play.]
13...exf4 14.Bxf4 Qd8 15.Nhf3 Re8 16.Rad1
[$gWhite$b uses "man-on-man" coverage by setting up an $gopposition$b between this
rook and the enemy queen. This indirectly prevents $gBlack$b from taking the e-
$gpawn$b.]
16...c4
[$gWhite$b will be unable to maintain his $gcenter$b against the powerful blows being
hammered upon it. 16...dxe4 17.Nxe4 Nxe4 18.dxe4 Bxe4 19.Qa4 Bf5 20.Bb5]
17.e5 cxd3 18.Bxd3 Nh5 19.Bg5 Qc7 20.Bb5 Qc5+ 21.Nd4
[With this $gblockade$b White locks the Bb7 out of the game.]
21...Rxe5
[$gBlack$b has won a $gpawn$b. However, some tactical complications come with it.]
22.N2f3 Rxg5 23.Bxd7
[ 23.Nxg5 Bxd4+ 24.Rxd4 Qxb5 25.Rxf7 Rf8 26.Rxf8+ Nxf8 27.Qf2 Qd7]
23...Rg3 24.Qf2 Qc7 25.Bg4 Nf6
[ 25...Re8 26.Bxh5 gxh5 27.Nf5]
26.Nb5 Qb8 27.Nh2 h5 28.Bf3 Rg5
[The main tactics are over with $gBlack$b keeping his $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b.]
29.Rfe1 a6 30.Na3
[The $gWhite$b $gknight$bs are misplaced away from the $gcenter$b.]
30...Qc7 31.c4 Ne4 32.Qe3 Bh6 33.Qd4 Bf8
[White has no way out of the coming $gpin$b.]
34.Qe3 Bc5 35.Rd4 Re8 36.Nc2 Rge5 37.Qh6 Ng5 38.Qxg5 Bxd4+ 39.Nxd4 Rxe1+
40.Nf1
[$gWhite$b resigned as $gBlack$b is two $gexchange$bs ahead.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Polugaevsky
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1961
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 O-O 5.Bd3 d5 6.Nf3 c5 7.O-O dxc4 8.Bxc4 Nbd7
9.Qe2 a6 10.a3 cxd4
[$gBlack$b could also keep the tension with 10...Ba5.]
11.axb4 dxc3 12.bxc3
[At a first glance the position seems to favor $gWhite$b with the two $gbishop$bs.
However, $gBlack$b will have play against $gWhite$b's backward c-$gpawn$b.]
12...Qc7 13.Bb2 e5
[Gains $gspace$b and makes an out for the light squared $gbishop$b.]
14.e4 Nb6 15.Bd3 Bg4 16.Ra5 Nh5 17.g3
[Played to prevent Nf4.]
17...Rad8 18.Qe3 f6 19.Rc5 Qd7 20.Be2
[A mistake which was extremely hard to foresee. The $gbishop$b will come under
$gattack$b on e2. Better was 20. Bc2.]
20...Bh3 21.Ra1 Nf4
[$gWhite$b gets $gmate$bd if he takes the $gknight$b.]
22.Rca5
[ 22.gxf4 Qg4+ 23.Kh1 Qg2+ $gMate$b.]
22...Qg4 23.Bc1 Rd6 24.R5a2 Rfd8
[The domination of the only open $gfile$b is the $gkey$b to victory in this game.]
25.Ne1
[White must protect the vulnerable $gback rank$b.]
25...Nxe2+ 26.Qxe2 Qxe2 27.Rxe2
[White has defended well to get this far. However, $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b
carries into the $gendgame$b.]
27...Rd1 28.f3 Nc4
[ 28...R8d3 This would have been more efficient.]
29.Kf2
[White finally gets off the $gback rank$b.]
29...R8d3 30.Rc2 Rd7 31.g4
[A vain attempt to snare the $gbishop$b.]
31...g5 32.Rca2
[ 32.Kg3 Rxe1 33.Kxh3 Rdd1]
32...h5
[Opening yet another avenue into White's $gkingside$b.]
33.gxh5 Be6 34.Re2 Rh7 35.Ng2 Rxh5
[Now White's $gpawn structure$b is too weak.]
36.h4
[$gWhite$b gives up a $gpawn$b to keep the $grook$b out of the $gattack$b.]
36...gxh4 37.Re1 Rxe1 38.Nxe1 Rh7 39.Nc2 h3 40.Be3 Rd7 41.Re1 Kh7 42.Ke2 Nb2
[Being a clear $gpawn$b up $gBlack$b decides the game quickly.]
43.f4 Nd1 44.f5 Bc4+ 45.Kf3 Rd3 46.Rh1 Bb3 47.Rxh3+ Kg8
[White resigned due to the $gpin$b on his $gbishop$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Averbakh
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1959
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5
[This is a $gvariation$b of the Sicilian $gDefense$b where $gBlack$b allows a weakness at
d5, for which there will be some $gcompensation$b later.]
7.Nb3 Be7 8.O-O O-O 9.Bg5 Be6 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.Nd5
[White has a strong $goutpost$b on d5, but it can be eliminated at any time by
capturing on d5.]
11...Nd7 12.Qd3 Rc8 13.c3 Bg5 14.Rad1 Kh8 15.Bf3 g6 16.Ne3 Rc6 17.Rfe1 Nf6
[$gBlack$b has a backward d-$gpawn$b, but it is well protected by the $grook$b. Black
stands better with his more active $gpiece$bs and pending minority $gattack$b on the
$gqueenside$b.]
18.Qe2 b5
[The idea is that the $gcontrol$b of the open $gfile$b allows the b-$gpawn$b to advance
and disrupt the White $gqueenside$b.]
19.Ra1
[ 19.Nd5 Bxd5 20.exd5 Rc4 when $gBlack$b stands better on both $gwing$bs.]
19...Qb6 20.Nd2 a5 21.Ndf1
[$gBlack$b starts the minority $gattack$b rolling.]
21...Rfc8 22.a3 b4
[The $gkey$b thrust!]
23.cxb4 axb4 24.a4
[White has a $gpassed pawn$b but it is useless.]
24...Qa7 25.Red1 Ra6 26.Rd3
[ 26.Nd5 Bxd5 27.exd5 Rxa4 28.Rxa4 Qxa4 29.Bg4 Nxg4 30.Qxg4 Rc5 31.Qxg5 Qxd1]
26...b3 27.a5 Rcc6 28.Qd1 Qc7 29.Nd5 Bxd5 30.exd5 Rc5 31.Rxb3 Raxa5 32.Rxa5
Rxa5
[$gBlack$b's minority $gattack$b has left $gWhite$b with 3 $gpawn$b islands to Black's one.
While, $gWhite$b has two $gisolated pawn$bs that can be $gattack$bed, $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b pawn
is safely tucked away.]
33.Rc3 Qb6 34.Rb3 Qa7 35.Rb4 Kg7 36.h4 Bh6 37.b3
[ 37.g3 Not giving up the $gseventh rank$b offered more resistance.]
37...Ra2 38.Qe1 Qa5 39.Qb1 Ra1 40.Rb5 Qc3
[$gWhite$b resigned because his $gqueen$b has been $gtrap$bped.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Clarke
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Olympiad
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1958
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Qb6 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.a3
[$gWhite$b's play, though accepted by the pundits of $gopening$b theory, is very slow
and $gBlack$b can often obtain the $ginitiative$b.]
6...c4 7.g3 Bd7 8.Bg2 O-O-O 9.O-O Na5
[It is clear that $gBlack$b is playing more actively.]
10.Nbd2 h6 11.Re1 Ne7 12.Nf1 Nf5 13.Ne3
[ 13.g4 would have been more active.]
13...Nxe3 14.Rxe3 Be7 15.Re1 Qb3
[$gBlack$b stands better due to his $gqueenside$b $ginitiative$b. While, White has
no $gcounterplay$b.]
16.Qe2 Ba4
[$gBlack$b prepares to penetrate on the light squares.]
17.Be3 Kb8
[ 17...Qc2 would be more logical.]
18.Rad1 Qc2 19.Rd2 Qf5 20.Rf1 g5
[Having come to naught on the $gqueenside$b $gBlack$b switches his attention to
the other $gwing$b.]
21.h3 h5 22.Nh2 Rdg8 23.g4 Qg6 24.Bf3
[Passive play is doomed to fail. Better was 24. f4. 24.f4 This more active
move would have given $gWhite$b chances to survive.]
24...hxg4 25.Bxg4 Nc6
[The knight also makes its way to the $gkingside$b.]
26.f3 Bd8 27.Bf2 Ne7 28.Re1 Rh6 29.Nf1 Rgh8 30.Bg3 Rxh3
[This $gexchange$b sacrifice shows how fragile the White position is.]
31.Bxh3 Rxh3 32.Qg2 Qh7 33.Ne3 Ng6 34.Ng4
[Played to stop $gBlack$b's intended $gpawn$b g4 and Bg5.]
34...Nf4 35.Bxf4 gxf4 36.Kf1 Rg3 37.Qf2
[ 37.Qh2 Rxf3+ 38.Rf2 Rh3 39.Qxf4 Rh1+ 40.Ke2 Qd3+ $gMate$bs.]
37...Qh3+ 38.Ke2 Rg2 39.Rg1 Rxf2+ 40.Nxf2 Qh7 41.Rh1 Qg6
[White resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Petrosian
.BLACK Gipslis
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1958
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nc3 c5 4.e3 d5 5.d4 Be7 6.cxd5 exd5 7.dxc5
[$gWhite$b has succeeded in giving $gBlack$b an isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
7...Bxc5 8.Be2 O-O 9.O-O Nc6 10.b3 Be6
[ 10...d4 Trying to get rid of the $gisolated pawn$b would fail to 11.Na4]
11.Bb2 Qe7 12.Nb5
[A $gkey$b strategy against the $gisolated pawn$b is to post a $gpiece$b in front of it as
no enemy pawn can drive it away. This is known as a $gblockade$b.]
12...a6 13.Nbd4 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 Ba3
[A mistake since every $gexchange$b will only make the $gisolani$b weaker.
$gBlack$b should strive for $gmiddlegame$b complications with 14...Ne4.  This
targets the c3 square, which is vulnerable if the $gbishop$b moves from b2.]
15.Qc1
[ 15.Bxa3 Qxa3 16.Qc1 $gWhite$b has a stronger position than in the game.]
15...Bxb2 16.Qxb2 Rac8 17.Rac1 h6 18.Bd3 Qd6 19.h3
[$gWhite$b is better since the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs are tied to the defence of the
$gisolated pawn$b.]
19...Nd7 20.Nf5 Bxf5 21.Bxf5 g6 22.Bg4 h5 23.Bf3 Ne5 24.Be2
[A rather amusing $gpawn$b configuration for $gBlack$b. All his pawns are on $gWhite$b
squares which of course can be $gattack$bed by $gWhite$b's light squared $gbishop$b.]
24...Rxc1 25.Rxc1 Rd8 26.Rd1 Qf6 27.Qd4 Qe7 28.Qb6 Rd7 29.b4
[Played with the idea of loosening up $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b.]
29...Nc6 30.Bxa6 Nxb4
[ 30...bxa6 31.Qxc6]
31.Bb5 Rc7 32.a3 Nc2 33.Rxd5 Nxa3 34.Qd4
[$gBlack$b has successfully parted with his isolated d-$gpawn$b. However, new problems
have arisen namely his vulnerable $gback rank$b.]
34...Rc8 35.Bd3
[$gThreat$bening to gain a $gpawn$b with 36. Rd7.]
35...b5 36.Bxg6
[The 8th $grank$b having been defended $gWhite$b turns his attention to the $gseventh
rank$b.]
36...fxg6 37.Rd7 Qf8 38.Qd5+ Kh8 39.Qe5+ Kg8 40.Qe6+ Kh8
[$gBlack$b resigned as $gmate$b would soon follow on 41. Qxg6.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Milner Barry
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT Great Britian vs USSR
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.O-O O-O
9.f4 b5
[A typical reaction to White's $gkingside$b play.]
10.fxe5 dxe5 11.Bg5
[ 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.Bg5 b4 13.Nd5 Nxd5]
11...Nbd7 12.Bd3
[ 12.Nd5 Nxd5 13.Qxd5 Bxg5 14.Qxa8 Qb6+ 15.Kh1 Bb7 would $gtrap$b the $gWhite$b
$gqueen$b.]
12...b4
[ 12...Bb7 Finishing his $gdevelopment$b is also good.]
13.Ne2 a5 14.Ng3 a4 15.Nd2 Nc5 16.Nc4 Be6
[A mistake which should cost $gBlack$b the $ginitiative$b. 16...Ne6 17.Bd2 Qc7
when $gBlack$b $gdominates$b the dark squares.]
17.Bxf6
[A very grave mistake. $gWhite$b parts with his good $gbishop$b and is left
defenceless on the dark squares. 17.Nf5 Bxf5 18.Rxf5 With chances for both
sides.]
17...Bxf6 18.Qe2 g6 19.Rad1 Bg5
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b $gbishop$b takes $gcontrol$b of the dark squares.]
20.Qf2 Qc7 21.Be2 Rfd8 22.b3 Rxd1 23.Rxd1 axb3 24.axb3 Ra2
[The occupation of the $gseventh rank$b is always a good idea. Now the $gpawn$b at
c2 is a target, despite the fact that the c-$gfile$b is closed.]
25.Qe1 Qb8 26.Bd3 h5
[With pressure on both $gwing$bs $gWhite$b's position collapses.]
27.Nf1 Nxd3 28.cxd3 Bg4
[With this move $gBlack$b wins $gmaterial$b and the game. The $gcontrol$b of the
$gseventh rank$b limits the squares available to the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs.]
29.Ra1 Qa7+
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Anderssen
.BLACK Kieseritzky
.EVENT London
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1851
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4
[Known as the "Immortal Game" this magnificent example of Adolf Anderssen's
combinative powers is still considered one of the best games of all time.]
1...e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4 Qh4+ 4.Kf1 b5
[The Bryan Counter-$gGambit$b where $gBlack$b wishes to $gdraw$b the $gbishop$b away from the
a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
5.Bxb5 Nf6 6.Nf3 Qh6
[The $gBlack$b $gqueen$b proves to be out of play here. Better was 6...Qh5.]
7.d3 Nh5
[ 7...g5 was a more natural way to defend the f-$gpawn$b.]
8.Nh4
[ 8.Kg1 would stop $gBlack$b's threat of Ng3+ winning the $gexchange$b. However,
$gWhite$b would now drop a $gpiece$b instead. ]
8...Qg5 9.Nf5 c6
[ 9...g6 10.h4 Qf6 11.Nc3 gxf5 12.Qxh5 would give $gWhite$b the lead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
10.g4 Nf6 11.Rg1
[This $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b pursues $gWhite$b's agressive policy started with 8.Nh4. The
important d5-square will now become available.]
11...cxb5 12.h4 Qg6
[The $gqueen$b is a useless bystander now.]
13.h5 Qg5 14.Qf3
[$gThreat$bens to $gtrap$b the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b with 15.Bxf4.]
14...Ng8
[So $gBlack$b is $gforce$bd to retreat to the home square.]
15.Bxf4 Qf6 16.Nc3
[Although $gWhite$b has only two $gpawn$bs for a $gpiece$b he has a $gwinning position$b due
to his large lead in $gdevelopment$b. $gBlack$b's pieces, with the exception of
the $gqueen$b and the b-$gpawn$b, are all on their original squares.]
16...Bc5 17.Nd5
[This introduces a double $grook$b $gsacrifice$b, where $gWhite$b will give up both of his
$grook$bs, even though he is already a $gpiece$b down.]
17...Qxb2 18.Bd6
[Thus begins the "Immortal $gSacrifice$b".]
18...Qxa1+
[ 18...Bxd6 19.Nxd6+ Kd8 20.Nxf7+ Ke8 when $gWhite$b would have a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in
two.]
19.Ke2 Bxg1
[The best $gdefense$b, as noted by Steinitz, was 19...Qb2, but fortunately for
posterity Kieseritzky didn't figure that out. 19...Qxg1 would again allow
$gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b.]
20.e5
[By $gblock$bing the $gqueen$b off the protection of his g-$gpawn$b. $gWhite$b is $gthreat$bening
to $gmate$b in two with 21.Nxg7+ Kd8 22.Bc7 mate.]
20...Na6
[$gBlack$b covers the c7 square from $gWhite$b's dark squared $gbishop$b. However, just
when you think $gBlack$b might defend, Anderssen explodes the position with yet
another brilliant line.]
21.Nxg7+ Kd8 22.Qf6+
[By sacrificing the $gqueen$b $gWhite$b has $gmate$b next move.]
22...Nxf6
[The only move.]
23.Be7+
[A $gforce$bd $gmate$b by three $gminor piece$bs while $gBlack$b still
has most of his $gpiece$bs on the board. Truly a magnificent game...The Immortal
Game.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Anderssen
.BLACK Dufresne
.EVENT Berlin
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1852
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
[$gWhite$b is playing the Evans $gGambit$b. Sacrificing a $gpawn$b, White wins time for
the realization of the moves c3 and d4 and also obtains the lead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.d4 exd4 7.O-O d3
[ 7...Nge7 Aiming for rapid $gdevelopment$b and preparing $gcounterplay$b in
the $gcenter$b is a better way to play.]
8.Qb3 Qf6 9.e5 Qg6 10.Re1 Nge7 11.Ba3
[$gBlack$b's main problem in this position is his backward $gdevelopment$b on the
$gqueenside$b.]
11...b5
[$gBlack$b gives back one of the $gpawn$bs with the hope of getting his $gqueenside$b
$gpiece$bs into the game.]
12.Qxb5 Rb8 13.Qa4 Bb6 14.Nbd2 Bb7
[Although $gBlack$b has $gdeveloped$b his $gqueenside$b pieces the most important
$gpiece$b is still in the $gcenter$b. In our collection of games you will find many
examples of punishment being meted out when the $gking$b remains too long in the
$gcenter$b.]
15.Ne4 Qf5 16.Bxd3 Qh5 17.Nf6+
[With $gBlack$b's $gking$b stuck in the $gcenter$b $gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs the $gknight$b to open up
the e-$gfile$b.]
17...gxf6 18.exf6 Rg8 19.Rad1
[This leads to one of the most beautiful $gcombination$b ever played. However, 19.
Be4 was also very strong.]
19...Qxf3
[It would appear that White overlooked that his g-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned. However,
this is not the case.]
20.Rxe7+ Nxe7 21.Qxd7+
[Very beautiful! First $gWhite$b sacked the $grook$b and now the $gqueen$b. The idea is to
bring the $gBlack$b $gking$b into a double $gcheck$b on the d-$gfile$b.]
21...Kxd7
[ 21...Kf8 22.Bxe7+ $gMate$b.]
22.Bf5+ Ke8
[ 22...Kc6 allows $gmate$b in one.]
23.Bd7+ Kf8 24.Bxe7+
[Indeed a very pretty way to end the game. After playing through this game you
can easily see why it's a classic that has earned the nickname "The Evergreen
Game".]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Marco
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S24}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bf4 O-O 6.Qc2 c6
[ 6...c5 Moving the $gpawn$b to c5 in one move is an improvement on the game
continuation.]
7.e3 b6
[Played in order to develop his light squared $gbishop$b, which is $gblock$bed by the
e6 $gpawn$b.]
8.a3
[A waste of time. A better idea was developing the rook with 8.Rc1 or
8.Rd1.]
8...Bb7 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Bd3 c5 11.Nb5
[$gWhite$b should not allow the $gBlack$b $gpawn$bs to advance. 11.dxc5 bxc5 would saddle
$gBlack$b with $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b.]
11...Nc6 12.Bf5 g6 13.Bd3
[ 13.Bh3 would keep the $gbishop$b on the h3-c8 $gdiagonal$b.]
13...Rc8
[A mistake which allows $gWhite$b to give $gBlack$b $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b. 13...c4 14.Be2 a6
15.Nc3 b5 would give $gBlack$b the $ginitiative$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
14.dxc5 bxc5
[The $gpawn$bs at c5 and d5 are known as $ghanging pawns$b because they cannot be
defended by other $gpawn$bs and are targets for enemy operations. 14...Bxc5 would
give $gBlack$b active $gpiece$b play for his isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
15.O-O Qd7
[ 15...Qb6 would be better as the $gqueen$b would be less vulnerable to $gattack$b.]
16.Be2 Rfd8 17.Rfd1
[$gWhite$b has the $gadvantage$b because of his pressure against the $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b.]
17...Ne4 18.Nc3 Nxc3 19.Qxc3 d4 20.Qc2
[ 20.exd4 Nxd4 when $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs spring to life.]
20...Na5 21.Ne5 Qe6 22.Qa4 Bf6
[An oversight which costs $gBlack$b the game. 22...Qb6 Removing the $gqueen$b from the
h3-c8 $gdiagonal$b was better. ]
23.Bg4
[With this $gattack$bing move White wins the $gexchange$b.]
23...Qb6 24.Bxc8 Bxc8 25.b4 Bxe5 26.Bxe5 Nc6 27.bxc5 Qxc5 28.Bxd4 Nxd4 29.Rxd4
[$gBlack$b resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Teichmann
.EVENT St.Petersburg
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1909
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Qe2
[The Worrall $gattack$b, $gWhite$b's idea is to lend greater support to the $gcenter$b
through a future Rd1.]
6...b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.d4
[$gWhite$b has achieved an ideal $gpawn$b $gcenter$b. The difference between this position
and the main lines of the Closed $gvariation$b of the Spanish Game is that $gWhite$b
has a $gqueen$b on e2 rather than a $grook$b on e1.]
9...exd4 10.cxd4 Bg4 11.Rd1 d5 12.e5 Ne4 13.Nc3 Nxc3 14.bxc3
[$gBlack$b lacks $gcounterplay$b against White's
impressive $gpawn chain$b.]
14...f6
[A mistake which weakens $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b. 14...Qd7 would finish his
$gdevelopment$b while also connecting the rooks.]
15.h3 Bh5 16.g4 Bf7
[ 16...Bg6 17.Nh4 fxe5 18.Nxg6 hxg6 19.dxe5 would leave $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b
and d-$gpawn$b undefendable.]
17.e6 Bg6
[The $gpawn$b at e6 remains a thorn in $gBlack$b's position.]
18.Nh4
[$gWhite$b has a clear $gadvantage$b in $gcontrol$b of $gspace$b, a very important element in
$gchess$b. The player with more $gspace$b can maneuver more easily and transfer $gpiece$bs
from one $gflank$b to another quickly.]
18...Na5
[ 18...Be8 19.Qf3 Wins the d-$gpawn$b.]
19.Nxg6 hxg6 20.Bc2 f5 21.Kh1
[$gWhite$b clears the g-$gfile$b for his $grook$b.]
21...Bd6 22.gxf5 Qh4 23.Qf3 gxf5 24.Rg1
[$gWhite$b is $gthreat$bening to bring his dark squared $gbishop$b into the game with
25.Bg5.]
24...f4
[Stops $gWhite$b from playing 25.Bg5. However, by playing $gpawn$b f4 $gBlack$b has lost
$gcontrol$b of the g4 square. ]
25.Rg4 Qh6 26.e7
[Opening the d5 $gdiagonal$b to the $gBlack$b king.]
26...Bxe7
[ 26...Rf7 27.Bg6 Rxe7 28.Qxd5+ Kh8 29.Qxa8+ Re8 30.Qxe8+ Bf8 31.Qxf8+ $gMate$bs.]
27.Bxf4 Qe6
[ 27...Qf6 28.Qxd5+]
28.Rxg7+
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you don't see the $gforce$bd win, play this game against Gambit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Reti
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Mahrisch Ostrau
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1923
.OPENING Slav
1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e3 b5
[The Slav $gdefense$b, in which $gBlack$b has won a $gpawn$b but this is only
$gtempo$brary. In return, White can take $gcontrol$b of central squares and
develop pieces.]
6.a4
[An important move, which undermines $gBlack$b's $gpawn chain$b.]
6...b4
[ 6...a6 7.axb5 cxb5 8.Nxb5 allows $gWhite$b to regain his $gpawn$b with $gadvantage$b
because of his better $gpawn structure$b.]
7.Na2 e6 8.Bxc4
[$gWhite$b has regained the $gpawn$b, but the $gknight$b is now misplaced.]
8...Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.Qe2 Nbd7 11.b3
[ 11.e4 Fighting for the $gcenter$b would be more consistent with the ideas behind
this $gopening$b.]
11...a5
[$gBlack$b plays to lock the a2 $gknight$b out of the game.]
12.Bb2 c5 13.Rfd1 Qb6 14.Nc1 Ba6 15.dxc5
[ 15.Bxa6 Qxa6 16.Qxa6 Rxa6 $gBlack$b stands better due to White's undeveloped
$gqueenside$b and b3 weakness.]
15...Nxc5 16.Ne5 Bxc4 17.Nxc4 Qa6 18.Bd4 Rfc8 19.Bxc5
[ 19.h3 would allow $gBlack$b to win a $gpawn$b.]
19...Bxc5 20.Qf3 Be7 21.Nd3
[ 21.Ne2 would allow $gWhite$b to keep the d-$gfile$b open for his $grook$bs while
covering the c3 square.]
21...Nd5 22.Nde5 Bf6
[ 22...f6 would allow a pretty smothered $gmate$b with 23.Rxd5 exd5 24.Qxd5+ Kh8
25.Nf7+ Kg8 26.Nh6+ Kh8 27.Qg8+ Rxg8 28.Nf7+]
23.e4 Nc3 24.Rd6
[ 24.Rd7 Gaining the $gseventh rank$b would be only $gtempo$brary after Ra7.]
24...Qb7 25.Re1 Bxe5 26.Nxe5 Qc7 27.Nc4
[ 27.Rd7 Qxe5 28.Qxf7+ Kh8 $gBlack$b is fine since his $gqueen$b guarding the g7
square.]
27...e5
[Played to stop White from opening the f3-a8 $gdiagonal$b for his queen by e5.
27...Nxa4 28.e5 Rd8 29.Red1 Nc3 30.Rd7 Rxd7 31.Qxa8+]
28.Qf5 Ne2+ 29.Kf1
[A mistake which will be seen shortly. $gWhite$b's $gking$b would be safer tucked away
in the corner after 29.Kh1.]
29...Nd4 30.Qxe5 Nxb3
[$gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b thanks to his passed b-$gpawn$b.]
31.Nb6 Nd2+
[This move would not be possible had $gWhite$b played 29.Kh1.]
32.Kg1 Nc4 33.Nxc4 Qxc4 34.Qf5 Rab8
[$gBlack$b's lends support to promoting his passed b-$gpawn$b.]
35.e5 b3 36.e6 fxe6 37.Rdxe6 Rf8 38.Qe5 Qc2
39.f4 b2 40.Re7 Qg6 41.f5 Qf6 42.Qd5+
[ 42.Qxf6 would not help to halt the b-$gpawn$bs advance after...Rxf6 43.Rb1 Rc6
44.Ree1 Rc4 45.Re2 Rc1+ 46.Rxc1 bxc1Q+]
42...Kh8 43.Rb7 Qc3
[$gWhite$b resigned. 43...Qc3 White resigned since he can't stop the b-$gpawn$b from
promoting for example...]
44.Rf1 Qe3+ 45.Kh1 Qc1]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.e3
[ 7.h3 With the idea of preserving his dark squared $gbishop$b, would be met
with ...Be7 8.e3 Ne4 9.Be2 f5 with a good game for $gBlack$b due to his
strong $gknight$b on e4.]
7...Nh5 8.Bd3
[This leaves his d-$gpawn$b extremely weak after $gBlack$b plays 8...Nxf4. 8.Be5 would
be better as after 8...f6 9.Bg3 Nxg3 10.hxg3 when $gWhite$b has succeeded in
giving $gBlack$b light square weaknesses.]
8...Nxf4 9.exf4 Bd6 10.g3
[$gBlack$b has $gforce$bd White to weaken his $gkingside$b in order to protect the f4
$gpawn$b.]
10...O-O 11.O-O Re8 12.Qc2 Nf8 13.Nd1 f6 14.Ne3 Be6 15.Nh4 Bc7 16.b4
[White begins a minority $gattack$b on the $gqueenside$b where his two $gpawn$bs will
$gattack$b $gBlack$b's three.]
16...Bb6 17.Nf3 Bf7 18.b5
[A mistake since the $gWhite$b d-$gpawn$b needs protection. 18.Qb2 Ne6 19.Nc2 Gives
the weak $gpawn$b protection.]
18...Bh5
[Forcing White to further weaken his $gkingside$b in order to save his d4
$gpawn$b.]
19.g4 Bf7 20.bxc6 Rc8
[ 20...bxc6 21.Qxc6]
21.Qb2 bxc6 22.f5
[This prevents $gBlack$b from using the e6-square but it creates further $ghole$bs on
the $gkingside$b.]
22...Qd6 23.Ng2 Bc7
[$gBlack$b moves quickly to put pressure on the dark squared.]
24.Rfe1 h5
[$gBlack$b's idea is not only to undermine $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b position but also to get
his $gknight$b into the game via h7.]
25.h3 Nh7 26.Rxe8+ Rxe8 27.Re1
[$gWhite$b must keep the e-$gfile$b under $gcontrol$b to avoid being $gmate$bd. 27.a4 Ng5
28.Nxg5 Qh2+ 29.Kf1 Qh1+ $gMate$b.]
27...Rb8
[ 27...Ng5 28.Rxe8+ Bxe8 29.Qe2 allows $gWhite$b to defend himself.]
28.Qc1 Ng5 29.Ne5
[ 29.Nxg5 Qh2+ 30.Kf1 fxg5 would be much better for $gBlack$b because of $gWhite$b's
exposed $gking$b.]
29...fxe5 30.Qxg5 e4
[$gBlack$b reopens the b8-h2 $gdiagonal$b.]
31.f6 g6 32.f4
[ 32.gxh5 Qh2+ 33.Kf1 exd3 when $gBlack$b $gthreat$bens 34...Qh1 $gmate$b.]
32...hxg4
[ 32...exd3 allows White $gcounterplay$b after...33.gxh5]
33.Be2
[ 33.hxg4 exd3 34.Qh6 Qf8 would leave $gBlack$b a $gpiece$b up.]
33...gxh3 34.Bh5 Rb2 35.Nh4 Qxf4 36.Qxf4 Bxf4
[White resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bird
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING From Gambit
1.f4 e5 2.fxe5 d6 3.exd6 Bxd6
[The From Gambit in which $gBlack$b sacrifices a pawn for quick $gdevelopment$b
and weakens White's $gkingside$b in the process.]
4.g3
[ 4.Nc3 would allow $gBlack$b to take $gadvantage$b of White's weakened $gkingside$b.]
4...f5
[ 4...h5 With the idea of $gpawn$b h4 is also good for $gBlack$b.]
5.d3 Nf6 6.c3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b has a tremendous lead in $gdevelopment$b for his sacrificed pawn.]
7.Bg2 Ne5 8.Nd2 Qe7 9.Nf1 Bd7 10.Bf4
[ 10.Bxb7 Rb8 would allow $gBlack$b to further increase his $gdevelopment$b
$gadvantage$b. However, this may of been $gWhite$b's best chance.]
10...O-O 11.Bxe5 Bxe5 12.Qc2
[ 12.Bxb7 Rab8 13.Bg2 Rxb2 Gives $gBlack$b winning $ginitiative$b.]
12...Kh8 13.Bf3
[ 13.O-O-O Getting the $gking$b to safety was better.]
13...Rab8
[$gBlack$b prepares to $gattack$b on the $gqueenside$b with $gpawn$b b5 in the event White
decides to castle.]
14.Qd2 Rfe8 15.h3 Qd6
[$gBlack$b has a winning position thanks to his big lead in $gdevelopment$b. While
his last move $gforce$bs the $gWhite$b $gking$b to the $gdefense$b of his g-$gpawn$b.]
16.Kf2 c5 17.e3 Bb5 18.Rd1 Rbd8 19.c4 Bc6 20.Qe2 b5 21.b3
[ 21.cxb5 Bxb5 when $gWhite$b would be unable to defend his d-$gpawn$b.]
21...bxc4 22.bxc4 Ba4 23.Rb1 Rb8
[A very strong move $gBlack$b challenges the only active $gWhite$b $gpiece$b. 23...Qxd3
would regain the pawn but loses some of $gBlack$b's $ginitiative$b after 24.Qxd3
Rxd3 25.Ne2]
24.Nd2
[$gWhite$b lends protection to his $grook$b but at the expense of his g-$gpawn$b. 24.Rxb8
Rxb8 would leave $gBlack$b with a winning $ginitiative$b thanks to White's
undeveloped $gkingside$b.]
24...Bxg3+ 25.Kg2 Bh4 26.Rh2 Bc2 27.Rxb8 Rxb8 28.d4 cxd4 29.exd4 Re8 30.Qf1
Re1
[$gWhite$b could resign here seeing that his $gqueen$b is $gtrap$bped.]
31.c5 Qxd4 32.Qxe1 Bxe1 33.Nb3 Bxb3 34.axb3 Qxc5
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Gunsberg
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1895
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.f4 c5
[The $gopening$b is a classical French $gDefense$b in which $gBlack$b allows $gWhite$b a $gspace$b
$gadvantage$b in order to $gattack$b the $gcenter$b.]
6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.Qg4 O-O 8.Bd3 f5
[Played with the idea of keeping the d3-h7 $gdiagonal$b closed.]
9.Qh3
[ 9.exf6 Nxf6 10.Qe2 Nc6 when $gBlack$b has the more active $gpiece$bs.]
9...Nc6 10.g4
[$gWhite$b goes all out in his efforts to $gmate$b the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
10...Qe7 11.gxf5
[The semi-open $gfile$b will play a significant role in $gWhite$b's $gattack$b.]
11...Nb4 12.Nf3
[ 12.fxe6 Nxd3+ 13.cxd3 Nxe5 14.fxe5 Bxe6 when $gBlack$b has good play for the
$gsacrifice$bd $gpiece$b due to $gWhite$b's exposed $gking$b.]
12...exf5 13.a3
[ 13.Bxf5 Rxf5 14.Qxf5 Nf8 15.Qh5 Nxc2+ 16.Ke2 Nxa1 Gives $gBlack$b a $gmaterial$b
$gadvantage$b.]
13...Nxd3+ 14.cxd3 Nf6 15.Qg2 d4
[ 15...Rd8 was a better way to protect the d-$gpawn$b.]
16.Ne2 Nh5 17.Rg1
[ 17.Nexd4 Rd8 gives good play to $gBlack$b.]
17...a5
[$gBlack$b misses the $gthreat$b necessary was $gpawn$b g6 to protect the $gknight$b.]
18.Qh3 Qe8 19.Rg5 h6
[ 19...g6 would allow $gWhite$b to win the $gknight$b.]
20.Rxh5 Qg6 21.Bd2 Bd7 22.Kf2
[$gWhite$b prepares to bring the $grook$b at a1 over to the g-$gfile$b.]
22...Be8 23.Rh4 Be7 24.Rg1 Bxh4+ 25.Qxh4
[$gBlack$b has won the $grook$b back but at the expense of two $gpiece$bs for the rook.]
25...Qa6 26.Nfxd4 Kh7 27.Bc3 Qxd3 28.Ne6 Rg8 29.Ng5+ Kg6 30.e6 h5 31.Nf7+
[$gBlack$b resigned since he's $gmate$bd after 31...Kh7 32.Qxh5.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Pirc
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1935
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2 e6 7.O-O a6 8.Be3
[A typical Sicilian $gdefense$b has been reached where $gBlack$b has the two $gcenter$b
pawns while White has a lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
8...Qc7 9.f4 Na5
[This move $gbreak$bs the $gopening$b rule that one shouldn't move the same $gpiece$b
twice before completing his $gdevelopment$b.]
10.f5 Nc4
[Consistent With $gBlack$bs previous move but still bad as Black now moves the
knight a third time before completing his $gdevelopment$b. 10...Be7
Continuing his $gdevelopment$b and preparing to castle is better.]
11.Bxc4 Qxc4 12.fxe6 fxe6
[The final mistake which gets met with a violent $grefutation$b. 12...Bxe6 13.Qf3
would leave White with a winning position due to his lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
13.Rxf6
[An excellent sacrifice which gets rid of $gBlack$b's only $gdeveloped$b piece.]
13...gxf6 14.Qh5+ Kd8
[ 14...Ke7 would not keep the $gWhite$b army out after 15.Nf5+ exf5 16.Nd5+ Kd8
17.Bb6+ Kd7 18.Qf7+ Kc6 19.Qc7+ Kb5 20.a4+ Qxa4 21.c4+ Qxc4 22.Ra5+ $gMate$b.]
15.Qf7
[Although $gBlack$b is up an $gexchange$b he is dead lost because his pieces have
not been brought into play.]
15...Bd7
[ 15...Be7 16.Nf5 Takes $gadvantage$b of the fact that the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b is not
defended. 16...Re8 17.Nxd6 Bxd6 18.Bb6+ Bc7 19.Rd1+ Bd7 20.Qxd7+ $gMate$b.]
16.Qxf6+ Kc7 17.Qxh8 Bh6 18.Nxe6+ Qxe6
[ 18...Bxe6 19.Qxh7+ Kb8 20.Qxh6]
19.Qxa8 Bxe3+ 20.Kh1
[$gBlack$b resigned because of his $gmaterial$b losses.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Mieses
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {T15}
.DATE 1900
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c5 5.cxd5 exd5
[A mistake which weakens the $gBlack$b d-$gpawn$b. 5...Nxd5 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 cxd4
8.cxd4 Bb4+ 9.Bd2 Bxd2+ 10.Qxd2 O-O With $gBlack$b having a solid if somewhat
passive position.]
6.Bg5 Be6 7.e4
[ 7.Bxf6 was a more accurate move order, for example 7...Qxf6 8.e4]
7...cxd4
[This is much too risky since $gBlack$b is behind in $gdevelopment$b. 7...dxe4
8.Nxe4 Be7 with a roughly level position which is likely to become boring
after a few $gexchange$bs.]
8.Qxd4 Nc6 9.Bb5
[White has $gpin$bs on both of $gBlack$b's $gknight$bs.]
9...dxe4
[ 9...Be7 would be to late: 10.exd5 Bxd5 11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.Bxc6+ bxc6 13.Qxg7]
10.Bxf6 Qxf6 11.Ne5
[White puts further pressure on the $gpin$bned $gBlack$b $gknight$b.]
11...Rd8 12.Qxe4 Bb4 13.Bxc6+ bxc6 14.Qxc6+ Kf8
[The $gpin$b has resulted in a $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b to White. 14...Bd7 15.Qxf6 gxf6
16.Nxd7 Rxd7 17.Rd1 when $gWhite$b is not only a $gpawn$b ahead but would also have
the better $gpawn structure$b.]
15.Qe4 Bxc3+ 16.bxc3 Bd5
[Through the use of this x-ray $gattack$b $gBlack$b regains his lost $gpawn$b.]
17.Qe3 Bxg2 18.Rg1 Bh3 19.Rg3 Bf5 20.Kf1 h5 21.Re1
[Although $gBlack$b has regained his lost $gpawn$b his position is still worse due to
his $gking$b $grook$b being out of play.]
21...a6 22.Nc6 Qxc6
[ 22...Ra8 23.Qc5+ Kg8 24.Ne7+ Kh7 25.Qxf5+ leaves $gWhite$b a $gpiece$b ahead.]
23.Qe7+ Kg8 24.Qxd8+ Kh7 25.Qd4 Qh1+ 26.Rg1 Bh3+ 27.Ke2 Bg4+
[A mistake which runs into a tactical reply. Anyway, $gBlack$b was lost anyway
because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
28.Qxg4 Re8+ 29.Kf1
[$gBlack$b resigned as he is a $grook$b down.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Vidmar
.EVENT St.Petersburg
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1909
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 d6
[$gBlack$b is playing the Steinitz $gvariation$b of the Spanish Game. Although at one
time very popular it is rarely seen today as $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs lack activity.]
4.d4 Bd7 5.Nc3 exd4 6.Nxd4 g6 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Qd2 Nf6 9.f3 O-O 10.O-O-O a6
[A mistake as $gBlack$b misses a tactical opportunity to $gcapture$b at d4. 10...Nxd4
11.Bxd4 Nxe4 12.Nxe4 Bxb5 13.Bxg7 Kxg7 14.Qc3+ f6 15.Nc5 Qc8 stops the
$gfork$b on e6 while protecting the b7 pawn. 16.Qb3 Bd7 17.Nxd7 Qxd7 18.Qxb7
with equal chances.]
11.Be2 b5 12.h4
[$gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs prove to be better placed for the $gattack$b.]
12...Ne5 13.Bh6 Nc4
[ 13...c5 14.Bxg7 cxd4 15.Bxf6 dxc3 16.Qxd6 cxb2+ 17.Kb1 when $gWhite$b wins
$gmaterial$b due to the $gdouble attach$b on the $gBlack$b queen.]
14.Bxc4 bxc4 15.h5
[White's $gkingside$b $gattack$b has progressed rapidly.]
15...c6
[This seriously weakens the d6-square. 15...Nxh5 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.g4 Nf6
18.Qh6+ Kg8 19.Nd5 Nxd5 20.Qxh7+]
16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.hxg6 fxg6
[White has a solid $gpawn structure$b, but $gBlack$b has a mess, with three pawn
islands, $gdoubled pawns$b and a hole at h6. 17...hxg6 Opening up the h-file
would be punished by 18.Qh6+ Kg8 19.Qh8+ $gMate$b.]
18.Nde2 Rf7 19.Qxd6 Qb6 20.Qd4
[Being a pawn up White welcomes the $gexchange$b of queens leading to a won
$gendgame$b.]
20...c5
[Now there is a new $ghole$b at d5.]
21.Nd5 Qb7
[ 21...cxd4 22.Nxb6 Ra7 23.Rxd4 Bb5 24.a4]
22.Qc3 Raf8 23.Nxf6 Rxf6
[The pressure on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b is tremendous. And it just gets
worse.]
24.Rd6
[$gBlack$b resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit and $gpin$bned rook on f6.
After 24...Qc7 25.Rxf6 Rxf6 26.Rxh7+ Kxh7 27.Qxf6 $gWhite$b should win easily.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Lasker
.EVENT London
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1899
.OPENING Vienna
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4 d5 4.d3
[ 4.fxe5 Nxe4 5.Nf3 offers better chances to obtain the $ginitiative$b.]
4...Nc6 5.fxe5 Nxe5 6.d4 Ng6 7.exd5
[ 7.e5 Ne4 8.Nxe4 dxe4 9.Bc4 c5 would leave $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b vulnerable to
$gattack$b.]
7...Nxd5 8.Nxd5
[ 8.Nf3 is also playable.]
8...Qxd5 9.Nf3 Bg4 10.Be2 O-O-O
[$gBlack$b's lead in $gdevelopment$b gives him the $ginitiative$b.]
11.c3 Bd6 12.O-O Rhe8
[$gBlack$b has an obvious $gadvantage$b due to his completed $gdevelopment$b which
gives him the $gadvantage$b in the $gcenter$b and with it the $ginitiative$b.]
13.h3 Bd7 14.Ng5
[$gWhite$b attempts an $gattack$b even though he is out-gunned. A more sensible plan
was 14.Bg5. 14.c4 Qe6 15.Bd3 Nf4 would also be better for $gBlack$b because of his
greater $gdevelopment$b.]
14...Nh4 15.Nf3
[An admission that his previous move was premature. 15.Bf3 Nxf3+ 16.Qxf3 Qxf3
17.Nxf3 Re2 $gBlack$b has a big lead due to his two $gbishop$bs and $gcontrol$b of $gWhite$b's
second $grank$b.]
15...Nxg2
[With $gBlack$b's huge lead in $gdevelopment$b this direct $gattack$b proves deadly.]
16.Kxg2 Bxh3+
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs sweep away the monarch's $gpawn$b cover.]
17.Kf2
[ 17.Kxh3 Qf5+ 18.Kg2 Qg4+ 19.Kh1 Qh3+ 20.Kg1 Qg3+ 21.Kh1 Re4 22.Bg5 Qh3+
23.Kg1 f6 leaves $gBlack$b with a winning $gattack$b.]
17...f6
[This excellent $gquiet move$b is the $gkey$b to $gBlack$b's success. The idea is to keep
White's pieces undeveloped by taking away the e5 and g5 squares.]
18.Rg1 g5 19.Bxg5 fxg5 20.Rxg5 Qe6
[Although $gmaterial$b is equal $gBlack$b has a huge $gadvantage$b because of the
exposed $gWhite$b $gking$b.]
21.Qd3 Bf4 22.Rh1
[ 22.Rg7 Be3+ 23.Ke1 Bf5 24.Qb5 Qh6 Wins as $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b $gthreat$bens the $grook$b
on g7 and $gcheck$b on h1.]
22...Bxg5 23.Nxg5 Qf6+
[$gBlack$b has won the $gexchange$b while keeping his $gattack$b going.]
24.Bf3 Bf5 25.Nxh7 Qg6 26.Qb5 c6 27.Qa5 Re7 28.Rh5 Bg4 29.Rg5 Qc2+ 30.Kg3 Bxf3
[White resigned because of his $gmaterial$b loss and exposed $gking$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Keres
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Candidates Tournament
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1953
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 c5 4.e3 Be7 5.b3
[$gWhite$b chooses to play unambitiously in the $gopening$b and $gBlack$b is not
challenged at all.]
5...O-O 6.Bb2 b6 7.d4 cxd4 8.exd4 d5 9.Bd3 Nc6 10.O-O Bb7 11.Rc1
[ 11.Qe2 allows $gBlack$b to take $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's weakened d-$gpawn$b after
11...Nb4 12.Bb1 dxc4 13.bxc4 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 Qxd4]
11...Rc8 12.Re1 Nb4 13.Bf1 Ne4 14.a3 Nxc3 15.Rxc3
[White hopes to lift the rook over to the $gkingside$b for a mating $gattack$b.
15.Bxc3 Na2 16.Rc2 Nxc3 17.Rxc3 dxc4 18.bxc4 would give the $gadvantage$b to $gBlack$b
because of his two $gbishop$bs and White's weakened $gpawn structure$b.]
15...Nc6 16.Ne5 Nxe5 17.Rxe5 Bf6 18.Rh5
[The White rooks are preparing for a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
18...g6
[ 18...a6 would allow $gWhite$b a tremendous $gattack$b after 19.Rxh7 Kxh7 20.Qh5+ Kg8
21.Rh3 Bh4 22.Rxh4 f5 23.Qh7+]
19.Rch3
[Although this $gattack$b on the h-$gfile$b looks impressive $gBlack$b $gbreak$bs through the
$gcenter$b with a winning counter $gattack$b. Conventional wisdom holds that a $gflank$b
$gattack$b is best met by reacting in the $gcenter$b of the board.]
19...dxc4
[ 19...gxh5 and the $gBlack$b $gking$b falls to a mating $gattack$b after 20.Qxh5 Re8
21.a4 The point is that White's dark-square $gbishop$b will go to a3, taking away
the f8 square from $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
20.Rxh7
[ 20.Qg4 c3 21.Bxc3 Rxc3 22.Rxc3 Qxd4 23.Qxd4 Bxd4 24.Rc7 gxh5 25.Rxb7 A $gdraw$b
is likely since the $gbishop$bs are of opposite color. ]
20...c3 21.Qc1
[ 21.Bxc3 allows $gBlack$b a winning decoy $gsacrifice$b.]
21...Qxd4
[$gBlack$b takes a pawn while strengthening his $gdefense$b on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.
21...cxb2 allows $gWhite$b a mating $gattack$b.]
22.Qh6
[Although, $gWhite$b's tripling looks impressive on the h-$gfile$b, $gBlack$b has all the
squares defended and in ready for the counter $gattack$b.]
22...Rfd8 23.Bc1 Bg7 24.Qg5 Qf6
[Because of his strong passed c-pawn $gBlack$b would like to $gexchange$b queens.]
25.Qg4 c2
[Now the c-$gpawn$b is only one square from promoting.]
26.Be2 Rd4
[$gBlack$b provokes $gWhite$b to play $gpawn$b f4 in order for his counter $gattack$b to open
the g1-a7 $gdiagonal$b for his queen.]
27.f4 Rd1+ 28.Bxd1 Qd4+
[$gWhite$b resigned as $gBlack$b's c-$gpawn$b promotes to a $gqueen$b after 29...cxd1=(Q).]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Kottnauer
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e6
[With this move $gBlack$b $gtranspose$bs to the Scheveningen Sicilian, which is a
favorite $gdefense$b of mine.]
7.O-O b5
[This move is a mistake since $gBlack$b is undeveloped and therefore isn't ready
to meet White's play on the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b. 7...Be7 8.Be3 O-O 9.a4 when
$gBlack$b's little $gcenter$b and semi-open c-$gfile$b give him good chances, as I have
demonstrated on a number of occasions.]
8.Bf3 Ra7
[ 8...Bb7 9.e5 dxe5 10.Bxb7 Ra7]
9.Qe2 Rc7
[ 9...Rd7 10.e5 dxe5 11.Nc6 Qc7 12.Nxb8 Qxb8 13.Bc6 when $gWhite$b wins the
$gexchange$b.]
10.Rd1
[White's lead in $gdevelopment$b gives him a winning $ginitiative$b.]
10...Nbd7 11.a4
[White uses his lead in $gdevelopment$b to start a $gqueenside$b $gattack$b.]
11...bxa4
[ 11...b4 Trying to keep the position closed wouldn't help after 12.Na2 a5
13.Nb5 when $gBlack$b has problems defending his d-$gpawn$b.]
12.Nxa4 Bb7
[ 12...Be7 Preparing to castle was better but 13.Bd2 would still give $gWhite$b a
big $gdevelopment$b $gadvantage$b with 14.Ba5 being threatened.]
13.e5
[White uses his lead in $gdevelopment$b to start play in the $gcenter$b which is
where $gBlack$b's $gking$b has remained.]
13...Nxe5
[ 13...dxe5 14.Bxb7 exd4 15.Bxa6 Bc5 16.Nxc5 Nxc5 17.Bb5+ Ke7 18.Bf4 would be
good for $gWhite$b because of $gBlack$b's exposed $gKing$b.]
14.Bxb7 Rxb7 15.Qxa6 Qb8 16.Nc6
[$gWhite$b removes $gBlack$b's best placed $gpiece$b: the $gknight$b on e5.]
16...Nxc6 17.Qxc6+ Nd7 18.Nc5
[The culmination of White's lead in $gdevelopment$b. The idea is to take
$gadvantage$b of the $gpin$bned $gBlack$b $gknight$b on d7.]
18...dxc5
[ 18...Rc7 19.Nxd7 Rxd7 20.Ra8 wins the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
19.Bf4
[$gWhite$b plays a deflection $gsacrifice$b which $gBlack$b can't except due to his weak
$gback rank$b.]
19...Bd6
[ 19...Qxf4 20.Qc8+ Ke7 21.Qxb7 when $gBlack$b would also lose his $gknight$b because
of the $gpin$b on the $gseventh rank$b.]
20.Bxd6 Rb6 21.Qxd7+
[$gBlack$b resigned because he would be a $gpiece$b down after 21...Kxd7 22.Bxb8+.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Rudakovsky
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S3}
.DATE 1945
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be2 Be7 7.O-O O-O
8.Be3 Nc6
[Perhaps this commits the $gknight$b too early. Another idea is to gain $gspace$b on
the $gqueenside$b with $gpawn$b a6 followed by pawn b5; when the $gBlack$b $gknight$b
would keep the option of going to c5 $gattack$bing $gWhite$b's e-$gpawn$b via d7.]
9.f4 Qc7 10.Qe1
[White prepares an $gattack$b by lifting the queen over to the $gkingside$b.]
10...Nxd4 11.Bxd4 e5 12.Be3 Be6
[A mistake which weakens the d5 square since $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b will
be unable to stay on e6. 12...exf4 With the idea of clearing an $goutpost$b on
e5 for the $gBlack$b $gknight$b. 13.Rxf4 Be6 14.Bd4 Nd7 15.Qg3 Ne5 With chances for both sides.]
13.f5
[$gWhite$b wants to drive the $gbishop$b away so that his $gknight$b can gain the
$goutpost$b at d5.]
13...Bc4
[ 13...Bd7 $gBlack$b should admit that he needs his light squared $gbishop$b to cover
the d5 square. For example 14.g4 Bc6 15.Bf3 d5 16.exd5 e4 17.Nxe4 Nxd5 18.Bd4
when $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b is somewhat hampered by his exposed $gking$b.]
14.Bxc4 Qxc4 15.Bg5
[$gWhite$b wastes no time in removing $gBlack$b's last protector of the d5 square.]
15...Rfe8 16.Bxf6 Bxf6 17.Nd5
[$gWhite$b has a big $gadvantage$b due to his active $gknight$b which is planted on the d5
square.]
17...Bd8
[ 17...Qxc2 18.Rf2 Qc5 19.Rc1 Qd4 20.Nc7 $gFork$bs the $gBlack$b $grook$bs.]
18.c3 b5 19.b3 Qc5+ 20.Kh1 Rc8 21.Rf3
[White's $goutpost$bed $gknight$b on d5 cramps the $gBlack$b pieces which means they
will have problems getting over to protect the $gking$b.]
21...Kh8
[ 21...f6 Played to stop $gWhite$b from playing $gpawn$b f6 would be met with
22.Rh3 a5 23.Qh4 with an $gattack$b on the h-$gfile$b.]
22.f6 gxf6
[ 22...g6 23.Qd2 Rg8 24.Qh6 Bb6 This allows $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
23.Qh4 Rg8 24.Nxf6
[The White $gknight$b moves from his d5 $goutpost$b to join in the winning
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
24...Rg7 25.Rg3 Bxf6
[$gBlack$b finally eliminates the $gWhite$b $gknight$b but in so doing creates new
problems .]
26.Qxf6
[The $gpin$b on $gBlack$b's g7 rook proves to be fatal.]
26...Rcg8 27.Rd1 d5 28.Rxg7
[Black resigned. 28.Rxg7 Black resigned due to his weak $gback rank$b after
Rxg7 29.Rxd5 when Rd8+ follows next move.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Uhlmann
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1956
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6
[This has become a very popular move, especially since the 1984/85 World
Championship match. If the $gbishop$b at f1 is going to be $gfianchetto$bed at g2,
then the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b will $gattack$b the undefended $gpawn$b at c4.]
5.b3 d5 6.Bg2 Bb4+ 7.Nfd2
[$gWhite$b violates the $gopening$b principle that one shouldn't move the same $gpiece$b
twice. 7.Bd2]
7...c5
[Being better $gdeveloped$b $gBlack$b wastes no time in $gattack$bing the White
$gcenter$b.]
8.dxc5
[This move is a mistake since it drives $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b to a
better $gdiagonal$b. 8.a3 Bxd2+ 9.Nxd2 Nbd7 10.dxc5 bxc5 White has gained the
$gbishop pair$b but this is offset by Black's $gadvantage$b in the center.]
8...Bxc5 9.Bb2 O-O 10.O-O Nc6 11.Nc3 Rc8 12.cxd5
[ 12.Na4 Bb4 13.cxd5 would have been a better move order since $gWhite$b would
keep $gcontrol$b of his d4 square.]
12...exd5 13.Na4 Nd4 14.Nc3
[Because of $gWhite$b's poor move order the $gknight$b must return to protect his e-
$gpawn$b. 14.Re1 Nc2 15.Qxc2 would allow $gBlack$b to win $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
14...Qe7 15.Re1 Nc2 16.Rf1 Nxa1 17.Qxa1 Rfd8 18.Bf3 Ba3
[White resigned, since there is no $gcompensation$b for the missing $gexchange$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Stahlberg
.EVENT Candidates Tournament
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1953
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6
[The Classical $gVariation$b of the French $gDefense$b which gives $gBlack$b a solid but
somewhat passive position. As with most French's $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b
is a bad $gpiece$b since it is $gblock$bed by his own $gpawn$bs.]
4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6
[ Not 6.Nxf6+ Bxf6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 when all the $gexchange$bs give the cramped $gBlack$b
army room to move.]
6...Bxf6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.Bc4 O-O 9.Qe2 Nb6 10.Bb3 Bd7 11.O-O Qe7 12.Rfe1 Rad8
13.Rad1
[White has finished his $gdevelopment$b while enjoying $gcontrol$b of more
$gspace$b, which allows the $gpiece$bs to move about the board more freely.]
13...Ba4 14.Bxa4 Nxa4 15.Qb5 Nb6 16.c4
[With the advance of the c-$gpawn$b $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens
to drive away the $gBlack$b $gknight$b and then take the b-$gpawn$b.]
16...c6 17.Qb3 Qc7
[This move is a mistake since it allows $gWhite$b to weaken the $gBlack$b
$gkingside$b. Better was 17...Rd7. 17...Rd7 18.a4 Rfd8 19.a5 Nc8 would give
$gWhite$b an even greater $gspace$b $gadvantage$b.]
18.Nxf6+ gxf6 19.Qe3
[The $gqueen$b heads for h6 which is no longer defended by $gBlack$b's g-$gpawn$b.]
19...Kg7 20.Ne5
[$gWhite$b uses his $gspace$b $gadvantage$b to prepare a $grook$b lift if $gBlack$b
takes the $gknight$b.]
20...Qe7 21.Ng4 Rg8
[A mistake which costs $gBlack$b the $gexchange$b. However,
some $gmaterial$b loss was unavoidable. 21...Kh8 22.Qh6 Rg8 23.Nxf6 Rg7 24.Re3
when White is a pawn up while retaining his $gkingside$b $ginitiative$b.]
22.Nh6 Qc7
[ 22...Rgf8 would allow $gWhite$b to win $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
23.Nxg8 Rxg8 24.b3
[White has won the $gexchange$b and for a player with Smyslov's technique the
rest is easy.]
24...Kh8 25.Qh6 Rg6 26.Qh4 Nd7 27.Re3 Qa5 28.Rh3 Nf8 29.Rg3
Qxa2 30.Rxg6 Nxg6 31.Qxf6+ Kg8 32.Qf3 Qc2 33.Qd3
[$gBlack$b resigned, since there
is no $gcompensation$b for the missing $gexchange$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Reshevsky
.EVENT USSR vs USA
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1945
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6
9.c3 Bc5
[This is the most common continuation of the Open $gVariation$b of the Spanish
Game.]
10.Nbd2 O-O 11.Bc2 f5
[ 11...Nxf2 12.Rxf2 f6 is the exciting Dilworth $gvariation$b, which is rarely
seen in top level competition.]
12.Nb3 Bb6 13.Nfd4 Nxd4 14.Nxd4 Bxd4 15.cxd4
[The $gexchange$bs have left with a protected $gpassed pawn$b on e5. ]
15...f4
[This sets up a very interesting $gpiece$b sacrifice by helping to $gcontrol$b the
g3 square.]
16.f3
[Played with the idea of driving back the $gBlack$b $gknight$b. However, $gWhite$b is in
for a surprise. Do you see the $gsacrifice$b?]
16...Ng3
.QUIZ 16...Ng3
[A $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b which tries to take $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's dark squares on
the $gkingside$b.]
17.hxg3 fxg3 18.Qd3
[ 18.Re1 Qh4 19.Be3 Qh2+ 20.Kf1 Bh3 21.Qe2 Qh1+ 22.Bg1 Bxg2+ 23.Qxg2 Rxf3+
would give $gBlack$b the type of mating $gattack$b he wanted.]
18...Bf5
[$gBlack$b must protect his h7 $gpawn$b. 18...Qh4 19.Qxh7+ Qxh7 20.Bxh7+ Kxh7 21.Bd2
when White's $gpawn structure$b would give him the better ending.]
19.Qxf5 Rxf5 20.Bxf5 Qh4 21.Bh3 Qxd4+ 22.Kh1 Qxe5 23.Bd2 Qxb2
[An intriguing position. $gWhite$b has $grook$b and two $gbishop$bs against $gqueen$b and four
$gpawn$bs. $gBlack$b's chances are based upon a rapid advance of his $gpassed
pawn$bs.]
24.Bf4 c5
[A mistake which drops the d-$gpawn$b. 24...d4 Better was advancing the d-pawn
quickly which would tie down the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs.]
25.Be6+ Kh8 26.Bxd5
[With only one $gpassed pawn$b to deal with White's pieces have the
$gadvantage$b.]
26...Rd8 27.Rad1 c4 28.Bxg3 c3 29.Be5
[White halts the c-$gpawn$b's advance by $gpin$bning it to the $gBlack$b queen.]
29...b4 30.Bb3 Rd2 31.f4 h5 32.Rb1 Rf2 33.Rfe1
[ 33.Rxb2 Rxf1+ 34.Kh2 cxb2 35.Bxb2 Rxf4 With chances for both sides.]
33...Qd2 34.Rbd1 Qb2 35.Rd8+
[With the $grook$b $gbreak$bing through to the 8th $grank$b $gBlack$b's $gking$b won't survive for
long.]
35...Kh7 36.Bg8+ Kg6 37.Rd6+ Kf5 38.Be6+ Kg6 39.Bd5+ Kh7 40.Be4+ Kg8 41.Bg6
[$gBlack$b resigned as his $gking$b is caught in a mating net.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6
[$gBlack$b is playing the Open $gVariation$b where his active centralized $gpiece$bs
compensate for the pronounced weakness of his c5 and c6 squares.]
9.Qe2
[Played with the idea of clearing the d1 square for the $gWhite$b $grook$b.]
9...Nc5
[With the $gWhite$b $grook$b cleared to move to d1 $gBlack$b will try to reduce the
pressure on d5 by eliminating the $gbishop$b on b3.]
10.Rd1 Nxb3 11.axb3 Qc8 12.c4 dxc4
[$gBlack$b shouldn't except the $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b since he will fall behind in
$gdevelopment$b. 12...Nb4 13.cxb5 axb5 14.Rxa8 Qxa8 15.Qxb5+ c6 White's extra
pawn is the useless doubled b-pawn. $gBlack$b has plenty of $gcounterplay$]
13.bxc4 Bxc4 14.Qe4 Ne7
[Going backwards with the knight only furthers $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b
$gdevelopment$b. 14...Nb4 15.Na3 Although, White still retains the
$ginitiative$b. $gBlack$b would be able to develop his $gkingside$b.]
15.Na3 c6
[$gBlack$b has to give back the $gpawn$b. However, this still doesn't help his lagging
$gdevelopment$b. 15...Bb3 16.Rd3 Be6 17.Nxb5 Bf5 would allow White a winning
$gcombination$b.]
16.Nxc4 bxc4 17.Qxc4 Qb7
[ 17...Qe6 18.Rxa6 when $gWhite$b wins if $gBlack$b accepts the $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b.]
18.e6
[$gWhite$b wastes no time in $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's exposed $gking$b. ]
18...f6 19.Rd7 Qb5 20.Qxb5 cxb5 21.Nd4
[$gBlack$b's lagging $gdevelopment$b carries over into the ending.]
21...Rc8 22.Be3 Ng6 23.Rxa6 Ne5 24.Rb7 Bc5
[$gBlack$b has finally gotten his $gbishop$b out but it's too late to make a
difference.]
25.Nf5 O-O 26.h3
[$gBlack$b resigned since he is a $gpawn$b down and doesn't have a $gdefense$b to $gWhite$b's
$gattack$b on the $gseventh rank$b. 26.h3 g6 27.Nh6+ Kh8 28.Bxc5 Rxc5 29.Raa7 With
$gmate$b soon to follow by Rxh7.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Fuderer
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING Old Indian
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.Nf3 c6 4.d4 Qc7 5.g3 Nf6 6.Bg2 Be7
[$gBlack$b strange $gdevelopment$b leave his pieces passively placed. 6...g6
trying to activate the $gbishop$b on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b would be met with 7.O-
O Bg7 8.e4 with a $gspace$b $gadvantage$b to $gWhite$b.]
7.O-O O-O 8.e4 a5
[ 8...Bg4 Followed by Nbd7 would at least give the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs some room to
breath.]
9.h3
[This keeps both $gbishop$b and $gknight$b off of g4.]
9...Na6 10.Be3
[If $gWhite$b hadn't played 9.h3 $gBlack$b could now play Ng4 harrasing the dark
squared $gbishop$b.]
10...Re8 11.Rc1 Nd7 12.Qe2 Bf8 13.Rfd1
[White stands better due to his quick $gdevelopment$b While $gBlack$b's pieces are
still looking for there correct positions.]
13...exd4
[Although, $gBlack$b stands worse because of his backward $gdevelopment$b he
shouldn't open up the position since $gWhite$b is more than ready for the fight.
13...g6 keeping the position closed until he gets fully $gdeveloped$b was a
better idea.]
14.Nxd4 Ndc5 15.Kh2 Bd7 16.Qf3 a4 17.Nf5
[While $gBlack$b has been chasing after imaginary play on the $gqueenside$b White
has been building up a $gkingside$b initiative.]
17...Re6 18.Qf4 Rf6 19.g4 Re8
[ 19...Bxf5 20.exf5 With the immediate threat of $gpawn$b g5 trapping the
$gBlack$b $grook$b.]
20.Qg3 h6 21.Rd2 Bc8 22.Rcd1 Qa5 23.Bf4 Bxf5
[$gBlack$b must part with the two $gbishop$bs while $gopening$b up the g-$gfile$b due to his
weak d-$gpawn$b. Which the $gknight$b on f5 was overpowering.]
24.gxf5 Qb4 25.Bxd6 Rxd6 26.Rxd6 Bxd6 27.Rxd6
[White has won a pawn while keeping his $gkingside$b $ginitiative$b.]
27...Kh7
[ 27...Qxb2 28.Rxh6 when $gBlack$b would have no good response to stop $gWhite$b's
$gthreat$b of $gpawn$b g6.]
28.e5 Qxc4
[ 28...Qxb2 29.e6 fxe6 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
29.Rg6 Rg8
[ 29...fxg6 30.Qxg6+ Kg8 31.Qxe8+ Kh7 32.Qg6+ would also be hopeless for
$gBlack$b.]
30.Rg4 Qd3 31.Be4 Qd2
[The final mistake after which $gBlack$b gets clobbered on the light square
31...Qxg3+ 32.Kxg3 Nxe4+ 33.Nxe4 Re8 34.Kf4 was a better try for $gBlack$b.
However, White's pieces are much more active for the $gendgame$b.]
32.e6 fxe6 33.fxe6+ Nxe4 34.Nxe4 Qxb2 35.Qf4
[The $gqueen$b prepares to take over the light squares while standing by to help
the passed e-$gpawn$b.]
35...Nb4 36.e7 Nd3 37.Nf6+
[$gBlack$b resigned. 37.Nf6+ Black resigned as the $gWhite$b e-$gpawn$b promotes after
37...Qxf6 38.Qxf6 gxf6 39.Rxg8 Kxg8 40.e8Q+]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bondarevsky
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Soviet Union
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Bxc6
[$gWhite$b plays the Delayed $gExchange$b $gvariation$b of the Spanish Game. On the one
had he will double $gBlack$b's c-$gpawn$bs, but on the other hand he concedes the
$gbishop pair$b to Black.]
6...dxc6 7.Re1 Nd7
[ 7...Bg4 $gpin$bning the $gWhite$b $gknight$b is also possible.]
8.d4 exd4 9.Qxd4
[Although, $gmaterial$b is equal White has an extra pawn on the $gkingside$b
which gives him a $gpawn majority$b.]
9...O-O 10.Bf4
[ 10.Nc3 Nc5 11.Qxd8 Rxd8 12.Bg5 f6 13.Be3 Ne6 would leave $gWhite$b with his
$gpawn majority$b on the $gkingside$b.]
10...Nc5 11.Qxd8 Bxd8
[Ideally White would like to $gexchange$b off all the pieces reaching a king
and $gpawn$b ending. The reason for this is that $gWhite$b could make a $gpassed
pawn$b with his e-pawn by using his $gpawn majority$b. ]
12.Nc3 f5
[$gBlack$b responds with an active move.]
13.e5
[This is a premature advance of the $gpawn$b. Better was 13.Bg5. 13.Bg5 Bxg5
14.Nxg5 h6 when $gBlack$b has a $gdraw$bing chances.]
13...Ne6 14.Bd2 g5
[$gWhite$b now stands worse since his e-$gpawn$b is $gblock$baded and in need of constant
$gdefense$b.]
15.Ne2 c5
[Taking the d4 square away from the White knights.]
16.Bc3 b5 17.b3
[ 17.Rad1 would allow $gBlack$b to win a $gpiece$b.]
17...Bb7 18.Ng3 g4 19.Nd2 Be7 20.Nh5 Kf7 21.Nf1 Kg6 22.Nf6 Rad8 23.Rad1 Rxd1
24.Rxd1 Rd8 25.Rxd8 Bxd8
[The ending is better for $gBlack$b who has the two $gbishop$bs and the $gWhite$b e-$gpawn$b
$gblock$baded.]
26.Ne3
[ 26.Bb2]
26...f4 27.Nd1 Bxf6 28.exf6 Be4 29.Bb2 b4
[ 29...Bxc2 30.Nc3 would allow $gWhite$b's $gknight$b more activity and since the c-
pawn isn't going anywhere there is no rush in taking it.]
30.f3
[ 30.c3 would allow $gBlack$b to win a $gpiece$b.]
30...Bxc2 31.Nf2 gxf3 32.gxf3 Bb1 33.Ne4 Bxa2
[$gBlack$b is two $gpawn$bs up has no problems winning.]
34.Nd2 a5 35.Kf2 Nd4 36.Bxd4 cxd4 37.Ke2 Kxf6 38.Kd3 Ke5 39.Kc2 a4
[A pawn sacrifice which gives $gBlack$b three $gpassed pawn$bs.]
40.bxa4
[ 40.Kb2 Bxb3 41.Nxb3 axb3 42.Kxb3 d3 With a winning $gpawn$b ending for $gBlack$b.]
40...c5
[$gBlack$b's $gpawn$bs are too much for $gWhite$b to handle.]
41.a5 c4 42.a6 d3+
[$gWhite$b resigned as he can't stop the $gpawn$bs for example 43.Kb2 c3+ 44.Kxa2 cxd2
45.a7 d1Q 46.a8Q when $gBlack$b is able to win $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b. Do you see how?]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Averbakh
.EVENT Candidates Tournament
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1953
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 Bb4 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bxf6 Qxf6
[This $gvariation$b has become more popular for $gWhite$b in recent years. Despite
giving up the $gbishop pair$b, White can hope for the $gadvantage$b because the
pieces can be $gdeveloped$b quickly.]
8.Qb3 Qd6 9.a3 Bxc3+ 10.Qxc3 O-O
[The minority $gattack$b. The idea to provoke weaknesses in the enemy $gpawn
structure$b by advancing $gpawn$bs. This strategy is characteristic of the $gQueen$b's
$gGambit$b lines where $gWhite$b $gexchange$bs $gpawn$bs at d5.]
11.Rc1 c6 12.e3 Bf5
[To off set $gWhite$b's coming minority $gattack$b $gBlack$b will prepare a $gpiece$b attack
on the $gkingside$b.]
13.Be2 Nd7 14.O-O a5
[Played with the idea of impeding $gWhite$b's minority $gattack$b. The $gpawn$b tears
itself away from the group and itself comes under fire. However, This will
give $gBlack$b the chance to create threats on the $gkingside$b.]
15.Ne1 Nf6 16.Nd3 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 Rfe8
[$gBlack$b will use the e-$gfile$b to swing his rook over to White's $gkingside$b.]
18.Bf3 Ne4 19.Bxe4 Rxe4 20.Qb3 Qd7 21.Rc5 Rg4 22.h3
[ 22.Qc3 $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's a-$gpawn$b would allow Black to $gdraw$b by 22...Rxg2+
23.Kxg2 Qg4+ 24.Kh1 Qf3+ 25.Kg1 Qg4+ 26.Kh1 Qf3+ 27.Kg1 Qg4+]
22...Rg6 23.Kh1
[ 23.Qc3 Qxh3]
23...a4 24.Qb4 Rf6 25.Kg1
[Agreed $gdraw$bn. $gWhite$b could have tried to win the a-$gpawn$b but it would not have
mattered because $gBlack$b would obtain sufficient $gcounterplay$b on the
$gkingside$b. ]
.SCORE 1/2

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship (9)
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING French Defense
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5
[The Winawer $gvariation$b of the French $gDefense$b where $gBlack$b tries to undermine
the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b.]
5.a3 Ba5
[$gBlack$b preserves his $gbishop$b $gtempo$brarily and retains pressure on the a5-e1
$gdiagonal$b. 5...Bxc3+ 6.bxc3 Ne7 7.Qg4 Qc7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 Leads to
$gsharp$b play with chances for both sides.]
6.b4
[With this $gpawn$b advance $gWhite$b tries to punish $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b for
leaving the $gkingside$b.]
6...cxd4
[ 6...cxb4 7.Nb5 Also leads to $gsharp$b play.]
7.Qg4 Ne7
[ 7...Kf8 8.bxa5 dxc3 9.Nf3 Ne7 10.Bd3 Nd7 11.Qb4 Qc7 12.O-O Nc5 13.Qxc3 would
be better for $gWhite$b because of $gBlack$b's awkward $gking$b position.]
8.bxa5 dxc3 9.Qxg7 Rg8 10.Qxh7 Nd7
[Played with the idea of bringing the $gknight$b to f8. However, the knight proves
to be passive on the $gback rank$b. Better was 10...Nbc6.]
11.Nf3 Nf8 12.Qd3 Qxa5 13.h4
[White advances his $gpassed pawn$b while holding the g5 square for his dark
squared $gbishop$b.]
13...Bd7 14.Bg5 Rc8 15.Nd4 Nf5 16.Rb1
[White offers his a-pawn in $gexchange$b for
the $gBlack$b b-$gpawn$b.]
16...Rc4
[ 16...Qxa3 17.Nxf5 exf5 18.Rxb7 when $gBlack$b has too many weaknesses to cover.]
17.Nxf5 exf5 18.Rxb7
[$gWhite$b has a big $gadvantage$b thanks to his passed h-$gpawn$b and dark squared $gbishop$b
which restrict the options of the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
18...Re4+ 19.Qxe4
[A startling $gqueen$b $gsacrifice$b which is a small investment for what follows.]
19...dxe4 20.Rb8+ Bc8 21.Bb5+ Qxb5 22.Rxb5
[White has won the $gexchange$b and for a player with Smyslov's technique the
rest is easy.]
22...Ne6 23.Bf6 Rxg2 24.h5 Ba6 25.h6
[$gBlack$b resigned because he can't stop $gWhite$b's passed h-$gpawn$b from
promoting.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Steiner
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING Fajarowicz
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ne4
[ 3...Ng4 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.Bf4 Bb4+ 6.Nbd2 Qe7 allows $gBlack$b to regain his $gpawn$b.]
4.Nf3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Nxd2 6.Nbxd2 Nc6 7.a3
[White now holds the $ginitiative$b.]
7...Bxd2+ 8.Qxd2 Qe7 9.Qc3
[The $gpawn$b at e5 is now secure.]
9...O-O 10.Rd1 Re8 11.Rd5 b6
[$gBlack$b has no way to put further pressure at e5.]
12.e3 Bb7 13.Be2 Rad8
[ 13...Na5 14.b4 with similiar play to the actual game.]
14.O-O Nb8 15.Rc1
[A very deep $gexchange$b sacrifice. The idea is that White's pawn and piece
will be more active that $gBlack$b's $grook$b.]
15...Bxd5 16.cxd5 d6
[ 16...c5 Trying to keep the c-$gfile$b closed to $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs would be met with
17.Bb5 a6 18.d6 Qe6 19.Bc4 Qf5 20.Bd5 Nc6 21.Bxc6 dxc6 22.h3 when $gWhite$b has a
protected passed d-$gpawn$b.]
17.Bb5
[This drives the $gBlack$b $grook$b to a less active square.]
17...Rf8 18.e4 a6 19.Bd3 dxe5
[ 19...Rfe8 20.e6 fxe6 21.dxe6 c5 22.Bc4 would leave $gWhite$b with a strong
passed e-$gpawn$b.]
20.Nxe5 Rd6 21.Nc4 Rh6 22.Ne3 Qh4
[ 22...Rc8 White now regains his lost $gexchange$b by tactical means. ]
23.Qxc7 Rf6 24.g3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Boleslavsky
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1941
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxe4 5.Nxe4 Be7 6.Bxf6 gxf6
[ 6...Bxf6 Keeping his $gpawn structure$b in order is also playable.]
7.g3
[White plays to stop $gBlack$b from $gfianchetto$bing his light squared $gbishop$b
with 7...b6.]
7...Bd7
[ 7...b6 8.Bg2 Bb7 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
8.Nf3 Bc6
[$gBlack$b is developing his forces effectively must always worry about
the fractured $gkingside$b $gpawn structure$b.]
9.Qe2 Qd5 10.Ned2 Na6
[ 10...Nd7]
11.a3
[A simple yet strong $gpawn$b move which keeps the $gBlack$b $gknight$b out of the game.]
11...O-O-O 12.Bg2 Nb8 13.O-O Qd7 14.Rfe1 Bf8
[$gBlack$b is playing without a plan. He should have tried to start play on the
$gkingside$b by advancing the pawn to h5.]
15.c4 h5 16.b4
[Although, both sides are launching $gattack$bs on different $gflank$bs. $gWhite$b's is
much more powerful since he has the better $gpawn structure$b.]
16...b6 17.Ne4 Bg7 18.b5 Bb7 19.c5 Bd5
[ 19...bxc5 20.Nxc5 Qe7 21.Nxb7 Kxb7 22.Ne5+ Kc8 23.Nc6 Nxc6 24.bxc6 when
$gWhite$b has a winning $gattack$b on the light squares.]
20.Rac1 Rde8 21.c6 Qd8
[Most of Black's pieces have been pushed to the $gback rank$b which means they
won't be able to defend the $gking$b.]
22.Qc2 a5 23.Rcd1 Bf8 24.Qd3 Be7 25.Nc3 Bb3 26.Rb1 a4
[ 26...Bd5 27.Nxd5 Qxd5 allows White to win $gmaterial$b. Do you see how? ]
27.Nd2 h4 28.Nxb3 axb3 29.Qc4 f5 30.Qa4
[With no light-squared $gbishop$b $gBlack$b is powerless to defend his light squares.]
30...Bd6 31.Qa8 Qg5 32.Nd5
[$gBlack$b resigned as he has no good way of preventing 33.Qb7+. 32.Nd5 Black
resigned as 32...exd5 33.Qb7+ Kd8 34.Qxb8+ $gMate$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Martinovic
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.d4 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.Nc3 O-O 5.Bg5 c5 6.e3 cxd4 7.exd4 d5
[The $gOpening$b has $gtranspose$bd to a variation of the Panov-Botvinnik $gattack$b
from the Caro-Kann $gDefense$b.]
8.cxd5 Nxd5
[White excepts the isolated d-pawn in $gexchange$b for active piece play.]
9.Qb3 Nxc3
[ 9...Nb6 would keep pressure on the isolated d-$gpawn$b at the expense of moving
the $gknight$b for the third time.]
10.bxc3 Nc6 11.Be2 b6 12.O-O Qd6
[This commits $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b too early. 12...Bb7 would have been better.]
13.Rad1 e6 14.Nd2 Na5
[ 14...Bb7 15.Ne4 Qd7 16.Nf6+ Bxf6 17.Bxf6 would be better for $gWhite$b due to
the dark square weaknesses around $gBlack$b's $gking$b .]
15.Qb4 Qc7
[ 15...Qxb4 16.cxb4 Nc6 With pressure against the isolated d-$gpawn$b was better.]
16.Ne4 h6 17.Qe7
[With this intermediate move White is able to gain the $gbishop pair$b.]
17...Qxe7 18.Bxe7 Re8 19.Nf6+
[Now the position without queens will favor White, who has the $gbishop
pair$b.]
19...Bxf6 20.Bxf6 Bb7 21.Rd3
[Played with the idea of $gattack$bing on the h-$gfile$b after a future Rh3.]
21...Bd5 22.Rh3 Kh7 23.Re1 e5
[ 23...h5 24.g4 would win a $gpawn$b while keeping a powerful $gattack$b on the h-
$gfile$b.]
24.dxe5 Nc4 25.Bxc4 Bxc4
[$gBlack$b resigned before $gWhite$b could play a winning $gcombination$b. Do you see it?
If not, Gambit can demonstrate it for you if you set Gambit up as White..]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Florian
.EVENT Budapest-Moscow
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1949
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3
[This early $gqueen$b move is justified because it places direct pressure on the
$gcenter$b. Even though the $gqueen$b often travels a bit in this $gopening$b, $gWhite$b is
usually rewarded by complete $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
5...dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4
[This is a very strong $gcenter$b and $gBlack$b has to work very hard to achieve
$gcounterplay$b. This opening figured prominently in some of the World
Championship matches between Karpov and Kasparov.]
7...Na6 8.Be2 c5 9.d5 e6
[$gBlack$b begins the assault on the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b.]
10.O-O exd5 11.exd5 Qa5
[This move is a mistake as the queen has no future on the a5-e1 $gdiagonal$b.
11...Bf5 $gControl$bling $gkey$b central squares is more in the spirit of the $gopening$b.
For example 12.a3 takes b4 away from the $gBlack$b $gknight$b. 12...Re8 13.Rd1 Ne4
14.Be3 Nd6 when $gWhite$b's d-$gpawn$b is firmly $gblock$baded.]
12.a3 Bf5 13.Qh4
[With the idea of playing Bh6 thus removing an important $gBlack$b defender the
dark squared $gbishop$b.]
13...Rfe8 14.Bh6 Ne4 15.Bxg7 Kxg7 16.Ng5 Nxc3
[This is a mistake as $gBlack$b removes yet another $gpiece$b from the protection of
his $gking$b. Better was 16...Nxg5. 16...Nxg5 17.Qxg5 Qd8 $gWhite$b stands a little
better due to $gBlack$b's $gknight$b languishing in exile on a6.]
17.Qxh7+ Kf6 18.bxc3 Kxg5
[$gWhite$b has $gsacrifice$bd a $gpiece$b and the $gking$b hunt begins. 18...Rxe2 19.f4 The
$gBlack$b $gking$b is caught in a mating net after  19...Qc7 20.d6 Qd7 21.Rae1 Rxe1
22.Rxe1 Re8 23.Re7 Rxe7 24.Qh8+ ]
19.Qg7
[This $gquiet move$b takes away the $gBlack$b $gking$b's retreat squares.]
19...Re4
[ 19...Rxe2 20.f4+ Kg4 21.h3+ Kh4 when $gWhite$b has a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
20.f4+ Rxf4 21.Rxf4 Kxf4 22.Rf1+ Ke3
[The $gBlack$b $gking$b must walk up into $gWhite$b's welcoming army. 22...Ke4 23.Bc4 With
a winning $gattack$b for $gWhite$b. If you don't see how try defending the $gBlack$b
position against Gambit.]
23.Qe5+ Kd2 24.Bc4 Qxc3 25.Rf2+
[$gBlack$b resigned as after he moves his $gking$b out of $gcheck$b $gWhite$b simply takes off
the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Langeweg
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING English
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 g6
[ 4...e6 5.d4 would $gtranspose$b to the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b.]
5.Nc3 Bg7 6.d3 d5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Nxd5 Bxd5 9.Qa4+
[$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b does entirely too much traveling in this game. $gCastling$b would
have been wiser.]
9...Qd7 10.Qf4
[ 10.Qxd7+ Nxd7 would be a little better for $gBlack$b because his $gbishop$bs would
apply pressure on the $gqueenside$b.]
10...Nc6 11.O-O Rd8 12.Qa4 O-O
[While $gWhite$b has been busy shuffling his $gqueen$b back and forth $gBlack$b has
completed his $gdevelopment$b.]
13.Rd1 a5 14.Qh4 Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Nd4
[$gBlack$b posts the $gknight$b in the $gcenter$b which $gthreat$bens to cripple $gWhite$b's
$gpawn structure$b by Nxf3+.]
16.Qe4 e6 17.Bg5
[White finally $gdevelops$b his $gbishop$b but it's too late to help his queen.]
17...f6 18.Bf4 g5 19.Bc1 f5
[$gWhite$b resigned. The position is worse than it looks.]
20.Qb7
[ 20.Qe3 Nc2]
20...Rb8 21.Qa6 g4 22.Bg2 Nxe2+ 23.Kf1 Nxc1 24.Raxc1 Bxb2
[$gBlack$b has too many extra $gpawn$bs.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Littlewood
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 b6 5.Nge2
[The Rubinstein $gvariation$b of the Nimzo Indian $gDefense$b. One idea behind 5.Nge2
is to induce Black to part with his $gbishop pair$b, by $gexchange$b on c3,
when White could recapture with his knight thus avoiding doubling his c-
$gpawn$bs.]
5...Ba6 6.Ng3
[White abandons the idea of preserving his $gpawn structure$b intact in the
event of an $gexchange$b on c3, Instead he $gpin$bs his hopes on rapid
$gdevelopment$b and a pawn advance in the $gcenter$b.]
6...c5
[ 6...Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 Doubling $gWhite$b's c-$gpawn$bs would be more in the spirit of the
Nimzo Indian.]
7.d5
[Bypassing the $gBlack$b c-$gpawn$b, $gWhite$b establishes a sound spatial $gadvantage$b in
the $gcenter$b.]
7...exd5 8.cxd5 Bxf1 9.Kxf1 Bxc3 10.bxc3
[$gWhite$b $gcontrol$bs more $gspace$b in the enter and $gBlack$b's $gknight$bs are ineffective.]
10...O-O 11.e4 d6 12.Bf4 Ne8
[ 12...Qc7 13.Nf5 Ne8 14.Qg4 would give $gWhite$b good pressure on the
$gkingside$b.]
13.Nf5 g6
[Although the $gknight$b on f5 is menacing $gBlack$b shouldn't create such $ghole$bs on
his $gkingside$b. 13...Qf6 With the idea of developing his knight to d7 is
couldn't be any worse than the game continuation.]
14.Ne3 Nd7 15.h4 Qe7 16.f3 Ng7 17.Qe1 b5 18.h5
[With the $gcenter$b under $gcontrol$b White is ready to begin his $gkingside$b
$gattack$b.]
18...Ne5
[ 18...Nxh5 19.Rxh5 gxh5 20.Nf5 Qf6 21.Bg5 Qe5 22.f4 Qe8 23.Qg3 Kh8 $gWhite$b has
a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two. ]
19.Qg3 f6 20.hxg6 hxg6 21.Bxe5 Qxe5 22.Qxg6 Qg5 23.Qxg5 fxg5 24.Rh6
[$gBlack$b resigned as after 24..Rad8 25.Rg6 he would not be able to defend
his g-$gpawn$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Sigurjonsson
.BLACK Smyslov
.EVENT Reykjavik
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1974
.OPENING English
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4
[A developing move which prepares for rapid $gcastling$b. It is more active
than 4...Be7.]
5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O
[This position is still a popular way for both sides to play the English
$gopening$b.]
6...e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Re8 9.f3
[Smyslov has played this position for both $gWhite$b and $gBlack$b.]
9...exf3 10.Nxf3 d5 11.cxd5 Qxd5
[An interesting position where $gWhite$b has the two $gcenter$b
$gpawn$bs(long term $gadvantage$b) while $gBlack$b has active $gpiece$b play.]
12.Nd4 Qh5 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.e3
[ 14.Bxc6 looks tempting but it actually leads to the loss of a $gpiece$b after
14...Ng4]
14...Bg4 15.Qa4 Re6
[The right idea but wrong move order. Better was Be2 first. 15...Be2 16.Rxf6
Bb5 17.Qc2 gxf6]
16.Rb1
[A mistake which later exposes the $grook$b to $gattack$b. 16.Ba3 Be2 17.Rf4 would be
much better than the game continuation, as $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b $grook$b is actually
safer on a1 than b1.]
16...Be2 17.Re1 Ng4
[$gThreat$bening a quick win after Qxh2+ and Rf6+.]
18.h3 Qf5
[This is a classic example of a $gdouble attach$b, with the $gqueen$b hitting both
the $grook$b at b1 and the vulnerable f2-square.]
19.Rxe2
[ 19.hxg4 Qxb1 20.Rxe2 Qxc1+]
19...Qxb1 20.Qxg4 Qxc1+ 21.Kh2
[$gBlack$b has won the $gexchange$b which gives him a winning $gmaterial$b
$gadvantage$b.]
21...Rd8 22.Qb4 h6 23.c4 Qd1 24.Rf2 Qe1
[White resigned because he is the $gexchange$b down and losing his d-pawn.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship (11)
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1958
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Qb3
[This, the Russian system of meeting the Grunfeld Defense has proven to be
a most crucial test to $gBlack$b's $gopening$b.]
5...dxc4 6.Qxc4 O-O 7.e4 Bg4
[$gBlack$b plans on challenging the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b and therefore wants to put
pressure on one of its supporters the $gWhite$b $gknight$b on f3.]
8.Be3 Nfd7 9.Rd1
[This is a direct consequence of the early deployment of the $gqueen$b. Notice how
strong the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b is, with virtually all of the $gforce$bs devoted to its
support.]
9...Nb6 10.Qb3 Nc6 11.d5 Ne5 12.Be2 Nxf3+ 13.gxf3 Bh5
[ 13...Bd7 would allow $gWhite$b's h-$gpawn$b to enter the $gattack$b for example 14.h4
Qc8 15.h5 when White has the $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b.]
14.h4 Qd7 15.a4
[With the $gcenter$b under complete $gcontrol$b, $gWhite$b can now squeeze the
$gqueenside$b.]
15...a5 16.Nb5 Nc8 17.Bd4 Nd6
[A mistake. $gBlack$b should tie the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs down to the protection of the a-
$gpawn$b with 17...Nb6. 17...Bxd4 18.Nxd4 Nb6 19.Bb5 Qd6]
18.Bxg7 Kxg7 19.Nd4
[A move made possible by the $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. This is a wonderful square
for the $gknight$b.]
19...Kg8 20.Rg1 Qh3 21.Qe3
[$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b heads over to $gattack$b $gBlack$b's weak dark squares.]
21...c5
[The final mistake which allows $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b to $gattack$b the weakened dark
squares. 21...Qxh4 22.e5 Ne8 23.Qh6 Qh2 24.Rg3 Ng7 Offered some chances of a
successful $gdefense$b.]
22.dxc6 bxc6 23.Qg5 c5
[ 23...Kh8 24.Qxe7 Rad8 25.Qf6+ Kg8 26.Nxc6 With a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b and
$gkingside$b $gattack$b in White's favor.]
24.Nc6
[$gBlack$b resigned as $gWhite$b is $gthreat$bening to win the $gbishop$b with Qxh5. 24.Nc6
Kh8 25.Qxe7 Rad8 26.Qf6+ Kg8 27.Ne7+ $gMate$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Smyslov
.BLACK Keres
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1948
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 c6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.cxd5 exd5
[The $gopening$b is an $gExchange$b $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined where $gWhite$b's main strategy
is the minority $gattack$b on the $gqueenside$b. While $gBlack$b chances are on using
the half open e-$gfile$b to start a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
7.Bd3 Be7 8.Nf3 O-O 9.Qc2 Re8 10.O-O Nf8 11.Rab1
[White prepares to play $gpawn$b b4, b5 thus $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b pawns
where $gWhite$b has only two $gpawn$bs hence the term minority $gattack$b.]
11...Ng6
[ 11...a5 would not stop $gWhite$b's intentions after 12.a3 Ng6 13.b4 axb4 14.axb4
with $gpawn$b b5 to follow.]
12.b4 Bd6
[This is not the most accurate move. 12...a6 13.a4 Ne4 exchanging a few
$gpiece$bs, offered better chances.]
13.b5 Bd7 14.bxc6 Bxc6
[This move is definetly a mistake as $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b is tied to
the $gdefense$b of the isolated d-$gpawn$b. 14...bxc6 when $gWhite$b would still have to
prove the weakness of $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs.]
15.Qb3 Be7 16.Bxf6
[$gWhite$b removes an important defender of $gBlack$b's isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
16...Bxf6 17.Bb5 Qd6 18.Rfc1
[White stands much better due to his pressure on $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b while
$gBlack$b's $gkingside$b play have never gotten off the ground.]
18...h5 19.Ne2 h4 20.Bxc6 bxc6 21.Qa4
[$gWhite$b has saddled $gBlack$b with a new weakness the backward c-$gpawn$b.]
21...Ne7 22.Rb7
[All of $gWhite$b's activity can be traced back to his minority $gattack$b.]
22...a5 23.h3
[Before proceeding with his $gqueenside$b play White safeguards his $gking$b.]
23...Reb8 24.Rcb1 Rxb7 25.Rxb7
[White's better $gpawn structure$b and active pieces give him a winning
$gadvantage$b.]
25...c5 26.Rb5 cxd4
[ 26...c4 27.Rxa5 Rc8 28.Nc3 would leave $gWhite$b a healthy $gpawn$b up with $gBlack$b's
c-$gpawn$b safely $gblock$baded.]
27.Nexd4 Rc8 28.Nb3 Bc3 29.Qxh4
[$gWhite$b's straightforward plans have netted him a $gpawn$b.]
29...Rc4 30.g4
[ 30.Qg3 Qxg3 31.fxg3 Ra4 would give $gBlack$b play against $gWhite$b's a-$gpawn$b.]
30...a4 31.Nbd4 Bxd4 32.Nxd4 Qe5
[ 32...Nc6 33.Nxc6 Rxc6 34.Ra5 Qd7 35.Qg5 leaves $gWhite$b a $gpawn$b ahead with more
on the way.]
33.Nf3 Qd6
[Black has to watch his $gback rank$b otherwise White will get in Rb8+.]
34.Ra5 Rc8 35.Rxa4
[After this loss of a second $gpawn$b $gBlack$b could safely resign.]
35...Ng6 36.Qh5 Qf6 37.Qf5 Qc6 38.Ra7 Rf8 39.Rd7 d4 40.Rxd4 Ra8 41.a4
[$gBlack$b resigned as he is three $gpawn$bs down.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Vidmar
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Nottingham
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4
[The Slav $gdefense$b where $gBlack$b aims at active $gpiece$b play was a speciality of
Euwe.]
5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Qc7 8.g3 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Bf4
[White tries to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gpin$bned $gknight$b.]
10...Nfd7 11.Bg2 Rd8
[The $gBlack$b $grook$b prepares to take over the d-$gfile$b from $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
12.Qc1 f6 13.O-O Be6
[This move relieves some of the pressure White has on $gBlack$b's $gpin$bned
$gknight$b.]
14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.a5 a6 16.Ne4 Bb4 17.Nc5 Bc8 18.Ra4
[Although $gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs the a-$gpawn$b he doesn't receive enough play for it.
18.Bxe5 fxe5 19.f4 Trying to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gking$b being in the
$gcenter$b is a better plan.]
18...Bxa5 19.Nd3 O-O 20.Be4
[ 20.Bxe5 fxe5 21.Qc5 Perhaps this is what $gWhite$b originally intended only
seeing too late that 21...Bb6 22.Qxe5 Qxe5 23.Nxe5 Rxf2 24.Rxf2 Rd1+ 25.Bf1
Bh3 when $gWhite$b can't stop Rxf1 $gmate$b.]
20...Bb6 21.Qc2 g5
[An exception to the rule that one shouldn't move the $gpawn$bs in front of the
$gking$b which usually leaves the monarch vulnerable to $gattack$b. $gBlack$b's idea is to
ease the pressure on his $gpin$bned $gknight$b.]
22.Bxh7+
[ 22.Bxe5 fxe5 23.Nxe5 Qxe5 24.Qb3+ Kh8 25.Qxb6 Rd2 would give $gBlack$b good
chances due to his $gcontrol$b of $gWhite$b's second $grank$b.]
22...Qxh7 23.Bxe5 Ba7
[This was the point of $gBlack$b's $gdefense$b. He now gains a $gtempo$b on White's
dark-squared bishop which he uses to develop a powerful counterattack.]
24.Bc3 b5 25.Raa1 c5
[$gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs push the White $gpiece$bs to less active positions.]
26.Qc1 c4 27.Ne1 Bb7 28.Nf3
[ 28.Ng2 would allow $gBlack$b a mating $gattack$b.]
28...g4 29.Ng5 Qh5
[$gWhite$b resigned. 29...Qh5 White resigned as $gmate$b was coming after...]
30.Ne6 Qd5
[when White has no good way of stopping Qg2+ $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Winter
.EVENT Nottingham
.THEME {S24}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6
[The Slav $gdefense$b which gives $gBlack$b a solid but somewhat passive position.]
5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Be7
[ 6...dxc4 is the main alternative, reaching the Meran $gvariation$b of the Slav
$gDefense$b.]
7.O-O O-O 8.b3
[Played so the light squared $gbishop$b won't have to move again in the event
$gBlack$b plays dxc4. 8.e4 dxe4 9.Nxe4 b6 10.Qe2 Bb7 followed by $gpawn$b c5 $gopening$b
up $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b.]
8...b6 9.Bb2 Bb7 10.Qe2 c5 11.Rad1 Ne4
[ 11...Qc7 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 Qxe5 14.Nxd5 Qd6 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.Bxh7+ Kxh7
17.Rxd6 Wins for $gWhite$b.]
12.dxc5 Nxc3 13.Bxc3 bxc5
[ 13...Nxc5 14.Bb1 when $gWhite$b's $gbishop$bs are aiming at the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
14.cxd5 exd5
[$gWhite$b's play has left $gBlack$b with $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b.]
15.Ba6
[With the idea of eliminating $gBlack$b's protection of the d-$gpawn$b.]
15...Bc6 16.Bb5 Bb7 17.e4
[A strong move which gives White the better $gpawn structure$b.]
17...Bf6
[ 17...dxe4 18.Ne5 would win $gBlack$b's $gpin$bned $gknight$b.]
18.Bxf6 Nxf6 19.exd5 Nxd5 20.Qe5
[ 20.Rfe1 would allow $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b.]
20...Qa5 21.Bc4 Nf6 22.Ng5 Rae8 23.Qf4 h6
[An oversight which loses $gmaterial$b. ]
24.Nxf7 Ba6
[ 24...Rxf7 25.Rd7 would take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gpin$bned rook.]
25.Nd6+
[$gBlack$b resigned as $gmaterial$b loss is unavoidable.]
.SCORE 1-0



.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Tylor
.EVENT Nottingham
.THEME {S24}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 O-O 6.Nf3 b6
[$gBlack$b is playing the $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Declined. His last move makes an $gopening$b
for the light squared $gbishop$b which, is $gblock$bed on the c8-h3 $gdiagonal$b.]
7.cxd5 exd5 8.Bb5
[ 8.Bd3 h6 9.h4 with an $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b.]
8...c5
[This $gpawn$b thrust is premature and should have been prepared by Bb7. ]
9.dxc5 bxc5
[The future play will revolve around $gBlack$b's $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b.]
10.O-O Bb7 11.Rc1 Qb6
[Ideally $gBlack$b would like to have his $gknight$b on b6 to help protect his d-$gpawn$b
but this is not easy to achieve. 12.Bxd7 Qxd7 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Ne4
Taking $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's d-pawn being $gpin$bned.
14...Bxb2 15.Nxc5
Now $gBlack$b at best ends up with a very weak isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
12.Qe2
[$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b protects his b-$gpawn$b while $gthreat$bening Na4.]
12...a6 13.Ba4 Rd8 14.Rfd1 Qe6
[$gBlack$b's backward $gdevelopment$b gives White the $gadvantage$b.]
15.Bb3 Ne4
[An oversight which costs $gBlack$b a $gpawn$b. However, $gWhite$b stands better in any
event because of $gBlack$b's undeveloped pieces.]
16.Nxe4 Qxe4
[White now exposes the $goverworked$b $gbishop$b on e7.]
17.Rxc5 Bxc5
[ 17...f6 18.Rc7 when $gWhite$b's $grook$b $gattack$bs both of $gBlack$b's $gbishop$bs.]
18.Bxd8 Nd7
[$gBlack$b can finally get his $gpiece$bs out. However, the damage has been done with
$gWhite$b being a clear $gpawn$b up.]
19.Bc7 Rc8 20.Bg3 d4
[$gBlack$b gets rid of the d-pawn in order to open the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b for his
$gbishop$b and $gqueen$b.]
21.Qd2 Bb6
[ 21...dxe3 22.Qxd7 exf2+ 23.Bxf2 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Qg6 would allow $gWhite$b a mating
$gcombination$b.]
22.exd4 Nf6 23.Bxf7+ Kh8
[ 23...Kxf7 allows $gWhite$b to win the $gqueen$b after 24.Ng5+ Kg8 25.Nxe4]
24.Bb3 Qc6 25.Be5
[$gBlack$b resigned because he is three $gpawn$bs down.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Van den Bosch
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nge2 g6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Be3 d6 7.Be2 Nf6
[The game has $gtranspose$bd to a Classical Dragon $gdefense$b, a line favored by
players who enjoy tactical brawls.]
8.Qd2
[$gWhite$b commits his $gqueen$b too early which gives up $gcontrol$b of the g4 square. He
should have simply castled, reaching normal $gvariation$bs of the $gopening$b.]
8...O-O 9.h4
[With the $gWhite$b $gking$b still in the $gcenter$b this $gattack$bing move is premature.
9.O-O Ng4 10.Bxg4 Bxg4 would give $gBlack$b the $gadvantage$b of the two $gbishop$bs.]
9...d5
[A thematic advance which takes $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's $gking$b being in the
$gcenter$b.]
10.Nxc6
[ 10.exd5 Nb4 11.Bh6 Bxh6 12.Qxh6 e5 13.Nf3 Nxc2+ 14.Kf1 Ng4 would win
$gmaterial$b.]
10...bxc6 11.Rd1 Qc7 12.h5
[ 12.exd5 cxd5 13.Nxd5 Nxd5 14.Qxd5 Bb7 15.Qd2 Bxg2 16.Rg1 Qh2]
12...Nxe4 13.Nxe4 dxe4 14.hxg6 hxg6 15.Bd4 Rd8 16.Qc3
[ 16.Qe3 would keep White's $gmaterial$b losses to a minimum.]
16...Rxd4
[Takes $gadvantage$b of the White queen being on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.Rxd4 Qb6
[$gWhite$b resigned since he can't save the $grook$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Wolthuis
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Maastricht
.THEME {S3}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Nf3 Nbd7 7.O-O e5 8.dxe5
[ 8.d5 Nc5 9.Qc2 a5 not allowing $gWhite$b to chase the $gknight$b away with $gpawn$b b4.]
8...dxe5 9.b3 c6
[$gBlack$b has good chances due to the weak d4 square, which can be used as an
$goutpost$b.]
10.Qc2 Re8 11.Ba3
[ 11.Bb2 Keeping the $gbishop$b on to defend the d4 square seems more
logical.]
11...Bf8
[The $gbishop$b no longer has a future on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b so this
$gexchange$b makes a lot of sense.]
12.Bxf8 Nxf8 13.c5
[ 13.h3 not allowing $gBlack$b to play Bg4 and Bxf3 would keep better $gcontrol$b of
the d4 square.]
13...Bg4 14.Nd2 Ne6
[Headed toward d4!]
15.f3
[ 15.b4 Nd4 16.Qd1 would be better but still $gBlack$b has the edge thanks to his
strong $gknight$b on d4.]
15...Nd4
[With this move $gBlack$b gets a strong $goutpost$b for his $gknight$b.]
16.Qd3 Be6 17.f4
[An oversight which costs $gWhite$b a $gpiece$b. 17.Kh1 when White's $gking$b is safer
tucked away in the corner.]
17...Nxe2+ 18.Qxe2 Qd4+ 19.Kh1 Qxc3 20.f5 gxf5 21.exf5 Bd5
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Szabo
.BLACK Euwe
.EVENT Groningen
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1946
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 a6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Bxc4 e6 6.O-O c5 7.Qe2 Nc6 8.Rd1
[A typical position from the $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b Accepted has been played, where
$gWhite$b puts his hopes on the d-$gfile$b and $gcenter$b while $gBlack$b counters on the
$gqueenside$b.]
8...b5 9.Bb3 c4 10.Bc2 Nb4 11.Nc3 Nxc2 12.Qxc2 Bb7 13.e4
[ 13.d5 exd5 14.e4 would give $gWhite$b good play for the $gpawn$b since $gBlack$b's $gking$b
has remained in the $gcenter$b.]
13...b4 14.e5
[ 14.d5 would be to late due to 14...bxc3 15.dxe6 Qa5
when $gWhite$b wouldn't get enough play for the $gpiece$b.]
14...bxc3 15.exf6 gxf6 16.Qa4+ Qd7 17.Qxc4 Rc8 18.Qe2 Rg8
[$gBlack$b uses the open g-$gfile$b to launch a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
19.Ne1 Qd5 20.f3
[ 20.bxc3 would allow $gBlack$b a winning $gcombination$b.]
20...Bd6
[$gBlack$b has a winning $ginitiative$b with his pieces aiming at the White king.]
21.Kh1 Qh5
[Very nice. $gBlack$b $gforce$bs another pawn weakness on White's $gkingside$b due to
the $gthreat$bened $gmate$b.]
22.h3 Rg3
[$gBlack$b prepares to double $grook$bs thus bringing his final $gpiece$b into the
$gattack$b.]
23.Be3 Ke7 24.Qf1 Rcg8 25.bxc3 Rxg2 26.Qxg2
[ 26.Nxg2 Qxh3+ 27.Kg1 Bxf3 28.Rd2 Bh2+ 29.Kf2 Bxg2]
26...Rxg2 27.Kxg2 Qg6+
[Although $gWhite$b has managed to get two $grook$bs for the $gqueen$b $gBlack$b still has a
winning $gattack$b.]
28.Kf2 Bg3+ 29.Ke2 Bxe1
[$gBlack$b removes the only $gWhite$b $gpiece$b which can help defend the light squares.]
30.Rxe1 Qg2+
[The light squares belong to $gBlack$b. The rooks are no match for the queen
here.]
31.Kd3 Bxf3 32.a4 Be4+ 33.Kc4 Qc2
[$gBlack$b has a winning $gattack$b which all takes place on the light squares.]
34.d5 Bxd5+ 35.Kb4 Kd7 36.c4 Qxc4+ 37.Ka5 Qc3+ 38.Kxa6 Bc4+ 39.Kb7 Qb3+ 40.Bb6
[ 40.Ka7 Kc7 also $gmate$bs.]
40...Qf3+ 41.Kb8 Ba6 42.Red1+ Ke8
[$gWhite$b resigned. 42...Ke8 43.Kc7 Qb7+ 44.Kd6 Qxb6+ $gMate$bs.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Kramer
.EVENT Holland Championship
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1952
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
[With his third move $gBlack$b enters the Nimzoindian $gdefense$b.]
4.Qc2
[Played with the idea of stopping the doubling of his c-$gpawn$bs in view of
$gBlack$b's $gthreat$b Bxc3+ which now can be answered by recapturing with the $gqueen$b.]
4...Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bd2 O-O 7.a3 Bxc3 8.Bxc3 Re8
[ 8...a5, with the idea of hampering White's $gqueenside$b play, would be met
with 9.e4 when $gWhite$b has a slight pull due to his $gspace$b $gadvantage$b.]
9.b4 e5 10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.e3 Bg4
[ 11...Nxf3+ 12.gxf3 when White has good chances of a $gkingside$b $gattack$b with
the open g-$gfile$b and two $gbishop$bs.]
12.Nxe5 dxe5 13.f3 Bh5 14.Be2 Bg6
[ 14...e4 15.f4 Bxe2 16.Qxe2 White's $gbishop$b dominates the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b,
while, $gBlack$b's $gknight$b has no central $goutpost$b.]
15.Qb2 Nd7 16.O-O f6
[Black plays to blunt White's $gbattery$b on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.c5 Qe7 18.Rfd1 Red8 19.Be1 Nf8
[ 19...c6 20.Rd6 Nf8 21.Rad1 Rxd6 22.cxd6 Qd7 23.b5 would give $gWhite$b a
powerful passed d-$gpawn$b.]
20.Rxd8 Rxd8 21.Qb3+ Kh8
[ 21...Bf7 still allows White to weaken the $gBlack$b $gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs with
22.Qa4 a6 23.c6 Be8 24.Qb3+ Bf7 25.Qc2]
22.c6
[ 22.Qa4 With $gBlack$b's $gking$b on h8 this would be a mistake because of a6 23.c6
Be8 when the c-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned.]
22...bxc6
[ 22...b6 23.Qa4 Ra8 24.Ba6 Be8 25.Bb7 $gWhite$b wins the a-$gpawn$b with 26.Qxa7.]
23.Qa4
[White will regain his pawn while keeping the better $gpawn structure$b.]
23...Bd3 24.Bxd3 Rxd3 25.Qxa7 Qd7 26.Kf2 h6 27.a4
[With $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b out of play this is a mistake. 27.Qc5 bringing the queen
back into play while clearing the a-$gfile$b was better.]
27...Ne6 28.a5 Kh7
[ 28...c5 29.Qa8+ Kh7 30.Qe4+ Kh8 31.a6 when the a-$gpawn$b is well on the way to
$gpromotion$b.]
29.a6 c5
[A good move which cuts the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b off from protecting the $gking$b.]
30.Qb7 Rxe3 31.a7 Qd4
[This is the wrong square for the $gqueen$b. 31...Qd3 gaining $gcontrol$b of the e2
square was correct.]
32.a8Q Nf4 33.Kf1 Rxe1+ 34.Rxe1 Qd3+ 35.Kg1
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Euwe
.BLACK Kan
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {T5, S16}
.DATE 1934
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.a3
[The Saemish $gvariation$b of the Nimzoindian $gdefense$b. The early resolution of the
tension at c3 rarely works in $gWhite$b's favor.]
4...Bxc3+ 5.bxc3 d5 6.f3 b6
[ 6...dxc4 7.e4 $gWhite$b has the $gadvantage$b due to his powerful $gcenter$b.]
7.Bg5
[White $gpin$bs the $gknight$b on f6.]
7...Bb7 8.e3 Nbd7 9.Bd3 h6 10.Bh4 c5 11.Ne2 Rc8
[ 11...Qc7 $gbreak$bing the $gpin$b should of been preferred.]
12.cxd5 exd5 13.O-O
[White stands better because of his $gbishop pair$b and control of the center.
Notice how $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b $gpawn$bs $gcontrol$b the $gBlack$b $gknight$bs.]
13...O-O 14.Bf5
[White $gpin$bs the $gBlack$b $gknight$b on d7.]
14...Bc6 15.e4
[The $gpin$bs make this central $gbreak$b possible.]
15...g5
[White's $gpin$bs have $gforce$bd $gBlack$b to fatally weaken his $gkingside$b.
15...dxe4 16.fxe4 g5 17.d5 gxh4 18.dxc6 Rxc6 19.Qe1 would take $gadvantage$b of
$gBlack$b's weakened $gkingside$b.]
16.exd5 Nxd5 17.Bf2 c4
[ 17...Bb5 18.dxc5 Bxe2 19.Qxe2 would favor $gWhite$b because of his two $gbishop$bs
and $gBlack$b's weakened $gkingside$b.]
18.Qd2 Qf6 19.Ng3 Rce8 20.Rae1 Rxe1
[ 20...Nf4 21.d5 Ba4 22.Bd4 Qd6 23.Ne4 Qxd5 would allow $gWhite$b a winning
$gcombination$b.]
21.Rxe1 b5 22.Bb1 N7b6 23.Nh5 Qd6 24.Re5 f5
[ 24...Qxa3 allows $gWhite$b a mating $gattack$b.]
25.Bxf5 Qxa3 26.Be1 Nf6 27.Be6+ Kh8 28.Nxf6 Rxf6 29.d5
[$gWhite$b has a $gwinning position$b because of his passed d-$gpawn$b and $gBlack$b's
weakened $gkingside$b.]
29...Bd7 30.h4
[$gWhite$b makes $gluft$b for his $gking$b while further $gattack$bing the $gBlack$b
$gkingside$b.]
30...Qd6 31.Qd4 Rf4 32.Qe3 Bxe6 33.dxe6 Rf8 34.e7 Re8 35.Re6
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Yusupov
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1979
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6
[This is the standard position of the Open $gVariation$b of the Spanish Game.
Yusupov is perhaps the leading advocate of this $gopening$b among the players of
his generation.]
9.Be3
[This is not the most common move, but at the time the game was played it was
being analyzed frequently among my compatriots.]
9...Be7 10.Nbd2 O-O 11.c3
[There is no real point in capturing at e4, after which things can become
interesting in a way which might just be favorable for $gBlack$b. After 11.Nxe4
dxe4 12.Bxe6 exf3 13.Bd5 Nxe5 14.Bxa8 Qxa8 15.g3 Qc8 the invasion at h3 will
prove deadly.]
11...Bg4
[I think he should have $gcapture$bd at d2. 11...Nxd2 12.Qxd2 Qd7 $gBlack$b has a
solid position.]
12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Qd5 exf3
[What happens if $gBlack$b trades queens instead, heading for an $gendgame$b? The
answer to that one was known from a game between Alekhine and Teichman, back
in 1921! 13...Qxd5 14.Bxd5 exf3 15.Bxc6 fxg2 16.Kxg2 Rad8 17.a4 $gWhite$b has a
clear $gadvantage$b. Of course both Yusupov and I were familiar with this
classic!]
14.Qxc6 fxg2 15.Qxg2 Qd7
[Now I have a lot of pressure on the g-$gfile$b. I set up a $gpin$b via a $gpiece$b
$gsacrifice$b.]
16.Bh6 gxh6 17.f3
[A $gcritical position$b. $gBlack$b plays an obvious move, but it does not turn out
well. He should have taken the opportunity to give $gcheck$b at c5.]
17...h5
[ 17...Bc5+ 18.Kh1 Rae8 and $gBlack$b has no serious problems here.]
18.Rad1 Qf5 19.fxg4 Qxe5
[Now $gWhite$b uses the $gtechnique$b of deflection to drive the enemy $gqueen$b away and
win a $gpiece$b. 19...Qxg4 20.Rd7 This move, made possible by the $gpin$b on the
g-$gfile$b, guarantees $gWhite$b a significant $gadvantage$b.]
20.Rde1 Qc5+
[The $gqueen$b must defend the $gbishop$b at e7. 20...Bc5+ 21.Kh1 Qd6 22.Rxf7 The
$gattack$b on the $grook$b at a8 by the $gqueen$b at g2 prevents $gBlack$b from capturing the
$grook$b at f7.]
21.Kh1 Rad8
[A mistake, which leads to an instructive example of deflection at work.
21...Bh4 22.Rf5 Qd6 23.Rxf7 Kh8 24.Re6 is similar to the previous $gvariation$b.
21...Rae8  was the $gbest move$b, supporting the $gbishop$b. Still, I would have had a
good game.]
22.Rf5 Qd6
[There is no other square which defends the $gbishop$b.]
23.Rd5 Qg6 24.Rxe7
[$gBlack$b is now a $gpiece$b down, and the remainder of the game is of little
interest.]
24...Rxd5 25.Bxd5 hxg4 26.Qe4 Qxe4+ 27.Bxe4 Rd8 28.Rxc7 h5 29.Bc2 Rd5 30.Bb3
Rf5 31.Kg2 a5 32.Rxf7 Rxf7 33.Kg3 a4 34.Bxf7+ Kxf7 35.Kh4 Kg6 36.b3 a3 37.c4
bxc4 38.bxc4 Kf5 39.Kxh5 Ke4 40.Kxg4 Kd4 41.h4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Huebner
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Biel Interzonal
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1976
.OPENING Nimzoindian Defense
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4
[This is an aggressive line which appealed to Tal's $gattack$bing instincts.]
4.Qc2 c5
[With the $gqueen$b gone from the d-$gfile$b, $gBlack$b puts pressure on d4.]
5.g3 Nc6 6.Bg2 O-O 7.O-O Qe7 8.d3 h6
[$gBlack$b can afford such luxuries thanks to his advanced $gdevelopment$b.]
9.e4 d6
[White now tries to mobilize a $gkingside$b $gattack$b before $gBlack$b can blast open
the $gqueenside$b.]
10.Nh4 Rb8 11.f4 Bd7 12.h3 Nd4
[This square is unguarded because the $gknight$b has moved from f3 to h4.]
13.Qf2 b5 14.Be3 bxc4 15.dxc4 Bc6 16.Rae1 Qb7 17.Bc1 Qa6
[$gBlack$b has plenty of $gqueenside$b $gcounterplay$b.]
18.e5 dxe5 19.fxe5 Nh7
[This $gknight$b will find an effective home at g5.]
20.Bxc6 Qxc6 21.Re3 Ng5 22.Qg2 Qa6 23.b3
[The stage is set for a deflection $gsacrifice$b. Tal has a vision of a $gknight$b
$gcheck$b at e2. That seems impossible, given that the square is covered by a
$grook$b, $gknight$b and $gqueen$b. But of such dreams, $gcombination$bs are made!]
23...Nxh3+ 24.Qxh3 Bxc3 25.Qg4
[ 25.Rxc3 Ne2+ 26.Kh2 Nxc3]
25...Qxa2 26.Rxc3
[Now $gBlack$b could regain $gmaterial$b with the $gfork$b at e2, but instead Tal
uses yet another deflection, this time to take the pressure off the g-$gfile$b.]
26...h5 27.Qxh5 Ne2+ 28.Kh1 Nxc3 29.Bh6
[This has no sting now.]
29...Qe2
[An offer to $gexchange$b queens which White cannot afford to accept.]
30.Qg5 Qe4+
[This $gcheck$b provides a road home for the $gqueen$b.]
31.Rf3 Qh7
[Now everything is defended, and the remainder of the game is easy.]
32.Bxg7 Qxg7 33.Qxg7+ Kxg7 34.Rxc3 Rfd8
[Rooks belong on open files!]
35.Nf3 Rd1+ 36.Kg2 Rbd8 37.Rc2 R8d3 38.Ra2 Rxb3 39.Ng5
[ 39.Rxa7 Rdd3]
39...Rdd3 40.Ne4 Re3 41.Nxc5 Rxg3+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Tukmakov
.EVENT Sochi
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
Nb8 10.d3
[This is a rather quiet method of play against the Breyer, but Tal soon steers
the game into a $gsharp$b line.]
10...Nbd7 11.Nbd2 Bb7 12.Nf1 Nc5 13.Bc2 Re8 14.Ng3 Bf8 15.b4
[This sets the stage for a minor skirmish on the $gqueenside$b.]
15...Ncd7 16.Bb3 a5 17.a3 c5
[ 17...axb4 18.cxb4 h6 This had been seen in a previous game between Tal and
Spassky, where $gBlack$b emerged from the $gopening$b with a good position.]
18.Ng5 d5
[Black counterattacks in the center and is feeling the pressure of White's
$gminor piece$bs which are trained on f7.]
19.exd5 Nb6
[ 19...Nxd5 20.Qh5]
20.bxc5 Nbxd5
[ 20...Bxc5 21.N3e4 Bf8 22.d6 Bd5 23.Bxd5 Nbxd5 24.Qb3]
21.d4 h6
[Now Tal displays his $gcreative$b talents with a fine and deep $gsacrifice$b, which
exploits the pressure he has built up.]
22.Nxf7 Kxf7 23.dxe5 Bxc5
[ 23...Nh7 24.Nf5 Kg8 25.Nd6 Re7 26.Bxd5+ Bxd5 27.Qxd5+ Kh8 28.Nf7+]
24.exf6 Rxe1+ 25.Qxe1 Qxf6 26.Ne4 Qe7
[ 26...Re8 27.Qd2 Rxe4 28.Bxd5+ Bxd5 29.Qxd5+ Re6 30.Qxc5]
27.Qe2 Rd8 28.Qxb5
[The $gbishop$b at c5 has no comfortable retreat.]
28...Qxe4 29.Qxb7+ Kf8 30.Be3
[$gBlack$b resigned. If Black $gcapture$bs the $gbishop$b at e3, then the f-$gfile$b will be
open after 31.fxe3, and the $grook$b will make its first move of the game a
powerful one!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Bronstein
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S8, S16}
.DATE 1971
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.c4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6
[This is the $gsharp$best $gdefense$b for $gBlack$b against the Panov $gAttack$b.]
6.Bg5 Bg4 7.Be2 Bxe2 8.Ngxe2 dxc4
[$gBlack$b concedes the $gcenter$b with this move, and this will turn out to be a big
problem. The $gpawn$b is of no importance and Tal makes no attempt to reclaim it.]
9.d5 Ne5 10.O-O
[We can see that $gWhite$b not only $gcontrol$bs the $gcenter$b, he is also way ahead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
10...h6 11.Bf4 Ng6
[$gWhite$b will not retreat this $gbishop$b, which is defended
by the $gknight$b at e2.]
12.Qa4+ Qd7 13.Qxc4
[Now the $gpawn$b is recovered with an overwhelming position.]
13...Rc8 14.Qb3 e5
[This will finally get the $gbishop$b out and allow $gBlack$b to develop. But it also
leads to an $gopening$b of the e-$gfile$b which is neatly exploited by Tal.]
15.dxe6 Qxe6 16.Qxb7 Bc5
[Here White can $gforce$b the win of $gmaterial$b by tactical means. Do you see
how?]
17.Nd4
.QUIZ 17.Nd4
17...Bxd4 18.Rae1 O-O
[ 18...Be5 19.Bxe5 O-O 20.Bxf6 Qxf6 21.Qxa7 The two outside $gpassed pawn$bs
provide an easy win.]
19.Rxe6 fxe6
[$gBlack$b has a $grook$b and $gknight$b for the $gqueen$b, which is not sufficient
$gcompensation$b.]
20.Bd6 Rfd8 21.Bc7 Rf8 22.Nb5
[On top of everything else, White holds the $ginitiative$b.]
22...Be5 23.Bxe5 Nxe5 24.Qxa7 Nd5 25.Qd4 Ng6 26.h4 Ngf4
[Threatening one last trick: 27...Ne2+, $gfork$bing the king and queen.]
27.Qe4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Tallinn
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Bg5
[A line which Spassky favored for many years even though $gWhite$b has no real
chance to gain an $gadvantage$b against best play.]
4...h6 5.Bh4 c5 6.d5 b5
[Tal decides to make a fight of the game, casting aside the more prosaic
6...d6 .]
7.dxe6 fxe6 8.cxb5 d5
[The investment of a $gpawn$b has gained $gBlack$b a very strong central pawn wedge.]
9.e3
[The $gthreat$b was 9...d4.]
9...O-O
[The f-$gfile$b now is available for $gattack$bing operations.]
10.Nf3
[10.Bd3 is considered stronger.]
10...Qa5 11.Bxf6 Rxf6 12.Qd2 a6
[A typical idea in formations where the b-$gpawn$b has been $gsacrifice$bd. $gBlack$b
wants to open up more lines and $gdiagonal$bs.]
13.bxa6 Nc6
[There is no need to $gcapture$b the $gpawn$b at a6. Now that it is out of the way
$gBlack$b is able to bring the $gknight$b into the game.]
14.Be2
[A critical moment. $gWhite$b is getting ready to castle to safety.]
14...d4
[This additional $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b is part of a strong $gcombination$b which leads to
a win of $gmaterial$b.]
15.exd4 Rxf3
[The $gknight$b defended the $gpawn$b at d4, so it is eliminated.]
16.Bxf3 cxd4
[Now the $gpin$b on the a5-d1 $gdiagonal$b is exploited.]
17.O-O dxc3 18.bxc3 Bxc3
[This $gfork$b of queen and rook was foreseen by Tal many moves back.]
19.Qd6 Rxa6
[Now if the $grook$b moves then 20...Nd4 will create tremendous problems for
$gWhite$b.]
20.Bxc6 Bb4
[This is the finishing touch of the $gcombination$b, preventing
the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b from moving to e7.]
21.Qb8 Rxc6 22.Rac1
[$gBlack$b has two powerful $gbishop$bs for the $grook$b, but his position has some $ghole$bs
in it.]
22...Bc5 23.Rc2 Qa4 24.Qb3 Qf4 25.Qg3
[A serious miscalculation. 25.Qf3 Qxf3 26.gxf3 e5 27.Kh1 Bb7 28.Rb1 Rb6
29.Rxb6 Bxf3+ 30.Kg1 Bxb6 31.a4 might have been better, as suggested by Viktor
Korchnoi.]
25...Qf5 26.Rfc1 Bb7 27.Qf3
[ 27.Qb8+ Kh7 28.Qxb7 Bxf2+ 29.Rxf2 Rxc1+ 30.Rf1 Rxf1++]
27...Qg5 28.Qb3 Rc7
[$gBlack$b has regrouped effectively and is ready for the final assault on the
$gWhite$b $gking$b.]
29.g3
[Now we have a $gcombination$b of an x-ray and a $gskewer$b along the c-$gfile$b.]
29...Bxf2+ 30.Kxf2
[ 30.Rxf2 Rxc1+ 31.Rf1 Qc5+]
30...Qf6+ 31.Ke1 Qe5+ 32.Kf1
[ 32.Kd1 Qd4+ 33.Ke1 Qg1+]
32...Ba6+ 33.Kg1 Qd4+ 34.Kg2 Qe4+ 35.Kg1
[ 35.Kh3 Rxc2 36.Qxc2 Bf1+ 37.Rxf1 Qxc2]
35...Bb7 36.h4 Qh1+ 37.Kf2 Rf7+ 38.Ke2 Qe4+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Podgayets
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S6, S8}
.DATE 1970
.OPENING Alekhine
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.Nc3
[Better is 3.d4, the normal move in this $gopening$b.]
3...Nxc3 4.bxc3 d6
[This $gpawn$b should have moved all the way to d5.]
5.f4 dxe5 6.fxe5 Qd5
[An unjustifiably early deployment of the $gqueen$b. One would expect to see such
moves in a game between beginners, but not in the Soviet Championship!]
7.d4 c5 8.Nf3 Nc6 9.Be2 Bg4 10.O-O
[White has a large lead in $gdevelopment$b, and the semi-open f-file leads
right to the must vulnerable point in $gBlack$b's position.]
10...cxd4
[ 10...e6 11.Ng5 Bxe2 12.Qxe2 cxd4 13.Nxf7]
11.cxd4 e6 12.Rb1 Qd7
[The b-$gpawn$b had to be defended.]
13.Ng5 Bxe2 14.Qxe2 Be7
[$gBlack$b lays a cunning $gtrap$b. $gWhite$b cannot take the $gpawn$b at f7. Do you see why
not? 14...Qxd4+ 15.Be3 Qxe5 16.Nxf7 The rook at h8 and queen at e5 are $gfork$bed.]
15.c3
[ 15.Nxf7 O-O]
15...Bxg5 16.Bxg5 h6
[A natural move, but it proves to be a waste of time, since the $gbishop$b was
headed to the $gqueenside$b anyway, with a brief pit-stop back home.]
17.Bc1 Ne7 18.Qf3 Nd5
[ 18...O-O 19.Ba3]
19.c4 Nb6 20.c5 Nd5
[The $gpawn$b at c5 tightens the grip on the $gqueenside$b. But the real point is
to open up another line on the $gqueenside$b while sealing off any potential
$gcounterplay$b on the c-file.]
21.c6 bxc6 22.Ba3
[Now everything is in hand. $gBlack$b desperately tries to wriggle out of the
dangerous position to no avail.]
22...f5 23.exf6 gxf6 24.Rb3 Kd8 25.Rfb1
[The open $gfile$b is put to good use!]
25...Rh7 26.Qg3
[The $gthreat$bs are 27.Qg8+ and 17.Rb8+.]
26...Nb6
[This closes the b-$gfile$b, for a moment.]
27.Rxb6
[An effective $gsacrifice$b which brings the game to a quick conclusion.]
27...axb6 28.Qg8+ Qe8
[ 28...Kc7 29.Qxa8]
29.Qxh7 Rxa3
[Here $gBlack$b resigned without waiting for Tal to reply, seeing that it was all
over.]
30.Rxb6 Ra8 31.Rb7 Rc8 32.Qg7
[followed by Qxf6+.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Rukavina
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Dubna
.THEME {T5, S20}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Reti
1.Nf3 c5 2.b3 d5 3.c4 d4
[This is a strong move since now the advance b2-b3 makes little sense. In
fact, Rukavina soon changes his mind and advances it another square, wasting a
$gtempo$b, so that it is just as if Tal were playing White.]
4.g3 Nc6 5.d3 Nf6 6.Bg2 e5 7.O-O Be7 8.Nbd2 O-O 9.b4
[A reckless move, but $gWhite$b was beginning to suffocate from lack of $gspace$b.]
9...cxb4 10.a3
[This position somewhat resembles the Benko $gGambit$b with colors reversed, but
if so, then $gWhite$b has chosen an inferior $gvariation$b because there is no
$gcounterplay$b on the $gqueenside$b, because Tal is not going to open up
lines.]
10...a5
[If 10...bxa3, then White would have room to operate on the $gqueenside$b.]
11.Ne1 Bg4
[This $gpin$b will play a very important role in the next few moves.]
12.Nc2 Qd7
[Threatening 13...Bh3, after which the $gexchange$b of light-squared $gbishop$bs
would be in $gBlack$b's favor.]
13.Re1
[The idea behind this move is to meet 13...Bh3 with 14.Bh1, but there is a
greater danger which Rukavina fails to appreciate.]
13...e4
[A strong move. There are three legal $gcapture$bs, but two of them lead to
immediate disaster.]
14.dxe4
[Or 14.Nxe4 b3, trapping the $gknight$b at c2. ]
14...d3
[This advance exploits the $gpin$b on the e-$gpawn$b.]
15.Ne3 Bxe2 16.Qa4 Ng4
[The $gattack$b continues.]
17.Ndf1 Bf6
[This not only $gthreat$bens the $grook$b at a1, but also brings the $gbishop$b into the
game.]
18.Ra2 Bc3 19.Bd2 Qd4 20.axb4 Bxd2 21.Rxd2 axb4
[This is a $gdiscovered attach$b against the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b, which allows the
$grook$b to join the $gattack$b, a factor which will weigh heavily in a few moves.]
22.Qb3 Ra1 23.Rxa1 Qxa1 24.Nxg4
[Now $gWhite$b perhaps expected 24...Bxg4, but Tal doesn't
bother with such $gmaterial$b considerations.]
24...Nd4 25.Qb2 Nf3+ 26.Kh1 Qe1 27.Nge3
[This looks like a move which will hold $gWhite$b's position together, but Tal's
$gqueen$b carves a new path to the mating square.]
27...Qxf2
[White resigned since $gcheck$bmate is inevitable.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Hartston
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1973
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Be3 Nf6 7.Be2
[A typical Sicilian $gDefense$b. $gBlack$b uses the small $gcenter$b and $gflank$bing $gknight$bs
to keep $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs off of the 5th $grank$b and to keep some pressure on White's
$gcenter$b.]
7...Be7 8.O-O O-O 9.f4 Qc7 10.Kh1
[All these moves are in line with the spirit of the Scheveningen $gVariation$b,
which is a particular favorite of Kasparov. 10.Qe1 Nxd4 11.Bxd4 e5 12.fxe5
dxe5 13.Qg3 Bc5 This wild sequence of moves ends with an important $gpin$b on
the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b]
10...Bd7 11.Qe1 a6 12.Qg3
[White will $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b and $gBlack$b will play on the
$gqueenside$b. Thus it is written in the $gBook$b of the Sicilian. Time is of the
essence.]
12...b5 13.e5 dxe5 14.fxe5
[Here the position is critical.]
14...Nxd4
[The wrong $gcapture$b. 14...Nxe5 15.Bh6 Ne8 16.Bf4 Bd6 With a playable position
for $gBlack$b.]
15.Bxd4 Ne8 16.Bd3
[Even more efficient was 16.Ne4, as pointed out by Tal himself in his notes to
this game.]
16...Bc6
[Now the e4-square is covered.]
17.Qh3 g6 18.Rae1
[It is impossible to overstate how strong this move is. In order for winning
$gcombination$bs to appear on the board one's $gforce$bs must be in their optimal
positions. It is little moves like this that distinguish master level play.]
18...Rd8 19.Qe3 Rd7 20.Bb6 Qc8
[$gWhite$b has a huge $gadvantage$b in $gspace$b, and $gBlack$b is going
to have a hard time defending all the $ghole$bs in the position. The f7-square is
particularly weak, a fact that Tal does not fail to notice.]
21.Ne4 Bxe4 22.Bxe4 h5
[This is a very bad move because it undermines the support of the g6-$gpawn$b.]
23.Qh6 Ng7
[Now Tal finishes in typical brilliant style with a $gsacrifice$b that undermines
the entire $gkingside$b.]
24.Rxf7 Rxf7
[If $gBlack$b $gcapture$bs with the $gking$b he gates $gmate$bd in two moves. Do you see how?
24...Kxf7 25.Bxg6+ Kg8 26.Qh7+]
25.Bxg6 Nf5
[ 25...Bd8 26.Qh7+ Kf8 27.Be3 The $gbishop$b circles round to the $gkingside$b and
will be able to move to g5.]
26.Bxf7+ Kxf7 27.Qh7+
[$gBlack$b resigned. If you are not sure why, play out this position against
$gGambit$b and you will quickly find out!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Zilberstein
.EVENT Soviet Championship
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1972
.OPENING Modern
1.e4 g6 2.d4 c6 3.c4
[This move is the reason that $gBlack$b rarely adopts this particular move order.]
3...d5
[ 3...Bg7 4.Nc3 d6 would allow $gBlack$b to later $gtranspose$b into the $gKing$b's
Indian $gDefense$b, but the pawn does not belong at c6.]
4.e5
[This blunts the effect of a $gBlack$b $gbishop$b at g7.]
4...Bg7 5.Nc3 Nh6
[There is no other good square for the $gknight$b, since 5...e6 would build a
barricade across which the $gbishop$b at c8 could not pass.]
6.h4
[A rather rash $gattack$bing move so early in the game.]
6...Be6
[This move is anti-positional in that the e6 square is an unnatural post for
the $gbishop$b in this variation. 6...f6, chipping at the $gcenter$b, would have
been more to the point.]
7.Nh3 dxc4
[Such $gpawn$bs are rarely worth the trouble.]
8.Nf4 Bd5
[ 8...Qd7 would have been much more sensible.]
9.b3 cxb3 10.axb3 e6 11.Bd3
[$gBlack$b was already in some difficulty. He could not just castle, so he
probably should have $gsacrifice$bd the $gbishop$b for the $gpawn$b at g2, when the
weaknesses in $gWhite$b's position might be exploited. ]
11...Nf5
[A big mistake, which leads to horrible structural weaknesses. ]
12.Bxf5 exf5 13.Ba3
[This $gdiagonal$b will kill $gBlack$b if it is not contested.]
13...Bf8 14.Bxf8 Kxf8 15.Qd2
[Now there are important $ghole$bs on the $gkingside$b, and the White queen moves
into $gdiagonal$b mode.]
15...Be6 16.Rd1
[As usual, a winning move is preceded by simple $gdevelopment$b. The pawn at
d4 does require support.]
16...Qe7 17.Rh3
[The $grook$b will move to e3, and the $gcenter$b will start to roll.]
17...Na6 18.d5
[The decisive breakthrough, made possible by the wise move of the $grook$b to d1.]
18...cxd5 19.Nfxd5 Bxd5 20.Nxd5 Qxe5+
[This just hastens the end but $gBlack$b was in bad shape anyway.]
21.Re3 Qd6
[ 21...Qg7 22.Nc7!]
22.Qc3 f6
[ 22...Rg8 23.Nf6 Qb4 24.Nxh7++]
23.Nc7
[$gBlack$b resigned. The game might have ended in the following way:]
23...Qxc7 24.Qxf6+ Kg8
[ 24...Qf7 25.Rd8+ Rxd8 26.Qxh8+ Qg8 27.Qf6+ Qf7 28.Qxd8+]
25.Re7 Qa5+ 26.Kf1 Qb5+ 27.Kg1
[Both $gking$bs wind up on the $gcastling$b square, but $gBlack$b's gets $gmate$bd there!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Melik Peshayev
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.Qg4
[This was once considered a $gsharp$b weapon for $gWhite$b, but now it has lost its
sting.]
5...Ne7 6.dxc5
[The main line these days is 6.Nf3, a solid developing move.]
6...Bxc3+
[ 6...Nbc6 7.Bd2 O-O 8.Nf3 f5 is considered a more reliable method of reaching
a level game.]
7.bxc3
[$gWhite$b's tripled $gpawn$bs are a real weakness, but there is some $gcompensation$b in
terms of pressure on the $gkingside$b.]
7...O-O 8.Nf3 Nbc6 9.Bd3 Ng6
[The $gknight$b can be chased away by the advance of the h-$gpawn$b, a typical
strategy in such positions.]
10.Qh5 Nce7 11.h4 Qa5
[$gBlack$b $gattack$bs on the $gqueenside$b, but White is not really concerned about
that part of the board.]
12.O-O Bd7 13.Qg4
[The $gWhite$b $gqueen$b gets out of the way so the h-$gpawn$b can advance.]
13...Bb5
[It is usually a good strategy to trade a piece which is not actively taking
part in the $gdefense$b for a $gpiece$b which is part of the $gattack$bing $gforce$b.]
14.h5 Bxd3 15.cxd3 Qxc3
[ 15...Nh8 16.Qb4 $gWhite$b retains the extra $gpawn$b with a good position.]
16.hxg6 Qxa1 17.gxh7+
[$gWhite$b has given up an idle $grook$b, which played no part in the $gattack$b, for the
important defender at g6. Now $gBlack$b cannot afford to take the $gpawn$b at h7.]
17...Kh8
[ 17...Kxh7 18.Ng5+ Kg8 Otherwise there will be a $gdiscovered check$b which
wins $gmaterial$b.19.Qh5 Rfc8 20.Qxf7+ Kh8 21.Qh5+ Kg8 22.Qh7+ Kf8
23.Nxe6+ Kf7 24.Ng5+ Ke8 25.Qh8+ Kd7 26.Qxg7 With the nasty $gthreat$b
of 27.e6+, with a $gdiscovered attach$b on the $gqueen$b at a1.]
18.Bg5
[$gBlack$b must now give up the $gqueen$b for the $grook$b, or lose the $gknight$b for
nothing.]
18...Qxf1+ 19.Kxf1 Nf5
[Now Spassky finishes with an elegant $gcombination$b, based on the weakness of
the g7 square. The $gknight$b at f5 seems to hold things together, but remember
that $gWhite$b can play Nd4. Now find the solution..]
20.Bf6
.QUIZ 20.Bf6
20...Rac8
[ 20...gxf6 21.exf6 Rg8 22.hxg8Q+ Rxg8 23.Qh5+]
21.Nd4 gxf6 22.exf6
[$gBlack$b resigned, as there is no $gdefense$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Petrosian
.EVENT World Championship (19)
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1969
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
[The $gsharp$b Najdorf $gVariation$b probably came as somewhat of a surprise to
Spassky since Petrosian was only one point behind in the match and might well
have chosen to play solidly with $gBlack$b and go for the win with $gWhite$b.]
6.Bg5
[The main line. $gBlack$b cannot afford to have the $gkingside$b $gpawn
structure$b broken up by a $gcapture$b at f6.]
6...Nbd7
[6...e6 is much more common.]
7.Bc4 Qa5
[This unusual $gvariation$b was topical at the time, and had been featured in
games by Spassky and Tal.]
8.Qd2 h6 9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.O-O-O
[$gBlack$b is seriously behind in $gdevelopment$b and cannot achieve an equal
game. Therefore Petrosian sensibly just tries to get his $gforce$bs into the
game.]
10...e6 11.Rhe1 Be7 12.f4 O-O 13.Bb3 Re8
[The e6-square often proves vulnerable in the Sicilian $gDefense$b. $gBlack$b will
retreat the $gbishop$b to a defensive post at f8. Petrosian often kept his $gpiece$bs
on the $gback rank$b.]
14.Kb1 Bf8 15.g4
[Spassky launches an all-out $gattack$b. $gBlack$b has to accept the proffered $gpawn$b or
else it will be shoved down his throat!]
15...Nxg4
[The $gbest move$b was probably 15...e5, though one can understand why Petrosian
was reluctant to open up the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b. ]
16.Qg2 Nf6
[ 16...e5 17.Nf5]
17.Rg1
[The $gthreat$b is simply 18.f5 or 18.e5, each of which can be very effective.]
17...Bd7 18.f5 Kh8
[The $gking$b will find no shelter in the corner. Probably Petrosian should have
$gcapture$bd at f5, or perhaps centralized the $gqueen$b with 18...Qe5.]
19.Rdf1 Qd8 20.fxe6 fxe6
[$gWhite$b is ready to smash down $gBlack$b's $gdefense$bs, but needs to involve at least
one of the $gknight$bs in the $gattack$b. So he clears the e4-square.]
21.e5 dxe5 22.Ne4 Nh5 23.Qg6 exd4
[$gBlack$b is busted anyway, but this hastens the end.]
24.Ng5
[$gBlack$b resigned. This was one of the shortest games in modern World
Championship play. If $gBlack$b wanted to play on he would have either had to give
up the $gqueen$b for the $gknight$b or allow the following line:]
24...hxg5 25.Qxh5+ Kg8 26.Qf7+ Kh7 27.Rf3 e5 28.Qg8+ Kg6 29.Bf7+ Kh6 30.Qh8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Spassky
.BLACK Korchnoi
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1964
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3
[This is the normal starting position of the Classical lines of the $gQueen$b's
Indian $gDefense$b. Usually $gBlack$b plays 7...Ne4 here, after which the $gknight$b can
be supported by an advance of the f-$gpawn$b.]
7...d5
[This move has always had a bad reputation because the $gpawn$b at d5 becomes a
target and $gWhite$b can unleash the power of the $gbishop$b at g2 by playing Ne5.]
8.cxd5 exd5 9.Ne5
[$gWhite$b's $gforce$bs are better placed.]
9...Qc8
[The idea is to defend the $gbishop$b at b7.]
10.Bg5 Qe6
[Now the queen guards the $gminor piece$bs on the $gkingside$b. But Her
Majesty is ill-suited to the role of a chaperone!]
11.Rc1 c5
[$gBlack$b takes $gadvantage$b of the fact that the $gpawn$b on d4 must remain in place to
guard the $gknight$b at e5. But $gWhite$b has a very powerful reply.]
12.Nd3
[The knight threatens a $gfork$b at f4, $gattack$bing pieces at d5 and e6. Right
now it doesn't seem so dangerous, but Spassky will quickly eliminate the
support of that square.]
12...cxd4 13.Bxf6 Bxf6
[Now $gWhite$b has a $gcombination$b which wins the game.]
14.Nxd5
[The $gthreat$bs are Nc7 and Nxf6+, so $gBlack$b must $gcapture$b.]
14...Bxd5 15.Nf4
[This $gfork$b is the heart of the $gcombination$b.]
15...Qd6 16.Nxd5
[There are still tremendous $gthreat$bs at c7 and f6!]
16...Bg5
[ 16...Bd8 17.Nf4 Nc6 18.Rxc6]
17.f4 Bd8 18.Nc3
[This is made possible by the fact that the $gpawn$b at d4 is $gpin$bned.]
18...Na6
[ 18...Qc5 19.Na4]
19.Bxa8
[The rest is easy.]
19...Qb8 20.Nd5 Qxa8 21.Qxd4 Nc5 22.b4 Ne6 23.Qd3 Re8 24.e4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Campomanes
.EVENT Leipzig Olympiad
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6
[The early $gdevelopment$b of the knight is inappropriate in this opening,
since the e-$gpawn$b can advance all the way to e6.]
4.e5 Nfd7 5.e6
[This fractures $gBlack$b's $gpawn structure$b and creates weaknesses on the light
squares on the $gkingside$b.]
5...fxe6 6.Bd3
[White threatens $gcheck$bmate if $gBlack$b is not careful.]
6...Nf6 7.Nf3 g6 8.h4 c5
[$gBlack$b tries to get some breathing room.]
9.dxc5 Nc6 10.Qe2
[$gWhite$b prevents $gBlack$b from establishing a strong $gcenter$b with 10...e5.]
10...Bg7 11.Bd2 Qc7 12.O-O-O e5
[$gBlack$b has concentrated on reaching this goal, but the $gkingside$b is where
the action is.]
13.Bg5 Be6 14.Nb5 Qb8 15.h5 gxh5
[Taking with the knight would also have been dangerous. ]
16.Nfd4
[The $gpin$b on the $gpawn$b at e5 makes this move playable.]
16...Bg4 17.f3 e4
[$gBlack$b is in a woeful position, and the future president of the World $gChess$b
Federation tries to complicate the position. But his skills in this regard
were not remotely close to those of the newly crowned World Champion Tal! ]
18.fxg4 Nxd4 19.Nxd4 exd3 20.Rxd3
[After a series of $gforce$bd moves $gmaterial$b balance is restored, but $gBlack$b's
$gking$b is still stuck in the $gcenter$b and his $gforce$bs are scattered.]
20...Ne4
[The only assets in $gBlack$b's position are the centralized $gpawn$b at d5 and $gknight$b
at e4. The only defensive $gpiece$b is the $gbishop$b at g7. Watch how quickly Tal
reduces these to rubble.]
21.Nf5 Qe5 22.Nxg7+ Qxg7
[Campomanes, who loves tactics above all else, must have felt pretty good
here, since it seems that the $ginitiative$b is now in his hands, thanks to
the $gattack$b on the $gbishop$b. Next move he will castle to safety...NOT!]
23.Rxd5
[A brilliant move which recognizes that a $gking$b stuck in the $gcenter$b is an easy
target which does not require a full complement of pieces to $gcheck$bmate.]
23...Nxg5 24.Qb5+ Kf7 25.Rf1+ Kg6 26.Qd3+ Kh6 27.Rh1
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Miglan
.EVENT Soviet Junior Championship
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1950
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6
9.c3
[This is the normal move against the Open $gVariation$b of the Spanish Game. Even
at the tender age of 14 Tal knew his $gopening$b theory well!]
9...Bc5 10.Nbd2 Nxd2
[This knight is making a few too many moves in the opening.]
11.Qxd2 Na5 12.Bc2 Nc4 13.Qd1
[More $gknight$b moves. But this steed will be chased from the $gWhite$b camp on the
next move.]
13...O-O 14.b3 Nb6 15.Ng5
[The $gBlack$b $gkingside$b has no defenders, and
$gWhite$b's $gforce$bs are trained on the vulnerable targets surrounding the $gking$b.]
15...h6
[ 15...g6 creates major $ghole$bs at f6, h6 and g7.]
16.Qd3
[A crude but effective $gthreat$b at h7.]
16...Re8
[$gBlack$b makes room to run.]
17.Qh7+ Kf8 18.Nxe6+ Rxe6
[ 18...fxe6 19.Bg6 Re7 20.Qh8++]
19.b4
[Tal has his eyes on the entire board. The $gbishop$b cannot move to e7 because of
Qh8 $gmate$b, so this move wins a $gpiece$b.]
19...Bxb4 20.cxb4 Rxe5 21.Bxh6
[$gBlack$b resigned, since 21...gxh6 allows 22.Qh8+ with a $gfork$b on the rook at
e5 and the $gking$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Zeid
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {T7}
.DATE 1951
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3
[This leads to a $gtempo$brary $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b, for which White will be able to
build an ideal $gpawn$b $gcenter$b.]
3...dxc4 4.e4 e5
[$gBlack$b counters by putting immediate pressure at d4.]
5.Nf3
[ 5.dxe5 Qxd1+ 6.Nxd1 b5 $gBlack$b has an acceptable position.]
5...exd4 6.Qxd4 Qxd4 7.Nxd4 Bc5 8.Be3
[White has a lead in $gdevelopment$b and a $gkingside$b $gpawn majority$b,
while $gBlack$b has an extra $gpawn$b, but it sits very weakly at c4.]
8...Nf6 9.f3
[There is no rush to recapture at c4, because the pawn cannot be defended.]
9...Nbd7
[ 9...b5 10.a4 a6 11.axb5 cxb5 12.Ncxb5]
10.Bxc4 Ne5 11.Be2 Bd7 12.h3
[$gWhite$b wants to play f4 without allowing the $gBlack$b $gknight$b to go to g4.]
12...O-O 13.f4 Ng6 14.e5 Nd5 15.Nxd5 cxd5
[$gBlack$b now has a concrete weakness.]
16.O-O f6
[An attempt to undermine the $gcenter$b. But now $gWhite$b employs a decoy tactic to
lure the $gbishop$b to an unfortunate position.]
17.e6 Bxe6 18.f5
[This $gfork$b wins $gmaterial$b.]
18...Bxf5 19.Nxf5 Bxe3+ 20.Nxe3 Rfe8 21.Kf2
[$gWhite$b defends both $gpiece$bs and $gBlack$b's two $gpawn$bs are not sufficient
$gcompensation$b for the $gbishop$b.]
21...Nf4
[ 21...d4 22.Bc4+ Kh8 23.Nf5]
22.Rad1 Nxe2 23.Kxe2 Rad8
[The $gthreat$b is 23...d4, recovering the $gpiece$b.]
24.Rd4 Re5 25.Rfd1 Rde8 26.R1d3 f5 27.Kf3
[$gBreak$bing the $gpin$b and creating an easily winning position.]
27...Re4 28.Nxd5 Re1 29.Re3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Segal
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1952
.OPENING Dutch
1.c4 f5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 d6 4.d4 e6 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O 7.Nc3 c6
[The main $gdraw$bback of $gBlack$b's $gopening$b strategy is the weakness at e6, which,
appropriately, will prove to be the decisive factor in this game.]
8.Qc2 a5
[The purpose of such moves is generally to take $gcontrol$b of the b4 square, and
often to provide direct assistance to a $gknight$b at b4, or, if $gWhite$b plays d5,
to place the $gknight$b at c5, where $gWhite$b will be unable to chase it with b4.]
9.e4 fxe4 10.Nxe4 Bd7
[$gWhite$b now has $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b and somewhat more $gspace$b. This gives him
the "right" to $gattack$b.]
11.h4 Na6 12.Nfg5
[The $gknight$b keeps one eye on h7 and the other on e6.]
12...g6 13.Bh3
[The pressure mounts.]
13...Qc8 14.Rd1 e5
[$gBlack$b solves the problem of the weak $gpawn$b at e6 but the square remains
vulnerable.]
15.Bxd7 Nxd7 16.h5 Qe8
[What would have happened had $gBlack$b $gcapture$bd the $gpawn$b instead? 16...gxh5
17.Nxd6 Bxd6 18.Qxh7++]
17.Ne6
[The weak square is occupied at last. The $grook$b has no useful $gflight square$b.]
17...gxh5
[ 17...Rf3 18.Kg2 Qf7 19.N6g5]
18.Nxf8 Qxf8
[White has won the $gexchange$b, but the $gkingside$b $gattack$b has fizzled.]
19.c5
[A clever move which opens up a new $gattack$bing $gdiagonal$b (a2-g8).]
19...Nb4
[ 19...dxc5 20.Qb3+ Kh8 21.Qxb7]
20.Qb3+ d5 21.a3 Kh8
[$gBlack$b $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b on the $gpawn$b at d5, so that the $gknight$b can be
$gcapture$bd on e4.]
22.Nd6
[$gBlack$b resigned, since he will lose more $gmaterial$b.]
22...Na6 23.Qxb7 Nf6 24.dxe5 Ne4 25.Be3 Naxc5 26.Bxc5 Nxc5 27.Qxc6 Ne4 28.Nxe4
dxe4 29.Qxe4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Lozov
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1952
.OPENING Catalan
1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O b6 7.Nc3 Bb7
[We have $gtranspose$bd into a variation of the $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b which
is not considered good for $gBlack$b since the $gpawn$b at d5 $gblock$bs the $gbishop$b at
b7.]
8.Ne5
[A typical idea in such positions. The $gpawn$b at d5 is now $gpin$bned by the
$gbishop$b at g2, and the $gknight$b at e5 $gcontrol$bs many $gkey$b squares.]
8...Qc8
[This $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b and threatens the $gcapture$b of the $gpawn$b at c4.]
9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nxd5 Bxd5 11.e4
[Now $gWhite$b has established the ideal $gpawn$b $gcenter$b. This gives his $gpiece$bs a
great deal of flexibility, and plenty of $gspace$b in which to maneuver.]
11...Bb7 12.Qc2 c5
[$gBlack$b tries to undermine $gWhite$b's central formation.]
13.d5 Rd8
[$gBlack$b is putting a lot of pressure at d5, but with his next move Tal turns
the tables by establishing a strong $gpin$b on the $gpawn$b at e6.]
14.Bh3 Qc7 15.Bf4
[$gBlack$b broke one $gpin$b, but now White threatens a $gdiscovered attach$b when
the $gknight$b moves.]
15...Bd6
[The immediate $gthreat$b is eliminated. But the powerful $gWhite$b $gcenter$b now lunges
forward, assisted by a $gsacrifice$b, and we see that $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b allows
the White queen to get to the $gkingside$b quickly.]
16.Nxf7 Kxf7 17.Bxe6+ Ke8 18.e5
[The $gbishop$b is $gattack$bed, but so is the $gpawn$b at h7.]
18...Bf8 19.Qxh7 Rxd5
[ 19...Bxd5 20.Qg6+ Ke7 21.Bg5++]
20.Qg6+ Kd8 21.Bg5+ Be7 22.Qf7
[The $gthreat$b is 23.Qf8 $gmate$b.]
22...Nd7 23.Qg8+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Saigin
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {T7, S9}
.DATE 1954
.OPENING English
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3 e6 4.g3 cxd4 5.Nxd4 d5 6.Bg2
[$gWhite$b's strategy is clear: pressure the $gpawn$b at d5.]
6...e5 7.Nf3 d4
[$gBlack$b drives the $gWhite$b $gforce$bs back and takes $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b. At f3,
the $gknight$b $gblock$bs the $gbishop$b at g2.]
8.O-O Nc6 9.e3 Be7 10.exd4 exd4
[Now White has a new target at d4, but the $gpassed pawn$b is well-supported
and exerts a cramping influence on the White forecourt.]
11.Nbd2 Be6 12.Re1 O-O 13.b3 Qd7 14.Bb2 Rad8
[Both sides have brought their $gforce$bs into the game.]
15.a3 a5 16.Ne5 Nxe5 17.Rxe5 b6 18.Nf3
[This square should have been occupied by the $gqueen$b, which would have given
White complete $gcontrol$b of the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b. Now the $gbishop$b sits idly at
g2.]
18...Bc5 19.Qd2
[ 19.b4 axb4 20.axb4 Bd6 A very strong $gintermediate move$b. If $gBlack$b had taken
the $gpawn$b at b4 right away then $gWhite$b would have $gcapture$bd.21.Re1 Bxb4
Now $gWhite$b can't take the $gpawn$b at d4 because the $grook$b at e1 is $gattack$bed.]
19...Ng4 20.Ree1 d3
[The weak f2-square is now under $gattack$b.]
21.Rf1 Qd6 22.Qc3
[$gBlack$b must now take time out to deal with the $gthreat$b at g7.]
22...f6 23.Rad1 Rfe8
[A move indicative of the young (16 year old) Tal's talent. There is nothing
happening on the e-$gfile$b yet, but Tal appreciates that the e3-square will play
an important role. In any event, the occupation of the e-$gfile$b is useful.]
24.Rd2
[ 24.Ng5 Nxf2 25.Rxf2 Bxf2+ 26.Kxf2 Qc5+ 27.Kf1 Qxg5]
24...Bf5 25.Ng5
[Now $gBlack$b employs a decoy tactic to lure the $gpawn$b at f2 to e3.]
25...Ne3 26.fxe3 Bxe3+ 27.Kh1 Bxd2 28.Qxd2 Re2
[This is even stronger than capturing the $gknight$b at g5.]
29.Qc3
[ 29.Bd5+ Qxd5+ 30.cxd5 Rxd2 31.Rxf5 Rxb2 32.Ne4 d2 33.Rf1 Rxd5 34.Rd1 Re5
35.Rxd2 Rb1+ 36.Kg2 Rxe4]
29...Rxg2
[White resigned, because the $gpassed pawn$b cannot be stopped.]
30.Kxg2 d2 31.Rd1 Bg4 32.Nf3 Qd3 33.Qxd3 Rxd3 34.Rxd2 Bxf3+ 35.Kf2 Rxd2+
36.Kxf3 Rxb2
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Rovner
.BLACK Tal
.EVENT Riga
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1955
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 Nf6 4.e5 Nfd7 5.Bd3 c5 6.c3 Nc6 7.Ne2 Qb6
[$gBlack$b's $gopening$b strategy is clear: pile up pressure on the $gpawn$b at d4, and
try to undermine the $gpawn chain$b.]
8.Nf3 cxd4 9.cxd4 f6
[This is a typical idea in such formations. $gBlack$b will open up the f-$gfile$b,
castle, and then $gattack$b.]
10.exf6 Nxf6 11.O-O Bd6 12.Nc3 O-O 13.Re1
[$gWhite$b tries to discourage $gBlack$b from playing e5, which will allow him to get
the $gbad bishop$b into the game.]
13...Bd7 14.Nb5 Bb8
[A $gtempo$brary inconvenience. The $gknight$b won't stay at b5 forever and the $gbishop$b
can return to d6.]
15.Nc3 Bd6
[Why can't $gBlack$b take the $gpawn$b at d4?  15...Nxd4 16.Nxd4 Qxd4 17.Bxh7+]
16.Bg5 Rae8
[The battle for the e5-square resumes. ]
17.Re2
[$gWhite$b defends the $gpawn$b at b2.]
17...Ng4 18.h3
[Although there are several White pieces on the $gkingside$b, only one
actually participates in the $gdefense$b of the $gking$b, and this is now eliminated
by an $gexchange$b sacrifice.]
18...Rxf3 19.gxf3 Nh2
[The threat is Nxf3+, $gfork$bing the king and $gbishop$b at g5.]
20.Kg2 Nxd4
[With the defending $gknight$b at f3 gone, the $gpawn$b falls.]
21.Re3
[Necessary, to defend f3.]
21...h6 22.Bh4 Bf4
[Now White must give up the $gexchange$b.]
23.Bg6
[A desperate counterattack. The next few moves are forced.]
23...Bxe3 24.Bxe8 Nhxf3 25.Bxd7 Nxh4+ 26.Kf1 Qxb2
[Finally this $gpawn$b can be $gcapture$bd, and the dual $gthreat$bs of Qxf2 $gmate$b and Qxc3
$gforce$b $gWhite$b to resign.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tal
.BLACK Botvinnik
.EVENT World Championship (1)
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1960
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e5 c5 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.bxc3
[This is one of the $gsharp$best $gvariation$bs of the French $gDefense$b. It was the
subject of a number of important World Championship games, with Botvinnik
playing the $gBlack$b side against both Smyslov and Tal.]
6...Qc7
[This $gvariation$b is no longer popular, having been replaced by 6...Ne7.]
7.Qg4
[A very aggressive move typical of the Winawer $gVariation$b of the French. But
the more solid 7.Nf3 is now preferred, having been honed into a fine weapon by
Anatoly Karpov.]
7...f5
[The main lines of the Winawer could still have been reached had $gBlack$b chosen
to develop the knight. Unlike most World Championship matches, which start out
like boxing matches with a cautious first round, this is an early slugfest.
7...Ne7 8.Qxg7 Rg8 9.Qxh7 cxd4 10.Kd1 This is a popular line, similar to the
game, which is known as the "Life or Death $gVariation$b".]
8.Qg3 Ne7 9.Qxg7 Rg8 10.Qxh7
[The difference between this and the line in the previous note is that here
the $gqueen$b cannot easily retreat to help defend the $gking$b.]
10...cxd4 11.Kd1
[This is not such a good idea here, because the $gqueen$b is in exile at h7. Tal,
in his notes to the game, indicates that this eccentric move has pretty much
vanished from the tournament arena. The move was originally recommended by
Euwe.]
11...Bd7
[This $gbishop$b is headed to h4, where it can participate in an
$gattack$b against $gWhite$b's $gking$b.]
12.Qh5+ Ng6
[ 12...Kd8 13.Bg5 $gWhite$b has a strong $gattack$b.]
13.Ne2
[White threatens Nf4, adding pressure to the $gpin$b on the $gknight$b at g6.]
13...d3
[This forces White to weaken the a4-d1 $gdiagonal$b.]
14.cxd3 Ba4+ 15.Ke1 Qxe5
[An obvious move but it is actually a bit slow. In order to $gattack$b
successfully $gBlack$b needs more power, and so developing the Nb8 would have
been better. 15...Nc6 16.f4 O-O-O 17.Bd2 Tal notes that sooner or later $gBlack$b
will $gsacrifice$b the $gknight$b at e5, with complications which are hard.]
16.Bg5
[An important move, which strands the $gBlack$b $gking$b in the $gcenter$b.]
16...Nc6
[ 16...f4 17.d4 Qf5 18.Nxf4 Qc2 19.Ne2 $gWhite$b has a solid $gdefense$b.]
17.d4 Qc7
[ 17...Qe4 18.Rc1 keeps the enemy $gqueen$b out.]
18.h4
[The point of this move is not to advance the $gpassed pawn$b. Instead, it
prepares a $grook$b lift Rh1-h3-e3.]
18...e5 19.Rh3 Qf7
[The best $gdefense$b was probably 19...e4, securing important central territory
and creating an $goutpost$b at d3.]
20.dxe5 Ncxe5 21.Re3
[This $gpin$b is important not because it wins the $gknight$b (it doesn't) but
rather because it $gforce$bs the $gBlack$b $gking$b to move off of the e-$gfile$b. $gWhite$b is
beginning to establish an $ginitiative$b.]
21...Kd7 22.Rb1 b6
[The $gbishop$b is no longer doing much at a4 and so 22...Bc6 might have been a
wiser move.]
23.Nf4
[White now enjoys a clear $ginitiative$b. $gBlack$b remains on the defensive for
the rest of the game.]
23...Rae8
[ 23...Rh8 24.Nxg6 Nxg6 25.Qe2 and the $gqueen$b $gattack$bs from the other $gflank$b by
moving to a6!]
24.Rb4 Bc6
[Now we see that 22...b6 was just a waste of time.]
25.Qd1
[Her mission accomplished on the $gkingside$b, the queen returns home.]
25...Nxf4
[ 25...Ng4 26.Rxe8 Rxe8+ 27.Ne2 $gBlack$b is in deep trouble, and has no real
$gcompensation$b for the $gpassed pawn$b on the h-$gfile$b.]
26.Rxf4 Ng6 27.Rd4 Rxe3+
[ 27...f4 28.Qg4+ Kc7 29.Bxf4+ Nxf4 30.Qxf4+ Qxf4 31.Rxf4]
28.fxe3
[$gWhite$b's extra $gpawn$b is becoming important.]
28...Kc7 29.c4
[This $gopening$b of the c- and d-$gfile$bs seals the victory.]
29...dxc4
[ 29...Ne7 30.cxd5 Bxd5 31.Bxe7 Qxe7 32.Qc1+ Bc6 33.Bb5 Rg6 34.Rc4 Qd7 35.Bxc6
Rxc6 36.Rxc6+ Qxc6 37.Qxc6+ Kxc6 38.h5]
30.Bxc4 Qg7 31.Bxg8 Qxg8 32.h5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Corzo
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Havana
.THEME {S4}
.DATE 1900
.OPENING Vienna
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.f4 exf4 4.Nf3 g5 5.h4 g4 6.Ng5 h6
[$gWhite$b's $gknight$b is $gtrap$bped, but he hopes to get $gcompensation$b by luring $gBlack$b's
$gking$b into the $gcenter$b.]
7.Nxf7 Kxf7 8.d4 d5
[$gBlack$b is willing to give back a pawn or two to speed up his $gdevelopment$b
and close the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
9.exd5
[$gWhite$b would like to open the f-$gfile$b by 9.Bxf4, but 9...Bb4 is a strong
reply.]
9...Qe7+
[Black begins his counterattack. ]
10.Kf2 g3+ 11.Kg1 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b returns the piece to gain an $gattack$b on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b where
$gWhite$b's $gking$b has no room to breathe.]
12.Qxd4
[ 12.Bxf4 Qf6]
12...Qc5 13.Ne2 Qb6
[Very strong. $gWhite$b is hard pressed to defend against 14...Bc5. 13...Qxd4+
14.Nxd4 Bc5.]
14.Qxb6 axb6 15.Nd4 Bc5 16.c3 Ra4
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens 17...Rxd4. This is why Black $gforce$bd $gWhite$b to trade $gqueen$bs on
b6.]
17.Be2 Bxd4+ 18.cxd4 Rxd4 19.b3
[White hopes to $gskewer$b $gBlack$b's rooks on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
19...Nf6 20.Bb2 Rd2 21.Bh5+ Nxh5
[ 21...Kg7 22.Bc3 Rc2 23.Be5 And White has $gcounterplay$b.]
22.Bxh8 f3
[$gBlack$b's $gexchange$b sacrifice has let him keep a strong $gattack$b against
$gWhite$b's $gking$b.]
23.gxf3
[ 23.Bc3 f2+ 24.Kf1 Bf5 25.Bxd2 Bd3+]
23...Nf4 24.Re1 Rg2+ 25.Kf1 Bh3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Tartakower
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT New York
.THEME {T12}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Be2
[A passive move which lets $gBlack$b take the $ginitiative$b in the $gcenter$b.]
3...d5 4.exd5 Nf6 5.c4
[A dangerous loss of time with $gWhite$b's weakness on e3 and the e1-h4
$gdiagonal$b. He should remember he is playing a gambit and develop his
$gkingside$b.]
5...c6
[In contrast to $gWhite$b, $gBlack$b is perfectly willing to give up a $gpawn$b to get his
$gpiece$bs out.]
6.d4 Bb4+
[The first intermediate move. Before taking on d5 $gBlack$b $gdevelops$b a piece and
throws $gWhite$b into confusion.]
7.Kf1
[$gWhite$b must move his $gKing$b. 8...Nxd2 9.Nbxd2 cxd5
$gWhite$b's position is horrible.]
7...cxd5 8.Bxf4 dxc4 9.Bxb8
[$gWhite$b hopes to win a $gpiece$b by 10.Qa4+, but misses $gBlack$b's reply. 9.Bxc4 would
be only a little better for $gBlack$b.]
9...Nd5
[A fine $gintermediate move$b. $gBlack$b protects his $gbishop$b, centralizes his $gknight$b
and threatens a deadly $gfork$b on e3.]
10.Kf2
[ 10.Bf4 Qf6]
10...Rxb8 11.Bxc4 O-O
[$gBlack$b has a huge $gadvantage$b here: $gWhite$b's $gking$b is exposed, his $gpiece$bs are
undeveloped and Black has the $gbishop pair$b. White doesn't realize the
danger to his $gking$b, else he would play 12.Bxd5 to get rid of $gBlack$b's strong
$gknight$b.]
12.Nf3 Nf6
[$gBlack$b saves his knight from $gexchange$b, since it will become a nuisance on
e4 or g4.]
13.Nc3 b5
[Driving $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b from the $gcenter$b.]
14.Bd3 Ng4+ 15.Kg1 Bb7 16.Bf5 Bxf3 17.gxf3
[$gBlack$b wins easily after 17.Qxf3.]
17...Ne3 18.Bxh7+
[$gWhite$b can't let $gBlack$b deflect his $gqueen$b from the $gdefense$b of d4.]
18...Kh8 19.Qd3 Bxc3 20.bxc3 Nd5 21.Be4 Nf4 22.Qd2 Qh4
[$gBlack$b's $gqueen$b and $gknight$b and queen are so strong that he now $gthreat$bens to win
by the crude ...Rb6, ...f5, ...Rg6+ and ...Rg2. $gWhite$b stops that but there are
too many other $gthreat$b as well.]
23.Kf1 f5 24.Bc6 Rf6
[Now $gWhite$b can only save his $gbishop$b by shutting it off from the $gdefense$b of his
$gking$b.]
25.d5 Rd8 26.Rd1
[ 26.Qf2 Qh3+ 27.Ke1 Nd3+]
26...Rxc6
[Winning a $gpiece$b, but also trading off the last piece guarding $gWhite$b's $gking$b.]
27.dxc6 Rxd2 28.Rxd2 Ne6 29.Rd6 Qc4+ 30.Kg2 Qe2+
[White resigns in the face of $gmate$b or further loss of $gmaterial$b. If you
have doubts about this, $gGambit$b will convince you.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Tartakower
.EVENT New York
.THEME {E10}
.DATE 1924
.OPENING Dutch
1.d4 e6 2.Nf3 f5 3.c4 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.Nc3 O-O
[$gWhite$b prepares to trade off $gBlack$b's $gking$b $gknight$b or king $gbishop$b, both of which
are important $gattack$bing $gpiece$bs in this $gopening$b.]
6.e3 b6 7.Bd3 Bb7 8.O-O Qe8
[$gBlack$b plans to $gattack$b on the $gkingside$b by 9...Qh5 and 10...Ng4.]
9.Qe2
[$gWhite$b prepare to meet 9...Qh5 by 10.e4 when $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs will be embarrassed
in the $gcenter$b.]
9...Ne4 10.Bxe7 Nxc3 11.bxc3 Qxe7 12.a4
[Preventing 12...Qa3 and preparing to play on the $gqueenside$b by 13.Rfb1 and
a later a5.]
12...Bxf3
[This is horrible: $gBlack$b's $gbishop$b is his best $gpiece$b and he voluntarily gives
it up. He should play 12...d6 and 13...Nd7 to solidify his position in the
$gcenter$b.]
13.Qxf3 Nc6 14.Rfb1 Rae8 15.Qh3
[Preventing $gBlack$b from freeing himself by 15...e5. Black should now try to get
some play on the $gkingside$b by 15...g5.]
15...Rf6 16.f4 Na5 17.Qf3 d6 18.Re1 Qd7 19.e4 fxe4 20.Qxe4 g6 21.g3 Kf8 22.Kg2
Rf7 23.h4 d5 24.cxd5 exd5 25.Qxe8+ Qxe8 26.Rxe8+ Kxe8
[We have now reached a classic ending) $gWhite$b has a $gbishop$b against a $gknight$b and
a target on g6. $gBlack$b struggles to get $gcounterplay$b, but by giving up
$gmaterial$b White strengthens his $gbind$b until $gBlack$b finally gives up.]
27.h5 Rf6
[ 27...gxh5 28.Rh1 Kf8 29.Rxh5 Wins a $gpawn$b for $gWhite$b.]
28.hxg6 hxg6 29.Rh1
[Now each of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs is more active than its $gBlack$b counterpart.]
29...Kf8
[$gBlack$b wants to move his rook to the c-$gfile$b but can't allow a $gpin$b by Bb5.]
30.Rh7
[Now $gWhite$b's $grook$b has an ideal position on the $gseventh rank$b. $gBlack$b's $gking$b
is in a box and will soon become the object of $gattack$b by all $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs.]
30...Rc6 31.g4 Nc4
[$gBlack$b doesn't take on c3 as that would give White connected $gpassed pawn$bs
on the $gkingside$b. He brings his misplaced knight to the $gkingside$b, but
the time this takes lets $gWhite$b tighten his $gbind$b there.]
32.g5 Ne3+ 33.Kf3 Nf5 34.Bxf5 gxf5
[$gWhite$b has given up his $gbishop$b for $gBlack$b's $gknight$b and must now lose his c-
$gpawn$b, but now his $gking$b has a clear path into $gBlack$b's position by g3-h4-g5-f6.]
35.Kg3 Rxc3+ 36.Kh4 Rf3
[ 36...Rc1 37.Kh5 Rh1+ 38.Kg6 Rxh7 39.Kxh7 c5 40.g6 And $gWhite$b gets a new
$gqueen$b.]
37.g6 Rxf4+ 38.Kg5 Re4
[ 38...Rxd4 39.Kf6 Kg8 40.Rd7 And $gBlack$b get $gmate$bd.]
39.Kf6
[$gWhite$b doesn't take the f-$gpawn$b because it will shield his $gking$b from $gcheck$bs on
the f-file. The g6 pawn is all he needs to win with his mating $gbattery$b of
$gking$b and $grook$b in place.]
39...Kg8 40.Rg7+ Kh8 41.Rxc7 Re8 42.Kxf5
[$gWhite$b only $gcapture$bs after $gBlack$b's $grook$b has been reduced to passive $gdefense$b.]
42...Re4 43.Kf6 Rf4+ 44.Ke5 Rg4 45.g7+ Kg8
[ 45...Rxg7 46.Rxg7 Kxg7 47.Kxd5 Kf7 48.Kd6 Ke8 49.Kc7 Ke7 50.d5 And the d-
$gpawn$b can't be stopped.]
46.Rxa7 Rg1 47.Kxd5 Rc1 48.Kd6 Rc2 49.d5 Rc1 50.Rc7 Ra1 51.Kc6 Rxa4 52.d6
[$gWhite$b will get a new $gqueen$b. If you don't see this, play the position out with
$gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Nimzovitch
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1927
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 Bf5 4.Bd3
[Too passive. $gWhite$b trades his good $gbishop$b for $gBlack$b's bad one and, by doing
so, eliminates his own $gattack$bing potential.]
4...Bxd3 5.Qxd3 e6 6.Nc3 Qb6 7.Nge2 c5 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.O-O Ne7
[$gBlack$b is willing to let White $gexchange$b his knight for the c5 $gbishop$b
because this trade will leave $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b without any good squares.]
10.Na4 Qc6 11.Nxc5 Qxc5 12.Be3 Qc7 13.f4 Nf5 14.c3 Nc6 15.Rad1 g6
[$gBlack$b sets a positional $gtrap$b: $gWhite$b has been moving his $gpiece$bs
with no real object in mind, and $gBlack$b invites him to do something apparently
active on the $gkingside$b.]
16.g4 Nxe3 17.Qxe3 h5
[Now $gWhite$b must either let the h-$gfile$b be opened onto his $gking$b or give $gBlack$b
the f5 square.]
18.g5 O-O
[Now White has no chance to open the $gkingside$b while $gBlack$b has fine squares
for his $gpiece$bs for his pieces all over the board.]
19.Nd4 Qb6 20.Rf2 Rfc8 21.a3 Rc7 22.Rd3 Na5 23.Re2 Re8 24.Kg2 Nc6 25.Red2 Rec8
26.Re2 Ne7
[Black saves his knight for f5 and unleashes a brutal $gbattery$b on the c-
$gfile$b.]
27.Red2 Rc4 28.Qh3 Kg7 29.Rf2 a5 30.Re2 Nf5
[Now $gBlack$b will allow the $gexchange$b of knights because the trade will leave
$gWhite$b tied to the $gdefense$b of f4.]
31.Nxf5+ gxf5 32.Qf3
[ 32.Qxh5 Rh8 33.Qf3 Rh4 And the f4 $gpawn$b must fall.]
32...Kg6 33.Red2 Re4 34.Rd4 Rc4 35.Qf2 Qb5 36.Kg3 Rcxd4 37.cxd4 Qc4
[$gBlack$b will now work on the weak spots on d4 and f4 until $gWhite$b is $gforce$bd to
let $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs into the first $grank$b, when $gWhite$b will simply run out of
moves.]
38.Kg2 b5 39.Kg1 b4 40.axb4 axb4 41.Kg2 Qc1 42.Kg3 Qh1 43.Rd3 Re1 44.Rf3 Rd1
45.b3 Rc1 46.Re3 Rf1
[$gWhite$b's $gqueen$b can only be saved at the cost of $gmate$b or his $grook$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Torres
.EVENT Barcelona
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING English
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e5
[This is risky.]
5.Nb5 Bb4+
[Exposing this $gbishop$b to $gexchange$b only exposes the weakness of d6. $gBlack$b
should make a $ggambit$b of it by 5...d5 6.cxd5 Bc5.]
6.Bd2 Bxd2+ 7.Qxd2 O-O 8.N1c3 Na6
[This loses time. $gBlack$b had to try 8...Nc6, though the dark squares give $gWhite$b
an edge.]
9.g3 Nc5 10.Bg2 a6 11.Nd6 Qa5
[Exposing his queen and knight to a potential $gfork$b.]
12.O-O Rb8 13.Rfd1 b5 14.cxb5 axb5 15.Qg5
[With $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs tied up on the $gqueenside$b White strikes on the
$gkingside$b.]
15...Na4
[$gBlack$b is blind to the danger to his own $gking$b. He had to give up a $gpawn$b by
15...h6.]
16.Nf5 Ne8 17.Nh6+ Kh8 18.Qe7
[$gBlack$b loses a $grook$b. If you don't see this, $gcheck$b it out by playing this with $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Ilyin Zhenevsky & Rabinovich
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Leningrad
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 b6 3.g3 Bb7 4.Bg2 c5 5.O-O cxd4 6.Nxd4 Bxg2 7.Kxg2 d5 8.c4 Qd7
9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.e4 Nc7 11.Nc3 e5 12.Nf5 Qxd1 13.Rxd1 Nba6 14.Be3 Rd8 15.Rxd8+
Kxd8 16.a4
[$gWhite$b hopes to play a later Nb5 and win the a-$gpawn$b, but the time this will
require lets $gBlack$b activate his $gpiece$bs. They should keep the heat on Black's
$gking$b by 16.Rd1+ Kc8 17.a3 g6 18.Nh6 Bxh6 19.Bxh6 Re8 20.b4 when $gWhite$b keeps
the initiative.]
16...Kd7
[Now $gBlack$b can meet a $gcheck$b on d1 by ...Ke6.]
17.Nb5 g6 18.Nh4
[$gWhite$b loses time with both $gknight$bs. 18.Rd1+ was still correct.]
18...Bc5 19.Nxa7
[$gWhite$b wins a $gpawn$b but accepts weak doubled e-pawns.]
19...Bxe3 20.fxe3 Nc5
[Now $gBlack$b $gthreat$bens both 21...Nxe4 and 21...Ra8, and $gWhite$b can only defend
both of these threats by letting $gBlack$b further maim his $gpawn structure$b.]
21.Nb5 Nxb5 22.axb5 Ke6
[$gBlack$b doesn't bother with the e-pawn since taking it would give White some
activity by 22...Nxe4 23.Ra7+ Ke6 24.Ra6]
23.Kf3 Rd8 24.b4 Nb3 25.Ra7
[ 25.Ra6 Nd2+ 26.Ke2 Rd6 27.Nf3 Nxe4 And $gBlack$b will consolidate his $gbind$b by
...h6 and White will be left with no defense.]
25...Nd2+ 26.Kg2 Nxe4 27.Nf3 Rd5 28.Ra8 Rxb5 29.Re8+ Kf6 30.g4 Ng5 31.Nxg5
Kxg5 32.Kg3
[$gBlack$b has an extra $gpawn$b as well as a continuing $gbind$b.]
32...Kf6 33.Rh8 Kg7 34.Re8 h6 35.h4 Kf6 36.Rc8
[ 36.Rh8 Rxb4 37.Rxh6 Kg7 And $gWhite$b's $grook$b is permanently stranded on h6.]
36...Rxb4 37.Rc6+ Kg7 38.g5 h5 39.Rc8 Rg4+ 40.Kh3 Re4 41.Rc3 b5
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Scott
.EVENT Hastings
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1919
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nbd2 Nbd7 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.O-O O-O 8.e4 dxe4
9.Nxe4 Nxe4 10.Bxe4 Nf6
[This chases $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b to a better $gattack$bing post. $gBlack$b should strike at
$gWhite$b's $gcenter$b by 10...c5.]
11.Bc2 b6 12.Qd3
[White now has a powerful $gbattery$b on the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b that forces
$gBlack$b to weaken his $gkingside$b.]
12...h6 13.b3 Qe7 14.Bb2
[Now all $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are aimed at $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
14...Rd8 15.Rad1 Bb7 16.Rfe1 Rac8 17.Nh4
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 18.Nf5 and prepares to bring
his $gqueen$b to a better $gattack$bing square.]
17...Bb8 18.g3 Kf8 19.Qf3 Kg8
[$gBlack$b has nothing to do and just waits for the axe to fall, but if 19...c5,
20.d5 floods $gBlack$b in the $gcenter$b as well as the $gkingside$b.]
20.Nf5 Qc7 21.Nxh6+ Kf8 22.d5
[Now White's queen $gbishop$b enters the fight and $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b collapses
immediately.]
22...cxd5 23.Bxf6 gxf6
[ 23...gxh6 24.Qh5 And $gBlack$b gets $gmate$bd on g7 or d7.]
24.Qxf6 Ke8 25.Rxe6+ fxe6 26.Qxe6+ Kf8 27.Qf6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Bogoljubow
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1925
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 dxc4 4.e4
[After this $gWhite$b can't keep a $gpawn$b on d4, but his $gpiece$bs become very active.]
4...c5 5.Bxc4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Nc3 Bc5
[The $gbishop$b is exposed here; he should play 7...Nbd7.]
8.Be3
[$gWhite$b takes aim at $gBlack$b's exposed $gbishop$b.]
8...Nbd7
[$gBlack$b defends the $gbishop$b but underestimates the coming sacrifice. He should
castle to defend against tactics due to White's $gadvantage$b in $gdevelopment$b.]
9.Bxe6
[White cashes in his edge in $gdevelopment$b to open up $gBlack$b's king.]
9...fxe6 10.Nxe6 Qa5
[ 10...Qb6 11.Nxc5 Nxc5 12.O-O Qc6 13.Rc1 Ncxe4 14.Nxe4 Qxe4 15.Bc5 And $gWhite$b
has a mighty $gattack$b.]
11.O-O
[White doesn't lose time by taking on g7. ]
11...Bxe3
[This opens the f-$gfile$b for $gWhite$b's $grook$b, but 11...Kf7 walks into 12.Qb3.]
12.fxe3 Kf7 13.Qb3 Kg6 14.Rf5 Qb6 15.Nf4+ Kh6 16.g4
[$gWhite$b tightens the net around $gBlack$b's $gking$b, but this is really a mistake that
should let $gBlack$b out. He should have played 16.Qf7. 16.Qf7 g6 17.g4 Qxe3+
18.Kg2 and $gBlack$b will get $gmate$bd. ]
16...g5 17.Qxb6 axb6 18.Rd1 Rg8
[With his $gking$b exposed and $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs all active, $gBlack$b has a tough
defence but this is a $gblunder$b. He could have won by taking the knight.
18...gxf4 19.g5+ Kg7 20.gxf6+ Nxf6 21.Rg5+ Kf7 22.exf4 h6 23.Rg3 Nh5 And $gBlack$b
will eventually get away.]
19.Nfd5 Nxg4
[ 19...Rg6 20.Ne7 Rg7 21.Ncd5 leaves $gBlack$b completely tied up and $gWhite$b's
$gattack$b still going full steam.]
20.Ne7 Rg7 21.Rd6+ Kh5 22.Rf3
[Sealing the mating net. This pretty move ensures the win.]
22...Ngf6 23.Rh3+ Kg4 24.Rg3+ Kh5 25.Nf5 Rg6 26.Ne7
[He could have won faster by $gcheck$bing first. 26.Rh3+ Kg4 27.Kg2 And $gBlack$b gets
$gmate$bd.]
26...g4 27.Nxg6 Kxg6 28.Rxg4+ Kf7 29.Rf4 Kg7 30.e5 Ne8 31.Re6
[$gBlack$b resigned here. He didn't like the idea of playing on, for example...]
31...Nc7 32.Re7+ Kg6 33.e6
[when he loses at least another $gpiece$b.]
33...Nc5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Merenyi
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {E7}
.DATE 1928
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.c3 d5 4.Bb5+
[This is weak since $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b is would be a good $gpiece$b after the $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b clarified.]
4...Bd7 5.Bxd7+ Qxd7 6.exd5 Qxd5 7.d4 cxd4 8.Qxd4 Qxd4 9.Nxd4 e5
[Taking $gadvantage$b of White's exposed knight to gain a strong $gcenter$b pawn.]
10.Nb5 Kd7
[10...Na6 would misplace the $gknight$b, while now it is $gWhite$b's knight which is
misplaced.]
11.Ke2 Kc6 12.a4 Nd7 13.Be3 a6 14.Rd1 Ngf6 15.Nd2 Rd8 16.Na3
[$gWhite$b begins to retreat and $gBlack$b's edge in $gpiece$b activity
will increase with every $gpiece$b.]
16...Nd5 17.Ndc4 b6 18.Rd2 Bxa3 19.Rxa3
[ 19.Nxa3 Nxe3 20.Kxe3 Nc5 And $gBlack$b keeps the $gadvantage$b because of his more
active $gpiece$bs and $gWhite$b's weak a-$gpawn$b.]
19...Rhe8 20.Nd6 Re7
[$gBlack$b meets $gWhite$b's hopeful tactics by simple consolidation.]
21.c4 Nxe3 22.fxe3
[ 22.Kxe3 Nf6 23.Ne4 Ng4+ 24.Kf3 Nxh2+ 25.Kg3 Nf1+]
22...Nc5 23.Ne4 Rxd2+ 24.Nxd2 a5
[$gBlack$b's edge is now clear across the whole board: White has weaknesses on c4,
a4, e3 and g2, and $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are all more active than their counter-
parts.]
25.Nb1 Rd7 26.Nd2 e4 27.Nb3 Nd3 28.Nd4+ Kc5 29.b3 f5 30.Ra1 Rxd4
[The e3 $gpawn$b was the $gkey$b to White's keeping $gBlack$b's $gking$b and pawns at bay; now
$gWhite$b is overrun.]
31.exd4+ Kxd4 32.g3
[ 32.h4 f4 ]
32...g5 33.b4 f4 34.c5 f3+ 35.Kf1 e3 36.Re1 bxc5 37.Rxe3 Kxe3 38.bxa5 c4
[$gWhite$b will promote first, but $gBlack$b will promote with $gmate$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Colle
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1929
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qb3 Bxc3+
[Premature, since White often has to waste a $gtempo$b by a3 to $gforce$b this
trade. 4...c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 This is $gBlack$b's best line here and should be equal.]
5.Qxc3 Ne4
[This is also premature. $gBlack$b may have thought the $gknight$b was strong here,
but it is really overexposed.]
6.Qc2 d5 7.Nf3 O-O 8.e3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b hopes to free himself and destroy $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b $gcenter$b by a later
...e5.]
9.Be2 Re8 10.O-O e5
[The $gbreak$b $gBlack$b was playing for, but this move is really a $gblunder$b, since
after 10...f5 11.Nd2 $gWhite$b will keep some $gadvantage$b by playing b3 and Bb2 and
later f3.]
11.cxd5
[Both of $gBlack$b's $gknight$b's are $gattack$bed. Black resigned here, because ...]
11...Qxd5
[Loses to...]
12.Bc4
[Driving the $gqueen$b from the defence of the $gknight$b on e4. $gBlack$b's only try now
is...]
12...Nb4
[But it isn't good enough. You should be able to work out $gWhite$b's win here.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Marshall
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1925
.OPENING Reti
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.b3 c5 5.Bg2 Nc6 6.O-O Be7 7.d3 O-O 8.Bb2 d4 9.e4
[$gWhite$b $gblock$bs the $gcenter$b in order to start a $gflank$b $gattack$b.]
9...dxe3
[$gBlack$b doesn't want to let White gain space on the $gkingside$b by 10.Ne1 and
11.f4, but now $gWhite$b's extra $gcenter$b $gpawn$b gives him a permanent edge there.
9...a6 10.Ne1 Rb8 Should be OK for $gBlack$b.]
10.fxe3 Ng4 11.Qe2 Bf6 12.Nc3 Qa5
[The $gqueen$b doesn't do anything here and $gBlack$b will soon gets exposed on the
$gkingside$b.]
13.Rac1 Rd8 14.h3 Nge5 15.Ne4
[The knight takes aim at $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b. With his queen and
$gqueenside$b $gpiece$bs out of play $gBlack$b is hard pressed to defend the coming
$gattack$b.]
15...Qxa2
[Now $gBlack$b gets crushed on the $gkingside$b, but things were bad anyway.
15...Nxf3+ 16.Qxf3 Bxb2 17.Qxf7+ Kh8 18.Qf8+]
16.Nxf6+ gxf6 17.Nxe5 Nxe5 18.Be4
[White's whole army is aimed at $gBlack$b's king and Black has only a knight to
defend.]
18...Bd7 19.Ra1 Qxb3 20.Rfb1
[$gBlack$b now loses either his $gqueen$b or $gknight$b. He could resign here, but the
finish is amusing.]
20...Qb4 21.Bxe5 fxe5 22.Rxb4 cxb4 23.Bxb7 Rab8 24.Rxa7 b3 25.Qb2 Ba4 26.Qxe5
Bc6 27.Qg5+ Kf8 28.Bxc6 b2 29.Qe7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Gotthilf
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S20, S15}
.DATE 1925
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 c5 6.dxc5
[$gWhite$b should advance the d-$gpawn$b here. 6.d5 exd5 White can use the
$gdiagonal$b to his $gadvantage$b here.]
7.Nh4
[And $gBlack$b can't hold the d5 $gpawn$b.]
6...Bxc5 7.Nc3 Ne4 8.Nxe4 Bxe4 9.O-O Nc6 10.Nd2 Bxg2 11.Kxg2
[Now $gBlack$b has an edge because of his freer $gpiece$bs and $gWhite$b's slightly
exposed $gking$b.]
11...d5 12.Qa4
[ 12.Nf3 dxc4 13.Qa4 Rc8 14.Ne5 Qc7 15.Bf4 Qb7]
12...Rc8 13.Nb3 O-O 14.Rd1
[ 14.cxd5 Qxd5+ 15.e4 Qd3 16.Nxc5 bxc5 17.Be3 Nd4]
14...d4
[$gBlack$b's $gpawn$b wedge will give him a permanent edge.]
15.Nxc5
[ 15.e3 e5]
15...bxc5 16.a3
[White tries to counter $gBlack$b's central clamp by $gopening$b the $gqueenside$b but
since he can't play b4 this is just a waste of time.]
16...Qb6 17.Bd2 a5 18.Qc2 e5 19.Rab1 f5
[$gBlack$b's $gspace$b edge in the $gcenter$b is getting dangerous, but $gWhite$b can't do
anything about it.]
20.h3 h6 21.b3 Rb8 22.Rb2 Qb7
[Taking over the $gdiagonal$b that White gave up at move 10.]
23.Kh2 Rbd8 24.b4
[$gWhite$b is desparate to get some play before he gets pushed off the board, but
he overlooks a pretty tactic.]
24...d3
[$gWhite$b resigned here. If he had played on the game might end as follows:]
25.exd3 Nd4 26.Qb1 Nf3+ 27.Kg2 Nxd2+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Pulvermacher
.BLACK Capablanca
.EVENT New York
.THEME {T5}
.DATE 1908
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 3.Nf3 d6 4.c3 Bg4 5.fxe5 dxe5 6.Qa4+ Nd7
[This loses a pawn, but $gBlack$b makes a virtue of necessity and $gdevelops$b
quickly. 6...Qd7 7.Bb5 c6 8.Nxe5 And $gWhite$b will come out a $gpawn$b up.]
7.Nxe5 Ngf6 8.d4 O-O 9.Bg5
[This loses a $gpiece$b. $gWhite$b should have played 9.Bc4.]
9...Nxe5 10.dxe5
[Now $gBlack$b wins a $gpiece$b by tactical means. Try to find it yourself before
challenging Gambit to demonstrate it.]
10...Nxe4
.QUIZ 10...Nxe4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Fonaroff
.EVENT New York
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1918
.OPENING Four Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 d6
[This is weak, but $gBlack$b hopes to keep his $gcenter$b $gpawn$b.]
4.Nc3 Nf6 5.Bb5 Bd7 6.O-O Be7 7.Re1
[Now $gWhite$b $gthreat$bens to win $gBlack$b's e-$gpawn$b.]
7...exd4
[ 7...O-O 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.dxe5 dxe5 10.Qxd8 Rfxd8 11.Nxe5 Bxe4 12.Nxe4 Nxe4
13.Nd3 White wins $gmaterial$b because of the $gpin$b]
8.Nxd4 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b should castle. Now $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b gets a strong post.]
9.Qxd4 Bxb5 10.Nxb5 O-O 11.Qc3
[$gWhite$b prepares to bring his $gknight$b to f5.]
11...c6 12.Nd4 Nd7 13.Nf5 Bf6 14.Qg3 Ne5 15.Bf4 Qc7 16.Rad1 Rad8
[$gWhite$b now has a beautiful $gcombination$b. You may want to try to find it before
looking at the rest of the game.]
17.Rxd6
.QUIZ 17.Rxd6
17..Rxd6 18.Bxe5
[$gBlack$b is now tied down to both his $gqueen$b and the $gdefense$b of g7. He tries a
clever tactical $gdefense$b, but $gWhite$b has seen further. ]
18...Rd1
[ 18...Qa5 19.f4 Bxe5 20.fxe5 Rg6 21.Ne7+]
19.Rxd1 Bxe5
[The $gbishop$b looks strong here, but it has little $gattack$bing potential because
it must defend g7.]
20.Nh6+ Kh8
[Now $gWhite$b has a final $gcombination$b which $gmate$bs or wins a $gpiece$b. Try to look
for it yourself before continuing.]
21.Qxe5
.QUIZ 21.Qxe5
21...Qxe5 22.Nxf7+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Havasi
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1928
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Accepted
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 dxc4 4.e4 c5 5.Bxc4 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Nf6 7.Nc3 a6 8.O-O Bc5
9.Be3 Nbd7 10.Bxe6 fxe6 11.Nxe6 Qa5 12.Nxg7+ Kf7 13.Nf5
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 14.Qb3+ followed by 15.Ne2.]
13...Ne5 14.Qb3+ Kg6 15.Rac1 Bf8 16.Ne2 h5 17.Rfd1
[Bringing the last $gpiece$b into the $gattack$b.]
17...Rg8 18.Nf4+ Kh7 19.Bb6 Qb5 20.Rc7+ Kh8
[ 20...Bd7 21.Nd5 Nxd5 22.Rxd5 Qxb3 23.axb3]
21.Qxb5
[$gWhite$b eliminates $gBlack$b's only active $gpiece$b in preparation for the final
$gattack$b.]
21...axb5 22.Rd8
[Now none of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs has a productive move.]
22...Rxa2
[ 22...Bxf5 23.Rxa8 Bxe4 24.Rcc8 Ned7 25.Bd4]
23.Rdxc8 Nc4 24.h3 Nxb6 25.Rxf8 Nfd7
[ 25...Rxf8 26.Ng6+ Kg8 27.Rg7+]
26.Rf7 Rxb2 27.Nd5
[$gBlack$b resigns because he must lose a $gpiece$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Vassaux
.EVENT Buenos Aires Olympiad
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1939
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.Nf3 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 e6 5.d4 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 Bb4
[This is worse than the normal 7...b5 because the $gbishop$b is exposed here and
interferes with $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b play.]
8.O-O O-O 9.Qe2 Qe7 10.Ne5 c5
[ 10...Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nd5 12.Ne4]
11.f4 Nb6
[$gBlack$b begins a manuevre to relieve his cramped position by $gexchange$bs, but he
loses a lot of time doing so, giving $gWhite$b a strong $gattack$b.]
12.Bb3 Nbd5
[$gBlack$b loses too much time with this $gknight$b. He should get on with his
$gdevelopment$b.]
13.Bd2 Bxc3
[ 13...Nxc3 14.bxc3 Ba5 15.Bc2 And $gWhite$b will get a strong $gattack$b by 15.Qd3
and g4-g5.]
14.bxc3 Ne4 15.Be1 f6 16.Qd3 f5
[ 16...fxe5 17.Qxe4 $gWhite$b wins a $gpawn$b here.]
17.a4 Kh8 18.g4
[$gWhite$b undermines $gBlack$b's $gknight$b and opens lines for his $gattack$b.]
18...Ndf6 19.Bh4 Bd7 20.Rf3
[$gWhite$b $gthreat$bens 21.Rh3 and 22.Ng6+.]
20...Be8 21.Rh3 Qd6 22.gxf5 exf5 23.Rd1 cxd4 24.exd4 Qa3 25.Be6 g6 26.Bg5 Nxg5
[ 26...Bxa4 27.Bh6 Bxd1 28.Nxg6+ hxg6 29.Bxf8+]
27.fxg5 Ne4 28.Rxh7+
.QUIZ 28.Rxh7+
[And Black gave up in the face of...]
28...Kxh7 29.Qh3+ Kg7 30.Qh6++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Capablanca
.BLACK Golombek
.EVENT Margate
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1939
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Qc2 d5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Nbd7 8.Bd3 h6
9.Bh4 O-O 10.Nf3 Re8 11.O-O Be7 12.Bg3
[$gWhite$b prevents $gBlack$b from easing his game by 12...Ne4.]
12...Nf8 13.h3 Be6 14.Rab1
[White prepares b4-b5 to weaken $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b.]
14...Nh5
[$gBlack$b begins a manuevre to $gexchange$b light squared $gbishop$bs, but this loses
a lot of time.]
15.Bh2 g6 16.Ne5 Ng7 17.b4 Bf5 18.Na4
[$gWhite$b prevents $gBlack$b from meeting a later b5 by ...c5.]
18...Bxd3 19.Qxd3 Nd7 20.Rfc1 Nxe5 21.Bxe5
Bd6 22.Bxd6 Qxd6 23.b5
[In spite of all the $gexchange$bs this $gbreak$b is very strong.]
23...cxb5
[ 23...Rac8 24.bxc6 bxc6 $gBlack$b's weaknesses on a7 and c6 will prove decisive.]
24.Qxb5 Ne6
[ 24...Re7 25.Rc5 Rd8 26.Nc3]
25.Nc3
[The b-$gpawn$b is hopeless, so $gWhite$b takes aim at another target as well.]
25...Red8 26.Qxb7 Qa3 27.Nxd5 Qxa2 28.Nb4 Qa4 29.Nc6
[$gWhite$b not only $gthreat$bens to take the $grook$b on d8 but also to $gtrap$b the $gqueen$b by
30.Ra1.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Huebner
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Hamburg (1)
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING English
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.d4 exd4
[On the one hand, $gBlack$b concedes the $gcenter$b with this move. On the other hand,
he gains time since the $gqueen$b will be exposed at d4. 3...Nd7 4.Nf3 Ngf6 5.e4
g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.O-O O-O This could have $gtranspose$bd into the $gKing$b's Indian
$gDefense$b. However, I decided to take the game elsewhere.]
4.Qxd4 Nf6 5.g3
[My opponent readies the g2-square for his light-squared $gbishop$b, which will be
placed on the longest $gdiagonal$b, and the important central squares e4 and
d5 will be in its domain.]
5...Nc6
[Developing a piece with a threat, as a general rule, is a good idea. In this
case, $gWhite$b must answer the $gattack$b on the $gqueen$b.]
6.Qd2 Be6 7.Nd5
[Moving a $gpiece$b twice in the $gopening$b is generally considered a bad idea. But
in this case the $gthreat$b against the $gpawn$b at c4 was most
annoying. 7.b3? d5! 8.cxd5 Nxd5 Here if $gWhite$b moves the $gbishop$b to b2 $gBlack$b is
still ahead in $gdevelopment$b.]
7...Ne5 8.b3
[ 8.Nxf6+ Qxf6 9.b3 Nd3+! 10.exd3 Qxa1 An unpleasant fate for $gWhite$b!]
8...Ne4
[Once again the $gBlack$b army is moving forward while $gattack$bng the $gWhite$b $gQueen$b.]
9.Qe3 Nc5 10.Bb2 c6 11.Nf4 Ng4
[Again the $gWhite$b $gQueen$b is under $gattack$b.]
12.Qd4 Ne4!! 13.Bh3 Qa5+ 14.Kf1 Ngxf2
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are swarming around the enemy $gking$b.]
15.Bxe6 fxe6 16.Nxe6 Kd7
[17. Nxf8 Raxf8 would only lose more quickly for Huebner.]
17.Nh3 Nxh3 18.Qxe4 Re8 19.Nc5+ Qxc5 20.Qg4+ Kc7 21.Qxh3
[Now I begin the final wave of $gattack$b against the $gWhite$b monarch.]
21...Be7 22.Bxg7 Rhf8+! 23.Bxf8 Rxf8+ 24.Ke1
[$gWhite$b is vulnerable on the dark squares due to the fact that his dark-
squared $gbishop$b is gone. Observe how $gBlack$b utilizes this asset to his
$gadvantage$b.]
24...Qf2+ 25.Kd1 Qd4+ 26.Kc2
[Huebner tries to keep his $gKing$b off the dark squares. Yet this becomes an
impossible task.]
26...Qe4+ 27.Kd2
[Going back to the first $grank$b would have cost $gWhite$b his $grook$b at h1.]
27...Bg5+ 28.Kc3 Qe5+
[If 29.Kc2 Qxe2+ 30.Kb1 Rf2 and White will be $gcheck$bmated.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Belyavsky
.EVENT Linares
.THEME {S13}
.DATE 1991
.OPENING English
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.e4
[3.d4 would have $gtranspose$bd into more normal lines. This formation is
designed to discourage 3...d5 at all costs, though it is possible for $gBlack$b to
play it anyway.]
3...c5
[My opponent's last move is an attempt to create a $ghole$b on the d4-square. This
is a potential weakness in $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b, specially if a $gBlack$b $gknight$b can be
posted there.]
4.e5 Ng8 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.d4
[ 6.Be2 d6 7.exd6 Bxd6 8.O-O Nf6 $gWhite$b no longer has any serious $gthreat$bs in
this position.]
6...cxd4 7.Nxd4 Nxe5
[For the price of a pawn, I have maintained the $ginitiative$b.]
8.Ndb5 a6
[ 8...Nf6 9.Bf4 d6 10.c5! The perch that the e5-$gKnight$b is resting on is
collapsing. In other words, $gBlack$b has lost $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
9.Nd6+ Bxd6 10.Qxd6 f6 11.Be3 Ne7 12.Bb6 Nf5 13.Qc5 d6 14.Qa5 Qd7
[Since his $gBlack$b square $gbishop$b is missing, Belyavsky's position is vulnerable
on the dark squares.]
15.f4 Nc6 16.Qa3 e5?!
[As a general rule, it is unwise to open the position up when your opponent
has two $gbishop$bs and you have only one. Furthermore, advancing the $gpawn$b from e6
to e5 creates a $ghole$b in the d5-square.]
17.Bd3 O-O 18.O-O exf4 19.Rxf4 Nfe7 20.Rd1 Ng6 21.Rff1 Nge5
[My opponent fight's back by centralizing his $gKnight$b to e5. However, he has a
horrible gash in his position in the shape of the d5 $ghole$b.]
22.Be4
[I now have four $gpiece$bs aiming at the d5 square. Also, the $gisolated pawn$b at d6
is under $gattack$b due to the combined efforts of the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b and $grook$b.
Lastly, Belyavsky has yet to develop his $gqueenside$b. $gBlack$b is lost.]
22...Qf7 23.b3
[23.Bd5 is met by 25...Be6.]
23...Be6 24.Qxd6
[White has achieved $gmaterial$b $gequality$b with out giving up his
$ginitiative$b.]
24...Kh8 25.Qc7 Qxc7 26.Bxc7 Rf7
[My $gqueenside$b $gpawn majority$b, combined with the $gbishop$b, gives me every
expectation of winning.]
27.Bb6 Re8 28.h3 Rd7 29.Nd5
[Utilizing the d5-square which has been a terminal weakness in $gBlack$b's
position.]
29...Rc8 30.g4 Ng6 31.Kh2 Nce5 32.a4 Rd6 33.a5 Nd7 34.Nc7
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, since his position was hopeless.]
34...Rxd1 35.Rxd1 Nxb6 36.axb6 Bf7 37.Bxb7
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT World Championship (47)
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.d4 d5
[Karpov's first move was with a $gknight$b, but we have arrived in a $gQueen$b's
$gGambit$b Declined by $gtransposition$b.]
4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5
[This $gQueen$b move introduces the Cambridge Springs $gVariation$b. The idea is to
$gpin$b the $gknight$b at c3, weakening its grip on e4. As a result, $gBlack$b may be
able to take possession of that square.]
7.cxd5
[7.Nd2 would have kept the stress in the position. However, Karpov has seen
enough stress in this match and is looking
for ways to keep the positions simple.]
7...Nxd5 8.Qd2 N7b6
[ 8...Bb4 is a popular alternative.]
9.Nxd5 Qxd2+ 10.Nxd2 exd5 11.Bd3 a5 12.a4?
[$gWhite$b has willingly given me a target on a4. 12.O-O is one alternative, while
12.Ke2 would keep the King centralized for the up coming $gendgame$b.]
12...Bb4 13.Ke2
[$gBlack$b must $gbreak$b the $gpin$b.]
13...Bg4+ 14.f3 Bh5 15.h4 O-O 16.g4 Bg6
[$gWhite$b has driven the $gbishop$b back, but the $gpawn$bs can become weak in the
$gendgame$b .]
17.b3 Bxd3+ 18.Kxd3 Rfe8 19.Rac1 c5!
[While $gWhite$b has been busying himself with $gPawn$b moves, $gBlack$b will attempt to
exploit the semi-exposed $gWhite$b monarch.]
20.Bf4 Rac8 21.dxc5 Nd7!
[Not only does the $gKnight$b $gthreat$ben to $gcapture$b the C5-$gpawn$b with $gcheck$b, it will
also $gattack$b the backward b3 $gpawn$b.]
22.c6
[Karpov closes the c-$gfile$b in an effort to move his $gKing$b to the $gqueenside$b
where it can be defended more easily, and also be used to defend the
$gqueenside$b $gpawn$bs.]
22...bxc6 23.Rhd1 Nc5+ 24.Kc2 f6 25.Nf1 Ne6 26.Bg3 Red8 27.Bf2
[White places more pressure on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b so that the d-pawn will
not be able to advance.]
27...c5 28.Nd2 c4 29.bxc4 Nc5 30.e4 d4 31.Nb1 d3+
[The d-$gpawn$b races towards d1 in the way a soccer player charges at the
opponent's goal.]
32.Kb2 d2
[$gWhite$b resigned, because the position quickly falls apart.]
33.Rc2 Nxa4+ 34.Ka2 Rd3 35.Nxd2 Ra3+ 36.Kb1 Nc3+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT World Championship (11)
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1987
.OPENING Grunfeld Defense
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5
[The Grunfeld $gDefense$b is a $ghypermodern$b $gopening$b. The strategic idea for $gBlack$b,
is to cede the center, then launch a counterattack against it, throwing White
on the defensive.]
4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Bc4 c5
[Challenging $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b. 8.dxc5 would be a horrible $gblunder$b due to $gBlack$b's
response of 8. ... Bxc3+.]
8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 O-O
[$gWhite$b has set up his $gforce$bs to over protect his d4 $gpawn$b. $gBlack$b on the other
hand is putting maximum pressure
against this square.]
10.O-O Bg4 11.f3
[$gBlack$b hopes that the $gPawn$b advance to f3 will provide an avenue of $gattack$b via
the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b.]
11...Na5 12.Bxf7+ Rxf7 13.fxg4 Rxf1+ 14.Kxf1
[The $gpawn$b is not the most important thing here. For year theoreticians held
that this line was harmless, with $gBlack$b obtaining significant $gcounterplay$b
due to the $ghole$b at c4. Karpov has overturned this verdict, at least
$gtempo$brarily.]
14...Qd6 15.Kg1 Qe6
[My $gqueen$b is well placed on this square. It puts
pressure on e4, a2, c4 and g4 squares.]
16.Qd3 Qc4
[Exchanging $gqueen$bs would ease my defensive burden. 16...Qxg4 17.Rf1 For the
price of the returned $gpawn$b, $gWhite$b would have play on the f-$gfile$b and the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b.]
17.Qxc4+
[If 17. Qd2 then $gBlack$b plays his $gQueen$b to e6 or a6 and $gthreat$bens the $gKnight$b to
c4.]
17...Nxc4 18.Bf2 cxd4 19.cxd4
[My $gqueenside$b $gpawn majority$b should insure the possibility of an
eventual $gpassed pawn$b.]
19...e5!?
[My last move has two $gpoints$b. First it greatly reduces the scope of the
$gWhite$b $gpiece$bs, and if $gBlack$b can successfully post his $gKnight$b on d6, then e4 is
very weak. But it gives Karpov a $gpassed pawn$b, and limits the scope of
the Bg7.]
20.d5 Bh6 21.h4
[Karpov tries to cut off the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b with g5.]
21...Bd2 22.Rd1 Ba5 23.Rc1 b5 24.Rc2 Nd6 25.Ng3 Nc4 26.Nf1 Nd6 27.Ng3 Nc4
[A $gdraw$b from this position would be satisfactory for me. The match score was
even at this time, and the position is somewhat equal.]
28.g5 Kf7 29.Nf1
[Karpov wants the full point, but objectively he doesn't have a sufficient
$gadvantage$b to be so ambitious. The extra $gpawn$b is the useless one at g2, and the
$gpassed pawn$b at d5 is no threat at all.]
29...Nd6 30.Ng3 Nc4
31.Kf1 Ke7 32.Bc5+ Kf7 33.Rf2+ Kg7
[$gWhite$b tries another avenue of $gattack$b but it cannot lead to success because
there is no way for the $gknight$b to help out.]
34.Rf6 Bb6 35.Rc6??
[Karpov somehow failed to realize that the $grook$b is $gtrap$bped at c6. My next move
seals the victory.]
35...Na5! 36.Bxb6
[Any move of the $grook$b along the 6th $grank$b would have left the $gbishop$b
undefended.]
36...Nxc6 37.Bc7 Rf8+ 38.Ke2 Rf7 39.Bd6
[ 39.dxc6 Rxc7 I could win this in my sleep!]
39...Rd7 40.Bc5 Na5 41.Nf1 Rc7 42.Bd6 Rc2+ 43.Kd3 Rxa2
[Karpov could have resigned here with a clear conscience.]
44.Ne3 Kf7 45.Ng4 Nc4 46.Nxe5+ Nxe5+ 47.Bxe5 b4
[$gPassed pawn$bs must be pushed!]
48.Bf6 b3 49.e5 Rxg2 50.e6+ Kf8
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (11)
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1985
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 O-O 5.Bg5 c5 6.e3 cxd4 7.exd4 h6 8.Bh4 d5
[$gBlack$b finally stakes a claim in the $gcenter$b of the board. This is typical of
$ghypermodern$b strategy, where central action is delayed for some time, but in
this case the resulting position has quite a classical flavor.]
9.Rc1 dxc4 10.Bxc4
[Accepting an isolated d-pawn indicates that White is looking for a complex
$gmiddlegame$b with $gattack$bing chances. There are many different strategies
available to White, while $gBlack$b tries to $gblockade$b the d5-square.]
10...Nc6 11.O-O Be7
[The $gbishop$b no longer serves any useful function at b4 so it retreats to e7
where it $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b.]
12.Re1 b6 13.a3 Bb7 14.Bg3 Rc8
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens a $gdiscovered attach$b against the $gbishop$b at c4.]
15.Ba2
[White retreats the $gbishop$b but now $gBlack$b can take over the $ginitiative$b.]
15...Bd6
[Now I should have moved the $gbishop$b to e5, maintaining my $gattack$bing chances.]
16.d5
[This is a premature resolution of the tension in the $gcenter$b. 16.Be5! Bxe5
17.dxe5 Nd7 18.Bb1 There are still chances here to develop a successful
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
16...Nxd5 17.Nxd5 Bxg3 18.hxg3 exd5 19.Bxd5 Qf6 20.Qa4 Rfd8 21.Rcd1! Rd7
[ 21...Qxb2? 22.Bxc6 Rxd1 23.Bxb7 White wins $gmaterial$b.]
22.Qg4 Rcd8??
[A costly oversight. Take a moment to try to find my next move. It isn't all
that easy, but Karpov really should have seen it coming.]
23.Qxd7!
[The $gattack$b plays itself.]
23...Rxd7 24.Re8+ Kh7 25.Be4+
[Karpov resigned, since he was about to lose more $gmaterial$b.]
25...g6 26.Rxd7 Ba6 27.Bxc6 Qxc6 28.Rxf7++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (8)
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4
[In most of the lines of the $gExchange$b $gVariation$b the $gbishop$b is deployed at g5,
but $gBlack$b's clever move order has prevented this plan.]
5...Nf6 6.e3 O-O 7.Bd3 c5!
[$gAttack$bing $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b point at d4.]
8.Nf3! Nc6 9.O-O Bg4 10.dxc5 Bxc5
[$gBlack$b is saddled with an $gisolated pawn$b, but this is only $gtempo$brary.]
11.h3 Bxf3 12.Qxf3 d4 13.Ne4
[ 13.exd4 Bxd4 This position is fine for $gBlack$b.]
13...Be7 14.Rad1
[A clever move. Now can you see why 14...dxe3 would lose $gmaterial$b? ]
14...Qa5
[ 14...dxe3 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.Bxh7+ Kxh7 17.Rxd8 exf2+ 18.Rxf2 Raxd8]
15.Ng3 dxe3 16.fxe3
[Karpov has successfully traded away his isolated d-$gpawn$b. However, he now
faces my $gbishop pair$b which is particularly effective in the open position.
I can also use the f-$gfile$b to put pressure on f7.]
16...Qxa2!
[The a-pawn is irrelevant. Karpov is looking for the shortest way to e6, where
the $gqueen$b will be well posted for both $gdefense$b and $gattack$b.]
17.Nf5 Qe6
[Karpov defends, but I am about to turn up the heat!]
18.Bh6
[Do you see why 18. ... gxh6 loses quickly for $gBlack$b? ]
18...Ne8
[$gBlack$b defends the g7-square with the knight, but the $gkingside$b has become
very congested. My $gadvantage$b in $gspace$b is the $gkey$b to winning the game. 18...Ne5
19.Qxb7 Nxd3 20.Nxg7 Qe4 21.Qc7 Ne5 22.Nf5 with a decisive $gattack$b for $gWhite$b.]
19.Qh5! g6!
[This $gfork$b is harmless.]
20.Qg4 Ne5!
[As a general rule, it is a good strategy to $gexchange$b off the opponents
$gattack$bers when you are defending. Karpov is counting on Nxd3 to make his
defensive work easier. My next move is $gforce$bd.]
21.Qg3!?
[I wanted to win by a direct $gattack$b. However, 21. Nxe7 followed by Bxf8 would
have sufficed.]
21...Bf6
[ 21...Nxd3 22.Nxe7+ Qxe7 23.Bxf8 Kxf8 24.Rxd3 $gBlack$b does not have enough
$gcompensation$b for the $gmaterial$b.]
22.Bb5
[I want to keep my $gbishop$b! The $grook$b on f8 is barely worth capturing.]
22...Ng7 23.Bxg7 Bxg7
[Now I don't give up my beautiful steed for the useless $gbishop$b. Instead, I
bring the $grook$b into the game. To win against a player of Karpov's ability
requires the use of the entire army.]
24.Rd6 Qb3
[Now that the $gqueen$b has been chased away, the $gknight$b on e5 is defended only by
the $gbishop$b, which I now remove from the board.]
25.Nxg7 Qxb5
[Things don't look so bad for $gBlack$b, because my
$gknight$b seems to be $gtrap$bped at g7. 25...Kxg7 26.Qxe5+]
26.Nf5
[But is isn't! The $gpin$b on the g-$gfile$b provides an escape route. 26.Nh5 Nf3+
27.Qxf3 Qxh5 28.Qxh5 gxh5 and it is $gWhite$b who would have to play for a $gdraw$b.]
26...Rad8 27.Rf6
[I don't want to trade, I want to $gattack$b!]
27...Rd2
[$gBlack$b's invasion of the $gseventh rank$b is not worrying because I have
plenty of defensive resources.]
28.Qg5
[A nasty move which $gthreat$bens all sorts of $gdiscovered attach$bs on the 5th
$grank$b. For example, if Karpov plays 28...d3 I reply 29.Nh6+ and take his
$gqueen$b!]
28...Qxb2?
[A great mistake. The $gking$b should have retreated into the corner. This was no
time to be greedy! ]
29.Kh1!
[Now Karpov cannot take the $gpawn$b at g2 with $gcheck$b.]
29...Kh8?!
[Even though $gBlack$b is lost at this point, 30...Rd7 would have put up more
resistance.]
30.Nd4!
[Now the $gknight$b at e5 is undefended, and if it moves to another square, then
the $gpawn$b at f7 falls.]
30...Rxd4
[A sad necessity.]
31.Qxe5
[Here $gBlack$b's time ran out and I was awarded the point. But I was winning
anyway.]
31...Rd2 32.Qe7 Rdd8 33.Rxf7 Rxf7 34.Rxf7
[$gBlack$b cannot defend this position.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (14)
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3
[$gBlack$b has many choice's at this point. 9... Na5, Nd7, Nb8, and Be6 have all
been tried with various degrees of success. Karpov prefers the plan which was
$gdeveloped$b by his trainer, Igor Zaitsev.]
9...Bb7 10.d4 Re8 11.Nbd2 Bf8
[This is a very flexible formation for $gBlack$b, who has no weaknesses that can
be exploited easily.]
12.a4 h6 13.Bc2 exd4
[This releases some of the tension in the $gcenter$b.]
14.cxd4
[The ideal $gpawn$b $gcenter$b for $gWhite$b is one with pawns at d4 and e4, provided that
they cannot easily be $gattack$bed.]
14...Nb4 15.Bb1 c5
[This line has been very popular because it puts the question to the $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b right away.]
16.d5
[Now the $gknight$b at b4 is a bit offside, but this is not a serious problem. On
the other hand the $gbishop$b at b7 has no scope.]
16...Nd7
[An attempt to keep me from advancing a $gpawn$b to e5 and to use this square for
one of his own $gpiece$bs.]
17.Ra3
[Bringing my out of play $gRook$b so it may be transfered to the e-$gfile$b or
$gkingside$b. This maneuver is known as a rook lift.]
17...c4!
[Creating a $goutpost$b on d3 and freeing up the c5 square for use by the
$gknight$b at d7. Also, there is some potential for action on the g1-a7
$gdiagonal$b.]
18.axb5
[The $gknight$b aims to go to d4 with gain of $gtempo$b, by $gattack$bing a weak $gpawn$b
at b5 .]
18...axb5 19.Nd4 Rxa3 20.bxa3 Nd3 21.Bxd3 cxd3 22.Bb2
[The $gbishop$b is getting ready to participate in the $gattack$b
the $gkingside$b.]
22...Qa5 23.Nf5 Ne5?!
[I expected 23...g6 with a $gsharp$b struggle.]
24.Bxe5
[A very strong $gcapture$b, which took some analysts by surprise. But that $gknight$b
was so strong, that giving up a beautiful $gbishop$b for it makes sense.]
24...dxe5
[ 24...Rxe5 25.Nf3 Re8 26.Qxd3 g6 27.N5d4 I will advance my e-$gpawn$b at an
appropriate moment and achieve a $gpassed pawn$b.]
25.Nb3 Qb6 26.Qxd3
[Now Karpov should have retreated his $gbishop$b to c8 and get rid of my splendid
$gknight$b at f5.]
26...Ra8?! 27.Rc1! g6!
[ 27...Rxa3 28.d6 g6 29.Ne7+ Kg7 30.Qg3 Kf6 31.Rd1 I have a $gwinning position$b.]
28.Ne3 Bxa3 29.Ra1! Ra4?!
[Once again, the Ex-World Champion does not play the $gbest move$b. 29...h5!
30.Qc3 f6 31.g4! hxg4 32.Nxg4 Be7 33.Rxa8+ Bxa8 34.Qc8+ Qd8 35.Qa6 $gBlack$b is
condemned to a difficult $gdefense$b.]
30.Ng4 Bf8 31.Rc1 Qd6?
[ 31...f6!]
32.Nc5! Rc4 33.Rxc4 bxc4 34.Nxb7 cxd3 35.Nxd6 Bxd6
[This is a case of a $gbad Bishop$b versus good $gknight$b.]
36.Kf1
[ 36.Nxh6+?! Kg7 37.Ng4 f5 38.exf5 gxf5 39.Ne3 Kf6 40.Kf1 e4 The win is no
longer a simple matter.]
36...Kg7 37.f3 f5 38.Nf2 d2 39.Ke2 Bb4 40.Nd3 Bc3
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (4)
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1987
.OPENING English
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.g3 Bb4
[Karpov has great deal of experience with this $gvariation$b, most notably in
his match games against Viktor Korchnoi.]
5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O
[Now if $gBlack$b plays 6...e5 we have a Sicilian $gDefense$b with colors reversed.
But there is a more energetic plan.]
6...e4 7.Ng5 Bxc3
[This disrupts my $gpawn structure$b.]
8.bxc3 Re8
[$gBlack$b has to defend this $gpawn$b.]
9.f3 exf3 10.Nxf3
[OK, $gBlack$b has a better $gpawn structure$b. Still, White is going to be able
to build a very strong central formation, and the f-$gfile$b leads right to
$gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
10...Qe7
[A new approach. More common is 10. ... d5 which is favored by former World
Champion Vassily Smyslov.]
11.e3 Ne5 12.Nd4
[Playing for the f5 square and to create pressure on the f-$gfile$b. Eventually
this square might be well-suited for a $gpawn$b. But the $gknight$b is in a beautiful
position here. 12.Nxe5 Qxe5 13.Rb1 $gWhite$b has the freer position.]
12...Nd3
[The $ghole$b at d3 is not very important.]
13.Qe2 Nxc1 14.Raxc1
[Karpov went to great lengths to eliminate my $gbishop$b. Although it didn't seem
to be doing anything special, in the long run it could have become a powerful
$gattack$ber.]
14...d6 15.Rf4
[Open $gfile$bs should be occupied by doubled $grook$bs.]
15...c6 16.Rcf1 Qe5 17.Qd3
[The f5-square belongs to me!]
17...Bd7 18.Nf5 Bxf5 19.Rxf5 Qe6 20.Qd4
[Now Karpov has to be constantly worried about the possibility of an
$gexchange$b sacrifice at f6.]
20...Re7 21.Qh4
[Not yet! 21.Rxf6 gxf6 22.Rxf6 Qe5 23.Rxd6 This position is not so easy to
win.]
21...Nd7 22.Bh3
[This $gthreat$bens a $gdiscovered attach$b on the $gqueen$b, but her majesty has no
useful $gflight square$b because of the congestion in the forecourt.]
22...Nf8 23.R5f3 Qe5 24.d4
[See. I told you this square would eventually make a nice home for the $gpawn$b!]
24...Qe4 25.Qxe4 Rxe4 26.Rxf7
[The game is now effectively over. I have won the $gpawn$b at f7, but more
importantly have seized the $gseventh rank$b.]
26...Rxe3 27.d5!
[This adds to my $gcontrol$b of the e6-square, thus limiting the
options for Karpov's $gknight$b.]
27...Rae8 28.Rxb7 cxd5 29.cxd5 R3e7
[ 29...Rxc3 30.Rff7 Rc1+ 31.Bf1 Ree1 32.Rxg7+ Kh8 33.Rgf7 Kg8 34.Rxa7]
30.Rfb1 h5 31.a4 g5 32.Bf5
[Avoiding 32...g4 which would drive the $gBishop$b to a more passive location.]
32...Kg7 33.a5 Kf6 34.Bd3 Rxb7 35.Rxb7 Re3 36.Bb5 Rxc3 37.Rxa7 Ng6
[The $gpassed pawn$b is decisive.]
38.Rd7 Ne5 39.Rxd6+ Kf5 40.a6 Ra3 41.Rd8
[Karpov decides, with good reason, that further moves are unnecessary.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (4)
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.Nf3 c5 5.g3 cxd4 6.Nxd4
[This position could also be reached via $gtransposition$b from the English
$gOpening$b.]
6...O-O 7.Bg2 d5 8.Qb3
[The central battleground is focused on d5.]
8...Bxc3+ 9.bxc3
[This entails a weakening of the $gpawn structure$b but keeps the pressure on
at d5. 9.Qxc3 e5 10.Nb3 d4 and $gBlack$b has seized the $ginitiative$b.]
9...Nc6!
[The $gbest move$b, continuing to develop pieces. 9...dxc4 10.Qa3! For the pawn
$gWhite$b has sufficient $gcompensation$b.]
10.cxd5
[ 10.Nxc6 bxc6 (White has the problems. He is behind in $gdevelopment$b, and
$gBlack$bs $gPawn$b $gcenter$b is secure.]
10...Na5!
[This chases away the queen and allows $gBlack$b to recapture the pawn.]
11.Qc2 Nxd5 12.Qd3!
[Best, because the $gqueen$b helps support the $gcenter$b, and the $gpawn$bs at c3 and g3
keep away the annoying horses. 12.O-O Bd7 13.Ba3 Re8 14.c4 Rc8 15.c5 b6 Karpov
would have a perfectly good game.]
12...Bd7?!
[Not the $gbest move$b. 12...Qc7 13.Nb5 Qc6 14.O-O Bd7 15.a4! a6! 16.e4 axb5
17.exd5 Qc4 This is risky, but how else do you play for a win?]
13.c4
[Opening up the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b for use by the $gbishop$b at g2.]
13...Ne7 14.O-O
[The $gking$b must not spend too much time in the $gcenter$b.]
14...Rc8?!
[Although this is an obvious move, it has some $gdraw$bbacks which I manage to
exploit. 14...Bc6! 15.Ba3 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 White retains the $ginitiative$b,
although $gBlack$b's position, without any obvious weaknesses, is defensible.]
15.Nb3 Nxc4 16.Bxb7 Rc7 17.Ba6
[My $gadvantage$b lies in the fact that I have the $gbishop pair$b in a open
position and my vulnerable c-$gpawn$b has been $gexchange$bd for the b7-Pawn.]
17...Ne5 18.Qe3!
[Again the centralized $gqueen$b is a powerful tool, $gcontrol$bling useful
$gdiagonal$bs and the e-file.]
18...Nc4 19.Qe4
[My lady continues to dance. Taking the knight would certainly have been
inferior. 19.Bxc4? Rxc4 20.Qxa7 Bc6 $gBlack$b would have chances to $gattack$b the
White king using the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b. ]
19...Nd6 20.Qd3 Rc6
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are very awkwardly placed and do not cooperate with each
other.]
21.Ba3
[Pressure is building on $gdiagonal$bs and files.]
21...Bc8 22.Bxc8 Ndxc8 23.Rfd1!
[A good move, keeping $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b.]
23...Qxd3 24.Rxd3 Re8
[The $gpin$b at e7 must be broken.]
25.Rad1 f6
[ 25...h6 26.Rd8 Rxd8 27.Rxd8+ Kh7 28.Rd7 $gWhite$b wins a $gPawn$b.]
26.Nd4!
[Centralizing the $gknight$b, which, like most $gpiece$bs, operates more effectively
from the middle of the board.]
26...Rb6 27.Bc5 Ra6?!
[A good general rule is to put your $gRook$b on the second or $gseventh rank$b.
This position is no exception. But even more importantly, the $grook$b at a6 is
passive and $grook$bs really do prefer active positions. 27...Rb2]
28.Nb5 Rc6 29.Bxe7!
[Giving up the $gBishop$b to reach a forcing $gvariation$b that is favorable for
$gWhite$b.]
29...Nxe7 30.Rd7
[The occupation of the $gseventh rank$b is an important achievement.]
30...Ng6 31.Rxa7 Nf8
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are very passive.]
32.a4 Rb8 33.e3
[I can afford to play with care. My $gpassed pawn$b will not disappear!]
33...h5 34.Kg2 e5 35.Rd3
[When you have more $gmaterial$b, in this case a
pawn, it is a frequently a good idea to $gexchange$b pieces, and to avoid the
$gexchange$b of pawns. I want to $gexchange$b rooks.]
35...Kh7 36.Rc3 Rbc8 37.Rxc6 Rxc6 38.Nc7 Ne6
[Karpov is hoping for a rook and pawn $gendgame$b with some $gdraw$bing chances.]
39.Nd5
[Exchanging $gKnight$bs by 39.Nxe6 Rxe6 would create a $grook$b ending in which Karpov
could put up more resistance than this position deserves. My centralized
$gKnight$b on d5 allows me to set up tactical $gthreat$bs.]
39...Kh6 40.a5 e4 41.a6
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (32)
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1984
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.Nc3
[Karpov could play 4...Bb4 if he wished to $gtranspose$b into the Nimzo-Indian
defence. But he likes the $gQueen$b's Indian.]
4...Bb7 5.a3
[One of my favorite systems. I won a lot of games with it on my way to the
World Championship.]
5...d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Qc2 Nd7 8.Nxd5 exd5
[The scope of the $gbishop$b at b7 is now limited by the $gpawn$b at d5.]
9.Bg5 f6
[Now the e6 square is weakened. But exchanging $gbishop$bs would not have helped
$gBlack$b. 9...Be7 10.Bxe7 Kxe7 Black can't take with the $gqueen$b because then the
c-$gpawn$b falls. 11.e3 Re8 12.Bd3 h6 13.O-O Kf8
$gWhite$b's $gbishop$b is much more effective than $gBlack$b's.]
10.Bf4 c5 11.g3
[ 11.dxc5 bxc5 $gBlack$b's $ghanging $gpawn$bs$b would be an asset here, as both are
defended. And Karpov knows a lot about playing such position]
11...g6 12.h4
[This is the customary method of $gattack$bing a weakened $gkingside$b.]
12...Qe7 13.Bg2 Bg7 14.h5 f5
[$gBlack$b now has some pressure at d4.]
15.Qd2 Bf6 16.Rc1
[Neither side has castled. I want to leave my $grook$b at h1 to support the $gpawn$b
advances on the $gkingside$b. If I have to, I can move my king to safety by
walking it to g1. $gBlack$b's king will have more difficulty finding shelter.]
16...Rc8 17.Rc3
[The $gthreat$b is 18.Re3.]
17...Rc6
[Here I failed to find the $gbest move$b.]
18.Re3 Re6 19.Rxe6 Qxe6 20.Ng5 Qe7 21.dxc5
[Now by capturing with the $gknight$b, Karpov $gthreat$bens to push his $gpawn$b to d3 and
exploit the $gpin$b on the e-$gfile$b.]
21...Nxc5
[ 21...bxc5 22.hxg6 hxg6 23.Rxh8+ Bxh8 24.Bxd5 Bxd5 25.Qxd5 Bxb2 26.Bd6]
22.hxg6 d4
[ 22...hxg6 23.Rxh8+ Bxh8 24.Bxd5 Bxd5 25.Qxd5 Bxb2 26.Bd6]
23.g7?!
[I should have just $gcapture$bd the $gbishop$b at b7. 23.Bxb7 Qxb7 24.f3 hxg6
25.Rxh8+ Bxh8 26.b4 Nd7 27.Qa2! Nf8 28.Ne6 $gWhite$b has the better game.]
23...Bxg7 24.Bxb7 Qxb7 25.f3
[ 25.O-O My $gking$b would be safe but I would have no pressure on the h-$gfile$b.
$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs can't get at my $gking$b, which is well-protected.]
25...Qd5 26.Rxh7 Rxh7 27.Nxh7
[I have an extra $gpawn$b. Karpov makes my job easier by playing inaccurately
here.]
27...Qb3?
[ 27...d3 28.b4 Ne6 29.Qxd3 Qxd3 30.exd3 Nxf4 31.gxf4 Bb2 32.a4 Bc3+ $gBlack$b
maintains the balance. ]
28.Bd6
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b is still in danger.]
28...Ne6 29.Ng5 Bh6
[ 29...Nxg5 30.Qxg5 Qf7 31.Qc1 Qd7 32.Qc7]
30.Bf4
[Now there is a series of $gexchange$bs which lead to a clarification of the
position.]
30...Bxg5 31.Bxg5 Nxg5 32.Qxg5 Qxb2 33.Qxf5 Qc1+ 34.Kf2 Qe3+ 35.Kf1
[My $gking$b is sheltered, but $gBlack$b's isn't. That is actually more important than
the extra $gpawn$b here.]
35...Qc1+ 36.Kg2 Qxa3 37.Qh5+ Kd7 38.Qg4+ Kc6 39.Qxd4 b5
[$gBlack$b tries to win the footrace. But the safety of my $gking$b makes all the
difference. In queen $gendgame$bs most advances are accomplished in
conjunction with $gcheck$bing maneuvers, so the safer $gking$b has a big $gadvantage$b.]
40.g4 b4 41.g5
[$gBlack$b resigned. Even though the b-$gpawn$b seems to be flying, $gWhite$b will win.]
41...b3 42.Qe4+ Kd7
[Or else my $gqueen$b will get to e8 and provide an escort for my $gpawn$b.]
43.Qh7+ Ke6 44.g6 b2 45.g7
[And my $gqueen$b guards b1!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (22)
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6
[This $gexchange$b is not necessary, but it has become popular in the past
decade.]
6...Bxf6 7.e3 O-O 8.Rc1 c6 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.O-O dxc4
[When $gBlack$b concedes the $gcenter$b in this way, it is already a minor victory for
$gWhite$b.]
11.Bxc4 e5 12.h3
[This both keeps $gpiece$bs off of g4, but also provides the possibility of Nf3-
h2- g4 later on. This move was my idea, introduced a year before this game was
played.]
12...exd4 13.exd4
[The $gisolated pawn$b is well-supported, and the $gknight$b at d7 is misplaced.]
13...Nb6 14.Bb3 Bf5
[Otherwise the $gknight$b gets to e4.]
15.Re1 a5 16.a3 Re8 17.Rxe8+ Qxe8 18.Qd2
[Here Karpov should have placed his $gqueen$b at d7, not waiting for my $grook$b to
occupy the e-$gfile$b. Instead, he puts the $gknight$b there, a puzzling choice.]
18...Nd7?!
[ A poor move which allows an effective reply.]
19.Qf4! Bg6 20.h4!
[I have an $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b now.]
20...Qd8 21.Na4!
[Parrying the $gthreat$b of 21. ... Qb6.]
21...h5
[Now the g5-square is weakened.]
22.Re1
[The $grook$b was doing nothing on the c-$gfile$b, but here it has a magnificent
view!]
22...b5 23.Nc3 Qb8 24.Qe3!?
[ 24.Ne5 This was a tempting alternative.]
24...b4 25.Ne4 bxa3 26.Nxf6+ Nxf6 27.bxa3 Nd5!
[A good move really. I can't understand why some of the commentators
criticized it. I do get a superior knight versus $gbishop$b $gendgame$b, but there
was hardly a better move to be found.]
28.Bxd5 cxd5
[After a few $gexchange$bs, the position looks quite dull. But my $gcontrol$b of the
e-$gfile$b must not be underestimated. The most important thing, however, is the
fact that my $gknight$b is better than Karpov's $gbishop$b.]
29.Ne5 Qd8 30.Qf3
[There is no way I would have traded my prize steed for the useless $gbishop$b!]
30...Ra6 31.Rc1
[Since the e-$gfile$b is closed, the $grook$b returns to the c-file, which is now
open.]
31...Kh7 32.Qh3 Rb6!
[Preparing an invasion, via the c8-square.]
33.Rc8 Qd6 34.Qg3 a4?!
[This drops a $gpawn$b, but Karpov's position was already very bad.]
35.Ra8 Qe6 36.Rxa4 Qf5 37.Ra7!
[The $gseventh rank$b is always useful!]
37...Rb1+ 38.Kh2 Rc1 39.Rb7 Rc2 40.f3 Rd2
[Here the game was $gadjourned$b. I sealed a strong move which forces the win,
but my seconds were a bit annoyed, because they had only considered the
defensive move 41.Rb4.]
41.Nd7
[There is a very strong $gthreat$b here.]
41...Rxd4
[This sets up the $gexchange$b of queens following 42...Qf4, but Karpov never
has time to play it!]
42.Nf8+ Kh6
[ 42...Kh8 43.Rb8]
43.Rb4 Rc4
[ 43...Rd1 44.Rb8 Bh7 45.Qg5+ Qxg5 46.hxg5+ Kxg5 47.Nxh7+]
44.Rxc4 dxc4 45.Qd6!
[White is setting up a $gcheck$b on the c1-h6 $gdiagonal$b.]
45...c3 46.Qd4
[My best game of this match. My 13th win over Karpov. 13 is my lucky number!]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT World Championship (8)
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1987
.OPENING English
1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 d6 3.g3 c5!?
[A $gopening$b experiment. Karpov fixes his grip on d4 but there is a gaping
$ghole$b at d5.]
4.Bg2 Nc6 5.a3
[It is worthwhile to take time out to contest the b4-square.]
5...g6 6.b4 Bg7
[ 6...cxb4 7.axb4 Nxb4 8.Qa4+ Nc6 9.Ba3 $gWhite$b would have excellent pressure
for the $gsacrifice$bd $gpawn$b.]
7.Rb1 Nge7 8.e3
[The idea is to make room for the $gknight$b at g1.]
8...O-O 9.d3 Rb8 10.Nge2 Be6 11.b5 Na5
[The $gKnight$b is not well placed on the edge of the board.]
12.Bd2 b6 13.O-O
[Both sides have $gdeveloped$b their forces, but I $gcontrol$b considerably more
space on the $gqueenside$b.]
13...Nb7 14.e4
[I have a $ghole$b at d4, but $gBlack$b will find it very difficult to place a $gknight$b
there.]
14...Kh8
[A poor move. Karpov should have played 14...h6 in preparation for the advance
of the f-$gpawn$b, keeping my $gbishop$b off of g5.]
15.Qc1 f5 16.Bg5 Qe8
[$gBlack$b $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b.]
17.Bxe7
[I like $gbishop$bs, but in this case the $gexchange$b helps me, because now I can
sink a $gknight$b at d5 without it being $gcapture$bd by Karpov's knight.]
17...Qxe7 18.exf5 Bxf5
[ 18...gxf5 19.f4 $gBlack$b's $gcenter$b is beginning to crumble.]
19.Nd5 Qd7 20.Qd2
[Now I have an $goutpost$b at d5, in addition to my $gadvantage$b in space.]
20...Na5 21.Nec3 Rbe8 22.Ne4 Nb7 23.a4
[Now it is time to expand on both $gflank$bs.]
23...Na5 24.h4 Nb7 25.Kh2 Rb8 26.Ra1 Na5
[Karpov threatens a $gfork$b at b3.]
27.Ra3 Rf7 28.Qc3 Rd8
[$gBlack$b's $grook$bs are pretty useless.]
29.Ra2
[This $grook$b will transfer to the e-$gfile$b.]
29...Bh6 30.Ng5 Rff8
[ 30...Bxg5 31.hxg5 Qe8 32.f4 The pressure at e5 will build.]
31.Re2 Bg7 32.Qc2
[I will not allow 32...e4!]
32...Rde8 33.Ne3 Bh6 34.Bd5
[I have decided to use that $goutpost$b at d5 for the $gbishop$b, $gcontrol$bling even
more territory.]
34...Bg7 35.Qd1
[I am almost ready to go $gking$b-hunting.]
35...h6
[Another weakness for me to $gattack$b!]
36.Ne4 Qd8 37.Ra2
[Now the $gknight$b cannot be redeployed because if it moves to b7 I can $gcapture$b
it and play a4-a5.]
37...Bc8 38.Nc3 h5 39.Be4
[The advance of the $gpawn$b from h7 makes the g-pawn vulnerable.]
39...Re6
40.Ncd5 Bh6
[ 40...Nb7 41.f4 exf4 42.Nxf4 the g-$gpawn$b falls.]
41.Ng2 Kg7 42.f4
[Finally! But now the game is all but over.]
42...exf4 43.Ngxf4 Re5
[ 43...Qe8 44.Nxe6+ Bxe6 45.Qa1+]
44.Nxg6 Rxf1 45.Qxf1 Rxe4 46.dxe4 Kxg6 47.Rf2
[My $gattack$b is overwhelming.]
47...Qe8
[ 47...Bg7 48.Rf7 Nb7 49.Ne7+ Kh6 50.Qf4+ Kh7 51.Qf6 Qh8 52.Qg6++]
48.e5 dxe5 49.Rf6+ Kg7 50.Rd6
[Karpov can do nothing about the $gthreat$b of 51.Qf6+, so he resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Linares
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5
[This has become all the rage in the past couple of years, despite the fact
that it was considered harmless for decades! I am just fooling around, really.
I intend to $gtranspose$b back to the main lines soon enough.]
5...Ngf6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Qe2
[Now we are back in the familiar territory of $gopening$b theory.]
7...Nb6 8.Bb3
[This retreat offers more chances for complications than moving to d3, so it
is just my kind of move.]
8...h6 9.N5f3 c5
[9...a5 is a promising alternative, but it does weaken the $gqueenside$b and
gives up any thoughts of $gcastling$b $gqueenside$b.]
10.Bf4 Bd6!?
[Unusual. More typical is 11...a6, which prepares a future b5. But this is
very much in keeping with Karpov's style. He likes to simplify the position by
exchanging $gpiece$bs.]
11.Bg3! Qe7
[$gBlack$b can also try 11...Qc7 or 11...O-O. But to $gexchange$b $gbishop$bs at g3
would be pointless, from a strategic point of view, because I could use the h-
$gfile$b to great $gadvantage$b.]
12.dxc5 Bxc5 13.Ne5 Bd7
[ 13...Nbd7 14.Ngf3 Nxe5 15.Nxe5 I would be satisfied with such a position as
$gWhite$b.]
14.Ngf3
[ 14.O-O-O This would have laid a $gtrap$b, but Karpov would no doubt have avoided
it: 14...O-O-O?? 15.Nxf7 Qxf7 16.Qe5 Winning.]
14...Nh5 15.O-O-O Nxg3
[Now I get an open h-$gfile$b but otherwise the $gbishop$b could have become a useful
weapon. 15...O-O-O 16.Nxd7 Nxd7 17.Be5 Now $gBlack$b would get in trouble if he
$gcapture$bd at e5: 17...Nxe5 18.Nxe5 Nf4 19.Qc4]
16.hxg3 O-O-O
[This is a $gcritical position$b. $gBlack$b can claim $gequality$b against normal
moves like Nxd7 or Rd3, but I came up with a very effective plan. Not only the
spectators, but even my opponent had to re-evaluate the position.]
17.Rh5!!
[Karpov started to get visibly worried here. The $gthreat$b is simply Nxf7, with a
$gdiscovered attach$b on the $gbishop$b at c5. The pressure on the 5th $grank$b is
immense. The Gordian Knot can only be cut at very great cost.]
17...Be8
[ 17...g6 This was probably the best $gdefense$b, even though it entails a serious
weakening of the $gkingside$b $gpawn structure$b.]
18.Rxd8+ Kxd8 19.Qd2+ Bd6
[ 19...Kc8 20.Qc3 f5 21.Bxe6+ If $gBlack$b takes the $gbishop$b, then I $gcapture$b at c5.
So the position is very good for me here.]
20.Nd3 Qc7 21.g4
[The advance of the g-$gpawn$b is part of my new strategy. Here Karpov plays
rather passively.]
21...Kc8 22.g5 Bf8 23.Rh4 Kb8 24.a4! Be7
[This is a serious mistake which costs Karpov a critical $gtempo$b. 24...Nc8
25.g6 fxg6 26.Nd4 $gBlack$b is under considerable pressure, but the game may not
be lost yet.]
25.a5 Nd5 26.Kb1!
[The point of this move is to get off of the c-$gfile$b, so that I can advance the
c-$gpawn$b.]
26...Bd8
[ 26...Rf8 27.Bxd5 exd5 28.Nb4 Bc6 29.gxh6 Bxh4 Now I have a very pretty
$gcombination$b to wrap things up: 30.Na6+ bxa6 31.Qb4+ Ka8 32.Qxf8+ Kb7
33.h7 The $gpawn$b reaches the $gpromotion$b square.]
27.a6 Qa5 28.Qe2
[A quiet but effective move. Now I $gthreat$ben to play 29.Qe5+.]
28...Nb6 29.axb7 Bxg5
[ 29...Bc6 30.Nfe5 Bxb7 31.Nxf7 Re8 32.Nxd8 Rxd8 33.gxh6 gxh6 34.Rxh6 Bxg2
35.Rxe6]
30.Nxg5 Qxg5 31.Rh5
[Back to the 5th $grank$b! This $grook$b is headed to the a-$gfile$b, and then the $gpawn$b at
a7 becomes a tasty morsel which I can devour a little later.]
31...Qf6 32.Ra5 Bc6 33.Nc5 Bxb7 34.Nxb7 Kxb7 35.Qa6+ Kc6 36.Ba4+ Kd6 37.Qd3+
Nd5 38.Qg3+! Qe5 39.Qa3+ Kc7 40.Qc5+ Kd8
[We have reached the time $gcontrol$b and Karpov gives up quickly.]
41.Rxa7
[Karpov resigned. I am very pleased with this game, in which I think that I
found all of the $gbest move$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Amsterdam
.THEME {S12}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 dxe4 4.Nxe4 Nd7 5.Ng5
[An odd move, in that this is the second move of the $gknight$b and no other
pieces have been $gdeveloped$b. It has only recently become acceptable in
professional play.]
5...Ngf6
[ 5...h6 6.Ne6 fxe6 7.Qh5+ g6 8.Qxg6++ This is a $gtrap$b which all $ggrandmaster$bs
know about.]
6.Bd3
[Often I choose to $gtranspose$b back to the main line of this variation with
6.Bc4.]
6...e6 7.N1f3 Bd6 8.O-O h6
[Now it is safe to expel the $gknight$b.]
9.Ne4 Nxe4 10.Bxe4 O-O 11.c3
[Karpov considers this to be the $gbest move$b. His next move was an innovation
prepared at home.]
11...e5
[Previously 11...Qc7 was the normal move, but it is not good.]
12.Bc2 Re8 13.Re1
[It is important to occupy the e-$gfile$b, which will cut off the escape route of
$gBlack$b's $gking$b when I carry out my plan of bringing my $gqueen$b to d3 and hurling
her at h7.]
13...exd4
[Well-timed! Karpov gets the $grook$bs off the board.]
14.Rxe8+
[ 14.cxd4 Rxe1+ 15.Qxe1 Nf6 This would leave me with a weak d-$gpawn$b.]
14...Qxe8 15.Qxd4
[15.cxd4 would create an $gisolated pawn$b for no reason, and $gBlack$b could easily
$gblockade$b it.]
15...Qe7
[If Karpov had retreated the $gbishop$b I would have gone into "Aggressive" mode
with a $gsacrifice$b at h6. 15...Be7 16.Bxh6 gxh6 17.Re1 Nf8 18.Qe3 Be6 19.Qxh6
$gWhite$b has a strong $gattack$b.]
16.Bf4 Bxf4 17.Qxf4 Nf8 18.Re1 Be6 19.Nd4 Rd8
[ 19...Re8 20.Nxe6 Nxe6 21.Qe4 g6 22.h4 $gWhite$b stands better, but the $gadvantage$b
is nothing special.]
20.h4 Qc5 21.Re3 Qd6 22.Nxe6 fxe6?
[A voluntary and unexpected weakening of $gBlack$b's $gpawn structure$b.
22...Nxe6 23.Qe4 Nf8 24.Rg3 Clearly $gWhite$b has the better game, though
converting it into a win will not be easy.]
23.Qg4!
[Eyeing the vulnerable e6 and g7-squares.]
23...Qd2 24.Bb3 Kh8 25.Re2 Qd6 26.g3 a6
[Or 27.Kh2.]
27.Kg2
[With the next series of moves I simply improve the position of my $gpiece$bs.]
27...Re8 28.Re3 Re7 29.Rf3 Rd7
[Taking $gcontrol$b of an important open $gfile$b.]
30.Qh5 Qe7 31.Qe5 Rd8 32.a4 b5 33.Qe4 Qc7 34.Rf4 c5 35.Qf3
[$gThreat$bening the $gknight$b at f8, which must not move since it is the sole
defender of the $gpawn$b at e6.]
35...Qd6 36.axb5 axb5 37.Rf7!
[All of White's pieces are working. The $gbishop$b is $gattack$bing the weak e6-Pawn,
the $grook$b owns the $gseventh rank$b, and the $gqueen$b is ready to assault g7, e6,
or anything else that is not nailed down.]
37...Rb8 38.Ra7!
[ 38.Qg4 Qe5 $gBlack$b might be able to hold.]
38...b4 39.Bc2 bxc3 40.bxc3 Qe5 41.Rf7 Nh7 42.Qg4
[The pressure is becoming intense, and $gBlack$b has to work very hard just to
prolong the game.]
42...Kg8 43.Re7 Nf8 44.Qf3 c4 45.Be4 Kh8 46.Bc6 Nh7 47.Qf7
[This occupation of the $gseventh rank$b seals $gBlack$b's fate, even though it
takes many moves to exploit it. The point is that the $gdefense$b of g7 and e6
ties down Karpov's $gpiece$bs.]
47...Nf8 48.Re8 Rxe8 49.Bxe8
[With the $grook$bs out of the way the e-$gpawn$b must fall.]
49...Nh7
[ 49...Qd6 50.Bb5 Qc5 51.Bxc4 Qxc4 52.Qxf8+ Kh7 53.Qf3]
50.Bd7 Nf6 51.Bxe6 h5 52.Bxc4 Qe4+
[$gBlack$b is trying to set up an active $gdefense$b where his $gpiece$bs can work against
the $gWhite$b $gking$b, even though this has cost him two $gpawn$bs.]
53.Kh2 Kh7
[A last mistake. But even against best play I would have achieved a winning
position. 53...Qf3 54.Qf8+ Kh7 55.Qc5 Ne4 $gBlack$b could not have taken my $gpawn$b
without losing his $gqueen$b.]
54.Qe6 Qf3 55.Qe1 Ng4+ 56.Kg1 Qc6 57.Bd3+ g6 58.Qe7+ Kh6 59.Be4 Qb6 60.Qf8+
Kh7 61.Qf7+ Kh6 62.c4 Qa6 63.c5
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Agdestein
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Belgrade
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.g3 c5 4.d5 d6 5.Bg2 Bg7 6.Nh3?!
[The $gknight$b is hoping to get to f4 to overprotect d5, and restrict $gBlack$b's
$gpawn$b to e6. Later, $gWhite$b may play his h-Pawn to h4 and h5, followed by an
$gattack$b on g6. On the other hand, this move neglects the d4 square.]
6...b5! 7.cxb5 Qa5+! 8.Bd2
[ 8.Nc3? Nxd5 $gWhite$b is swimming in rough waters.]
8...Qxb5 9.Bc3 Ba6 10.Na3 Qb6
[The whole idea of putting the knight at h3 has not panned out.]
11.O-O O-O 12.Qd2 Nbd7 13.Rab1 Rab8
[$gWhite$b must deal with the pressure on b2.]
14.b3 Bb5 15.Rfe1 Ng4 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Nc2 a5 18.f3 Ngf6 19.Nf2 Ba6 20.f4 Rfc8
21.e3 a4 22.g4 axb3 23.g5 Ne8 24.axb3 h5 25.gxh6+ Kh7 26.Kh1 Nef6
[Only 26 moves have been played, but we were both running out of time, having
just 3 minutes left for 14 moves. My Norwegian opponent has the $gadvantage$b here
since his $gking$b is safer.]
27.e4
[If he can get this $gpawn$b to e5, he may be able to do some real damage.]
27...c4 28.e5
[Here we go!]
28...cxb3 29.Nd4
[ 29.exf6 Rxc2 30.Qxc2 bxc2 31.Rxb6 Nxb6 32.fxe7 Nc4 33.Be4 Ne3!! The $gthreat$b
of 34...Rb1 is winning for $gBlack$b.]
29...Rc4
[When short of time, tactics are everything. If he has to worry about his
pieces then he can't spend precious seconds thinking about strategy.]
30.Nc6
[This mistake gives me plenty of chances. He should have just taken the $gpawn$b
at b3.]
30...Rc2 31.Qe3 Qxe3 32.Rxe3 Rb6
[The position is getting messier. Agdestein gets my $gknight$b, but the
$ginitiative$b swings back to me.]
33.exf6 Nxf6 34.Ne4
[Probably 34.Kg1 was best.]
34...b2 35.Nxf6+ exf6 36.Be4
[$gWhite$b may be a $gpiece$b ahead, but I have a monster $gpawn$b at b2!]
36...Rc1+ 37.Re1 f5
[This must have come a surprise to my opponent. I give up one powerful
$gpassed pawn$b, but get another in return.]
38.Rbxc1 bxc1Q 39.Rxc1 fxe4
[My $gpawn$bs are much stronger than my opponent's.]
40.Re1 Bc4
[The time $gcontrol$b has been reached and the rest is just a matter of $gtechnique$b
.]
41.Ne7 f5 42.Rg1 e3! 43.Re1
[ 43.Rxg6 Bxd5+! 44.Nxd5 Kxg6 45.Nxb6 e2]
43...Rb3 44.Kg2 Kxh6 45.Kf3 e2+ 46.Kf2 Rh3 47.Rg1 Rxh2+ 48.Kg3 Rh5 49.Nc8 Kg7
50.Nxd6 Ba6 51.Ne8+ Kf7 52.Nc7 Bc4 53.Rc1 g5! 54.Kf2 gxf4 55.Ne6
[ 55.Rxc4 Rh2+ 56.Ke1 f3 Even though $gWhite$b has an extra $gknight$b, $gBlack$b wins. If
you don't believe me, try defending the position again.]
55...Rh2+ 56.Kg1 Rh4 57.Nd4
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Bareyev
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1991
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Be2 O-O 6.Nf3 e5 7.d5 a5 8.Be3 Ng4 9.Bg5
f6 10.Bh4 Na6
[The $gknight$b's future is on c5, which aims at $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b, especially e4.]
11.Nd2 h5
[This was a fairly new move at the time.]
12.a3 Bd7 13.h3?
[13.O-O was more accurate. This just weakens the $gkingside$b.]
13...Nh6 14.Rb1 Nc5! 15.b4 axb4 16.axb4 Na4 17.Qc2?!
[A poor move. Bareyev should have $gexchange$bd $gknight$bs. 17.Nxa4 Bxa4 18.Qc1 Be8
19.f3 g5 20.Bf2 f5 $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b $gattack$b is impressive, don't you
think?]
17...Nxc3 18.Qxc3 g5 19.Bg3 h4! 20.Bh2 f5 21.c5 g4
[The weakening of the $gkingside$b by 13.h3 now comes back to haunt my
opponent.]
22.c6 Bc8!
[This is stronger than capturing at c6, which would have opened up the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b for potential $gcounterplay$b. 22...bxc6?! 23.dxc6 Bc8 24.Bc4+
Kh8 White has some chances for a counterattack on the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
23.hxg4 fxg4 24.cxb7 Bxb7 25.O-O Qg5 26.Ra1
[ 26.g3 Rf7 27.Nc4 Qg6 The weakness at e4 makes itself felt.]
26...Rxa1 27.Rxa1 Bxd5?
[ 27...Nf5! 28.exf5 e4 29.Nxe4 Qxf5 30.Qa3 Bxa1 31.Qxa1 Qxe4 32.Bf1 Bxd5
$gBlack$b's $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b is decisive.]
28.Ra7!
[ 28.exd5 e4 I win more $gmaterial$b on the a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
28...Be6 29.Rxc7 Qf6 30.Qe3 Nf7 31.Bc4 Bh6 32.Qe2 Bxd2 33.Bxe6 Qxe6 34.Qxd2
Qb3
[Not the most efficient move. Later I found a better plan. 34...Qg6 35.Qd3 Ng5
36.Qc4+ Qe6 37.Qxe6+ Nxe6 My $gcontrol$b of the d4 square would be more important
than the $gseventh rank$b.]
35.Kh1
[A good move, creating a home for the $gbishop$b.]
35...Qb1+ 36.Bg1 Qxe4 37.Qc2 Qxc2 38.Rxc2
[One would think that White has some chances in this $gendgame$b, thanks to
the $gpassed pawn$b on the b-$gfile$b. But it is an optical illusion. My protected
$gpassed pawn$b, though still at d6, is stronger.]
38...d5 39.b5 d4 40.f3 g3
[Now the White king is trapped on the $gback rank$b.]
41.b6 Rd8
[This is the winning move. Rooks belong behind $gpassed pawn$bs. The win comes
remarkably quickly.]
42.Rc6 Nd6 43.Rc7
[ 43.Rc5 Nb7 44.Rxe5 d3 45.Re1 d2 46.Rd1 Rd3 $gWhite$b is in $gzugzwang$b, where
any move loses. ]
43...Rb8 44.Rc6 Nf5 45.Re6 Ne3
[Here Bareyev resigned, having calculated the rest.]
46.Rxe5 Rxb6 47.Re4 Rb1 48.Rxd4 Nd1
[And Nf2+ follows.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Belyavsky
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {Y1}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 Nc6
[This is the most $ghypermodern$b of the usual moves here. Recently I have come to
enjoy playing 6...e5 as well.]
7.Qd2 a6 8.Nge2 Re8
[The normal 8...Rb8, aiming for a rapid advance of the b-$gpawn$b, is more
principled, but I wanted to avoid the main lines of $gopening$b theory.]
9.Nc1
[9.h4 is $gsharp$ber.]
9...e5 10.d5 Nd4 11.N1e2
[$gWhite$b wants to get rid of the Nd4 at all costs, but this is not the right
square for the $gknight$b. 11.Nb3
would have been my choice.]
11...c5!? 12.dxc6 Nxc6
[See, I couldn't have done this if his $gknight$b were at b3 because then after
13.Rd1 Be6 his c-$gpawn$b would be defended by the $gbishop$b at c1.]
13.Nd5
[Here I thought for over an hour, a personal record at the time. Usually when
I think for a long time, I tend to play the most aggressive line. Here it
involves a $gsacrifice$b. 13.Rd1 Be6 14.Nc1 Rc8 15.Qxd6 Nd4 16.Qxd8 Rexd8 17.b3 b5
$gBlack$b has an $ginitiative$b on the $gqueenside$b.]
13...b5! 14.Bb6 Qd7 15.Nc7 Rb8 16.Nxe8 Qxe8
[Now it was Belyavsky's turn to think. There are a lot of complicated lines
here, and it is not easy to find the $gbest move$b for $gWhite$b. I think that
capturing at b5 was the correct move.]
17.Be3
[$gBlack$b may be the $gexchange$b down, but I have an $ginitiative$b due to the
lack of $gdevelopment$b in White's camp. 17.cxb5 Rxb6 18.bxc6 d5 The game is
$gopening$b up and I have pressure on the $gcenter$b, while $gWhite$b's $gking$b is stuck in
the $gcenter$b.]
17...bxc4 18.Nc3 Be6 19.Be2
[ 19.Nd5 I would have many options here. One interesting $gvariation$b entails yet
another $gsacrifice$b.]
Nxd5 20.exd5 e4 21.dxe6 Qxe6
[Here I would have just two $gpawn$bs for a $grook$b, but the rook sits idly at h1
while I am preparing to shove the $gpawn$bs down $gWhite$b's throat!]
19...Nd4 20.O-O d5 21.exd5 Nxd5 22.Nxd5 Bxd5
[Now I have one pawn for the $gexchange$b and much more active pieces, plus
total $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
23.Rf2
[ 23.f4 Nxe2+ 24.Qxe2 exf4 25.Rxf4 Rxb2]
23...h5 24.Rc1 Qe6 25.Bf1 h4 26.Re1 Qc6
[Nobody's perfect! I should have played 26...Nf5 here.]
27.Bh6?
[Belyavsky could have escaped here, but missed his chance. One must take into
account that he had only 4 minutes left for 14 moves! 27.f4 Nf5 28.fxe5 Nxe3
29.Rxe3 Bh6 30.e6 The $gkey$b move in the $gvariation$b. 30...Qc5 31.exf7+ Bxf7
32.Re8+ Rxe8 33.Qxh6 Re4 34.Qd2 This position should be $gdraw$bn.]
27...Bh8
[I needs to keep my $gpiece$bs so that I can continue the $gattack$b.]
28.f4
[A mistake. 28.h3 is better.]
28...e4 29.Rd1 Be6 30.f5
[ 30.Bg5 Nf5]
30...Nxf5 31.Qf4
[This sets a $gtrap$b. What happens if I play 31...Rxb2? Do you see the
$grefutation$b? ]
31...Re8
[ 31...Rxb2 32.Rd8+ Kh7 33.Rxh8+ Kxh8 34.Qe5+]
32.Rfd2 Qc5+ 33.Kh1 Be5 34.Qg5 Kh7
[$gWhite$b could have resigned, but we each had less than a minute left, so we
$gblitz$bed out a few more moves. Some of mine were less than optimal.]
35.Rd8 Rxd8 36.Rxd8 Qf2
[I should have just taken the $gbishop$b with my $gknight$b.]
37.Rd1 Nxh6
[That should have been played a move ago. Here I should have advanced the e-
$gpawn$b instead.]
38.Qxe5 e3 39.Qc3 h3 40.Qe1 Ng4
[Again, advancing the e-$gpawn$b another square was correct. But Belyavsky
resigned anyway, since his game is lost.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Damljanovic
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Belgrade
.THEME {T11}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING King's Indian
1.Nf3 c5 2.g3 g6 3.Bg2 Bg7 4.d4
[$gWhite$b decides he is not in the mood for $ghypermodern$b play after all.]
4...cxd4 5.Nxd4 Nc6 6.Nb3 d6 7.Nc3 Nf6 8.O-O O-O 9.e4
[After a few moves of shadow boxing, we have $gtranspose$bd into a Sicilian
defence. The $gkingside$b $gfianchetto$b plan adopted by White is considered
quite harmless.]
9...Bg4! 10.f3
[This creates a weakness on the dark squares.]
10...Be6 11.Kh1!
[Correctly removing his king from the vulnerable g1-a7 $gdiagonal$b.]
11...b5!
[I waste no time in getting my $gqueenside$b going.]
12.a4!?
[Capturing the $gpawn$b would lose. Do you see why? 12.Nxb5 Bc4]
12...bxa4! 13.Rxa4 Nd7 14.f4 Nb6 15.Ra1 a5! 16.Nd5 a4 17.Nd2 Bd7! 18.Ra3?!
[This $grook$b lift accomplishes nothing since the rook can't get to the
$gkingside$b and White is not $gattack$bing there in any event. 18.c3 Na5! I would
have been quite happy with this position!]
18...Na5 19.f5!? Nxd5 20.exd5 Qb6!
[The $gqueen$b is well placed on this square, which is the intersection of an
important file and an important $gdiagonal$b.]
21.fxg6 fxg6! 22.b3 Rxf1+ 23.Nxf1 axb3 24.cxb3 Rb8
[I increase the pressure.]
25.Bg5 Nxb3 26.Bxe7 Nd4?!
[Not the most efficient move. 26...Qb4! 27.Ra6 Be5 $gBlack$b is better.]
27.Rd3?
[But my opponent falls for the $gtrap$b.]
27...h6!
[The $gBishop$b on e7 is $gtrap$bped.]
28.Ne3? Re8 29.Nc4 Qb4! 30.Nxd6 Rxe7 31.Ne4
[$gWhite$b could have resigned here.]
31...Nf5 32.Qf3 Qe1+
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Adams
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Dortmund
.THEME {S17}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING Semi-Slav
1.d4 d5!
[I don't always play the $gKing$b's Indian. Against young star Michael Adams I
decided to play in a more classical style.]
2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6 4.e3 Nf6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6
[I am just developing sensibly. Now Adams goes wild.]
7.g4?
[Another young star, Shirov has played this move, and I was not caught by
surprise. Classical wisdom holds that such $gflank$b actions should be met by a
reaction in the $gcenter$b.]
7...dxc4
[Now this was a new move, so now Adams was on his own, and he
immediately loses his way.]
8.e4
[ 8.Bxc4 b5 9.Be2 b4 10.Na4 Bb7 11.g5 Nd5 12.Bd2 c5 13.Nxc5 Bxc5 14.dxc5 Rc8 I
have good $gcounterplay$b here.]
8...e5 9.g5 exd4 10.Nxd4 Ng4
[I have the $ginitiative$b here, and that means that White has mishandled the
$gopening$b.]
11.h3
[ 11.Nf5 Nde5 12.Nxg7+ Kf8 13.Nh5 Nf3+ 14.Ke2 Ngxh2 My $gbishop$b will slide to g4
with great effect!]
11...Nge5 12.Be3
[ 12.f4 Bc5 13.Nf5 Nf3+ 14.Ke2 Nd4+]
12...Nc5 13.O-O-O
[$gCastling$b is not going to solve $gWhite$b's problems. The twin horses dominate the
$gcenter$b of the board.]
13...Ned3+ 14.Kb1 Qe7
[The e-$gpawn$b is hard to defend.]
15.Rg1 g6
[I'll castle soon, but I wanted to stop any attempt at $gcounterplay$b, and so
I bring the f5-square under $gcontrol$b.]
16.Bg2 O-O 17.Ka1
[Not a good move, but $gWhite$b was in big trouble anyway.]
17...Bf4 18.Bxf4 Nxf4 19.h4 Rd8 20.Qd2 Ncd3 21.Qe3 Bg4
[$gWhite$b's $gforce$bs are completely uncoordinated.]
22.Rd2 Qe5
[Adams resigned. He realized what would happen if he played 23.Nc2. Do you? If
not $gGambit$b can display the final $gcombination$b, but try to find it yourself
first.]
23.Nc2 Nxb2
.QUIZ 23...Nxb2
24.Kxb2 Rd3 25.Rxd3 Nxd3+ 26.Kb1 Qxc3
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Timman
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Linares
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1992
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 O-O 6.Be3 e5 7.d5 Nh5 8.Qd2 f5 9.O-O-O
Nd7 10.Bd3 Nc5 11.Bc2 a6 12.Nge2 b5
[An old idea, from a game played 20 years ago. Timman had seen some analysts
claim that it was better than 12...b6. But in an old $gbook$b by Boyd it had
already been criticized. ]
13.b4
[A somewhat risky move, but as Timman wrote "White should not have stifled his
urge for expansion".]
13...Nd7 14.cxb5
[Timman spent more than 40 minutes on this move. In the old Boyd $gbook$b, the c-
$gpawn$b was advanced rather than $gexchange$bd. 14.c5 a5 15.c6 axb4 16.Nxb5 Nc5
17.Qxb4 Rxa2 The position is complicated, and much to my liking. 14.exf5 gxf5
15.Ng3 Nf4 Now if $gWhite$b $gcapture$bs at f4, then I would recapture with the $gpawn$b
and open up the $gdiagonal$b for my $gbishop$b.]
14...axb5 15.Nxb5
[This was actually the first new move of the game. Some authorities think that
15.Kb2 would have given White a clear $gadvantage$b, but this is an opinion
that neither I nor Jan Timman would agree with. 15.Kb2 Nb6 So what is wrong
with $gBlack$b's position? Surely it is too dangerous to $gcapture$b the b-$gpawn$b. ]
15...Rxa2 16.Nec3 Ra8 17.Kb2
[A consistent move which plans to bring the $grook$bs to the a-$gfile$b. Some critics
think that $gWhite$b should have sunk his $gknight$b into a7, headed for c6. Timman
does that at his next turn.]
17...Ndf6 18.Na7
[ 18.Ra1!? Rb8]
18...fxe4 19.Nc6 Qd7 20.g4
[Several commentators $gattack$bed this move, most unfairly, as it turns out. Is
it the best possible move? That is not clear. But the situation called for
action and this $gforce$bs me to $gsacrifice$b a $gpiece$b in a few moves.]
20...Nf4 21.g5 N6xd5
[Pretty much $gforce$bd, not that I need much encouragement to embark on such
$gsacrifice$bs! 21...N6h5 22.fxe4]
22.Nxd5 Nd3+
[A strong move, which provokes a reaction Timman later admitted was
"impulsive" .]
23.Bxd3
[This was a major error. $gWhite$b should have moved his $gking$b to comparative
safety at b1. Then it would not be clear whether I could win, or whether I
even had an advantage. Maybe I would have been worse! 23.Kb3 Qxc6 24.Ne7+ Kh8
25.Nxc6 Be6+ I would have loved to have had a chance to play this at the
board!]
23...exd3
[Now we shall see that the $gbishop$b at g7, which has been asleep for most of the
game, wakes up just in time to help deliver the final blow. The long
$gdiagonal$b is a tremendous weapon for $gBlack$b in the King's Indian $gDefense$b!]
24.Nce7+
[I wished he had played his $gking$b up to b3. Then I would have had a fantastic
finish with a fine mating $gcombination$b: 24.Ra1 Bb7 25.b5 Bxc6 26.bxc6 e4+
27.Nc3 Rfb8+  24.Kb3 Qxc6 25.Ne7+ Kh8 26.Nxc6 Be6+ 27.Kb2 e4+ 28.Kb1 Ra1++]
24...Kh8 25.Nxc8 e4+
[Timman resigned. There is no point in planting the $gknight$b at f6 because I
will just take it with my $grook$b. 25...e4+ 26.Nc3 Qa4 27.Ra1 Qxb4+]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Csom
.EVENT Baku
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Nimzoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 c5 5.Nge2 cxd4 6.exd4 O-O 7.a3 Be7
[If $gWhite$b does not advance the d-$gpawn$b now, $gBlack$b will be able to plant a pawn
at d5.]
8.d5 exd5 9.cxd5 Re8
[This is an interesting position. $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b at d7 does not look very good,
but the e-$gfile$b can prove dangerous for $gWhite$b.]
10.g3 Bc5 11.Bg2
[A new move at the time, though it is very logical. Perhaps players of the
$gWhite$b side were afraid of an $gattack$b on f2, but it doesn't go anywhere.]
11...d6
[ 11...Ng4 12.O-O Qf6 13.Nf4 Nxf2 14.Rxf2 Bxf2+ 15.Kxf2 g5 16.Ne4 Rxe4 17.Bxe4
gxf4 18.Qg4+]
12.h3
[This is a good move. $gWhite$b wants to castle, but doesn't want me to be able to
use the g4-square.]
12...Bf5 13.O-O Nbd7
[This move is the cause of all of $gBlack$b's problems. He should have played Ne4
first.]
14.g4
[Now I have the $ginitiative$b, and I will never let go! $gBlack$b's knights will
be left with very little room for maneuver, and the $gbishop$b turns out to be
misplaced at c5.]
14...Be4 15.Ng3 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 Nf8 17.g5 N6d7 18.h4 Ne5
[Instead, tougher resistance would have been provided by 18...Re8, 19...Bb6
and 20...Nc5.]
19.h5
[The $gthreat$bs are becoming clear: Ne4, and later h6, with b4 and Bb2 also in
the air.]
19...f6 20.Nce4 fxg5 21.Bxg5 Qb6 22.h6 Nf7 23.hxg7 Nd7 24.Nf6+ Nxf6 25.Bxf6
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b is doomed.]
25...Qb5 26.Rh1 Bb6 27.Qf3 Ne5 28.Nf5 Nf7
[Here I finish off the game with a bit of flair. Do you see the winning
$gsacrifice$b?]
29.Rxh7
[Here Csom resigned.]
29...Kxh7 30.Qh5+ Kg8 31.Qh8+ Nxh8 32.gxh8Q+ Kf7 33.Qg7++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Nunn
.EVENT Lucerne Olympiad
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Tarrasch
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c5
[John Nunn is a famous theoretician who loves $gsharp$b $gopening$bs. In this game we
"discuss" the main line of the Modern Benoni $gDefense$b.]
4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4
[$gWhite$b takes $gcontrol$b of the e5-square, which is often home to a $gBlack$b $gknight$b
in other $gvariation$bs.]
7...Bg7 8.Bb5+ Nfd7 9.a4
[Now $gcastling$b would be sensible, but Nunn had prepared something else. Since
the advance of the a-$gpawn$b to a6 often makes it difficult to bring the $gknight$b
into the game from b8, Nunn $gdevelops$b it immediately.]
9...Na6 10.Nf3 Nb4 11.O-O a6
[Consistent, but this turns out to be a serious error because I can $gattack$b
immediately. True, not all of my $gpiece$bs are in the game, but on the other hand
$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are all in awkward positions.]
12.Bxd7+ Bxd7 13.f5 O-O 14.Bg5
[Now my pieces are $gdeveloped$b and a fierce $gattack$b begins.]
14...f6
[ 14...Bf6 15.Qd2 14...Bd4+ 15.Kh1 f6 16.Bh6 Re8 17.Rc1 I would have a much
better position.]
15.Bf4 gxf5
[A mistake, which hastens the end. 15...Qe7 16.fxg6 hxg6 17.Nh4 Kh7 18.Bg3
$gBlack$b is still in deep trouble.]
16.Bxd6 Bxa4
[ 16...Re8 17.Bxc5 fxe4 18.Nd4 Nd3 19.Nxe4 Rxe4 20.Qxd3 f5 21.Qg3 Kh8 22.Nxf5
Bxb2 23.Nh6 The weakness at f7 is fatal.]
17.Rxa4 Qxd6 18.Nh4 fxe4 19.Nf5
[The occupation of this square signals the beginning of the end.]
19...Qd7
[ 19...Qe5 20.Qg4 Rf7 21.Nh6+ Kf8 22.Nxf7 Kxf7 23.Qxe4]
20.Nxe4 Kh8
[ After 20...Rae8 21.Qg4 Rxe4 I can win $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b 22.Nh6+ Kh8 23.Qxd7]
21.Nxc5
[Nunn resigned. A series of $gexchange$bs on d5 leaves $gBlack$b in a hopeless
position .]
21...Qxd5 22.Qxd5 Nxd5 23.Ne6 Rf7 24.Nfxg7 Rxg7 25.Nxg7 Kxg7 26.Rd4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Marjanovic
.EVENT Malta Olympiad
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1980
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2 Be7 6.O-O O-O
[So far, we have a boring old $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b. But now I adopt a vigorous
$gsacrifice$b that was popular briefly around 1980, thanks to the patronage of
$gGrandmaster$b and theoretician Lev Polugayevsky.]
7.d5 exd5 8.Nh4
[This unleashes the power of the $gbishop$b on the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b. The
departure of the $gpawn$b from e6 makes the f5-square available.]
8...c6 9.cxd5 Nxd5 10.Nf5
[In the past dozen years this position has been carefully examined, and the
revised Encyclopedia of $gChess$b $gOpening$bs had to devote a lot of discussion to
it. At the time, however, it was not clear what the $gbest move$b for $gBlack$b was.]
10...Nc7
[This move has survived the test of time.]
11.Nc3 d5
[$gBlack$b establishes his stake in the $gcenter$b. $gWhite$b must react quickly to reduce
$gBlack$b's central $gcontrol$b.]
12.e4 Bf6 13.exd5
[Now 13.Bf4 is more established, but $gWhite$b cannot establish any $gadvantage$b
against best play.]
13...cxd5
[ 13...Nxd5 14.Nxd5 cxd5 15.Ne3]
14.Bf4 Nba6 15.Re1
[This is the $gcritical position$b. Now it seems that $gBlack$b can $gequalize$b with an
$gattack$b on the f5-square.]
15...Qd7
[A serious mistake, which walks into a powerful $gpin$b on the h3-c8
$gdiagonal$b. 15...Bc8 16.Qh5 g6 17.Nh6+ Kg7 18.Qf3 Bg5 was seen in a 1986
game. $gBlack$b has no problems.]
16.Bh3
[I have a strong $gthreat$b here. Do you see it? Suppose $gBlack$b plays Re8. How
would I win?]
16...Kh8
[ 16...Rfe8 17.Nh6+]
17.Ne4
[This move takes $gadvantage$b of the new $gpin$b on the d-$gfile$b.]
17...Bxb2
[Who cares about such minor $gpawn$bs!]
18.Ng5 Qc6
[ 18...Bxa1 19.Qxa1 f6 20.Re7 Qd8 21.Rxg7]
19.Ne7 Qf6
[Now I finish up with a simple $gcombination$b.]
20.Nxh7 Qd4
[ 20...Kxh7 21.Qh5+]
21.Qh5 g6 22.Qh4 Bxa1
[Nothing matters now.]
23.Nf6+
[Here $gBlack$b resigned, because $gmate$b comes quickly.]
23...Kg7 24.Qh6+ Kxf6 25.Bg5+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Portisch
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {T9}
.DATE 1977
.OPENING King's Indian Attack
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 b6 3.Bg2 Bb7 4.O-O e6 5.d3 d5
[This is a weak move since it $gblock$bs the $gbishop$b on b7.]
6.Nbd2 Nbd7 7.Re1 Bc5
[$gWhite$b's last move weakened the f2 square, so $gBlack$b takes aim at it.]
8.c4 O-O 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Nb3
[The $gopening$b is over and $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs are more active. $gWhite$b hopes to start
something on the $gqueenside$b, but his $gknight$b is out of play on b3. 10.d4 A
more sensible move.]
10...Bb4 11.Bd2 a5
[$gBlack$b takes some space on the $gqueenside$b and sets up a possible ...a4. ]
12.Nbd4
[ 12.Bxb4 axb4 $gBlack$b is better here because $gWhite$b will have trouble defending
his $gpawn$b on a2.]
12...Re8 13.Rc1 c5
[Now $gBlack$b has taken $gcontrol$b of the d4-square. This means that he can advance
the $gpawn$b from d5 later, if he so wishes.]
14.Nf5
[The $gknight$b looks strong here but it isn't really doing anything.]
14...Nf8 15.d4 Ne4
[$gBlack$b takes the $ginitiative$b in the $gcenter$b and renews his $gattack$b on f2.]
16.dxc5
[ 16.a3 Bxd2 17.Nxd2 Qf6]
16...Nxd2 17.Nxd2 Qg5
[A $gdouble attach$b on both $gWhite$b $gknight$bs. White can't cover both weaknesses
by 18.Ne3.]
18.Nd6
[ 18.Ne3 Rxe3 19.fxe3 Qxe3+ And $gBlack$b will take the d2 $gknight$b next move with a
winning $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
18...Bxd2
[Now $gBlack$b $gfork$bs White's rooks.]
19.Nxb7
[This position is very complicated. $gWhite$b may also play 19.h4 or 19.c6 ]
19...Bxe1 20.Qxe1 Rxe2 21.Qxe2 Qxc1+ 22.Qf1 Qd2 23.cxb6 Rc8
[White is down a $gpiece$b and is now faced with 24...Rc1 $gpin$bning his queen,
so he resigns.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Miles
.EVENT Tilburg
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1977
.OPENING English
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 Nc6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 e6 6.g3 Qb6 7.Nb3 Ne5
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens to win a $gpawn$b by 8...Qc6 or 8...Nxc4.]
8.e4 Bb4 9.Qe2 a5
[$gBlack$b hopes to undermine $gWhite$b's Nc3 by a5-a4-a3. White has a strong $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b and $gBlack$b's $gknight$bs, $gqueen$b and Bb4 may get driven back, so Black seeks
quick $gcounterplay$b.]
10.Be3
[White continues his $gdevelopment$b before taking more space. 10.f4 allows
$gBlack$b to use his $gadvantage$b in $gdevelopment$b to gain $gcounterplay$b.]
a4 11.Nd2 (11.fxe5 axb3 favors $gBlack$b.) 11...Neg4 12.e5 Ne3]
10...Qc6 11.f3
[White continues to reinforce his $gcenter$b.]
11...O-O 12.Nd4 Qa6
[ 12...Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 Qa4 14.f4 Neg4 15.e5 Nxe3 16.exf6 $gBlack$b's apparently
active $gpiece$bs are misplaced for the defence of his $gking$b, so...]
13.Ndb5 d5
[$gBlack$b makes a final attempt to get $gcounterplay$b against White's uncastled
$gking$b, but Karpov is too clever.]
14.Nc7
[White wins a rook by this $gfork$b, demanding that $gBlack$b show he has
$gcompensation$b.]
14...Qd6
[$gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs seem very active but $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b $gcenter$b is a strong defensive
wall. ]
15.Nxa8 dxe4
[$gBlack$b finally begins to chip away at $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b $gcenter$b, but it is too late.
15...dxc4 16.Rd1 Nd3+ 17.Rxd3 cxd3 18.Qxd3]
16.fxe4 Nxe4 17.Rd1
[White gains a final $gtempo$b against $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
17...Qc6 18.Bg2 Nxc4 19.Bd4
[Now $gWhite$b has protected everything and he will be able to use his extra
$grook$b.]
19...Bxc3+ 20.bxc3 f5 21.O-O Ncd6 22.Nb6 e5 23.Nxc8 Rxc8 24.Bxe5 Qc5+ 25.Bd4
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Korchnoi
.EVENT Merano
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1981
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4 6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6
9.Nbd2
[White wishes to $gexchange$b $gBlack$b's strong knight on e4 and is willing to
give up his Bb3 to ...Nc5 and ...Nxb6. ]
9...Nc5 10.c3 d4 11.Bxe6 Nxe6 12.cxd4 Ncxd4 13.Ne4
[White's knight is strong on this square and gives him some $ginitiative$b.
This should not be too troubling for $gBlack$b, but Korchnoi was confused and
thought for over an hour about his response.]
13...Be7 14.Be3 Nxf3+
[$gBlack$b trades off his best $gpiece$b and activates $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b for him, but the
alternative wasn't inviting. 14...c5 15.b4 This move gives $gWhite$b a powerful
$ginitiative$b. 15...Nxf3+ 16.Qxf3
And the $gattack$b on c5 is still a problem for $gBlack$b.]
15.Qxf3 O-O 16.Rfd1 Qe8
[This is a $gblunder$b. $gBlack$b locks in his own $gkingside$b and puts his queen on
a bad square. 16...Qc8 17.Rac1 Will keep some $ginitiative$b for White.]
17.Nf6+
[$gWhite$b takes immediate $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's misplaced $gpiece$bs on the
$gkingside$b.]
17...Bxf6
[If 17...gxf6 18.exf6 Bd6 19.Rd5, White will overwhelm the Black monarch.]
18.exf6 Qc8
[$gBlack$b allows his $gkingside$b to be shredded, but 18...g6 loses the
$gexchange$b to 19.Bh6.]
19.fxg7 Rd8
[After 19...Kxg7 $gWhite$b has a sacrificial win by 20.Bh6+ ]
20.h4
[$gWhite$b prepares to defend his g7 $gpawn$b by h4-h5-h6.]
20...c5 21.Rac1 Qc7 22.h5 Qe5 23.h6 Qxb2 24.Rd7
[$gWhite$b continues his $gattack$b by combining mating $gthreat$bs on f7 and the $gback
rank$b.]
24...Rxd7 25.Qxa8+ Rd8 26.Qxa6 Qe2 27.Rf1 Rd1 28.Qa8+ Rd8
[ 28...Nd8 29.Rxd1 Qxd1+ 30.Kh2 Qh5+ 31.Kg3 Qg6+ 32.Kh4 Qf6+ 33.Kh3 And after
g4 and Kg2 $gWhite$b will escape from further $gcheck$bs.]
29.Qc6 b4 30.Qa4 Qd3 31.Rc1 Qd5 32.Qb3 Qe4 33.Qc2 Qxc2 34.Rxc2 f5 35.f4 Kf7
36.g4
[White plays actively to remove all obstacles to his $gkingside$b pawns.]
36...Rd5
[ 36...fxg4 37.f5]
37.gxf5 Rxf5 38.Rd2 Rf6 39.Rd7+ Kg8 40.f5 Rxf5 41.Re7 Nxg7 42.Rxg7+ Kh8 43.Rc7
Kg8 44.Bxc5 Rg5+ 45.Kf2 Rg6 46.Be3
[$gBlack$b has no chance of eliminating $gWhite$b's two $gpawn$bs, so he resigns.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Korchnoi
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Moscow
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1974
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.g3 b6 4.Bg2 Bb7 5.c4 Be7 6.Nc3 O-O 7.Qc2 c5 8.d5 exd5
9.Ng5
[White exploits the $gpin$b on the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b to maintain his
$goutpost$b on d5.]
9...Nc6
[$gBlack$b gives up on fighting for d5. He should play 9...g6 to neutralize the
$gmate$b $gthreat$b on h7.]
10.Nxd5 g6 11.Qd2
[$gBlack$b has neutralized the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b, so White prepares to $gattack$b the
new weakness on h6 with his $gqueen$b.]
11...Nxd5
[$gBlack$b brings $gWhite$b's g2 $gbishop$b to a strong $gattack$bing square. He should have
played 11...Re8 to cover the h6 square by 12...Bf8.]
12.Bxd5 Rb8
[$gBlack$b unpins his c6 $gknight$b, but this costs a fatal $gtempo$b. He had to
simplify. 12...Bxg5 13.Qxg5 Qxg5 14.Bxg5 White has a great $gendgame$b because
of the two bishops and Black's $gbackward pawn$b on d7.]
13.Nxh7 Re8
[$gWhite$b gets a winning $gattack$b after  13...Kxh7 14.Qh6+ Kg8 15.Qxg6+ Kh8
16.Qh6+ Kg8 17.Be4 f5 18.Bd5+ Rf7 19.Qg6+ Kh8 20.Bxf7]
14.Qh6 Ne5 15.Ng5 Bxg5 16.Bxg5 Qxg5
[ 16...Qc7 17.Bf6]
17.Qxg5 Bxd5 18.O-O
[$gWhite$b can't take the $gbishop$b.]
18...Bxc4 19.f4
[Not only is $gBlack$b down a queen for only two $gminor piece$bs, but White still
has an $gattack$b. So $gBlack$b gave up.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Seirawan
.BLACK Karpov
.EVENT Hamburg
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 Be7 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 O-O 7.Rc1 b6 8.cxd5 Nxd5
9.Nxd5 exd5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.g3
[White hopes to get pressure on the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b, espescially against
$gBlack$b's d5 $gpawn$b.]
11...Re8
[$gBlack$b hopes to punish $gWhite$b for leaving his $gpawn$b on e2.]
12.Rc3
[$gWhite$b hopes to neutralize $gBlack$b's pressure by Re3.]
12...Na6 13.Qa4 b5
[$gBlack$b deflects $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b from its $gattack$b on the Re8.]
14.Qa5
[Now $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b is cut off from the defence of his $gking$b. 14.Qxb5 Rb8 And
$gBlack$b will play 15...Rxb2 with a powerful $ginitiative$b.]
14...Qe4
[This move paralyzes Whites whole army: his $gbishop$b must cover the mate on e2,
his $gknight$b is $gpin$bned onto his rook and his Rc3 must protect c1.]
15.Kd2 Re6 16.b3 b4 17.Re3 Qb1 18.Rxe6 Qb2+ 19.Kd1 Bxe6 20.Qxa6
[White has won a piece, but his $gkingside$b isn't playing and his king is
exposed to all of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs.]
20...Qa1+ 21.Kd2 Qc3+ 22.Kd1 Bf5 23.Ne1 Rb8 24.Qxa7 Rb6 25.e3 Rc6
[$gBlack$b $gthreat$bens 26...Bg4+ followed by $gqueen$b $gcheck$bs on c1 and b2.]
26.Bc4
[$gWhite$b could have tried to establish a fortress, but this doesn't work.
26.Qa8+ Kh7 27.Qxc6 Qxc6 28.Bd3 Bxd3 29.Nxd3 Qc3 30.Nc1 c5 31.dxc5 d4 And
$gBlack$b will win more $gmaterial$b. ]
26...Qa1+ 27.Kd2 Qb2+ 28.Kd1 dxc4 29.Qa8+
[White wins a rook by this $gfork$b, but his king is in a hopeless situation.]
29...Kh7 30.Qxc6 c3
[$gWhite$b has no $gdefense$b to the $gmate$b on d2. If you don't see $gBlack$b's reply to
31.Nf3, play this against Gambit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Short
.EVENT Thessaloniki
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1988
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.c4 e6 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4 Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 c6 6.Qc2 g6 7.e3
[$gBlack$b weakens his $gkingside$b in order to develop his Bc8 to and active
square.]
7...Bf5 8.Qd2 Nf6 9.f3
[I want to keep $gcontrol$b of e4, and I like the possibility that I might gain
$gspace$b later by pushing my $gpawn$b to g4.]
9...c5 10.Bh6
[I don't want $gBlack$b to castle.]
10...cxd4 11.exd4 a6
[$gBlack$b doesn't want me to $gpin$b his $gknight$b. 11...Nc6 12.Bb5]
12.g4 Be6 13.Nge2 Nbd7
[$gBlack$b hopes to bring this $gknight$b to c4, but I can stop this, and now his Be6
will become a target. 13...Nc6 14.Bg2 Bf8 15.O-O Bxh6 16.Qxh6 Qb6 I would have
some $ginitiative$b in this position, but $gBlack$b would still be in the game.]
14.Bg2 Nb6 15.b3 Rc8 16.O-O Rc6 17.h3
[I want to push my $gpawn$b to f5, so I must protect my pawn on g4.]
17...Nfd7 18.Nd1
[I want this knight on the $gkingside$b.]
18...Rg8 19.Nf2 f5
[$gBlack$b doesn't want me to push my $gpawn$b to f5, but in preventing this he lets
me open up his $gking$b position. 19...g5 20.f4 f6 21.Ng3 Rg6 22.f5 Rxh6 23.fxe6
Rxe6 24.Rfe1 In this position $gBlack$b can't keep me from invading along the e-
$gfile$b.]
20.Rae1 g5 21.gxf5 Bf7
[ 21...Bxf5 22.Ng3 Be6 23.Nh5 Rg6 24.Ng4 Qc7 25.Ng7+ Kd8 26.Nxe6+ Rcxe6
27.Rxe6 Rxe6 28.Bxg5]
22.Ng4 Bh5 23.Ng3
[Short resigned here because he can't keep me from penetrating on the e-$gfile$b.
One possible finish might be:]
23...Bxg4 24.Bxg5 Rxg5 25.Qxg5 Kf8 26.f6 Nxf6 27.fxg4 Nbd7 28.Bxd5
[And $gBlack$b must lose more $gmaterial$b because he can't prevent both 28.Bxc6
and 28.Qg8++.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Nunn
.EVENT Brussels
.THEME {S15,T5}
.DATE 1986
.OPENING Grunfeld
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.c4 Bg7 4.g3 O-O 5.Bg2 c6 6.Nc3 d5
[$gBlack$b hopes to $gequalize$b by creating a symmetrical $gpawn$b $gcenter$b.]
7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Ne5
[My $gknight$b is strong here, and I hope to use it to cramp $gBlack$b's position.]
8...e6 9.O-O Nfd7 10.f4
[I don't want to trade off my strong $gknight$b.]
10...Nxe5
[ 10...f6 11.Nf3]
11.fxe5 Nc6 12.e4 dxe4 13.Be3 f5
[$gBlack$b wants to free himself, so he forces me to $gexchange$b off my pawn on
e5, but he weakens his own $gking$b position.]
14.exf6 Rxf6
[ 14...Bxf6 15.Nxe4 Bxd4 16.Rxf8+ Kxf8 17.Qf3+ Kg8 18.Rf1]
15.Nxe4 Rxf1+ 16.Qxf1 Nxd4
[$gBlack$b hopes to win a $gpawn$b, but he walks into an ugly $gpin$b.]
17.Rd1 e5
[$gBlack$b saves his knight but he opens up the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b onto his own
$gking$b.]
18.Ng5
[Nunn resigned here because he can't keep me from setting up a $gbattery$b
with $gqueen$b on c4 and my $gknight$b on f7. Had he played on the game might have
ended as follows:]
18...Qe8 19.Bxd4 exd4 20.Bd5+ Kh8 21.Nf7+ Kg8 22.Nd6+
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Speelman
.EVENT Barcelona
.THEME {S1}
.DATE 1989
.OPENING Modern Defense
1.d4 d6 2.e4 g6 3.c4 e5 4.Nf3 exd4 5.Nxd4 Bg7 6.Nc3 Nc6 7.Be3 Nge7 8.h4
[I want to make $gBlack$b think twice about putting his $gking$b on the $gkingside$b.]
8...h6
[This $gpawn$b becomes a target. He might have dared me by 8...f5.]
9.Be2 f5
[ 9...O-O 10.Qd2 Kh7 11.g4]
10.exf5 Nxf5 11.Nxf5 Bxf5
[Now $gBlack$b doesn't know what to do with his $gking$b.]
12.Qd2 Qd7
[This isn't a good square for the $gqueen$b.]
13.O-O O-O-O
[$gBlack$b is daring me to go after his $gking$b. 13...h5 14.Rae1 O-O]
14.b4 Nxb4
[$gBlack$b is $gopening$b lines onto his own $gking$b. He should try to hide by 14...Kb8.
14...Kb8 15.b5 Ne5 16.Nd5 Ng4 17.Bxg4 Bxg4 18.Rab1 I have a strong $gattack$b
here, but $gBlack$b might have a $gdefense$b.]
15.Nb5 Nc2
[ 15...Bxa1 16.Qxb4 Be5 17.Nxa7+ Kb8 18.Bf3 c5 19.Qa3 Qc7 20.g4 Bc2 21.Rc1
Rhf8 22.Bd5 Qb6 23.Nb5]
16.Bf3 d5
[$gBlack$b wants to $gblock$b the a8-h1 $gdiagonal$b.]
17.Bxd5 Nxa1 18.Nxa7+ Kb8 19.Qb4 Qxd5
[$gBlack$b is desparate, but he could let me play 20.Nc6+. Black also gets $gmate$bd
after 19...c5 20.Bf4+ Ka8 21.Qa5]
20.cxd5 Nc2 21.Qa5 Nxe3 22.fxe3 Rhe8 23.Nb5 Rxd5 24.Qxc7+ Ka8 25.Qa5+
[$gBlack$b resigns because I have more $gmaterial$b and a powerful $gattack$b. White
will win more $gmaterial$b soon.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lputian
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Tbilisi
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1976
.OPENING King's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 Nc6
[$gWhite$b is playing to set up a solid $gpawn$b $gcenter$b, so I'd like to provoke him to
push forward by 6.d5, when I would have a target on d5 to play against.]
6.Be3 a6 7.Qd2 Rb8 8.Rb1 O-O 9.b4 e5
[$gWhite$b is a long way from getting his $gking$b out of the $gcenter$b, so I think it's
time to open things up there.]
10.d5 Nd4
[Do you see why White can't just win a pawn by taking twice on d4? ]
11.Nge2 c5
[Now I'm willing to $gsacrifice$b a $gpawn$b because to win
it $gWhite$b must give me a few open $gfile$bs onto his own $gking$b.]
12.dxc6 bxc6 13.Nxd4 exd4 14.Bxd4 Re8 15.Be2
[ 15.Bd3 d5 I want to open up the whole $gcenter$b before White castles.]
15...c5
[Now I can take $gadvantage$b of my $grook$b on the b-$gfile$b to open still more lines in
the $gcenter$b.]
16.bxc5 Nxe4 17.fxe4 Qh4+ 18.g3
[ 18.Bf2 Bxc3 19.Bxh4 Rxb1+ 20.Kf2 Bxd2 21.Rxb1 dxc5 Here I am winning because
$gWhite$b's $gking$b is misplaced and I can $gattack$b his isolate $gpawn$bs.]
18...Rxb1+ 19.Kf2
[ 19.Nxb1 Qxe4 I am winning this position because I $gattack$b $gWhite$b's unprotected
$gpiece$bs on d4, h1 and b1.]
19...Rb2
[I don't want to stop $gattack$bing. Now even after the $gqueen$bs come off I'll have
a strong $gattack$b.]
20.gxh4
[ 20.Qxb2 Bxd4+ 21.Kg2 Bxc3 22.Qxc3 Qxe4+]
20...Rxd2 21.Bxg7 Kxg7 22.Ke3 Rc2 23.Kd3 Rxc3+
[Remember, I don't want to give up the $ginitiative$b. After White takes my
rook, $gmaterial$b will be equal but White won't be able to defend all his
$gisolated pawn$bs.]
24.Kxc3 dxc5 25.Bd3 Bb7 26.Re1 Re5
[Now $gWhite$b can't advance his e-$gpawn$b to a square where my $gbishop$b can't $gattack$b
it.]
27.a4 f5 28.Rb1 Bxe4 29.Rb6 f4 30.Rxa6 f3 31.Bf1 Bf5 32.Ra7+ Kh6 33.Kd2 f2
34.Be2 Bg4 35.Bd3 Re1 36.Rf7 Bf5 37.a5 Bxd3 38.Rxf2 Rf1
[$gWhite$b resigned because I will save my extra $gpiece$b. If he had played on the
game might have continued: 39.Rxf1 Bxf1 40.Kc3 Kg7 41.a6 Kf6 42.a7 Bg2 and my
$gking$b will $gcapture$b several $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs and escort one of my own pawns to its
$gpromotion$b square.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Roizman
.EVENT Minsk
.THEME {S22, T5}
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4
[$gBlack$b loses time to $gexchange$b knights because he hopes the pawn he gets on
d4 will cramp me.]
4.Nxd4 exd4 5.O-O Bc5 6.d3 c6 7.Bc4
[Now I am $gthreat$bening to win a $gpawn$b.]
7...d6 8.f4
[With $gBlack$b's $gpawn$b on d4 and not e5, I can grab more $gspace$b in the $gcenter$b and
on the $gkingside$b.]
8...Nf6
[ 8...Be6 9.Bxe6 fxe6 10.f5 In this position I'm already $gthreat$bening to win on
the $gkingside$b.]
9.e5 dxe5
[$gBlack$b helps me to open the $gcenter$b while his $gking$b still lives there. He should
have played 9...Nd5 to keep things closed.]
10.Bxf7+ Kxf7 11.fxe5
[I will get my $gpiece$b back because of the $gpin$b on $gBlack$b's $gknight$b.]
11...Qd5
[ 11...Be7 12.exf6 Bxf6 13.Bg5 And $gBlack$b will still end up with an isolated
$gpawn$b on f6.]
12.exf6 gxf6
[Since my $grook$b is already $gattack$bing the $gisolated pawn$b on f6, I will have no
trouble lining up the rest of my $gpiece$bs to $gattack$b it.]
13.Nd2 Rg8
[$gBlack$b hopes to get $gcounterplay$b along the g-file.]
14.Ne4 Be7 15.Bf4 Rg6 16.Qe2 Bg4 17.Qf2 Rag8 18.Rae1 h5
[ 18...Be2 19.Rxe2 Rxg2+ 20.Qxg2 Rxg2+ 21.Rxg2 $gBlack$b's $gcounterplay$b is over
and I have two $grook$bs and a $gknight$b for the $gqueen$b.]
19.Bg5
[My $gattack$b on f6 is even stronger because $gBlack$b's $gking$b lives behind it.]
19...Qd8
[ 19...Rxg5 20.Nxf6 and $gBlack$b can't keep my $grook$bs and $gqueen$b away from his
$gking$b. ]
20.Qf4 Be6 21.h4
[Now I am $gthreat$bening to $gcapture$b on f6.]
21...Bd5
[$gBlack$b hopes to prevent me from taking on f6 by tying me down to the $gdefense$b
of g2.]
22.g4
[So I am willing to $gsacrifice$b that $gpawn$b in order not to have to defend it.
Although it seems I am exposing my own $gking$b, $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs can't get at it,
and his Rg6 has no where to run if I get a $gpawn$b to h5.]
22...Kg7
[ 22...hxg4 23.h5]
23.gxh5 fxg5 24.Qe5+ Kh6 25.hxg6 gxh4 26.Rf5 Kxg6 27.Kh2
[$gBlack$b resigned because he is down $gmaterial$b and his $gking$b is helpless
against the direct $gattack$b from my $grook$bs and $gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Palatnik
.EVENT Daugavpils
.THEME {S2}
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Alekhine
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 g6 5.Bc4 Nb6 6.Bb3 a5 7.a4
[$gBlack$b was playing with fire, and I should have punished him by 7.e6. 7.e6
Bxe6 8.Bxe6 fxe6 9.Ng5 Qd7 10.Qe2 Nc6 11.Nxe6 Nd8 12.Nxf8]
7...Bg7 8.Ng5
[I don't mind moving my $gknight$b twice here because $gBlack$b will have to waste a
$gtempo$b defending f7 and I can use that $gtempo$b to gain $gspace$b.]
8...e6 9.f4 dxe5 10.fxe5 c5 11.O-O O-O
[ 11...Qxd4+ 12.Qxd4 cxd4 13.Nxf7 $gBlack$b has an awful position here because he
can coordinate his pieces before I start taking them.]
12.c3 Nc6
[$gBlack$b underestimates my $ginitiative$b. He should have $gcapture$bd first.
12...cxd4 13.cxd4 Nc6 14.Nf3 f6 Now my $gcenter$b is collapsing, but I can
sacrifice a pawn for an $ginitiative$b by 15.Nc3 fxe5 16.Bg5 and this position
is unclear.]
13.Ne4
[I don't mind giving up a $gpawn$b if I can post a $gpiece$b on f6, when $gBlack$b's $gking$b
will be in permanent danger.]
13...Nd7
[ 13...cxd4 14.Bg5 Qd7 15.Nf6+ Bxf6 16.Bxf6 dxc3 17.Qc1 And now $gBlack$b will get
$gmate$bd.]
14.Be3 Ne7 15.Bg5
[Again I am quite happy to make a small $gsacrifice$b to take over the f6 square.]
15...cxd4
[ 15...h6 16.Bh4 g5 17.Bxg5 hxg5 18.Nxg5 And I will $gmate$b $gBlack$b in a few
moves.]
16.cxd4 h6 17.Bh4 g5 18.Bf2 Ng6 19.Nbc3 Qe7 20.Bc2 b6 21.Be3 Ba6 22.Rf2 Nh8
23.Bxg5
[It's time for me to cash in my more active $gpiece$bs; the g5 $gpawn$b is the $gkey$b to
$gBlack$b's $gking$b position, so it's the first target of my $gattack$b. Note that all of
my $gpiece$bs are ready to $gattack$b, while $gBlack$b's Ra8 and Ba6 can't get back.]
23...hxg5 24.Qh5 f5
[ 24...f6 25.Nxg5 Rfc8 26.Bh7+ Kf8 27.Nce4 And I will $gbreak$b through on the f-
$gfile$b.]
25.Nxg5 Rf7
[$gBlack$b not only gives himself a square on f8 but also $gblock$bs the a2-g8
$gdiagonal$b onto his king. 25...Rfd8 26.Rxf5 exf5 27.Bb3+ Kf8 28.Nh7+]
26.Bxf5
[With its $gdiagonal$b $gblock$bed this $gbishop$b wasn't doing anything, but to take
it $gBlack$b must let my $gknight$b into d5.]
26...Rxf5 27.Rxf5 exf5 28.Nd5 Qe8 29.Qh7+ Kf8 30.Qxf5+ Kg8 31.Qh7+ Kf8 32.Ra3
[Now my last $gpiece$b is ready to join the $gattack$b, but $gBlack$b's $grook$b and $gbishop$b
still can't help the $gdefense$b.]
32...Rc8 33.Rf3+ Nf6
[ 33...Nf7 34.Rxf7+ Qxf7 35.Nxf7 Rc1+ 36.Kf2 Rf1+ 37.Kg3 Rxf7 38.Qh4 And $gBlack$b
can't stop both 39.Qd8+ and 39.e6.]
34.h3
[$gBlack$b can only move his $grook$b and $gbishop$b, so I prevent him from doing any
damage with them.]
34...Qg6 35.Rxf6+ Bxf6 36.Ne6+ Ke8 37.Nxf6+
[$gBlack$b resigned because he must give up his $gqueen$b, when he will be down too
much $gmaterial$b and I will still have an $gattack$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Panchenko
.EVENT Daugavpils
.THEME {S2, T5}
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6 6.Bg5 e6 7.Qd2 a6 8.O-O-O Bd7
9.f4 b5 10.Nxc6 Bxc6
[I'm willing to $gexchange$b knights because the trade weakens $gBlack$b's $gcontrol$b
of the central dark squares.]
11.Bd3
[I want to be able to play e5 without allowing $gBlack$b to $gexchange$b queens on
the d-$gfile$b.]
11...Be7 12.e5 dxe5
[ 12...Nd5 13.Ne4 dxe5 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.fxe5 O-O]
13.fxe5 Nd7 14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Be4
[$gBlack$b can now win my e5 $gpawn$b, but to take it he will have to allow me a
strong $ginitiative$b based on the dark squares in the $gcenter$b.]
15...Bxe4
[$gBlack$b goes along with my plan. He would have an even game if he didn't go
after the e-$gpawn$b. 15...Qc5 16.Rhe1 Ra7 And $gBlack$b has covered all the targets
in the $gcenter$b and will get $gcounterplay$b on the c-file.]
16.Nxe4 Nxe5 17.Qd4
[I don't need to $gcheck$b immediately--this move $gforce$bs $gBlack$b to move his $gknight$b
to a weaker square or to weaken his $gpawn structure$b.]
17...f6 18.Nd6+ Kf8 19.Rhf1
[Now my rook is on an open $gfile$b leading to $gBlack$b's $gking$b and the $gpin$b on his
f6 $gpawn$b again $gforce$bs him to retreat his $gknight$b or lose more time.]
19...Kg8
[ 19...Nf7 20.Qb6 Nxd6 21.Rxd6 Kf7 22.Re1 e5 23.Qc6 I still have my
$ginitiative$b here, but the $gexchange$b of knights has eased $gBlack$b's
problems.]
20.g4
[I'd like to open the g-$gfile$b to $gBlack$b's $gking$b. Note that if I can play 21.g5,
$gBlack$b can't keep lines close by 21...f5 because that would undermine his
$gknight$b.]
20...h6 21.h4 Nf7
[$gBlack$b is to anxious to trade of my strong $gknight$b and lets me open up his
$gking$b. He would have done better to try 21...Rf8. 21...Rf8 22.g5 hxg5 23.hxg5
Ng6 And $gBlack$b has good chances to defend.]
22.Qe4
[This $gattack$b on $gBlack$b's rook sets up a $gpin$b on the e6 $gpawn$b which will let
me keep my $gknight$b.]
22...Rf8 23.Nf5 Qe8 24.Nd4 e5
[ 24...Ne5 25.g5 hxg5 26.hxg5 Qg6 27.Qxg6 Nxg6 28.Nxe6 Re8 29.gxf6 And $gBlack$b
will get $gmate$bd or lose a $gpiece$b. ]
25.Nf5 h5 26.Rg1 Rh7
[ 26...Nh6 27.Nxg7 Kxg7 28.gxh5+ Kf7 29.Qb7+]
27.Qb7 Kh8 28.gxh5 Qe6 29.Nxg7 Qxa2
[ 29...Rxg7 30.Rxg7 Kxg7 31.Qg2+ Kh8 And now I can set up a lethal mating
$gbattery$b. Do you see how?]
30.Qe7 Rg8 31.Qxf6 Qa1+ 32.Kd2 Qa5+ 33.Ke2 Rgxg7 34.Rxg7 Rxg7 35.Rg1
[$gBlack$b resigned because he could save either the $gpin$bned rook or his $gking$b,
but not both.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kasparov
.BLACK Najdorf
.EVENT Bugonjo
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1982
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.a3
[I don't want my opponent to $gpin$b a $gknight$b on c3 by a later Bb4.]
4...Bb7 5.Nc3 d5 6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.e3 Be7 8.Bb5+
[Since $gBlack$b will have to play a later ...c5 to chip away at my $gpawn$b $gcenter$b,
this $gcheck$b confuses his $gpiece$bs a little.]
8...c6 9.Bd3 Nxc3
[$gBlack$b wants to $gexchange$b pieces because he is cramped, but this trade
$gstrength$bens my $gpawn$b $gcenter$b.]
10.bxc3 c5 11.O-O Nc6 12.e4
[Finally I achieve the most desirable $gpawn$b $gcenter$b. Notice how limited $gBlack$b's
options are for his $gminor piece$bs.]
12...Rc8 13.Be3 cxd4 14.cxd4 O-O 15.Qe2 Na5 16.Rfe1 Qd6 17.d5
[Now that my $gpiece$bs are all centralized I'm ready to $gbreak$b through. $gBlack$b's
$gknight$b is out of play and his Be7 is unprotected, so I've got a big edge in
the $gcenter$b to $gattack$b with.]
17...exd5 18.e5 Qe6
[ 18...Qc6 19.Nd4 Qe8 20.Qg4]
19.Nd4 Qxe5
[$gBlack$b can't allow 19...Qd7 20.Bf5, but the text allows the rest of my $gpiece$bs
to flood his $gking$b position. ]
20.Nf5 Bf6
[ 20...Qf6 21.Bd4]
21.Qg4
[I'm $gthreat$bening to win a $gpiece$b here by Bd4 and $gBlack$b doesn't have any good
$gdefense$b.]
21...Rce8
[ 21...Nc6 22.Bd4 Nxd4 23.Rxe5 Bxe5 24.Ne7+]
22.Bd2 Qxa1
[$gBlack$b is desparate, but he gets $gmate$bd after 22...Qb8 23.Nxg7 Bxg7
24.Bh6]
23.Rxa1 Bxa1 24.Nxg7 Bxg7 25.Bh6
[$gBlack$b resigned because he can't stop the $gmate$b on g7.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Ljubojevic
.BLACK Kasparov
.EVENT Niksic
.THEME {S7, S2}
.DATE 1983
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d3
[$gWhite$b decides to play a quiet set up rather than fight it out in the main
lines.]
3...Nc6 4.g3 d5 5.Nbd2 g6 6.Bg2 Bg7 7.O-O Nge7 8.Re1 b6 9.c3 h6
[I don't want to commit my $gking$b to one side or the other yet.]
10.h4 a5 11.a4 Ra7 12.Nb3
[The $gknight$b is misplaced here, since it has nothing to $gattack$b or defend. He
should have moved his knight toward the $gkingside$b. 12.Nf1 O-O 13.Bf4 White
is still equal in this position.]
12...d4
[Now I take the $ginitiative$b in the $gcenter$b. White must either $gexchange$b
on d4, when I will have a space $gadvantage$b, or let me $gexchange$b on c3, when
he will be tied down to the defence of c3 and d3.]
13.cxd4 cxd4 14.Bd2 e5 15.Nc1
[$gWhite$b doesn't have any natural plan in this position, while I will expand in
the $gcenter$b and on the $gkingside$b.]
15...Be6 16.Re2 O-O 17.Be1 f5 18.Nd2
[$gWhite$b doesn't want to trade on f5, when I would have a very strong $gpawn$b
$gcenter$b but now his misplaced $gpiece$bs on e1, e2 and c1 will become a big
embarrassment to him.]
18...f4 19.f3
[He had to prevent ...f3.]
19...fxg3 20.Bxg3 g5
[Now I will gain more space and open lines on the $gkingside$b. Note that
$gWhite$b can't keep things closed by 21.h5, because he will lose the h5 $gpawn$b.]
21.hxg5
[ 21.h5 Qe8]
21...Ng6
[I'm happy to $gsacrifice$b a $gpawn$b, since to take it $gWhite$b will have to open up
the g and h-files onto his king, transfer my Bg7 to a better $gdiagonal$b and
open the d8-h4 $gdiagonal$b for my Queen.]
22.gxh6 Bxh6 23.Nf1 Rg7 24.Rf2 Be3 25.b3
[ 25.Nxe3 dxe3 26.Re2 Nf4 27.Bxf4 exf4 I have a won position here.]
25...Nf4
[White resigned because the $gpin$bs on the a7-g1 $gdiagonal$b and the g-file
would soon cost him $gmaterial$b. Had he played on, the game might have gone:]
26.Bxf4 Bxf2+ 27.Kxf2 exf4 28.Ra2 Kf7
[And I will follow up with ...Rfg8 and win the Bg2.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Meek
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT Mobile
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1855
.OPENING Scotch
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Bc5 5.Ng5
[This premature $gattack$b allows $gBlack$b to seize the $ginitiative$b by continually
developing his pieces. ]
5...Nh6
[$gBlack$b $gdevelops$b another piece while defending his f7 pawn. 5...Ne5 when Black
would be making the same mistake that White did of moving a piece again which
has already been $gdeveloped$b.]
6.Nxf7 Nxf7 7.Bxf7+ Kxf7 8.Qh5+ g6 9.Qxc5
[Although White has managed to restore the $gmaterial$b balance one has to be
suspicious that all of $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs which were active before the $gcombination$b
have now disappeared from the board.]
9...d6
[$gBlack$b clears an $gopening$b for his light squared $gbishop$b while gaining a
$gtempo$b on the White $gqueen$b.]
10.Qb5 Re8 11.Qb3+
[ 11.O-O Getting the $gking$b to safety should have been preferred.]
11...d5
[$gBlack$b takes $gadvantage$b of White's e-$gpawn$b being $gpin$bned to his $gking$b.]
12.f3 Na5
[Played with the idea of driving the White queen off the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
13.Qd3 dxe4 14.fxe4 Qh4+ 15.g3 Rxe4+
[$gBlack$b's better $gdevelopment$b has turned into an $gattack$b on the White king.]
16.Kf2 Qe7 17.Nd2 Re3
[The following play revolves around $gBlack$b trying to chase the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b from
the protection of the e2 square in order for $gBlack$b to seize the $gseventh
rank$b with Re2+.]
18.Qb5 c6 19.Qf1 Bh3 20.Qd1
[ 20.Qxh3 Re2+ 21.Kg1 would allow $gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
20...Rf8 21.Nf3 Ke8
[White resigned due to the $gmaterial$b losses that will follow because of his
$gpin$bned $gknight$b on f3.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lichtenhein
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Scotch
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Nf6
[By a $gtransposition$b of moves a variation of the Two $gKnight$b $gDefense$b has
been reached.]
5.e5 d5
[A good move in which $gBlack$b fights for the $gcenter$b by gaining a $gtempo$b on
the $gWhite$b $gbishop$b.]
6.Bb5
[ 6.exf6 dxc4 7.fxg7 Bxg7 would be a $gwinning position$b for $gBlack$b who is a $gpawn$b
ahead and has more pieces $gdeveloped$b.]
6...Ne4 7.Nxd4 Bd7 8.Nxc6
[ 8.Bxc6 The correct way to get rid of the $gknight$b as after...]
8...bxc6
[$gWhite$b would not have to lose time due to $gBlack$b's c-$gpawn$b $gattack$bing the
$gbishop$b.]
8...bxc6
[The correct way to recapture since $gBlack$b gains yet another $gtempo$b on the
$gWhite$b $gbishop$b. 8...Bxc6 9.Bxc6+ bxc6 10.O-O allows White to catch up in
$gdevelopment$b.]
9.Bd3 Bc5
[$gBlack$b $gdevelops$b another piece while creating a threat on White's f-pawn.]
10.Bxe4
[ 10.O-O Qh4 gives $gBlack$b the $gadvantage$b due to his $gkingside$b
$ginitiative$b.]
10...Qh4
[Once again $gBlack$b $gdevelops$b with gain of $gtempo$b this time he is threatening
to $gcheck$bmate White with 11...Qxf2.]
11.Qe2
[ 11.g3 Qxe4+ 12.Qe2 Qxh1+]
11...dxe4
[The correct recapture, since $gBlack$b has the $ginitiative$b it will be much
easier to $gattack$b $gWhite$b's $gking$b with $gqueen$bs still on the board. 11...Qxe4
12.Qxe4 dxe4 would be fine for White due to $gBlack$b's broken $gpawn
structure$b.]
12.Be3
[This is the final mistake which allows $gBlack$b to bring another $gpiece$b into the
$gattack$b with $gtempo$b. 12.O-O]
12...Bg4 13.Qc4
[ 13.Qd2 Rd8 would leave $gWhite$b with no good response to $gBlack$b's $gthreat$b of
14...Rd1+.]
13...Bxe3
[$gBlack$b takes $gadvantage$b of the $gpin$b on White's f-$gpawn$b.]
14.g3
[ 14.Qxc6+ Bd7 15.Qxa8+ Ke7 16.g3 Qg4 17.Qxh8 Bxf2+ 18.Kxf2 Qf3+ 19.Kg1 Bh3
would leave $gWhite$b's $gking$b $gdefense$bless on the light squares 14.O-O Bb6 15.Qxc6+
Ke7 would leave $gBlack$b a $gpiece$b ahead.]
14...Qd8 15.fxe3 Qd1+ 16.Kf2 Qf3+ 17.Kg1 Bh3
[With no $gpiece$b to come to the $gking$b's $gdefense$b all $gWhite$b has left are a few
spite $gcheck$bs.]
18.Qxc6+ Kf8 19.Qxa8+ Ke7
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Perrin
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6 5.Be3 Nf6 6.Bd3 Bb4+
[ 6...Be7 7.O-O d6 would give $gBlack$b $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b and future play down
the semi-open c-$gfile$b.]
7.c3 Ba5
[A mistake since $gBlack$b's dark-square $gbishop$b belongs on e7 to cover the dark
squares surrounding the $gking$b.]
8.O-O Bb6 9.Nd2
[$gBlack$b's waste of time with his dark squared $gbishop$b has given $gWhite$b the
$gadvantage$b due to his lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
9...Ne5 10.Be2 d5
[$gAttack$bing in the $gcenter$b when behind in $gdevelopment$b is definetly a
mistake.]
11.f4 Nc6 12.e5 Bxd4 13.cxd4
[White has succeeded in locking $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b out of the game.]
13...Nd7 14.Bd3
[Preparing to advance the f-pawn with a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
14...f5 15.g4 g6
[ 15...fxg4 16.Qxg4 This would only increase White's lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
16.gxf5 exf5
[ 16...gxf5 17.Qh5+ Kf8 $gBlack$b's $gking$b is vulnerable to $gattack$b.]
17.Kh1
[$gWhite$b tucks his $gking$b away just in case the g-$gfile$b should become opened.]
17...Nf8 18.Rc1
[White has a big lead in $gdevelopment$b as $gBlack$b only has one piece off of
the $gback rank$b.]
18...Ne6 19.Bxf5
[This sacrifice is made possible due to White's lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
19...Nexd4
[ 19...gxf5 20.Qh5+ Kd7 21.Qxf5 Qe8 22.Qh3 when $gBlack$b has no good $gdefense$b
against White's $gpassed pawn$bs from advancing.]
20.Bxc8 Rxc8 21.f5
[$gWhite$b is relentless in his pursuit to open up the position.]
21...Nxf5 22.Rxf5 gxf5 23.Qh5+ Kd7 24.Qf7+ Qe7 25.e6+ Kd8
[$gWhite$b now has a decoying move which either wins the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b or $gmate$bs the
$gBlack$b $gking$b.]
26.Bg5
.QUIZ 26.Bg5
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Stanley
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Bc4
[ 3.Nf3 would prevent the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b from $gcheck$bing on h4.]
3...Qh4+
[A good move which $gforce$bs $gWhite$b to move his $gking$b.]
4.Kf1
[ 4.g3 fxg3 5.Nf3 g2+ 6.Nxh4 gxh1Q+ wins $gmaterial$b for $gBlack$b.]
4...b5
[The Bryan $gCounter gambit$b. $gBlack$b's idea is to drive the $gbishop$b off of the a2-
g8 $gdiagonal$b.]
5.Bb3
[Capturing the $gpawn$b at b5 is a better move.]
5...Nf6
[ 5...a5 6.a4 b4 7.d3 Ba6 8.Nf3 Qf6 would make White's future $gdevelopment$b
awkward.]
6.Nf3 Qh6 7.Nc3 b4 8.Nb5 Ba6
[$gBlack$b $gdevelops$b while gaining a $gtempo$b by $gpin$bning White's knight to his
$gking$b.]
9.Bc4 Bxb5 10.Bxb5 Nh5 11.Ke2
[ 11.d3 would allow $gBlack$b to win $gmaterial$b.]
11...g5 12.Ne5 Bg7 13.Ng4 f3+
[A strong clearance move which will either give $gBlack$b the f4 square for his
$gknight$b or place $gWhite$b's $gking$b on the f-$gfile$b.]
14.Kxf3
[ 14.gxf3 Nf4+ 15.Kf2 would allow $gBlack$b to win a $gpiece$b.]
14...Qb6 15.Qe2 O-O 16.Bc4
[$gBlack$b has a $gwinning position$b due to $gWhite$b's vulnerable $gking$b and backward
$gdevelopment$b.]
16...Nc6 17.c3 Kh8
[Prepares an $gattack$b on the f-$gfile$b which was not playable immediately since
$gBlack$b's f-$gpawn$b is $gpin$bned by White's $gbishop$b at c4.]
18.Qe3
[White seeks the $gexchange$b of queens which would allow White's king to move
about more safely.]
18...f5 19.Qxb6 fxg4+
[This $gintermediate move$b gains $gBlack$b a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b.]
20.Kxg4 Nf6+
[$gWhite$b resigned.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Bird
.EVENT London
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4 g4 5.Ne5
[This is known as the Kieseritzky $gvariation$b in the $gKing$b's $ggambit$b where $gWhite$b's
idea is to put immediate pressure on $gBlack$b's f7 square.]
5...Nf6 6.Bc4 d5
[$gBlack$b must stop $gWhite$b from coming in on the f7 square.]
7.exd5 Bd6
[ 7...Bg7 preparing to castle while adding protection to $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b
should be preferred.]
8.d4 Nh5 9.Nc3 Bf5
[ 9...O-O removing the $gking$b from the $gcenter$b would have been a better plan.]
10.Ne2 Bxe5 11.dxe5 f3 12.gxf3 gxf3 13.Bg5 f6
[ 13...fxe2 14.Qxe2 $gWhite$b has a $gdouble attach$b on $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b and
$gknight$b.]
14.exf6 Qd6
[ 14...fxe2 15.Qxe2+ Kf8 would allow $gWhite$b a mating $gattack$b.]
15.Qd4 fxe2 16.Bxe2 Qg3+ 17.Kd2 O-O
[$gBlack$b's $gking$b will come under fire since he has just castled onto the open g-
$gfile$b.]
18.Rag1
[$gBlack$b resigned since after his $gqueen$b moves, the open g-$gfile$b would win the
game for $gWhite$b. 18.Rag1 $gBlack$b resigned due to White's mating $gattack$b down the
open g-$gfile$b.]
18...Qd6 19.Bf4+ Kh8 20.Bxd6 cxd6 21.f7+ Ng7 22.Qxg7++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Anderssen
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Scandinavian
1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 e5
[A mistake since $gopening$b up the position will favor the side who is better
$gdeveloped$b and in this case it's to White's $gadvantage$b. 4...Nf6]
5.dxe5 Qxe5+ 6.Be2 Bb4 7.Nf3
[$gWhite$b shows a deep understanding of the position. By giving up a $gpawn$b he will
gain the $gadvantage$b of having his pieces $gdeveloped$b.]
7...Bxc3+ 8.bxc3 Qxc3+ 9.Bd2 Qc5 10.Rb1
[White has $gdeveloped$b four pieces to $gBlack$b's one due to the sacrificed
$gpawn$b.]
10...Nc6 11.O-O Nf6 12.Bf4 O-O
[ 12...Nd5 would allow $gWhite$b to win a $gpiece$b.]
13.Bxc7
[$gWhite$b stands much better since he has regained his $gsacrifice$bd $gpawn$b while
keeping his lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
13...Nd4 14.Qxd4 Qxc7
[ 14...Qxc2 With the idea of $gattack$bing both $gbishop$bs would backfire after
15.Bc4 when $gWhite$b hangs on to his extra $gpiece$b.]
15.Bd3 Bg4 16.Ng5 Rfd8
[ 16...Bh5 17.Ne4 Nxe4 18.Qxe4 Bg6 19.Qxb7 when $gWhite$b is a $gpawn$b ahead.]
17.Qb4
[ 17.Bxh7+ Nxh7 18.Qxg4 Nxg5 19.Qxg5 Qxc2 20.Rxb7 Qxa2 allows $gBlack$b to keep
the $gmaterial$b even.]
17...Bc8
[A sad move but the only move that allows $gBlack$b to keep the $gmaterial$b
balance. 17...b6 18.Nxh7 Nxh7 19.Qxg4  17...Rab8 18.Nxh7 Nxh7 19.Qxg4]
18.Rfe1
[White has a big $gadvantage$b due to his better $gdevelopment$b.]
18...a5 19.Qe7 Qxe7
[ 19...Rd7 Here $gWhite$b has a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
20.Rxe7
[The $gexchange$b of queens has increased White's $gadvantage$b due to his rook
being on the $gseventh rank$b.]
20...Nd5
[ 20...Rf8 21.Bc4 would $gforce$b $gBlack$b to part with his f-$gpawn$b.]
21.Bxh7+
[ 21.Rxf7 h6 when $gBlack$b would win $gmaterial$b because of the $gdouble
attach$b on both the $gWhite$b $grook$b on f7 and the $gknight$b on g5.]
21...Kh8 22.Rxf7 Nc3 23.Re1 Nxa2 24.Rf4
[With the idea of catching the $gBlack$b $gking$b in a mating net after a future Rh4.]
24...Ra6 25.Bd3
[$gBlack$b resigned since the further loss of $gmaterial$b is unavoidable. White
$gthreat$bens 25.Nf7+ winning the $grook$b on e8 and 25.Bxa6.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Anderssen
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d4
[ 4.O-O Nxe4 5.d4 Nd6 6.Bxc6 dxc6 7.dxe5 Nf5 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 with a $gkingside$b
$gpawn majority$b, is more commonly seen today.]
4...Nxd4
[ 4...exd4]
5.Nxd4 exd4 6.e5 c6
[A mistake which allows White a lead in $gdevelopment$b. Better was 6...Nd5.]
7.O-O
[ 7.exf6 Qa5+ 8.Bd2 Qxb5 9.Qe2+ Qxe2+ 10.Kxe2 gxf6]
7...cxb5 8.Bg5
[Morphy, recognizing the importance of $gdevelopment$b, continues to bring his
$gforce$bs into the game, not wasting time on $gcapture$bs that can wait. The $gpin$b
on the $gknight$b at f6 is not going anywhere.]
8...Be7
[ 8...h6 9.exf6 hxg5 10.Re1+ Be7 11.Rxe7+ Kf8 12.Qxd4 would be suicidal for
$gBlack$b.]
9.exf6 Bxf6 10.Re1+ Kf8
[Due to $gWhite$b's imaginative play $gBlack$b has lost his right to castle.]
11.Bxf6 Qxf6 12.c3 d5 13.cxd4 Be6 14.Nc3
[$gWhite$b has the better position despite his $gpawn$b minus this is due to his
better $gdevelopment$b.]
14...a6 15.Re5 Rd8 16.Qb3 Qe7 17.Rae1
[A very strong developing move and one which the amateur should take note
as $gBlack$b's d-$gpawn$b isn't going anywhere.]
17...g5
[The final mistake which fatally weakens $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b. 17...g6
Creating a $gflight square$b for the $gking$b without weakening the f5 and h5 squares
would have been a better plan..]
18.Qd1 Qf6 19.R1e3 Rg8
[An oversight which costs $gBlack$b $gmaterial$b.]
20.Rxe6
[$gBlack$b resigned since $gmaterial$b loss is unavoidable after 20...fxe6 21.Rf3
$gpin$bning $gBlack$b's queen to his $gking$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Mongredien
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1859
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
[The Evans $ggambit$b where $gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs a $gpawn$b with the idea of building a
strong $gcenter$b.]
4...Bxb4 5.c3 Ba5 6.O-O Nf6 7.d4 O-O
[ 7...exd4 8.Ba3 d6 9.e5 Ne4 10.Re1 Nxc3 11.exd6+ Kd7 12.Ne5+ Nxe5 13.Qxd4 f6
14.Nxc3 $gWhite$b has a $gwinning position$b due to the exposed]
8.d5
[An instructive mistake since White wishes to develop with gain of $gtempo$b.
By locking the $gcenter$b White keeps his own pieces out of the $gattack$b. 8.dxe5
Nxe4 9.Bd5 Nc5 10.Ng5 Qe7 would leave $gBlack$b better $gdeveloped$b.]
8...Ne7 9.Qd3
[ 9.Nxe5 d6 10.Nf3 Nxe4 11.Qd4 leaves $gWhite$b with a little $gcompensation$b for the
lost $gpawn$b.]
9...d6
[$gBlack$b prepares to finish his $gdevelopment$b while consolidating his extra
$gpawn$b.]
10.h3 Ng6 11.Nh2 Nh5
[The $gBlack$b $gknight$bs head for the $goutpost$b at f4.]
12.Bb3 Nhf4 13.Bxf4 Nxf4 14.Qf3 f5
[Following the rule that one should $gattack$b the $gpawn chain$b starting at its
base.]
15.exf5 Bxf5
[$gBlack$b's extra pawn and better $gdevelopment$b give him a winning position.]
16.g4
[This premature advance weakens the $gkingside$b and hastens the end.]
16...Bd3 17.Qe3
[ 17.Re1 Ne2+ 18.Rxe2 Rxf3]
17...Bb6
[Instead of capturing the $grook$b straight away $gBlack$b improves the placement of
his $gpiece$bs.]
18.Qd2 Qh4
[White resigned as he is $gdefense$bless against $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b $gattack$b.
If you don't see how, play it out against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE de Riviere
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1863
.OPENING Two Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5
[This $gdouble attach$b on $gBlack$b's f-$gpawn$b is as old as the game of $gchess$b.]
4...d5 5.exd5 Na5
[The classical system of counterattack for Black. Instead of recapturing the
$gpawn$b at d5, $gBlack$b goes after the enemy $gbishop$b.]
6.d3
[This move allows $gBlack$b to take the $ginitiative$b. Better was 6.Bb5+ 6.Bb5+
c6 7.dxc6 bxc6 8.Be2 h6 9.Nf3 e4 10.Ne5 Bd6 Where $gBlack$b's lead in
$gdevelopment$b compensates for his lost pawn.]
6...h6
[$gBlack$b drives back the $gWhite$b $gknight$b.]
7.Nf3 e4 8.Qe2 Nxc4 9.dxc4 Bc5 10.h3
[ 10.Bf4 O-O 11.Nfd2 Bg4 12.Qf1 $gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b due to his lead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
10...O-O 11.Nh2 Nh7
[$gBlack$b shows a very deep understanding of the position since he realizes that
$gpiece$b play alone will not $gbreak$b through $gWhite$b's position. He prepares a
$gpawnstorm$b with the f-pawn leading the way.]
12.Nd2 f5 13.Nb3 Bd6 14.O-O Bxh2+ 15.Kxh2 f4
[$gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b due to his active $gpiece$bs and $gWhite$b's vulnerable
$gking$b.]
16.Qxe4 Ng5
[The $gknight$b enters the game with a gain of $gtempo$b on the White $gqueen$b.]
17.Qd4 Nf3+
[A beautiful $gsacrifice$b which takes $gadvantage$b of $gWhite$b's light square
weaknesses.]
18.gxf3 Qh4 19.Rh1 Bxh3 20.Bd2 Rf6
[Here White resigned, lacking any method of preventing $gcheck$bmate.]
21.Qd3 Qxf2+ 22.Kxh3 Qg3+
[$gMate$bs.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK Lowenthal
.EVENT London
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1859
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
[This $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b was invented in 1824 by the English $gchess$bplayer Captain
William Davis Evans, and his name has been retained in the name of the
$ggambit$b.]
4...Bxb4
[By sacrificing a $gpawn$b $gWhite$b gains time to storm the $gcenter$b with his pawns by
playing 5.c3 and 6.d4.]
5.c3 Bc5 6.O-O d6 7.d4 exd4 8.cxd4 Bb6 9.d5
[Although this move closes the light squared $gbishop$bs $gdiagonal$b it has the
$gadvantage$b of disorganizing $gBlack$b's game.]
9...Ne5
[ 9...Na5 10.Bb2 Nxc4 11.Qa4+ Bd7 12.Qxc4 would give $gWhite$b good play on the
a1-h8 $gdiagonal$b.]
10.Nxe5 dxe5 11.Bb2 Qe7 12.Bb5+
[ 12.Qh5 Trying to win the e-$gpawn$b would fail after 12...Bd4]
12...Bd7 13.Bxd7+ Kxd7 14.Qg4+
[Thanks to $gWhite$b's $gforce$bful play he now not only wins back his $gsacrifice$bd $gpawn$b
but gains another $gpawn$b while maintaining his $gattack$b.]
14...f5
[ 14...Ke8 15.Qxg7 Qf6 16.Bxe5 wins $gBlack$b's $grook$b.]
15.Qxf5+ Ke8 16.Bxe5
[With $gBlack$b's $gking$b in the $gcenter$b $gWhite$b wishes to $gattack$b and so naturally
avoids the simplifications that would have followed 16.Qxe5. 16.Qxe5 Qxe5
17.Bxe5 Kf7 would still be good for $gWhite$b.]
16...Nh6 17.Qf4 Kd7
[$gBlack$b tries to connect his $grook$bs in a rather artificial manner.]
18.Nd2
[ 18.Nc3 Rae8 $gBlack$b has $gtrap$bped $gWhite$b's $gbishop$b.]
18...Rae8 19.Nc4 Bc5
[With the idea of playing Bd6 $gstrength$bening the $gdefense$b of his c-$gpawn$b.]
20.Rad1 Bd6 21.Bxd6 cxd6 22.Rb1
[With the idea of bringing both rooks in on the $gqueenside$b offensive.]
22...b6 23.Rfc1 Qf6 24.Qe3 Ng4 25.Nxb6+
[Very pretty! $gWhite$b clears two open $gfile$bs for his $gmajor $gpiece$bs$b to $gattack$b the
$gBlack$b $gking$b.]
25...axb6 26.Rc7+
[An ingenious move which utilizes the open c-$gfile$b to it's full extent.]
26...Kd8
[ 26...Kxc7 27.Qxb6+ Kd7 28.Qa7+ Kc8 29.Rb8+ $gMate$b.]
27.Qxb6 Qxf2+ 28.Qxf2 Nxf2 29.Ra7
[With the help of the open b-$gfile$b $gWhite$b regains his $gpiece$b due to the $gmate$b
$gthreat$b on b8.]
29...Nh3+ 30.gxh3 Kc8 31.Kf2
[$gBlack$b resigned as he can't stop $gWhite$b from bringing his $gking$b to e3 to protect
the $gpawn$b followed by the advance of the a-pawn and doubling of the $grook$bs on
the 7th. 31.Kf2 Rhf8+ 32.Ke3 h6 33.a4 g6 34.a5 h5 35.a6 g5 36.Rbb7 h4 37.Ra8+
$gMate$bs.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Paulsen
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S20}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Four Knights
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bc5
[ 4...Bb4 5.O-O O-O 6.d3 d6 7.Bg5 Bxc3 8.bxc3 Qe7 9.Re1 Nd8 when $gWhite$b's
$gadvantage$b of the two $gbishop$bs is off set by his doubled c-$gpawn$b 4...Nd4 is an
interesting move that $gbreak$bs the symmetry.]
5.O-O O-O 6.Nxe5 Re8 7.Nxc6
[ 7.Nf3 Nxe4 8.d4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bf8]
7...dxc6 8.Bc4 b5
[ 8...Nxe4 9.Nxe4 Rxe4 10.Bxf7+ Kxf7 11.Qf3+ Kg8 12.Qxe4 would leave $gWhite$b an
$gexchange$b ahead.]
9.Be2 Nxe4 10.Nxe4 Rxe4 11.Bf3
[A mistake as the light squared $gbishop$b has moved four times at the expense of
ignoring $gWhite$b's other $gpiece$bs. 11.d3 Re6 12.c3 is a better plan.]
11...Re6 12.c3
[The final mistake which lets $gBlack$b lock in White's $gqueenside$b $gpiece$bs.
Correct was 12.d3 with a playable game.]
12...Qd3 13.b4 Bb6 14.a4 bxa4
[ 14...a6 15.axb5 Qxb5 16.d4 would let $gWhite$b out of the $gbind$b.]
15.Qxa4 Bd7 16.Ra2 Rae8
[Black's lead in $gdevelopment$b coupled with White's weakened $gback rank$b
gives Morphy a $gwinning position$b.]
17.Qa6
[ 17.Bb2 would allow $gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
17...Qxf3
[An amazing queen sacrifice which $gbreak$bs down White's $gkingside$b $gdefense$bs.]
18.gxf3 Rg6+ 19.Kh1 Bh3 20.Rd1
[ 20.Rg1 would allow $gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in three.]
20...Bg2+ 21.Kg1 Bxf3+ 22.Kf1 Bg2+ 23.Kg1 Bh3+ 24.Kh1 Bxf2
[The $gthreat$b of 25...Bg2 $gmate$b decides the game.]
25.Qf1 Bxf1 26.Rxf1 Re2 27.Ra1 Rh6 28.d4 Be3
[$gWhite$b resigned since he has no $gdefense$b against 29...Rhxh2+]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE McConnell
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New Orleans
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1850
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5
[The French $gDefense$b has the reputation of giving $gBlack$b a solid yet cramped
game. Morphy favored open positions so it comes as no surprise that this is
the only example of his defending the French $gDefense$b.]
3.e5
[The Advance $gVariation$b of the French $gDefense$b. $gWhite$b's idea is to play against
$gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b which is locked out of the game by his own
$gpawn$bs.]
3...c5
[$gBlack$b follows the general rule that one should $gattack$b a $gpawn chain$b at it's
base.]
4.c3
[The strengthening of White's $gpawn chain$b is the logical response to $gBlack$b's
last move.]
4...Nc6 5.f4
[This move is a mistake as White does not need to broaden his $gpawn chain$b
especially at the expense of his $gdevelopment$b. Better was 5.Nf3. 5.Nf3 Qb6
6.Be2 Bd7 7.a3 c4]
5...Qb6 6.Nf3 Bd7 7.a3
[Although in a closed position one doesn't have to develop as quickly as in an
open position. White has crossed the line in only developing one piece in
position moves. 7.Bd3 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nxd4 9.Nxd4 Qxd4 We see the importance of
$gBlack$b's 6...Bd7, otherwise $gWhite$b would have a $gdiscovered check$b with]
7...Nh6 8.b4 cxd4 9.cxd4 Rc8
[$gBlack$b stands much better due to his large lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
10.Bb2 Nf5 11.Qd3 Bxb4+
[This sacrifice is made possible because of $gBlack$b's lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
12.axb4 Nxb4 13.Qd2 Rc2
[Very pretty especially since most players would jump at the chance to win
$gWhite$b's $grook$b by 13...Nc2+.]
14.Qd1 Ne3
[$gWhite$b resigned because his $gqueen$b has been $gtrap$bped.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Meek
.BLACK Morphy
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1857
.OPENING Scotch
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.c3
[The Scotch $ggambit$b where through the $gsacrifice$b of a $gpawn$b $gWhite$b hopes to gain a
lead in $gdevelopment$b which will ultimately lead to a winning $gkingside$b
$gattack$b.]
4...dxc3 5.Nxc3 Bc5
[ 5...Bb4 6.Bc4 Nf6 7.O-O Bxc3 8.bxc3 d6 $gBlack$b is close to consolidating his
extra $gpawn$b.]
6.Bc4 d6 7.h3
[White wishes to avoid the $gpin$bning of his $gknight$b on f3. However, having
already sacrificed a pawn for a lead in $gdevelopment$b 7.h3 is out of place
with the spirit of $gWhite$b's previous play. 7.Qb3]
7...Be6
[Given an extra move by $gWhite$b's 7.h3 $gBlack$b wastes no time in neutralizing
$gWhite$b's best placed $gpiece$b the $gbishop$b on c4.]
8.Bb5
[ 8.Bxe6 fxe6 9.Qb3 Qc8 10.Ng5 Nd8 $gBlack$b has everything defended plus his
extra $gpawn$b.]
8...Nge7 9.Ng5 O-O 10.Qh5 h6 11.Nf3 Ng6 12.g4
[$gBlack$b is better $gdeveloped$b so this $gattack$b is premature. 12.Bxh6 gxh6
13.Qxh6 Qf6 14.Ng5 Qg7]
12...Nce5 13.Nxe5 dxe5 14.g5 Qd4 15.Be3 Qb4 16.Bxc5 Qxb2 17.O-O Qxc3 18.Bxf8
Rxf8
[Materially the position is equal. However, White's disgruntled $gkingside$b
and $gBlack$b's active $gminor piece$bs give Black a winning position.]
19.Rac1 Qb2 20.Bc4 Nf4
[The $gknight$b finds an $goutpost$b on f4 which greatly disrupts White's
position.]
21.Qd1
[ 21.Qh4 hxg5 22.Qg3 Bxc4 23.Rxc4 Ne2+ wins the $gWhite$b $gqueen$b.]
21...Nxh3+ 22.Kg2 Nf4+ 23.Kh1 Qb6
[The final blow the $gBlack$b queen prepares to swing over to the $gkingside$b and
this quickly decides the game.]
24.gxh6 Bxc4 25.h7+ Kxh7 26.Qg4 Qh6+ 27.Kg1 Bxf1 28.Rxf1
[Since $gBlack$b is up a clear $gpiece$b, $gWhite$b could resign with a clear conscious at
any time.]
28...Rd8 29.a4 Rd6 30.f3 Rg6 31.Kf2
[$gWhite$b resigned not because he will lose his $gqueen$b but because $gBlack$b has a
$gforce$bd $gmate$b in three. Do you see how?]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Morphy
.BLACK de Riviere
.EVENT Paris
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1858
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5 6.O-O d6 7.d4 exd4 8.cxd4 Bb6
[For the sacrificed pawn White has obtained a lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
9.Nc3
[The $gdevelopment$b of the queen knight in this position was a Morphy
specialty. 9.d5 was favored by another great $gattack$bing player: Adolf
Anderssen.]
9...Qf6
[$gBlack$b's idea is to put pressure on the $gWhite$b d-$gpawn$b. However, this is a
mistake since the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b will be subject to $gattack$b on f6. ]
10.Nd5 Qg6
[ 10...Qd8 Admitting that his last move was a mistake was $gBlack$b's $gbest move$b.]
11.Nf4 Qf6 12.e5
[$gWhite$b is able to open up the position for the $gattack$b due to the unfortunate
position of the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
12...dxe5 13.dxe5 Qf5 14.e6 f6
[$gBlack$b desperately tries to keep the e-$gfile$b closed. 14...fxe6 15.Nxe6 Bxe6
16.Bxe6 Qxe6 17.Re1 $gBlack$b's queen is been trapped due to the $gpin$b on the e-
$gfile$b.]
15.Nh4 Qc5 16.Be3
[As so often happens when one player has a lead in $gdevelopment$b it
transfers itself into a direct $gattack$b on the enemy $gking$b.]
16...Qg5
[ 16...Qxc4 17.Qh5+ g6 18.Nhxg6 With a quick $gmate$b to follow.]
17.Nf3 Qa5 18.Bxb6 Qxb6 19.Nd5
[$gWhite$b's constant theme in this game has been to constantly gain time at the
$gBlack$b $gqueen$b's expense.]
19...Qa5 20.Nd2 Nd4 21.Nb3 Nxb3 22.axb3 Qc5 23.Qh5+
[$gBlack$b's backward $gdevelopment$b with his king remaining in the $gcenter$b gives
$gWhite$b a winning $gattack$b.]
23...Kd8
[ 23...g6 would allow $gWhite$b a winning $gcombination$b.]
24.Rad1
[$gBlack$b resigned because he has no good $gdefense$b to the $gdiscovered check$b on
the d-$gfile$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Von Freymann
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT St. Petersburg
.THEME {S9}
.DATE 1914
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Bg5 h6 5.Bh4
[Taking the dark squared $gbishop$b away from the $gqueenside$b allows $gBlack$b to
take the c-$gpawn$b. Better was to play 5.Bxf6. 5.Bxf6 Qxf6]
5...dxc4
[ 5...Bb4+ Developing another piece before taking the pawn might be more
precise.]
6.Qa4+
[ 6.e3 Bb4+ 7.Nc3 b5 allows $gBlack$b to keep his extra $gpawn$b.]
6...Nbd7 7.Qxc4 c5 8.Nc3 a6
[$gBlack$b's idea is to $gfianchetto$b his light-square $gbishop$b on b7 after
advancing his $gpawn$b to b5.]
9.a4
[An interesting mistake since it appears that $gWhite$b has foiled $gBlack$b's
intended pawn advance. 9.e3 Preparing to develop the light squared $gbishop$b was
better. Although after 9...b5 10.Qb3 Bb7 $gBlack$b would have a good game due to
his well placed $gpiece$bs and pressure on $gWhite$b's $gcenter$b.]
9...b5 10.Qd3
[ 10.axb5 would be a big mistake since after  10...axb5 11.Qxb5 Rxa1+ $gBlack$b
would be a $grook$b ahead.]
10...c4 11.Qb1 Bb7
[With this move $gBlack$b $gsacrifice$bs his b-$gpawn$b in order to gain a lead in
$gdevelopment$b.]
12.axb5 axb5 13.Nxb5 Bb4+ 14.Nc3 g5 15.Bg3 Ne4 16.Qc1 Nb6
[With the idea of putting more pressure on White's $gpin$bned $gknight$b with
17..Na4 .]
17.Rxa8 Qxa8 18.Nd2 Nxd2 19.Kxd2 Qa2
[With the idea of playing 20...Na4 putting more pressure on White's $gpin$bned
$gknight$b.]
20.Kd1 Qb3+ 21.Qc2 Bxc3 22.bxc3 Be4
[A nice decoying move which forces White to $gexchange$b queens giving $gBlack$b a
passed b-$gpawn$b.]
23.Qxb3 cxb3 24.e3
[ 24.Kc1 Trying to stop the b-$gpawn$b from promoting would fail to 24...Nc4 when
$gBlack$b plays 25...b2+ and then promotes the $gpawn$b on b1.]
24...b2
[$gWhite$b resigned since he can't stop $gBlack$b's b-$gpawn$b from promoting.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Bogoljubow
.EVENT Triberg
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1921
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 b6 4.g3 Bb7 5.Bg2
[The $gQueen$b's Indian $gDefense$b where $gBlack$b obtains a solid but somewhat passive
position.]
5...c5
[This aggressive attempt to take over the $gcenter$b backfires. ]
6.dxc5 Bxc5 7.O-O O-O 8.Nc3
[$gWhite$b has the $gadvantage$b due to his $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b.]
8...d5
[This move cuts down on $gWhite$b's $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b. However, it allows
$gWhite$b the opportunity to unmask his light squared $gbishop$b with $gadvantage$b.
8...Nc6 would be a better move although $gWhite$b would still remain with the
$gadvantage$b due to $gBlack$b's d-$gpawn$b standing on the semi-open]
9.Nd4
[ 9.Ne5 Qc7 10.Bf4 Nh5 would give $gBlack$b the $gadvantage$b of the two $gbishop$bs.]
9...Bxd4
[ 9...Nc6 10.Nxc6 Bxc6 11.Bg5 Be7 12.Rc1 would give an $gadvantage$b to $gWhite$b
because of his more active $gpiece$bs.]
10.Qxd4
[$gWhite$b has gained the two $gbishop$bs and in an open position like this one this
constitutes a big $gadvantage$b.]
10...Nc6 11.Qh4 dxc4 12.Rd1
[Very well played! $gWhite$b is in no hurry to $gcapture$b the c-$gpawn$b and first takes
$gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b.]
12...Qc8
[ 12...Qe7 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Qxf6 gxf6 16.Rd7 Rab8 17.Rxb7 Rxb7
18.Bxc6 would give $gWhite$b two $gpiece$bs for the $grook$b and $gpawn$b.]
13.Bg5 Nd5
[ 13...Nd7 14.Ne4 With the $gthreat$b of 15.Nd6 would give $gWhite$b a big
$ginitiative$b.]
14.Nxd5 exd5 15.Rxd5
[ 15.Bxd5 Na5 would allow $gBlack$b to $gexchange$b of White's light squared
$gbishop$b.]
15...Nb4 16.Be4
[White's superior $gdevelopment$b allows him to train his sights on the
$gkingside$b.]
16...f5
[ 16...h6 17.Bxh6 Bxd5 18.Qg5 g6 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
17.Bxf5
[With this move $gWhite$b is able to win $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
17...Rxf5 18.Rd8+ Qxd8 19.Bxd8
[White has a $gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b and with Alekhine's technique the game is
over.]
19...Rc8 20.Rd1 Rf7
[Stops the White rook from taking the $gseventh rank$b.]
21.Qg4 Nd3
[An oversight or is $gBlack$b giving up?]
22.exd3 Rxd8 23.dxc4
[Perhaps $gBlack$b missed that $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b is protecting his $grook$b on d1.]
23...Rdf8 24.f4 Re7 25.Kf2 h6 26.Re1
[When ahead in $gmaterial$b you should $gexchange$b pieces to make
promoting a $gpawn$b easier.]
26...Bc8 27.Qf3 Ref7 28.Qd5
[White's queen is $gpin$bning the rook on f7.]
28...g5 29.Re7 gxf4 30.gxf4
[$gBlack$b resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Kmoch
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Vienna
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 c6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nbd2
[ 5.Qb3 would try to take $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b leaving
the b-$gpawn$b undefended.]
5...e6 6.Be2 Nbd7 7.O-O Bd6 8.c5 Bc7 9.b4 Ne4 10.Nxe4 dxe4
[ 10...Bxe4 11.Nd2 f5 12.Nxe4 fxe4 when White's two $gbishop$bs and $gqueenside$b
$ginitiative$b would give him the $gadvantage$b .]
11.Nd2 h5
[With White having the better of it on the $gqueenside$b it is only natural
that $gBlack$b should start a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
12.f4
[$gWhite$b was afraid of the $gBlack$b $gbishop$b on c7 aiming at his $gking$b so he locks him
out. However, a new target has appeared the $gWhite$b $gpawn$b on f4.]
12...g5 13.g3
[This slow defending move allows $gBlack$b a winning $ginitiative$b. 13.Nc4 Nf6
14.Ne5 gxf4 15.exf4 Although $gBlack$b would still retain the better chances due
to the weakness of $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b on d4.]
13...Nf6
[$gBlack$b idea is to play 14...h4 without $gWhite$b being able to $gblock$b the
$gkingside$b with pawn g4. 13...h4 14.g4 when White has $gblock$bed $gBlack$b's play
on the g-$gfile$b.]
14.Bb2
[ 14.fxg5 Ng4 when $gBlack$b regains his pawn with a $gkingside$b $ginitiative$b.]
14...gxf4 15.exf4 h4 16.Qb3
[ 16.g4, trying to keep the $gkingside$b closed would be met with 16...Rg8
17.h3 Nd5 would win $gWhite$b's f-$gpawn$b.]
16...hxg3 17.hxg3 Nd5 18.Nc4 Nxf4
[With this $gsacrifice$b $gBlack$b is able to $gattack$b the exposed position of $gWhite$b's
$gking$b. Notice that $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs are misplaced, and cannot help defend their
monarch.]
19.Rae1
[ 19.gxf4 Qh4 would leave $gWhite$b $gdefense$bless against the $gattack$b down the h-
$gfile$b.]
19...Qg5 20.d5 Nd3
[$gWhite$b resigned. Can you see why?]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Fahrni
.EVENT Mannheim
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1914
.OPENING French
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5
[The French $gDefense$b which gives $gBlack$b a solid yet somewhat passive position.]
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e5 Nfd7 6.h4
[An interesting $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b which has been named the Alekhine-Chatard
$gattack$b . The main idea of the sacrifice is to gain a lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
6...Bxg5 7.hxg5 Qxg5 8.Nh3
[White $gdevelops$b the knight with $gtempo$b.]
8...Qe7 9.Nf4 Nf8
[Going backwards with the knight is a mistake. 9...Nc6 Developing his
$gpiece$bs is a better idea. For example...]
10.Qd2 b6 11.Bb5 Bb7
[When $gBlack$b is completing his development while maintaining his pawn
$gadvantage$b.]
10.Qg4
[With this move $gWhite$b has the double $gthreat$b of 11.Qxg7 and 11.Nfxd5.]
10...f5
[ 10...g6 11.Nfxd5 exd5 12.Qxc8+ Qd8 13.Qxb7 would give White a $gmaterial$b
$gadvantage$b.]
11.exf6 gxf6 12.O-O-O
[ 12.Nfxd5 exd5+ Since $gBlack$b has opened the e-$gfile$b the $gWhite$b $gking$b is in $gcheck$b
after capturing the $gknight$b.]
12...c6 13.Re1 Kd8
[Played with the idea of having the $gking$b protect the $gbishop$b on c8.]
14.Rh6
[A good move which puts pressure on $gBlack$b's f-$gpawn$b.]
14...e5 15.Qh4 Nbd7 16.Bd3 e4 17.Qg3 Qf7
[ 17...Qd6 18.Bxe4 dxe4 19.Rxe4 when $gBlack$b would have no good $gdefense$b against
$gWhite$b's intended 20.Qg7 winning the $grook$b.]
18.Bxe4
[$gWhite$b $gsacrifice$bs a $gpiece$b in order to open up the position. After which
White's $gdevelopment$b $gadvantage$b decides the game.]
18...dxe4 19.Nxe4 Rg8
[ 19...Qxa2 20.Nxf6 Nxf6 21.Qg7 would leave $gBlack$b $gdefense$bless.]
20.Qa3
[The $gcontrol$b of the dark squares by $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b decides the game.]
20...Qg7
[ 20...Qe7, trying to challenge $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b would fail to 21.Qa5+ b6 22.Qc3
when $gWhite$b's numerous $gthreat$bs give him a $gwinning position$b.]
21.Nd6 Nb6
[ 21...Qxh6 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
22.Ne8
[With this move $gWhite$b $gforce$bs the win of the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
22...Qf7 23.Qd6+
[$gBlack$b resigned since it's $gmate$b in two.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Von Balla
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1921
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.c4 Nf6
[ 5...Qb6 6.Nc3 $gWhite$b offers $gBlack$b a poisoned
$gpawn$b and if it's accepted: 6...Qxb2 7.Nb5 then
the $gWhite$b $gknight$b penetrates the $gBlack$b camp at c7. While Black's $gqueen$b is
almost $gtrap$bped.]
6.Nc3 cxd4 7.exd4 Ne4
[This premature $gattack$b is wrong especially so as $gWhite$b is ahead in
$gdevelopment$b. 7...Bb4 8.Bd3 dxc4 9.Bxc4 O-O Completing his $gdevelopment$b
would give $gBlack$b a playable game.]
8.Bd3 Bb4 9.Rc1 Qa5 10.Qb3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 g5
[This move is the logical follow up to $gBlack$b's previous play. However, this
advance will make it unsafe for $gBlack$b to later castle on the $gkingside$b.]
12.Be3 g4 13.Ne5 Nxe5 14.dxe5 Bxc3+ 15.bxc3 b6
[ 15...Qxe5 16.Bd4 Qf4 17.Bb5+ Bd7 18.O-O when $gWhite$b's huge lead in
$gdevelopment$b would give him a winning $ginitiative$b.]
16.O-O
[ 16.Bb5+ Bd7 17.Bxd7+ Kxd7 18.O-O would also be very good for $gWhite$b due to
the exposed nature of the $gBlack$b $gking$b.]
16...Bd7 17.Rfd1
[$gWhite$b decides upon a $gsacrifice$b which will leave the $gBlack$b $gking$b undefended.]
17...Ba4 18.Qb1 Nxc3
[ 18...Bxd1 19.Bb5+ Ke7 20.Qxe4 with a winning $gattack$b. For example, 20..Qxb5
would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
19.Rxc3 Qxc3
[ 19...Bxd1 20.Bb5+ Kf8 21.Bh6+ Kg8 22.Qxd1 With a mating $gattack$b for $gWhite$b.]
20.Bb5+ Bxb5 21.Qxb5+
[$gBlack$b's disregard for his $gdevelopment$b has allowed White to build a mating
$gattack$b.]
21...Kf8 22.Bh6+ Kg8 23.Qd7
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Johner
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Bad Pistyan
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING English
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 c5 4.Nc3
[ 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 $gtranspose$bs to the Benoni $gDefense$b.]
4...cxd4 5.Nxd4 d5
[Although 5...d5 is not a bad move 5...Bb4 would have been more energetic.]
6.cxd5 Nxd5 7.Ndb5 Bd7
[ 7...Nc6 would allow $gWhite$b a tactic based on $gBlack$b's c7 square. 8.Nxd5 exd5
9.Qxd5 Qxd5 10.Nc7+ Kd8 11.Nxd5 when $gWhite$b is a $gpawn$b ahead.]
8.e4 Nxc3 9.bxc3
[ 9.Nxc3 Bc5 would give $gBlack$b a slight lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
9...Qa5 10.Rb1 a6 11.Nd6+ Bxd6 12.Qxd6 Qxc3+ 13.Bd2 Qc6 14.Qf4
[White overestimates his $gattack$bing chances forgetting that his own $gking$b has
also been left in the $gcenter$b. 14.Qb4 a5 15.Qxb7 O-O would restore the
$gmaterial$b balance while giving White the $gadvantage$b of the $gbishop pair$b.]
14...O-O 15.Bd3 e5
[With this $gpawn$b $gsacrifice$b $gBlack$b opens lines for his $gpiece$bs to $gattack$b the
uncastled $gWhite$b $gking$b.]
16.Qxe5 Re8 17.Qd4
[ 17.Qg3 Rxe4+ 18.Bxe4 Qxe4+ 19.Be3 Qxb1+ 20.Ke2 Qxh1 21.Bh6 Qa1 wins for
$gBlack$b.]
17...Qg6
[This move stops White from $gcastling$b due to the $gpin$b with 18...Bh3.]
18.f3
[ 18.O-O Bh3 when White must lose $gmaterial$b to stop the threatened mate.
19.g3 Bxf1 20.Kxf1 would leave $gBlack$b an $gexchange$b ahead.]
18...Qxg2
[A surprising response since $gBlack$b opens the g-$gfile$b for $gWhite$b's $grook$bs.
However, having calculated all the $gvariation$bs Alekhine has come to the
conclusion that the resulting complications favor $gBlack$b.]
19.Rg1 Nc6 20.Qe3 Qxh2 21.Bc3 g6 22.Rxb7 Rad8
[$gBlack$b's $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b combined with $gWhite$b's $gking$b being in the $gcenter$b gives
him a $gwinning position$b.]
23.Bf6 Ne5 24.Be2
[ 24.Bxd8 Nxd3+ 25.Kd1 Ba4+ 26.Rb3 Rxd8 would also give $gBlack$b a winning
$gattack$b.]
24...Bb5 25.Bxe5 Rxe5 26.Bxb5 Rxb5 27.Rxb5 axb5
[White resigned due to his exposed $gking$b and $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Hromadka
.EVENT Bad Pistyan
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING Slav
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 Qb6 5.e3
[A solid move but one that doesn't try to punish $gBlack$b for his early $gqueen$b
sortie. 5.c5 Qc7 6.g3 With the idea of developing the dark squared $gbishop$b
to f4 gaining a $gtempo$b on the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b.]
5...Bg4 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Qa4+ Bd7
[ 7...Nc6 8.Ne5 Bd7 9.Bb5 e6 10.Nxd7 Nxd7 11.e4 With an $gattack$b similiar to the
game continuation.]
8.Bb5 a6 9.Bxd7+ Nbxd7 10.O-O e6 11.Ne5
[Although White has succeeded in $gpin$bning $gBlack$b's $gknight$b on d7, he does not
have the type of lead in $gdevelopment$b needed to exploit it.]
11...Qa7
[A terrible mistake which gives $gWhite$b everything he needs in order to take
$gadvantage$b of The $gpin$bned $gknight$b on d7. 11...Qb4 12.Qxb4 Bxb4 $gBlack$b has
succeeded in $gbreak$bing the $gpin$b while developing his $gbishop$b was the
correct way of play.]
12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.e4
[This energetic advance is made possible due to $gBlack$b's lagging
$gdevelopment$b which has resulted in his king being stuck in the $gcenter$b.]
13...b5 14.Qc2 dxe4 15.d5
[$gWhite$b wants to open up the $gcenter$b and get at the enemy $gking$b.]
15...e5 16.a4
[Before capturing the e-$gpawn$b $gWhite$b wants to provoke a weakness on $gBlack$b's
$gqueenside$b.]
16...b4 17.Nxe4 Qb7
[ 17...Bc5 with the idea of $gcastling$b would be met by 18.Be3 Bxe3 19.Nd6+ Kf8
20.fxe3 Qxe3+ 21.Kh1 when $gWhite$b would have a big $gadvantage$b for the lost $gpawn$b
due to $gBlack$b's uncastled king and better $gdevelopment$b.]
18.Rd1 Rc8 19.Qe2 Be7 20.Qg4 g6
[ 20...O-O 21.Bh6 Bf6 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
21.Bg5
[With the $gexchange$b of dark squared $gbishop$bs White makes sure that the $gBlack$b
$gking$b will remain in the $gcenter$b of the board.]
21...h6
[ 21...Bxg5 would lose $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b, as would  21...f6 22.Qe6 fxg5 ]
22.Bxe7 Kxe7 23.Qh4+
[$gWhite$b provokes $gBlack$b into playing $gpawn$b g5 in order to weaken the f5 square.]
23...g5 24.Qg4 Rc4 25.Qf5 Rf8 26.b3
[$gWhite$b drives back the $gBlack$b $grook$b before beginning the final assault.]
26...Rcc8 27.Nf6
[The $gWhite$b $gknight$b $gbreak$bs into $gBlack$b's position with decisive effect.]
27...Rc5
[ 27...Nxf6 28.d6+ Ke8 29.Qxe5+ Kd7 30.Qxf6 This leaves $gBlack$b's $gking$b exposed
to constant $gattack$b while White maintains a $gmaterial$b ]
28.Nxd7 Qc8
[ 28...Qxd7 29.Qxe5+ Kd8 30.Rac1 Rxc1 31.Rxc1 when $gWhite$b has a winning
position due to $gBlack$b's vulnerable $gking$b and $gmaterial$b deficit.]
29.d6+
[ $gBlack$b resigned since he losses the $grook$b after:]
29...Kd8 30.Qf6+ Kxd7 31.Qe7+ Kc6 32.d7 Qd8 33.Qxf8 Qxf8 34.d8Q Qxd8 35.Rxd8
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Saemisch
.EVENT Vienna
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.c4
[The Maroczy $gbind$b which gives $gWhite$b $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b after which $gBlack$b
must grovel, trying to find some $gcounterplay$b.]
5...Bg7 6.Nb3
[ 6.Be3 Developing a piece while protecting the knight is more thematic.]
6...Nf6 7.Nc3 d6 8.Be2 Be6
[$gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b turns out to be a target on the e6 square.
Better was to castle. 8...O-O 9.O-O Bd7 10.Be3 would yield $gWhite$b a $gspace$b
$gadvantage$b due to his $gpawn$bs at c4 and e4.]
9.O-O h5
[This strange looking move is directed against White playing 10.f4.]
10.c5
[White should just have continued with his $gdevelopment$b.]
10...dxc5
[$gBlack$b returns the favor as after the $gexchange$b of queens his king will
remain in the $gcenter$b and subject to $gattack$b. Better was 10...d5 11.Nd4 Nxd4
12.Qxd4 dxe4 13.Qb4 Qc8 14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Qxe4 O-O when $gBlack$b's active $gbishop$bs
compensate for White's $gqueenside]
11.Nxc5 Bc8 12.Qxd8+ Kxd8
[ 12...Nxd8 13.Nb5 O-O 14.Nc7 Rb8 15.Bf4 with an $gadvantage$b to $gWhite$b due to his
more active $gpiece$bs.]
13.Rd1+ Nd7 14.Bc4
[White wins $gmaterial$b since $gBlack$b can't defend his f-pawn.]
14...Bxc3
[ 14...Rf8 15.Nb5 a6 16.Bxf7 Rxf7 17.Ne6+ Ke8 18.Nbc7+ $gmate$bs.]
15.Bxf7 Kc7
[ 15...Nd4 would allow $gWhite$b a winning $gcombination$b: 16.Rxd4 Bxd4 17.Ne6++]
16.Ne6+ Kb8 17.bxc3
[$gWhite$b has a won game due to his extra $gpawn$b and $gBlack$b's lagging
$gdevelopment$b.]
17...Nde5 18.Bf4 Bxe6 19.Bxe6 Rf8 20.Bg3
[$gBlack$b resigned due to the $gpin$b on his $gknight$b which will cost him further
$gmaterial$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Koenig
.EVENT Vienna
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1922
.OPENING Queen's Indian
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 b6
[A move of doubtful value since $gBlack$b will be unable to stop $gWhite$b from
gaining $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b with $gpawn$b e4. Better was 2...e6 which prepares
for a future fight for the central square d5.]
3.Nc3 Bb7 4.Qc2
[After this move $gBlack$b will be unable to prevent $gWhite$b from gaining $gcontrol$b
of the $gcenter$b with $gpawn$b e4.]
4...d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Nf3
[Before gaining the pawn $gcenter$b with e4 White first stops any $gcounterplay$b
$gBlack$b might get if he can advance his $gpawn$b from e7
to e5.]
6...e6 7.e4 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Be7 9.Bb5+ c6 10.Bd3 O-O 11.e5
[White uses his better $gdevelopment$b to start a $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
11...h6 12.h4
[With the idea of bringing the $grook$b into the $gattack$b with Rh3 followed by Rg3.]
12...c5
[ 12...Nd7 13.Ng5 c5 14.Bh7+ Kh8 15.Bg8 With the $gthreat$b of $gmate$b on h7 would
bring White $gmaterial$b rewards.]
13.Rh3
[ 13.Ng5 cxd4 14.Bh7+ Kh8 15.Bg8 d3 would $gblock$b the $gmate$b on h7 while winning
the $gbishop$b $gtrap$bped on g8.]
13...Kh8
[$gBlack$b removes his $gking$b from the g-$gfile$b. However, it's not enough to save the
$gking$b.]
14.Bxh6
[With no $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs to defend the $gking$b $gWhite$b removes Black's $gpawn$b cover.]
14...f5
[ 14...gxh6 15.Qd2 By threatening 16.Qxh6+, White wins $gmaterial$b for
example 15...Kg7 16.Rg3+]
15.exf6 Bxf6 16.Bg5
[White has won a pawn while keeping his $gkingside$b $ginitiative$b.]
16...cxd4 17.Ne5
[This move takes $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's dark squared $gbishop$b being $gpin$bned to
the $gqueen$b.]
17...Nc6 18.Qe2 g6
[ 18...Nxe5 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in four.]
19.Bxg6 Kg7 20.Bh6+ Kg8
[ 20...Kxh6 would allow $gWhite$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
21.Nxc6
[$gWhite$b trades down to a winning ending.]
21...Bxc6 22.Qxe6+ Kh8 23.Bxf8 Qxf8 24.Qxc6
[$gBlack$b resigned since he is a $grook$b down with no $gcompensation$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Maroczy
.EVENT Carlsbad
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1923
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Be7 5.Bg5 O-O 6.e3 Ne4
[The Lasker $gvariation$b of the $gQueen$b's $ggambit$b Declined. $gBlack$b seeks $gexchange$bs to
free his somewhat cramped position.]
7.Bxe7 Qxe7 8.Qb3 Nxc3
[ 8...c6 9.Bd3 f5 would give $gBlack$b a strong $goutpost$b for his $gknight$b on e4.]
9.Qxc3 c6
[ 9...c5 10.cxd5 cxd4 11.Nxd4 exd5 would give an $gadvantage$b to $gWhite$b because of
$gBlack$b's weak isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
10.Bd3 Nd7 11.O-O f5
[A mistake which gives up $gcontrol$b of the e5 square. 11...dxc4 12.Bxc4 c5 would
be a better for White due to his better $gdevelopment$b.]
12.Rac1 g5
[This premature $gattack$b opens up $gBlack$b's already weakened $gkingside$b.]
13.Nd2 Rf7 14.f3
[White's lead in $gdevelopment$b gives him the better game. His last move
prepares to open up the position with 15.e4.]
14...e5 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.e4
[With $gBlack$b's $gqueenside$b still undeveloped White in effect is $gattack$bing
with an extra $grook$b and $gbishop$b.]
16...fxe4 17.fxe4 Rxf1+ 18.Rxf1 exd4 19.Qc7
[A strong move which ties down all of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs. 19.Qxd4 would be a
mistake which would allow $gBlack$b to $gexchange$b off queens with 19...Qc5]
19...Kg7 20.Rf5 dxe4 21.Nxe4
[As a result of $gBlack$b's backward $gdevelopment$b White has a winning $gattack$b.]
21...Qb4 22.Rxg5+
[$gBlack$b resigned.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Bogoljubow
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1921
.OPENING Bogoindian
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.c4 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Bxd2+ 5.Qxd2 d5
[This position resembles a $gQueen$b's $gGambit$b, but with the important difference
that the dark-square $gbishop$bs have left the board. Of the remaining clerics,
$gBlack$b's has difficulty having an impact on the game while a $gpawn$b sits at e6.]
6.e3 O-O 7.Nc3 Nbd7 8.Bd3 c6 9.O-O
[A mistake which allows $gBlack$b to free his game. 9.Rd1 would have left Black
with a $gcramped game$b.]
9...dxc4 10.Bxc4 e5
[This move takes $gadvantage$b of the exposed position of $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
11.Bb3
[ 11.dxe5 Nxe5 12.Qxd8 Nxf3+ 13.gxf3 Rxd8 when $gBlack$b stands a little better
because of $gWhite$b's double f-$gpawn$bs.]
11...Qe7
[ 11...e4 12.Ng5 Qe7 13.Bc2 after which $gWhite$b wins the $gBlack$b e-$gpawn$b. 11...exd4
12.Qxd4 Qb6 with equal chances.]
12.e4 exd4 13.Nxd4 Nc5
[ 13...Nxe4 14.Qe3 when $gWhite$b would win the $gknight$b on e4 due to $gBlack$b's
$gpin$bned queen.]
14.Bc2 Rd8
[ 14...Nfxe4 15.Bxe4 Nxe4 16.Qe3 Re8 17.Rfe1 Wins the $gknight$b due to the
$gpin$b on $gBlack$b's queen.]
15.Rad1 Bg4 16.f3 Ne6 17.Qf2 Nxd4 18.Rxd4 Be6 19.Rfd1
[$gWhite$b's $gcontrol$b of the open d-$gfile$b gives him the $gadvantage$b.]
19...b6 20.h3
[$gWhite$b prepares to advance his f-$gpawn$b but first takes $gcontrol$b of the g4
square.]
20...c5 21.R4d2
[ 21.Rxd8+ Rxd8 22.Rxd8+ Qxd8 would give $gBlack$b $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b.]
21...Rxd2 22.Qxd2 c4 23.f4 g6 24.Qd4 Rc8 25.g4
[White's $gcontrol$b of the open d-$gfile$b combined with his $gkingside$b
$ginitiative$b give him a big $gadvantage$b.]
25...Bxg4
[Rather than waiting and getting pushed off the board with $gpawn$b e5 or pawn f5
$gBlack$b decides on a desperate $gsacrifice$b.]
26.hxg4 Nxg4 27.Kg2 h5
[ 27...Qh4 28.Rh1 demonstrates the point of $gWhite$b's 27.Kg2.]
28.Nd5 Qh4 29.Rh1 Qd8 30.Bd1
[$gBlack$b resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Sterk
.EVENT Budapest
.THEME {S7}
.DATE 1921
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.e3
[Although this is certainly not a bad move one would expect the more energetic
5.Bg5 from an $gattack$bing player such as Alekhine.]
5...Bd6
[ 5...Be7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 c5 would give $gBlack$b a solid position.]
6.Nb5
[This attempt to gain the two $gbishop$bs is dubious since $gWhite$b's $gknight$b will be
misplaced on b5.]
6...Be7 7.Qc2 c6
[$gBlack$b gains a $gtempo$b on White's $gknight$b while $gstrength$bening his $gcenter$b.]
8.Nc3 O-O 9.Bd3 dxc4 10.Bxc4 c5
[As a result of $gWhite$b wasting time with his $gknight$b $gBlack$b has $gequalize$bd.]
11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.O-O b6 13.e4
[$gWhite$b not satisfied with his position strikes out to complicate the game.
However, safer was 13.b3 Bb7 14.Bb2 Rc8 15.Qe2 Qe7 with an equal game.]
13...Bb7 14.Bg5
[ 14.e5 would only open up $gWhite$b's position to be $gattack$bed. For example
14...Ng4 15.Ng5 g6 16.Nxh7 Qh4 17.h3 $gBlack$b can $gforce$b $gcheck$bmate.]
14...Qc8
[A good move which $gbreak$bs the $gpin$b and prepares for action on the c-$gfile$b.]
15.Qe2
[ 15.Rac1 would allow $gBlack$b to win a $gpawn$b with Bxf2+ ]
15...Bb4 16.Bd3 Bxc3 17.Rfc1 Nxe4
[Played with the idea of winning the $gpawn$b without doubling his f-pawns.
However, 17...Nc5 was to be preferred. ]
18.Bxe4 Bxe4 19.Qxe4 Nc5 20.Qe2 Ba5 21.Rab1 Qa6 22.Rc4 Na4 23.Bf6
[This is the first move of an ingenious mating $gattack$b. It's made possible by
all of $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs being over on $gqueenside$b away from their $gking$b. 23.b4
Nc3 would get $gBlack$b out of his difficulties due to the $gpin$b on White's c4
$grook$b.]
23...Rfc8
[ 23...Rac8 would allow the beautiful 24.Rg4 Qxe2 25.Rxg7+ Kh8 26.Rg3+ $gmate$bs.]
24.Qe5
[$gWhite$b continues his $gattack$b on the dark squares. 24.Rg4 would no longer work
because the $gBlack$b $gking$b has a $gflight square$b on f8. For example Qxe2 25.Rxg7+
Kf8 26.Rxh7 Ke8 27.Rh8+ Kd7 28.Ne5+ Kc7 29.Rc1+ Kb7 when $gBlack$b's $gking$b has
walked to safety.]
24...Rc5
[ 24...gxf6 would allow a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
25.Qg3
[$gWhite$b is relentless with his $gattack$b on the dark squares.]
25...g6 26.Rxa4
[$gWhite$b has won a $gpiece$b and with it the game.]
26...Qd3 27.Rf1 Rac8 28.Rd4 Qf5 29.Qf4 Qc2 30.Qh6
[$gBlack$b resigned since he can not avoid $gmate$b on g7 by $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Winter
.BLACK Alekhine
.EVENT Nottingham
.THEME {S8}
.DATE 1936
.OPENING French
1.d4 e6 2.e4 d5
[The game has $gtranspose$bd to the French $gDefense$b which usually leads to a solid
but somewhat cramped positions for $gBlack$b. Usually it arises from the move
order 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5.]
3.exd5
[The $gExchange$b $gVariation$b of the French $gDefense$b. It is not played that often
since it opens up the c8-h3 for $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b.]
3...exd5 4.Bd3 Nc6 5.Ne2 Bd6 6.c3 Qh4
[$gBlack$b has been able to seize the $ginitiative$b due to White's unambitious
play. The queen move prevents White from developing his dark squared
$gbishop$b to f4.]
7.Nd2 Bg4 8.Qc2
[ 8.Qb3 O-O-O 9.Qxd5 Nf6 10.Qb3 Rhe8 would give $gBlack$b a tremendous lead in
$gdevelopment$b for the sacrificed pawn.]
8...O-O-O 9.Nf1
[ 9.Bf5+ Kb8]
9...g6
[$gBlack$b wishes to $gexchange$b off White's good $gbishop$b on d3 and so prepares
for Bf5.]
10.Be3 Nge7 11.O-O-O Bf5 12.Nfg3 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 h6
[With the idea of securing $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b position, which may be uncomfortable
after $gWhite$b plays Qd2, by $gcontrol$bling the g5 square.]
14.f4
[This move is a mistake as it comprises $gWhite$b's $gcontrol$b of the e-$gfile$b by
taking away the protection of his dark squared $gbishop$b.]
14...Qg4
[Not allowing $gWhite$b's f-$gpawn$b to advance $gBlack$b take $gcontrol$b of the f5 square.]
15.h3 Qd7 16.Rhf1 h5 17.Ng1
[ 17.f5 h4 18.f6 Ng8 19.Nh1 Re8 when $gBlack$b has the $gadvantage$b as $gWhite$b's f-$gpawn$b
has broken away from the protection of his $gpiece$bs.]
17...h4 18.N3e2 Nf5 19.Nf3 f6
[Notice how $gBlack$b's f-$gpawn$b keeps $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs away from the $gcenter$b by
$gcontrol$bling the e5 square. ]
20.Nh2 Rde8
[$gBlack$b stands better as $gWhite$b's $gpiece$bs lack sufficient $gspace$b to manouever in
response to $gBlack$b's play on the open e-$gfile$b.]
21.Bd2 Re6
[$gBlack$b prepares to double $grook$bs on the open e-$gfile$b.]
22.Ng4 Rhe8 23.Rde1 R8e7
[The idea behind this move is to make room for the $gqueen$b on e8 so $gBlack$b can
triple his $gpiece$bs on the open e-$gfile$b.]
24.Kd1 Qe8 25.Qf3 Na5
[With the $gBlack$b $gknight$b entering the $gattack$b $gWhite$b will soon be faced with a
$gmaterial$b disadvantage.]
26.b3
[ 26.Qxd5 Rxe2 27.Rxe2 Rxe2 28.Qxa5 Ng3 29.Rf3 Qe4 30.Kc1 Rxg2 would leave
White's $gback rank$b undefendable.]
26...Nc4 27.Bc1
[ 27.bxc4 Qa4+ 28.Kc1 Ba3+ 29.Kb1 Rb6+ 30.Ka1 Qc2 There are numerous
$gcheck$bmating possibilities here.]
27...Nce3+ 28.Bxe3 Nxe3+ 29.Nxe3 Rxe3
[The $gexchange$bs have helped $gBlack$b's $gmajor $gpiece$bs$b to $gforce$b entry further down
the open e-$gfile$b.]
30.Qf2 Qb5
[Having tied down the $gWhite$b $gpiece$bs to the $gdefense$b of the $gknight$b on e2 $gBlack$b is
able to manouever more quickly with his $gpiece$bs to start new $gthreat$bs. The
current $gthreat$b is Qd3+ with $gmate$b to follow.]
31.Nc1
[ 31.Kd2 would allow $gBlack$b a $gforce$bd $gmate$b in two.]
31...Rxc3 32.Rxe7 Bxe7 33.Qe1 Kd7 34.f5
[ 34.Qxc3 Qxf1+ 35.Kc2 Qxg2+ With a two $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b for $gBlack$b.]
34...Re3 35.Qf2
[ 35.Qxe3 Qxf1+ 36.Kd2 Qxf5 With a winning two $gpawn$b $gadvantage$b for $gBlack$b.]
35...g5 36.Re1 Re4 37.Rxe4 dxe4
[$gBlack$b's extra pawn and passed e-pawn give him a easily winning $gendgame$b.]
38.Kd2 Bd6 39.Kc2 Bf4
[White resigned due to his $gmaterial$b deficit and $gBlack$b's strong passed e-
$gpawn$b. If you think you could hold $gWhite$b's position try playing the position
out against $gGambit$b.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Alekhine
.BLACK Sultan Khan
.EVENT Bern
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1932
.OPENING Caro-Kann
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nf3 Bg4 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Bb5 a6
9.Bxc6+ bxc6 10.Qa4 Nxc3 11.Qxc6+ Bd7 12.Qxc3 Rc8 13.Qe3 Bb5
[$gBlack$b has $gsacrifice$bd a $gpawn$b while his $gcompensation$b is $gWhite$b's isolated d-
$gpawn$b and the fact that $gWhite$b's $gking$b is at the moment unable to castle.]
14.a4 Bc4 15.b3 Bd5 16.O-O
[White has weakened the $gqueenside$b but has been able to get his $gking$b to
safety.]
16...Qb6 17.Bd2
[White is willing to trade his extra pawn for a lead in $gdevelopment$b. This
is often an effective strategy in the $gopening$b.]
17...e6
[ 17...Qxb3 18.Rfc1 Rxc1+ 19.Rxc1 Qxe3 20.fxe3 e6 21.Rc7 when $gBlack$b's lagging
$gdevelopment$b would give White a winning $ginitiative$b.]
18.Rfc1 Rb8
[ 18...Rxc1+ 19.Rxc1 would leave Black's $gback rank$b vulnerable.]
19.Ne5 f6
[ 19...Be7 20.Nc4 Qxb3 21.Qxb3 Rxb3 22.Nd6+ Bxd6 23.Rc8+ Ke7 24.Rxh8 would
leave White an $gexchange$b ahead.]
20.Nc6
[White's better $gdevelopment$b and extra pawn give him a winning $gadvantage$b.
$gWhite$b's last move takes $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gking$b in the $gcenter$b to drive
$gBlack$b's $grook$b from the b-$gfile$b.]
20...Ra8
[ 20...Bxc6 21.Qxe6+ Be7 22.Rxc6 would leave $gWhite$b two $gpawn$bs ahead.]
21.Na5
[With the threat of 22.Rc6 taking $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's weak e-pawn.]
21...Kf7 22.Nc4 Qb7 23.Qg3 Be7 24.a5
[$gWhite$b intends to post his $gknight$b on b6 which will give White complete $gcontrol$b
of the c-$gfile$b.]
24...Rad8 25.Nb6 Bc6 26.Rc4 Rhe8 27.Rac1 Bb5 28.Rc7 Qe4 29.d5
[$gWhite$b is willing to give back the $gpawn$b to open up lines to $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
29...Kg8
[This move leads to a rapid collapse of $gBlack$b's position. 29...exd5 would have
been put up more resistance.]
30.Re1 Qf5 31.Bb4 Rd7 32.Rxd7 Bxd7 33.Bxe7 exd5 34.Qd6
[$gBlack$b resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Deacon
.EVENT London
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1863
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4
[$gBlack$b accepts the $ggambit$b $gpawn$b. But what does $gWhite$b gain from this? The f-$gfile$b
is now open for $gWhite$b's $grook$b after $gcastling$b. White also has an abundance of
central $gpawn$bs.]
3.Nf3 g5 4.h4
[This move introduces the Kieseritzky and Allgaier $gvariation$bs to the $gKing$b's
$gGambit$b.]
4...g4 5.Ne5 Nf6
[ 5...Bg7 6.d4 would leave $gWhite$b in $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
6.Bc4 d5
[The only move to $gblock$b $gWhite$b's $gattack$b on the f7 $gpawn$b.]
7.exd5 Bd6 8.d4 Nh5 9.Nc3 Qe7
[This move is a mistake as it $gbreak$bs the $gopening$b rule that one should not
develop the queen before $gcastling$b. 9...O-O getting the king out of the $gcenter$b
was a better move.]
10.Bb5+ c6
[This move leads to $gBlack$b's defeat due to tactics on the a4-e8 $gdiagonal$b.
10...Bd7 11.Qxg4 when $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b is unable to $gcapture$b the
$gWhite$b $gqueen$b due to White's $gcontrol$b of the a4-e8 $gdiagonal$b. 10...Kf8 perhaps is
the $gbest move$b although $gBlack$b's $gking$b would not be very safe on the semi-open
f-$gfile$b.]
11.dxc6 bxc6 12.Nd5
[Initiates a beautiful $gcombination$b made possible by $gWhite$b's light squared
$gbishop$b $gpin$bning $gBlack$b's c-$gpawn$b.]
12...Qe6 13.Nc7+
[A clearance sacrifice which opens the a2-g8 $gdiagonal$b for White's light
squared $gbishop$b.]
13...Bxc7 14.Bc4 Qe7 15.Bxf7+ Kf8 16.Bxh5
[$gWhite$b has a won game due to the exposed position of $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
16...Bxe5 17.dxe5 Qxe5+ 18.Qe2 Qxh5
[ 18...Qxe2+ 19.Kxe2 when $gBlack$b has no way of preventing the loss of his f-
$gpawn$b.]
19.Bxf4
[White is a piece down but $gBlack$b's exposed king and backward $gdevelopment$b
give White a winning $ginitiative$b.]
19...Bf5
[$gBlack$b tries to $gblock$b the f-$gfile$b leading to his $gking$b, but it is too late.]
20.O-O Nd7 21.Bh6+
[A decoy move which aims at driving $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b from the protection of his
$gbishop$b.]
21...Kf7
[$gWhite$b now has a $gcombination$b that wins $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b.]
22.Rxf5+ Qxf5 23.Rf1 Qxf1+ 24.Qxf1+
[Although $gBlack$b has two $grook$bs for the $gqueen$b his position is lost because of
his open $gKing$b's position.]
24...Kg6 25.Bg5 h6
[ 25...Rhf8 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
26.Qd3+
[$gBlack$b resigned since he either loses $gmaterial$b or gets mated. ]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Hirschfeld
.EVENT London
.THEME {S16}
.DATE 1863
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 g5 4.h4
[With this move $gWhite$b chooses the Kieseritzky $gvariation$b of the
$gKing$b's $gGambit$b.]
4...g4 5.Ne5 Bg7
[This move is a mistake as it allows $gWhite$b to build up his $gcenter$b. Better was
$gattack$bing $gWhite$b's $gpawn$b at e4 immediately with 5...Nf6. ]
6.d4 Nf6 7.Bc4 O-O
[ 7...d5 $gBlock$bing the $gWhite$b $gbishop$b out at c4 should be preferred.]
8.Nc3 d6 9.Nxf7
[With this move $gWhite$b not only obtains a $grook$b and two $gpawn$bs for his two
$gminor piece$bs but more importantly he exposes the $gBlack$b $gking$b to an $gattack$b.]
9...Rxf7 10.Bxf7+ Kxf7 11.Bxf4 Kg8 12.O-O Nh5 13.g3
[ 13.Bg5 Not delaying the $gopening$b of the f-$gfile$b while $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's $gqueen$b
was also possible.]
13...Nc6 14.Ne2
[Although $gmaterial$b is even as White has a rook and pawn for the two
$gpiece$bs. $gWhite$b's position is superior since he $gcontrol$bs the central squares
with his $gpawn$bs which keeps $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs inactive.]
14...Qe7 15.Qd3 Bd7 16.Bg5
[With this move $gWhite$b not only $gattack$bs the $gBlack$b $gqueen$b but he also opens the
f-$gfile$b for his $grook$b.]
16...Bf6 17.Bxf6 Nxf6 18.Nf4 Qxe4
[This move is an oversight which allows $gWhite$b to win at least a $gpiece$b. ]
19.Nh5
[$gBlack$b resigned. If 19...Qxd3 then 20.Nxf6+ followed by 21.cxd3 leaves $gWhite$b a
$gpiece$b ahead.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Martinez
.BLACK Steinitz
.EVENT Philadelphia
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1882
.OPENING Italian
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
[The Evans Gambit where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid $gdevelopment$b.]
4...Bxb4 5.c3 Bc5
[This move allows White to play d4 with gain of a $gtempo$b on the dark
squared $gbishop$b. 5...Ba5 From a5 the dark squared bishop doesn't have to worry
about losing a $gtempo$b when White advances $gpawn$b to d4.]
6.O-O d6 7.d4 exd4
[ 7...Bb6 is another possibility.]
8.cxd4 Bb6 9.Bb2
[Since the $gbishop$b moves again in a few moves 9.Nc3 should be preferred. 9.Nc3
Bg4 10.Bb5 Kf8 11.Be3 would give $gWhite$b $gcompensation$b for his $gpawn$b.]
9...Nf6 10.e5
[This move is inconsistent with $gWhite$b's previous Bb2 since e5 didn't need any
preparation. 10.d5]
10...dxe5 11.Ba3 Be6 12.Nbd2 e4
[$gBlack$b already has a won game as $gWhite$b has no $gcompensation$b for his lost
$gmaterial$b.]
13.Re1
[Although this $gpiece$b $gsacrifice$b does not work $gWhite$b decided to go down
fighting.]
13...exf3 14.Qb3 Qxd4
[$gBlack$b has his own $gattack$b on $gWhite$b's f2 square.]
15.Nxf3
[ 15.Bxe6 would allow $gBlack$b a $gmate$b in two.]
15...Qxf2+ 16.Kh1 O-O-O
[Now that the $gBlack$b $gking$b has reached safety $gWhite$b could resign at any time.]
17.Rxe6 fxe6 18.Rf1 Ne4
[$gBlack$b ends the game with a little $gcombination$b based on $gWhite$b's weakened
$gback rank$b.]
19.Rxf2 Nxf2+ 20.Kg1 Rd1+
[Takes $gadvantage$b of White's weak $gback rank$b.]
21.Qxd1
[White resigned because of his $gmaterial$b deficit.]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Jasnogrodski
.EVENT New York
.THEME {S5}
.DATE 1894
.OPENING King's Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.f4 Bc5 3.Nf3 d6 4.Bc4 Nc6 5.c3 Nf6 6.d3 O-O 7.Bb3
[White prepares for a $gkingside$b advance starting with pawn f5. 7.f5 d5 when
$gWhite$b's light squared $gbishop$b allows $gBlack$b to $gbreak$b open the $gcenter$b.]
7...Ng4
[By moving the knight again $gBlack$b abandons his original plan of developing
all his $gpiece$bs before moving any of them a second time.. 7...Bg4 Completing
$gBlack$b's $gdevelopment$b while $gpin$bning the knight was a better move.]
8.Qe2 a5 9.f5
[This $gpawn$b advance puts $gBlack$b's light squared $gbishop$b out of play while
preparing for a $gkingside$b $gpawnstorm$b.]
9...a4 10.Bc2 Bf2+ 11.Kf1 Bb6
[Due to the closed nature of the position $gWhite$b's $gking$b on f1 is perfectly
safe.]
12.h3 Nf6
[ 12...Nf2 13.Rh2 Bd7 14.g4 Qe7 15.Rxf2 Bxf2 16.Qxf2 would give $gWhite$b a
$gmaterial$b $gadvantage$b of two pieces for the rook.]
13.g4
[$gBlack$b's problem in this position is that he doesn't have any active play.]
13...Re8 14.Kg2
[Before continuing his $gkingside$b $gattack$b White first move his king to a
safer position.]
14...d5 15.Bg5
[ 15.exd5 Nxd5 $gOpening$b up the position for the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs would be a
mistake.]
15...dxe4 16.dxe4
[Notice how the $gWhite$b $gpawn$b on c3 keeps the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs off of the d4 square.]
16...Qe7 17.Nbd2 Bd7 18.Nc4 Bc5 19.Rhd1 Red8 20.Bxf6 gxf6 21.Ne3
[Played with the idea of posting the $gknight$b on d5 next move.]
21...Bxe3 22.Qxe3 Na5 23.b3
[Takes away the c4 square from the $gBlack$b $gknight$b.]
23...Bc6 24.Qh6
[Having stopped any $gBlack$b $gcounterplay$b in the $gcenter$b and $gqueenside$b
White now directs his attention to the $gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
24...Kh8 25.g5 Rg8
[ 25...fxg5 26.f6 Qf8 27.Nxg5 Qxh6 28.Nxf7+ Kg8 29.Nxh6+ would leave $gWhite$b
with an extra $gpawn$b.]
26.h4 Ra6 27.Kh2 fxg5 28.f6 Qf8 29.Nxg5
[$gBlack$b resigned due to the $gattack$b on his h7 $gpawn$b. However, if you don't see
why $gBlack$b didn't play 29...Qxh6 setup this position for Gambit and let Garry show you why.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK MacDonnell
.EVENT London
.THEME {T1}
.DATE 1866
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 e6 4.d4 cxd4 5.Nxd4 a6 6.g3
[White's idea is to $gfianchetto$b his light squared $gbishop$b on g2 Thus
preventing $gBlack$b from striking back in the $gcenter$b with pawn d5.]
6...Bc5
[ 6...Nf6 would be less commital.]
7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.e5
[A good move. The idea is to restrain $gBlack$b's normal $gdevelopment$b by
$gcontrol$bling the $gkey$b squares f6 and d6.]
8...Qb6 9.Qd2 Ne7 10.Ne4
[The $gWhite$b $gknight$b gains a grip on the dark squares.]
10...O-O 11.Bd3 Ng6 12.f4 d6 13.exd6 f5 14.Nxc5 Qxc5
[$gBlack$b stands worse due to his broken $gpawn structure$b and $gbad bishop$b.]
15.Qc3
[The $gWhite$b $gqueen$b wastes no time in $gattack$bing $gBlack$b's weakened dark squares.]
15...Qxd6
[ 15...Qxc3+ 16.bxc3 Rd8 17.Ba3 would allow $gWhite$b to keep his extra $gpawn$b.]
16.b3 a5 17.a3 Qd5
[ 17...a4 18.b4]
18.Rf1 Ra7 19.Bb2
[$gWhite$b's two $gbishop$bs and $gcontrol$b of the dark squares give him a winning
$gadvantage$b.]
19...c5 20.O-O-O Qc6
[ 20...Ba6 would allow White to win $gmaterial$b.]
21.h4 Rff7
[Played to protect the $gseventh rank$b. However, by moving this $grook$b $gBlack$b
has weakened his $gback rank$b.]
22.h5 Ne7 23.Bc4
[$gWhite$b's $gbishop$bs have the $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs tied down defending each other.]
23...Nd5 24.Qe5
[This centralization of $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b brings just enough extra pressure to
$gbreak$b $gBlack$b's position.]
24...Qc7
[ 24...Rfc7 would allow $gWhite$b a winning $grook$b $gsacrifice$b.]
25.Rxd5
.QUIZ 25.Rxd5
[A brilliant sacrifice which exposes Black's weakened $gback rank$b.]
25...exd5
[ 25...Qxe5 26.Rd8+ Rf8 27.Rxf8+ Kxf8 28.Bxe5 would simply leave $gWhite$b a $gpiece$b
up.]
26.Qe8+ Rf8 27.Bxd5+ Qf7 28.Bxf7+ Raxf7 29.Qe5 Rf6 30.h6
[$gBlack$b resigned since he has no $gcompensation$b for his lost $gmaterial$b.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Zukertort
.BLACK Steinitz
.EVENT World Championship (7)
.THEME {S22}
.DATE 1886
.OPENING Queen's Gambit Declined
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.a3
[A good $gwaiting move$b. The idea is to move $gWhite$b's light squared $gbishop$b to c4
in one move instead of two in the event $gBlack$b plays 6...dxc4. $gWhite$b also
$gthreat$bens to $gcapture$b at c5 and then play b4 and Bb2. 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 when
$gWhite$b's $gbishop$b has moved two times to get to c4.]
6...dxc4 7.Bxc4 cxd4 8.exd4
[$gWhite$b has $gopen line$bs as $gcompensation$b for his isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
8...Be7 9.O-O O-O 10.Be3
[This is not the $gbest move$b since the $gbishop$b on e3 acts as a big $gpawn$b while it
$gblock$bs the e-$gfile$b for $gWhite$b's $gmajor $gpiece$bs$b. 10.Re1 would give White's pieces
more activity.]
10...Bd7
[ 10...b6 With the idea of 11...Bb7 would keep the d-$gfile$b open thus putting
greater pressure on the isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
11.Qd3
[ 11.d5 would lead to massive $gexchange$bs after 11...exd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5 13.Bxd5]
11...Rc8 12.Rac1 Qa5 13.Ba2 Rfd8 14.Rfe1 Be8
[$gBlack$b clears the d-$gfile$b so his $grook$b can pressure the isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
15.Bb1
[White forms a $gbattery$b on the b1-h7 $gdiagonal$b.]
15...g6
[This move not only stops any $gattack$b $gWhite$b might get against the h7 square, but
it also allows $gBlack$b' dark squared $gbishop$b to $gattack$b the d-$gpawn$b from the g7
square.]
16.Qe2 Bf8 17.Red1 Bg7 18.Ba2 Ne7 19.Qd2 Qa6
[ 19...Bc6 20.Nd5 Qxd2 21.Nxe7+ Kf8 22.Nxg6+ hxg6 23.Nxd2 would leave $gWhite$b a
$gpawn$b ahead.]
20.Bg5 Nf5
[$gBlack$b has a big $gadvantage$b due to his pressure on $gWhite$b's isolated d-$gpawn$b.]
21.g4
[This weakening of White's $gkingside$b is a mistake even if the knight had to
go backwards. 21.Be3 With the idea of activating the $gking$b $gknight$b with 22.Ne5
would be a better idea.]
21...Nxd4 22.Nxd4 e5 23.Nd5 Rxc1 24.Qxc1
[ 24.Rxc1 exd4 25.Nxf6+ Bxf6 26.Bxf6 Qxf6 would give $gBlack$b a winning $gadvantage$b
due to his extra $gpawn$b and $gWhite$b's exposed $gking$b.]
24...exd4 25.Rxd4 Nxd5 26.Rxd5
[ Not 26.Bxd8 Bxd4 27.Bxd5 Qe2 when $gBlack$b has an $gattack$b on three $gWhite$b $gpawn$bs
b, f and g.]
26...Rxd5 27.Bxd5
[$gWhite$b's $gbishop$bs are clearly more active, but there is a significant weakness
on the $gkingside$b.]
27...Qe2 28.h3
[The h-$gpawn$b no longer enjoys the protection of the $gking$b.]
28...h6
[$gBlack$b cannot $gcapture$b this $gpawn$b.]
29.Bc4
[ 29.Bxh6 Bxh6 30.Qxh6 Qd1+ 31.Kh2 Qxd5]
29...Qf3 30.Qe3 Qd1+ 31.Kh2 Bc6
[ 31...hxg5 32.Qxe8+ Kh7 33.Bxf7]
32.Be7 Be5+ 33.f4
[Now $gWhite$b's $gking$b is even more exposed, and all of a sudden the $gBlack$b $gbishop$bs
are more active than the $gWhite$b ones. Now $gBlack$b has a winning $gsacrifice$b. Try to
find it yourself.]
33...Bxf4+
.QUIZ 33...Bxf4+
34.Qxf4 Qh1+ 35.Kg3 Qg1+
[White resigned, since the only legal move allows a crushing $gfork$b:]
36.Kh4 Qe1+ 37.Qg3 Qxe7+ 38.g5 Qe4+ 39.Qg4 Qe1+ 40.Qg3 hxg5+ 41.Kg4 Qe4+
42.Kxg5 Qxc4 43.Qb8+ Kh7
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Steinitz
.BLACK Chigorin
.EVENT World Championship (4)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1892
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nf6 4.d3 d6 5.c3 g6
[$gBlack$b decides to $gfianchetto$b the dark squared $gbishop$b as it would be very
passive on e7.]
6.Nbd2 Bg7 7.Nf1 O-O 8.Ba4
[$gWhite$b wishes to keep his light squared $gbishop$b to $gattack$b the $gBlack$b $gking$b. This
is why he brings the $gbishop$b a little closer to home before it can be $gexchange$bd
off.]
8...Nd7
[$gBlack$b removes his knight from the $gkingside$b in order to begin a
$gqueenside$b $gattack$b.]
9.Ne3 Nc5 10.Bc2 Ne6 11.h4
[With $gBlack$b's $gknight$b no longer defending the h5 square $gWhite$b starts a
$gkingside$b $gattack$b.]
11...Ne7 12.h5 d5 13.hxg6 fxg6
[ 13...hxg6 14.Qe2 Re8 Now there is an escape square at f8.]
14.exd5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5 Qxd5 16.Bb3
[The $gexchange$bs have left $gWhite$b with the better position due to $gBlack$b's worse
$gpawn structure$b and exposed $gking$b.]
16...Qc6 17.Qe2 Bd7 18.Be3 Kh8 19.O-O-O Rae8 20.Qf1 a5
[ 20...Nf4 21.d4 Be6 22.Bxe6 Rxe6 23.Ng5 $gAttack$bing the $gBlack$b $grook$b and h-$gpawn$b
would also be good for $gWhite$b.]
21.d4 exd4 22.Nxd4 Bxd4 23.Rxd4 Nxd4
[This leads to a brilliant finish for $gWhite$b. 23...Rf7 Protecting the h-$gpawn$b
offered more resistance.]
24.Rxh7+
[With this $grook$b $gsacrifice$b the $gBlack$b $gking$b is flushed out into the open.]
24...Kxh7 25.Qh1+ Kg7 26.Bh6+ Kf6 27.Qh4+ Ke5
[ 27...g5 would allow $gWhite$b a $gmate$b in one.]
28.Qxd4+
[$gBlack$b resigned since after 28...Kf5 $gWhite$b would have $gmate$b in one.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Lasker
.BLACK Steinitz,
.EVENT World Championship (12)
.THEME {S10}
.DATE 1896
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 d6
[The Steinitz $gDefense$b Deferred of the Ruy Lopez enjoys the reputation of a
passive but solid $gopening$b.]
5.d4 Bd7 6.Bb3
[This is the wrong square for the $gbishop$b since it may come under $gattack$b from
$gBlack$b's $gknight$b i.e. Na5. 6.c3 would bolster the $gWhite$b $gcenter$b While allowing
the light squared $gbishop$b a retreat square at c2.]
6...Be7 7.dxe5 dxe5 8.Qd5
[This premature $gattack$b ends up giving $gBlack$b $gcontrol$b of the $gcenter$b.]
8...Be6 9.Qxd8+ Rxd8 10.Bxe6 fxe6
[$gBlack$b has doubled e-$gpawn$bs which are normally considered weak. However, in
this position they are not subject to $gattack$b but they do $gcontrol$b all of the
central squares. Therefore, $gBlack$b's $gpawn$bs are considered strong.]
11.c3 Nf6
[Another $gadvantage$b of $gBlack$b's $gdoubled pawns$b are the two open files(d and
f) he can use for his $grook$bs.]
12.Nbd2 Bc5 13.b4 Ba7
14.a4 b5
[Stops $gWhite$b's $gthreat$b of $gpawn$b 15.b5 followed by 16.Nxe5.]
15.Ke2
[ 15.axb5 axb5 16.Nxe5 Decoying $gBlack$b's $gknight$b from the protection of his
$gbishop$b would backfire after 16...Bxf2+ 17.Kxf2 Nxe5 when $gBlack$b stands better
due to his active $gpiece$bs and $gWhite$b's exposed $gking$b.]
15...Bb6 16.axb5 axb5 17.Ne1
[Played with the idea of 18.f3 to relieve the $gknight$b on d2 from the protection
of his e-$gpawn$b.]
17...Rf8
[$gBlack$b's better $gdevelopment$b gives him the $gadvantage$b.]
18.f3 Rf7
[$gBlack$b's idea is to bring this $grook$b over to the d-$gfile$b for the $gattack$b.]
19.Nb3
[A mistake which allows $gBlack$b to win a $gpawn$b. 19.Nd3 Rfd7 20.Nc5 Bxc5 21.bxc5
b4 when $gBlack$b's $gcontrol$b of the d-$gfile$b and his $gknight$bs ready to enter the
$gattack$b would give him the $gadvantage$b.]
19...Nxe4
[The $gknight$b can't be taken due to $gmate$b in one.]
20.Bb2 Nd6
[The $gknight$b heads toward the $goutpost$b square at c4.]
21.Rf1 Nc4 22.Bc1 Ne7 23.Bg5 Nd5
[The exposed position of $gWhite$b's $gking$b allows $gBlack$b a winning $gcombination$b by
giving up his $grook$b.]
24.Bxd8 Nf4+ 25.Kd1
[This is $gWhite$b's only legal move.]
25...Rd7+ 26.Kc2
[ 26.Kc1 Ne2+]
26...Ne3+ 27.Kb2 Nxf1 28.Bg5 Ne3 29.Bxf4 exf4 30.Rc1 e5
[$gWhite$b resigned. Even though he is only down a $gpawn$b, his $gpiece$bs can hardly
move and $gzugzwang$b is fast approaching. If the Nb3 moves then Rd2+. If the
Ne1 moves then the g-$gpawn$b falls. The $gthreat$b is Rd1. Enough is enough!]
.SCORE 0-1

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Payrhuber
.EVENT World Junior Championship
.THEME {S15}
.DATE 1969
.OPENING Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.g3
[A slow and ineffective move which Karpov soon abandoned.]
3...Nf6 4.d3 Nc6 5.Bg2 g6 6.O-O Bg7 7.Re1 O-O 8.c3
[$gWhite$b prepares the central advance d3-d4.]
8...Ne8
[$gBlack$b hopes to take the $ginitiative$b on the $gkingside$b, but he isn't
ready for such aggression.]
9.Na3
[White keeps the c1-h6 $gdiagonal$b open for his $gbishop$b and prepares to
centralize his $gknight$b by way of c4.]
9...f5 10.Ng5
[White takes aim at the weakened e6 square and opens the $gdiagonal$b for his
$gbishop$b to take aim at $gBlack$b's $gkingside$b from e4 or d5.]
10...Nc7
[Now White adopts a well-known procedure to win the $gexchange$b.]
11.Qb3+ Kh8
[ 11...e6 12.exf5 gxf5 and $gBlack$b will lose $gcontrol$b of e6.]
12.exf5
[White could win the $gexchange$b immediately by $gcheck$bing on f7, but first he
opens the h1-a8 $gdiagonal$b for his $gbishop$b.]
12...Bxf5 13.Nf7+ Rxf7
[$gBlack$b must give up the rook because of the $gfork$b of his king and queen.]
14.Qxf7 e6
[$gBlack$b hopes to get $gcompensation$b for the $gexchange$b by trapping White's
$gqueen$b, which now has no safe square to move to.]
15.Bg5
[Now $gWhite$b's $gqueen$b will get out and take several more $gBlack$b $gpiece$bs in the
process. If you have a question about how this will happen, play the position
out with $gGambit$b. Karpov's opponent didn't bother, prefering $gresignation$b here.]
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Korchnoi
.EVENT World Championship
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1978
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Nxe4
[The Open $gVariation$b has always been one of Korchnoi's favorite $gdefense$bs.]
6.d4 b5 7.Bb3 d5 8.dxe5 Be6 9.Nbd2
[$gWhite$b wants to eliminate $gBlack$b's strong $gknight$b on e4 and is willing to let
$gBlack$b trade off his Bb3 by ...Nc5 and ...Nxb3.]
9...Nc5 10.c3 g6
[$gBlack$b hopes to $gattack$b the $gpawn$b at e5, but this plan loses time and creates
weaknesses at h6 and f6 which $gBlack$b doesn't have time to defend.]
11.Qe2 Bg7 12.Nd4
[$gWhite$b begins his $gattack$b
before $gBlack$b can castle. He is willing to give up his $gpawn$b on e5 to open the
e-$gfile$b onto $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
12...Nxe5
[ 12...Nxd4 13.cxd4 Nxb3 14.Nxb3 $gWhite$b has a clear $gadvantage$b due to his lock
on c5 and $gBlack$b's $gbad bishop$b on e6.]
13.f4
[Now $gWhite$b will use his f-$gpawn$b to open more lines onto $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
13...Nc4 14.f5
[The thematic breakthrough.]
14...gxf5 15.Nxf5 Rg8
[ 15...O-O 16.Nxg7 Kxg7 17.Qh5]
16.Nxc4 dxc4 17.Bc2 Nd3
[$gBlack$b hopes to defend by shutting the Bc2 out of the game.]
18.Bh6
[$gWhite$b prepares to beak in on the f-$gfile$b by trading off $gBlack$b's last defensive
piece on the $gkingside$b.]
18...Bf8 19.Rad1 Qd5 20.Bxd3 cxd3 21.Rxd3 Qc6
[$gWhite$b $gdominates$b the $gcenter$b and his $gpiece$bs are much more active. $gBlack$b is
close to defeat.]
22.Bxf8 Qb6+ 23.Kh1 Kxf8 24.Qf3 Re8 25.Nh6 Rg7 26.Rd7 Rb8
[It's $gmate$b after 26...Bxd7 27.Qxf7+ Rxf7 28.Rxf7+]
27.Nxf7 Bxd7 28.Nd8+
[$gBlack$b resigned, since he will be $gmate$bd in a few moves. If you have trouble
finding the $gmate$b, I'll show you.]
28...Ke7 29.Qf8++
.SCORE 1-0

.NEWGAME
.WHITE Karpov
.BLACK Mariotti
.EVENT Portoroz
.THEME {S6}
.DATE 1975
.OPENING Spanish
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Bc5 4.O-O Qf6
[$gBlack$b hopes to prevent a future d4 by $gWhite$b, but his $gqueen$b is exposed on f6.]
5.c3 Nge7
[$gBlack$b must play this move to avoid an immediate d4 by $gWhite$b. For example, see
what happens in the following $gvariation$b: 5...h6 6.d4 exd4 7.e5 Nxe5 8.Nxe5
Qxe5 9.Re1 and $gBlack$b loses his queen because of the $gpin$b.]
6.b4 Bb6 7.Na3 g5
[$gBlack$b believes that with the $gcenter$b closed for the time being he can get away
with weakening his own $gkingside$b. He should have played a normal move like
7...a6 and followed up by d6 with a reasonable position.]
8.d4
[$gWhite$b wastes no time in punishing $gBlack$b's eccentricity. The $gcenter$b will be
torn open and $gBlack$b's $gpiece$bs will be kicked around. ]
8...g4
[ 8...h6 9.Nc4 And $gBlack$b will have to give up his $gpawn$b on e5 which will give
$gWhite$b a huge edge in the central.]
9.Nxe5 Nxe5 10.dxe5 Qxe5 11.Qxg4 Qxc3
[After a series of $gexchange$bs $gWhite$b has emerged with a much better game. He has
a great lead in $gdevelopment$b.]
12.Rb1 Rg8
[Do you see why $gWhite$b can't play 13.Qf3? ]
13.Qh5 Qg7
[$gBlack$b tries to gain time to coordinate his $gpiece$bs by $gthreat$bening $gmate$b on g2.]
14.g3 c6 15.Bd3 d6 16.Nc4 Bg4 17.Qh4 Nc8 18.e5
[$gWhite$b $gforce$bs the $gcenter$b open. $gBlack$b's $gking$b will perish in the ensuing
crossfire.]
18...dxe5
[ 18...d5 19.Nd6+ Nxd6 20.exd6 And the open e-$gfile$b and $gthreat$b of $gmate$b on e7
will doom $gBlack$b's $gking$b.]
19.Bh6 Bd8
[ 19...Qh8 20.Bg5 And $gWhite$b will follow up by Bf6 and Bxe5.]
20.Bxg7 Bxh4 21.Bxe5 f5 22.Na5
[$gBlack$b is losing a $gpawn$b and his $gking$b is still not safe, so he gave up.]
.SCORE 1-0