$3.

95

THL DEFINITIVE WORK ON THE GREAT MATCH. A COMMENT AND

DIAGRAM AFTER EVERY MOVE.

CHESS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1972

Fischer vs. Spassky

LARRY EVANS

KEN SMITH
CHESS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1972
- . FISCHER vs. SPASSKY----
 THE NEW KING OF CHESS

Cluster of three at lower left: Ewfim Geller {Spassky's 2nd), Nikolai Krogius (In 5passky's party}, Boris
Spassky (Ex-champion); In airplane: Ken Smith (helped Fischer with match preparation); Grasping
the crown: Bobby Fischer (new world champion); Two at desk: Lothar Schmid (Chief Referee), Gud·
mundur Arnlaugsson (Assistant Referee): Cluster of three below the desk - left to right: Saemundur
Palsson (Bobby's bodyguard), father William Lombardy (Fischer's 2nd}, Larry Evans (U.S. Grand·
master & previous Fischer 2nd): Cutting into money sacl<: Chester fox (had film rights}; On the stair·
step podium - left to right: Dr. Max Euwe (FIOE President), Sir Harry Golombek (FIDE oHiclal), Fred
Cramer (In Flscher's party), Gudmundur Thorarinsson (President of the Icelandic Chess Federation),
Fredrik Olafsson (Icelandic Grandmaster).

2
,.

LARRY EVANS
KEN SMITH

CHESS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

1972
..
. .

.
'

FISCHER vs. SPASSKY:�

SIMON AND SCHUSTER I NEW YORK

3
© 1973 by Larry Evans and Ken Smith

All rights reserved

including the right of reproduction
in whole or in part in any form.

Published for Chess Digest by

Simon and Schuster, Rockefeller Center,
630 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10020

SBN 671-21546·9 Casebound edition

SBN 671-21547-7 Paperback edition

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 73-97

Manufactured in USA

1 ·2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4
 ----

CONTENTS
Page
Preface . . 6
Game Statistics 7
Introduction 8
At Last, King Bobby . 13
Match Rules . 14
World Championship Matches . 16
Cartoon 18
Game 1 19
American Letter of Protest 33
Game 2 34
Fischers' Protest of Forfeit 34
Lawyer's Plea to Allow Filming 36
Game 3 37
Game 4 48
Game 5 59
Cartoon 66
Game 6 67
Cartoon 77
Game 7 78
Cartoon 90
Game 8 91
Cartoon 99
Game 9 . 100
Postponement and Psychologist's Letter. . 100
Game 10 . 108
Game 11 . 122
Cartoon . 129
Game 12 . 130
Fischers' Letter of Protest 143
Game 13 . . 144
American Letter of Protest . 162
Game 14 . 163
Game 15 . . 173
Game 16 . . 184
Press Release on Lawsuit . 198
Game 17 . . 199
Modification of Seating Arrangements . 210
Cartoon . 210
Russian Letter of Protest . 211
Game 18 . 212
Game 19 . . 224
Game 20 . . 234
Letters From Organizers . 247
Game 21 . . 248
Spassky's View . 258
Cartoon . 259
A Soviet View . . 260
An American View . 261

:<
5 i
!
 PREFACE

This is the first chess book where every move is annotated with a diagram. An amateur can
follow each game without a chess set. Moreover, this book has been designed so that a reader who
wants to figure out the next move can simply look at the diagram and cover up the next line.
Several vital offlcial documents have also been inserted to give you a sense of history in the
making. It is impossible, however, to capture the turmoil and pressure of events as they unfolded.
The harried organizers made every effort to save the match, and it now seems like a miracle that
they did so despite the political cross currents.
Many hands and many talents blended to produce what we hope is the definitive work on this
match. Foremost is Grandmaster Larry Evans. who covered the play-by·play action in Iceland for
King Features, Time, Sports Illustrated, and ABC-TV Wide World of Sports. No sporting event in
memory has ever dominated global headlines for two months.
Larry has been friends with Fischer ever since 1956 when they drove together to the Canadian
Open Championship. Bobby has frequently called him "the best writer on the game.'' And they
collaborated on Fischer's classic My 60 Memorable Games. Larry also served as his second during
the lnterzonal Tournament in Palma, Mallorca, 1970, the first leg of the world championship; and
again at the final Candidates' Match against Tigran Petrosian In Buenos Aires 1971.
The italicized notes are by USCF Master Ken Smith, who also digested Soviet chess analysis
by Botvinnik, Karpov, Keres, Polugaievsky, Smys1ov, Tai, Vasiukov, etc. Ken is editor of Chess Digest
and assisted in Bobby's match and tournament preparation. He flew from Dallas to New York count­
less times with a suitcase filled with chess material for Bobby to study.
Russian translations by Roy De Vault. Dobula Suttles, and Hanon Russell. Technical supervision
by Bob Mapes and John Hall.
The cartoons are reprinted by permission of Chess Digest magazine.

6
\

GAME STATISTICS

Game Date White Opening Moves Result Score

1 July 11-12 Spassky Q.P. Nimzo·lndian 56 Spassky 0 1

2 July 13 Fischer (Won by default) Spassky 0 2

3 July 16 Spassky Q.P. Modern Benoni 41 Fischer 1 2

4 July 18-19 Fischer Sicilian (Sozin Variation) 45 Drawn ll/2 2112

5 July 20 Spassky Q.P. Nimzo·lndian 27 Fischer 21h 21/2

6 July 23 Fischer Q.G.D. (Tartakower Defense) 41 Fischer 31/2 2112

7 July 25-26 Spassky Sicilian (Najdorf Variation) 49 Drawn 4 3

8 July 27 Fischer English 37 Fischer 5 3

9 Aug 1 Spassky Q.G.D. (Semi-Tarrasch Defence) 29 Drawn 5112 31/2

10 Aug 3-4 Fischer Ruy Lopez (Closed Defence) 56 Fischer 61/2 31/2

11 Aug 6 Spassky Sicilian (Najdorf Variation) 31 Spassky 6112 4 1/2

12 Aug 8-9 Fischer Q.G.D. (Orthodox Defence) 55 Drawn 7 5

13 Aug 10-11 Spassky Alekhin'e's Defence 74 Fischer 8 5

14 Aug .15 Fischer Q.G.D. 40 Drawn 81h 51/2

15 Aug 17-18 Spassky Sicilian (Najdorl Variation) 43 Drawn 9 6

16 Aug 20 Fischer Ruy Lopez (Exchange Variation) 60 Drawn 9112 6112

17 Aug 22-23 Spassky Pirc Defence 45 Drawn 10 7

18 Aug 24-.25 Fischer Sicilian (Rauzer Attack) 47 Drawn 101/2 71/2

19 Aug 27 Spassky Alekhine's Defence 40 Drawn 11 8

20 Aug 29·30 Fischer Sicilian (Rauzer Attack) 54 Drawn 11112 81/2

21 Aug 31-Sept 1 Spassky Sicilian (Paulsen Defence) 41 Fischer 12112 81/2

7
 INTRODUCTION
Fischer is the first non-Russian challenger for the world's chess championship in a quarter of
a century. He won that right by breezing through a series of qualifying tournaments.
In 1971, Soviet fans were startled and disconcerted by the ease with which the young American
won the Candidates' Tournament in Buenos Aires. Fischer scored 12 straight wins against Russia's
Mar�Taimanov and Denmark's Bent Larsen, an unheard of feat, before shellacking Russia's ex-world
champ Tigran Petrosian. I was Fischer's second in Buenos Aires and a top Soviet chessmaster told
me: "At home they don't understand. They think It means there's something wrong with our culture.''
Elated by his victory over Petrosian, Fischer joked: "I think I'll send Spassky a telegram. Con·
gratulations on winning the right to meet me for the World Championship."
Interest is at fever pitch in Russia, where chess is the national pastime and Bobby the most
popular foreign celebrity since the pianist Van Cliburn. One SovTet expert said: "We have been domi·
nant so long in chess and have gotten so used to winning that r think it has made us complacent.
There are no great names these days. No young players are coming up. It would be a good thing if
Fischer takes the title from Spassky."
But this attitude is far from typical. For years the official Soviet line has been that Fischer is a
crybaby and a loudmouth. The Soviet press has never forgiven him for charging that their players
ganged up and cheated him out of a crack at the title in a Candidates' Tournament at Curacao i n
1962. Fischer accused the Russians of consulting during games and drawing with each other t o con·
serve their energy. "I had the best score of anyone who didn't cheat.'' While leading a similar even1
in Tunisia in 1967, Fischer walked out over a scheduling disf>{Jte with the Russians.
Recently Fischer said: "They cheat in other sports, not just chess. The funniest - if you think
it's funny - is with their track athletes. Some women! They take male hormone injections. The Rus·
sians have been committing international crimes for so long - spreading lies and political propa·
ganda all over the world, cheating at sports - someone has to stop them. I've been chosen. I Intend
to teach them a little humility.
"I just read an attack on me .by Botvinnik. the ex.world champion, in a Russian magazine. He
said he was writing it in the interest of truth. He said I was capricious, conceited, paranoid, that I
lacked principles and was not sufficient as a human being. I'm sick of their hypocrisy.
"like when I beat Petrosian recently in Buenos Aires. There was just this little squib in their
papers about it. But there was a local championship that they put in headlines. If Petrosian had beaten
me, then there would have been headllnes.
"I was even put down in my own country. Americans really don't know much about chess. So
they listen to other people. But I think if - when - I beat Spassky, that Americans will take a
greater interest in chess. Americans like winners.
"The United States is not a cultural country. The people here want to be entertained. They don't
want any mental strain, and chess is a high intellectual form. Americans want to plunk down in front
of a TV and not have to open a book.
"But now President Nixon just sent me a letter saying that America is backing me. The U.S. is
getting kicked around in the world. I am representing us, the entire free world, in fact, in a kind of
grudge match against the Communists."
Fischer's opponent. the stocky; square-jawed, chain-smoking Spassky, is something· of a mav·
erick himself. Fischer comes from a broken family. So does Spassky. Like Fischer, Spassky is Jewish.
Spassky has consistently refused to join the Communist Party and has also often been at odds
with the Russian chess auttiorities. In 1971, while competing in Canada, he was refused permission
to give a lecture and exhibition tour In the U.S. "I wish I were as tree as the American players,·•
Spassky told a Western reporter.
Spassky bears a big burden. "It's hard for me to say wh9 will win this match," he conceded
rec.ently. "I would not care to make any prediction. I like fischer's style very much. I like the purity
of his play- very logical. His personality is very explosive. He's a real fanatic. I feel fond of him."
Bobby Fischer's results have been so phenomenal that he is the highest·rated chess player in
the history of the game, according to a statistical scale used by the Federation· lnternatiooale des
Echecs, commonly known as FIOE, the international chess federation. He has played a total of 96
games against Russian grandmasters, the finest in the world, scoring 531h points (a win is a full
point and a draw is a half point). Yet he has failed to beat Spassky in a single individual encounter,
losing 3 and drawing 2 in the 5 games they have contested.
Despite his dismal score against Spassky, Fischer is the choice of nearty every expert. Indeed,
London bookmakers favor him 6-to-5. Yet the champion has a big edge in a 24-game match: in the
event of a deadlock Spassky retains the title. Fischer must post 12% points to achieve victory,
which means Spassky can employ a conservativ� strategy.
The match will progress at the rate °' three games per week. A session lasts 5 hours and each
player is allotted 2112 hours in which to complete 40 moves. A dual push-button clock times only the
player who is "on move." If the game is unfinished, one player seals his move in an envelope and
the session is resumed npxt day.
8
 It is here in the adjourned positions that Spassky's advantage may prove greatest, for he has
a small anny helping him with analysis whereas Fischer prefers to work alone. Often this means sleep­
less nights burning midnight oil.
Spassky is a classicist who once surprised Fischer with the King's Gambit, a risky opening ploy.
Since winning the title from Petrosian'in a close match In 1969, however, his drive has faltered and
his results have been sluggish. Recently he mustered no better than a tie for sixth in a field of 18
grandmasters at Moscow. Gone is the panache and daring that so delighted chess buffs.
In risking his title against Fischer, the world champion is also putting Soviet prestige on the
line. Yet there is no way out: FIDE, the international chess federation, has decreed that the cham·
peon must face an accredited challenger once every three years.
The challenge obviously does not faze him: "I'm still king," he reminds reporters. "I'm a lazy
Russian bear. I don't take. months to prepare for a tournament the way the old masters did. But I
make up for It by working much harder while the game is in progress."
The stocky, well-conditioned Spassky, 5' 10" and 176' pounds, looks mote like an athlete than
a chessplayer. Away from the chessboard, he skis, swims, plays soccer and tennis - and practices
Yoga. He lives in Moscow with his second wife, Larissa, and their 4-year-old son. "I would not like
our son to play chess,'' said his wife, "because the nervous strain is too great."
Spassky, who �olds a degree in journalism, earns more than 500 rubies ($560) a month to play
chess, five times more than the average Russian worker.
He is a natiot>al hero in a nation that has over four million registered players. Promising
youngsters are cultivated ,in SQviet elementary schools and given years of free training by the state.
Authorities, however, recently declared that "urgent measures are required" to find and develop
new young stars. Because of the tension and concentration demanded, championship chess is a
young man's game, but the best Russian players are mainly over 40.
Unlike Fischer', who lives chess 24 hours a day, Spassky sp.ends less than 4 hours a day pre­
paring for the match. Spassky. however, has a tremendous team to assist them.
Until their recent breakup, Igor Bondarevsky, 58, a grandmaster, had coached Spassky for over
a decade. It was Bondarevsky wtio figuratively brought Spassky back from Siberia.
In the World Students' Team Championship at Leningrad in 1960, 1he Americans defeated the
Russians and Spassky, who was going through divorce proceedings at the time, was blamed for the
Soviet defeat. He vtas forbidden to play abroad for three years. "Bondarevsky did a lot not only for
my chess but for my character," said Spassky. "He has a very happy family life and is a man of
strong character."
To aid him in analyzing openings and adjourned positions, Spassky will rely on lvo Nei and
Ewfim Geller, who also commands a plus score agains't Fischer. Another member of the team Is
Nikolai Krogius, a chessplaying psychologist. There are chessplayers who will tell you that KrOgius
has been psychologically conditioning Spassky. Asked exactly what Krogius did, Spassky replied:
"He gives homey advice and platitudes to which the rest of us listen with rapt attention."
Chess in America is riding to popularity on the broad shoulders and stormy personality of
Bobby Fischer. At 14, in sneakers, T-shirt and jeans, he walked off with the first of eight U.S.
Championships. At 17, he proclaimed: "I am going to win the world championship, hold it a couple
of years and then take up something else and make a lot of money."
Just 29 and already a legend, Fischer Is within sight of his goal. "Anyone ·t'iho knows anything
about chess knows that I have been world champion in everything but name for the past ten years,"
he said. "Next to me Spassky's the best. I don't say that to brag. I think rt's true. I love the game
- and I hate the Russians because they've almost ruined it. They only risk the title when they
have to, every three years. When I'm champion I'll take on all comers."
Bobby Fischer was born in Chicago on March 9, 1943. His father, a �rman physicist, and
his mother, a nurse, were separated when he was 2. His sister Joan. six years otder than Bobby,
looked after him ....tlen the family moved to Brooklyn in 1949. She kept him occupied with games
and puzzles until their mother returned from work.
One day Joan bought a chess set at the corner candy store and they figured out the moves
from the directions that came with the set. "At first it was just a game like any other," said Ek>bby,
"only a little more complicated." From his window he could hear the baseball cheers in Ebbets Field.
Fischer found an old chess book and from then on "he just didn't answer when you spoke,"
recalls his mother. In 1951 she wrote a letter to the chess editor of the local paper asking whe�e
her eight-year-old son could find a game of chess with boys his own age. The editor suggested that
Fischer attend a simultaneous exhibition at the public library. A former Scottish champion took on
30 opponents at once and pollshed Bobby off in 15 minutes.
Carmine Nigro, the president of the Brooklyn Chess Club, was on hand. He was teaching his
son to play and started teaching Fischer also. But Bobby learned so much faster that Nigro's SQn
became discouraged and quit.
Fischer's genius was not evident when he entered the U.S. Amateur Championship in 1955.
"I lost my nerve and only wanted to watch," he said. Nigro persuaded him to play, however, and
Fischer finished near the bottom. In July he went to the U.S. Junior Championship at Lincoln, -
Nebraska, and finished 20th in a field of 26.
Bitten by the chess bug, Fischer wasn't much interested in school when he entered Erasmus
High. He grew into a gangling, awkward boy,. touchy and uncommunicative, often rude, The separa·
9
tion of his parents was such a sore topic that an innocent query about his father's interest in his
chess might make Fischer the enemy of whoever asked it.
In America chess talent must flourish like weeds growing through cracks in the sidewalk.
Fischer is selfmade, a wild accident, the product of no system, no ideology. Friends and strangers
always gave him well-meaning advice: "chessplayers starve," "don't waste your life on a hobby,"
"take up a 'useful' profession instead.'' But Fischer did his own thing and dropped out of high
school to pursue his first and only love. "Teachers are jerks," he snapped.
To play billiards too well. goes the saying, is a sign of an ill-spent youth. Although Fischer has
travelled to almost every continent and dined with heads of state, he often regrets his lack of formal
education. "After I win the title then I can think about developing myself in other areas," he says.
After winning the U.S. Championship in 1958, Fischer qualified for the lnterzonal tournament,
the first step on the road to the world championship. At 15, he earned the coveted title of Inter·
national Grandmaster.
He and his sister were Invited to Moscow. Fischer loafed around the chess club for two weeks,
hopin(f to take on its leading masters. Instead he was introduced to an endless succession of sports
celebrities - weight lifters, gymnasts and soccer stars, all of whom bored him.
The Russians did not approve of Bobby Fischer. Chess is part of an old intellectual tradition:
chessmasters are men of the world, highly educated, and Fischer's indifference to culture Irritates
and disturbs them.
In 1958 Bobby Fischer antagonized many of his earliest and most enthusiastic backers by
refusing to play tor the U.S. squad at the chess Olympiad held In Munich. Fischer, Who was then 15,
insisted on his rrghts as U.S. champion, refusing to yield first board to Sammy Reshevsky, who
was then 47 and the darling of t.he old guard.
Two years later his mother picketed the White House, chaining herself to the gate to call atten·
tion to the need for funds to send an American Olympiad team to Leipzig. In the finals Fischer was
high scorer on first board; Russia's then.world champion, Mikhail Tai, barely escaped with a draw
against him.
Acutely embarrassed by his mother's militancy, Fischer withdrew further into his shell. Shortly
thereafter she joined a group of idealists on a peace walk to Russia and married one of the marchers.
She and her husband later moved to England. Meanwhile his sister Joan, tall, pretty, sensitive, mar·
ried a scientist and moved to California.
Hermit·like and insulated from people, Bobby surrounded himself with chess books and elec·
tronlc equipment. He seldom travelled without a transistor radro. With the apartment in Brooklyn
all to himself, Fischer slept late. studying as many as 50 foreign chess magazine-s each month,
dabbling in palmistry, listening to rock and roll, relaxing with ping-pong, bowling and swimming.
In 1961 Mrs. Jacqueline Piatigorsky, a wealthy chess patron, put up a purse of $8,000 for
a match between Fischer and Reshevsky to decide once and tor all who was the better player.With
the score tied, Fischer forfeited the match by not showing up for the 12th game.
T�e schedule had been altered to Sunday morning instead of Saturday night. to enable Mrs.
Piatigorsky to attend a cello concert given by her husband Gregor that evening.A late riser. Fischer
asked to have the game postponed until Sunday afternoon. explaining that he just couldn't play good
chess in the morning, This time Reshevsky stood by the letter of his rights ancf refused to agree to
a postponement.
Frank Brady, author ot a biography of Fischer called Profile of a Prodigy, was then editor of
Chess Life and got fired for backing Fischer in a scathing editorial: "Must our top players perform
like pet dogs without a voice or an opinion on where they will play and what time they will ptay­
simply because someone else has paid the piper?' '
Fischer made up with Mrs. Piatigorsky, but for a long time he and Reshevsky were not on
speaking terms. Although Fischer's integrity and refusal to compromise have sometimes cost him
dearly, his defiance of chess authorities and his demands for better playing conditions have raised
the professional standards of the game. "I'm tired of seeing chessplayers treated like bums." he says.
In those days Fischer was broke, but he turned down $1,000 to pose in front of a Steinway
piano. He felt it would be wrong to endorse an instrument he didn't know how to play. Fischer, how·
ever. will endorse products he believes In. like transistor radios, which he lugs around the world.
He told Life magazine: "I want to get some money together ... All these athletes making hun·
dreds of thousands of dollars ... Cootracts. endorsements. If there's room for all of them, there
ought to be room for one of me.'' But so far he has turned down every lucrative offer.
In 1967 Prince Rainier requested two American grandmasters for an international tournament in
Monaco. There was one condition: one of the two had to be Bobby Fischer. Fischer won the tourna·
ment but made himself unpopular by acting like a prima donna. Two years later the Americans
received another request for two players. Again there was a condition: neither of the two should be
Bobby Fischer.
In 1968 officials at the Chess Olympiad in Lugano refused his demands for special lighting and
a private playing room away from spectators. Fischer was so annoyed that he deserted the American
team and holed up "to plot my revenge If I ever come back." He visited his mother in England and
then moved to Los Angeles, where he brooded and stayed out of active competition for 18 months.
A voracious chess student, he continued to read everything he could lay his hands on - acqulr·
ing a smattering of Spanish, German, Serbo·Croatian and Russian in order to make sense out of chess
periodicals in those languages. He shut people out of his life - who needs complications? Frustrated,
10
tftete must have been times when he wished he owned a miniature computer programmed to play
chess.
This was the low point of his career.
In 1970 Fischer was lured out of his self·imposed exile by a major new chess event: Russia vs.
The Wortd on ten boards. After initially declining an invitation to play top board for the World, Fischer
relented. A list of 23 conditions, ranging from a ban on photographers to the intensity of stage light·
·

ing, was negotiated to his satisfaction.

Complications arose, however, when he arrived in Belgrade. Bent Larsen of Denmark threatened
to withdraw unless he played top board instead. To everyone's surprise, Fischer consented to step
down to second board. He led the world to a near-upset over the Russians by smashing Petrosian 3
to l (2 wins, 2 draws).
From then on each success became another milestone in the growing legend, inspiring the N.Y.
Times to speak of a strange malady called "Fischer·fear.'' "There is some strange magnetic influ·
ence in Bobby," the Soviet grandmaster Yuri Averbakh said. "His opponents (are) spiritually wrecked
after the first couple of games."
Fischer plays hard at everything. He exhibits the same ferocious will to win in bowling, tennis
and ping·pong. In the mid·sixties he joined the Church of God, a fundamentalist California-based
sect that observes the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.
Fischer neither travels nor plays chess during this period. He disappears into his room for 24
hours of solitary meditation. He reads the Bible and Playboy. He does not smoke, he does not eat
pork, and he drinks only an occasional glass of beer or wine with meals.
"Around the world I'm better known than Joe Namath. In America I'm nobody," he once said
bitterly, irked at the penny-ante status of chess in his own country. All that is changing now and he
is learning the price of fame.
In Buenos Aires his Final Candidates' match with Petrosian received banner headlines and his
smallest idiosyncrasy was chronicled in the press. Fischer was besieged by photographers in his
hotel lobby and they followed him into the street. Maddened by these paparazzi, he lunged for a
camera but missed, then kicked a reporter twice in the leg. "I shouldn't have kicked him," he mused
later. "You can't go around kicking people."
One of his friends said: "Fischer's a little mellow nowadays; but the more you give in to him,
the worse he gets. He believes he is a great artist regardless of the status of chess in the eyes of the
world. And he wants to be treated as such." According to another friend, "All Bobby needs is to get
married - that will straighten him out."
Fisher has been deep in training at Grossinger's resort in the Catskills. where he rises in the
afternoon for a vigorous physical workout to build up stamina for the match. All night long he studies
Spassky's games, to the accompaniment of a rock radio station.
But after all negotiations for the match had been completed, he found time to fire off telegrams
to the organizers demanding half of all profits in addition to the purse. Mindful of Fischer's reputa·
tion, Yugoslavia, originally scheduled to host half of the games, dropped out of the bidding. It looked
as if the match was off and Fischer's enemies were gleeful.
Yugoslav journalists bitterly recalled a time 12 years ago when Fischer, on stage in front of
2,000 chess fans, counted out his pri-ze money in dinars bill by bill.
Dr. Max Euwe, a Dutchman who is president of FIDE and a former worfd champion himself,
gave Fischer 72 hours to accept a slightly reduced purse in Iceland or be replaced by another chal·
lenger. Nine hours short of the deadline Fischer agreed under protest,lnoting he would fa� Spas.sky
anywhere in the free world. "Iceland, with all due respect, 1s just too small and primitive a country
to handle an event of this size. Their hall is inadequate and so is their lighting . . . But the worst
thing of all is that there is no way to telecast the match from Iceland to the Untted States or even to
Europe. That's why the Russians picked Iceland. They know they're going to lose the match, so they
figured they might as well bury it," Fis<:her told Life.
At the last minute, however, Fischer balked at the purse and did not show up for the first
game on July 2nd. Fortunately an English chess lover doubled the purse to $250.000. Bobby arrived
on July 4th but the match did not get underway for another week until he formally apologized to
Spassky.
Chess is a way of life, a tight world of 64 squares, an unreal fascination. Fischer studies the
game with monastic devotion. Seldom without a chess book in his hand, and always accompanied by
a pocket chess set, he lives in hotels and moves from tournament to tournament the way surfers
follow the surf.
The chessmaster must have courage and a killer Instinct as well as stamina. When asked on TV
about his greatest pleasure in chess, Fischer was brutally frank: "Crushing the other guy's ego."
As a youngster he once blurted, l like to see 'em squirm." He may go down in history as the most
"

Individualist, intransigent, uncommunicative, uncooperative, solitary, self-contained and independent

chessmaster of all time, the loneliest chess champion in the world.
Perhaps genius cannot flourish with idiosyncrasy. When asked if he's a genius, Fischer says:
"It's only a word. What does it really mean? If 1 win, I'm a genius. If 1 don't, I'm not."

- Larry Evans "Reprinted Courtesy of King Features."

11
12
 AT LAST, KING BOBBY

BOBBY FISHER USA WITH

BORIS SPASSKY USSR. THE OLD KING,
AT THE END OF THE WORLD
CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH.

It was 2:47 p.m. when Bobby Fischer strode onto the stage at the Reykjavik Sports Hall and signed
the scoresheet on the che ss table. He had arrived 17 mi nutes late to resume th e adjourned 2lst game
in his world championship chess match with Boris Spassky. But Spassky was not there. The 2,500
spectators soon learned why. "Ladies and gentlemen," anno unced Referee Lot har Schmid, "Mr. Spass·
ky has resigned by telephone at 12:50. Mr. Fischer has won thi s game, No. 21, and he is the winner
of the match."

As the audience burst into applause for the first American ever to wfn the official world c h ampion­
sh ip, Bobby nodded, smiled shyly and hurried from the hall. Spassky, reached by a newsman. was
phi lo sophical about his defe<Jt: "I'm not sad,
" he s aid. "It's a sporting event and J lost. Bobby's the
new champion. Now I must take a walk and get some fresh air."
Was Boris psyched out by Bobby's antics even before the tournament began? That is the great riddle.
The match was really much closer than indicated by the cold statistic of the final score, 12� points
to 8%. In fact, it was really two matches. To put the contest into perspective, Bobby's whopping lead
of 6lh to 3V2 in the first half (a win is a point, a draw half a point) must be compa re d with his narrow
6-to-5 edge in the last eleven games.

Like a chess game, the entire match was divided into three phases: opening, middle game, ending.
No one knew better than Boris that he had failed to secure much of an advantage playing white in the
first game and that Bobby had beaten himself by trying to win what was clearly a dead draw. None·
theless, Bobby's mistake encouraged the Russian team, which had counted on his impetuosity and
overconfidence.

Ping Pong. When Bobby forfeited the second game by not showing up because of a dispute over TV
camer'as, no one thought that he could be persuaded to resume the match if the officials insisted that
the game be awarded to Spassky. Boris probably had reservations about a ccepti ng the gift point, but
he may well have felt that Bobby's behavior should not go unpunished. The officials stood fast.

Thus it was probably with consternation and shock that Boris saw Bobby not only show up at the
last minute for the third game, but also display the effrontery to demand that it be played in a dingy
back room, ordinarily used for Ping Pong. ''Just this once. Never again,'' said Boris, thereby sealing
13
his own doom. By remaining intransigent, he probably could have provoked another walkout by Bobby
and won the entire match by forfeit Gradually falling behind after Bobby played an unorthodox move
early in the game. Spassky finally extended his hand in defeat at the 41st move; it was the first time
he had ever lost to Fischer. Boris was still leading 2· 1, but he had lost an important psychological
edge; Bobby now knew that he could bloody his opponent.

Spassky recovered strongly in the fourth game; only Fischer's great resourcefulness under fire en·
abled him to stave off defeat and force a draw. But the fifth game was an utter fiasco for Boris.
Playing white against the Nimzo·lndian defense, he failed to secure the initiative, vacillated and then,
on the 27th move, committed one of the worst blunders of his career. After realizing his error, Boris
resigned on the spot. "My position was bad anyway,'' he shrugged as I met him on his way out. He
seemed wearily detached.

Now the match was tied, 2112 to 2l/2. The sixth game indicated that a new phase, the "middle
game," had begun. This was Bobby's most impressive victory, a classic model of switching the attack
from one wing to the other. Mindful of his bitter experience in Game 4, Bobby, whose first move is
almost always pawn to king four, changed to a queen pawn opening for the first time, boldly outplay·
Ing Boris on his own ground. Boris resigned on move 41, and fingered onstage to applaud Fischer's
brilliance.

In Games 7 through 10 Bobby's slashing attack continued. He increased his lead to 3 points, hack·
ing away all resistance. But in the eleventh game. Bobby used his favorite Najdorf Sicilian defense once
too often, snatching the so·called "poisoned pawn." This time, Spass.ky was ready; he crushed
Bobby for his finest-and last-win of the match. Game 12 was a draw. But Boris blundered on the
69th move of Game 13; in the eighth hour of a marathon contest, he threw away a draw and fell be·
hind, 8 points to 5.

The Reykjavik "endgame" started with Game 14, the first of seven drawn games In a row. Far
from being dull, these were slam-bang affairs in which Spassky dipped into almost superhuman reser·
voirs of strength to fight Bobby to a standstill. Boris did not become world champion by accident.

At 35, still in his prime. Spassky ls not as innovative and flashy as Bobby, but the match proved
that ho is a grittier, tougher opponent than ever. He is a complete player, at home in both the wide-open
klng pawn or the positional queen pawn opening. Boris lost the last game, but only because he was
under the pressure of the 11 Vr8l/2 match score. He did not have to sacrifice his rook on move 19
in a bold attempt to win-he could have settled tor two more draws and gone home with a more
respectable score. Yet he still might have drawn the game with a better sealed move before adjourn·
ment.

The Impact of the Reykjavik match on world chess is bound to be healthy. The Russians are likely
to intensify their search for young grandmasters. So are the Americans. now that there is some money
in the game. In fact, the search is already on all over the world for a fitting challenger to King Robert,
whose reign promises to be long and stormy. But there is one player in the world with a chance right
now to beat Bobby Fischer. That is Boris Spassky. I would like to see a rematch, and I think Bobby
would too. Larry lv•ns
Reprinted by permission from TIME, The Weekly Newsmagazine; Copyright Time Inc.

MATCH RULES
1. The match will comprise 24 games. When a player has gained 12V2 or 13 points he is to be
declared the winner and the match will be considered as concluded.

2. If �he position of the match after 24 games is 12·12 the reigning World Champion retains his
title. In that case the prize money will be equally divided between the two players.

3. The time control is 21/2 hours for the first 40 moves and for every 16 moves afterwards
another hour with the accumulation of time.

4. The drawing of lots to determine colours for the first game will be carried out in the following
way.

The Chief Arbiter will invite the World Champion to choose one of two envelopes containing the
names of the participants.

The player whose name is chosen will have the right to choose colours from pawns held in the hands
of the other player.

5. If a player is more than one hour late for the start of a game he loses that game by forfeit.

6. In principle, no postponement of games is allowed. Exceptionally, a player can postpone with·

out penalty three playing sessions (including adjourned games) throughout the entire match because
14
of illness or injury. The illness or injury in question must be certified to the Chief Arbiter by the
Official Doctor of the match. Such certification should be given to the Arbiter not tater than noon of
the day of the game, except in case of a sudden illness or injury certified to by the Official Doctor. If
a player must postpone a fourth session because of illness or injury, he loses that game by forfeit.
Similarly, loss of game occurs with a fifth postponement and so on.

7. Games shall be played in accordance with the schedule given at the end of these rules.

8. If two games are to be continued on a day devoted to unfinished games, the game from the
earliest round will be continued first. After i:I pause of thl"Y minutes followi11g it5 completion, the game
from the next round will be continued providing that at least two. hours of playing time remains for
this second game.

9. All games must be finished before the cqmmencement of the 24th game. Likewise an adjourned
game which might terminate the match-one of the participants gaining 12V2 or 13 points, or the
World Champion gaining 12 points-will be finished before the next game starts.

10. The games will be played according to the FIDE Laws of Chess.

The decisions and rules of the FIDE Congresses for the present cycle are primarily relevant for
the match.

11. The Chief Arbiter is grandmaster Lothar Schmid.

12. Decisions of the Chief Arbiter are exee:utive. Written complaints against his decisions can be
lodged within, and not tater than, six hours after completion of the playing session to the Tournament
Committee composed of five persons: the Chief Arbiter, his assistant. one designated by the host
federation with the consent of both players, and one designated by each of the players. The Committee
reaches decisions within twelve hours of the lodging of a complaint and its decisions are final. If the
protest is against a decision by an Arbiter, that Arbiter does not participate in the Committee vote.

A protest, as a rule, is submitted by the participant. In some cases co;inected with violations of this
agreement which have taken place outside the playing scene or to which the participant could not
react. a protest may be submitted by a second of the participant.

13. The duty o f the Chief Arbiter and his assistant is to ensure a strict exeqrtion of all the con·
ditions of this agreement and the regulations of FIDE concerning this competition. During a game at
least one of the arbiters must be present on the playing scene. Decisions of the Chief Arbiter (or, in his
absence, of the Assistant Arbiter) must be fulfilled.

14. The total prize fund is US $ 125.000,00.

The distribution of the prize money will be US $ 78.125,00 (62,5%) to the winner and US
$ 46.875,00 (37,5%) to the loser, to each in the currency of his choice. If after 24 games the score
is 12·12 each player will receive US $ 62.500,00 (50%).

15. In all matters of income, the organizer guarantees that the players will receive equal rights.
I
16. Only the players, the arbiters and a maximum of three persons to keep score and to make
moves on the demonstration board are allowed to enter the scene of play. The entrance/exit of the
players is prohibited to any other persons than those allowed on the stage; their restroom and toilet
is restricted to use by the players and the Arbiter during playing time.

17. In accordance with the highest principles of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, each
player will observe the Laws of Chess, and do his utmost not to distract or annoy his opponent. es·
pecialry when

18. The organizer of the match must provide premises for play with the best conditions of light·
ing, temperature, ventilation and noiselessness in accordance with the wishes of both participants.

The chess equipment for play (the table, chess board, chess pieces and the clock) is chosen for
the match with the permission of both participants and cannot undergo changes, an exception being
made only for a defect of the clock established by the arbiter.

The participants, their seconds and the representatives of the national federations of the countries
of the World Champion and the Challenger are entitled to examine in advance the premises and the
chess equipment and make their remarks which should be taken into consideration by the organizers
if they correspond to the conditions of this agreement and do not contradict the wishes of the other
participant.

The Chief Arbiter shall designate an area near the scene of play, out of sight and hearing of the
players, where a player wh<> desires to walk or eat may do so while his opponent is on the move.

19. During the game the participants are not allowed to accept help in any way, including the
use of technical means. The participants are entitled to address only the arbiters.

Urgent medical aid to the participants during the game may be rendered only by an official doctor
of the competition with the permission of the Chief Arbiter.

20. The organizers ag�e to strictly control the spectators and to do their utmost to assure that
no noise or disturbance intrudes upon the playing area.
15
 21. All taking of stilt photographs and any disturbance of the players during play is forbidden
without the express permission of both players. The filming. video taping or televizing al lowed will be
that which is exclusively and officially arranged by the organizers. Therefore, unless prior permission
has been given by both players, no cameras will be allowed in the playing room except those req uired
for the official uses described in the preceding sentence. The organizers guarantee that these offi·
cial cameras will be neither visible nor audible to the players and they will not be disturbed in any way,
such as by flash, extra lights, or extra personnel in the playing area.
22. Each participant may have one second, whose name must be known to the Chief Arbiter. The
second may be replaced according to the wish of the participant, of which the Chief Arbiter must be
informed.

23. The Chief Arbiter is responsible for the secrecy of the envelope with the sealed move.
24. In case of noise in or near the playing scene the Chief Arbiter is entitled, on the request of
one or both of the players, to move the game temporarily to some other place, but not if either of the
players has left less than .20 minutes on his clock.
25. The players shall endeavour to settle all controversial Issues by agreement and in the spirit
of the lofty principles of FIDE.

These rules are agreed upon between the Chess Federation of the U.S.S.R. (Mrs. A. lvushkina and
grandmaster E. Geller, the latter being authorized to sign for grandmaster Spasski), of the U.S.A.
(Mr. E. B. Edmondson, authorized to sign for grandmaster Fischer), and of Iceland (Mr. G. G. Thorar·
insson and Mr. A. Fridjonsson), and approved by the President of FIDE (Dep. President N. Rabell
Mendez).

Amsterdam, March 20, 1972

Chess Federation of the U.S.S.R. Chess Federation of the U.S.A.

(A. lvushkina) (E. Geller) (E. B. Edmondson)

Chess Federation of Iceland

(G. G. Thorarinsson) (A. Fridjonsson)

Approved by the Federation lnternationale des Echecs FIDE

(N. Rabell Mendez)

Deputy President

16
\, WORLD QIAMPIONSHIP MATCHES
y_. Winner Age Loser Age Winner's Sc�
1872 W. Steinitz 36 J. Zukertort 30 + 7 - 1 =
4
(Austria) (Poland)
1876 W. Steinitz 40 J. Blackburne 35 + 7
(Austria) (England)
1886 W. Steinitz 50 J. Zukertort 44 + 10 _, 5 = 5
(Austria) (England)
1889 W. Steinitz 53 M. Tchigorin 39 + 10 - 6 = 1
(Austria) (Russia)
1890·1 W. Steinitz 54 I. Gunsberg 36 + 6 - 4 = 9
(Austria) (England)
1892 W. Steinitz 56 M. Tchigorin 42 + 10 - 8 = 5
(Austria) (Russia)
1894 E. Lasker 26 W. Steinitz 58 + 10 - 5 =
4
(Germany) (Austria)
1896·7 E. Lasker 28 W. Steinitz 60 + 10 - 2 =
.5
(Germany) (Austria)
1907 E. Lasker 39 F. Marshall 30 + 8 = 7
(Germany) (U.S.A.)
1908 E. Lasker 40 S. Tarrasch 46 + 8 - 3 = 5
(Germany) (Germany)
1909 E. Lasker 41 D . Janowski 41 + 7 - 1 =
2
(Germany) (France)
1910 E. Lasker 42 C. Schlechter 36 + 1 - 1 8
(Germany) (Austria)
1910 E. Lasker 42 D. Janowski 42 + 8 = 3
(Germany) (France)
1921 J. Capablanca 33 E. Lasker 53 + 4 = 10
(Cuba) (Germany)
1927 A. Alekhine 35 J. Capablanca 39 + 6 - 3 25
(France) (Cuba)
1929 A. Alekhine 35 E. Bogoljubov 40 + 11 - 5 =
9
(France) (Russia)
1934 A. Alekhine 37 E. Bogoljubov 45 + 11 - 5 =
9
(France) (Russia)
1935 M. Euwe 34 A. Alekhine 43 + 9 - 8 =
13
(Holland) (France)
1937 A. Alekhine 45 M. Euwe 36 + 11 - 6 = 13
(France) (Holland)
1951 M. Botvinnik 40 D. Brnnstein 27 + 5 - 5 = 14
(Russia) (Russia) '
1954 M. Botvinnik 43 V. Smyslbv 33 + 7 - 7 =
10
(Russia) (Russia)
1957 V. Smyslov 36 M. Botvinnik 46 + 6 - 3 =
13
(Russia) (Russ.ia)
1958 M. Botvinnik 47 V. Smyslov 37 + 7 - 5 =
11
(Russia) (Russia)
1960 M. Tai 23 M./Botvinnik 49 + 6 - 2 = 13
(Russia) (Russia)
1961 M. Botvinnik 50 M. Tai 24 + 10 - 5 = 6
(Russia) (Russia)
1963 T. Petrosian 34 M. Botvinnik 52 + 5 - 2 = 15
(Russia) : (Russia)
1966 T. Petrosian 37 B. Spassky 29 + 4 - 3 17
(Russia) (Russia)
1969 B. Spassky 32 T. Petrosian 40 + 6 - 4 = 13
(Russia) (Russia)
197Z R. Fischer 29 B. Spassky 35 + 7 - 3 =
11
(U.S.A.) (Russia)

17
18
 his pre·match preparations were. You the reader,

GAME ONE
though, will be told most of the story as the match
unfolds.
1 P-Q4
Following is a statement from the World Chess
No surprise. Although Spassky is also fond of
Champion, Mr. Boris Spassky:
1 P-K4, he beat Fischer with this the last two
"As I have heard that I have given a permission times he had White. The move 1 P--Q4 stakes out
to delay the beginning of the first game for two territory in the center by controlling the squnre:;
days, I want to declare that I have not given any QB5 and J<S, thus preventing Black's pieoes from
such permission; not to the president of FIDE nor occupying these squares. Also, Whi.te hopes to use
to anybody else. these squares as outposts for his pieces later on.
All talks about such permission from me there· Finally, 1 P-Q4 releases the White Queen and
fore do not reflect reality." Queen Bishop for future action.
An insight into Spassky's present state of mind
can be found in the following interview he gave a
western reporter:
"I prefer to have good relations with my op·
ponent. My chess suffers if I have to play a man
I consider unfriendly. When I am in form my style
is a little bit stubborn, almost brutal. Sometimes
I feel a great spirit of fight which drives me on.
"But deep down I lack faith in myself. I have
often found that I have caught the basic idea of
a position, the correct plan, but my great weakness
is that I fail to follow the logical pattern through
from beginning to end. 1 N-K83
"Sometimes I get very annoyed with myself at Given Fiscller's pre-match hijincks, no one was
this and then I begin to play professional chess.­ quite sure he was going to show up. To the con·
not the strongest moves but quite good and tech­ sternation of 3,000 spectators he arrived seven
- nically correct ones. minutes late. With the fext Black prevents White
"Actually I feel very nervous inside during a from playing 2 P K• which, if allowed, would
-

game--a s if there was an explosion in progress. give White control of the vital center squares.
When I make a mistake I try to keep myself under The only weaknesses that have shown in Fisc·
control, to remain quiet and calm, and to find her's opening repertoire have been against a
the best way out. Queen's Pawn opening.
"During a game I seem rather unruffled, but
this is not really so. It is like a clown's face put
on for the occasion. When I appear particularly
calm, I am really feeling especially nervous."
Bobby Fischer once wrote that "Spassky sits
at the board with the same dead expression whether
he's mating or being mated. He can blunder away
a piece and you are never sure whether it's a
blunder or a fantastically deep sacrifice."

Nimzo-lndian Defense
2 P-QB4
White: Spassky Black: Fischer To gain a toehold in the center, White brings

••.1.••·�·
up another pawn to control more space.

i i fll t • t
11 • • •
•••r/A•••
• • • II
ft II .ft II.ft B .ft B
�4JQ�&;.il�
lj
Would you believe - the most complicated po­
sition on the Chess board! Untold hours, yes 2 P K3
-

thousands, were spent in pre-match preparation on One rather expected 2 . . P-KN3 for a King's
.

a White opening; then a defense for Black. While
the Russian chess factory was at work helping
Spassky to prepare, Bobby worked virtually alone.
It was my pleasure to be in nearly constant touch
with Fischer before this match and every event
since his "comeback" in 1 970; but space does not
allow, nor would Bobby want me to divulge, what
19
Indian or Grunfeld defense, continuing their "dia·
logue" from their last game at Siegen, 1970.
My office phone rang during pre·match prepara·
tions and Bobby was on the other end. Within hours
I was on a plane with, among other books, the
Nimzo·lndian Defense by Taimanov. This old book,
long out of print, could serve as a basis in a search
for "new" moves.·

3 M-K83
lnvtting Black into the Queen's Indian Defense
via 3 . . . P-QN3. With 3 N-KB3 we have the old
rule "Knights·before Bishops."
5 P-K3
Spassky prefers to avoid sharp play. Perhaps he
had expected 4 . . . P-84 as in Petrosian-Fischer,
9th match game, Buenos Aires 1971.
Searching back we find that Fischer had the
identical diagramed position against Thorbergsson
some twelve years ago. The game was pfayed, as
this one, in Reykjavik, fceland! fnstead of 5 P-K3
White played 5 P--QR3 and Fischer answered
5 . . . BxNch.

3 ... P--Q4
Black reinforces his control of his . . . QB5 and
. . . K5 squares. Fischer prefers a cfassical forma·
tion, indicating his cautious frame of mind. He can·
not help but be impressed by the occasion: this is
the first time an American has ever played for the
World Championship. Black brings his King to safety before under·
taking any specific counteraction in the center.

4 N-83
6 B-Ql
Again, Knights before Bishops.
Also preparing to castle.

4 ... 8-N5
6 ... P-84
Black is prepared to defend the Ragozin System
after 5 Q-R4ch, N-83. This central thrust makes it difficult for White
to seize the initiative. Fischer got into trouble
Developing the Bishop prepares for castling and against Reshevsky in their 7th match game, Los
helps neutralize some of White's center control by Angeles 1961, with 6 . . . N-B3 7 P�R3,
pinning the White Queen Knight. BxNch 8 PxB, N�R4 9 N�2. P-84 10 0--0.
20
 •tII•BtlltiltII
.•_._• .
8 ... B-R4
. The text conforms with Fischer's sharp style as

•
it retains the tension .

Spassky has met this move with success in the

•11EAll�-
ft i·-·­ past, but as I said in a previous note he could
hardly have prepared for it in this match. Why?­

ill fl llftll
Because he simply didn 't have to! Existing theory
gives White a plus in all lines. It is now up to
· Fischer to show an improvement.

�. P*m •§
7 0--0
Keeping the center fluid is White's best try for
an advantage.

Spassky said he would be up by 8 o'clock and

in bed by midnight; more or less, the whole day
would be spent on his preparation for the match.
But, it is my opinion Spassky never expected to
reach this position with Fischer. You will see why
in later notes.

•• -*
•t• •t•t
9 N-K2

••, t•,.•
A tame reaction which completely dissipates
White's initiative. The critical line is 9
PxQP, KPxP

fll fr. 1111• •

10 PxP, virtually forcing 10 BxN (otherwise
. . .

there would follow P-QN4, holding the extra

pawn). White would then strive for P--QB4, which

&fr.II
would put pressure on Black s center and free a
II E�ll4Jll
'

diagonal for White's Queen Bishop .

! II II White plans to maneuver his pieces toward the

g Qt6'.E!;#
. .•"t•t
.
King-side for attacking purposes.

•tll
7 . .
.
N�B3

-�•t•
In the classical style Black combats every de·
veloped u nit with a comparable unit bearing directly
on the center. •
11•t 11 ll
We have what is called the "standard position"
ll ft B 11 8
11n"i!if·......
of the Nimzo-lndian Defense. Spassky has reached . .

it many times Fischer, in serious play, never!

D till�lW
9 ... PxBP
Now Black solves his opening problems by sim·
lifying.

8 P-QR3
White "puts the question" to Black's Bishop.

Now after 8 . . BxN (the most usual) 9 PxB,

.

White's lowly QNP is "promoted to QB3" fortifying

·

White's center.

21
 10 • . . B-N3
Defending the B P and placing the Bishop on a
less vulnerable post. The alternative is 10 . . . PxP
1 1 PxP, P-KR3 12 B-B4, P-QR3 1 1 R-Bl,
N-K2 (Petrosian-Tolush, USSR Champ. 1951)
where Black develops counter play against the
isolated QP. But Fischer prefers not to open the
diagonal for White's QB.
Possible also is 10 . . . PxP 11 PxP, 8-82.

12 . . . �xP
Now the material is even and White has only a
microscopic advantage. Black will soon be able to
swap Rooks on the open QB & Q-files, thus re­
ducing the position to a skeleton draw.

11 PxP
White probably has nothing better, but this is
equivalent to offering a draw because of the whole­
sale exchanges which will take place along the
Q-file. To play for a win White must try something
· like 1 1 Q-Q3 and run the risk of an isolated QP
after 1 1 . . . PxP 12 PxP. But Black can also coun­
ter (after 11 Q-Q3) with 1 1 . . . Q-K2 followed 13 P�N4
by . , . R-Ql, then bringing his QB out to Q2 White forces Black to retreat his Bishop while
and Kl. preparing to develop his own to QN2. The text ere·
ates a slight weakness of the Q·side Pawns but
At the time Spassky made this move he had no there is no way Black can exploit it.
idea of the innovation that Fischer wpuld spring
on his l4th move to get equality. Existing theory White gains a spatial advantage with this move
before this game would give an ! to 11 PxP. which is clearly offset by giving Black targets.

11 • . . QxQ 13 . .. B-K2
1 1 . . . BxP allows 12 Q-82, avoiding an ex­ This is better than 13 . . . B-N3, which Fischer
change of Queens. Fischer squelches that by swap· rejected instantly. As will be seen Black needs to
ping Queen's first . have his Bishop on K2 for tactic;:al reasons.
....
.u �
.-.., �--. .
-- �:•
=-=-
mt
• • •
?<l t R

. A•. ..
.mA n! 8
6 eg • li:JD,6
0 Qlit•§;;
12 RxQ 14 B-N2
Forced. White is slightly more comfortable as he has a
temporary lead in development.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRA� NEXT PAGE

22
 16 N/2-Q4
White decides to exchange his inactive Knight.

14 . . . B-Q2!
But this trick fully neutralizes all the pressure.
Krogius, one of Spassky's seconds, got into trouble
ainst Spassky at Riga 1958 when they reached
il.J 16 • . . NxN
t� position and he tried to develop this Bishop As Black has a cramped position he willingly
on Qit2. exchanges to gain room for his remaining pieces.
.....

A quicl\ glance at the position seems to reveal

. � -·�
- .1.1
••BA• ,!•••
.
an advantage for White due to his superior develop·
ment, but Fischer shows that Black's set-up is safe llt
and sound.

aa • B
•main
fl g§. ;a
17 NxN
Also playable is 1 7 RxN. But not 1 7 BxN as 1 7
. . . B-RS would make i t awkward for White to hold
the Q-file. For example 17 BxN. B-R5 18
R-Q2, QR-81, threatening . . . P-QN4. Black•
15 QR-81 has an excellent position.
Not 15 BxN, BxB (the reason for 13 . . . B-K2)
1 6 RxB??, BxR snaring the Exchange. The text re·
news the threat of BxN as now White's QR is on a
safe square.

Possibly this natural move is not the best. De·

serving consideration was K-81, bringing the
King closer to th� center. Also, the sharp P-K4 !
aiming to cramp Black might be more promising.

17 . . . �RS
Occupying the hole and forcing another ex­
change. Also possible was 17 . . . QR-81 , corn·
pleting development.

18 �N3
Better than running away with the Rook.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

23
 •• •
•:.t • fl:.t
••••1• •
•
Blt:Jm •
•n a•
g � Bit
• Im.• w
18 . . . 8x8 ..
20 . R--Q81
18 .RxN 19 BxB (Not 19 RxR because 19
. • • • . Since there is no danger of White's Rook inv;
BxB gives Black two pieces for a Rook, a material ing on Q7, Black seizes the other open file. Infer
advantage) allows White to obtain two far-ranging is 20 . R-Ql 2 1 R---081! with undisputed c1
. .

Bishops. trol of the QB-file.

19 Nx8 21 K-81
"The exchange of white·squared Bishops favors Centralization of the King is an important e
Black, for White is a little weak on white squares game principle. Now that there is no fear of gett
on the Q·side and has slightly exposed Pawns mated the King can wander freely.
there," noted Grandmaster Gligoric in the tourna­
ment bulletin. I disagree because the threat of
N-R5 keeps Black on the defensive.

21 . . . K-81
The sincerest form of flattery.
. . 19 . RxRch No threat in 22 BxN, BxB 23 R--Ql as BI
Black has nothing better than this exchange. can counter with R-86.
. . .

Black realizes that White's control of the Q-file

isnot of significance as the Rook cannot reach the
seventh rank.

22 K-K2
The king is a fighting piece-use it.

20 RxR
Forced.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

24
 22 ... N-KS 24 . . . P-83
Threatening 23 . . . R-B7ch, which can no To keep White's Bishop out of ·Ks after the
longer be met by R-Q2. Knight goes to Q3.

This move compels further simplification; al· Maybe a little simpler was 24 . . . K-K 1 . 25
ready a draw is clearly in sight. N-RS, N-Q3 26 K-Q3, K-Q2 27 N-84,
P-QN4 with a draw.

23 R-QBl
Spassky is still hoping to exploit Black's Q-side 25 N-RS
after the Rooks are off. A last threat.

Worthy of consideration is 25 P-83, N-Q3

26 N-RS.

'· ••
•:t• ,•
El�
•
u
-·
�- •
23 . . . RxR m
a • • •
ll�Ri
. fB
A must. Relinquishing control of the QB file
would be fata l . " u • •
•
25 . . . N-Q3
•
·-:e:-:
Avoiding the weakening 25 . . . P-QN3 to which
• :t• • :t :t White would reply 26 N-86 with strong play
against Black's Q--side Pawns.

•· ·�·
:t • ••• t. ·
B4JJJ II B • •t• •
D •�B.ft & :- . . .
• • • • &8&8 •
24 BxR B
Not 24 NxR as the Knight is to be ptayed to • •�e e
R5 to threaten Blade's Q-side Pawns.
ma •
26 K-Q3
White has now reached his maximum and in·
tends P-K4 next.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

25
 26 . . . 8--ql 28 . . . BxN
Repelling the Knight without weakening the Forced.

t ••••••t
••
Pawn structure. Also good for an easy draw is
26 . . . K-Kl and , . . K-Q2.

·'·. ·' •II• t•.• .

•t • • • •• •
· II lit
E8a e11rAa .
•• • Bftll
11 •110IIu1
81111g-1 29 P-N5

27 N-84
White might just as well offer a draw. Lucky he
didn't.

27 . . . 8-82
Either 27 . . . NxN or 27 . . . K-K2 would also
be good here; this shows how drawish the position
is. 29 . . • BxKRP?!
A miscalculation which is not fatal in t
i self, al·
though most players attributed Fischer's loss to
this capture of the "poisoned" pawn. Black is not
content to settle for a draw and he wants to keep
winning chances alive. Having demonstrated that
the champion could not achieve the vestige of an
advantage with White, Fischer now seems to be
saying ''you can't draw with me that easily!".
A serious but not necessarily decisive mistake.
Almost any club player would reject t-his move im·
mediately because the obvious 30 P-KN3 incar·
cerates the Bishop.
28 NxN

••.t •••• •t
White sees nothing better to do than exchange.

• • .t ..••
• ftll-- •.•.
• •� .
·
• B BftE
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
26
 30 P-N3
Spassky bolted upright in his chair. His first
reaction must have been that he overlooked some­
thing. "Fisher must see something we don't," whis·
pered a reverential fan. In the rear of the hall
Spassky's second, Soviet Grandmaster Ewfim Gel·
ler, was smiling broadly from ear to ear.

32 . . . K-K2
But· now he saw that his intended 32 ..P-R6
.

33 K-N4, B-NS 34 KxP, BxP is refuted by

35 B-Q2! sealing off his Bishop's escape route.
Inferior is 32 . . . P-N4 33 K-N2, P-N5 34
·
KxB, P-R6 35 P-K4 followed by P-83. White's
King then comes out and his Bishop goes to K3
30 . . . P-KR4 and KNl.

33 K-N2
Threatening the Bishop.

33 . . . PxP
Protecting the Bishop, if only for a move.
31 . . . P-RS
.Alf according to plan.

34 PxP
Once again threatening to take the errant Bishop.
This time there is no escape.
32 K-83
Now Fischer hesitated. He had originally ex·
pected 32 PxP, B--Q3 after which Black has
chances to exploit White's weakened Pawn forma·
tion on both wings.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

27
 Spassky has a Bishop for two Pawns but faces
difficult problems trying to convert this advantage
to a win.

• • • •
•t• • •
• •t• •
•t• • •
11• ••• •
••• �
34 . . . BxP • • .
Naturally the Bishop sells itself as dearly as
possible.
•a•• --2222 �

36 . . . K-Q4
Keeping the option of penetrating to K5 or 85.
We can already see the results of Black centralizing
his King.

Black would lose after 36 . . . K-84 37 B­

R3ch, K-85 38 8-88, P-KN3 39 B-Kl.

•
•t• •••
• •t •
35 KxB •11••• • .
Now White has a Bishop for two Pawns.. Usually t• •. • •
this is a winning material advantage, but in this
• a m
position Black has some extra compensation in his
• • • •
•a••
more active King. Also, if he can eliminate White's
KP and QNP he reaches a well-known book draw
because the Bishop is the "wrong color" to force
a win with a passed QRP. For example, imagine
that White has just his QRP (on QR7) and his 37 B-R3
Bishop (say, on QB5) left. All Black has to do to Activating the Bishop.
draw here is place his King on . . . QR! as . the
Bishop, being black-squared, cannot check the King
• • ••Ii
out, while if the White King approaches too close.
llill •
• •t • •
It is stalemate.

B ft •.. •
ft .- • • • ·
a • II 15;
••••••••
37 . . . K-K5
Attacking the KP.

It seems better to keep the King close to White's

35 . . . K-QS
Q-side Pawns and play . . . P-K4 instead of the
Black rushes his King to the center. text.

•t• • •
• •t• •
•t• • •
•·• • •
· ···'J:i·
36 P-QR4
Spassky does his best to maintain winning
chances. The text allows White's Bishop to come 38 8-85!
into play via QR3. Cleverly defending it. 38 K-B2 is too passive.
28
 • • • •
•i• • • • i• • •
• i ll •.t • •
• a 'I..
•
11• ••• •
• ii • t •
11 m 11 �
11 • ... .
• • II k;
••••••• • • • •
38 . . . P-R3 40 K-R4
White was hoping for 38 . . . P-QN3 39 BxP! Threatening a penetration by K-N5-N6, etc.
PxB 40 P-QR5, PxP (or 40 . . . K-Q4 41

,•
,•II,•
P-QR6) 4 1 P-N6 and the upstart queens. Spassky shows his plan. Already his King hopes
to journey via KN5-KN6--KB7 alf the way to
• QB7, winning Black's QNP and the game.

II II • B
• . • .t • • •
• 11 a • • .t B • .tm It
11 ••••• • 111 a m i •
• e m l1 B B*ll m
.
•••••••• 81 RII .
• • •• •
39 P-N6! . . . ..
White must keep as many Pawns on the board 40 . . . P-85?
as he can.
The last move of the time control costs Fischer
As wUI soon be seen, Wh;te's only winning hopes the precious half-point. Correct was 40 . . . K-Q4
are based on Queen ing a Q-s;de Pawn; hence he 41 B-Q4, P-K4 42 B-B3, P-85! (forcing off
avoids exchang ing off his QNP. the potentially dangerous White KP) 43 PxP, PxP
44 K-N4, K-B4 (A key move. Black thus forces
P-QR5 allowing his witty stalemate defense to
work) 45 P-R5 (If 45 B-R5 then 45 . . . P-N4
creates a protected passed·Pawn, after which the
White Kmg can never take the KNP as the Black
KBP would rush toward the queening square, even·
tually diverting the White Bishop from QR5 and
thus allowing the Black King to pick off the import·
ant QNP) 45 . . . P·N4 (to prove my point) 46
KxP, K-Q3 47 KxP, K-Q2 48 K-B5, K-81
(home base!) 49 B--KS (to stop . . . K-Nl-R l )
4 9 . . . K-Q l 50 K-K6, K-Bl 5 1 B--Q6,
39 . . . K-Ql 52 B-B7ch, K-Bl. White cannot ap·
P 84
proach with his King because of stalemate. With
-

A s;mpler draw is 39 . . . P-K4 40 K-N4,

White's RP on QR4, however, Black would have
P-N3 (restricting White's King) 41 P-R5, K­ to play . . . P-QR4 in this position, which los�s
Q4 42 B-K7, P-B4ch 43 K-N5, P-85 (Black to K-Q5. This little trick is Fischer's undoing.
Intends to tuck his King away on . . . QBl or . . .

by the skin of his teeth with 40 . . . K-Q4.

QR! but first he must exchange off White's KP, The fatal mistake. Blad< can still hold the draw
even at a sacrifice, as otherwise White would win
Black's Kingside Pawns anyway and then queen
the KP). 44 PxP, PxP 45 KxBP, K-K3 and Black
heads to QBl or QR! where the King cannot be
• •
dislodged without a statemate. This defense is not •.t • • .
available as long as White's Pawn remains on QR4 16 •1• •
instead of R5, as in the former case Black would
• n • •
be eventually forced to play . . . P-QR4 after
which this Pawn would fall. ft & 11 �
• • •
• • • •
• • 11 •
41 PxP
Spassky took 35 minutes to seal here. The ad·
journed position went around the world and was
diagrammed on the front page of the New York
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN Times.
29
 43 . . . K-KS

42 K-RS!
The White King threatens to enter Black's posi­
tion via KN6. The Russian team worked out the
win overnight. Fischer analyzed with Lombardy into
the wee hours but could find no way to save the
game. Lombardy later told me that Fischer refused
to give up looking for a draw all night. If only
White's pesky little Pawn were on R5 instead
of R4!

44 . . . K-84
Black must return to l restrain White's King.

42 . . . K-84
Trying to keep the White King out. Also unsatis-.
factory is 42 _ .P-N4 43 K-N6, P-N5 44
.

B-Q6ch, P-K4 45 K-86, P-N6 46 BxPch,

K-86 47 K-K7, P-N7 48 B-Q4 and the
Bishop stops Black's KNP while the White King
wins Black's QNP.

45 B-R4
Temporizing with the Bishop to run Black ou1
of moves. "Excuse me, Boris," said Bobby, spring.
ing out of his chair to rush backstage and orde1
the cameras stopped. This cost Fischer 33 minute�
on his clock.

43 B-K3
A neat minuet. White simply �aits by moving his
Bishop to and fro as Black must either give way
with his King or advance his Pawns, which can
then be picked off. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
30
 45 . . . P-K4 47 . . . K-83
Or 45 . . . P-N3ch 46 K-R6, P-K4 47 B-· Of no avail is 47 . . . P-N3ch 48 K-R4,
NS, P-KS 48 B-Q2, K-B3 49 B-K3, K-B4 K-B3 49 K-N4.

a • •
50 B-NS! and Black is in Zugzwang, a German
word meaning roughly "the unpleasant obligation 11
. .
,,
to move." This theme reappears later.

• • • • . . II
Et B ll • • • rl\!t
i ll IA II m ft . • t • •
• • ••\!t • • u •
• • • It
:

,.... g 48 K-N4
•
······-· Step two: winning the two Pawns and penetrating
with the King to the Q-side.
46 B-N5
Waiting for Black to push another Pawn.

48 . . . K-K4
A vain attempt to stop K-84.
46 . . . P-KS
Although unwilling, Black must move something.

49 K-N5
But now the King penetrates another way.
47 B-K3
Step one: the KP is blockaded and Black's King
must give way.

SEE lJlt .... �AM NEXT COLUMN

31
49 . . .
 Where there's life, there's hope.

52 KxP
50 K-85 Of course!
Always closer to the center and then to the Q­
• • • •
m • II
side. Black's Pawns are useless since the Bishop

·�·
stops them cold.

• .1.
ft . •i•
.• ii • ••
•
._•. a.
52 . . . K-85
It's now or never!

50 • . . P-R4
A last gasp. If 50 . . . K-BS 51 KxP, K-N5
52 K-QS, KxP 53 K-Q6 and K-87 wins the
vital NP.

•iB• • ••
• •
. ...�.
ft . • t • •
• • a • 53 K-85

• • • The king returns to the Q-

· side.

51 8-82
Another Zugzwang. Any move which Black makes
must cost a Pawn.

•
•
.,•• •••
. --·�·
,. .,••• 53 . . . K-N5

.• a • To win White's QRP.

•�. .
.
51 . . . ·
P-N4
To distract the King momentarily.

54 KxP
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN Thus completing the Kingside massacre.
32
 • • 55 . . . K-N4
Clearing the way for the RP, but there is no
hope left now.

54 .
• • KxP
Black hopes his passed QRP will perform a
miracle.

56 K-Q6
Black gets into Zugzwang again after 56 .

P-R5 57 K-87, K-R3 58 8-85, K-N4

59 8-88, K-R3 60 8-K7, etc. Flawless tech·
nique by Spassky. Fischer smiled and extended his
hand to resign.

55 K-Q5
The White King eyes Black's QNP greedily.

Times: Spassky 3 hours 7 minutes, Fischer 2

hours 55 minutes.
Score: Spassky 1-Fischer 0.
Needed to Win: Spassky 1 1 , Fischer 12%.

Lothar Schmid,
Chief Arbiter,
World Championship Match

Dear Lothar:
Yesterday Bobby Fischer played in the Exhibition Hall even tho certain playing con­
ditions were not entirely as specified. He did this in an effort to cooperate, and to
determine thru actual play just how important these conditions were. Altha he finds
playing conditions generally acceptable, he asks that the burlap-covered scaffolding
containing camera equipment be removed from the hall, that the front spectator seats
be moved farther back, and that the lighting level on the chesstable be increased, and
he asks that this work be done before play is resumed today.
His requests are entirely in accordance with the basic contract and pose no serious
problem of execution. In fact, even before Bobby made his request, the necessary
work on the lighting had already been arranged, and the organizers yesterday tola me
that they were able and willing, if asked, to do all the other work.
Bobby indicated that he will, at a later date, discuss the location of camera equipment
necessary for taking the film used in television broadcasts of the match.
I wish to make it clear, Lothar, that Bobby will not enter the hall until the work has
been completed. I do not consider his requests unreasonable nor, do I think, will you.
very sincerely,

Fred Cramer
United States Chess Federation

33
 only valid reason for postponement. The organizers

GAME TWO
White: Fischer Black: Spassky
Fischer Forfeits
Fischer sulked, locking himself in his room and
ripping the phone jack out of the wall. He refused
to play unless the cameras were removed. The
referee had no choice but to start his clock
promptly at 5 pm since, under the rules, a doctor's
agreed to stop the cameras after 35 minutes had
elapsed on Fischer's clock, leaving him almost two
hours for his first 40 moves. Fischer still refused
to come even though a police escort was waiting
to race him to the playing hall in 4 minutes. Fischer
demanded that his clock start at zero. Traditionally
a player forfeits when he is an hour late, and since
Fischer never even showed up the score now stood
2-0 in Spassky's favor. Even worse, Fischer had lost
a precious white and was due for another black if
he continued the match. His past record against
Spassky was now a bleak 4 losses and 2 draws (not
·

certificate of illness presented before noon is the counting this forfeit).

July 13, 1972.

Mr. Lothar Schmid

Chief Arbiter
World's Championship
Match Committee
Reyjavik, Iceland

Dear Sir:

I must most vigorously protest your action today in starting my clock when play­
ing conditions were grossly below the minimum standards set by the official rules
(Rules 18 and 21), and your subsequent action in forfeiting me.

For the past four years of my tournament career I have not permitted any filming
or picture-taking while play was in progress. In all events I have participated in, the
organizers have agreed in writing to my letter of conditions which I send out as a
matter of course to all prospective organizers of chess events who would like my
participation. Some months ago I was asked about the possibilities of televising this
match and of taking films, still photos and using closed-circuit television. and so on.
I was skeptical because the noise, commotion and distraction surrounding such things,
cameras clicking. flashbulbs popping, photographers and cameramen jostling and
scurrying about for the best angle, had always proved to be an unbearable annoyance
to me in the past.

However, I was assured by all parties concerned that modern technology had pro·
gressed to such an extent that they could photograph me without the least disturb·
ance, using telephoto lenses in fixed positions behind plateglass panels, all equipment
and supporting structures and personnel and their cameras to be completely out of
sight. They assured me it was foolish to worry about being distracted by this and
that I wouldn't even know that the cameras were in the hall, let alone that I was
being televised or photographed. Tentatively, I agreed, without signing any contracts,
that if and when I saw and approved such equipment in operation at the match site,
that I would allow TV and the other devices mentioned provided they were under my
control at all times. I was told these devices were completely silent and invisible and
out of sight.

Regretfully, nothing could have been farther from the facts. The so-called advanced
technology was not sufficiently provided by the film-makers in this case, and the
bungling unknowns who claimed to be professional motion-picture cameramen were
clumsy, rude and deceitfuf. The only thing invisible, silent and out of sight was the
fairness on the part of the organizers, who seemed far more eager .to placate this
intolerable movie-camera gang than to provide playing conditions worthy of the world
chess championship.

The organizers knew how strict I have always been on the matter of playing con·
ditions. In fact, though from time to time I have compromised on money matters, I
have never compromised on anything affecting playing conditions of the game itself,
which is my art and my profession. It seemed to me that the organizers deliberately
tried to upset and provoke me by the way thP.y coddled and kowtowed to that crew.

Let me list the events that led up to this latest difficulty. Prior to the opening
of the match, I made two lengthy inspections of the playing site. I found numerous
deficiencies in the playing conditions, some of which the organizers attempted to par­
tially correct, but although during the course of these inspections I twice requested
the organizers, namely Mr. Thorarinsson, to show m·e the film crews in full operation,
these requests were denied. I was therefore unable to judge this most important new
34
element, the television filming, except to see that the equipment consisted of two
monstrous burlap·covered towers located about thirty feet from the playing table,
one to the left and one to the right of the stage, on the floor of the auditorium, plus
a third site located on the rear wall of the stage less than twenty feet above me,
which I was untruthfully told was only a closed·circuit monitor-a device which is
motionless, noiseless and requires no operating personnel. I was highly skeptlcal of
the supposed invisibility and soundlessness of this filming equipment, and I sought
without success to view the devices in operation. I did succeed, after the first inspec·
tion, in getting the towers moved back toward the side walls of the auditorium. How·
ever, I was sure that even this location would be unsatisfactory.
My fears were soon confirmed at the beginning of the first game. At that time I
discovered that those two towers had been surreptitiously returned to approximately
their original position, and that they "concealed" not just a noisy movie camera but
three or four photographers who continued clicking their crude reflex cameras until
you finally stopped them. In addition, the third camera site in the open window
scarcely twenty feet from my head also contained a very noisy piece o1 apparatus
which annoyed and distracted me considerably. Noiselessness and invisibility are a
requirement of the rules, and both were clearly lacking here.
Although I had been denied my requests to see the equipment in operation, I had
agreed, in a desire to get on with the match in the interest of all concerned, to start
the first session of the first game with the untested equipment in use, with the strict
proviso that it would be stopped and removed immediately from the hall if It proved
to be a distraction. As you know, I found the conditions created by these machines
to be outrageous for grandmaster chess, and during the game I complained to you
several times, asking that the equipment be stopepd. You made some gestures at
seeing what you could do. However, when no action was forthcoming, I decided i n
consideration of everyone involved to finish the first session and take the matter
up before the next playing session, which was the adjourned game on the following
day.
Right after the first game was adjourned, as you remember, I informed you
through my representative, Fred Cramer, that the playing conditions were unsatis·
factory because of the photographic and filming equipment and personnel, and you
and the organizers agreed that no films or photographs would be made during the
adjourned game. For my part, I volunteered that I would be present at the test run
of the equipment on a non·playing day to be agreed upon, and tilat If on that occasion
I found the equipment satisfactory I would approve Its use. If I did not, I would not.

When I arrived to play the adjourned game on July 12. I therefore expected to find
no cameras operating. other than the closed·circuit monitors. And so It looked-at
first glance. Then to my surprise I discovered that at the site directly above me they
were filming. I heard the film camera loudly whirring. I saw various people coming
and going at this short distance from me. I immediately stopped playing and de·
manded complicince with the promised conditions. I was surprised that you did
nothing to support me on occasion, and it took my representative almost 45 min·
utes, with my clock running, to have the cameras and crew finally ejected, with the
aid of police. After this nerve-racking and intolerable incident I had my representative,
Fred Cramer, demand for me that this equipment be finally and once and for all
removed before the next game. Mr. Cramer informed me that the organizers had
told him that this was completely impossible and that I would be forfeited in the next
game if I did not appear.
When I asked my representative to report the conditions at the playing hall tor
today's game, I learned at 1 p.m. and was told again at 4 p.m. that all three shooting
sites which had been removed for the adjourned game at my insistence, were in full
operation, focused on the playing table, and had been returned to the positions they
occupied on the opening day. You had been repeatedly told that I would not play
under these conditions which you clearly agreed to be improper since you gave me
verbal assurance of that fact.

You had been repeatedly warned by my representative after the adjourned game
and again this morning that conditions must be corrected. It can therefore have been
no surprise to you that I did not appear at game time. Yet suddenly, half an hour
after game time and only half an hour before the moment when I would risk a for·
feit, I was informed that the cameras were being removed at last. I then had a
choice of going to the hall and starting play immediately and at a considerable
disadvantage in time, a condition for which I bore no fault, not to mention the fact
that I could have no assurance on such short notice that there would be no problems
In future games with camera equipment, and for that matter even during today's
game; or of going to the hall and facing the necessity of arguing with the arbiter
for the return of the clock to its starting position and obtaining a written agreement
that there would be no further trouble with the cameras, all this while thousands of
people waited uncomfortably in the hall for play to begin. I decided in favor of a
35
third course, which was to allow my time to run out, to be forfeited, even though
the forfeit was contrary to the rules under these circumstances, and then to protest
the forfeit in writing to you and the committee, as I now do.

As you know, I have been very anxious for people in my own country, the United
States, to see this event. It was for this reason that I was willing for the first time
to try filming. My personal representative, Mr. Paul Marshall, was assured that the
process of filming would not be evident to the players. While I wanted TV, and
while it could mean a great deal of money to me personally, it is more important
that the world chess championship be played under full professional condrtlons than
that I make a personal monetary gain. The rules were designed so that the contes·
tants could play the finest chess of which they are capable. They protect the f?layers
from interference with their concentration. My concentration has been disturoed by
an evasion of these rules. I only ask what I have always asked, that the rules provid·
ing for proper championship chess conditions be observed. Therefore I request that
toda)('s ruling be reversed. When that happens, and when all camera equipment and
supporting equipment has been removed from the hall, I will be at the chessboard.
I am keen to play this match, and I hope Game Two will be scheduled tor Sunday,
July 16 at five in the afternoon.

Sincerely,

Bobby Fischer

Reykjavik, Iceland

July 13, 1972.

Mr. Robert J. Fischer, Challenger for the chess Championship of the World.

Dear Bobby:

I am taking the liberty of addressing this note to you personally, in the sincere
hope that you will reconsider your position to discontinue filming the Match.

My appeal is based upon two points which I ask you to consider.

1.) The ultimate purpose is to produce a first quality product for the televising
of these games throughout the world. With this end in mind, we urgently want to
accommodate you in any practical way as to placement of equipment, so as not to
interfere with your concentration, while meeting the technical requirements for good
filming.

2.) Further, as an American, I can only express my admiration and appreciation

for the elevation of Chess In the eyes of the people of the States, through your her· .
culean efforts. Therefore. I emphasize the absolute need for using television for
furthering your ends in that direction. As a folk hero of the Americans, you must
permit millions of Americans to share this experience with you in their homes, for
the benefit of Chess, and for the benefit of the rest of the world.

I have been asked to discuss any thoughts that you might have on this problem,
which distresses us all, and which we are eager and anxious to ameliorate. In this
way, surely we can come to a reasonable agreement.

Very sincerely yours,

Stein of
Stein & Fredericks, Esqs.

Score: Spassky 2-Fischer 0.

Needed to.Win: SpasskylO,·Fischer 12%.

36
 Spassky's workhorse. As Oscar Wilde put it,
"Nothing succeeds like excess."
GAME THREE
The word here is that Bobby Fischer received
an 1 lth·hour phone call from Henry Kissinger per·
suading him to play the third game. of his match
with Boris Spassky. America's honor was at stake
as well as political relations with Iceland. Inter·
estingly enough, there is a vociferous minority �f
Icelanders agitating for the removal of a U.S. Air
Force Base .in Reyk}avik.
Fifteen minutes before the start of today's game,
no one was really certain that Bobby Fischer would
show up. His second, the Reverend William Lom· 1 N-KB3
bardy, and one of his lawyers, Paul Marshall,. had
This contest was held in a private room on the
been to exhibition hall and inspected the private
second floor solely in the presence of the two
room that the organizers had set aside as a con·
referees. "Just this once," said Spassky. "Never
cession to Fischer's demand that no cameras be
again!" The start was delayed fc;>r � minutes as
allowed to disturb his concentration.
Fischer protested about a closed·c1rcu1t TV. He had
Under the new arrangements, a room on the threatened to walk out that afternoon and, given
second floor was chosen for this third game of the his short temper, officials �re still atraid he would
match. Rumors flew that the Russians were holding carry out that threat. After five minutes ran out on
a secret meeting and, although they had agreed to his clock. Fischer made his first move. The spec·
Spassky's continuing the match, the word was that tators applauded and heaved a sigh of relief. In
their complaints might be formalized after the many ways the atmosphere was more relaxed in
game.
the playing hall. Fans could move about, talk,
The room Itself, usually set aside for ping-pong, smoke, and analyze on their pocket sets, while
contained little but a chrome and black chair for viewing larg�r-than·life movie.s of the player:s pro·
Fischer and a simple armchair for Spassky. A jected on a huger screen above the stage. Later
closed-circuit TV camera setup was used to relay Spassky protested about distracting traffic noises
the drama to the spectators in the hall. Many of in the private room and furure games were moved
them expressed outrage at having to pay five dol· back to the stage.
lars to watch a TV screen instead ot the real thing.
During the early part of the game, Fischer argued
with Spassky and the officials about the presence
.�.-.-.:-=·=-:·II'"'::·�-=·
of the closed-cirettit camera. Spassky' opened play
by moving P-Q4, the same move he had played i i i i
in game one. • •
In contrast to game one, Fischer adopted a fight·
ing defense instead ot .merely trying to hold
11 B ll ll
Spassky on even terms. •
After all, he had lost the advantage of making ft D ft B ft ll ft
the first move with the white pieces when he for·
teited the second game and now he was out for
4J Yif �-· E!
the kill. 2 P--QB4
·

Bobby Fischer came bac� on _stag� tor the ad­ Seizing more center control.
journed game and, for the first time m his career,
defeated Boris Spassky.
It was moved back into the main sports hall
because referee Lothar Schmid had agreed with
Boris Spassky that conditions in the private ping·
pong room, the site of ye�terday's game, were
inferior. Spassky told Schmid that he had been
distracted by street noises.
Minutes after Schmid opened Fischer's sealed
4lst move-Bishop to Queen six-Spassky, realiz·
ing the hopelessness of his position, resigned by
tipping over his king. The drama of that ge�ture
was one more affirmation of the sportsmanship of 2 P�K3
the fine champion.
Preparing to develop the Kingside.
Spassky, of course, had hoped that Fischer,
under the pressure of sealing his last move, would
not find that crushing move.

White: Spassky Black: Fischer

Benoni Defense

1 P-Q4 SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

37
 3 N-KB3 4 ... PxP
Again Spassky plays this instead of the more This clarifies the central tension and gives Black
usual 3 N-QB3. maneuvering room on the semi-open King file.

• · :.u1<1>rs •
r.. 1 11 1 11 1111
•
• •
,_
lift It��
• II m
.
it ll . lBft·_1
�!£Sa��• .§
.

3 ... P-84 5 PxP �

The first sign Fischer wants a pitched battle. From Q5 the QP exerts an unpleasant cramp on
Two points behind, he had lost the White pieces Black. For example, the natural developing moves
when he forfeited game two. . . . N-QB3 .and (after the Black QP moves) . . .
Fischer shows his mettle by adopting the con·
B-K3 are prevented.
troversial Benoni Defense. As recently as 20 years
ago this defense was regarded as a somewhat ..... ... .
dubious eccentricity, as it allows White to create -• tfltl! i flt.t
a cramping Pawn outpost with 4 P-QS followed •
by P-K4 and P-K84. White's strategy then was
to try to push Black off the board by an eventual ll &l ftll �
P-KS, creating a crushing Pawn phalanx. At that II Ill ii
time this belligerent strategy seemed very impres·
Ii Ii 4.JD
sive. However, this was due to Blacl<'s inaccurate
play rather than the merit of White's system. Be· ft B ll ft fti it ffill
ginning In the early 50's much more effectl've ways
of playing the Benoni were discovered and soon
�45� ���- .§
it was enjoying a modle4Jm of popularity. More 5 . . . P-Q3
recently, in the late 50's and early 60's, the bril· Allowing Black's QB and QN more scope and
liant attacking player Mikhail Tai took up the preventing permanently the potentially dangerous
Benoni with great success. Fischer, whose prime thrust P-Q6. 5 . . . P-KN3 has also been played
defense agafnst 1 P-Q4 has been the King's on occasion.
Indian, adopted the Benoni seriously only in the
last few years, employing it effectively in the 1970
fnterzonal at Palma de Mallorca. He has already
made several contributions to the theory of this
mercurial detense; the present occasion may turn
out to be his most important contribution to date.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

38
 6 ... P-KN3 8 ... B-N2
Preparing to fianchetto the Bishop. 6 . . . B-K2 In typical Fischer fashion, he prefers to calmly
is passive and blocks Black's open file. complete his development and castle before under·

••lll•ll •
taking any specific action.

SI B illi
BBAil<l'f.I B
ll t ll rt tm
1'l .
t fl i
!l ilt
• liftll • · ftll •
• • •. ll fttl . -�
II E i14Jlt Ii � II m
ft II .· ft ml ft D
§ ·ggA& E!
7 N-q2
�
ft f!l1 [i e tt a
9 B-K2
�;;.Q.. . E!
The idea is to swing the Knight to Q84 and then A modest but effective post. On Q3 this Bishop
B-KB4 bearing down on Black's backward QP. would be exposed to a later . . . P-QB5 or . . .
A drawback is moving the same piece twice. More N-K4, while on Q84 it would face an eventual
usual is 7 P-K4. . . . P-QN4.

••.t•er1 •
• t• � ttBt
• • t•
• , ftl) •
• • • •
. � .
ftO E ft 6
§ Q'lW�ABE!
7 ... QN-Q2 9 ... 0-0
Preparing to counter N-QB4 with . . . N-N3. Black brings his King to safety and prepares to
However, Black loses the option of playing . . . place his Kjng Rook on the King's file.
N-R3 later.

10 0-0
8 P-K4 The King cannot stay in the center and castling
Since one of Black's main themes is to gain Q--side would be not only arduous but unhealthy.
space on the Q-side with . . . P--QN4, it makes
good sense to eye that diagonal with the Bishop
rather than posting it on KN2.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

39
 10 . . . R-Kl 12 BxN .
Putting pressure on Wh ite's KP and thus some­ If 12 P-KN3, N-K4 13 P-84, N-N5 14 N-
what limiting White's freedom of action. 84 White's King-side may be loose, and 14 . . .
BxN followed by P-QN4 comes under considera·
tion.

11 Q-82 12 . . . PxB
Also seen here is 1 1 P-QR4, which aims at Black's dynamic chances on the King side coup­
preventing Black's . . . P-QN4. led with the open KN-file outweigh his Pawn
This move marks a crucial juncture as the White weaknesses .

Queen is now out of touch with the K-side, which

allows Black's startling next move. A good alterna·
tive is 1 1 P--QR4, to help restrain Black's even·
tual strategic threat of . . . P--QN4. Another idea
is 1 1 P-83, a favorite move of Petrosian's, which
gives solid protection to Wh1te's central chain of
Pawns.

13 N-·84
Threatening the QP but in reality headed for
KBS.
A month later at the Skopje Olympiad, Gligoric­
Kavalek continued: 13 P-QR4, N-K4 14 N-Ql!,
Q-RS 15 N-K3, N-N5 16 NxN, PxN 17 N-84,
�83 18 B-Q2, Q-N3 19 B-83, BxB 20 PxB
11 . . . N-R4!? and now Black must try 20 . . . P-84 2 1 P-83,
Usually a Knight on the rim is poorly posted. B-Q2 to offset White's advantage.
Here, however, Black's move seems justified as it
thfeatens . . . N-85 and clears the way for Black's
Queen to enter into play against White's Ki ngside.
Fischer's secret move. It seems weak at first
sight as White can (and does) play BxN, forcing
. . . PxB with a consequent scatterfng of Black's
K-side Pawn structure. However, Fischer has seen
deeply into the position, realizing that White's
pieces cannot attack or.._ otherwise take advantage
of these Pawns. In addition, after 12 . . . PxB,
Black has the open KN-file with which to operate
against White's King as well as the advantage of
the two Bishops (White loses his good white­
squared Bishop with 1 2 BxN). Finally, 1 1 . . . 13 . . . N-K4
N-R4 allows Black's Queen to swing menacingly Black has freed his game and has good counter­
into play on the Ql-KRS diagonal. play.
40
 17 KR-81 and the King trips away from the
...... .... mating net.
• t• • t • t
• • • • ••.t.•• ..
• • tt • • t • t• mt fl t
B4J• ft B m • • • •
• fl1ftll fd t
ll E B &
ttB'ffl
fiLP RE!�
a
ft e
•
II • ttlll)fil
m E E ·

D • •§&Ja
14 N-K3
ftR�D D ft ll
Consistent. 14 NxN, BxN 15 8-K3 is possible.
16 NxN
Rather than weaken his K-side by 16 P-KR3
White pays the price of straightening out the
doubled Pawns.

..... ..., .
• t• • t il t
• • • •
•
_.,,.!,
14 . . . Q-RS
Setting his sights on a Kingside attack. fD111E '"·.!a
• •• §
rlt llt 16 • • • PxN
• • • Now Black has two strong Bishops and has elim­
inated his major weakness.
ft. t
.
8 ft
E
ft B'lW• B tt R
§1 a •E!�
15 B-Q2
The Bishop is passive here. Better is 15 P-B3!
which safeguards White's KP and prevents Black's
next.
The obvious 1 5 N-N5 is onfy a waste of time 17 8-84
aher 1 5 . . . Q-K2 16 P-QR4 (Stack threatened Putting his finger on the last weak spot in the
16 . . . P-QR3 and 1 7 . . . P-QN4, staking out
enemy cami>-the QP.
a clear advantage on the Q·sfde) 1 6 . . . P--QR3
1 7 N-83, P-N3 and Black will eventua/fy get in This seems weak. A more effective maneuver
• .P-QN4 by . . . R--QN 1 and . . . B-Q2. If
. consists of 1 7 N-K2 with the idea of transfering
1 7 . . . R-N1 immediately, White plays 18 P­ the Knight to the K-side as welt as a flowing B­
R5! enabling him to take Black's QNP en passant Q2--QB3 cha/fenging Black's very strong K­
after . . . P--QN4, thus taking the steam out of Bishop. The game might go as follows: 1 7 N-K2,

. .
Black Q·side Pawn attack. After 1 7 . . . P-N3, B-84 18 N-N3 (18 PxB?, RxN is good for
18 P-R5 is answered effectively by 18 . . P­ . Black) 18 . B-N3 19 QR-Kl, P-KR4 20
QN4. B-83 with roughly equal chances.

• • •••
llt • •t• t
• :
• •11•
'
B tt!Ql tll
E a
ft_ H-tWll Ii ft B
p E •E!W
17 . . . Q-83
The Queen has no future on KR5 so it returns
41
into play, guarding the QP and attacking the counterplay.
Bishop.

18 P-KN3? 20 KR-Kl
White suffers from this gruesome weakness on Now if 20 P-RS, simply 20 . . . P-QN4 is
the white squares for the rest of the game. After strong. White can only wait while Black prepares
18 B-N3 there are chances for both sides (if . . . P-QN4.
18 . . . P-KR4 19 P-B3 !)
This - creates a serious weakness in . White's
Kingside and weakens the KP as White cannot now . ,

support it with P-K83. Better is simply 18 Q­

Q2.

20 . . . P-QR3
Black's Q-side majority is viable and has more
value than White's immobilized center Pawns.
Black's advantage is now clear. He will sooner
18 . . . B-Q2 or later force . . . P-QN4 after which . . . P-QN5,
Black connects his Rooks an threatens 19 . . . undermining the Knight's protection of the KP,
P-QN4. will be a strong threat. White has been reduced to
passivity by Black's incisive play.

19 P-QR4
Holding back . . . P-QN4, temporarily. White
has lost his initiative and is on the defensive. 21 R-K2
White strives for QR-Kl and P-K5.
•m •• ••
i llJ.B i ll i
� • m,
. ft B •
ft ti • ttU i -
J.SB�rJmRm!rt!i
� 11 U&;
19 . . . P-N3
Preparing . . . P-QR3 and . . . P-QN4. lnac· 21 . . . P-QN4
curate is the immediate 19 . . . P-QR3 because There is no time for stopgap measures such as
of 20 P-RS!; then after . . . P-QN4, White has 21 . . . R-K2, e.g., 22 QR-K l, QR-Kl 23 Q­
PxPe.p. which breaks up Black's Queenside Pawn Q3!, preventing . . . P-QN4. .·

42
 ...
. : ....
.. 11.1.m 1 ftl 1
irIIil
22 . Q--N3
Meeting the threat of P-K5 and bringing more
pressure to bear against the artificially isolated KP. tilt .
1 t1Ut il
.ft . ft !1 1 11 .
Spassky's error on move 18 now becomes more
. glaring.

m11WJ*B a
& : 11�8 II
11 11 fJ �
25 PxP
This prevents the above mentioned threat.

• • •••
• al.llifll t
tll . lflifll
B ft iti ft • II
23 P-N3 fl B .ftDtll
Trying to consolidate .
11 .ft E�ll B
11. ll§fm B
fl II � W
25 . .. PxP
Of course not 25 . . . BxP? because 26 NxB
trades a passive Knight for a strong Bishop.

23 . . . R-K2
laying seige to the KP and preparing to double
Rooks. 23 . . . BxN 24 QxB, PxP 25 PxP, BxP wins
a Pawn but allows 26 P-K5! with strong counter­
play. Fischer characteristically scorns material gain
to increase his influence in the center and the Q·
side.
43
 26 P-N4
A heroic attempt to block Black's Q·side attack.
If 26 . . . PxP 27 N-R2 regains the Pawn.
This is practically forced in view of the threat·
ened . . . P-NS and . . . B--ON4.

28 . . . P-R4
Easy does it! There is no rush to capture the
KP which must fall under the continued battering
from Black's heavy artillery. The immediate 28 . . .
BxN 29 QxB, RxP 30 RxR, RxR 3 1 RxR, QxR 32
Q-86 gives White good counter chances.
26 . . . P-85
But of course Black establishes a protected
passed QBP, a potential menace in the endgame
because of its threat to queen.

27 Q-Q2
The Queen must retreat and defend the Knight.

29 . . . K-R2
Looking for something better than 29 . . . BxN.
But it would be cannier to play 29 . . . BxN immed­
iately since White, who is short of time, gains on
the clock from this repetition.

28 R-K3 30 R-K3
Trying to improve his position. Not now 28 B­ A chessplayer is used to suffering. White has
NS because of 28 . . . BxN 29 QxB, QxB winning nothing better than the text.
a piece.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

44
 32 . . . RxP
At last the KP has fallen.

30 . . . K-Nl
Fischer decides his King is better placed here
where it defends the KBP. If 30 . . BxN 31 QxB,
.
33 RxR
RxP 32 RxR, RxR 33 RxR, QxR 34 Q-86 is White seeks refuge in simplification.
ticklish.

33 . . . RxR
Black cannot avoid exchanging down; fortunately
he has a strong endgame.

34 RxR
White continues to simplify.

34 . .. QxR
Now Stack's Queen is powerfully posted.
Now we have an endgame with opposite colored
' Bishops. Usually such endgames are drawn, even
if one side has one or two extra Pawns, as the
weaker side can blockade the extra Pawn(s) on
squares which the stronger side's Bishop cannot
control; hence a position where the extra Pawns
;1re immobilized and useless. Here, however, there
are Queens on the board, which give opportunities
for attacking play. Th(s factor, in connection with
White's exposed King, gives decisive weight to
Black's advantage.
45
 35 8-R6 37 K-81
Threatening mate. White cannot play 35 BxP as The King aims for K2, getting out of the annoy­
after 35 . . . QxP there follows 36 . . . B-83 with ing pin on his Bishop.
powerful mating threats on the long diagonal.

37 . . . B-84
35 . . . Q--N3 Activating the Bishop and closing in for the kill.
To defend the mating threat Black is forced to
relinquish his pressure on the QP.

38 K-K2
At long last threatening B-N2 with mating
·

36 B-Bl

•
threats.
If White can set up a blockade on QB3, or force
an exchange of Queens, he should be able to draw • • ••
the opposite colored Bishop ending. U Ii ll t B
• • •
fi tfl ft . Iii
B t B lltll
B•'mm1H111B
8ii'Q • •
38 . . . Q--K5ch
Black must retain his Queen as it is a key piece
in his winning maneuvers.
36 . . . Q--NS
Pinning the Bishop and making spatial inroads.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

46
 39 Q-K3 41 Q-Q4?
Will you sup and dine with me? Naturally White Loses outright. The only chance to hold now is
would be overjoyed to swap. 41 K-Kl, Q-KB6 42 Q-N5ch, B-N3 43 Q­
K3, Q-R8ch 44 K-Q2, QxPch 45 K-83. White
• • ••• is two Pawns down but at least he doesn't get
• • •1• mated and keeps the blockade on QB3.

• • • •
R i B ttfl..t• i
H t lJirtli B
fl rJ m R
B ll�B B
• q ·- ·
39 . . . Q-B7ch
Wrong is 39 . . . QxP 40 Q--N5ch. Black must
remember that his king is also insecure.
41. . . B-Q6ch!

· • ·•
"I sealed a crusher!" exulted Bobby. He glanced

•·•·=
·•1·
at the position upon returning to his hotel, ate,

...
then went bowling.

• tt•.t.• 1 . .
---.
--- - ... ....
...... ..
.. ...

R ift B i
• • m e ·.·.·�-
• t • tt • B t
BitR\t>ll H
•
u•n•r,,,I�
g It JI B i!.1 B t B
40 Q--Q2 B'i'at.FI B .

•.. • ml 11
Better resistance is offered by 40 K-Kl!

11 • WHITE RESIGNS
ll i fl
. . ' In typical Fischer fashion he did not show up­
even for victory. Upon resumption of play Spassky
ll t ll tt lU.B t pondered his predicament for five minutes and then

..•3: .,:
tipped over his King. He was gone when Fischer
arrived. If 42 K-Kl, QxPch is decisive. Or 42
K-Q2, Q-87ch 43 K-Kl, QxB is mate. Finally
on 42 K-K3, Q-Q8! 43 Q-N2, Q-B6ch 44
R1 II IJ K-Q4, Q-K5ch 45 K-83, Q-K8ch! 46 any,
Q-K4 mate.
40 . . . Q-N6
Fred Cramer Fischer's representative, said: "I
,

Again avoiding a trade of Queens.
never saw Bobby in such a friendly, purring mood
as he was after this win. He asked me if I got
the chessboard changed yet (from 2 � " to 2 �"
squares) and I told him I was working on it. He
actually thanked me. Imagine that-Bobby thank·
ing me for something!"

Times: Spassky 2 hrs 51 min., Fischer 2 hrs.

20 min.
Score: · Spassky 2-Fischer 1.
Needed to Win: Spassky 10, Fischer l l 1h.

47
 .�.....
.. .
. ..
.. mi. �­�
GAME FOUR
Bobby Fischer surprised Boris Spassky in the • •• • •
m. t a t il i E i
. �� . .
• •t• •
third game by making an unorthodox knight move
and Boris came back today with his own version
of unorthodoxy that had Fischer on the ropes.
11 fl R�D
ftl!ftil Rftim
Clocks were started punctually at 5 p.m. although
neither player had yet arrived. The ever dapper
Spassky, in a gray suit and vest, received a half
minute of applause. Two minutes later, Fischer �4JJ;glle�
loped in wearing a silk and mohair jacket and a 2 ... P-Q3
brown sportshirt. He received a cool 15 seconds This is also the favorite defense of the chal­
of applause. Apparently he was held up eating a lenger. The text helps restrain White from pushing
bowl of "skyr". the Icelandic equivalent of yogurt. P-KS after Black plays . . . N-KB3.
Spassky is trying to psyche Fischer by adopting
Fischer's favorite 2nd move in the Sicilian Defense,
which he invari<fbfy steers to the Najdorf Variation
(1 P-K4, P-QB4 2 N-KB3, P-Q3 3 P-Q4,
White: Fischer Black: Spassky PxP 4 NxP, N-KB3 5 N-QB3, P-QR3).
Sicilian Defense
••.t..ll<llB 'l•
• •
•� •- .•r .•�•.•
m tm mtmt

.
B B 4JB
4- d
.il. a ft a
U � ·- ft U
x··-� �
§{)Q��.il-�
3 P-Q4
The most direct method of contesting the center.
1 P-K4
Also playable are 3 N-B3, 3 B-N5ch, or even
This is the best chance for a wide open game. 3 B-K2.

3 ... PxP
With this exchange Black opens the QB-flfe for
1 P-QB4!

....•. t • .,.,
his counterplay.
In moments of crisis, such as their game at the
Havanna Olympiad in 1966, Spassky usually de­
fends with 1 . . . P-K4. This defense signals his
.-
..-
:_._-
.-
.-
.-..-
. .

aggressive intention.

m•• •t•
. mi - -
•-�-.••!!11,
•fdll•it ll Oftll
•
g4J��Afl�
4 NxP
4 QxP has the drawback of allowing Black to
gain a tempo with . . . N-QB3 sooner or later.

2 N-KB3
Fischer invariably chooses this over the offbeat
(but sound) lines 2 N-QB3 or 2 P-KB4. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
48
 \
\
ever, Spassky springs a dynamic surprise which
gives Black excellent counterplay.

••_._... .
iltB m t m t
-�· . .
• • • ••
m�ij
· :ft •
· � .
ftll:ftfl H
4 ... N-KB3
This direct attack on the KP limits White's op·
�
- .. ' '/!;/
.
tions. lnnaccurate is 4 . . N--QB3 as White can
.
6 • • • P-:-1<3
then play 5 P--QB4! setting up the "Maroczy Now White's King Bishop "bites on gran ite", i.e.
Blind", which gives him a powerful grip on the the solid pawn chain on Black's KB2 to K3.
center.

7 B-N3
5 N-QB3 A loss of time. But in many lines Black can play
Now White can no longer get in P--QB4 . . . . NxKP followed by . . . P-Q4 if the Bishop
stays on QB4.

5 . . • N-83
A solid developi ng move. I was curious to see 7 ... B-K2
what Fischer would have done against his pet 5 . . . The champion played briskly and confidently.
P-QR3. Evidently he ·had a prepared variation in store.

6 B-QB4
The Sozin Variation. Fischer has done more than
any other player to demonstrate the latent power
of the Bishop on this diagonal.
This aggressive development of the KB has been
Fischer's trademark since his earliest days of in­
ternational competition. Despite the fact that his
consistent use of this system has allowed his op­
ponents to prepare home analysis Bobby's record
with it has been outstanding. In this game, how·
49
8 B-K3
Fischer pondered for several minutes on this
obvious developing move. Undoubtedly he was
wondering what the Russian team had cooked up
for him.
On 8 0-0, NxN 9 QxN, 0-0 10 P-84, P­
QN3 1 1 K-Rl, B-R3!, 12 R-83, P-Q4 13
PxP, B-84 14 Q-R4, B-N2 15 B-K3, PxP
16 8-Q4 (Fischer-Gel/er, Curacao 1962) P­
QR3! gives Black active chances.
 square Q5. The text initiates this idea. but Spassky
cuts him off at the pass!

8 ...
Evidently Black does not fear White's castling
on the opposite wing. Spassky consumed two min· 10 . . . NxN
utes on his clock up to here. This exchange eases the pressure and enables
Black to play . . . P-QN4 followed by . . . B­
QN2.
Spassky elects to financhetto his QB on QN2. ,.

This is more active than 10 . . B-Q2, as played

.

by Larsen against Fischer in their third match

game, Denver 1971. That game continued l l P-
85!, Q-81? 12 PxP, BxP 13 Nx8, PxN 14 N-R4!
with a crushing position for White.

9 0-0
Eschewing 9 Q-K2, P-QR3 10 0-0--0, Q-
82 1 1 P-N4, N-Q2! (heading for . . . QB4 to
swap off White's King Bishop) which Larsen beat
Fischer with at Palma 1970.

1 1 BxN
Not 1 1 QxN because of 1 1 . . . N-N5!. For
example, after a further 12 B-Q2?, 8-83 13 Q­
Q3, Q-N3ch 14 K-Rl, N-87ch Black wins the
Exchange.

10 P-84
White strives for a rapid P-85 so as to profit
from the "hole" on QS resulting after Black plays
. . . P-K4.
The basic idea behind Fischer's 6 B-QB4 sys·
tern is to play P-K84-K85 to provoke . . P­
.

K4 and then secure control of the important center

50
\

·rime out to stop . . . P-N5, which would unseat 14 P-K5

White Q-Knight and win the KP. Fischer decides to go after the Pawn. Not 14
QxP, B-R3, winning the Exchange, or if 14 NxP
BxP is quite satisfactory for Black. And if 14 P-85,
P-N5 wins White's KP. Unclear _ is 14 QR-Kl,
P-N5 15 PxP, PxP 16 N-Ql, P-Q4 17 BxN,
BxB 18 P-KS, B-K2 19 P-85! with possibili·
ties of an attack« Sturdier Is 16' . . . B--R3,:

12 • . . 8-N2
Putting stress on the KP is the key to Black's
counterplay.

14 . . . PxP
Black exchanges to leave White with a weak KP.

15 PxP
Best. The insipid 1 5 BxP allows Black to trade
Queens and procure an excellent endgame due to
White's resulting isolated QP after 15 . . . QxQ
16 PxQ.

13 . .. P-QR4!
So this is the new concept. Black sacrifices a
Pawn on the Queenside to get an attack on the
15 . . . N-Q2
Kingside! The known continuation is 13 . . Q­
.

Aiming to enter into play strongly via . . . QB4.

B2 14 QR-Ql, P-K4 15 B-K3, QR-Bl." Here
At this point Fischer had used 30 minutes, Spassky
one can detect the influence of Spassky's second,
grandmas�er Geller, who has an affinity for this 20.
line as Black.

Here is Spassky's prepared surprise.

16 NxP
Why not? Black's compensation for the Pawn is
far from obvious.
51
 16 . . . N--84 18 . . . �N4
Now Black's pieces spring to life. Spassky took 15 minutes on this obvious con·
tinuation of the attack.

17 BxN
The simplest solution. If 17 Q-K3, NxB 18 19 Q-K2?
QxN, (18 PxN, Q-Q4, threatening mate and QxN, And Fischer took 10 minutes on this inferior
wins a piece-19 Q-K2, B-R3 20 P-QR4, retreat. Necessary is 19 Q--N3!
BxN 2 1 PxB, QxBch, etc.) 18 . . P-R5 1 9 Q­
.

Q3, B-R3 (Not 19 . . . Q-Q4 20 R-B2, B-R3 Now White should probably play 19 Q-N3 to
21 N-83!) 20 P-84, BxN. 21 PxB, B-84 22 draw the venom from Black's attack by exchanging
QR-Qt, Q-N3 regains the Pawn. Queens. The game might continue 19 . . QxQ
.

20 PxQ, B-R3 21 P-R4, BxN 22 PxB, B-Q5

23 P-83, BxKP 24 P- · KN4, KR-Ql 25 KR­
Ql, 8-82 with a probable draw due to the OP·
posite colored Bishops.

17 • • • BxBch
Now Black has two strongly posted Bishops
bearing down on White's Kingside; it's not surpris·
jng he obtains a strong initia_tiv� .
19 . . .
.

QR-Ql
Another half hour. The threat is . . . R-Q7.
More importantly, this move vacates QRl for the
Bishop when it's attacked by N-Q6.

18 K-Rl
All alternatives lose material.

20 QR-Ql
Stopping . . . R-Q7 and contesting control of
SEE Dl"GRAM NEXT COLUMN the Q·file.
52
 20 . . . RxR 23 B--84
Yielding the Q·file, but Black has something else Not only guarding the Queen b1,.1t preparing to
i n mind. return to KBl if necessary. One problem with the
move is it blocks the Knight from going to this
square to defend the KP. But you can't have every­
thing.

23 . . . P-KR5
Threatening to play . . . P-RG. At this point
.

Fischer had used 1 hr. 15 min. and Spassky 1 hr.

30 min.
White has been defending out of the opening.

21 . . . P R4-

Another very threatening continuation is 21 . . .

B-K6! 22 N-Q6, B-83 23 N-84, 8-85.

24 P-R3
This is White's only defense against . . . P-R6.

22 N-Q6
Better resistance is 22 N-Q4.

24 . . . B-K6!
Spassky is playing for a win. He could get the
Pawn back with 24 . . . Q-N6 25 N-K4 (not 25
R-Q3? because 25 . . . BxPch! 26 QxB, Q-K8ch
27 K-R2, QxPch wins.) 25 . . . QxKP 26 NxB,
QxN but he wants more out of .the position with
the Bishops raking the cornered King.
22 . .. B--Rl
Of course Black stays on the diagonal. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
53
 .l.fl • . ,•• . . . KxN 28 R-Q7ch is strong) 28 K-R2! (avoid·

• •�:tli•:l: Dl•
..
ing 28 Kx8, QxPch winning the Rook) and White
stands to win.

•llll• 0 .• A sharp move and very threatening. The text

allows Black to pray . . . K-N2 and . . . R-KRZ
• • with the Rook participating in the attack.

ft • 11 li ft
11.ftB'*Bft .t.B Ji B.•m.
• • •B:1: ••
m Bt! IJ- �
• m
-·�Ei
B B. .•BftM
25 Q-N4
ii
BHttB • :n:
The only defense to the threat of • . . Q-N6
followed by . . . QxRP.
If 25 B-Q3, then 25 . . . B-85 threatening
the KP as well 11s the deadly Q--KN6.
. • .
•• § .
c3J
-.�i-·
27 Q-N4
Fischer is trying to consolidate and prevent . . .

IJ
E:tB
B II•m Q-N6.

•
llBttB llBftBft
• �
• rl§ft ·
25 . . . QxP
25 . . . QxQ 26 PxQ, P-R6 27 8-81 holds.
Now we see one of the points behind 2.3 8-84.
Black can also obtain a favorable endgame by 27 . • • B--84
exchanging Queen's: e.g., 25 . . . QxQ 26 PxQ, After 27 . . . R--Ql White can draw: e.g., 28
B-85 27 R-Kl, P-R6 28 B-81, P-83; how· NxP! RxRch 29 QxR, Q-K5 (stronger than 29
ever, Spassky feels he can whip up a strong attack . . . Q-N6 30 N-R6ch!) 30 B-81, KxN 31
by retaining the Queens. Q-Q7ch, K-83 32 Q-Q8ch, K-K4 33 Q­
.....
.t..""""
11 . ,,
·" �
.
,_... �
•�
•=
.�· B7ch with a perpetual. It's quite obvious that

•••fj,Ii•••
Spassky is striving for more.
i
•
llltB -�-
11 a ftl Bft
Oft• BftB
• •§. <tt>

28 N-N5
There is no other escape square. If 28 NxP,
KxN 29 Q-RSch, K-K2 30 Q-R7ch, R-82
wins.

26 • . . P-N4
A very active idea played after only five minutes
of thought. Spassky rightly rejects 26 . . . QxP
because of 27 NxP! BxPch (no better is 27 . . . 28 . . . K-N2
RxN 28 R-Q8ch, R-81 29 8xP mate and 27 Threatening the powerful attacking maneuver
54
29 . . . R-Rl and . . . R-R5.

30 . . . BxN
29 N-Q4 Forced. Else the KNP falls.
Ever resourceful.. Fischer returns the Knight to
• •
the threatened sector.

., •.
t � •

3 1 QxB
Not 31 PxB, R-RS 32 Q-N2, RxB wi nning a
piece.
29 . . . R-Rl?!
If 29 . . B-Q3 30 N-B5ch! PxN 3 1 QxPch
.

draws by perpetual. Unclear is 29 . . . R-Ql! 30

P-83 (If 30 N-B5ch, K-83! 31 RxR, Q-K8
mates shortly) 30 . . . R-KRl! 3 1 BxP! BxN 32
PxB, QxB 33 QxPch, Q-N3 34 Q-K5ch, K-R2
35 P-Q5 with three Pawns for a Bishop.
Many annotators have claimed a sure win for
Spassky with 29 . . . R--Ql! but the issue is not
all that clear. For example, after 29 . . . R--Ql!
30 P-83, R-Rl! 31 R-KBl! (better than the
suggested 31 N-83 which loses after 31 . . BxN
.

32 QxB, 8-Q3 33 K-N 1, R-R5! threatening 31 . . . B--Q3

. . . Q-Rlch and . . . R-85, winning White's Threatening mate.. White has now used 1 hr. 50
Queen, as well as . RxB), 31 . . R-R5 32
. . .
m in., Black 2 hrs. 1 5 mi n . 31 . . R-R5 is better.
N-85ch!, QxN (32 . . . PxN 33 QxPch snares the
.

Rook) 33 RxQ, RxQ 34 Rx8, RxP 35 RxRP, 8-86

36 8-81 may hold.

32 Q-83
The saving clause. Not 32 K-Nl?, Q-84ch 33
Q-82, B-R7ch! 34 K-Bl, QxBch, etc.
30 N-83
The only defense against the threatened Now by forcing the exchange of Queens, Fischer
R-R5 .
once and for all puts to rest Spassky's furious at·
tempts to attack.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

55
 They could agree to a draw here but it i:s typical
of this hard·fought match that they play orn.

•
• • •
• ll E! •t •
• •t • •
• • •
e a • mtt
• •
B ft B Rttll
32 • • • QxQ
But not 32 . . . P-N5?? 33 RxB!
• •
35 K-Nl
Futile is 35 R--Q3, R--QBl regaining the
Pawn anyway.

33 PxQ
White has staved off the mating threats at a
cost of his extra Pawn .
..
-""
·..
.-
""" . ..
..- -i-..
-·
.....
35 . . . lbP
If 35 . . . R-QBl 36 B-K2, threatening B­

•• ,.
R5.

• .
11-'l•
B a••
lltt•
•EI
33 . . . 8-K4
Also playable is 33 . . . BxP 34 R-R l, B-N7
35 RxP, witti a drawn position.

36 . . . B-K4
Black copys White's "do-nothing" style. The con·
testants are simply shifting wood, hoping the op·
ponent will offer a draw. These obvious psychologi·
cal ploys are an amusing sidelight.

34 • • . K-83 SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

56
 37 K-81 39 RxR
Centralizing the King. White continues the farce.

37 • • •
R--Q81 39 . . . BxR
Threatening the QBP. Black is game.
��....
- ... .... .

38 8-RS 40 P--(}R4
Threatening 39 RxP, checkmate, White's best Moving the QRP on a square where it cannot be
threat in the game. attacked by the Black Bishop.
This move forces an exchange of Rooks and thus
brings the position down to a skeleton draw, the
opposite colored Bishops militating against any try
for winning chances.

38 . . . R-82
He sees it.

41 K-K2
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN Bringing the King ·up to the center.
57
 43 . . . K-Q3
Bringing up the reserves.

41 . . . P-84
Seeing nothing better, Black shoves his Pawns
forward.
44 B-87
Tying the Black King to the protecion of the KP.

42 K-Q3
White bides his time by bringin� his King !=Joser.
44 . . . B-N6

. . .. ·.
·· t · ·
Unblocking the path of the KP.

•••t _g_
•
f'jft
R Bt•
42 . . . B-K4
Placing the Bishop on a better square.
45 P-BSch
Here the players finally decide to call it a draw.
After 45 . . . KxP 46 BxP even a very weak club
player could draw a world champion (or challenger)
in the resulting sterile position.
__....
_,,,.
.,.... ..,,,

43 P-84
White decides to push his passed Pawn. Of
course, the opposite colored Bishop prevents White
from being able to control his QBS or QB7, hence
the Pawn cannot queen.
DRAW
The most exciting game so far. In a reversal of
roles the champion stalked his challenger through·
out. He defanged one of Fischer's pet variations
and showed not the slightest sign of dejection over
his previous loss.

Times: Spassky 2 hrs. 35 min., Fischer 2 hrs.

28 min.
Score: Spassky 2112-Fischer 11 /2.
Needed to Win: Spassky 91/2, Fischer 11.
58

- - - - ---·
 GAME FIVE
Under the inexorable pressure of time, Boris
Spassky made an incredible blunder in this game-­
and promptly resigned.
An axiom in chess is that the player with the
white pieces, since he moves first, has an initial
advantage, but don't tell that to Boris Spas:sky.
He has now lost twice to Fischer while pla)ling
white.
The only consolation for Spassky is that Fischer, 2 P--QB4
too, blundered In the first game of the match wlhen
Gajning more center control.
he snatched a rook pawn and subsequently saw
his bishop trapped.
Oddly enough, Fischer, who arrived only 4 min·
utes late for game five, again adopted the same
Nimzo·lndian Defense as in game one.
Fischer, sensing the kill on move 27, almost
immediately made a spectacular bishop sacrifice.
Thunderous applause rang out in the playing hall
for a full minute.
For the first time in the match Spassky was
weakening. He had the white pieces yet was thor·
oughly outplayed.
Saturday night Fischer was taken on a two <md 2 . . . P--K3
a half hour inspection tour of the backstage cairn· Preparing to pin White's Queen Knight after 3
eras. Chet Forte, head of the ABC crew, said: "I N--QB3.
know Fischer is going to want cameras in-t:he
question is when. He can't get over the idea the
cameras are manned."
Fischer listened to every word and when the
tour was over asked ''but can't you put something
in front of the lens so that I can't see it?"

White: Spassky Black: Fischer

Nimzo Indian Defense

1 P-Q4 3 N-QB3
Once again, Spassky resorts to his QP openirug, Once again threatening P-K4.
an indication that he prefers a solid buildup rather
than the sharp play required in the Sicilian (1 P-­
K4, P--QB4), Fischer's pet defense against 1
P-K4.

3 ... B-N5
This is the Nimzo Indian Defense, one of the
most popular answers to 1 P--Q4. By pinning the
White QN Black gains several advantages. He
1 N-KB3
neutralizes the QN's pressure on the center. In
Black prevents 2 P-K4 and leaves open many some instances Black will exchange . . . BxN, which
options.
weakens White's Queenside Pawns. Black also
gains a temporary lead in development with two
pieces out. Finally, Black can now castle in one
move, while White has yet to develop any of his
Kingside forces. It is easy to see why the Nimzo
is favored by many of the world's best players.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

59
 ••Ill•• • .._._... .
•t•t•t•t • t• t •t • t
• •
• • • • ,•
••• t • •
• • • •
fl ft il • • 11 ft·H • •
• . [l • • B E R �m
ft B B ft ll ft ll ftB • U ft 9
Q p�;tA(lf! § D*&5AEE{
4 N-83 6 B-Q3
White develops to control the center and prepare White pursues straightforward development.
to castle Kingside.
...... ..
• t• t • t • t
••• t • •
• • • •
fl ft ll • •
• �11�11
ft B • R ft ll
tJ Au 8E{ .
6 . • • BxNch!?
4 ... P-84 Swapping the Bishop is usually reserved until
Black brings up his QBP to challenge White's White plays P--QR3. The text forces a permanent
QP. weakness in White's Q·side Pawns. Also White no
longer has the option of developing his King Knight
on K2 as in the normal Samisch line.
Black saddles White with doubled Pawns. How­
ever, amid the large scale activities of tHe middle
game Black will have difficulty concentrating on
this weakness as the diversion o1 force this would
entail might leave his K·side in the lurch. Henc.e,
Black plays to prevent or neutralize any aggressive
overtures from White, knowing that an eventual
endgame will allow him to exploit the doubled
Pawns without fear of a K-side attack. This is also

.
good psychology as It lets White know he must
5 P--K3 come up with resourceful middle game play or

..
Preparing to bring out the King's Bishop as well eventually face an inferior endgame
as reinforcing the White QP. Now if Black plays
5 . PxP, 6 PxP retains a Pawn on Q4. ••t••• •
•OJI•• •t•t•t t
• t•t •t t ••• t • •
• •
• • ,.,JI • • •
• • • • ,
tl ft·H II • R m!AR4Jll
• E .114)111 itD • O ft D
ftll • IB. ft B Ej au •.§
O U*'5..Q._E{ 7 PxB
As a result of Black's 6th move, White enjoys
5 ... N-83 the advantage of the two Bishops. However, two
Another solid developing move and a favorite Bishops need an open position to function at maxi­
of the West German grandmaster Robert Huebner. mum efficiency. White plays to open up the center.
The trouble is that Black skillfully keeps the center
well barricaded with Pawns, restricting the scope
of the White Bishops.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

60
 ••_._... .
• t • t • t rt t
•t• •
• • •
• 11-0 • •
Ta !e
n a�-� ·§
.

7 ... P-Q3
This is consistent with Black's strategy; instead
of the text, 7 . P-Q4 would be a grave strateg­
. .

ical error as it would allow White to undouble his

QBP's and open up the center for his Bishops.

10 N-R4
Not the best solution. The right way is to "sit"
on the position by 10 N-Q2 followed by P-B3,
N-Bl-K3. etc. Black has no counterplay unless
White tries violent measures.
In view of the obstructing barrier of Pawns in
the center, the White Bishops have reduced mobil·
ity. To rectify this Spassky aims for P-KB4 to try
to open up lines as quickly as possible.

8 ... P-K4
Liberating the QB and contesting the center.

••J..1•
1 • •
m. 1 1t r1 1 m t
••11• 11 •
• • •
r�
10 . . . P-KR3
P -B
m U ft
� -� .m Preventing the pin B-KN5 and deterring White
• · BAB from castling for fear of . . . P-KN4.
ft· · B O ft &
J§t &1�&§ -�
9 P-QS
While this has the advantage of cramping Black,
the locked Pawn formation in the center constitutes
a formidable barrier against the activity of the
White Bishops. But if 9 PxBP, PxP 10 Q-82, B­
K3 1 1 N-Q2, N-QR4! does not give White time
for N-Bl-K3-Q5.

11 P-84
Spassky pondered a half hour, pursed his lips,
then launched this energetic thrust. But more in
the spirit of things is 1 1 P-N3 or 1 1 P-83, P­
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN KN4 1 2 N-B5, BxN 1 3 PxB, Q-R4 14 Q-82!,
61
0-0---0 15 P-KR4 with advantage, (Domner­ Perhaps White hoped that Black's KP would be­
Damjanovic, Cienfuegos 1972). come a weakness after this exchange; if so he is
soon disillusioned. 13 0--0 is c!early better.

11 . • • N-N3!
Keen judgement. Black does not want to gE!t in· 13 . . . PxP
volved in the complications arising from 1 1 . . . White's protected passed QP is a long term plus
PxP 12 BxP, P-KN4 13 P-K5!. but meanwhile his Bishops are hemmed in and
·
lack scope.
A very strong rejoinder which completely stops
White's attack before it gets off the ground. Now
the aggressive 12 N-85? is refuted after 12 . . .
BxN 13 PxB, NxBP 14 BxN, PxB 15 0--0, 0--0
l 6 RxP for although White has recovered his Pawn
he Is strategically lost. His Bishop would bf! ob·
structed by Pawns on QB4, Q5, and KB5 'While
Black's Knight has several excellent posts, such
as . . . K4, from which to operate.

14 B-K3
Developing with a gain of time by attacking
Black's QBP.
This seems to be a good move as it develops a
piece and virtually forces . . . P--QN3. However,
the QB is really not mucti better placed on K3 than
QBl; also, Black would have to play . . . P--QN3
soon anyway to protect his Q·side Pawns, so the
12 NxN next move doesn't really gain a tempo. A more
Virtually forced in view of the threats of . . . effective sequence would be 14 0---0, 0---0 1 5
NxN and . . . NxBP. R-Nl , P-N3 1 6 R-N2 and White is virtually a
tempo up on the game continuation as he hasn't
lost a tempo with B-K3.

••.t•••
• t• • •
• ii •t•
11.ftm •
B .ft • .ft ll
. 11£11 Id
.ft • - It.ft .
12 . . . PxN
Now Black's Kingside is secure. Fischer's de·
� •-tt� , ·.§
fensive instinct is uncanny. 14 . . . P-N3
The simplest way to defend the BP. But now
Black must be _alert against White's P-QR4-R5.

B llill<tll ..
l!1 II BI -
•t••
B E.ft-', It
111 .ft ll .ft m ··
B.ilDWdJ .
§ • -'�
.ft •!lit&; /
• .§
62
 15 0--0
The king has lingered in the center long enough.

15 . • •

Ditto.

17 . . . B-Q2
Keeping a watch on the QRP.
16 P-QR4!?
To break through on the Q·side.
This is a weak move. The idea behind it is to
create play on the Q·side by P-QR5 after which
. . . QNPxRP woufd be disastrous for Black in view
of his weakened QBP (not to mention the isolated
QRP). But it Black refuses to exchange, White
simply plays QRPxQNP creating a juicy target for
White's Rooks and Queen on the open QN-file. All
this sounds great, but there is a major flaw: Black
can prevent P-QRS by simply playing . . . P­
QR4. Normally this would be avoided due to the 18 R-N2
resulting backward QNP, but ironically White's More flexible is 18 B-QB2, freeing the Queen
aggressive P-QR4 actuatly creates a target no less from the onerous task of guarding the RP.
vulnerable than Black''s QNP. Hence White makes
no progress, and maybe even loses ground, with
the overly optimistic next move.

18 . . . R-Nl
Overprotecting the QNP to free Black's Queen.

16 . . P-QR4! • •••
.
.

Black reckons that his QNP, although backward

.... . .
• • •t
on an open file, is no weaker than White's QRP.
Also, the hole created on QN4 cannot be occupied
or exploited by a minor piece. • tt •
ft ll ft • ft •
B-'lD
D • B ft B
. •*• .§&;
1 9 R/2-82
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN Vacillating. The Rooks have no future on the
KB file but White really has no constructive idea.
He rejected 19 B-QB2, N-N5 20 RxRch, QxR
2 1 Q-K2, NxB 22 QxN. And weakening is 19 P­
KR3, P-KN4. Worth considering is 19 K-Rl ,
N-N5 20 B-KNl.
This move, although impressive looking, is
merely an indication of the poverty of White's
strategy. Spassky can only sit back and watch
Bfack's position improve.

21 B-Q2
Putting the Bishop on a less vulnerable square,
out of reach of the Black Knight.

19 . . . Q--K2
More efficient is 1 9 . . . P-KN4 followed by
. . . Q-Kl. White has used 1 hr. and 20 min.,
Black only 40 min. Characteristically Fischer is
again ahead on time.
21 . . . Q-Kl!
A very fine concept. From here the Queen can
pivot to the Kingside while keeping White's Queen
and Bishop tied to the defense of the QRP.

20 8-82
Necessary to protect the QRP and free White's
Queen from this menial task. Again 20 P-KR3 is
met by 20 . . . P-KN4. Spassky took 25 minutes
on this retreat and was getting nervous because of
the clock.

• 1Jira
.....
. ..
• •
m "1ftfi1 II
ft B i
m B M
R
mA• �ft.
B�DE!W
20 . . . P-KN4 22 . . . Q-N3
Black begins to assume the initiative. Now NxKP is not a threat yet (e.g., if 23 . . . NxKP
Black's Knight can be maneuvered to the strong 24 RxRch, RxR 25 RxRch, KxR 26 Q-B3ch, B­
post . . . KB5 via . . . KR4; if White plays BxN B4 27 BxN winning material) but . . . N-R4,
then NPxB undoubles Black's KNP and creates a threatening to post the Knight powerfully on . . .
viable 3-2 Pawn majority on the Kingside. KB5, is.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

64
�
·
1
I
I
'

23 Q--Q3 25 RxRch
Probably hoping for 23 . . . Q-Kl 24 Q-Ql, Continuing to "chop wood".
Q-N3 25 Q-Q3 with a draw by repetition.

23 . . . . N-R4
But Fischer of course is playing for the win.
Black wants to force White to weaken himself on
the light squares after P-N3 (keeping the Knight
out of . . . KB5).
25 . . . KxR
White still has problems with his passive Bish·
ops. Also, Black's King can now get to QB2 to
defend the weak QNP.
Even though the position has been simplified
Black retains a strong grip. White still has concern
for his weak Pawns. Also Black threatens to occupy
. . . KBS with powerful effect.

24 RxRch
Spassky hopes exchanging will help draw the
poison from Stack's set up.
26 B-Ql
The lesser evil is 26 P-N3 to keep the Knight
out of . . . 85.

24 . . . RxR
Black doesn't mind the exchanges as he foresees
that he will still have a promising position.
26 . . . N-85
Black is clearly better but a forced win is still a
long way off.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

65
 27 . .. BxP!
If 28 QxB, QxP with the double threat of QxP
or QxB mate decides quickly.

27 Q-82??
This could be the worst blunder of Spassky's
career. After 27 Q-N l it's still a game. Curiously,
he took a good 5 minutes studying the position but
still had 25 minutes left on his clock. For the first
time in the "1atch Spassky's will appears to be WHITE RESIGNS
crumbling.
Fischer considered games three and five his best
in the match.

Times: Spassky 2 hrs 1 1 min., Fischer 1 hr.

18 min.
Score: Spassky 2112-Fischer 21;2 •
Needed to Win: Spassky 91/2, Fischer 10.

66
 GAME SIX
Bobby Fischer surged into the lead in his bid
for the World Championship by playing cat and
mouse with World Champion Boris Spassky in this
sixth game.
When Spassky wrote "resigned" on his score
sheet at move 41, conceding a hopeless position,
spectators set up a chant of "Bobby! Bobby!" Even
Spassky joined in the applause.
A girl from Los Angeles who had saved up all 2 N-K.83
year to watch this match wore a "Bobby Wins" Since there is no chance of a quick kill against
sweatshirt. "This is the kind of thing I came to an equal player, the modern master simply posts
see. Just a good game." she said. his pieces on good squares awaiting an oppor·
Surprising 1,500 spectators-and his opponent tunny.
as well-Fischer abandoned his favorite king pawn
opening in favor of the more staid queen's gambit,
which he never adopts in serious tournaments.
Fischer, in a suit and tie with brown sweater, ar·
rived 6 minutes late. One of his aides, Frank Skoff
of the U.S. Chess Federation, said: "The usual
thing held him up. You know, it's so hard to get
him moving." When I was Fischer's second in some
of the previous candidate's matches, my hardest
job was getting him to the game on time.
The Champion, dapper in a suit and red sweater.
responded cautiously with the Tartakower Variation
on move 7, characterized by the Fianchetto (flank
development) of black's queen bishop, affection· 2 P-Q4
ately called the problem child. Leading !o the Orthodox Defense to the Queen's
Gambit, very old and very passive. But hard to
In my opinion this was Fischer's most impres­ beat.
sive victory of the match, a classic model of switch·
ing the attack from one wing to the other, reminis­
cent of Capablanca at his best.

White: Fischer Black: Spassky

Queen's Gambit Declined.
1 P-QB4
A surprise to Spassky as well as 1,500 spec­
tators. The only other time In his career Fischer 3 P--Q4
started with this move was against Russia's Lev An historic occasion. This is the first time
Polugaevsky at Palma 1970. He also played it Fischer has ever played a Queen's Gambit as
against Panno in the same event, but Panno for­ White!
feited by not showing up for the game in the last
round.
Fischer's adoption of the English must be re­
garded as a serious blow to Spassky as he surely
was not expecting such a move from the world's
leading advocate of 1 P-K4!

3 N-KB3
Notice how Black brings out his Kingside men,
preparing rapid castling.

1 P-K3
Preparing . . . P-Q4 with a solid stance in the
center. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
67
 ·.

6 P-K3
Defending the QBP and opening a path for the
King's Bishop.

6 ... P-KR3
.
Other commonly played moves are 6 . . QN­
Q2 (developing) and 6 . . . P-83 (solidifying
Black's center).

4 ... B-K2
Less ambitious than Fischer's 4 . . . B-N5 in
game one, but Spassky is heading for one of his
pet drawing lines.

7 B-R4
Keeping the tension. 7 BxN, BxB has little sting.

I i•
• •i•

. ,z1i:-a
B.E B4J•
,._.,,,
5 B-N5
More active than 5 P-K3 which hems in this
Bishop. For 5 B-B4 see game 14.
7 ... P-QN3
This is Tartakower's Defense. Black intends to
solve the problem of his "problem child" Queen's
Bishop by posting it on QN2. Research indicates
that Spassky has never lost the Black side of this
line.
This system has a solid reputation and usually
creates a safe position for Black. In this game,
however, Robert Fischer's genius · injects a new
idea for White.

5 ... 0-0
The King is safe on this wing.

8 PxP
The idea is to fix Black's Pawn on Q4 so that
after his Bishop reaches QN2 it will have limited
68
scope.

• •

•
II rlt • m
B B ft • •
B D . �
fl E II�•
ft ll a ll ft B
Q •�W�llf! 10 . . . PxN
8 ... NxP Again an obstructing P.awn lands on . . . Q4.
An alternative is 8 . . PxP. The text, however,
.

eases Black's cramp by forcing a general exchange

of pieces.

11 R-81
Bearing down on the backward QBP which can
no longer go to QB3 with impunity because its base
9 BxB . Pawn (the QNP) was advanced on move 7.
Simple and best. Inferior is 9 B-N3, P--QB4
with a good game for Black {Evans-Spassky, Arns·
terdam lnterzonal 1964).

11 . .
• B-K3
The ending after 7 . . . Q-NSch 8 Q-Q2,
·

QxQch 9 KxQ is better for White because of his

active King combined with pressure on the QB­
9.... QxB file. Experience has shown that 11 . . . B-N2? is
Inconsistent is 9 . . . NxB-Black has no reason lifeless, and actually interferes with Black's coun·
to lose time to avoid exchanges. A mistake would · terplay along the QN file.
be 9 . . NxN? 10 BxQ, NxQ 1 1 B-K7, R-Kl
.

12 B-R3 trapping the Knight.

10 NxN
Again White's theme is to exploit the weakening
of Black's Queenside Pawns. If Black's Bishop has
no future on QN2 (because it is blocked by its own
Pawn on Q4) then 7 . . . P--QN3 was a wasted
and a weakening move.
12 Q-R4
Putting pressure on the weakened Black Q·side
and threatening P--QN4, which would relegate
Black's QBP to a permanently backward status--a
juicy target for White's Rooks on the QB·file.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAG.E

69
 12 . . . 14 . . . P-R3
Now Black threatens to break the pin on his
QBP by . . . Q-N2!

13 Q-R3 1 5 PxP
Setting up an annoying pin and threatening to White exchanges to clear his Q4 square for his
win the QBP immediately. pieces. Now if 15 . . . RxP 16 Q--0! then Black
suffers from an isolated QP as well as conceding
White a valuable outpost square for his pieces on
Q4 (the isolation of Black's QP would imply that
there is no Black Pawn to repel d White piece
from Q4). Of course, 1 5 . . . PxB? is answered by
16 QxR, winning the Exchange.

13 . . . R-81
If 13 . . . N-Q2, 14 B-N5 maintains the pres­
sure against the QBP.

15 • . • PxP
The Pawns on Black's QB4 and Q4 are known
in technical jargon as "hanging Pawns'.' as they
seem to be hanging in mid-air with no fellow Pawns
to support them from behind. Such Pawns can be- ·

come a liability as they must be protected by

pieces, giving a passive character to Black's layout.
However, there is compensation here in Black's
newly opened QN-file on which the Black Rooks
can attack White's QNP, with counterplay.
14 �N5!
Sharper than 14 �K2, N-Q2 which gives
Black few problems.
Fischer adopts a move first played in the game
Furman-Geller, which continued 14 . . . P-QR3
15 PxP, PxP 16 0-0, R-R2 1 7 B-K2, P-QR4
but after 18 R-83! N-Q2 19 R(l)-81 White
had the advantage.

16 0-0
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
70
 Completing development by connecting Rooks 18 . . Q--B3! unpinning and bearing down on
.

on the first rank. the QNP.

16 . . . R-R2 18 . . . �Bl
Curiously, this is the same inferior move chosen A time consuming retreat. Better is 18 . N­. .

by Spassky's second, Geller, when he encountered Bl 19 NxB, P)(N or 18 . N-B3 19 N-N3,

. .

this position against Furman i n a USSR Team N-Q2 20 R-B3, K-81 21 KR-Bl, P-85.
Championship 1970. In his notes Geller recom­
mended 16 . . . Q-N2! 1 7 B-K2, N-Q2 with a
much more active position for Black than Spassky
obtains with the text move, since he gets some
counterplay along the QN·file. But perhaps Fischer
intended 16 . . Q-N2 . 1 7 B-R4!?
.

19 NxB
Trading old advantages for new onesJ

17 B-K2
Black was threatening to take the Bishop, now
that his QR is protected.

19 . • . PxN

17 . . .

18 N-Q4!
Fischer's genius reveals itself. He realizes that
the ending is better for him with a long range
Bishop against the short·hopping Knight. Also, the
automatic 18 KR-Ql gives White nothing after
71
20 P-K4!
A temporary positional sacrifice of a Pawn in
order to open up diagonals for the Bishop. Again
Fischer gives Spassky no breathing space.
A key move which aims to break open Black's
central Pawn mass so as to create more activity
for� his Bishop.
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
 20 .. P--QS?
22 . . . R-Nl
.

An error of judgment from which Black never

recovers, but his game is already difficult. If 20 . . .
N-83 21 P-K5, N-Q2 22 P-84 is similar to
the game, only with White tempi up. Spassky rightly
rejects 20 . PxP 21 B-84 (or 21 R-84) Q­
. •.
Black's Pawn structure is weak, he is blockaded
on the white squares on the Q-side, so he seeks
some relief by seizing the QN-file.
If, instead of the text, Black tries 22 . . N­
.

K2 22 Q-KR3. R-Kl (on 22 . •N-81 23

.
N3, hoping for . . N-Q4 and . . . N-K6, then
.

KR-Kl regains the Pawn with unbearable pres· 23 P-85! threiltening 24 P-86 demolishing
sure on Black's sickly KP) 23 KR-Kl, N-83 24 Black's K-side. If 23 . . . PxP then 24 Q-N3ch
P-83! regaining the Pawn with advantage as 24 wins the Knight.
. . . PxP? loses to 25 RxP threatening Black's
Queen and a deadly discovered check. Black's best
chance is to strive for counterplay with 20 . . .
P-85.

23 B-84
Aiming at the KP.

23 . . • K-Rl
The King must step off the menacing diagonal
of the Bishop. At this point White has consumed
1 hr., Black 1 hr. 30 min.
21 · · - Q--K 2
Hoping to block with 21 . . . P-K4.

24 Q--R3
22 P-K5! Fischer took only 2 minutes on this move which
. Easy does it. White is saving P-85 until it has bears on the KP and put more pressure on Black's
the maximum punch. Kingside.
72
 24 . . . N-81 26 . . . PxP
White's center Pawns are too menacing after the Black must take as P-B6 or PxP threatened.
indirect trade of Pawns via 24 . . RxP 25 BxKP.
.

••• •••
•t • Et••
• & •·
• Sill··ft *
ftB II B ll
B·D·-��
-
27 RxP
25 P--QN3 Threatening R-87. White's threats-based on
Now that Black � has been forced to transfer his his passed KP and control of the KB-file-now be·
Knight to the Kingside, White squelches counter· come irresistible.
play along the QN ·file.
.
Note the striking difference between the effec·
tiveness of White's powerful. Bishop and Black's
passive Knight. White's strategy is completely vin·
dicated; Black can only wait tor the end-he is
positionally busted.

• • ••••
•� · • t • •
•.MJ•n•• 27 N-R2

'l1.•.•r111
. • .

Spassky took only five minutes on his last four

moves. The idea behind the text is to meet 28

• n •��u:;
R-B7 by 28 . . N-N4 and if 29 RxQ, NxQch
·
.

wins the Exchange.

25 . . . P--QR4
What else? Black strives for . . . P-R5 to open
the QR·file for his Rooks.

28 QR-KBl
But Fischer strengthens his attack by simply
bringing up his reserves.

26 P-85
The decisive maneuver.
From now · on White's attack will steadily gain
in momentum.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

73
 •-•,.•..,.
.• • - -
• • •
m B.§•
·
E ft· ·
ft •
• •ill
I
8.§�
.
• •
28 . . Q--Ql 30 . . . R/1-N2
Black would like to ease the pressure with 28 Black can only wait and try to meet each new
. . . R-KBI but that loses to 29 RxRch, NxR 30 threat as it occurs.
Q-BS! and Black loses his Knight. ·

29 Q-N3
Simplicity itself. White has new threats of B­

-
Q3 and 'Q-N6.

:: : I
. �-�"""=
- �

• • • •
•.1.01•.
ni11 • m
••. • M.§&;
i g B i ll
31 . . . R/N2-B2
29 . . . R--K2 Defending the QBP.
Black tries to eye the KP and set up a line of
d�ense along the second rank. No good is 31 . . . P-Q6 because of 32 R--QS,

•,
winning the QP.
•
• •• •
•
• •
•• • •••
B i ll ••II
.ft B •
• • 8.§�
llftB
30 P-KR4
And not the hasty 30 Q-N6 because of 30 . .
Q-Kl. White takes his own good time and pene­
. 32 �5
On this ideal post the Queen dominates the
trates after he has reduced Black's counterplay. board. White now threatens B-Q3 and Q-K4
with consequent mating threats.
Hemming in Black's hapless Knight still more.
The beginning of the end; White's pieces seem
to improve their position with every move.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

74
 ••,
• .ft. •
•
• • llE!•
_,,•••• •
•.ft •••·f!�
•ft.
32 . . . Q-Kl 34 . .. Q-Kl
By keeping an eye on the KP Black prevents

•
Again Black tries to prevent B-Q3 by pres­
B-Q3.

• • • •4
•• •
suring the KP.

·.·&1• .
ifi•Jl. 11 ·
•••••u,.
33 P-R4
Now Black is virtually in Zugzwang and is re­
35 R/2-B3
·
This Rook may be more useful on the third rank

••••,••, ••.,.,••,
duced to shifting his Queen. in some variations.

fl Bftll
ftE!_mf!JiBB t:1:&i •
.,._•.,,/l. & t m Bf!•11
B • fl f!a •
•••m • •t•
33 . . . Q--Ql
This removes the pressure from the White KP 35 . .. Q--Ql

····4
·•··Iii•
and allows the Bishop to go to Q3. Black is still gasping for breath.

.3 • •
..

•'l,.!... ft
...�
36 B--Q3!
Finally. The threat is Q-K4 followed by R-B
8ch, NxR; Rx�ch, QxR; Q-R7 mate.

Also very strong is the routine penetration R­

KB7. But Fischer has an elegant finish in mind.
The text initiates a mating battery on the QN l­
KR7 diagonal.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

75
 36 .. . Q-Kl 38 . . . PxR
If 36 . . . N-83 37 RxN! leads to decisive Black must take, but now he is finished off
attack much as in the game. quickly.

37 Q-K4! 39 RxP
A primitive but lethal lineup against the hapless At the relatively small cost of the Exchange
Black Monarch. White has completely denuded the enemy King.

37 . • . N-83
The only try. If 37 .
. RxP the beautiful point
.

is revealed after 38 R-B8ch! NxR 39 RxNch,

QxR 40 Q-R7 mate.

•••.,..
___,_.
_.,.,.
.,,.
.. ....
..__ _
.,....

II a • •
i
BE! .
ta •tHJ a
ftllililE!fl
••••••,.
38 RxN! 40 8-84
Of course. Fine once said that in such positions Threatening 41 R-N6ch, R-N2 42 P-K7ch,
combinations are as natural as a baby's smile. K-R2 (or 42 . . . K-R l 43 RxPch and mate
next) 43 R-86 dis. eh. (or P-RS), R-N3 44
RxR, QxR 45 QxQch, KxQ 46 P-KS=Qch, etc.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

76
 40 . . . K-Rl
Black is reeling witt. each blow.
41. Q-84
Rather than adjourn, Spassky prefers to end his
misery. If 41 . . . R-81 (to stop R-B8ch) 42
RxPch, R-R2 43 Q-B6ch, K-Nl 44 P-K7 dis.
eh., R-82 45 R-R8 mate.
BLACK RESIGNS
Spassky extended his hand to resign then joined
in the general applause. Bobby was so moved by
this gracious gesture that he later told friends, "I
had to go away." Was he afraid to dull his killer
instinct by feeling any tinge of sympathy for his
opponent? In the car on the way back to his hotel
Bobby asked over and over incredulously, "Did
you see what Spassky did? Did you see him ap·
plaud? That's real sportsmanship. That shows he's
a true sportsman."
Times: Spassky 2 hrs. 33 min., Fischer 2 hrs.
2 min.
Score: Spassky 2112-Fischer 31h.
Needed to Win: Spassky 9lf2, Fischer 9.
 "It was really exciting-more exciting than the
GAME SEVEN rest of the game," said a young girl who was not
disappointed by the result even though only eight
moves were made by each side in less than an
Spassky, in gray suit and vest, arrived punctu­
hour before Fischer extended his hand, tacitly
ally. Fischer burst onto stage 5 minutes late as
offering to split the point.
usual, wearing a suit and the same brown and
white sweater he wore during last Sunday's game. In other developments yesterday, two promoters,
Applause was muted by a flashing white neon sign Jerry Weintraub and Sid Bernstein, who have pro­
announcing "silence" in English and Icelandic. More moted the Beatles and Etvis Presley, unsuccessfully
than 1,000 spectators filed in, anticipating more attempted to buy out the film rights for the match
fireworks. from Chester Fox, who told me he was holding
out for a quarter of a million dollars. Fischer has
"This is the most exciting chess played in a
stated he will not permit cameras in unless Chester
World Championship Match since the days of
Fox is out of the picture.
Steinitz," observed Father William Lombardy,
Fischer's second. Spassky ambled over' to the "My mission here has failed," said Fischer's
board and sat down in a new chrome and black lawyer, Paul Marshall, who arrived Tuesday and
leather chair. is leaving today. The organizers are still hoping
The champion opened with his king pawn, a for a compromise so Thursday's game can be
change of pace, and Fischer instantly shot back filmed.
with his favorite Sicilian Defense-The Najdorf
Variation. "It's the Najdorf, the Najdorl," exulted White: Spassky Black: Fischer
Miguel Najdorf, the Argentine Chess Master in
whose honor the line is named. He had just ar­ Sicilian Defense
rived from Argentina wlth a gift for Bobby-a two 1 P-K4
hundred dollar pair of shoes. Trailing by a point. Spassky reverts to his King's
"Today will be a terrific fight." murmured Naj­ Pawn. The last time he tried this against Fischer
dorf, as Spassky chose the sharpest line of attack he won with a King's Gambit at Mar del Plata 1960.
on move 6. Fischer, swinging his left foot, studied
the position. He chose the "poison pawn" line--a
dangerous pawn snatch that plunges the black
queen out of play.
"l=ischer I s like a fox," whispered Najdorf. By
move 10, the players were already out of the book,
in uncharted terrain despite the reams of analysis
devoted to this critical variation. Spassky consumed
35 minutes on move 12, sacrificing a second pawn
to retain the initiative.
He followed it up with a surprise sacrifice of a
bishop on move 15 in order to prevent Black's
kjng from castling and reaching a haven. Fischer 1 P--QB4
promptly returned the piece in order to stay 2 Played confidently and brazenly. If Spassky had
pawns ahead. •
something good against Fischer's pet line, he would
Having weathered the storm, Fischer began to have played 1 P-K4 sooner!
get careless. He played inaccurately and allowed
Spassky considerable counterplay. Fisc:her forced Fischer's superb handling of the fighting Sicilian
an exchange of queens on move 26 and Spassky Defense induces great respect in any opponent who
suddenly found himself fighting valiantly for the plays l P-K4 against him. Spassky is certainly
draw a pawn down. one of the few players in the world who can give
"It's fantastic. Fischer should be champion of Fischer serious problems in the Sicilian, as
the world. He deserves it. Fischer was Jost but he Spassky's attacking ability is second to none.
wasn't. Unbelievable. I'm impressed by Fischer's
chess judgment. How did he know that his king
would be safe when he entered this variation?"
marveled Yugoslav Grandmaster Svetozar Gligoric.
But Fischer started botching it, especially on
move 30, and by adjournment Spassky had sue·
ceeded in simplifying the position and even work·
ing up some mating threats of his own.
The world champion spent 45 minutes sealing
his move, and most experts predicted that the
position would yield no more than a draw. And
they were right.
2 N-KB3
Spassky, as usual, was the first to arrive for
resumption of play. He clasped his hands, surveyed Preparing to seize more control of the center
the board and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. with P-Q4.
The referee, Lothar Schmid, revealed Spassky's
sealed move after Fischer arrived 13 minutes late.
He had stayed up until 9 A.M., analyzing the game
with Bill Lombardy.
"We knew it was a draw," Lombardy told me. S�E DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
78
 2 . • . . P-Q3 4 ... N-KB3
Fischer rarely plays 2 . . . N--QB3. He prefers The most accurate. Black should attack White's
to keep open the option of developing his QN to KP immediately. After 4 . . . N�83 for example,
Q2. The text serves as a bulwark against a later White can get a strong bind on the center l>y
White P-K5. 5 P-QB4.

Bll.l.il<i'rtl�i\ ••.1.••• •
1·1
l · l
• l r. .t e
.
II fl•fl•IJ•
·

•
•
•

•• •
.ftD•i!.•
.
B .� JJ ft R B

9 11 •ft ml•i lJ•H•ft

�4J��All� §4JD&�All�
3 P-Q4 5 N-QB3
Innocuous is 3 B-N5ch, B-Q2 4 BxBch, QxB White can play B-Q3 to defend the KP, hut
(better than 4 . . . NxB, as the Knight belongs on after 5 . . . P-KN3, creating a barrier against
QB3, where it has more scope) and Black has no the White Bishop's Kingside activity, Black has
problems. little to fear. The text is more flexible, allowing
White to wait to see where his KB is best placed.

3 ... PxP
It is best to take. Exchanging a wing Pawn for a
center Pawn is normally good strategy; also White
was threatening 4 PxP, 5 QxQch, KxQ, preventing
Black from castling.
5 ... P-QR3
This peculiar looking move initiates the Najdorf
Variation of the Sicilian Defense. This variation has
long been Fischer's favorite line of play against
White's 1 P-K4. The text is partly a waiting move
to see what White will play next.

a A B .

• .t • IJ .t ll i
t• • • •
•a•E!m•
E mH•i •ll
mft&ftll
4 NxP
Although 4 QxP is playable, Black achieves a
g �-�
good game by . . . N-QB3 attacking the exposed 6 B-KN5
White Queen. White essays the sharpest line. He intends a
rapid mobilization of his Q·side pieces, including
castling Q·side.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

79
 •
• t• • t• t
t• • t • •
. .. B�.�
B E If
a
.

=tt B ttm mfe

� • mA• §
6 • • • P-K3 8 . . . QxP
Freeing the KB but hemming in the QB, which Black must accept the challenge as otherwise
can develop effectively on QN2 (after . . . P­ White would castle Q-side, protecting the QNP.
QN4).

•
• t• • t • t
t• • t •
.. 'l
. E •
E • B
a

ft ft . ll :ft ll
D •6-il•� 9 N-N3
7 P-84 An obscure line. More usual is 9 R--QN l , Q­
Threatening P-K5. Inferior is 7 Q--Q2, P­ R6.
KR3! 8 B-R4, NxP!, e.g., 9 BxQ, NxQ 10 KxN,
. KxB and Black is a clear Pawn up. am:t•H •
·-·- . • t• • t • t
im •t• •
• t• • t • t
t• •t• • . . .. ,&gm·
• a
E n • .• 'f -�[1 • •
RifB
ft ll ft il
E • •
t Hft • ll ft R � • m�• �
Q_•*t5ll•E! 9 ... Q-R6!
Prudently extricating the Queen. White threat·
7 . • . Q-N3 ened 10 P--QR3 and 1 1 R-R2, winning the ven·
The poisoned-Pawn variation. Black throws cau· turesome Black Queen.
tion to the wind and goes after White's QNP.

Fischer has used this risky Queen sally in several

important games. The logic behind it is to attack
White's QN2, which has been weakened by White's
aggressive 6th move.
.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

80
 10 . . . B-K2 12 . . . NxP
Trying to consolidate and castle. Black reckons he can weather the storm-and
he can!

White withdraws his King to safety while mobiliz·

13 NxN
ing his KR. White takes with the Knight so that he can play
NxPch on his 16th move.
••.t.
• t• ll t ltf
t m •t• • lfa •t•
tE • t•
·

·• • a • •
it R m B{)B a
H'£) IJ Ii il4J•AIJ tl
itBiil BftB ftilftB min
11
� • ·§�
. .. P-KR3
� • 8§;;
Forcing While to exchange his Bishop for a
13 . . . BxB
Knight or sacrifice a second Pawn. Alternatives are Forced, to recover the sacrificed piece, but now
1 1 . . . QN-Q2 or 1 1 . . 0--0. The text is more ·
.
White takes advantage of the weakened QP to
active. initiate a flurry of tactics.

12 B-R4 14 P-85
Spassky chooses to sac a second Pawn rather Sacrificing another Pawn to open still more lines
than play 12 BxN, BxB. of attack. Black appears to be in terrible danger,
but Fischer demonstrates superb defensive tech­
nique.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

81
 14 . . . PxP 16 . . . K-81
Now Black is three Pawns up. If he can survive Not 16 . . . K-K2? 17 NxNP, Q-R3 (forced
White's onslaught he will win by virtue of his extra to stop Q-Q6 mate) 18 Q-N4ch gives White a

.
material. winning attack.

·-
.-
.-.._
-. -.
-.-·
• tll • t•
E m ·m
•
• t• t l1
11
·�•
it B·
i ll
.
ll ft ll
. lll •Et'li
15 8-N5ch! 17 NxB
Spassky took 10 minutes on this. He sacrifices White recovers his sacrificed piece, but he is
a Bishop in order to keep the Black King in the still two Pawns down.
center. Not 15 NxPch, QxN 16 B-N5ch, K-K2!

17 . • . N--83
15 .
. . PxB Despite th� complications, Black played rapidly,
Fischer adopts an "I'm from Missouri" attitude.· returning the piece in order to break the attack.
If 15 . . . K-K2 16 B-B4. Bobby strolled backstage and told his bodyguard,
..
"Everything's perfect." At this point Spassky had

,.
used 1 hr. 15 min., Fischer 50 min .

••
•
•
,, •
rdt ll
-�
. · ·····
ft m ft m ri ft &
H II g�u;
16 NxPch
The point. Now on 16 . . . K-Q l or 1 6 . . .
K-Q2, 1 7 NxNP dis. eh. wins Blacks Queen. 18 N--Q6
Spassky pondered 20 minutes ·before deciding
to extricate his Knight. 18 Q-Q7 looks good but
after 18 . . . P-KN3 Black's fortress is impreg­
nable. If 19 QxNP (or 19 N-Q6, B-K2), Q-R3
20 QxQ, RxQ Black i� a Pawn up in the better
endgame.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

82
.
The more aggressive 18 Q-Ql leads nowhere
after 1 8 .
. P-KN3 19 N-Q6, N-K4! 20 QxP
 • • I•
• lltil
(Nl), QxN(3)! 21 QxRch, K-N2 22 Q-Nl, R­
QNl 23 QR-Ql (Bad is 23 Q-R7, N-N5 24
P-N3, BxP!) B-Blch!! 24 K-Rl (24 RxB, •tJQ.. • •
MELJll
QxRch) 24 . . . QxR! and Black must win. Also
weak is 18 Q-B4, RxN 1 9 QxB, �2 and Black

II B Ii 8
consolidates his advantage. 11 1 11
••
•t• ••E • •
•t• ·�· II II ,
ft ll .ft ll 18.ft
rAl[J·Btlt · ·
!!
ELJ
•ft fl·ft ll·B·i ll
20 . . . P-«Nl
Protecting the BP and giving his King a loop­
hole on . . . KN2 to allow his KR to get into play;
in short, a consolidating move.
D R •!!GS �,,..,..

18 . . . R--Ql
Pinning and threatening to win the Knight.

Btfl• ••tm • •
11'lE
.,. llt•
fl m

•ELJ······ 21 P-R4
ft II .ft l1 E .ft II
9 II ·!!�
White is just trying to hold on.

19 NxNP/5
The force has gone out of White's attack and

..
he must seek salvation in an endgame. The text
is necessary as 19 QR-Ql, trying to protect
White's advanced Knight loses to 19 . B-K2.

19 . . • 0-K2
Rejecting 19 . . . RxQ 20 NxQ, R--Q4 21 N-
84, P-KN3 22 QR-Ql and White obtains some
counterplay.

•• •
.,,••, •
•
B4JB Btm
• • • fl
•ELJ• • •
ft irA .ft ll Bi
D IJ •!!W
20 Q-84
White is a Pawn down with Insufficient compensa·
tion.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

83
 22 . . . B-K6ch
Posting the Bishop strongly in White's territory.
• r
•
• i • ·· t • .
. �
. . -
- - � .,.. . .
B tE l1 t B E4SB • m
�� ---
�· •� t-
• tt •*• • •
w •
�
!B •
mi d ·�· . . �
�� .
· • tt • E II
- ��-B"
m�d •
- p B •E!R\t>
E ft m E lt B.
��,�.�
- �. �' r
E !�
25 QR-Kl
� Pinning the Bishop and bringing the QR into
23 K-Rl play.
White is theoretically lost because he is a Pawn
down. He play� on hoping for a Black miscue.

25 ... �NS
Finally deciding to force an exchange of Queens.
Black's extra Pawn should be decisive in the end­
ing.

Now 25 . . . N-K4 is answered by 26 Q-K4

and 26 . . . P-B4 is no longer good.

26 QxQ
Practically forced. On 26 Q-K2, Black has a
pleasant choice between 26 . . . QxRP, racking up
another Pawn, or 26 . . . Q-K5ch, forcing 27
Q-N2 as 27 R-B3 loses to 27 . . . P-N5.

24 . . . P-N4
Reinforcing the advanced Pawn. White has used
2 hrs. 06 min., Black 1 hr. ·10 min.

In a winning position Fischer begins to play 26 . . . NxQ

inaccurately, allowing Soassky counterplay. Better With a threat on the QBP.
was 24 . . . N-K4. For example, 25 Q-K4, P-B4
with . . . P-86 is powerful while on 25 Q-K2,
P-N4 Black is better placed than in the game.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

84
 27 R-K2 29 N-84
Defending the QBP. White has made a slight gain by bringing his
Knight to, a more active post.

• • •
• •1•
!.·.··
t•i•.•.
• •fi•
27. • . K-N2
•t • Etll __

The first inaccuracy. 27 .

. N-83 !, recentral·
. 29 . . . N--Q4
izing the Knight and preventing N-R5, would Protecting the Bishop so that if 30 NxB, NxN,
deprive White of any counterplay. Fischer's play and the N would replace the Bishop on a strong
gets careless hereabout�. post.

28 N-RS 30 N/4-Q6
Threatening the QNP as the Knight seeks a bel Threatening P-B4, driving Black Knight away,
ter post. followed by N-B5ch and NxB winning a Pawn.
Due to Bobby's dilatory play Spassky has gained
good counterplay.

28 . . . P-N3
Securing the Pawn.
Possibly better was 28 . . . R-Q2 29 N-84, 30 . . . B-84
R-QBl . Gets the Bishop out of the aforementioned
threat.
Another possible improvement is 30 . . . K-N3
and it 31 P-84, N-83.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAG.E

85
 31 N-N7 33 R-B3
White harasses the Black Rook. This would not have been possible earlier be·
cause of . . . R--Q8ch.

31 . . . R--QBl
Also possible is 31 . . . N-K6! 32 R(l)-Kl 33 . . . NxP
(not 32 R/1-82, R-Q8ch and mate in two) 32 The only way to stay a Pawn ahead.
. . . P-86 33 NxR. RxN 34 R-82 (if 34 RxN,
BxR 35 RxB, R-Q8 mates) 34 . . . P-NS with
a powerful position for the Exchange.

34 PxP
Finally annexing the pesky KBP.
32 P-84
A desperate attempt to break up Black's Pawn
chaii').

34 . . . P-NS
Black aims for an eventual passed Pawn after
. . . P-R4-R5 and . . . P-KN6. Also, on KN5
32 . . . N-K6 the Pawn exert� ::in unpleasant cramp on White's
t
na ck Kingside.
· ·

· must counterattack. Otherwise White

would wi-0 the advanced KBP for nothing.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

86
 35 R-Q3
White controls both central files and wants to
penetrate to the 7th rank. If instead 35 R-QB3,
B-N5 holds everything.

37 . .
. BxN
Black swaps his good Bishop for the Knight in
order to control the QB·file with his Rook.

35 . . • P-R4
Reinforcing the KNP, just in case.

38 NxB
Renewing the threat. White has managed to gain
excellent counterplay, but only because of Black's
several inaccuracies.
36 P-R3
White desires a little more breathing space for
his King-also he is trying to weaken Black's
Pawns.

38 . • . R-B8ch
Getting out of the attack without loss of time.
' -

36 . . . N-R4
Fischer plays this phase of the game too fast.
Stronger is 36 . . . KR-Kl bringing his inactive
Rook into play. He later admitted missing "around
9 wins" during the last phase of the game.

39 K-N2
The King must move.

37 N/7-Q6
White swings his distant Knight back into play
and threatens the Black Rook.

White's Knight eyes KBS.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

87
 39 • . • N-85
Black admits his 36th move was poor and brings
his Knight back into play.

42 R-K6
Everything is well-timed. The immediate threat
is RxPch.
40 N-K&h!
Spassky has put up stout resistance. Now
Black' s King is insecure.

42
• .
. R-87ch
If 42 . . . K-84 43 N-N7ch (43 RxPch: K­
K5 is good for Black) forces 43 . . . K-N3 and
Black has gone nowhere after 44 N-K8 again.
40 . . . K-N3
White has used 2 hrs. 25 min., Black 2 hrs. 2
min. Spassky now took 45 minutes on his sealed
move. Most experts predicted he would play either
41 R-Q5 or 41 P-R4.

43 K-Nl!
Not 43 K-N3, R-Bl 44 R-Q5, R-86ch
allowing Black to seize control of the 6th rank
with a gain of tempo.
41 P-R4!
The idea is to prevent Black's King from. going
to KN4 after P-B5ch. If 41 R-Q5, P-B3 42
P-R4, R-86 (or R-B7 and if RxR, N-K6ch)
43 P-85ch, K-R3!

43. - · K-84
A little more dangerous but insufficient to win
for Black is 43 . . . RxN! 44 RxR, N-Q7 45 R­
K2, N-B6ch 46 K-B2, R-85 47 RxN, PxR 48
KxP, RxRP 49 R-QN2 with a drawn Rook endipg".
And if 43 . . . R�Bl 44 R-Q5, K-82 45 P-
85, RxN 46 R-Q7ch draws.
41 . .
. P-83
Black has to repeat moves after 41 . . . K-B4
42 N-N7ch, K-N3 (42 . . . KxP?? 43 R-Q4
mate). But 41 . . . R-81 comes under considera·
tion. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
88
. - .
 46 N-B5ch
With two Pawns up Black has a winning material
advantage, but alas White takes advantage of
Black's exposed King to force a draw.

44 N-N7ch
Giving up a second Pawn to activate the Knight
and weave mating threats.

46 . . . K-86
Forced. Not 46 . . . K-R6 because 47 R­
Q3ch mates next.

44 . . . KxP
If 44 . . . K-N3 then simply 45 N-K8 and
Black is where he started.

47 R/6-K4!
Spassky made all his moves after adjournment
in 2 minutes flat. All had been worked out by the
Soviet team after Spassky's sealed move, 41 P­
R4!

45 R--Q4ch
Per plan. The Black King is not being given a
moment's rest.

47 . . . R-B8ch
Black sees no way to extricate his King from
the swarming White pieces, so he settles for a per·
petual check.

45 . . .
• K-N6
If 45 . . . K-86 White keeps up the checks with
46 R-Q3ch .
_____,,,
. .-
. . -
.
.
-----
-- . ,

. . �
• fa § .
11 • • Il l 48 K-R2
ftB•§ fl t ·., Forced .
• • • •
B,I • -
fB � - �
JB
. . . � 89
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE.
 49 K-Nl
Seeing no way out of perpetual check, the play·
ers agree to a draw.

48 . . . R-87ch
Black loses if he tries to win. If 48 . . . P-NGch
49 NxP, R-B7ch 50 K-R3! or 48 . . . N-K4??
49 R-K3ch, K-87 50 R-Q2ch, K-88 5 1 N­
N3 mate. Would Spassky take new heart after hav·'
ing swindled a draw?
DRAW
• • •
• • •
• • •
• •4J• t
t•�D13• t
• ••• Times: Spassky 3 f).rs. 12 min., Fischer 2 hrs.
••• • 57 min .
• • • Score: Spassky 3-Fischer 4.
Needed to Win: Spassky 9, Fischer 81h.

90
 GAME EIGHT
For the second time Boris Spassky suffered an
acute attack of chess blindness, blundering almost
like an amateur.
Spassky's loss was a disappointing fiasco for
him. Shortly before play he told fri�nds, "I am
not afraid of Fischer." And indeed he was heart·
ened after swindling a draw in game 7.
He sqLiinted at the cameras. grinding away at a
distance of 150 feet, made his first move, and 2 ... N-Qii3
then strode over to the referee, Lothar Schmid. Black follows suit.

White: Fischer Black: Spassky

English Opening .

1 P-QB4
Once more Bobby arrives 10 minutes late, so as
not to spoil his record. Does 1 P-QB4 mean
Bobby hasn't yet found anything good against
Spassky's Sicilian Defense of game four? "I usually
have good results when I play something unusual
in the opening," Bobby once told me.

••.t.llflll'i&
•t•t•t•t
• • • •
.
;B -
-
• •
ft fm ft · :
§4JDNt�llE §.
3 . . . N--83
1 P-QB4
Symmetrical chess, a policy which Spassky fol· If it's good enough for White . . .
lows for several more moves. The reasoning is
simple: if White makes a good move why not make
the same move? There is a drop of poison in this
idea though, for White has the first move in sym·
metrical openings and he might at some point
produce a threat which seizes the initiative. A
primitive example: if White, after a symmetrical
opening, played a move threatening mate in one,
it would be impossible to copy White's move as
Black would get mated first.

aPJJ:8eB�•
.,. t• , 4 P-KN3
To develop the KB on KN2 where it will exert
�"
- �
pressure across the board on the KRJ-QR8
�- - - diagonal.
-� . . �

2 N-QB3
Developing a Knight and exerting pressure
against Q5, a theme of the English Opening.

SEE DlAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

91
 4 • • . P-KN3
The sincerest form of_ flattery-imitation.

7 P--Q4
Because White moves first he can seize the ini­
tiative in the center.
5 B-N2
Now White is ready to castle. II I:••
i ' i fl i
• • t•
• • •
mftH B B
m E rl�R
ft B •11mui
D. P*•�·u;
7 • • • PxP
5 ... B-N2 Black exchanges in order to preve·nt the cramp­
ing P-Q5, although 7 . . P-Q3 8 P-Q5, N­
Black is consistent.
.

QR4 is playable.
Finally the symmetry is broken. Now Black will
strive to operate on the Q-side with . P--QR3
• .

and . , . P-QN4, opening up lines of activity for

his pieces.

6 0-0
Now, with his King in a safe position, White can
begin middle game operations.

8 NxP
White's Knight is now excellently posted.

...... .••
rl i li i
•i•
• •
flftE FI II
• � • a
To be considered was 6 . . . P-QR3 with the 11 6 m ft &AB
idea of R-QN 1 and . •P-QN4, trying to obtain
.

the initiative on the Q-side. But Black is content to

� _ D'itrAEt'1a
continue the symmetry. 8 • • . NxN
To develop his QB Black must move either his
QNP or QP. However if either Pawn is moved ·

immediately, White would win a Pawn by simply

9 NxN, PxN 10 BxP. Therefore Black exchanges
his Knight to be able to play . . . P--Q3.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

92
 BB.l.11 imflrJ •• .. .
m tflt -�t•t • t • 11 trMt
• • • t• • lll.IJJ t •
• • • • • • • D
.ft . • • • tt m • . •
. � . � "
. tZJ �im �
ft & £{� .ft O �·: .ft 111 fm .ft BAu
�1
�

� Q\¥;'11 .§f; tl q· fl.§�

9 QxN 11 Q-84
The Queen is precariously posted in the line of Another unusual maneuver, discouraging . .
.

fire of Black's KB, but in the meantime White can
consolidate his· grip on the center.
P-KR3, but White's pieces are awkwardly placed.
A new idea here. White wants to prevent . . .
P-KR3; later he will regroup with Q--Q2 and
B-K3.

•
�ft B·g�••.ft .§�···
9 ... P--Q3
Again Geller's influence-Spassky's second, who
has played this himself many times in international 11 • . • Q-R4
competition. The longest move of the match so far-50
minutes! If 1 1 . . . N-R4 12 Q-R4 attacks
Black's KP. Or 1 1 . . . Q-Q2 12 KR-Ql, QR-
Bl 13 P-N3 with pressure along the Q·file.

10 B-NS
Something new. The usual move is 10 Q-Q3.
With the text White invites Black to loosen his
Kingside Pawns by 10 . . . P-KR3 after which
White can coolly retreat 11 B-.Q2. 12 QR-81

Eli.I.II i!flll
Defending the Knight so as to make possible
P-N3, defending the QBP. If 12 BxP? QR-NI
..
·
t t!lt 13 B-N2, RxP Black regains the Pawn with the

l'l tB
superior position due to his Rook on the 7th rank
ID and better Pawn structure.
ml II
·
ii U
fflftrml B Ii
ml E B �
ft 6 �.ft fm..Q..O
� 11 11.§;l .
10 . . . B-K3
Threatening 1 1 . . . N-Q4 followed by . . . NxN
which would saddle White with isolated Pawns on
the open QB-file, a grave weakness. Spassky took
17 minutes on this rather obvious developing move.
12 . . . QR-Nl
Defending the Pawn and preparing counteraction
with . . . P-QR3 and . . . P-QN4. Also playable
is 12 . . . QR-Bl 13 P-N3, P-N3 followed by
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN . . . P-QR3.
93
 15 8-K3
Still another retreat! The idea is to discourage
. . . P-QN4 because of B-R7.

•• •
Bt• mtflt
,llftll
.
_.r• t•

B!E D II
i3 P-N3
To ensure proper protection of the QBP.
11• . RftBAB
0 .f! .
15 . . . P--QN4!?
Which Spassky overlooked! A blind spot? Simply
1 5 . . . R-B2 gives Black an even game. If 16
B-R7, QR-QBl 1 7 Q-K3, N-Q2 holds.

.
Spassky elects to sacrifice the Exchange under

.
dubious conditions. Better was 1 5 . . B--Q2 with
the idea ot . . . B-QB3 neutralizing White's strong
KB. For example, after 1 5 . . B-Q2 1 6 B-R7,
R-Rl J 7 B-Q4, B-83 1 8 P-K4, P-QN4
Black has a quite satisfactory position.
i3 . . . KR-81
So far White has used 30 min., Black 1 hr. 30
min. Black has solved the problem of where to put
his Rooks and has equalized comfortably.

16 8-R7
Of course. Now White must win the Exchange
as the Black Rook is trapped by the White Bishops.

.
14 Q-Q2
Regrouping, largely to avoid unpleasant attacks
on the Queen such as . . N-KR4. A drawback to
this move is the loss of time involved.

16 . . . PxP
Black must lose the �change, but perhaps a
better way was 16 . . . R-Rl 17 BxR, RxB 1 8
B-K3 PxP 1 9 PxP, BxP 20 KR-Ql P-Q4 21 .•

B-Q4, P-K3.
14 . . .

17 BxR
94
 19 . . . N-Q2?
A terrible mistake which allows White to win
17 • . • RxB back his Pawn, leaving Black with a completely
Of course Black must retake or the Bishop will lost position. Instead, 1 9 . . K-Bl was necessary
.

escape via R7. with chances of a tough resistance. Possibly

Spassky was still shaken by his earlier blunder.
A much better chance for counterplay was 19
. . . Q-R4. What follows now is a complete
debacle.

18 PxP
Forced. Otherwise Black wins the QNP with more
than enough compensation for the loss of the
Exchange.
20 N-QS!
This tactlcal trick forces a winning· endgame
for White.

18 . • . BxP
Black, with a Bishop and Pawn for a Rook, has
drawing chances.
20 . • •
QxQ
Forced. Both Stack's Queen and Bishop are
unprotected.

19 KR-Ql
By protecting his Queen, White brings his Rook
into play and threatens N--Q5.
21 NxPch!
This witty "in between move" would not be
possible had Black moved his King to Bl as there·
would be no check in that case. The text wins back
a Pawn.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAG.RAM NEXT PAGE

95
 23 . . • R-N8ch

21 . . . K-81
There is nothing better.

24 8-Bl
The win is just a matter of technique, a task
Bobby obviously relishes as he sipped a glass of
milk.

24 . . . N-B�
Black surveys the shattered remnants of his
position. He can offer only token resistance.

22 . .
. KxN
No better is 22 . .BxRP (trying to sell the
.

Bishop as dearly as possible) because of 23 RxB,

KxN 24 RxP and White wins easily.
25 K-N2
Freeing the Bishop by breaking the pin.

23 RxB
White's Rooks enjoy tremendous scope.
25 . . . P--QR4
Black hopes that by some miracle he'll be able
to win White's QRP. In that case he will want the
resulting passed QRP as close as possible to the
queening square.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

96
 28 R-K2
Threatening 28 P-K5, BPxP 29 PxP, BxP 30
RxBch, PxR 31 RxN and White is a piece up.

26 P-K4
Also sufficient is 26 P-K3, P-R5 27 B-Q3,
R-QR8 28 B-K4, P-R6 29 B-Q5 with a su·
perlative post for the Bishop.
28 . . . K-K3
Black prevents P-K5. Once White opens lines
for his Rooks it's all over.

26 . . . B-R8
Trying to hinder White's future threat of P-84
and P-K5 without hemming in the Bishop after
. . . P-83. 29 R/2-QB2
Threatening 30 R-Bl forcing Black to exchange
off his active Rook.

27 P-B4
Threatening P-K5, breaking into Black's flimsy
fortress. 29 . . . B-N7
Preventing the threat.

27 . . . P-B3

30 B-K2
White unlimbers his Bishop.

SEE . DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

97
 . 32 .. • PxP
If 32 . . . K-82 33 PxPch, KxP 34 P-KSI, ..
P(either)xP 35 RxN! allowing 36 B-Q3ch next,
netting a whole Rook.

33 PxPch
Black can't take this Pawn as after 33
. . KxP
.

34 RxNch! B(orP)xR 35 B-Q3ch and BxR next.

33 . . . K-K4
Striving for 33 . . . P-Q4.

34 R/4-Q4

••••••••
Piling up on Black's hapless QP.

. ··o·'·'•
•B II•B
(I
32 P-B5ch jt. �·C\t>B
Beginning th� final invasion. •• • •
34 . . . KxP
He might as well take now. 34. . . . N-K5 is
answered by R-Q5 mate.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

98
 ••• •••• • • • •
• • ...•t
• .•.01•.,
• 0 • •
• •g� II
• � •�
•II•
••••OJi• ·
t• • •· •• t•
••• • •
35 R-Q5ch 36 • . . K--K2
Stack's King is kicked about mercilessly. Spassky finds the right continuation next move.

••••••••
• •
•••f! ••••t
• •
••••• II
it. D.-'l•�·
••• • • 37 R-86
Stack's uncoordinated mi nor pieces are no match
35 • • • K--K3 for the White Rooks.

•• •••••
Not 35 . . . K-KS 36 B-B3ch, K-K6 37

•
R-K2 mate.

•• •••••
..§. •
• • • •• ,
�...
• .!! . •• .
t
• • •
II • • B
• • •II ft• DA•\t>B
•1t ••D.Q.•<111
• 1
••• • •
BLACK RESIGNS
••• • •
36 RxPch
It almost hurts to watch this.
 NINTH GAME
POSTPONED
An explanation for Boris Spassky's postponing
the ninth game in defense of his chess title might
be found in the following letter. It was written by
a professor of ps)'Chology at a large midwestern
university and addressed to Nikolai Kroglus, the
chess-playing psychologist who is a member of
Spassky's retinue.
The letter, dated July 17. 1972, was written
the day after the third game had been played in
a private room to placate Fischer.
"In my opinion fischer's behavior adds up to
a careful strategy to take control of all circum·
stances surrounding the play, so as to force
Spassky into a passive position. Fischer decides
rt and when each game is to be played; Spassky
cannot know until the last moment if there will be
a game or not. When there is a game it occurs
in a place of Fischer·s choosing, in an unfamiliar,
odd and bare room. Everything is arranged and
changed around Spassky. Fischer even wanted
Spassky in a chair made to Fischer's specifications.
"At any rate, Spassky must be prepared for
many more games than Fischer, who knows long
before if he will play or nof Fischer can prepare
himself fully for each game and only tor those
he will play. People who constantly create this
type of disturbance enjoy that climate. They have
everyone in their control. They exult in the power
to upset everyone else.
"Emanuel Lasker (a former world champion)
long ago wrote that a chess game is the medium
through which to fight the opponent's psyche, to
create shocks, to remove familiar ground from
under the opponent. Lasker felt that the human
element of struggle is the neglected aspect of
chess and he took advantage of that.
1'But Lasker did this with chess moves. It seems
no more than cheating to do that to an opponent
by using administrative machinations. As a conse­
quence, Spassky (and everyone else) is forced to
gain control of himself and fight his anger down
-and to do that over and over. •
GAME NINE
" I came, I saw, I drew," best sums up Boris
Spassky's effort.
Uncharacteristically Boris arrived a minute late,_
pushed his queen pawn forward two spaces, jotted
down his move, then disappeared backstage. HE=
wore a speckJed gray and white sports Jacket, blue
slacks, dark tie and red vest.
True to form Bobby arrived 15 minutes late,
wearing a blue suit and brown and white sweater.
He swivelled back in his black leather and chrome
chair. poised a finger to his cheek, and brought his
king's knight out towards the center. Spassky did
not reappear on stage for a full five minutes. Bobby
tensed In concentration. Boris returned to the board
and offered his hand. Bobby half rose to shake It.
Spassky looked worn and haggard, no longer
emanating confidence. He dashed backstage con­
stantly. Some members of the press speculated
that he was trying to avoid being hypnotized. A
cartoon in an Icelandic paper depicted Fisher with
a laser like stare emitting an electrical current.
White: Spassky Black: Fiscner
Semi·Tarrasch Defense
1 P-Q4
The return of the native.
1 N-KB3
Fischer is 15 minutes late.

"Such frustration distorts and destroys the quiet

needed to get ready for chess. Fischer's maneuvers
cannot be stopped. He will always create a new
issue, engendering one compromise after another
to save the match. To Fischer this is not just a
chess match.
"Since it would appear unsportsmanlike for him
to put a stop to it, Spassky must swallow hard
and allow himself to appear helpless. The match
should be discontinued. No one is a champion in
this type of trouble-making except Fischer, and 2 P-QB4
Spassky should not be forced to take him on In Spassky has said that stubbornness is his out­
this type of game. standing quality. He finally a�.,dons the QP from
"If there is a way to counter Fischer's moves, game 1 1 on.
no one has found it. Under these conditions,
Spassky is forced to maintain an outward calm
and serenity although Inside he is probably seeth·
ing. I began as Fischer's partisan hoping that we
would get at American World Champion. Now I
think this is simply disguised cheating, with no
one having the courage to say so."

SEE DfAGRAM NEXT PAGE

100
 more squares for development. Knights are usually
well placed on KB3 or QB3, to a lesser extent K2
or Q2. For example, in this position White's QB
has four plausible squares for development: KN5,
KB4, QN2 (after P-QN3), or Q2. Hence "Knights
before Bishops" is a matter of preserving the max·
imum flexibility in deployment of the minor pieces.

Again no King's Indian. With a 2 point lead,

Bobby can afford to play solid chess.
In by far the majority of Fischer's pre-match
games he has adopted the King's Indian or (on
occasion) Gruenfeld Defense.
4 • . • P-84
Reverting to a defense he played against R.
Byrne and Reshevsky in the 1959/60 U.S. Cham·
pionship. It is noteworthy that Fischer likes active
lines rather than the passive 4 . . . B-K2 or 4 . . .
QN-Q2. The text issues a challenge to White's
QP with the threat 4 . . . BPxP and if 5 NxP, P-K4
and . . . P-Q5 is strong while on 5 QxP follows 5
. .N-QB3 gaining time on the Queen.
•

Fischer plays the Tarrasch Defense, favorite of

Spassky's in his successful bid for the world cham­
pion�hip in 1969. The obvious psychological tactic
3 N-K83 involved here is a common occurrence in world
As in game one, inviting a Queen's Indian De· championship play.
fense(3 . . . P-QN3).

• :!'"'"::'LI.-=.·-.�.=·
. •i illilli
• • ,
•
•• •
Bill E R
. . -�-
ft & ft ll ft ll
�4JU..zt�ll �
P-Q4 S PxQP
3 ...
White decides to liquidate the tension in the
But Fischer again declines. The text is Black's
most solid reply, placing a reinforced Pawn in the center, probably hoping for 5 . . . KPxP {The Tar­
rasch Defense) after which a later White QPxBP
center to restrain any future White ambition to ac­
saddles Black with an Isolated QP, not by any
quire an overwhelming central preponderance with
P-K4. means a serious weakness but at least something
for White to work on. Spassky is an expert on the
Fischer avoids the boiling waters of the Benoni Black side of this line.
Defense of game three.

4 N-83
White opts for good, solid develppment. The text
follows �asker· � maxim: . "d.evelop Y<?Ur Knights
before Bishops. . The logic 1s that Bishops have
101
5 .. . NxP
The Semi-Tarrasch, avoiding the isolated QP.
The text is open to the slight theoretical objection
that Black moves the same piece twice, losing time
for developing the other pieces.
 6 P-K4
Which Spassky tries to exploit by establishing a
broad Pawn front in the center. Frequently tried is
6 P-K3 where White keeps the position closed
while striving ·for the initiative. The text is more
dynamic.
Spassky used this against Petrosian in their
1969 world title match and won brilliantly. As it
turns out Fischer has a novel idea in mind.
6 ... NxN
It is best to exchange a few pieces when
cramped. Retreating the Knight only loses time.
7 PxN
Now White has an imposing Pawn center to.build
an attacking position. Hence, Black exchanges
more pieces to eliminate the sting in White's set­
up.
.
7- . . PxP
Preparing the exchanging maneuver . . B­
N5ch.
102
8 PxP
Against White's ma;ority of Pawns in the center,
Black has a Queenside Pawn majority which gives
him chances for a passed Pawn.
8 ... N-83!?
.
Fischer springs a surprise-a move borrowed
from Krogius, one of Spassky's seconds. The usual
line is 8 . . B-N5ch 9 B-Q2, BxBch 10 QxB,
0--0 11 B-B4, N-B3 12 0--0, P-QN3 13
QR-Q l , B-N2 14 KR-Kl, R-Bl 1 5 P--Q5!
with an initiative {Spassky-Petrosian, 5th world
champ. match game 1969).
•II.I. •
•,.,• •
t• •t• t
• •
• 11 .tt • •
• • •?.J•
.ft • • II .ft II
§ �·§
9 B-q84
The most active post for the Bishop. Hasty is
9 P-Q5, PxP 10 PxP, 8-N5ch winning the QP
( 1 1 K-K2 is suicide and is met by Q-K2ch).
9 ... P---QN4!?
So this is Fischer's contribution to theory. At the
cost of weakening his Q·side Black drives the
Bishop back before entering the main line with . . .
B-N5ch. The parent game (Petrosian-Kroglus,
Leningrad 1971) continued 9 . . . B-N5ch 10
B-Q2, Q-R4? 1 1 P-Q5! BxBch 12 QxB, QxQch ever White still has some pressure against Black's
13 KxQ, N-R4 14 QR-QB l , K-K2 1 5 K-K3, exposed Q-side Pawns.

,, •
R-Ql 1 6 KR-Ql, P-83 1 7 B-N5 with the
better ending. am.1..1•
1
Fischer reportedly took 20 minutes on this move. • • • t• i
The idea is to seize territory on the Q-side and B411 t R ll
advance his Q-side Pawn majority.
.i. .
• . 9 fs.
llm
fl · II
D Bi!'Y&; II!!
12 QxB
Notice White's lead in development. After cast­
ling his entire force will be ready to swing into
concerted action.

10 B-Q3
This retreat keeps an eye on the QNP. Of course
not 10 BxNP?? because of 10 . . . Q-R4ch win­
ning a piece.
To be considered was 1 0 B-K2 threatening
P-QS with a dangerous passed QP. The move
made gives Black no difficulties.

10 . . . B-NSch
White's QP is always immune as its capture
would cost the Queen: 10 . . . NxP? 1 1 NxN, Q>tN
12 BxPch, etc.

. ....... . 13 P-QR4!
�·
Bill i Prodding Black's exposed Pawn.
Rill B
B t m JI II
.•.f.fs.
fs.. fl � .­
imfs.D
� a�w II§
1 1 B-Q2
Would Tai have tried the speculative 1 1 K-K2?!

13 . . .
Black develops and counterattacks the QP. 13
. . . PxP? 14 RxP would expose the glaring weak­
ness of the QRP. 13 . . . P-NS is shaky.

11 . . . BxBch
Black has freed his position by exchanging. How- SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
103
 ••
••• •t
••• t • •
•t• • •
• Bt• •
• 11.0114).
• • Rt
p • Qi .§
14 Q-83 16 0---0
Guarding the QP and attacking the Knight. White safeguards his King.
Wrong is 14 PxP, NxP 15 PxP, N-N6 with a
It would be too dangerous for White to win a
devastating fork.
Pawn because of his lag in development.

14 . . . B-N2
16 . . . Q-N3
Safer was 16 . . . RxR! 17 RxR to ease the pres·
sure. But not 16 . . . P-NS 17 Q-85 with a
dominating outpost for the Queen.

An inaccuracy whk;h g oes unpunished. Best is

16 . . . RxR 17 RxR and on1 y then 17 . . . Q�N3.
In this case the push of the QP is not dangerous:
e.g., 18 P-Q5, P-N5 19 R-Nl, PxP 20 PxP,
PxQ 21 RxQ, N-Ql 22 P--Q6, BxN 23 PxB,
N-K3 and Bla<;k is on top. In this line the more
desirable 22 B--84, maintaining the Pawn on Q5
and thus seriously cramping Bfack's Bishop and
Knight, loses to 22 . . . P-Bl! and Queens. With
White's KR left on the board (i.e., without 16 . . .
RxR 17 RxR) the QBP would not be threatening to
queen in the above variation.

••II•tit•••t
i m•m i m 111
" ft ll ' 11
a Bill a
• ¥1..Q.lil .
II m tll
g ii ;; ftlE! 17 QR"."""N
"" l
15 • • • PxP Piling u p o n the target. White has a clear ad·
The Pawn is immune: 16 RxR, QxR 17 B,xP, vantage because his QP is stronger than Black's

KR It �
N-R2 winning the White KP, while on 16 BxP, QNP.

11.1.m 9 t .� t
RxRch 17 QxR, Q-N3 Black again gets the Pawn

•• i
back (18 B-Q3, R-Ql).

m m �m ��
� i�
• 6.ftB
m �AR4Jll
··m

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

104
.1.-.,,�
 17 . . . P-N5
•• • •••
Defending the Pawn and threatening . . . KR­
�l. attacking White's QP. JU.IJ Bi " i
• flt & •
• • • •
m ilftB B
B E.QJJ B
�
- �
�
l a ft �
u u
8§B •E!W
20 RxP
The position is dead level.

18 Q--Q2?
White has used 1 hr. 22 min., Black 1 hr. 1 min.
Spassky took 21 minutes on this timorous retreat.
needlessly avoiding complicatio11s. The only hope
for an initiative is 18 P-Q5! PxP 19 PxP, PxQ (If
19 . . . Q-Q l 20 Q-82, QxP 21 BxPch with
advantage to White) 20 RxQ. N-Ql (20 . . . N­
R4 21 P-Q6 gives White a dangerously advanced
passed Pawn) 21 B-84! with Black's pieces bot·
tied up.
20 Q--Q2
a •••
. • •

The best way to protect the Bishop.

. llir.tli
BtE Ii
• Iii •
Fa D ft B R
• mAlf4Jlj
B fll B ft fm
11§8 ll§f;
18 . . . NxP
leads to a draw. Black rejects 18 . . . KR-Ql
19 P-QS! PxP 20 PxP, RxP 21 BxPch! KxB 22
QxR winning the exchange.

•• • sea
&Ml Bill i
• • , •
• • • •
• • ft lt •'

II B..Q.fit4JE
�
- �
�
f.1ld �
�8� �l�
8§8 flE!;J
19 NxN
tf 19 RxP, NxNch is quite satisfactory.

19 . . . QxN
Black is out of the woods now.
105
 Attack and counterattack.

•• ••• •

lt.•it• t • t
l

·�·' ··
• •1 • •.

• mAll·•
g II H ft ll
·�· . ;; 24 . . . P-N4
22 • • •

Clever but wrong is 22 .

QxB
.
BxP? 22 BxB, Q-
•

QSch 23 �Kl! remaining a piece up.

Giving the King some breathing room.

.• . ...
m.1..11
m1•1
• • •
• • • ,
•
•
•
. . -�
o.,,
25 R-H8ch
·�· . � Exchanging down.
23 QxQ
After this the players could have (and should
have) agreed to a draw, but both are too stubborn.

25 • • • RxR

· Ii
Black has no objection.
-·

...
--

23 RxQ IJ II • 1 • 1
• • 1• •
• • •

This type of ending is always drawn. The Pawns

�re all on the same side of the board.
• • • •
• •t• •
• • •• .
• • B i ll
§
• 26 lhRch
• • •• • At least Spassky has the satisfaction of the last
• • ll ft ll check.

-�· . ;; ...
24 RxB • •1• t
Restoring material equality. • •1• •
• • •
• •t• •
• ••• •
• •
• • •
11,11
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN 26 . . . K-N2
106
- �--� �
 The show goes on.
.-. -·
28 . . . P-R3
u -
·---- .
- · - -
If 28 . . . PxP the extra Pawn is virtually useless
being doubled and isolated. White would reply 29
K-R2.
• • •t•t
• •t• •
• ,it.
• • • •
•
······'·
27 P-83
Solidifying the KP.
·-�---
:--=
=--""='

. :···'·'
29 PxP
A last move before agreeing to a draw.

• •t• •
• • • .
II B ft • a
• ••• i•

27
•••W
• • • ft ll
• • • R--QT
Seizing the 7th rank.

29 . . • PxP
"Spassky wants a iew draws \o s\eady h\s
nerves," said Bent Larsen, who was passing
through Reykjavik on his way to the U.S. Open.

.
28 P-R4
Hoping Black will take and ruin his Pawn struc­
ture.

DRAW

Times: Spassky 1 hr. 40 min., Fischer 1 hr.

38 min.
Score: Spassky 3 1/2-Fischer 51/2 •
Needed to Win: Spassky 81/2, Fischer 7 .

107
 GAME TEN
After a brief ritual handshake, Fischer opened
this game with his favorite pawn to king four. The
opening developed into a Ruy Lopez, named after
a Spanish priest who analyzed the opening in a
book published in 1561.
White's basic theme is to exert constant pres·
sure in the center against Black's ki ng pawn.
Fischer is the greatest expert on the White side
and Spassky its best Black exponent. For the first
2 N-«83
8 moves, the game was the same as one that
Putting pressure on Black's KP.
Fischer and Spassky played at the Havana Olympiad
in 1966. On his ninth move, Spassky varied with
the so-called Breyer Defense, trying to redeploy
his knight to · a more flexible outpost and maintain
a stronghold in the center.
Match sidelights: A Los Angeles psychiatrist, Ben
Weininger, visiting in Reykjavik, told me that the
"quality about Fischer which captures the public
imaginatfon is fearle$Sness. Lacking close personal
relationships, Fischer must burst out of his isola­
tion by creating a disturbance. This allows him to
be more open in his creative genius. Bobby actually
admires and likes Spassky and his intention is .not
to disturb him. His religious interest hefps him 2 N-QB3
l
• • .

emotionally and represents his social need to be­ Which is defended economically by developins
long. Otherwise he would be really isolated." a pieoe that cannot be dislodged.
Wednesday night, Fischer in good spirits at­
tended a cocktail party at the U.S. Information
Agency. Before getti ng out of his car he inquired
H the Embassy Official greeting him was a reporter.
Once inside he chatted amiably.
Spassky seems to have recovered his composure,
settling down to solid chess. But trailing by 2
points, perhaps it is too late. He gives the impres·
sion of not wanting to disgrace himself--0f losing
if necessary by a respectable score.
Boris used to be a chain smoker but appears to
have given up the habit for this match. Away from
his retinue, however, he bummed a cigarette and 3 8-NS
relaxed. Spassky has a handsome rather than an The Ruy Lopez exerts continuing indirect pres·
intellectual face, crinkly well-groomed hair, and an sure against the KP.
ironic but not malicious sense of humor. He speaks
good English, his voice deep and softly lulling.
Fischer plays his favorite opening, which is
White's best chance for enduring pressure in a
symmetrical KP opening. His victories with the
Ruy Lopez have been over such famous players
as Paul Keres, Vassily Smyslov, and Leonid Stein.
White: Fischer Black: Spassky

Ruy Lopez

1 P-K4
So it was a temporary eclipse after all.

3 P�R3
Morphy's Defense, putting the question to the
Bishop and gaining some elbow room.

1 P-K4
Squaring away in the center. Is this Pawn a
fixed weakness or a strong point? SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
108
 4 B-R4 6 R-Kl
Bobby took a beat on this retreat. He has also Now the Pawn must be defended. White avoids
had success with 4 BxN, QPxB 5 0-0 (but not 6 P-Q3 because he wants to advance his QP to
5 NxP, Q-QS regaining the Pawn). See game 16. Q4 later in one move.

4 ... N-83 6 . .. P-QN4

Developing a man and attacking White's KP. BxN followed by NxP was threatened. Black
weakens his Q-side to drive the Bishop back.
........ .
t•t•t•t
•t �· • •
•
IJ II • a
Afl ftB B
•
ftBftll B II
04JR*W •�
5 0--()
Which is indirectly defended because the Rook 7 8-N3
can now occupy the King file in one move. From here the Bishop eyes Black's KB2, a tra·

••I•*• •
ditional weak spot in Black's armor in the KP
openings.
•t t•tllt•t
•�· • •
z.
.! II:ft B IIL.ft II
•
, •
�4Ja�•�m
5 ..
. B--K2
Solid, Jackson. 5 . . . NxP 6 P--Q4, P-QN4
.

7 B-N3, f?� 8 P>i:P is the "Open.. Variation, 7 ... P-Q3

considered a little too loose for Black. No Marshall Attack. Spassky once drew against
Fischer by fearlessly essaying 7 . . 0--0 8 P-
.

83, P-Q4!? 9 PxP, NxP 10 NxP, etc. By relieving

the Knight from protecting the KP, the text threat·
ens N-QR4 and NxB removing White's valuable
King's Bishop.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

109
 This weird·looking retreat is actually a profound
idea first essayed by the inventive Hungarian mas·
ter Gyula Breyer. Black envisages playing . . . QN­
1
·

Q2 which:
1) leaves the QB with an unblocked diagonal
from . . . QN2
2) reinforces the KP
3) allows Bfack's QBP to enter the fight for the
center
(. . . P-QB3 or . . . P-QB4). Results in recent
international practice have given this defense a
· solid reputation.
8 P-83
Massing for P-Q4 and giving the KB a loophole
after . N-QR4. I neffective is the immediate 8
. •

P-Q4, NxQP 9 NxN, PxN 10 QxP? P-84 11

Q·anywhere, P-85 winning the Bishoi>-Noah's
Ark Trap.

10 P--Q4
Now White has two Pawns controlling the center
versus one for Black.
.
. .....
• • •t•t
Why delay? Obviously the King should not re· t• • • •
• t• • . •
•,!.!.
main in the center or castle on the overextended

•
Que.enside.

•
ill • • 1 •
f!4SaltQ [;l.
10 . • . Q�2
The point. Black wants to maintain his KP and
liberate his QBP. White has used 15 min., Black
5 min.

9 P-KR3
A routine preparation for P-Q4. The immediate
P-Q4, although playable, allows Black to develop
his QB effectively on KN5.

•m -•
• • •t•t
'l&·. ···
i. • • t • • 11 Q�2
Time to bring out the Q·side pieces. Fischer
tried 1 1 P-84 once and 1 1 N--R4 four times in
lllB •�•.t previous tournament play.
!B II B t •
Q�IHrQ ;j
9 . • . N-Nl
Breyer's Defense, a little startling at fi rst glance
to retreat a developed pi.ece. Fischer·Spassky, Ha·
vanna Olympiad 1966, �ntinued 9 . • . P-R3
(Black_ wants to play R-Kl but prevoents N­
KN5, attacking the weak KBP, in reply) 10 P-Q4,
R-Kl 1 1 QN-Q2, B-81 12 N-81, B--Q2 13
N-N3, N-QR4 14 B-82, P-84 15 P----H3!
·
with White developing Q-side pressure.
li.O
 11 . . . B--N2
Not the best diagonal in the world but the only
one, at least putting pressure on White's KP.

... . •••
1m1
Rt.!'f4>'j • r-
1 .
�t.'t
111 - �
•
I&'!. � .
11• �-

ll ll['i�{)-ft ft
i.lftB
II . ml ! II
.
·
13 . . . B--KBl

0 &lit�·· �
Spassky took 22 minutes on this retreat. If 13
. . . P--QR4 14 N-N3, RPxP 15 PxNP, R-Nl
16 N-R5, P-83 (Suetin-Tringov, Tito Uzice
12 · 8--82 1966) 1 7 NxB, RxN 18 B-N3 is better for White.

• ••rm• .
Ilk B�lt t · t
trJ • • •
Pltll
B ilftrJ
•
114JIJft
R
� � lm�ft BWJ/Jl
ft �g� �u
ii R
fj
14 P--QR4
A bid for more space. 81ack's last move place€!
12 . . . R-Kl more pressure on White's KP by unblocking the
Giving indirect support to the KP. Once White's K·file. Now the thematic maneuver N-N3--R5
Bishop leaves the QN3 diagonal, this move is sound doesn't work: 14 N-N3, PxP 15 PxP, BxP wins a
because Black no longer has to worry about com­ Pawn. '
binations aimed at his KB2.

A fundamental part of Black's s trategy in this

line of play is to exert pressure on White's KP with
12 . R-Kl and a later . . . B-KB1. By attack­
• .

ing the KP Black ties White down to its protection,

thus limiting his freedom of action.

14 . . . N-N3
Another 7 minutes. The threat is . NPxP.
. •

If then 16 BxP,. Nx8 1 7 QxN, PxP w.ins White's KP.

The text compels White to make a, decision. More
active is 14 . . . P-84 or even 14 . . . P--Q4.
Kavalek-Portlsch, Wijk aan Zee 1969 continued 14
. . . P--QR4! 1 5 RPxP, RPxP· 16 8-N2, PxBP
13 P-QN4
1 7 8xP, P-83 draw.
1
13 N-81 has also been tried here. White's idea
with the text is to play N-N3-R5 and/or P­ Spassky Is planning on counterplay in the center

I
I
QR4, with a Q-side attack.

A more usual move fs the regrouping 13 N-

artd K-side but first he stops to force White to play
P-R5 which prevents a later RPxP and seals off
QR5 from White's QN (QN-N3-R5).
ICBl, B-KBl 14 N-N3, P-N3. Spassky, as
White, in this position has played 1 5 8-Q2, 8-
N2 16 Q-81 aiming to exchange Stack's KB by
B--KR6. Fischer's move ls more energetic. The
thrust of the QNP gains more territory on the Q·
side and indirectly influences the battle for the
center Inasmuch as . . P-QB4 can now be
.

answered by NPxP and after the forced recapture

. . QPxP, B/ack's KP is underprotected.
.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

111
 15 P-R5
In view of the threatened . . . NPxP White must
close off the Q·side (a concession for him) but, i n
return, he gains a tempo on the Black Q-Knight.
17 R-Nl!
Guarding the Bishop, a circumstance of great
importance in the next few moves.
A powerful and subtle move which protects the ·

QB and prepares play on the QN·fife.

•• •• •
··· �•t•t
t• • • •
llt • • .•
II ll ft • •
• B .4).ft
�E B it •
• E!UD ;;
17 . .. P-QB4
The long-delayed freeing move. An alternative is
17 . . Q-R2!? to free the QR. And if 18 P-B4,
.

P-B3.

16 B-N2
The Bishop appears to have no future here, but
watch! White abstains from 16 P--Q5 because of
16 . . . R--QBl followed by . . . P-83 blasting
18 NPxP
out the cramping QP and opening a file for the Enabling White to open the game for his Bishops.
Black Rooks. 18 P--Q5 leads to a lifeless draw.
It seems strange to place the Bishop here as
two Pawns block its diagonal. However, as will be
seen later, activity in the center will allow the
Bishop to come into play with good effect.

• . � • !'ii
..... �• .t • t
.

ill • • •
B tE f.I E
• al ft fj •
B B •'t5e t 18 • • • PxBP
_ D..Q.. E BttJ If 18 . . . PxQP 19 P/3xP, PxP 20 P-K5, N­

D II*!! m
Q4 2 1 N-K4 and sudf:ienly White's pieces are
poised for a dangerous K-side attack.

16 . . . Q-N1
A clumsy, artificial maneuver. The idea is to give
extra reinforcement to th� KP (after . . P--QB4,.

NPxP, . . . QPxP). But better is 16 . . P-N3 or

.

16 . . . R-Bl.

19 PdP
Certainly nat 19 P--Q5 asafter 19 . . . P-85
White's QBP c::ma, ..,. and the maneuver . • .

N 84 Q6 .. m a Min threat.
112
\

19 . . . QNxP 21 . . • Q-85!
Black unravels his pieces in the ensuing corn· The best retort. The Queen is well-posted here.
plications. A fine move. If now 22 P-N3, then 22 . . .
Q-R3 attacking the KRP is good.

•• ····�
lliBrJ t • t
tB • �
Bir. •
•
•a1E ,ai
20 NxN •EUl*ll11m
White exchanges to create a target for his QB 22 BxN
after P�B4. To win a Pawn.
But this might be a mistake. Instead of exchang·
ing, 20 P-84! looks better. The text move wins a
Pawn but allows counterplay.

22 . • . QxB
Inferior is 22 . . . PxB 23 PxP, QR�l 24 R­
K3.
20 . . . QxN
Possibly better is 22 . . . PxB. The open KN-file
Activating the Queen. would be ample compensation for the weakened
Pawn structure.

21 P-QB4!
Now we see the point of 1 7 R-Nl. White's 23 PxP
Bishops are suddenly very active and he has pres­ Snatching a Pawn, even if it gives his op·
sure along the QN file. ponent dangerous counterplay, is characteristic of
Fischer's style.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRA� NEXT PAGE

113
 •• •
•lll
t& • • • •t•t
H ft ll • •
• Iii• ·�•t
•
II Oft• ..

23 . . . KR�l 25 . . • QxP
23 . . . QR-QI , bringing the inactive QR to the First 29 . . . PxP 30 RxP, B-R3 offers more
center seems more natural. At this point White has counterchances.
used 1 hr. 5 min, Black 1 hr. 45 min.
Now 25 . . . PxP is answered by 26 P-K5!,
More natural seems 23 . . . QR--Ql, centraliz ­
threatening to win the Queen with BxPch. How
ing the laggard QR. However, after 23 . . . QR­ about 25 . . . P-N3!
Ql 24 Q-81, Q-086 25 PxP, BxRP White has
the strong B-R4! with favorable play. Best for
Black is 23 . . . PxP 24 RxP, B-R3 25 R-N6,
Q-86 26 N-N3, P-85 with good play despite
the Pawn minus.

26 B-N3!! :
The finest move of the game. White offers a l
Pawn sacrifice and sets his sights against Black's
abandoned, neglected King.
A trem endous shot which leads to a virulent at·
tack. What is especially pleasing is that Fischer's
attack seems to spring from nowhere--his pieces
seem to be too far away from the K-side to be of
danger there. Perhaps this is why Spassky is caught
so off-guard.

.
24 . . . Q--q86
Trying to regain the Pawn. If 24 . . PxP 25 RxP,
.

B R3 26 R-N3! is quite satisfactory for White.

-

26 . . . PxP
What else? If 26 . Q-82 27 P-N6! (. .
. . .

QxP? 28 BxPch wins the Queen) establishes a

strong passed Pawn.

. ,- . .
�..
. •
llt.••t • t
.,...,� ....
.,,.,.,.,.
.. ... �.·

·····
·•'·•t•
25 N-83!
A harmless enough move in appearance, but sud­
BA• •�Bft•
. . �
•�:- .
denly veiled threats loom against Black's K-side.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN 27 Q-KB4

114
\
Out of nowhere White has whipped up an initia­
tive. The text threatens QxPch and Q--NS mate.

•• •

·'······
.... •t•:t

1.! !
•
. .
• • llft8
E! 29 . . . R-K2

27 .
.. R-Q2
No better is· 27 . . . P-85 because of 28 BxP!
White 1 hr. 2 5 min., Black 2 hrs. 10 min. No
better is 29 . . . QR-QI (Nof 29 . . . RxR 30
BxPch, K-Rl 31 N-N6ch! PxN 32 Q-R4
mate) 30 BxPch, Rx8 31 QxRch, QxQ 32 NxQ,
PxB 29 Rx8, P-83 (or 29 . . . Q-R4 30 P­
RxR 33 RxR, BxP (or 33 . . . KxN 34 R-Q7ch,
KN4!) 30 P-K5! with powerful threats.
K-any 35 Rx8 wins) 34 N-NS! B-N3 35 R-Q8
threatening N-K6.
•• . ...
lll• ••t•t

z.:,:·:
.llA• •4J• t
• • 11 11 •
�
28 N-K5
Not 28 N-N5, Q-82 29 Q-85, P-N3 repel­
ling all threats. 30 BxPch!
Forcing a transition to a favorable ending.
•• • •
IU.•••t•t
• • • •
•t• E •
B .ft il B
II • tt
B • Btt•
•Et• !l ;;
28 . • • C}--82
The only defense; Black pins the Knight. 30 • • • RxB
Forced. Not 30 . . . K-Rl? 3 1 N-N6ch, and
. . . ... you can work out the rest.

IU.•••t•t
. • • •
•t• ..,
IU .

,,
•ftm •
.
.•••

29 QR-Ql!
Another roundhouse blow. White attacks the
lilC>k and thus adds impetus to his attack against 31 QxRch
• K8P. Of course not 3 1 NxR, QxQ.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

115
 31 . . . QxQ 33 • • . KxN
Black has no choice. Black is an Exchange down but he has a Pawn
and some chances to get his steamroller moving
on the �side.

32 NxQ
Here is the endgame White had in mind. Al­
though White will be ahead in material, Black has
some drawing chances due to his passed Pawns
on the Q·side.

M • • • K-83
32 BxP It's bettiw fD llllep the King posted actively in
the center than Ntrellt it to the lst rank.
• • .

Trying to get a Pawn for the Exchange. Weaker

is 32 . KxN 33 R-Q7ch followed by Rxa.
. .

Black "desperately" gives up his Bishop in or­

der to at least get a Pawn tor it.

•
• •
• • • . ft 35 A-ff7
a
. m R· ft m Forcirte Black to put his Pawns on black squares
• �.n o ;a" .� so that tftlly can be il'nmobilized by controlling the
white squares in front of them.
33 RxB
Not 33 N-R6ch, PxN 34 RxB, P-85! mobil­
I
izes Black's dangerous Q-side Pawns.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SlE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

116
 37 . . . P-NS
Finally defending the NP. No better is 37 . . .
R--QN8 38 K-N2, P-B5? 39 RxBP! PxR 40
RxR, etc.

35 . . . R-R8ch
35 . . . P-NS would allow 36 K-8 1 ! bringing
the King to the center, but then 36 . . . R--QBl
'
37 R--QB4, R-K l ! restrains the King.
38 K-N2
To centralize the King-very important in end­
ings.

36 K-R2
A residual virtue of P-KR3.

38 • • . P-R4?
To exchange off White's K·side Pawns when they
advance. Pressed by .the clock, Spassky misses a
good drawing chance by 38 . . . B-K4, activating
the Bishop and preparing to anchor it on Q5.

To get the Bishop into play.

i• • • •
-�- . ' i
• • •
. ra
ra.PJ
im a
39 R-N6
A terrifying pin.

•.•-�· .
• . ft •• • •
m B O ft � •n ••••• •
.. . . .
37 P-N3
•II• 11· · ·i
§11..)11
37 P-84? is weak because of 37 . . . K-B4 • • •
•• IJ II !m i
37 . . . P-N4.

39 . . • R-Q8
The only way to defend the Bishop.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

1 17
- .
-

. ·

•
• • • •
_
•••,
,••
. -�· .
•.• .
A.B it
. .. .,
. . .-
40 K-83 42 P-84
Edging closer to the center. Perhaps stronger is By advancing his K-side Pawns, White will create
40 P-84 ·first. a dangerous passed Pawn.
.Best. White has a 3-2 Pawn majority on the
K-side so he logically advances it to obtain a
decisive passed Pawn.

40 . . . K-82
White has used 2 hrs., Black 2 hrs. 28 min.
Black made the time control with 2 minutes to
spare. There was more fight in 40 . . . R-Q4 41
K-K2, K-84. Or even 40 . . . P-N4! 42 . . . P-N3
Trying to slow White's Pawns.

41 K�2
Tying Black up and immobilizing his Rpok. 43 P-N4
Fischer sealed his move quickly but had to take White inches his Pawns up inexorably.
the remaining half hour of the session on his
clock.
••••

43 . . . PxP
Black has nothing to gain by refusing to swap.
41 . . . R-Q4
To get out of the pin.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

118
 44 PxP 46 R-N5
Objectively speaking Black is lost, but Spassky Focusing on the QBP.
decides to make Fischer "show him."
Winning a vital Pawn. Now Black can safely re­
• • • • sign, but in the "tradition" of this hard fought
match, the loser stretches the game as long as
• • • possible.
D �
· · -····
11 IU�. O ft B
• • •
. ·•
•.
• fl • f
44 . . . P-N4
The best try. If 44 . . . K·B3 45 R-R6, K----B2
(or 45 . . . P-N6 46 R-N6 simply picks off the
Pawn) 46 P-NS! and Black eventually is caught
46 . . . K-83
in a mating net.
If 46 . . . B--Q5 47 R-N7ch and the Rooks
penetrate with decisive result. Black is in Zugzwang.

45 P-85
45 PxP may also be sufficient, but this is clearer. 47 R(4)xP!
In many positions White can simplify by exchang­ Capturing a Pawn with impunity and destroying
ing Rooks and then sacrifice his remaining Rook Black's last illusion.
for a Bishop and Pawn. Then the protected passed
KBP gives him a winning King and Pawn ending.

47 . . . 8-Q5
Equally hopeless is 47 . . . PxR 48 RxR. With
45 . . . B-K4 only one Pawn for the Exchange, Black has no corn·
Black pins his hopes on blockading White's K­ pensation whatever.
side.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLtJMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

119
 As a general rule, each exchange brings the sid
with more material closer to victory.

48 R-N6ch
Now the Rooks unfurl their true power on the
open lines. 50 . . . R--Q2
No, thanks!

48 . . . K-K4
Hoping to penetrate with . . . K-85.

49 K-83
A clever interpolation threatening R-K6 mate. 51 . . . R--Q3
Sorry.

52 R-N6
If Black doesn't swap now, I'll have control of
the sixth rank.

50 R-N8
120
 K-QS

.
54 RxP
Now White has two connected passed Pawns.

54 • • • B-K4
A Iast trap, threatening · · · BxR.

121
 GAME ELEVEN
"I can't believe my eyes," moaned several die­
hard Fischer fans as Spassky, no longer playing
the tragic clown, went methodically about trapping
Fischer's Queen. However, this game is a tribute
to Bobby's courage as well as Boris's skill.
Instead of playing safe to maintain his three
point lead, as any ordinary grandmaster would do,
Bobby played no-holds-barred chess. In this stub·
born clash of wills, Fischer repeated a dangerous
ploy he had used in game seven, once more swal·
lowing the "poisoned pawn" in the Najdorf Varia·
tion of the Sicilian Defense.

White: Spassky Black: Fischer

Sicilian Defense

1 P-K4!
Trailing by 3 points, Spassky wants a wide open
slugfest.

3 ... PxP
This exchange gives Black counterplay along the
semi-open QB file. ·

1 ... P-QB4!
Bobby obliges. By the way, he was on time for
this game.

4 NxP
The Knight assumes a centralized post from
which it commands several important squares.

!.
�•t•
ii
�·-�
11 t . •
t
II II L,rJ
fit .
ll
2 N-KB3
Rapid development toward the center.
•

4 ... N-KB3
Developing with gain of time by hitting the KP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN 5 H-QB3

122
 The simplest way to clefend the KP and bring
out a piece.

••.t.•�·· •
••'-•t • 111..t•.t
•a•Eiiiit8.
E
Bft B llh11 •
tB
•

7 ... Q--N3

. . . f;AllE!
g Bobby has never lost the Black side of this
variation, although it seems rather dangerous to go
5 P--QR3 hunting for Pawns at the expense of a backward
The Najdort Variation of the Sicilian Detense. development.
This move is basically a waiting move, to force

· i
White to commit himself. Certainly the seventh game did nothing to dis­

.
Again Fischer and spa ssky contest the contro·
versial Na/dorl Variation of the Sicilian Oefense
suade Fischer's interest in this line as he had
a winning position in the late middle game. How·
ever, repeating the same line twice is possibly too
much risk as Spassky and his team have had time
to prepare an innovation. An old Hungarian adage
says it's not safe to grab the QNP even when it's
sate!

6 B-KN5
As in game 7 Spassky chooses the sharpest line .

.••
•t• 11.t•t
• •
,
8 Q-Q2

i•
White sacrifices his QNP in return for rapid
development.

..Edllrr.1.:a•
.• •
•t• •t• t
• •�
ill!! 11!11
i• •Eftll
i•a11•
.0 ll�S.'1.• �
ffa�mBaf11
6 . • P-K3
Preventing White from dloubling the KBP by BxN
and preparing to develop with B-K2.

D • ;iA•E!
8 ... QxP
It's now or never! Otherwise White simply castles
Queenside, protecting the QNP, and Black has little
to show for his awkwardly posted Queen.

••• ..1.•• · ·
• •t •
t B••t • •t
t
7 P-84
launching an early battle in the center. Now
•11Er:i'lea•
..
,� . II II
Black must be on guard ag;a inst a timely P-K5 or
P-KB5. itlli rl B ft ll
� • �il· �
9 N-N3
It's clear Boris has an improvement over game
SEE DIAGRAM NIEXT COLUMN 7 in mind.
123
 More usual is 9 R-QNl gaining control of the Another effective move which threatens B-R5.
QN file with a tempo on the Queen. The text has
· If allowed, this \Vould exert unpleasant pressure
its points, though, one being that White's QBS is against Black's KB2. For example, after B-R5,
controlled by a Knight, a circumstance which helps White could soon play P-KBS with the idea of
White weave a dangerous net for Black's wander· BPxKP, forcing . . QBxP. This would allow White
.

ing Queen. strong posts for his peces

i (especially the Knights)
on QS and KB5 as the Black KP would no longer
••.J.llH •
tG •t IIt
rtltPI
IJ .t JI
be around to protect these important squares.

....... ' .
E • PI D • 1 • ffl i i
t• •i •
• mi
m{)E B
• • II •
ft ll ft ll lt ft B • • tt B B
D tl mAB § •4JE . .
.t• ! llA•ft D
-

9 ..
El • w .§
. Q--R6
Black immediately extricates his Queen from its
precarious post. 11 • . . P-KR4
More loss of time, but Black wants to prevent
B-R5 exerting unpleasant pressure on his KB2.

10 BxN!
Wrecking Black's King side Pawn structure, and
removing Black's only developed piece. In game 7 12 0--G
Boris tried 10 B-Q3, which led to nothing. White brings his KR into play before trying any·
thing concrete.
The text makes it almost impossible for Black
to castle K-side as his ruptured Pawn front there
would dangerously expose his King.

•. _1.·�•• . '.
a im ai: i:
i: a mi:n •
BIJB B
m II • •
�,
E a
i.lllftr.I • tt &
� m ;JAR§ 12 . . . N-83
10 . . . PxB Finally bringing out another piece!
Now Black's extra Pawn is doubled. If he can
consolidate and bring his King into safety, then he
has excellent winning chances in the ending.

13 K-Rl
11 B-K2 A useful preparatory move, preventing checks on
A quiet developing move, preparing to castle. the KN1-QR7 diagonal.
124
However, in retrospect it seems that 13 N-N 1! 15 Q--K3
immediately would be the most accurate (see Guarding the KP, avoiding an exchange of
Wh;te's 14th). Queens, and preventing Black's Queen from escap-
ing its predicament via . . . QN3 .

.• ... .
ll t •..t_• t •
t • .a · t II
• II • • t
• • ft R E
'fi'ldrlfe
�4511 •�11\ft
.
13 . . . B-Q2
Preparing to castle Queenside. 15 . . P�?
Returning the extra Pawn in order to extricate
Black seems unaware of the looming danger for the Queen. But it's wrong to open lines with the
his Queen. Necessary is 13 . . . N-R4 to exchange King still in the center. 15 . . . N-K2 also comes
White's N on QN3, giving the Black Queen more
�
into consideration, for if 16 P--QR3, Q-RS 17
elbow room (if after l3 . . . N-R4 White tries 14 N-83, Q-83 or if 16 P-QR4, P- ! 17 QN­
N---N l , then 14 . . . NxN is s.ufficient for Black). Q2, PxP 18 P-B3, N--Q4! is the saving resource.

.• -· . But 16 P-84 retains some pressure .

• .t •..t.• .t •
t • •• .t • •
• • • • .t
• •ta •
•{)E • •
ft• 11.illl .ft II
ft
D • •f!ti
14 N-Nl!
A fantastic conception--bringing a developed
piece back to its original square-and the gist of 16 PxP
Spassky's prepared variation. The idea is to embar·
Now the pin 9n the K·�le is awkward tor Black.
rass Black's Queen.
White retreats in order to attackt Now the situa­
tion of the Black Queen brings Fischer into grave
difficulties.

16 . . . N-K2
Again moving a developed piece twice. It is clear
that Black is undergoing contortions to safeguard
his Queen.
14 . . . Q--NS
The alternative was 14 . . . Q-R5 15 Q-K3,
N-K2 in order to bring the Queen to QB3. Risky
is 14 . . . Q-N7 15 P--QR4! intending N-R3-
QB4, winning the Queen.

• • • •

rri•.T -
• t •..t_• t • .

• •.tt ll •
.{). . . 17 P-84
it • it m�•ft B
94J• ·�·�
Establishing a beach·head in the center and in·
creasing the pressure.
125
 11 . . . N 14 19 . • . N-Q3
Trying to bring the Knight to a better square. An unsucceslsfu attempt to blockade, but Black
Black's game is already cramped and difficult. is already so far behind in development it is doubt­
Obviously Black's King is not too secure even after iul if he has a good defense.
castling Q·side because of the open QN·file.

20 N(1)-Q2
18 Q-Q3! Taking advantage of the lull to bring out another
The most active post. piece and guard the QBP. 20 PxP, PxP 21 Q­
N6ch, K-K2 gives Baack a better chance to hold
out.

18 . .
. P-R5!?
. - ·

Trying to counterattack, A better chance perhaps

20 ... P-84
is 18 . . . 0---0-,--0 . or 18 . . . Q-N3. But not 18
. . . PxP 19 PxP, B-N4 20 QxN, BxB 21 QN­ This loses, but what else is there?
--Q2, BxR 22 RxB wjth an overwhelming attack for
White.

19 B N4!
Threatening to capture the Knight and meeting
the threat of 19 . . . N-N6ch 20 PxN, PxPch by
21 B-R3! (Not 21 K�l, QxN! 22 PxQ•. B­
B4ch 23 R-82, PxRch 24 K-81, R·R8cb 25
J<-K2; P-B8=Qch):
21 P-QR3
Renewing old threats a.gainst the Queen.
_Again the Black Qu�n is booted around. Surely
.
this game will cause Najdorl fans to think twice be­
fore essaying the - bold 7 . . . Q-N3 line.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

126
 23 . . . PxB
What else? If 23 . . . R-KNl 24 P-QR4, B-
N2 25 N-Q4 does the trick.

•• ••• •
liiBAIJ ta
i& •t• •
BirBftlt
II II Rt
II
11�11 8 II
21 . . . Q-N3 II E · ft&
Also futile is 21 . . . Q--R5 22 N-85, Q--R4
23 NxB with a decisive attack. P m -�-II�
•• ... . 24 P�R4

Ei ll.Ul ilt
After bigger fish than 24 QxR.

i• Pl tll IB A true catastrophe for Black. The Queen is trap·

• •
•. ft,ftl1£'- ped and this time there is no escape. Fischer pro­
longs the agony.

114JR· • II
JW.lir.1.111
·-
·-
--=_.. ,,..,.,.
tl.l.l!t
� ,....,
ll i ll
.......

II
E llft ll t l1 •i •
g R JIE!ll�
22 P-85
llft irBftfi II
fl R Ht ll
Engulfing the Q·side in a tide of Pawns.
•4Jm . 11 a
• •• •
flill�ll i ll il'ra'ilrll.il
i ll •t• � 24 . . . P-R6
II llftllill Desperately trying to expose White's King. If

a 11-'1
instead 24 . . . Q--K7 25 QR-Kl, QxRch 26

4Jll'6\'lt Ii
NxQ, Black must lose more material.

II E ilft D •• •••
D II llE!n •tllJJlttl
ill mtlJ II
llii'Bft ll II
22 . . . Q-N4

IJ�mB•D 'f i
On 22 . . . Q--Ql 23 B-83 maintains the bind.

•• ••• •
EtB.l.Bt .: II E ll ft B
i • •in 1t 0 II IJE!ll�
IJ•Dft lli ll .
II· II8-'lll
25 PxQ

B4JB-«r• Ill
White doesn't need to be asked twice. Black
could safely resign here but he is probably kicking
• E ll ft U himself for being caught in Spassky's prepared

U II lif!fi� variation.

23 Q-QB3!
Spurning 23 QxQ? NxQ which would give up
Nhite's deadly grip. Now the main threat is P­
�R4, with secondary threats of PxN and QxR.

25 . . . PxPch
A spite check.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

127
 No rest for the weary.

•
••• •t • t •t•••
•••
tflftllitll
•

•ll • E11•llBill
g Bf -�It
26 . . . R-R6
Guarding the Rook and attacking White's Queen. 29 PxKP
Opening lines against Black's King.

II
E
g ii flf!ll
29 . . . PxKP
Instead "resigns" was a good alternative.

27 . .
.
N-84 !
Also hopeless is 27 . . . B--K2 28 Q-N7, N-
84 29 Q-N8ch.
30 KR-Kl
Ganging up on the KP and drawing a bead o I
Black's hapless monarch.

128
 30 . . . B-K2
Finally developing this Bishop.

•111.••· •
•t• • •
i Bft ldtm B
.ft. ·�·
• • ll il!
•4.J• • ••
• E IJ�B
g . p .
Times: Spassky 1 hr. 49 min., Fischer 1 hr.
31 RxP 44min.
If 3 1 . . BxR 32 QxB(6), N-K6ch 33 K-Nl
.
Score: Spasst<y 41/i-Fischer 61/2 .
eaves Black defenseless against. many threats. Needed to Win: Spassky 7 1/2, Fischer 6.

129
 GAME TWELVE
"We've got an opponent now. We didn't have one
before. It means we'll all be here a little longer­
but Fischer will win anyway, of course . . " So
.

said Fred Cramer, an aide to challenger Bobby

Fischer.
Fischer arrived 9 minutes late, wearing a new
burgundy suit made by a local tailor, yellow shirt
and tie. He looked annoyed, and then pushed his
queen bishop pawn two squares forward--an Eng· 2 N--KB3
fish Opening named in honor of the English Chess·
A good developing move awaiting further de·
master Howard Staunton, who played it in 1843.
vetopments. Since an early knockout is virtually
Spassky transposed into the Orthodox Oefense impossible, a master must jockey for position and
of the Queen's Gambit Oeciined-ancient, stodgy, accumulate small advantages.
solid. He was taking no risks. The game followed
the books for 16 moves. Playing briskly, Spassky
stormed the queenside with his pawns.

When this 12th game was adjourned, Bobby

tapped his foot impatiently, clasped his hands,
and searched for some way to seize the initiative.
Fischer was still fresh, unlike Sunday's game when
he looked dishevelled upon leaving the arena and
refused to wait to congratulate Spassky on his
victory.
This ti,me Spassky looked weary, crumpled, as
if he had been in a Turkish steam bath. His tie was
loosened at the collar, 2 . . . P--Q4
Incidentally, Smyslov was also 3 points down Challenging White's control of the center.
against Botvinnik in the 1954 title match after
4 games, but he evened the score by game 10 and
assumed the lead on game 11 . "The first half of
the match was not so interesting.for me. The next
half will be," Spassky told a reporter. If he was
suffering from Fischer fear, all symptoms of that
dread malady seem to have vanished.

White: Fischer Black: Spassky

Queen's Gambit Declined

1 P--QB4
So even Fischer no longer knows the best open­
ing move! A prophetic caption to a cartoon on the
cover of Chess Life and Review just before this
match: "But, Boris, wtiat if he doesn't play 1 P­
K4? "
Again Fischer adopts the refativefy tame English
Opening which he uses to transpose into a Queen's
Gambff. Considering Bobby's almost exclusive J
P-K4 as White, the use of ;this opening in the
match must have caught Spa-ssky and his seconds
by surprise.
3 P-Q4
Going into a straightforward Queen's Gambit,
Hasty would be 3 N-83, P-Q5! gaining time and
space by the attack on the Knight.
Also possible are 3 P-QN3 (Reti's Opening) or
3 P--KN3 (stilt an English). Fischer seems intent
on a thoroughly classical Queen's Gambit, and so
avoids the fianchetto development of his Bishops.

•
•t • t . t • t
•

• • • •
• • • •
•,• •_.
•ftB 11.ftllft
• 3 N-KB3
Reinforcing the center and paving the way to
g4J E!! castling.

1 P--K3
A solid reply which frees the Queen and King
Bishop, but makes it difficult to free the QB. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
130
 4 N-83 6 B-R4
Now White can make this natural developing 6 BxN, BxB releases some of the tension. Most
move without worrying about the QP advancing to masters are loathe to part with a Bishop for a
Q5. Knight unless there is some immediate gain in the
transaction.

4 ... B-K2
Black has no great ambitions. His aim is to
slowly equalize and hold the balance. Black cannot Black delays the development of his Q·side
expect to seize the initiative unless the first player until he gets a look at White's plan of attack.
·makes a mistake.

7 P-K3
Opening a diagonal for the KB.
5 B-N5
Indirectly exerting pressure on Q5 by haras·
sing one of its props. White does not want to hem
this Bishop in by playing 5 P-K3 first.

7 • • . QN--Q2
Eschewing 7 . . . P--QN3 which gave Spassky
trouble in game 6. Black's last remaining problem
is how to develop his QB.
5 ... P-KR3
"Putting the question to the Bishop." This is Spassky steers toward the famous Meran De·
usually a handy move to have in, since t
i provides tense, a favorite in the time of Alekhine and Capa·
an escape square for the King and eliminates pos· blanca, which gives sharp play.
sible mating threats on the back rank. But it does
weaken the Pawn structure slightly, as it might
enable White to use it as a breaking point for the
line opening maneuver P-KN4, P-KR4 and
eventually P-KN5. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
131
 8 R-81 10 BxP
Preparing for duty along the semi-open QB file. White pays a price for his increased center con·
White cari afford a lag in K·side development as trol in that he has to move his Bishop again.
Black has a passive layout.

10 . . . P--QN4
8 ... P-83 Gaining more time by attacking the Bishop.
Solidifying the center and n�utralizing the ac­ Black weakens his QBP in the process, but he reek·
tivity along the QB·file. ons he can push ti to QB4 without any ill effects.
Note that Black has also created a square on QN2
for his Bishop.
This ;s the key move which initiates the Meran
Defense.

9 B-Q3
Giving up the fight for the tempo. Very often
White delays this move in the hope of persuading
Black to play . . . pxP before White develops his
Bishop, thus allowing a direct BxP and saving a
tempo. Moves which continue this (eventually fruit·
11 B-Q3
less) fight for a tempo are 9 P-QR3 and 9 Q­
B2-or even 9 P-KR3. The bishop is more effective along this diagonal
than on QN3. In some variations White may line up
by 8-QNl and Q-Q3 with dangerous mating
threats.

9 . • • PxP
Giving up the center in order to initiate a plan
for developing his Q·side. Other moves might leave
Black cramped.
11 . . . P--R3
Black wishes to advance his QBP to Q84 before
White can pile up on it; also P-QB4 will free a
beautiful diagonal for the laggard QB. The "immed­
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN iate P-QB4 loses the QNP, hence the text move.
132
 EB-l.11 � �
• •-'illill
iB t • tm ftl
R iB • II
• 6 . g
• ��&�•
ft B Ii B ft R
II ���� IJ §
12 P-QR4 14 N-Q2
Trying to hinder Black from eliminating his Q· Again to hinder Black from freeing his game
side Pawn weaknesses by putting more pressure on with . . . P-B4. If 14 N-B3, P-B4 15 0-0 ,

Black's QNP. Black would have no more difficulties 8-N2 and Black has a beautiful diagonal for his
after the lackluster 8 0-0, P-84. QB without any Pawn weaknesses.

12 . . . PxP
The simplest way to free his position. If 12 . . .
P-N5 13 BxN! NxB 14 N-K4 keeps the QBP
backward on an open file.
This move stems from Capablanca, who con­
sidered that it gave Black a satisfactory game.
14 . . . B-N5
Preventing White from castling and threatening
15 . . . BxNch 16 QxB, QxN winning a piece. Black
has lost time by moving this Bishop twice, but
White has done the same by moving each of his
Knights twice also.

15 N-83
13 NxP Now this Knight must move a third time as well,
Preventing . . . P-B4 and threatening RxP. thus relaxing the pressure along the QB·file. Not
15 RxP? BxNch 16 QxB. QxN. An interesting alter·
• •.t-• •• .
-�lli .
native is 15 R-Rl so as to meet P-84 with 16
� NxP.
t• •
• •
�- u
- .
�H PJ al ft H
B �vwW •§
13 . . . Q--R4ch
Black's play is entirely directed at enforcing . . .
-84 to dissolve his target Pawn. Weaker is 13
. . B-N2 14 0-0 R-Bl 1 5 Q-K2 and the
,

!'IP needs support as well. 15 . . . P-84

Finally winning the battle to get in this freeing
maneuver. But there are still some small problems
inasmuch as Black's Queen and Bishop have aban·
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN doned the K·side.
133
 This move, eliminating the weak Pawn on the 17 . . . PxP
open QB-file and clearing the QB's diagonal, allows Swapping the weak QBP for White's strong QP­
Black equal play. a gain.

·-=a�a�Il"""!!!!•=--""'l:H�m=·· ....... . .
•'-• t ll •'-• t •
t B •t ll m ta • t• •
• • • • •
11 e m u
•

II ·.·. 11 11
�All � ... 4.J�Afm B
�. nil .
� 8 ml it B
. �fttl.1.§ . .
16 N-N3 18 NxP
Attacking the Queen and renewing the attack Activating the Knight and threatening N-86
against the QBP. A more aggressive plan is 1 6 next. White does not want to submit to an isolated
· 84, Q-Ql 17 Q-83, R-Nl 18 0-0.
N- QP with 18 PxP. He would if he could attack the
Fischer diverges from the game Fine-Belavenets K-side; but with both his Knights on the other wing
(Moscow, 1937) which continued 16 N-84, Q- there is little prospect of that.
82 1 7 B-N3 Q-N2 18 0-0, PxP 19 PxP,
,

Kii.i.ii 11*11
• •'-• t •
R-Ql 20 N-R4. Fine ev�ntually won the game,
but obviously Spassky must have an improvement

. 11"'"
I"'"""'""'11 a
on Belavenets' play. i ii li t • •
....
. .... . .. -·eii
....... """"l
...... • • •
•'-•t • 11 E • D
ill • t • • �All • .

11 II . ll it ll
a m o ii §i
i t•.§;i .
· 4JEllH B 18 . . . 8-N2
. • B it }>l The problem child finally emerges.
� •.§ am • •••
..

16 . . . Q--Ql ..... ,..t.

Spassky deviates from Stahlberg-Capablanca,
Margate 1936, which continued 16 . . . Q-N3 1 7
.i ll li t • •
PxP, NxP 1 8 NxN, QxN 19 BxN, PxB. Spassky • m • •
walks into a pin rather than allow his K-side Pawns 11 E •
to be doubled.
�All •
II 11 H i ll
• §1�-�;a
19 B-K4!
Trying to exploit the light square weaknesses on
Black's Q-side, notably QB6. This Bishop is im­
mune from capture by the Knight because of the
pin on the Queen.

17 0--0
The King has lingered in the center long enough.
White must take time out to secure his O"!n fort·
ress.

19 . . . �1!
One good move deserves another. 1 9 . . . BxB
20 Nx8 leaves Black defenseless against a trouble­
some Knight invasion on Q86. If 1 9 . . . Q-N3?
20 N-R4! Q-R2 2 1 R-87! poses Black prob­
lems (21 . . . NxB 22 RxN maintains the pin).
134
 •• • •••
.1-•�•t •
t• • t • •
• • • •
• E..Q.• II
E II •
Ell.Ift II
20 8-N3 22 BxB
This only drives the Queen to a better square. Attacking the Rook.
Perhaps 20 N-B6, QBxN 21 BxB, R-R2 22 B­
N 3 was a bette)' try for the initiative. Now although White has two long-range Bishops,
the Black position is so solid and well developed
A natural move "hitt;ng" the Queen, but the that White has only a microscopic advantage. The
right move was 20 N-86, QBxN 2l SxB, R--R2 rest of the game bears this out. though Fischer

...
22 8-N3, Q-N3 23 N-R4, Q-R4 24 Q-Q4 stubbornly tries to force matters.
with unanswerable threats. After the better 20 . . .
Q--Q3 White still would retain the advantage with • .
• ·�•t•
21 N-Klch, QxN 22 BxB, R-R2 23 B-83 or
simply 21 QxQ!
t•..Q.• t• •
.. . .. .
1• ••... • • • •
1•· 11E•a•a•
.
�·.
'·· .

· ·.·
.

·[.·.. . . . :
t • •t• 11
·..
• • • �.- ft .
· �w
• Eill • �
E B D 22 · QR-Bl
a�l.!ft-11
• • .

Threatening the Bishop and contesting the QB·

file.
20 . . . Q-R2
Black does not want to loosen his position in
the center by 20 . . . P-K4. In that case the KP
would be an unwieldy burden needing constant pro­
tection.

23 N-R4
Maintaining the Bishop on QB6 ·and keeping
pressure along the -open central files. However, this
Knight is decentralized and serves no real function
at QR4. An alternative was 23 N-K4, but White
gets very little in either case. 23 Q-83 is also
playable.

.. ,.· .

23 • . . KR--Ql
21 . . .
QBxN Black brin2s his only undeveloped piece into the
Black must part with a Bishop for a Knight but game. Rooks belong on open files! Also playable is
· his· position is solid and it is difficult for White 23 . . . N-84 24 NxN, BxN (but not 24 . . . RxB?
to utilize his slight advantage in space and open 25 N-K4, RxR 26 NxNch, PxN 27 QxR with some
lines. play against Black'..s exposed King).
135
 24 -83 26 BxR
White decides to fight for control of the QB·file.
24 Q--K2 or Q-83 were good alternatives.

26 . • . R-QBl
24 . . . P-QR4 So Black seizes the QB·file instead, attackinE
Anchoring the Bishop. But not 24 . . . N-K4? the Bishop. Both players could agree to an honor•
25 BxN! RxQ 26 RxRch, K-R2 27 RxR with a able draw but neither wishes to offer one.
decisive material superiority.

27 -83
25 R-86 White's Bishops strike at airy nothing. Black has
Intending to follow up with Q--B2 in order to no targets or weak spots in his position.
control the QB-file.
A rather unusual move. More natural is simply
Q-K2, preparing to bring the KR into play.

27 . . . Q--R3
Bringing the Queen to a more active post.

25 . . . RxR
The simplest. 25 . . . N-84 is also playable.

SE_E DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

136
 28 P-R3
Making "luft." White takes time out to stop pos·
sible later mating threats along his back rank.

30 . . . Q-N4
Also playable is 30 . . . Q-87.

28 . . . Q-N4
The Queen steps a little more boldly into the
sunshine.

31 P-QN3
Indicating an unwillingness to accept a draw by
repetition of moves with 3 1 B-K2. White has a
little problem with his misplaced Knight.
29 B-K2 It is now increasingly difficult to show a White
Attacking the Queen. There is very little else advantage here. White's possession of the two
White can do. Bishops is easily nullified by Black's control of the
QB file.

29 . . . Q-83
Now Black cannot be opposed on the QB file. · 31 . . . 8-K2
Unmasking some pressure against the QNP.

30 8-83
For want of anything better, White attacks the 32 8-K2
Queen again. He also wants to prevent . . . N-KS The Bishop is going to Q84 to defend the White
(which is now answered by 31 BxN, QxB 32 QxN, QNP.
winning a piece).

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

137
 34 . . . . N-84
Getting rid of a passive Knight and extendint
dominion over the dark squares on the Q-side.

32 . . . Q-N5
The Queen cannot be dislodged from a dark
square and it continues to hit the NP. . . �\ ..

35 Q-83
Trying to get more activity for the Queen.
, W�ite .;$ . e
trying everyt�ing· just to ke:ep- - the· Bl!m.
- . ._
,· \ . .

alive. _· · ·. . . ·
·

33 B-R6
Forcing the Rook off its first rank if it wants to
hold the QB·file.
' '

35 . . . R-l .
Also possible is 35 . . .. N(4)-K5 3� &-KS,,. .
.
.
.

· R_.._81.-- , · .
· ·. "
.''

Black responds with a second-rate move; clearly

best was 35 . . . N--Q4t ..with . completely equal
play. ·

.. .. ......
33 . . . R-3
Driving the Bishop away.

.. . .
·
.. ,,

36 NxN .
- If 36 R-8 1, Q-Q7! 37 RxN, RxR 38 Q-:-:RSch,
B-81 39 NxR (or 39 B-Q6, R-BSch 40 K-R2, ·

QxB) Q-B8ch 40 K-R2, QxN holds.

36 . . BxN •

The Rook cannot afford to leave the first rank:

36 . . . RxN? 37 Q-RSch, B-8 . 1 38 B-Q6
' . wins. .
138 . '
 39 R-81
The Rook is forced back to a passive post.

37 R-81
Improving the position of the Rook by taking an
open file and pinning the Bishop. 39 . . . B-NS
Anchoring the Bishop and defending the QRP
just in case.

37 . • . R--Ql
Not falling for the bait: 37 . . . QxP? 38 RxB!
RxR 39 Q--R8ch and mate in three moves. 40 B-87
Fighting to control more space.

38 B--Q84
Time out to defend the QNP.
.
40 . .
. R--Q2
If 40 . . . R-QBl 41 R-Ql and White wrests
control of the Q·file. White sealed his next move but
they could just as well have called it a draw here.
White has used 2 hrs. 20 min., Black 2 hrs. 25 min.

38 . . . Q--Q7
Black's pieces are getting very active.

41 Q-86
Gaining a slight initiative. But this is purely tern·
porary as there are no weak points in Black's camp.
Once again Fischer stubbornly refuses to agree
to a draw in a hopelessly even position.
139
 � . . 43 . . . K-R2

DB• t(t Utilizing the "luft'' created on move 5.

. �·�•t • •
..11..Q.•
. . .
• •
mtt• B Bit
• • tt•
,
'
§
.=.iii
�...11
41 . . . Q-87
Pinning the Bishop and making space for the
Rook along the Q-fite.
44 BxN
White cannot allow the Knight into K5.

44 . . . Px8
The doubled Pawns are of little consequence be·
cause White has no forces with which to attack the
enemy King.

42 . . . R-Q7
Controlling the 7th rank. 45 Q-83
The Queen now has more scope on the Kingside.

45 . . . P-84
Defending the Pawn. Black's threat now is . . .
P-RS-his only w.inn•ng hope with opposite col­
ored Bishops is to make a passed Pawn.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

140
 46 P-N4 48 R-81
'
Trying to work up some action. Perhaps White Waiting. Again 48 QxQ, PxQ 49 R-Kl was play­
hoping for 4,6 . . . PxP 47 QxPch. able.

46 . . . 48 B-R6
Q--K5
. . •

No such luck. But not 46 . . . P-R5? because Attacking the Rook.

of 47 KNPxP, KPxP 48 BxP, PxP (or P-R6) 49
Q-N3 with horrendous mating threats.

49 R-QRl
Returning the compliment.

49 . . . B-N5
Inviting a draw by repitition.

47 . . . K-N3
It's safe to wander with the King when there's
no danger of getting mated. Also good is 47 . . .
QxQch 48 KxQ, PxPch 49 PxP and Black dissolves
his only weakness-the doubled Pawns.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN 50 R-QBl

141
 Which White i s happy to take considering the 52 . . . RxPch!
inactivity of his pieces. Did Fischer overlook this shot?

50 . . . B-K2 53 KxR
But Black decides to try for . . . B-R5 with Forced.
some initiative.

53 . . . B-R5ch
51 PxPch Regaining the Rook with a Pawn extra.
To ease some pressure.

54 K-K2
51 . . • PxP On 54 K-N2, BxR.
Also possible is 51 . . . QxP.

54 . . . QxQch
52 R-Kl But not the overanxious 54 . . Q-B7ch? 55
.

A small mistake. Correct is· 52 QxQ, PxQ 53 K-B l , BxR 56 KxB and White emerges a piece
R-Kl. ahead.

142
 55 KxQ
The King has been forced away from the Rook,
allowing Black to regain his Rook.

DRAW

55 . . . Times: Spassky 3 hrs. 18 min., Fischer 3 hrs.

Black is a Pawn ahead but it is doubled and 14 min.
meaningless. He offered a draw from strength. Score: Spassky 5--Fischer 7.
Bobby grabbed it. Needed to Win: Spassky 7, Fjscher 51h.

Reykjavik, Aug. 9, 1972

Lothar Schmid
Chief Arbiter
World Chess Championship

Sir:
I most vigorously protest the excessive spectator noise in the · hall today, and your
failure to take proper action about it when I complained about It to you, and the.
failure of the organizers to heed several earlier complaints of improper playing con·
ditions and closeness of spectators.
The Exhibition Hall was not designed for a chess match, and it has very little acous·
tlcal treatment of the type required for such an event. Hence special precautions
are most necessary, one of which is the removal Qf at least seven of the rows of
seats closest to the stage. The spectators are so close, and so noisy, and the acous·
ties are so poor, that I can hear them opening candy wrappers and I hear bits of
conversation, as well as coughing, laughing, and so on.
This is not suitable for a World Championship match, ahd I demand that you and
the organizers take immediate action to insure full and complete correction of these
disgraceful conditions, and furnish me a full report of what is to be done. ·

Yours truly,

Bobby Fischer

143

..
-. .......... ..
 GAME THIRTEEN
Spassky opened play with Bobby Fischer's favor­
ite move, pawn to king four. Bobby, who arrived
6 minutes late in a new beige suit and vest,
countered with an Alekhine's Defense which he
has played 5 times previously in his tournament
career.
Mentioned in 1811, this defense did not become
prominent until it was adopted by former world
champion Alexander Alekhine at the Budapest
tournament in 1921. After World War 1 J , when 1 ... N-KB3
Alekhine fell into political disrepute because of his A big surprise. Fischer varies from the usual
collaboration with the Nazis., his name was purged Najdorl Sicilian for the provocative Alekhine De·
from this defense in Russia. But it has now been tense. The Alekhine is well suited to Fischer's style
reinstated. as it often allows Black to counter·punch at an
Black's idea is an outgrowth of hypermodern (overextended?!) Pawn center.
theory which states that control rather than outright
occupation of the center is desirable. Accordingly
B�ack lures White's center pawns forward, hoping
that they will later become fixed targets. In return
White gets a greater control of space, but in the
words of Dr. Tartakower, an early hypermodern
after World War I, "White has his initiative to
defend."
Match sidelights: In a recent issue, a radical
publication called "Now Solidarity" published an
article signed by M. Assiac, obviously a pseu·
donym since Caissa is the goddess of chess and
another writer uses the name backwards as Assiac.
The article fs headlined "Politics of Fischer-Spassky
Match: Chess moves reflect deep social crisis."
The writer says that Bobby Fischer "is the
epitome, for the moment, of the fundamentally
anarchic nature of capitalist social relations . . •

reflecting the proto-fascist youth culture . . . is

deeply anti-intellectual, viciously anti-working class,
a cultist of a fundamentalist religious sect. Even
his major book on the game was largely ghost­
written by Grandmaster Larry Evans." This is
grossly untrue and I want to scotch that 'umor
here and now.
"Meanwhile," continues the article, "all is not
well on the Soviet chess front. In the last several 2 ... N-Q4
years the Soviet Union has seen its hegemony in Black must make sure that he does not endanger
the chess arena slowly but surely eroded . . . No the Knight by 2 . . N-K5 as after 3 P-Q4 the
.

new generation has risen to take the place of the threat of P-KB3 is hard to meet without losing a
old guard at the grandmaster level. Then too. there great deal of time.
is dissidence at the highest levels of Soviet chess.
For example, at the chess Olympics at Lugano in
1968, Spassky and other Soviet players openly
condemned the Soviet action in Czechoslovakia."

White: Spassky Black: Fischer

Alekhine's Defense
1 P-:-1<4
Evidently Spassky has little tear of Fischer's
Sicilian, especially after the Russian's brilliant play
in the eleventh game. 3 P-Q4
Reinforcing the KP and freeing the other Bishop.

S�E DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

144
 3 ... P-Q3 5 ... N-N3
Nibbling at the advanced center. 5 . . . P-QB3 maintaining the Knight in the
center has also been tried. The Knight retreats but
gains a tempo against the Bishop now.

4 N-KB3
Developing a piece and bringing additional sup­
port to the KP. Sharper is 4 P-Q84, N-N3 5
P-B4, the Four Pawns Attack. 6 B-N3
Keeping pressure along this diagonal.

4 ... P-KN3
6 ... B-N2
More usual is 4 . . . 8-N5. The idea behind
Completing the financhetto and preparing to
the text is to strike at the center by placing the
castle.
Bishop on KN2.

7 QN-Q2!?
5 B-QB4 Unusual. Was it played on the spur of the mo­
Developing the Bishop with gain of time. ment? The Knight interferes with the QB diagonal
and seems pointless. Either 7 0-0 or 7 P-QR4
(Threatening to cramp Black with P-R5) offers
more hope for the initiative.
But this is a somewhat passive post for the QN.
Better seems 7 Q-K2 defending the KP and then
developing QN to QB3.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

145
 7 ... 0--0 9 ..
. PxP
Black whisks his King into safety, waiting while Continuing hostilities against the advanced cen·
not committing himself. ter Pawns.

8 P-KR3 10 PxP
To prevent . . . B-N5, but a loss of time. 8 Forced. 10 NxP, QxP nets a Pawn for Black.
0--0 looks more logical.
...... .••

••••6.,.
Jlill1 flii l1 i

11 • II •
•A• 4J8i
lliE & 11m
n * E!
10 . . • N-R3!
8 ..
. P--QR4! An exception to the rule that Knights should not
Threatening to win the Bishop with P-RS. More be developed to R3. The text secures the initiative
importantly, Black wants to win squares for his as . . . N-Q84 will put great pressure on White's
Q·side pieces and provoke weaknesses in the ·enemy weakened Q-side.
Pawn formation. .

1 1 0--0
Playing for the attack instead of going on the
defensive with 1 1 Q-K2, N-84 12 Q-K3 (other­
wise . . . 8-Q2 wins 'the QRP).

SE� DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

146
 11 . . . N-84
Now Black has a pleasant choice between ex·
changing off Jhe strong Bishop or going for the
QRP.

14 BxN
The Bishop is useless now anyway.
12 Q-K2
Reinforcing the KP. Note how White's QN ob·
· structs the development of his Queenside.

14 • • . NxB
Black has won a Pawn but his pieces are awk­
wardly placed.

12 . . . Q-Kl
Focusing on the QRP at once. 12 . . . B-Q2
was also good.
A typical Fischer move; he will always grab a
Pawn even if he has to cede the initiative and
undergo considerable difficulties to make the extra
material count. This style of play is strongly remi·
niscent of that of W. Steinitz who taught that it is
sound to grab a Pawn if you have a sufficiently solid
position to repulse the attack.
15 R-Kl!?

13 N-K4
Posting the Knight aggressively and freeing the
QB.
147
 15 . . . N-N3
Bringing the Knight back into play, perhaps to
defend the King later, if necessary. With an extra
Pawn Black has a technically won game.

18 B-R4
As White intends to advance his K-side Pawns
later to attack Black's Kingside, he abstains from
18 B-84, which would block the advance of the
KBP.

18 . . . B-84
Finally developing his last piece. Also playable
16 . . . P-R5 was 18 . P-N4 19 B-N3 (unsound is 19 BxP,
_ .

Black has worked too hard winning this Pawn
to give It back cheaply.
PxB 20 N(3)xP, B-B4) 19 . . . 8-84, But Black
does not want to weaken his K-side.
Possibly Fischer is trying to feint an exchange
. . . BxN to simplify. However he has a stronger
move in 18 .. B-Q2! threatening . . . B-QN4
.

and . . . N-QB5 with powerful play.

17 B-N5
Exerting pressure against the KP and trying to
find counterplay on the dark squares on the K side.
-

Though White has not regained his Pawn he has

strong pressure through the centralized pieces. The 19 P-·KN4
text ties Black's Queen to defending the KP.

17 . . . P-R3
Get thee gone, Mortimer.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

148
 19 . . . B--K3
Safer was 19 . . . BxN 20 QxB, P-QB3 to re­
duce some of the attacking force.

22 QR--Ql
The Rook which was doing nothing comes power­
fully into the game.
20 N--Q4
Threatening to capture the Bishop, breaking up
Black's Pawn structure, but, more importantly, pre·
paring P-KB4 with a Pawn storm against Black's
Kingside.

22 . . . KR-Kl
Freeing the Queen from the chore of guarding
the KP.
Naturally Black does not take White's KP as he
would lose his protective KRP in return.
20 . . . B--85
Attacking the Queen and preserving the Bishop.
20 . . . BxKP is very risky after 2 1 NxB, PxN 22
N-B5 with a strong attack.

23 P-84!
Hoping to engulf Black's K-side in a tidal wave
of Pawns. White exposes his own King, of course,
but since he is behind i n material he must play
actively.
21 Q-Q2
Keeping an eye on Black's KRP.

23 . .
.
B--Q4
Finally trying to eliminate the active Knight
which could have been done simply on move 19.
21 . . . Q-Q2
Improving the position of the Queen and connect­
ing the Rooks. If 21 . . . BxP 22 QxP, B-N2 (22
. . . BxN 23 N-N5 and Q-R7 mate) 23 Q-Q2
opens lines for White's attack and leaves Black
vulnerable to the dangerous threat of N-86ch. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
149
 24 N--QB5 26 K-R2
Driving the Queen back again. Slow, but White cannot find a better plan. He
has only a half hour left until the time control on
•• •••••
atmitmtrs
move 40.

• • Iii �
·t aEfj11aT. ·

. li ft
Ii ii R II
24 . . .
LIEt � � Q-Bl
Better to get off the Q·file where her majesty
may be exposed to masked attacks from the Rook 26 . . . N--Q2
on Ql. Each exchange will bring Black closer to victory.
His extra Pawn looms more menacing as the end­
game approaches.

25 Q-83?
Relaxing his grip. Sharper is 25 P-K6! N-85
26 Q-82. 27 N--Q3
The posit/on is extremely complicated but it seems Trying to avoid exchanges. But a better chance
that White should play 25 P-K6! attempting to was 27 N-N5, NxN 28 QxN, B-QB3 29 �!
break open lines for attack. For example, after 25
P-K6! N-85 26 Q-K2, NxNP 27 N-85! gives
a strong attack. Now, due to Spassky's hesitancy,
Black seizes the initiative and gets excellent win­
ning chances.

·=
.�
m�*�.
�;=-.
�m
�·
'
·
t�'
• ii llt•
tlf
..

�Ai- II .
tBiiE'tit&ft�ft 27 . . . P--QB4!

. oo11•1fdJ f3J. .
-
�· Possibly Spassky felt this move unplayable after
28 N-N5, threatening to post his Knight power­
fully on Q6. If so, he is quickly disillusioned.
With this strong move Black completely frees
25 . . . P-K3! his cramped position and obtains a very favorable
Solidifying the bastion and preventing P-K6. endgame.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

150
 28 N-N5 30 PxQ
Threatening N-Q6. White's overextended Pawns are targets of attack
in the endgame.

28 • . • Q--83
Attacking the Knight and inviting the apparently 30 . . . BxQ
strong N-Q6. Black is quite willing to part with his strong
Bishop now, as White i s in a losing endgame.

29 N--Q6
This allows Black to force an exchange o·f
Queens, but there is nothing better. If 29 N-R3:,
P-QN4 (threatening P-N5) is devastating.
31 PxB
Time to take stock: Black still has his extra
Pawn-the QRP-and a dangerous passed Pawn
at that. However, he is weal< on the dark squares
and the opposite colored Bishops present technical
problems.

29 . . . QxN
This move is possible because of the pin-on·e
of the drawbacks of White's 25th move. 31 • . . P-83
Limiting the scope of White's Bishop and pre­
paring . . . K-82.
A good move which allows a timely thrust with
. . . P-K4 or . . P-KN4, challenging White's
.

cramping Pawn on KB4. In addition it frees a

square for the King to come into play.

SE� DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

151
 32 P-N5 34 8-N3
bind on the
Trying to keep a dark squares es· Keeping control of KS. If 34 N-84, B-K5 35
'
pecially KS. NxNP, BxP is good for Black.

•• ••••

•
Bm.1.a i o
BtR'lll •
llt B t"
i ii • •. �,'$�
• e�• a .ft
ri.ftll • .
•E!§l II
32 RPxP
34 . . .
. • •

K-82
Better than 32 . . . BPxP 33 PxP' P-R4 34
N-B4! Consolidating by bringing the King toward the
center.
But here Fisher plays a second-best move. Cor­
Another possible improvement is 34 . . . P-R6!
rect is 32 . . . P-B5J 33 N-N4, RPxP 34 P.xP,
getting the dangerous passed Pawn ro/lfng. This
P-B4 as after 35 NxB, P.xN Black can penetrate
. would guarantee Black good wf nnlng chances. Pos­
on the K-frle or force advantageous simplification.
sibly Fischer doesn't want to commit himself but
The text, by not driving White's N away from its
. in doing so he squanders some of his advantage.
contact with the KS square, allows White to anchor
a strong piece there.

33 PxP 35 N-K5ch
White is trying to exchange off his weak Pawns White is pinning his drawing hopes on opposite
as quickly as possible. colored Bishops.

33 . . . P-84 35 . . . NxN
But Black does not oblige. Now Black has a There is no choice.
protected passed KBP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

1S2
 36 BxN 38 B-86!
This Bishop is strongly posted and White strives After 38 BxR, RxB Black could soon win the
to block the position. White QP and, with a Bishop and two Pawns for a
Rook and a powerful position he would have things
all his way.

36 • • . P-N4
Trying to utilize his Pawn majority on the Q·side.
38 . . . P-R6
Creating threats of his own with the passed
Pawn. If 38 . . . R-KR2 39 P-Q7, R(2)-R l 40
R-84! leads to a position where White is a move
ahead of the actual game. Dangerous is 38 . . .
KR-Ql 39 R-B4! RxP 40 R-R4 threatening
R-R7ch.

37 R-KBl!
Threatening to renew the attack with R-B4 and
R-R4.

39 R-84
Keeping the threat of R-KR4 if Black's Rook
leaves the KR-file.

37 . . . R-KRl
Hoping that White will part with his powerfully
posted Bishop for the Rook. Sturdier is 37 . . . R­
R2! 38 R-84, R-Q2 (blockade) 39 R-R4, R­
KN 1 (clearing the square K l for the King in case
of R-R7ch).
39 . . . P-R7
Tying White's Rook down to the first rank to
keep Black's QRP from queening.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE QIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

153
 42 K-N3!
Spas.sky took 38 minutes on this sealed move..
It saves the day. White's threat is 43 R-KR4 and
if 43 . . . RxR 44 KxR and White's QP queens
quickly, whereas after 43 . . . KR--Ql (not 43 . . .
KR-KNl 44 R-R7ch, K-Bl 45 B-K7 mate)
44 R-R7ch, K-Bl (or Nl) 45 R-R8ch wins a
Rook.

40 P-84!
With split seconds left, Spassky finds the saving
resource. The text allows White's Bishop on KS to
control the important QR1-KR8 diagonal to stop
Black's threatening Pawns from queening.

42 . . . R-R6ch
The only winning try.

40 • • • BxP
The alternative 40 . . . PxP only weakens Black's
Pawns.

43 P-83!
The only defense. Not 43 R--Q3, P-RS/Q
wins. Also 43 K-82, R(6)xP 44 P--Q8(Q), RxQ
45 BxR, P-K4! (not 45 . . . R-R7ch? 46 K-Kl!
R-R8ch 47 R-81!) 46 B-86!. PxR (not 46 • • .

K-K3 47 R-Kl!) 47 RxB, R-R7ch! 48 K-83, •

RxP wins.

41 P-Q7
Now the QP is dangerous.

43 . . . R(l)-Rl
Now Black is ready for 44 P--Q8/Q, RxQ 45
BxR, P-RS/Q, RxR and he coasts to victory two
Pawns ahead.

41 . . . B-Q4
Shielding the Q·file again.

44 R-KR4!
Threatening a perpetual check if Black queens
154
his Pawn.

46 . . . K--Q3
Black is walking a tightrope to keep his winning
44 • • . P.-K4!
chances alive.
Allowing Black's King to escape the threatened
perpetual via . . . K3.

45 R-R7ch
This wins a piece; of course Black has foreseen
this and plans on obtaining a wave of passed Pawns
to compensate.
47 RxP
Now Black's Bishop must fall.
Now Black will win the dangerous QP but lose
his Bishop in the process. For his Bishop Black
will have three dangerous passed Pawns on the
Q side plus the KBP on the K-side. White must
-

fight for the draw.

45 . . . K-K3
Of course not 45 . . . K-Nl 46 R-R8ch, K­
B2 47 RxR, RxR 48 P-Q8/Q, RxQ 49 BxR netting 47 . . . RxPch
a full Rook. Wrong is 47 . . . P-R8/Q? 48 R/5xBch, K-B3
49 RxQ, RxR 50 P-Q8/Q, RxQ 51 RxR and White
wins!

46 R-K7ch
The only check-but a good one. Again 46 P­
Q8/Q, RxQ 47 BxR, P-R8/Q gives White a losing 48 K-82
ending. Most obliging would be 48 K-B4? R-R5ch
and mates.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

155
 48 . • . R-87ch 50 • • • K 83
-

Forcing the King back to the first rank. Intending to sneak out with . . . P-NS and . . .
K-N4.

49 K-Kl
Not 49 K-N3, R-R6ch 50 K-84, R-B5ch 51 R-Q6ch
again mating quickly. Forcing the King back.

49 . .
. KxP 51 . . • K-N2
Finally capturing the upstart. He who fights and runs away lives to fight
another day.

50 R/5xBch
White's drawing prospects have brightened con· 52 R-Q7ch
siderably. Black has three connected passed Pawns, There is nothing to be gained from 52 R-K6,
but for the moment they are stymied. R-QBl 53 R-Q7ch, R-.82.
White should be able to hold this endgame since
his long range BiSffop-can be effective in holding
back Black's passed Pawns. In addition White can
create a dangerous passed Pawn on the K-side with
P-KR4-R5, sacing a Pawn if necessary.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

156
 52 . . . K-R3
Finally the King finds a side exit.

55 P-R4!
White's only counterplay is to create a passed
53 R/7--Q2 Pawn himself.
Swapping off Black's active Rook. 53 R/7-
Q6ch only drives the King where it wants to go.

55 . . . K-N4
The King moves up to help support the advance
53 . . . RxR of the Q-side Pawns.
Black must exchange. Not 53 . . . R-Klch 54
K-81 , RxR 55 RxR and the QRP falls.

56 P-R5!
Demolishing the blockade so the NP can ad­
vance.
54 KxR
Crossing the King to the Q·side to help blockade
the passed Pawns.

56 . . . P--QB5
Threatening to cut off the Bishop from control·
ing the vital QRl square.
54 . . . P-N5
Mobilizing the Pawns.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

157
 57 R--QRl
Blockading the QRP. Not 57 P-R6, P-B6ch
58 K-82, P-R8/Q 59 RxQ, RxR 60 P-R7, R­
R8 61 P-R8/Q, RxQ 62 BxR, K-85 and Black
wins because his Pawns are unstoppable.

59 . . . P-R6
Setting a queening threat on the other side of
the board.

57 . . . PxP
It's either that or White plays P-R6-R7-R8.
The text allows White a passed KNP, but at least
White's Bishop can't control its queening square,
KN8.

60 B-K7
Threatening to win with 8-88! blocking Black's
Rook from the KNP's queening square.

58 P-N6
Finally a ray of hope.

60 . . . R-KNl
The Pawn must be blocked at any cost.

58 . . . P-R5
If 58 . . . R-KNl 59 P-N7, P-86ch 60
K-Q3! (not 60 K-82? K-85 61 RxP, P-N6ch
wins) and White holds.

61 B-88
Guarding the Pawn and imprisoning Black's
Rook.

59 P-N7
White's passed Pawn also has a lust to expand.
Not 59 BxP, R-KNl, winning the important KNP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

158
 ·
61- • • • · P�7
·
Preventing 62 RxP? because of 62 . . . P-
. R8(Q). The game is now �II into its eighth ho�r •

. White 'has used 4 hrs. 40 mm., Black 3 hrs. 55 mm.

Despite his trapped Rook Black still has the edge

due to. his multiple passed Pawns. Nonetheless
White ean ·still hold a· di'a'1f.

-. 64 K-83
. ' . ' ·.-,.,.:
' .•

Keeping· the blockade on the dark squares. The

King can never capture the BP, however, because
of P-N7, and a Pawn queens. Another possible
line of defense is 64 K-N2, P-85 65 R--Q6ch,
.K�B2 66 R--QL

. . 62 K-82
. ,. If ttiej«ing
cah'.'stop the-Q·side .Paw.ns, his. Rook .
will be free to roam.

�Ri/QI .
.
.
.
.t

·
• :
•
�""�·: 64 -_. • .

The best winning try. If 64 . . . P-85 65 K_,..N2,

.'

. .
P-86 66 K-83, p-.97 67 K-N2, K-82 68
.
.

K-83 holds the draw. -

·

_.
.

62 � - K--83
Black sacs the KRP to decoy the Rook away
·• •

Trying to cross to the Kingside to support his

from the Q·tile, thus allowing Black's King to travel
��ssed pa�ns there ,._ · : ._
to the K·side to- support his passed KBP. White
•
.

must not allow this. By judicious Rook maneuvers

he can keep the Black King at bay.
- .-"' -,
I
•:-
c ' •
'

' ·-

'-_.. � ·, .

'
1••,
-'
,, I o
'
.•:1- , '
,. .. ·�..

_ 63 . R�ll
· -
: ' Whjcti White promptly' prevents. Of course riot 65 RxQ
� .BiP because of:63 • • • RxP and 64 . . . R-NS White pays a price for this Pawn by relinquishing
winning by queening. the Q-file, thus allowing Black to march his King
across the center.

-..

., ,
. ·•' .

63 • • • P-N6ch 65 . • • K-Q4
Creating three connected passed Pawns, a strong Now the King is ready to aid the advance .of the
::chain� · KB�
·• '
..
 68 R-QBl
Reminding 81�k that his Q8P is weak.

66 K-N2
To free the Rook from the first rank. If 66 R­
Kl, P-85 i s good. 68 . . . K-Q6
Defending the QBP. Not 68 . . . P-86 69
RxPch.

66 . . . P-85
Passed Pawns must be pushed!
69 R-Qlch?
The losing move after a. heroic defense. Correct
i s 69 R-83ch, K-Q5 70 R-83, P-86'ch! (if
70 . . . K-K5, 71 R-83, K-Q5 is a draw by
repetition of moves) 71 K-Rl (not 71 RxP? P­
R8/Qch 72 KxQ. KxR and wins) 71 . . . P-87
72 RxPch, K-86 73 B-R3, RxP 74 R-B3ch,
K-85 (if 74 . . . K-Q7 75 RxP draws) 75 R-
84ch! (Of course not 75 RxP, KxR 76 B-81, R­
Nl-not 76 . . . R-N8?' Stalemate!-77 B-N2,
R-N8ch and mate next) 75 . . . K-Q4 76 R-81,
-
R-N6 77 B-Bl! R-Q6 78 K-N2, R-Q8 79
67 R-Qlch R-85ch, K-85 80 R-84ch, K-Q6 81 R­
Now no matter which way the King goes, the QR4!, RxB 82 KxR, K-86--it seems Black must
Rook will attack the unguarded Pawn. If 67 R-R8, win, but-83 RxP!! PxR draw by stalemate.
P-86ch! 67 K-Rl, P-86 68 RxR, P-K87 and
queens.

69 . . . K-K7
The King penetrates and gains time by attacking
67 . . • K-K5 the Rook.
Gaining more ground.

160
 70 R--Q81
No longer threatening to take the Pawn with
check as before. ·

72 • • • R--Q2
Also decisive is 72 . . . P-B7 73 R-K4ch,
K-B6 7.4 R-Q3ch, K-B5 75 R-K8, P­
R8/Qch 76 KxQ, P-88/Qch, etc.
70 • • . P-86
Now, with the Black King nearby, the passed
KBP is able to advance with decisive result.

73 R-K4ch
Or 73 R-81, R-Q8 74 RxR, KxR 75 B-Q4,
K-
. K7 76 KxP, P-87 wins.
71 B-85
An admission of defeat since it releases the
imprisoned Rook; however, there was nothing bet·
ter. Inadequate is 71 RxP, P-B7 72 R-B4, P-
88/Q 73 RxQ, KxR 74 K-Rl, K-K7 75 K-N2,
K-QS and Black wins easi ly.

Black KBP. The text obviously is hope/� as it

Now White will not be able to stop the terrible

releases Black's Rook and loses the vital K

NP, but
there is no saving line anyway.

71 • • • RxP
Also sufficient is 71 P-B7 72 BxP, KxB 73
. . .
RxP, but Black does not want to drag the win out.

74 B-Q4
To prevent the Rook from penetrating.

72 RxP
Trying to mop up the Pawns, but it's too lat�-
161
 74 • • •

If 75 8xP, R-Q7ch is decisive. Or if 75 R-84,

Rx8! 76 RxR, K-K7 77 R-KB4, P-88/Q 78
RxQ, KxR and the two passed Pawns are over�
whelming. In this last position the winning idea for
Black involves placing his King on . . . Q6 and sacri·
ficing with P-R8/Qch to divert the White King.
For example: 79 K-Rl, K-K7 80 K-N2, K-Q7
81 K-Rl (The King must oscillate between N2 WHITE RESIGNS ,. ·

and Rl) K-Q6! (the �ight timing) 82 K-N2,

P-RS/Qch! (allowing 81ack's King into . . . Q86 Times: Spassky 4 hrs. 50 . min., Fischer 4 hrs.
without stalemate· occuring) 83· KxQ; K-86 84 15 min. ·
K-Nl, P-N7 85 K-R2, K-87 86 K-R3, Score: Spassky 5-Fischer 8.
P-NB/Q etc. Needed to Win: Spassky 7. Fischer 4Jh.

Reykjavik, Aug. 11, 1972

Lothar Schmid, Chief Arbiter ·

World Cha.mpionship Chess Matoh

Dear Lother: . . .. . l
. ,
The matters about which Bobby Fischer wrote ·you on August 9 are very · serious ·
matters, affecting the caliber of play in a world chess championship. His letter was
a sincere attempt to impress you with the urgency of having them promptly and
properly corrected. He expected a g,nuin�. effort on your part, in the spirit of. FIOE,
to execute these obligations, as merited by the seriousness of this majQr ·eve·nt;
It is distressing that Bobby's representative was accorded cavalier treatm�nt Friday
. morning, at a curt session in which the real probtems received dogmatic stiort shrift.
It is disturbing to read snide remarks in the press, attributed to you. It is somewhat
surprising to see you contumaciously ignore the match rules covering the treatment
of protests. But worst, it becomes almost disheartening to see, on Friday afternoon,
little or no improvement in the problerris for whose correction he had relied upon the
sincerity of the official arbiter.
His letter was not written as grist for the organizers' publicity mill, but that seems to .
be about the only purpose to which you have put It.
You know what the problems are, and you have simple and efficient sugg estions for
their solution. Once more I ·ask. you, Lothar, not tQ shrink from·taking the meas.ures · .
necessary to assure the sort · of- .playing conditions .· wHich a world championship de· .
serves.
Very sincerely,

Fred Cramer
Vice-President of FIDE, Zone V

. .. . : : . .
'

.. · ·: ·
. . · .... · · · ", .,,,,.

1.62
.. . :. .
:· '
 Same as game 12. Fischer does not need sur·

GAME FOURTEEN prises--each half point brings him closer to the

title.
Bobby arrived 7 minutes late, chauffeured by
his second, Grandmaster William Lombardy, who
just recovered from a cold. (During his illness,
Lombardy was excluded from the challenger's corn·
pany). A car with three of Bobby's aides preceded
him. They carried in trays of food wrapped in tin­
foil. "It's the same food as usual," said Fred
Cramer of the U.S. Chess Federation. "Except
today we added hard-boiled eggs. He has assorted
cheeses, herring, skyr, fresh fruit and fruit juices
and cold cuts (but no pork)."
About 50 teenagers and as many adults waited
in the drizzle outside the stage door for a glimpse 2 ... P-Q4
of Bobby. Spassky usually drives alone to the exhi­ I was half-expecting 2 . . . P-KB4 with a Dutch
bition hall in an orange land rover and walks about Defense.
50 yards. Bobby is driven right to the door, how­
ever, and never acknowledges the crowd. After
seeing him lope in, an American girl said: "That
made my day. Now I can go back to North Carolina
and say I saw the great Bobby. He's a real louse
isn't he?"
After making his first few moves, Bobby com­
plained to Lothar Schmid, the referee, about the
lighting. The stage is illuminated by an eerie bank
of overhead fluorescent lights. A small beige rug
covers a green carpet surrounded by 6 potted
plants. The rest of the theater is in semi-darkness.
Bobby, as in game 12, chose an English Opening, 3 P-Q4
once more forsaking his beloved' king pawn. Boris's
Someday Bobby may play this directly on the
jaw muscles tensed. first move.

White: Fischer Black: Spassky

Queen's Gambit

1 P-QB4
Again 7 minutes late.

1 P-K3
More ambitious is 1 . . . P-K4, but Spassky
does not care to play a move down against the
Sicilian. Non-committal replies are 1 . . . N-KB3
or 1 . . . P-KN3. For 1 . . . P--QB4 see game 8.

2 N-KB3 SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

163
 4 ... B-K2 6 ... P-84
A quiet developing move. More active than 6 . . . P-B3. This assault on
the center equalizes.
••.t11•• • After this move White is able to give Black an
i ll i i isolated QP by 7 QPxP followed by 8 PxP. This
� -.i• • isolated Pawn is characteristic of the Tarrasch De·
··· i ···· tense which is often used by Spassky. Time and
again in his 1 969 world championship match with
11ttB • • Tigran Petrosian, Spassky was able to demonstrate
B E •45• that though the isolated QP can be an endgame
weakness, it gives Black a certain extra amount
itll • tt &t i i
Qd.i}.lrn_
of center control and good prospects in the middle
§J game.

5 8--84
Varying from 5 B-NS as i n game 12. The
Bishop has no real zing on this post and later gets
into trouble.

7 PxBP
Clarifying the picture. Less accurate is 7 PxQP,
BPxP as after 8 QxP, KPxP followed by . . . N­
QB3 gaining time on the exposed Queen is good,
while 8 KPxP, NxP saddles White with an isolated
Pawn with his exposed QB under attack as well.
Bringing the King to safety before undertaking Finally 8 NxP allows 8 . . . NxP, again "leaning"
action in the center. Spassky's first five moves on the bishop with an easy game for Black.
seem to be his habitual system against the Queen's
Gambit. With 1 . . . P-K3 and 2 . . . P-Q4 he
is assured of a share of the center, while 3 . . .
N-KB3 and 4 . . . B-K2 constitute the quickest
and most solid way to prepare 5 . . . 0-0; all in
all a very suitable defense to hold White's first
move edge to a minimum.

7 ... N-83
There is no rush to recapture. Black takes time
out to develop a Knight towards the center and pre­
vent P-QN4, holding the extra Pawn. Alternatives
are 7 . . . N-R3 or 7 . . . Q-R4 or 7 . . . PxP­
not to mention 7 . . . BxP immediately. Of course
6 P-K3 Spassky needs to win. His problem is how to keep
Time to free the other Bishop. tension. yet avoid too much risk.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

164
 8 PxP 10 0-0
To isolate Black's QP. If 8 B-K2, PxP 9 BxP Completing his K-side development.
and White has lost time moving his Bishop twice.

liB.t.11 Rm
m; ;l: IJ IJ · ;1:
-� • t ..
It B . . ft B II
• • g .
•. E
-- .. &4Jll
ft B ii D ii: ,.�

§1 �f;�tl§ 10 . . . B-K3
8 ... PxP Reinforcing the QP and developing a new piece.
Freeing the QB. As compensation for his weak· Blac.k cannot eliminate his QP by 10 . . . P-Q5?
ened QP Black obtains scope for his pieces in the as 1 1 N-QR4! is good.
center, notably an enhanced grip on KS and play
along the semi-open K-file. 8 . . . NxP allowing 9
NxN would be weak as Black should avoid simpli·
fication because his QP is more readily exploited in
the endgame. With many pieces on the board White
will find It difficult to put serious pressure on the
QP as Black, with all his pieces in play, can build
up considerable counterplay.

1 1 R-81
Improving the position of the Rook. Soviet Grand·
master Taimanov recommends 1 1 N-QN5! to im­
mobilize the QP. If the Black QP is not blockaded
properly ( 1 1 N-QN5!) often a chance for a suc·
cessful . . . P-Q5 occurs.

•12 •
9 B-K2 ,;;tg
9 B-Q3 blocks the Q-flle and leaves White open
to a pin by . . . B-KN5. From K2 this Bishop may II�
maneuver to KB3, putting more pressure on the
QP. �.­
. �
ft O
�, ��
11 . . . R-81
If 11 . . . B-N3 then 12 N-QN5 is stronger
than 12 N-QR4, P-Q5! 13 NxB, QxN 14 PxP,
QxNP restoring material equality.

9 ... BxP
Getting back the Pawn while the getting is good.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

165
 12 P-QR3 13 . . . B-N3
A handy waiting move. Sometimes it is better Now that White's Bishop is on KN3 (preventing
to refrain from direct threats and build up the 15 . . . NxB in the last variation of the above note)
position. If 12 NxP, NxN 13 RxB, NxB 14 PxN, Black safeguards his Bishop and keeps it trained
Q-83 attacks both QNP and BP, regaining the on his Q5 square.
Pawn advantageously.
White's usual strategy in such positions is to
try N-QN5-Q4, taking advantage of the weak
square in front of the isolated QP to establish a
strong Knight outpost. Fischer's play in this game
seems to be a bit listless.

14 N-KS
After almost a half hour. More in spirit is 14
N-QR4 aiming to establish a Knight on QB5 or
exchange Black's Bishop.

12 . . . P-KR3
Making a "luft'' , preventing a pin by B-KN5,
and, in some positions, menacing . . . N-KR4 as
well as . . . P-KN4.

14 . . . N-K2!
Spassky is in no mood to simplify and permit a
draw. Now he intends to return via KB4 with the
Knight. There are problems in trying to get rid of
the QP prematurely: 14 . . . P-Q5 15 N>eN. RxN
16 PxP, BxP 17 B-83 and White's two Bishops
13 B-N3 spring-to life.
A superficial retreat which is a confession that
White lacks a constructive plan. An alternative is Spassky avoids exchanges and plays for the in­
13 N--QR4, B-K2 14 N-85, BxN 15 RxB, itiative. This seems appropriate in view of Fischer's
�-KR4 16 B-N3. Even 13 N-K5 immediately inefficient maneuvers.
1s better. If worse comes to worse, 13 P-R3 is
feasible, although White is reluctant to weaken his
K-side. Poor is 13 NxP? QxN 14 QxQ. NxQ 15
RxB, NxB 16 PxN, N-Q5! 1 7 R-K5 (if 17 RxR,
NxBch wins) NxBch 18 RxN, 8-85 winning the
Exchange.

15 N-R4
Trying to gain space. If 15 B-R4, N-84 is
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN strong.
166
 17 . . . B--Q2
Less sharp is 17 . . . NxB 18 RPxN. Black reek·
ons that in this position his Knight is more valu­
able than the Bishop.

16 RxR
White seems at a loss for a good plan again. If
16 NxB, QxN 17 RxR, RxR and Black is first to
activate his KR.
18 B-KS
White is too concerned with retaining this
Bishop. More consistent 18 NxB, QxN 19 B-K5.
Better is simply 18 NxB, QxN 19 Q-04 with
about an even game.

· . .. ....
-· ,,...,.,.
· --
:t llJ.•:t•
...,,.,...._ ..
..,...
... ..., ...

• • •
IJ :trl •
4J. ·�·
•.• 4J• . ,,[f
.
16 . . BxR
Not 16 . . . QxR allowing 17 NxB, PxN as the
• 11'1'
doubled, isolated Pawns would be a severe wea�· 18 . . . BxN!
ness. Thus Black is compelled to recapture with a
· developed man. Preventing White from · exchanging his well·
placed KB and preparing active play for his pieces.

17 N-KB3
Dilatory. He seeks renewed control over Q4 but 19 QxB
the Knight has moved a third time. Yet 17 NxB, Although White now has the two Bishops, he is
QxN 18 Q-Q4, QxQ 19 PxQ, N-KB4 20 N-83, given no time to utilize them.
B-K3 21 R-81, R-Bl leads to no advantage
either.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

167
 19 . .. N-Q83 21 . . . QxP
Stepping up the attack against the Bishop. Gobbling a Pawn. And why not?

20 B-KB4(?) 22 BxN
He should settle for 20 B-N3. The Bishop is White is in for a small surprise. He had counted
vulnerable here. on 22 . . . PxB 23 QxBP, QxRP 24 QxP with an
even game.

20 . . . Q-83
Now Black has the initiative. Also dangerous for 22 . . • N-86!
White would be 20 . . . P-N4 21 B-N3, P-KR4. But this Zwischenzug (meaning "in between
move") forces the Queen to relinquish its guard of
The .text places uncomfortable pressure on
the Bishop.
White's QNP.
A strong move, possibly overlooked by Fischer,
which allows Black to win a Pawn. Black now has ·

good winning chances.

m B ti•il
: 1 13 t
- ::llt�
• .
.. .
·

Ii t1:J: ll •
Yfy -. 11 fQ]
ml • !iL£)
21 B-QN5(?) • Ii ml .ft
� &; Ji �. �
A miscalculation but White is already in trouble. �� � � (V"l
�
If 21 Q-82, P-N4 22 B-N3, P-KR4 is annoy·
ing, although 23 B-N5! P-R5 24 BxN may hold 23 Q-N4
(If 24 . . . RPxB 25 BxQP, PxBPch 26 K-R l, Forced. Even worse is 23 B-K5, NxQ 24 BxQ,
N-N6ch? 27 PxN, Q-R3ch 28 N-R2 wins). If PxB!
21 Q-N3, R-Ql (21 . . . P-Q5 22 Q-Q5,
R-Kl 23 B--Q3 may hold) renews the threat
of . . . P-N4.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

168
 25 • • •

The Knrg11t may get into trouble after 25 . . .

N-R7 26 R-N 1. More active, however, is 25 . . .

N-K5 centralizing the Knight and preparing . . .

P-QB4.

23 . . .

26 R-Bl
Preventing . . . P-QB4 and attacking the QBP.

24 PxQ
The best White can hope for now is a draw.

26 . . . R-Bl
Forced but good enough. White has used 1 hr.
20 min., Black 1 hr. 45 min.

24 . • • PxB
Black's problem is how to create a passed
Pawn. His extra Pawn on the Q·side is hampered
by the enemy Pawn on QN4.

27 N-Q4
Trying to blockade on the dark squares.

27 . . . P-83?
An outright blunder which loses a Pawn. Correct
is 27 . . . BxN (or 27 . . . NxN 28 BxN, K-81)
28 BxB, K-81 29 B-85ch, K-Kl 30 R-R l,
R-82 whereupon Black maneuvers his King to
QN2, pushes P-QR3 (moving it to a safer square),
and then redeploys his Knight and Rook to better
posts. White would face prolonged torture trying
to hold a draw.
A super blunder which literally throws away the
169
extra Pawn and all advantage tor Black. The correct
move was 27 . . . NxN 28 BxN (not 28 PxN because
of 28 . . . P-KB3, winning the QP) 28 . . . K-Bl
followed by transferring the King to the Q-side to
support his extra Pawns there. Black would then
have good winning chances.

30 PxN
Actually containing a threat of P-NS, winning
the QBP.

28 BxP!
Spassky was counting on 28 NxN (or 28 NxP,
RxN 29 RxR, PxB with two pieces for a Rook) 28
. . . PxB 29 N-Q6, R-82 30 N-K8, R-Q2 3 1
RxP, P-QS! with a tremendous passed Pawn. He
became so engrossed in this line that he overlooked
White's reply. He swivelled angrily in his chair, his
back to the audience, and glared at the blank wall.

30 . . . R-Nl
Which Black promptly prevents by getting out
of the pin.

28 . . . BxN
Not 28 . . . PxB 29 NxN and Black cannot re­
capture because of the pin.
31 K-Bl
A precaution. If 31 RxP, P-QR4! gains a
powerful passed Pawn for 32 PxP is prohibited by
32 . . . R-NB and mate next.

29 BxB
White now has emerged with a slight advantage.

31 . . . RxP
Black's extra Pawn Is short-lived.

29 . . . NxB
Swapping a passive Knight for an active Bishop.
Bfack's advantage has evaporated and he decides
to play for a draw before he gets the worst of it.
170
 32 RxP
White chops it off.

34 . . . K-83
Towards the center. They should agree to a draw
RxP now.
32 . . .
Black has nothing better than to keep grabbing
Pawns.
Now or never. ff 32 . . . P-QR4 33 R-85
maintains equality.

·-.
- .
....--
. ...- .,,..
- .., .
�·
,••.• .,
• t··· ·"
•
••• • • 35 R-Q7

• • I.lift
� · · <3t·
Rooks belong behind enemy passed Pawns.

33 R-R6
Getting the Pawn back.

35 . . . P-R4
Trying to make something out of nothing.

33 . . . K-82 '
Black tries to activate his King.

36 K-K2
White's turn to centralize his King.

34 RxPch
Why wait?

36 . . . P-N4
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
171
 Enabling Black's King to advance without losing 39 R-KN7
the NP. Prodding the Pawns with his active Rook.

37 K-K3 K-83
Again neither player wishes to be the first to
offer a draw.

40 R--Q7
White is willing to repeat moves.

40 . . . K-K3
So is Black.

DRAW
38 . . . K-K3

Times: Spassky 2 hrs. 13 min., Fischer 1 hr.

43 min.
Score: Spassky 51/2-Fischer 81/2.
Needed to Win: �passky 61/2, Fischer 4.
172
 GAME FIFTEEN
For awhile it looked as if Fischer's drive to the
title had bogged down. He was the victim of a
prepared variation. After a mere 14 moves he was
a pawn down and a half hour behind on the clock.
He never solved his opening problems in the Naj·
dorf Sicilian.
The suspense was tangible as the first 7 moves
duplicated games 7 and 1 1 where Bobby grabbed
the "poison pawn." This time he varied. "Chicken,"
joked a grandmaster. "Will it or will it not be 3 P--Q4
another 'poison pawn.'? We'd have to call it the Putting immediate pressure on the center is the
'son of the poisoned pawn'-maybe the 'bride of best try for a sharp opening advantage.
the poisoned pawn,' " said another.

White: Spassky Black: Fischer

Sicilian Defense

1 P-K4
Boris has had better results with this than 1
P-Q4.

3 ... PxP

1 ..
.
P-QB4
5 minutes late. Bobby's Sicilian has taken a
pounding: he drew game 7 and lost game 1 1 .

••.1-&111)11
• t•tlltflt 4 NxP

rt-::,:
White occupies the center, but does he really
control it?
•
•
i B i ll ll 1t ll
04JU"ltkfl'1.Ef!
2 N-KB3
A slower plan is 2 N--QB3 followed by P-KN3
an.d P-Q3. Another offbeat try is 2 P-KB4.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

 7 P-84
The drawback of 7 Q--Q2, P-R3! 8 B-R4
is 8 . . . NxP! winning a Pawn after 9 BxQ, NxQ,
10 B-R4, NxB, etc., while if 9 Q-84, N-N4
• and White is hard-pressed to justify his Pawn sac.
•t• t .i On 7 Q--Q2, P-R3! 8 BxN, QxB Black gets the
• • • two Bishops and a solid position.

. .. E,11�.
Ii E II lD
ftUftll ll ftll
D D�.d�
.
5 .. P--QR3
Once more the Najdorf Variation. Black not only
prepares counterplay with . . . P--QN4 but secures
a safe post for his Queen on QB2 without being
harassed by an eventual N--QN5. 7 ... B-K2

amA•H B The suspense was tangible. Everyone was won·

dering whether Fischer would venture 7 . . . Q-N3
aga i n .
rlt ll t fl t
t• • • The text is no stranger to Fischer; he has used
LI
• Eftm !t
m II • it many times throughout his career with outstand­

r&taE • 11.
ing success.

BllAll B.
6ujl"1J!ii i t .· t
ll tll rtl
i ii ll •
6 8-KNS • ll • a
White not only prepares BxN doubling Black's . � ft.al •
'il!A-
� � Ii •
Pawns--he also wants to attack by castling Q-side.

itl111.L!il
8 Q-83
The Queen is more active here than on any other
square.

l tl B
Bll.IJl<i'
• t• li t it t
� -
t• • t- E. •
• • • a
�

6 ... P-K3
Another possibility is 6 . . . QN-Q2 intend i ng
• [i ft 6 •
• � ffl"l!Y•
to meet BxN with . . . NxB.

ft l!l ft R B ft B
§ M �J;tR§
8 ... Q-82
Black wants to prevent B-QB4. He also does
not want to castle Kingside as White might then
begin an attack there. So he starts evacuating his
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN Q-side pieces to prepare for castling long.
174

10 B-Q3
Straight forward development releasing the KR
for central duty. Obviously a prepared variation.
Alternatives are 10 B-K2 and 10 P-·KN4 gaining
territory on the Kingside.
This move is relatively rare. Much more common
is the Pawn storming fine P-KN4, Intending BxN
followed by P-KN5 with a great advantage in
space otr the K-side at the cost of exchanging a
strong Bishop tor a Knight. The move chosen al·
lows rapid mobilization, in the spirit of the dashing
Paul Morphy.
10 . , . P-N4
Also possible is 10 . . P-.R3 1 1 B--R4, P­
.
KN4 12 PxP, N-K4 (Bednarsky-Evans, Lugano
.
Olympics 1968). With the text Black wants to de·
115
velop his QB without weakening th� Kingside.
11 KR-Kl
Bringing more force to bear on the center and
preparing a nasty sacrifice with N-QS. The ob­
vious response to N-QS is . . . PxN, but with the
KR on Kl White can respond KPxP with a very
dangerous attack on the open K-file (Black's King
can't castle out of danger because of RxB).
11 • • • B-N2
In Kavalek·GheoTghiu, Skopje Olympiad 1972,
Black tried to improve with 1 1 .P-NS 12
. .
N-Q5, PxN 13 PxPch, K-Ql but could find no
satisfactory defense to 14 8-85!! B-K2 1 5
B-K6! R-81 16 8xP! RxB 1 7 N-K6ch, K-Bl
18 NxQ, KxN 19 Q-K2 and White won.
• ••• •
••
.._.�•t ll i
t fl • t • •
• a
�in m
Elt�· ,
II
it ll i..B • t lm
II -
12 Q-N31
A fine move reinforcing a possible P-KS, put·
ting veiled pressure against the KNP, and preparing
N--QS if necessary.
The strongest move. Recently the dynamic piece
sacrifice 12 N-QS?! has been tried here. In the
game Velimirovich-Lubovich Black played 12 . . .
.NxN and fell under heavy attack after 13 PxN, BxB
14 RxPch, PxR 15 NxKP. However, despite White's
dangerous looking attack Black could now achieve
a winning position with 15 . . . Q--N31 consotl·
·dating against all threats in short order.
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
 12 . . . 0--0-0 14 . . . QR-81
Risky is 12 . . . Q--0 13 P-K5, PxP 14 PxP, Defending the BP and threatening . . . KR-N l.
N-R4 1 5 Q-R4. And if 12 . . . P-N5, again
N-QS! is strong.

15 Q-N3
Pulling the Queen back to safety.
13 BxN!
Posing a serious problem: Black has three ways
to recapture-all bad. Murky is 13 P-K5, PxP
14 PxP, P-N5 15 PxN, QxQ 16 PxQ, PxP.

15 . . . P-N5
Black tries to get active compensation for his
Pawn. If he sits back and waits, the endgame is
lost.
13 . . . NxB
Giving up a Pawn Is the lesser evil. Not 13 . • .

BxB 14 BxP! PxB (14 . . . BxN 1 5 BxNch) 1 5

N/4xNP, Q·any 1 6 NxPch wins. Also bad is 1 3 . . .
PxB 14 Q-N7! QR-8 1 1 5 NxKP! PxN 16 QxB
winning a Pawn.
No matter how he twists and turns Black must
give up a Pawn. In compensation he gets the two
Bishops as well as good placement for his minor
pieces. Nonetheless, a Pawn is a Pawn.

16 N-R4
The· most active post for the Knight.

14 QxP
Plunging in without hesitation. The threat of 15
QxBP gains time.
1 76
 16 . . . KR-Nl
An interesting possibility is 16 . . . Q-R4 17
P-N3, N-R4 18 Q-82, NxP 19 BxP! (not 19
QxN, B-N4 pinning and winning the Queen) 19
. . . BxB (or 19 . . . QxB 20 QxN and . . B-N4 .

is no longer good) 20 N-86! and White stays on

top in the ensuing complications.

18 . . . K-Nl
Getting off the potentially dangerous QB·file. If
18 . . N-84 19 NxN, PxN 20 N-83, QxP 21
.

Q-K2, P--QR4 22 P-KS (or B-R6) with good

attacking prospects.
Another line of play is 1 8 . N-84 19 NxN,
. .

PxN 20 N-83, P-85 21 8-81, R-Ql with a

17 Q-82 Jong, complex struggle ahead.
It is clear that Black does not have enough · corn·
pensation for the Pawn.

1 9 P-83
Still insisting on opening the QB·file.
17 . . .
N--Q2
Fischer does the best he can do. He wants to
continue with . B-KB3 and try to get some life
. .

for his KB.

Black regroups effectively: the KB can now seek
activity on the long diagonal after . . . B-K83,
while the Knight can hop to . . QB4 to &_
Qod effect.
Due to the unprotected state of White's Q
.

; RP, Black
has the immediate threat 1 8 . Q-R4 for after
. .

19 P-QN3 (there's no other way to protect the

Knight) the Black steed comes into play threaten·
ingly with 1 9 . . . N-84! for if now 20 NxN, then
20 . . . PxN attack White's QRP and Ktlight. 19 . .. N-84
If 19 . . . PxP simply 20 R--QBl gets the QB·
file.

18 K-Nl
White is preparing to open the QB·file with P-
83 followed by R--QBl. 20 B-82
A simple but strong retreat.
In view of the last note, White protects the QRP.
Weaker is 20 NxN, PxN as the White Knight
would have no good retreat: ·e.g. , 21 N-N3?, P-
85 wins a piece or 2 J N-83, PxP 22 PxP, QxP,
repairing the Pawn deficit.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DlAGRAM NEXT PAGE

177
 20 . . . PxP 22 . . . P-KR4
Black is hoping to seal-off the QB·file. If 20 . . . Perhaps this Pawn can be used as a battering
NxN 21 BxN, PxP 22 R-QBl, Q-R4 23 8-66 ra m to open the KR-fi le .

and if 23 . . . PxP 24 QxP (threatening mate, and

if 24 . . . Q-82 25 B-QS threatens the decisive
blow 26 N-86ch) and Black is in deep trouble.

23 P-KS?!
A premature advance which wea kens the KP
and opens lines for Black's two Bishops. Spassky
21 NxBP took 20 minutes on this sharp move. But White
Returni ng the Knight to an effective centralized should pl ay quietly and increase his advantage.
post. Other good plans are 23 R-Q2 followed by R(l)­
Ql, piling up on the QP, or 23 Q-K2, P-RS 24
P-KN4, or even the consistent 23 R-QBl to
utilize the QB·file White worked so ha rd to open.

After considerable middle game action on both

sides the position is still unclear. It seems White
must be better off because of his extra Pawn. The
strongest move for White seems to be 23 R-K3!
followed by either N-N3 exchanging off B/ack's
strong Knight or N-83 and P-K5. The Immed-
iate 23 N-N3 is weak because of 23 . . . BxN 24
PxB, N-R5 with the virulent threat 25 . . . NxPch.

21 . . . B-KB3
At last this Bishop finds a diagonal.

23 . • . PxP
Forced, but good.

22 P-KN3
Consolidating. This neutralizes Black's pressure
along the KN-file and frees the Queen for active
duty.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

178
 24 PxP Possibly better was 26 Q-K3, reinforcing
This Pawn is weak, though Black should not take White's K4 square.
it immediately.

26 . . . RxR
24 . . . B-KRl
Keeping pressure against the KP and avoiding
24 . . . BxP 25 N(4)-N5, PxN 26 NxP, Q-N3
27 RxB, QxN 28 RxN with a decisive advantage for
White.

25 N-B3
White has reached his maximum and has to
start pulling back pie�es to reinforce his KP.
27 N-KNS
The attack against the KBP is less dangerous
than it looks.
A serious error of ;udgment. White should have
tried 27 R-K3 and only then N-KN5. This would
prevent Black from disrupting White's protective
Pawns in front of his King with . . . BxN (see
Black's 29th move).

25 ... R�l
There is no rush to regain the Pawn-White isn't
going anywhere. Not 25 . . . BxN 26 QxB, BxP 27
QxRP. 25 . . . N-Q2 is interesting. 27 . • • BxP
A good move placing the inactive Rook on an Tactically justified and more aggressive than
open fife and preventing 26 N-K4, which would . . . R-Q2.
give White a won game if allowed, i.e., 26 N-K4,
RxRch 27 B(orR)xR, N(orB)xN winning a piece.

28 QxP
Not 28 NxBP (or 28 RxB, QxR 29 NxBP, R­
26 RxRch KBl winning the Exchange) 28 . . . R-KBl! with
26 R-QBl, N-Q6 27 BxN, RxB is unclear. a dangerous pin.
179
 •Ill • • 11
t• •t• •
II PI II E*
• • • •
ll II II B
.ft ll.il.8 • B
11\t> �
31 K-Bl!?
29 QxRP Safer is 31 K-Rl, R-Q7 32 R--QNl, Q-R4
Winning a second Pawn but questionably re­ 33 Q-R8ch, K-R2 34 R-N2, although Black
moving the Queen from the scene of action. Better has at least a draw after 34 . . . P-K4 (35
is 29 Q-K8ch, R-Ql (not 29 . . . K-R2 30 QxKP?? N-N6ch}.
NxP} 30 Q-87, R-Q2 31 Q-K8ch with a draw

t 111'f.-.
by repetition.
Black is two Pawns down, but these matter little

tl • • E*
now as he has a powerful attack.

• • • •
't.!.fA.•11
31
II t; !!
... a
Q--R4
Threatening to capture a Q·side Pawn.

•• •
11.t.11••••
• t• •
••II••·Ett
i ll
a o 8 0-·
ftR A•D•,.a
�
B
32 Q--R8ch
Defending the QBP and trying to activate the
Queen.
•
....
. .If
.. . .
.,.E.
,,•.• • •
30 PxB
Suddenly White's King looks insecure.

m 0 m II
tt•�· • II
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN • n .
180
 32 . . . K-R2
Not 32 . . . R-Ql 33 Q-K5ch, bringing the
Queen to a fine centralized post with a gain of time.

35 K-82
Defending the QBP and attacking the Rook.

35 . . . R-Q4
Another winning try is 35 . . . R:-'-Ql!-36 Q­
K5, QxRPch 37 K-Bl, Q-R8ch 38 K-82,
Q-R7ch 39 K-Bl, Q-Q7ch 40 K-Nl, R--Q4
41 Q-K3ch, QxQ 42 RxQ, RxN 43 RxP, R-KB4.
Here White's two passed Pawns on the K-side can
33 ... N�h be held at bay while Black has good winning
Forcing White to part with his Bishop which chances with the passed QRP.
shelters the King.

34 BxN 36 R-K4!
The only move. Short of time, Spassky finds a very resourceful
defense. He must stop QxRPch at any cost.

Q
ft•
•
. (;;
34 . . • RxB
If 34 . . . QxNch 35 K-B2 holds. 36 . . . R-Ql
36 . . . RxN 37 Q-Q4ch, Q-B4 38 QxQch,
RxQ 39 RxP is similar· to the note to Black's 35th,
except White still has his QRP intact.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

181
 37 Q-N7 39 K-R3
Defending the Knight and pinning the Bishop. Haven at last.

37 . . • Q-KB4 39 . . . Q--Q7
Pinning the Rook. Not 37 . . . Q-Q4? 38 Q­ Not good is 39 . . . R-Q2 because of 40 Q­
Q4ch! forcing a Queen trade with two Pawns up Q4ch. Or 39 . . . Q-B4ch 40 R N4 P-R4 4 1
- ,

in the ending. QxB mate.

38 K-N3 40 R-QN4
White staggers into a defense. Time is of the essence. Now White has set up
his own mating threat.

38 . . . Q--Q4ch
A strong alternative is 38 . . . R-Q8! for if 39 40 . . . Q-B8ch
P-KR4, Q-B7 threatening . . . R-QN8ch is Black has nothing better.
hard to meet.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

182
 41 R-N2
The sealed move. Anything else loses.

43 R-N2
41 • . . Q-R8ch Which White is only too happy to do.
A prudent course.

43 . . . Q-�8ch
42 R-R2 Fischer could not find a win in overnight anal­
Again forced. Not 42 K-N3, B-Q4ch. ysis. If 43 . . . R-QNl 44 Q--Q4ch, K-Rl 45
NxP (threatening N-87 mate).

42 . . . �BSch DRAW
Indicating a willingness to repeat moves.
There is no winning line for Black.' If 42 . . .
Q-QB 43 R-QN2, R-Q2 44 Q-K5! ties down Times: Spassky 2 hrs 3 1 min., Fischer 2 hrs.
the Black Bishop permanently because of mate on 2 1 m in
.

QNB if it moves. Fischer sees nothing better than Score: Spassky 6-Fischer 9.
to draw by perpetual check. Needed to Win: Spassky 6, Fischer 3 1/2 .

183
 GAME SIXTEEN
B 1.l_il\\'ll'l
mi · _ t fl t tll t
· ,

• • • •
• •
Spassky arrived punctually with a thermos of
coffee, which he deposited backstage. Bobby, late
as usual, pushed his king pawn-which he has not
ft B m
used since game 10. Spassky reappeared two
minutes later and again defended the Black side • • •
of the Ruy Lopez. i �� .ft �
a
� �� 1. �
On move 4, Bobby entered the exchange varia­
tion, swapping a bishop for a knight to induce
�4JEi�;lll�f!
permanent weakness in the champion's pawn struc· 2 N-KB3
ture. In return, Spassky got the advantage of the
One was halfway expecting . . 2 P-KB4,
two bishops.
•

King's Gambit!
Match Sidelights: Four hours before the game,
the referee, Lothar Schmid, rejected a formal re­
quest by Fischer to play in the private room back­
stage. Gudmundar Thorarinssen, head of the
Icelandic Chess Federation, said: "The gate is
always heavy on Sunday-we lost a lot by those
two Sunday postponements Spassky took.''
Commenting on Fischer's legal problems, he
added, "I categorically deny that the Icelandic
Chess Federation is joining Chester Fox: in this
.·
- �ii
tt a 1 11 .mfte
1§4���.ilf!
ll
lawsuit. I don't think Chester should have filed
until after the match. It might disturb Bobby."
Bobby heard about the lawsuit on the radio and 2 ... N--QB3
found out he has a date with a lady-a Federal The most economical way to defend the KP.

ilfrfti'lim
Court Judge in New York.
''So what? It only means more publicity for me,"

�,.,
said Bobby. His aide, Fred Cramer said: "They're
going to serve us here tonight. Bobby is taking the
lawsuit in his stride-he was halfway expecting it.
It definitely has not damaged his frame of mind.''
.,'l,
. . . ..
R B.ft• g
• . -�·
ftll �itml
White: Fischer Black: Spassky
Ruy Lopez

1 P-K4
��g��Ailf!
The last time was game 10. 3 B-N5
In offhand and exhibition games Bobby ha�
played the Evans Gambit: 3 B-84, B-B4 4 P­
QN4!?

1 P-K4
Symmetrical, steady, reliable. In game 4 Boris
chose a double·edged Sicilian and caught Bobby
by surprise.
Despite his three-point lag Spassky essays the
solid l . . . P-K4, apparently not willing to test
Fischer's Sicilian smashing tactics.
3 ... P-QR3
The Morphy Defense is the most flexible at
Black's disposal. In some variations, notably the
Berlin, it is advantageous for Black not to drive
this Bishop back: e.g., 3 . . . N-83 4 0-0, NxP
5 P-Q4, N-Q3 (with tempo-not possible if the
Bishop is on QR4) 6 BxN. QPxB 7 PxP, N-B4
(Fischer-Neikirch, Portoroz, 1958).

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAG E

1 84
 4 BxN
Bobby surprised the world with this Exchange
variation at the Havana Olympiad 1966. He has
played it 6 times before-winning five and drawing
one (against Smyslov at Monaco 1967). The idea
is to saddle Black with doubled Pawns at the cost
of the two Bishops.
5 ... P-83
This defends the KP. but has the drawback of de­
priving the Knight of its best square on KB3.
Lately, the Hungarian Grandmaster Lajos Portisch
has experimented with 5 . . . Q-Q3!?
Probably the most solid way to protect the KP.

Once thought to be quite innocuous, the Ex·

. _._.....
II la t
' •••••ll•
change variation of the Ruy Lopez has become a
fully respected weapon in modern tournament prac­ tm
tice due mainly to Robert Fischer. He won all three tll t
games in which he used it at the 1966 Havana
Olympics, against Jiminez, G/igoric and Portisch.

• ,!.•
itBitU Bit&
. 4J�- � �
6 P-Q4
By eliminating the KP for this QP, White hopes
to create an effective 4 vs. 3 Pawn majority on the
King-side.

4 ... QPxB
Usually it is desirable to recapture toward the cen­
ter, but after 4 . . . NPxB 5 o--0, P-Q3 6 P­
Q4 White has the edge. The text opens the Q-file
and the diagonal for the QB.

6 ... B-KN5
An active reply, pinning the Knight. At Havana
1966 Fischer demonstrated against Portisch that
6 . . . PxP 7 NxP gives White an edge. (Again the
4-3 majority situation).

5 G---0
The old continuation was 5 P-Q4, aiming to
exchange White's QP for the KP after which White's
Pawn majority on the K-side can create a passed
Pawn while Black's majority on the Q-side can't
because of the doubled QBP. This normally would
lead to a winning King and Pawn ending for White.
After 5 P-Q4, PxP 6 QxP, QxQ 7 NxQ. B-Q2!
(so as to meet 8 B-84 with 8 . . O-o--0) . The
.
7 PxP
Pawn formation favors White in the King and Pawn Leading to a critical endgame. Why did Bobby
-ending--but Black's two Bishops neutralize that give up 7 P-83!? (a strong gambit: if 7 . . . BxN
l 11dvantage in the meantime. The obvious 5 NxP
f,gives Black a fine position after 5 . . . Q-Q5
8 QxB, PxP 8 PxP, QxP 9 N-83 followed by B­
K3 with rapid development more than enough for
; (double-attack on N and Pawn) 6 N-KB3, QxKPch the Pawn). Possibly he respects Gligoric's recom·
· recovering the Pawn. mendation of 7 . . . PxP 8 PxP, P-QB4! 9 P-Q5,
185
 B-Q3 with solid play for Black.

. •­
i •!,. Iii
.t•tll
B , B • •
m
•
•
.ftBft
• d ft
�4JD'llr .§m 9 .
. .
B--Q3
7 .. . QxQ This is better than 9 . . . BxN 10 RxB, N-B3
Necessary to avoid fosing the KP, for if 7 . . . 1 1 N--83, B-N5 12 8-NS, BxN (Fischer·
PxP, then 8 QxQch (breaking the pin on White's Smyslov, Monaco 1967) 13 PxB! with a superior
Knight by force) 8 . . . R(or K)xQ 9 NxP wins. Also ending, as suggested by Fischer, for if 13 . . . NxP
bad Is 7 . . . BxN 8 QxB, PxP 9 Q-R5ch, followed 14 R-Kl, NxB 1 5 RxPch regains the piece with
by QxKP, winning a Pawn and destroying Stack's very active positions for White's Rooks (although
K·side. 15 . . . N-K3! 16 RxNch, K-Q2 must be tested).

•• Hfl�•
iii • •t
i•ill •
-:·1•
� ft· Oftll
' � 4Jtlir8.§&;
8 RxQ 10 QN--Q2
An endgame is reached after only 8 moves. Angling for N-Q84 with pressure on Black's
isolated KP.

8 ... PxP
Taking advantage of the pinned Knight to recap· 10 . .
. N-83
ture. If 8 . . . BxN 9 PxB, PxP Fischer recommends Keeping an eye on White's KP and bringing out
in his book, My 60 Memorable Games, 10 B-K3 the Knight to its most effective post.
with a superior position for White. His doubled
KBPs are not weak; in fact after an eventual P­
KB4, forcing Black's KP to give way, White gets a
passed KP.

•• ···�·
ill • •t
iltil4 m •
• • • •
"••iM•
ftJ#ift[i fmftll
�4JDE\B �
11 N-84
Another possibility is 1 1 P-QN3 followed by
12 B-N2, but the text is sharper.

9 R--Q3
A multi-purpose move: It unpins the White Knight
(thereby threatening NxKP), allows White to recc;ip·
ture RxB after . . . BxN, and prepares for a pos·
sible doubling of Rooks on the open Q·file (QR·Ql). SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
186
 11 • . • NxP 13 • • . 0-0
The simplest way to counter White's threat on Black is ahead in development. his pieces are
his KP. Often the best defense is offense. more active and White is a long way from activat·
ing his 3 t� 2 K-side Pawn majority.

t••
.•
t•1a·�.·• ••••
. t
II ��-
11§11�
ft1B,m811,R
12 N(4)xP
Black is o.k. after 12 N(3)xP, B-K3 (Hecht· 14 B-K3
Matanovic, Berlin 1971).

•
White catches up i n development.
•• •••
• •t
t•i• E•BlrA
.tll

. ...Ill.
•§•�•n
ft. i•aHi
12 . . . 8(5)xN
14 . . . P--QN4!
Black must exchange to avoid losing too much
Black abstains from 14 . . . QR-Ql because
time. For example, after the retreat 1 2 . . . B­
he does not want to challenge the Q·file and ex­
KB4 13 P-KN4 8-K3 14 R-K3 White has
change pieces, He needs the Rooks on the bo�rd
threats against Bl�ck's unprotected pieces on the
and wants to assume an initiative on the Q·s1de
K-file.
with . . . P-84-85.
.
.�
l� � . ·
=--=
::!l""'·==·
'lr""'l:·
• •
t i t• · ·
. t
• · ·
••• •.
•llE!D�ll
13 NxB
111i" ··=ft-··-·
15 P-84!?
The situation has clarified itself. White clearly White attempts to block Black's intended follow·
has the better Pawn structure and would win the up, . P-84 and . . . P-85, by occupying
King and Pawn ending If he could swap off all the
• .

Q84. The immediate 15 . . . PxP would be weak,

pieces! Naturally Black has other plans; he will
have a temporary lead in development after 1� : . .
0--0 which will enable him to create suff1c1ent
counter play.
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
187
as White would reply 1 6 R-Q4 followed by RxP,
leaving Black with an exposed weakling on QB3. 1 5
R-QBl first i s another idea t o squelch the coun·
terplay Black gets in the game.
White follows the correct strategy, to open the
QB·fil�ven by a Pawn sacrifice--in order to
attack 8/ack's weakened Q8P's. However, more RxN, R-N8ch 19 B-81 (forced to prevent c
accurate seems 15 N-Q2 to challenge 8/ack's quick mate) 19 . . . RxBch, and Black is a clea1
strong Knight. White would retain a small ad· Pawn up after 20 N-Kl (no 20 R-Kl? because
vantage after both 15 . . . N-84 16 8xN, 8x8 17 of 20 . . . RxN! 2 1 RxR, RxR winning a piece).
N-K4, B-N3 and 15 . . . N-83 16 N-N3
(bearing down on Black's . Q84 square, weak·
. .

ened as it cannot be controlled by the "runaway"

QNP).

17 . . . KR-Kl
Maintaining the Knight at an active outpost.

15 . . . QR-Nll
Spassky alertly creates play on the open QN­
file. Now . . . PxP is a threat as Black will have the
counterthreat . . . RxNP.

18 N-Q2
Combining defense and attack. On 18 R-82,
P-86 is strong. (19 PxP? R-N8ch and if 20
R-81, RxRch 21 BxR,, B-B4 22 R-B4, BxPch
with a completely satisfactory position tor Black,
ditto after 20 B-81, B-84 21 R-84, BxPch).
16 R--QBl
16 PxP, BPxP would be a strategical error as it
would straighten out Black's doubled Pawns. The
text envisages counterplay against Black's weak
Pawns on the QB·file.

·-
--.��
..
�.
�-·
• ••••t
t•t•
t• • •
• .•
1.1a1
ft B,Jl.Bi/1
18 . . . NxN
Simple and good. 18 . . . N-83 allows 19 NxP,
defending the QNP and achieving a fine post for
the Knight.
16 . . . PxP
The idea is not to win a Pawn-it's clear White
can eventually win it back-but to open up hos·
tilities against White's QNP with a gain of tempo.

• • •••
t.•,••••••. t
•�· •
•t•EIU�m
· n••B �·
19 RxN
ft ll ftB The Rook returns to the second rank to defend
the QNP. If White Is given time for RxP next, then
he will have the initiative with powerful play against
17 R-Q4 Black's ragged Pawn structure. But Black finds the
A necessary precaution. If 17 RxP? RxP 18 right counterplay.
188 j
 19 . . . R-K5 21 . . . K-82
Black intends to hold his extra Pawn as long as The Black King decides to take a stroll, too.
possible to slow White's counterplay. Also, Black However, there is a hidden tactical idea behind
intends to keep White busy defending his QNP. this natural looking move.
Also playable is 19 . . . R-NS for it 20 P-QR3,
R-N6 21 RxP Black has the clever retort 21 . . . ••••
BxQRP! (It 22 PxB?? R-NB mates). • ••• t
t •t • • •
• • •
•t ••ll II
. • D II
ft BEID B II
· · �
22 K-N2
Heading for 83.
Missing a chance to obtain the better endgame
20 P-KN3 with 22 R-K2 (Preventing Black's next) 22 . . .
Not 20 B-Q4? B-85, skewering White's Rook. B-83 23 K-N2, R-QNS 24 K-B3, R-Kl
Or 20 R-Q4, RxR 21 BxR, P-84 22 B-83, K- and ft is not easy for Black to draw in view of his
82. Finally if 20 K-Bl? BxP! and if 21 P-KN3, poor Pawn structure. The text allows Spassky to
striving to trap the Bishop, then 21 . BxPI 22
. • break out of any such difticutties by tactical means.
PxB. RxB wins for Black. The text allows White's
King to come into play via KN2 and prevents the ••••
possibility of a back rank mate. • .. i
t •t • II •
. • II .
• t••• •
ialoaala
•• •
22 . . • RxPI
Was this a surprise for White? Perhaps he ex·
pected only 22 . . . P-B6 23 PxP, R-QBS.
20 . . . B-K4
Before White consolidates and brings his King
to the center, Black adds more pressure on the
QNP.

23 K-83
The best. If 23 RxR, P-B6 24 R-Q7ch (note
that Black's combination would not be possible
with hls King on Nl because of R-Q8ch) 24 . . .
21 R(l)-82 K-K3 attacking both Rooks.
To defend the NP. The threat now is K-N2-
B3, causing Black concern over his exposed Rook. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
189
-
 25 • : . R-N4
Black feels his chances are better with Rooks
on the board. After 25 . . . RxR 26 BxR, K-K3 a
draw is also likely. Black's doubled extra Pawn
precludes a Black win: if White can stop the front
QBP, obviously he also stops the rear on�hence
it's no better than one Pawn.

23 . . . P-86
Freeing the Rook along the 5th rank and forcing
simplification.

26 R-82
Lining up on the old target again.

24 KxR
Best. Not 24 RxR, PxR(N7) 25 RxP, RxBch! 26
K(or P)xR, BxR winning a piece.

26 . . . �3
He can't hold the Pawn, so he retreats his Bishop
in order to release his Rook for active duty.

24 . . . PxR
One square away from Queening.

27 RxP
Finally material equality is re·established.

25 RxQP
Forced. Of course not 25 RxR, P�B/Q.

27 . . . R-QR4
Defending the RP and attacking White's RP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

190
 Keeping the King active--at the cost of a Pawn.
30 K-N2, K-K3 3 1 BxB, PxB 32 R-87 also
draws, but Bobby does not want to make waves.

28 B-B4
Going for a draw, the text aims at exchanging
the protective Black Bishop.
30 . . . RxRP
This wins a Pawn. Instead, 30 . . . K-K3 3 1
BxB, PxB 32 R-82 allows White to hold the Pawn.

28 . . . R-R5ch
Testing the White King's intentions.

29 K-83

.
The King has nothing better.
31 . . PxB
Time: White 1 hr. 40 min., Black 1 hr. 35 min.

··· ·'·'
.t•.Et• • •
• 1.•
. . .
• • II
•• • II II
. .
29 . . . R-R6ch
26 . . . BxB 27 PxB, RxP 28 RxPch is also a
hopeless draw. 32 RxQP
Even again .

.� .---
•.
·.t• o
. .
�. ,
.•i�

•
. .
•• 1.
• • 0
•• • B II
30 K-K4 . .
191
 32 . . . RxP
Getting ahead again.

33 RxP
No, its even.

35 . . . K-83
Bringing the King up closer.

33 . . . RxP
Sorry, you're wrong.

36 R-R6ch
Buffeting the Black King.

34 K - 83
Avoiding the peril of being •cut off from the K·
side after . . . R-KB7.
·

36 . . . K-K2
Stepping aside.

34 . . . R--Q7
This i s a well-known book draw. Some critics
maintain that Spassky dragged it out because of
his extreme annoyance with Bobby's ploys and dis·
turbances throughout the match. The simple truth
is Boris probably would have given a draw if only
Bobby had asked for one. But Bobby could not
humble himself.
This position is an absolute draw. Black's extra
Pawn is strictly unusable with proper play. It's the
old story of Rook and Pawn endgame: even a Pawn 37 R-R7ch
up they are often impossible to win. Again?
192
 Just a move. Both players are playing on out
of sheer stubbarness. Almost all of th'e remaining
moves are simply "shifting wood." .

37 . .
• R-Q2
Inviting a trade of Rooks.
40 K-R3
Roses are red . . .

• •
•.••a-.
.. ii i

•••••
E!8 • •
• • •
38 R-R2
White can't exchange as without his Rook to
harrass Black's King, he couldn't hold the draw. 40 . . . K-83
violets are blue . . .

38 . . . K-K3
Advancing again. 41 R-R6ch
I can keep moving . . .

39 K-N2
White marks time. R-K3
41 . . .

•••rm•
• • longer than you.
• i
• • •
• ••
. •••••a
E!• • ••
• • •
39 . . . R-K2
193
 42 R-RS
Of course, 42 RxRch leads to a losing King and
Pawn ending.

44 . . . K-N4
Again advancing closer to White's position.

42 . . . P-R3
I haven't moved my Pawns yet.

45 R-87
Threatening a Pawn.

43 R-R2
I'd rather move my Rook.

45 . . . P-N3
Defending It.

43 . . . K-84
Though Black would like to invade with his King,
White always has sufficient play-mainly by haras­
sing the Black King with timely checks.

46 R-B4
l.ocking in the Black King.

44 R-82ch
Aha! I've checked you again.

46 . . . P-R4
Now the King can regroup via R3.
SE� DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
. • .

194
 47 R-83 49 . . . R-K5
Now what? Your turn again.

47 . . . R-KB3 50 R-R3
How about a Rook for a Rook? Maybe he'll fall asleep.

48 R-R3 50 . . . K-R3
No thanks, I'd rather draw than lose. Maybe I'll play . . . P-KN4.

II m �-=-·
•
•••••Iii•
fj••.•1•&1
• •
• • •
48 . . . R-K3 51 R-R6
Now it's your turn. Can't now, you're pinned.

49 R-KB3 51 . . . R-K4
Hemming in the King again. But I can still move my Rook.
195
 •
54 K-R4

•••••
Back again.

�· • • t •
·•·•
•
• • •t
'
l
• • • �· · · ·
. . a • • •t
• • • • • • ••�
• • • • •
52 K-R4
••• • •
I hope he'll offer a draw, even I'm getting bored • •
now. 54 . . . R-K4
I hope he plays 55 P-N4 allowing 55 . . . R­
K5 winning the Pawn and the game.

• • •
• • •
�· • • t •
• • • •� t
• • ••
• •
52 . . . R-K5ch ••• •
But I've still got a check. • •
55 R-N6
a • • II What flexibility. White abandons the R·file.
• • •
�· • • t
B II • t

===
• ••• w
· · · ·

53 K-R3
Forced. 55 . . . K-N2
I might as well unpin my KNP.
• •
• • • • • •
�· · · • t • • • •
r1 B R t o • •t•
• ••• • IJ • Iii
• • 11\t> • • • �
••• • • . . a
• • ••• • •
53 . . . R-K2 • •
I wish he'd offer a draw. I don't want to because 56 R-N4
I'm a Pawn up (even if it's impossible to queen). Now he can't play R-K5ch.

IJ IJ •
• • • ·•·••
�· • • t • · · •t•
• • • •t • • •t
D B B W
• • • •
. • • -� • • n
••• •• • • • • •
• • • • •
196
 56 . . . K-R3 59 K-N2
Now if 56 P-N4 then 56 . . . P-N4ch followed With a subtle threat.
by . . . P-R5 and I'll have a protected passed
Pawn.
·

59 . . . R-R8
Which Black sees.
57 R-N6
Pinning the KNP again .
•
• ••
n. •••'•
• • •t
• • • �
• •
• ••• •
• • 60 K-R3
Back into hiding.
57 . . . R--K8
Maybe he'll overlook R-R8 mate.
••• •
•
n •••'•
• • •t
•.•.•nm
• • • •
• • • 60 . . . R-RS
5B K-R3 Finally, after a marathon of nonsense, the sports­
Nope. • men decide to call it a draw. "They must really hate

•
each other," said a spectator.

•
n••
•••pt• • •• ••
D ••• t •
• • •t
•

• • • • • • llt
• • 11\t' •.•.•
• • • • • al
•• • • • • •
58 . . . R-R8ch •• •
At least a check. DRAW
•
o••
•• •
•••'-•
• • •t
• • • •
• • a�
• • •
Times: Spassky 2 hrs. 18 min, Fischer 2 hrs

• • •1
.

•
32 min.
Score: Spassky 61/z-Fischer 91/2.
Needed to Win: Spassky 5%, Fischer 3.
197
 PRESS RELEASE
August 23, 1972
Statement issued by Mr. Richard C. Stein of Stein & Fredericks, Esqs., of 1776
Broadway, New York.

I have been requested by representatives of the Icelandic Chess Federation to

clarify the law suit that was filed on Thursday, August 17, 1972 by Chester Fox &
Co. Inc. against Bobby Fischer in the Federal Court, Southern District of New York.
This law suit was instituted solely by Chester Fox & Co. Inc. which i s the only
plaintiff in this action. The Icelandic Chess Federation is not a plaintiff in this action.
The Federation's consent was not necessary to commence this law suit and therefore
their prior consent was not solicited. The use of the name of the Icelandic Chess
Federation in the complaint was a pure legalism, inserted for the purpose of recog·
nizing the Federation's rights in the aforesaid agreement.
I would like to make a further comment with reference to the actions we have taken
in connection with this matter. Prior to the filing of any pleadings, this law firm con·
tacted Mr. Fischer's attorneys in the United States and informed them of our inten·
tion to commence a law suit, so that they would have ample opportunity to explore
all avenues toward resofving this dispute without our having to resort to the Courts.
No settlement overtures were forthcoming. After the suit was filed, courtesy copies of
the pleadings were delivered to each of Mr. Fischer's attorneys. Moreover, although
an Order of Attachment was secured on Thursday, August 17, we once again delayed
in proceeding in order to inform Mr. fischer"s attorneys of the issuance of the Order
of Attachment and give them a further opportunity to ameliorate the situation. No
response was ever received from Mr. Fischer's representatives.
Yesterday, in order to protect our client's interest, we delivered copies of the
Order of Attachment to the United States Marshal with appropriate instructions to
permit the Marshal to attach certain royalty Income of Mr. Fischer's In the United
States.
I, and possibly also my partner, Barry Fredericks, will be leaving tonight for Reyk·
javik. The purpose of this trip is again to try, as we have in the past, to see if it is
possible to satisfy Mr. Fischer so that at least the remaining matches may be filmed.
However, if we are unable to do sq, we have in our possession a Court Order which
will permit us to personally serve Mr. Fischer in Reykjavik. Further, if need be, it
is our intention to take all steps necessary to secure an attachment in Iceland at
the conclusion of the match, of that portion of the purse which will belong to Mr.
Fischer.
I reiterate, without in any way demeaning or detracting from the validity and bona
tide nature of our client's claim, that it Is our sincerest desire to find some way
to be able to film the remaining games of the Championship. I hope that we will
be given an opportunity to meet with Mr. Fischer and his associates in Reykjavik to
discuss an immediate settlement of this dispute. As I have indicated, both by word
and action over the past several weeks, one of the principal considerations governing
the actions of our client Chester Fox & Co., and therefore the actions of this law firm,
is to see to it that these historic chess matches are permanently recorded on film for
the benefit of chess enthusiasts throughout the world. As Americans, Mr. Fox and
this law firm are particularly interested In giving the American public an opportunity
to share with Mr. Fischer in this World Chess Match.

198
 GAME SEVENTEEN
This game was as tense, exciting and courageous
as we are likely to see. Boris arrived on time as
usual while Bobby came on stage 3 minutes late.
"His lateness is a ploy. It's too consistent to be
accidental." said an official. "Bobby hurts no one
but himself by giving time on the clock to Spassky,"
said Bobby's second, Grandmaster William Lom­
bardy. "He doesn't do it on purpose."
This game was all but obscured by the fantastic 2 P--Q4
shenanigans away from the chessboard. Spassky's White seizes the center, opening diagonals for
chief sec-0nd, Grandmaster Ewfim·Geller, issued a both his Bishops. The so-called Classical School of
blast at the challenger's "non-chess means of chess, predominating until the 20's or JO's, con·
influence." He accused Bobby of deliberately try· siderad Pawns on Q4 and K4 to be an ideal forma­
Ing to upset Boris and speculated that one of the tion, an irrefutable advantage in every position.
reasons Bobby did not want cameras around was However, the iconoclasts contended that such a
that they would record his misdeeds. center is not necessarily an advantage as it com·
Geller concluded by calling for an examination mits Pawns very early, allowing Black to choose
of the playing hall by oompetent experts and the an appropriate counterthrust with his, as yet, un·
ba rring of Fischer's aides from the hall at night, committed center Pawns.
hinting at sinister goings-on. "Balderdash. Mr.
Geller is a darn good chessplayer," said Fred
Cramer, Bobby's aide. "Strictly for Russian home
con�_umption.''
Nevenne1ess, police guards were posted on the
stage overnight to placate the Soviet camp. An
electronic inspection will also be carried out. It's
Alice in Wonderland again. "It started out as a
farce by Becket waiting for Godot. Then it turned
into a Kafka Tragedy. Now it's beyond Kafka,"
Harry Golombek, chess editor of the London Times
and the official representative of the International
Chess Federation here.
2 P-KN3
Black avoids direct battle, hoping to exert pres­
White: Spassky Black Fischer
sure on the center from the flank--a typical hyper­
Pi re Oefense modern theme.

1 P-K4
Still punching. A long match may start out as
an art or a science, but in the end it turns into an
athletic contest, observed Petrosian.

1 P-QS
Surprise! This is the first time Bobby has used
the Pirc in a tournament game. The Pirc, in typical
hypermodern style, allows White to erect a Pawn
canter with the idea of initiating counterplay
against It.
Another shocker. Obviously Bobby is refusing to
repeat his openings to reduce the danger of Spass­
ky springing an improvement over his earlier play .

3 N-KB3
There is no better post for this Knight. Also
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN playable is the immediate 3 . . B-N2.
.

199
 •• ••
•t• •.1.11mt•t
•11tm ••
t
�
Ii i
• • • •,.
•• ••• ,. •Ii•l!l•ft B E
J!!I E -�- .
B R ft &18B
ll E B m
itllt• llitll
_g_E§
ft ft ·'. ,, ft .
� g���.§
� �
4 P-B4 6 PxP
The sharpest try. The threat of P-K5 forces
Black to be on guard. .
White exchanges to . cause Black to lose time
regaining this Pawn. The obvious 6 . . PxP leads

­
Psychological tactic? This move has long been
Fischer's tavorite system against the Pirc. It pre
pares a later cramping P-KS.
to trouble after simply 7 QxQch, KxQ and Black's
King is awkwardly placed for the endgame; however
Black has a resource.

4 ... B--N2 6 ... Q-R4

Here it is; now if 7 PxP, NxP threatening 8 . . .
Black intends to meet 5 P-K5 with 5 . . . PxP 6 NxN 9 PxN, QxPch and . . . QxR. 7 8-Q2 would
BPxP, N-Q4. parry this threat but White wants his QB on the
more aggressive K3.
••.t.••ll •
• .i. tilt
t•
•11tl. rti•. • 11.
ft fm 11
m E ra· m
itll tl ft R� ­
WJ D�WAE
5 N-83 7 8-Q3
Time to bring another piece out. White has made
Concentrating on rapid development and defend­
enough Pawn moves.
ing the KP. Inferior is 7 B-N5ch, B-Q2 8 BxBch,
QNxB aiding Black's dev�lopment and simplifying
too soon.

5 ... P-84

.
A timely thrust at White's center before it be­
comes too formidable. More usual is 5 . . 0--0 6
B-Q3, N-83.
7 . .. QxBP
Weak is 7 . . . PxP 8 P-K5 (8 . . . N-Q4?
Another surprising choice. In recent years the 9 B-N5ch wins a piece) and White dominates the
American Grandmaster Pal Benko has essayed this center.

u
line but it never gained general acceptance. No
doubt Fischer's use of this early flank blow will
inf se new life into this rare variation. SEE DIAGRAM- NEXT PAGE
200
 -� ... m
AM:..lll. ·- � � �
• t• rl1 i ll i
• •:t•
• • • •
m
m m m ft p.
u �m

fttilft llftB
E E.Qa{)B
··
D p�;; ij§
8 Q-K2 10 0--0
Preparing for B-K3 which allows White to Prudent. After 10 0-0--0 White must beware
castle. of attacks developing with . . . P-QN4 as well as
very dangerous play for Black's Rooks on the QB·
file.

10 . . . 8-NS
Black is prepared to swap this Bishop for the
Knight to gain rapid development. Bad is 10 . . .
N-N5 1 1 B--Q2 , with a veiled threat on the
Queen. On 10 . . . N-83 1 1 P-KR3! is best.

•• . ...
E tll · i fl t
11
• ii
. .

ii Ii
•:t�
a 111 ft rm..t.11
9 B-K3 • �1tfQ!{)lil
An ideal developing move--bringing a piece out ft II ft 111� ft B.
� t1 IJ§f; .
to a good post with a tempo-gaining threat.

1 1 QR-Ql
White figures it's more important to develop this
Rook than to lose time with 1 1 P-KR3.
White continues. to develop apace, but perhaps
a more restrained course is indicated. For example,
1 1 P-KR3, BxN 1 2 QxB, N-83 1 3 P-QR3
with a very slight advantage.

9 . . . Q--QR4
Discouraging White from castling Q·side, as then
the Black Queen stands ready for an attack.

11 . . . N-83
Black finally completes his development.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

201
 •• .. •••
!if:j
�� "� t ,,,.
- � t�
�. f� t
-�� � -t•
. . �
- - �

-
-B·�Bft ·B.t.B.
..
.

a"� EAU45rt �
ft al ft ii�
• ll �ll - ·.

12 B-84 14 PxB
This Bishop now bears down dangerously on
Black's K-side. Boris rejects 12 P-KR3, BxN 13
QxB, N-Q2 with reasonable play for Black.
Now Black initiates clever counterplay. Again
the more solid 12 P-KR3 seems better.

14 . . . QxBP
Black is a Pawn up and it is not clear how White
12 . . . N-R4 can continue his attack. Time: White 1 hr. 13 min,
Black 50 min.
The same screwy kind of move Bobby was so
successful with in game three: it decentralizes a
piece and moves the Knight twice, But it dis·
courages P-KR3 because of . . . N-N6 (winning
the Exchange) and it threatens to win a Pawn with
. . . KBxN.
..:

15 P-85
That's how! Now the Bishop is free to penetrate
to KR6 (with Black's KB gone).

13 B-N3!?
So he sacs it! Boris does not deign to lose time
with 13 Q-Q3 and he also rejects 13 R-Q5, Q-
82 14 R-KN5!7

15 . . . N-B3
The Knight has done its duty and has no further
future on KR4. If 15 . . . N-K4 16 Q-82,
Naturally Black does not want to expose his K·side
with 15 . . . PxP 16 PxP, BxP 17 N-NS, B-N3
18 NxBP! BxN 19 BxBch, RxB 20 RxR, KxR 21
QxNch with a powerful attack.
13 . . . KBxN
Accepting the dare. The absence of this Bishop
weakens his K-slde but Black has nothing better
than to take the Pawn now. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
202
 •• . ... •• • •••
• t • • t• t - Itl t flJ t
• t•

r1 BftB
••• • t•
• ft._._.
-. • . • t .
• IJ
•
ftft
• •
•-'lll D*flt ft
ft• 1111*11
•A
ft a
114Llll
ftlJftll lift•
• rtt!flt!m
• •EUlt!&5
16 P-KR3 18 R--Q3
Finally. There is no longer any fear of . . . N­ Driving the Queen enables White to play B-R6
N6 in reply. White must break the pin to free his without permitting an exchange of Queens.
pieces.

18 . . . Q-82
16 . . . BxN The best retreat. If 18 . . . Q-K4 19 B-Q4,
Not 1 6 . . . B-R4 17 P-N4, NxKP 1 8 PxB, QxKP 20 BxN, QxQ 21 R(l)xQ. PxB 22 PxP, RPxP
N-N6 19 Q-K l ! allowing White to remain a 23 RxBP leads to a drawish position, but 18 . • .

piece up. Q-K4 1 9 B-Q5 threatens B-Q4.

17 QxB 19 B-R6
This recapture also defends the KP. An interest· Not only threatening the Rook but initiating some
ing speculation is 17 PxB!? in order to use the dangerous threats along the KB file. To be consid·
semi-open KN-file. ered was 19 PxP, RPxP.

17 . . . N---QR4 19 . . . NxB
To get rid of one of White's dangerous Bishops. Black begins to feel the heat. Dangerous is 19
tf 1 7 . . . N-K4 18 Q-84 is o.k. for White, or if . . . KR-81 20 PxP, RPxP 2 1 P-K5! PxP? 22
17 . . . Q-N5 then 18 B-R6 leads to unclear BxPch! KxB 23 Q-QSch, K-Kl (or 23 . . . P­
complications. K3 24 RxNch, KxR 25 R-B3ch wins) 24 Q­
NBch, NxQ 25 R-88 mate. Black has better de·
tenses of course but he prefers not to investigate
the whole business with his clock ticking.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUM N SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

203
 20 BPxN 22 BxR
On 20 BxR Black has the option of 20 . . . N- He doesn't need to be asked twice.
84 (counterattacking the White Rook) or 20 . . .

RxB (as in the game).

22 . • • RxB
20 . Q-B4ch Black has a Knight, Pawn, and a solid position
for the Exchange.
• •

Improving the position of the Queen.

�.=--""'!.�.,..,.,,,..�.�-�-·
tB rtltR t
• II • tB
• • .ft.m
IJ ll i B
Eill�
ft& •
23 R-K3
21 K-Rl
To hold the KP. 23 R-Kl is weak because of
Out of harm's way. Gligoric suggests 21 R-K3, 23 . . . P-Q4! and Black wins the KP.
KR-81 22 P-KN4 "saving a tempo in the
attack''.

23 . . .
21 . .. Q-K4!?
By sacrificing the exchange Black breaks the
fulminant attack, but he gives up all his winning
hopes. Interesting is 2 1 . . .KR-81 22 PxP,
BPxP! 23 P-KN4, Q-K4 R-K3 (if 24 P-N5,
NxP is good) and Black may hold with either . . .
Q-K3 or . . . K-R 1.
Black has long planned on giving up the Ex­
change to take some of the force out of White's
attack. Fischer is relying on his piece and Pawn vs.
White's Rook and White's overexposed Pawn on
K4 to give him adequate counterplay.
204
 24 PxP
•• • ...
Opening the KB-file to increase the scope of his
Rooks. White would like to open avenues for his •t• •
� · . •t•
t•
•D•B •it �•m
Rooks to penetrate.

• tt • � • tt
ft tt li
m m •�
26 . . . N-Q2
Black is anxious to prevent P-KS, opening up
more lines for the White Rooks. But more accurate
is 26 . . R-87! to force White to weaken his
.

Q·side Pawns with 27 P-QR4-the immediate 27

P-KS would be well-answered by . . . N--Q4.
24 . . . RPxP
As usual, capturing towards the center is best.
This keeps the K-side Pawns connected instead of
splitting them into separate groups after 24 . . .
BPxP.
••• •••
· i• • t•
• • • ,.
• • •
•
•ft •!.•UJ.T
ll tt•
II fl IU�UIS!? 27 R-82
A necessary precaution. If 27 R(4)-B3, R-
25 Q-84 88ch! (stronger than 27 . . N-K4 28 R-83!)
.

Driving Stack's Queen from its dominating post. 28 K-R2, N-K4 with satisfactory play for Black
White hopes to realize his material advantage by (29 R-83? NxRch).
reducing forces.

27 . . • N-K4
25 . . . QxQ The Knight serves yeoman duty. It blockades the
There is no reason to avoid the exchange; other· White KP and defends the K8P, thus freeing the
wise White's Queen could become active. King from its defense.
Also playable is 25 . . . Q· -K3 fottowed by
R-84, but Fischer pre1ers to play more simply.
• . .

.�
.� .-·
.'!!! !! """"•
""!" •!!"""!! '
""""
• fl fltlt
• t• •t •
• • • •

,z.:,:,z
• • • •<ll
28 K-R2
White's only hope for progress is to activate his
26 RxQ
King. The King is a strong piece-use it!
White's Rooks are awkwardly posted for the
moment, but he hopes to challenge the open QB­
file with R(4)-83 followed by R-Q83. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
205
 .
28 . . R-88
Black does the same with his Rook.
30 . . . R-K8
Naturally Black does not part with his most
active piece.
· ­
•t• • t•
••••••,.
••tt •llf!1
ft ll •
&ft
ft B • OftW
• • • •
29 R(3)-K2
Now White is finally threatening to gain control 31 R(KB)-K2
of the QB-file with R-82. If permitted, White Defending the KP and offering another trade.
would obtain a decisive advantage.

31 . . . R-QR8
Which Black politely declines.
29 . . . N-83
Sealing. the file so that White's Rook cannot
penetrate to QB7.

32 K-N3
The King becomes a little more aggressive.

30 R-82
White's winning chances are better if he can
exchange Black's Rook.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN 32 • . . K-N2

206
 • •
• m•
Now Black is threaten_ing 33 . . . N-QS which
could not be played immediately because of R­
mi i• -
••• • :t•
B8ch.

• • • • • • •
.
,, .,,.
B BftB B
•tt• • �ft
• • • •
Bftll ftli § J§ftil
•ftl'I
m
11 �ftII
ftBE!IJE!llftll
• •
35 R/B-K2
a 11

B II B
Defending the KP and again offering to trade.
•
33 R(B)-Q2
Another possibility is 33 R-N2 to enforce P­
QN4 with the idea of eventually unsealing the QB·
file by P-QNS, kicking Black's Knight.

35 . . . R-KB8
Black would be content to draw by repetition
after 36 R-KB2 .

.-..,
.-. ,,,,. �-
. =··

:'l• . 'Z·
�

33 . . . R-KB8

·II
Marking time. Also possible is 33 . . . K-83
34 R-B2ch, K-K3, but it may be dangerous for
the King to leave the K·side as White can eventually
create a passed Pawn by P-KR4, P-KN4, and
P-KRS. .
ll ft lB
i'i '�ft
...§E!BftE
. .. , _
36 R-K3

•
But White is not.

•
a •
llII:t!I
•
.
B llftll II
•11• � �ft
34 R-KB2

ftl! � . &iftll
White is anxious to adjourn at move 40 so that
1 he can search for a win at his leisure. Also pos­
sible is 34 P-KR4, to worry Black about a poten­
' tlal p..assed KRP. • • ••ll
I! • ii tl
ll••
t ll .Etll
36 . . . P-R3
A handy move which impedes P-QN4-N5

• • •
•t and stops White from playing R-QS to QN5 fore·
ing a weakness in Black Q-side Pawns (. . . N-Ql
would be too passive).

II lit• II - .-.
·- ..,..,.
..,..
.ft •... II �ft
ft& D. �ftll fl:tB
t•'-'• :tli
;.·--

•t •
. --
.. ...

• • •it•••
·

II l! llBll
• • � [\;ft
34 . .. R-K8

ftfl � •t•
Attacking the KP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

2C>7
. . ··-
 37 R-QB3 this sort even after what was a long night of anal·
A slight gain. White finally occupies the QB·file. ysis of the adjourned position, it seems likely he
However, the steadfast steed still blocks decisive felt there were no concrete winning chances.
penetration.
• • •
• Jl1 i ll
t �- Bt B
• • • •
IU�flft& B
8ftB • �ft
ftlffi• . ft.
• • •••
39 . . . R-QR8
37 . • . R-KB Black always wants to be ready for . . . RxRP
Once more with feeling. if White's Rook abandons the second rank. 39 . .
.

P-KN4 would lead to the position reached after

adjournment on move 4 1 .

38 R-84
Defending the KP and slightly improving the
position of the Rook. 40 R-82
Marking time, and preventing . . . K-83.
• • • •
t•
i-�·fdJJp�
Bft8 R . �ft
ftm D R ft l!
· · · -
38 . . . R-KB8
Bad is 38. . N-K4 allowing 39 R-B7. But
. 40 . . . R-K8
38 . . . P-KN4 (see Black's 41st) is possible. Again observing the KP.

. . -. .
fat ll:tll
tB BtB ··
.

• • • •
- � · ft · ll
Bftll B � ft
ftl& ff!� • ft!!
• • •••
39 R(2)-QB2
Opening the possibility of RxN at the r ight
moment. 39 R-N2 with the idea of P-QN4-N5
is also possible, as is 39 P-KR4.
It has become app,arent over the last few moves
that White is making no progress. Basically Spass­
ky would like to use his Q-side Pawns (e.g., P­
QN4-N5) to create an open file in order to en·
hance the activity ot the stymied White Rooks.
Since Spassky demonstrates no effective plan of SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
208
 41 . . . P-KN4
This seemed to catch Spassky by surprise when
play was resumed. Black is anticipating a break·
through on the Q-side and wants to create a post
for his Knight on . . . KN3: e.g., 42 R-N2, K-
83 43 P-N4, R-QR8 44 P-N5, PxP 45 RxP,
RxP 46 RxNP, N-K4 47 R(4)-B7, N-N3 (or
R-R6ch first) and Black's position is impregnable.
42 R-Bl
Spassky pondered a full 5 minutes. unusual
immediately after adjournment. If 42 RxN, PxR
43 RxP, RxP 44 RxRP, P-Q4 and Black's passed
Pawns in the center are just as fast as White's
passed Pawns on the Q·side.
42 • . . R-K7
Harassing the QRP.
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
209
43 . . . R-KS
Although 43 . . . RxR 44 RxR may be tenable
for Black, why should he be so obliging as to ex·
change off his good Rook?
44 R-Bl
Perhaps Spassky thought he was just gaining
time on the clock. A winning try is 44 K-82, R­
QR8 and now White can try to bring his King to
the Q·side to help achieve some sort of break·
through. "Maybe Boris didn't have a forced win but
he could have made Bobby suffer for a long time,"
said Grandmaster William Lombardy, Fischer's
second.
45 R(l)-82
Not 45 R(4)-B2? RxKP. Before making his
next move Bobby gleefully went to the referee and
claimed a draw. The claimant must notify the
director that he can make a move which will create
the same position (with the same side on the move) This produces a mirror image for the third time
for the third time. On several occasions a player. (at moves 4 1 , 43, 45). It appeared to be accidental
unaware of the exact draw by repetition rule, has on Spassky's part since his entourage was shocked.
been bitterly disappointed by making the move Everyone had expected a long, hard battle.
which creates the same position for the third time
before notifying the proper authority to witness it
-thereby losing the claim tor a draw. The rule
should be changed in the future. A simple solution
is to make the move on the board-for all the world
to see--not punch the clock, then claim a draw
by summoning the director.

DRAW

Times: Not recorded.

Score: Spassky 7-Fischer 10.
45 . . . R-K8 Needed to Win: Spassky 5, Fischer 2 1/2 .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22 August 1972

Representatives of the Icelandic Chess Federation met today with Bobby Fischer's
staff during luncheon at the Hotel Loftleidir.
The discussion centered over current procedures during play at Exposition Hall,
site of the World Chess Championship. Some changes were agreed upon, including a
modification of the seating arrangement. for the 17th game beginning at 17:00 today
as scheduled. Play will commence on the stage in the main auditorium, as usual.
Participants in the conference said that it was friendly and constructive, in a
spirit of mutual cooperation.

210
 STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS BY GRANDMASTER E. GELLER,
SECOND OF THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
The World Chess Championship Match now taking place in Reykjavik arouses a
great interest in all parts of the world including the United States. Mr. B. Spassky,
. the other members of our delegation and I have been receiving many letters from var­
ious countries. A great number of the letters is devoted to an unknown in the chess
history theme, i.e. a possibility to use non-chess means of Influence on one of the
participants.
It is said that Mr. R. Fischer's numerous "whims". his claims to the organizers,
his constant late arrivals for the games, his demands to play in the closed-door room,
ungrounded protests, etc. have been deliberately aimed at exercising pressure on the
opponent, unbalancing Mr. B. Spassky and making him lose his fighting spirit.
I consider that Mr. R. Fischer's behaviour runs counter to the Amsterdam Agree­
ment which provides tor gentleman behaviour of the participants. I believe that the
arbiters have had enough facts to demand that Mr. R. Fischer showld observe the
provisions of the match in this respect. Furthermore it must be done immediately,
now that the fight is approaching its decisive stage.
We have received letters saying that some electronic devices and chemical sub·
stance which can be in the playing hall are being used to influence Mr. B. Spassky.
The letters mention. in particular, Mr. R. Fischer's chair and the influence of the
special lighting over the stage installed on the demand of the U.S. side.
All this may seem fantastic, but some objective factors in this connection make us
think of such seemingly fantastic suppositions.
Why, for instance, does Mr. R. Fischer strongly protest against filmshooting even
though he suffers financial losses? One of the reasons might be that he is anxious to
get rid of the constant objective control over the behaviour and physical state of the
participants. The same could be supposed if we take into consideration his repeated
demands to conduct the games behind closed doors and to remove the spectators
from the first seven rows.
It is surprising that the Americans can be found in the playing hall when the games
are not taking place even at night, Mr. F. Cramer's demand that Mr. R. Fischer
should be given "his" particular chair, though both the chairs look identical and
are made by the same American firm.
I wou'ld also like to note that having known Mr. B. Spassky for many years, it is
the first time that I observe such unusual slackening of concentration and display
of impulsiveness In his playing which I cannot account for by Mr. R. Fischer's ex·
elusively impressive playing. On the contrary, in some games the Challenger made
technical mistakes and in a number of games he did not grasp the position.
In connection with the above said our delegation has handed over the statement
to this effect to the Chief Arbiter and the Organizers of the Match which contains the
urgent request that the playing hall and the things in it should be examined with the
assistance of competent experts and that the possibility of the presence of any out·
slders in the place allocated to the participants should be excluded.

E. Geller
August 22, 1972

211

-
 2 N-KB3

GAME EIGHTEEN Each time Fischer plays an opening there is a

kind of hushed anticipation of something new.
When Bobby's aide, Fred Cramer, told him about
the charges, Bobby let out a loud guffaw. "That
shows· the Russians are as dumb as the Ameri·
cans. They could have made a good case If they
had only left the electronic and chemical stuff
out," said one grandmaster who went on to assert
that Bobby's assorted protests over filming and
crowd noises were more disturbing to Spassky
than to the organizers of the match.
At last, a chemical and x·ray analysis was made
of the playing area in response to Russian charges
that the place was "Bobby-trapped." A chemistry
professor who performed the investigation said: 2 P--Q3
"We had samples from the chairs, the air on the This is the most flexible move at Black's dis­
stage, the walls and both sides of the chessboard. posal. It usually must be played sooner or later to
We put them all in plastic bags and named them prevent a cramping P-K5. Black delays a decision
'Fischer's chair,' 'Spassky's chair' and so on. These on where to post his minor pieces until the course
specimens were subjected to various fluids and of the game dictates the most effective squares for
whirled in a centrifuge. They were exactly alike," them.
said the professor. Both chairs were also x·rayed.
A Reykjavik electrical engineer examined the huge
lighting fixture over the stage. "After a �reful
examination I found two dead flies," he said.
.
Richard Stein, a lawyer for movie producer Ches­
ter Fox, arrived here with a court order to attach
Fischer's prize money and to serve a 1.75 million
dollar damage suit against Bobby, who refused to
allow Fox to fllm the match. Stein said he would
try one more time to persuade Fischer to allow
filming of the remaining games.
There was word here that Soviet officials, In· 3 N-83
censed at Fischer's pre·game antics, had ordered
White also wants to keep his options open, wait·
Boris to return home, but Spassky politely refused.
ing to see what Black does next before embarking
on a plan of action. By far the most usual here is
White: Fischer Black: Spassky 3 P-Q4; other playable moves· are 3 B-N5ch (a
Sicilian Defense timid simplifying line) and 3 P-Q3 followed by
P.-KN3 and B-N2 with a slow buildup.
1 P-K4
Apparently unconcerned about it all, Bobby loped
in eight minutes late, looking cool and relaxed.

212
 4 P-Q4
The shadow boxing is over.

6 .. . P-K3
Enabling Black to recapture with the Queen in
4 PxP the event of BxN, avoiding doubled Pawns. In the
U.S. Junior Championship, 1957, Bennett played
• • •

The threat of the cramping P-Q5 compels this

6 . . P-KN3? against Fischer and got roundly
capture. Not 4 . . . B-N5 5 P-Q5, N-K4? 6
.

punished after 7 B.xN! (spoiling Black's Pawn struc­

NxN! BxQ 7 B-N5ch, etc.
ture) PxB 8 B-84, B-N2 9 0-0, 0-0 10
N/4-N5 winning the QP. With 6 . . P-KN3
.

Black would enter the Dragon Variation, but he is

advised not to in view of 7 BxN!, which is why the
Richter Attack is known as an "anti-Dragon" sys­
tem.

5 NxP
White exercises more sway in the center. The
White KP controls two squares in Black's side of
the board, Q5 and KB5, while Black's reticent QP
controls nothing in White's. 7 Q-Q2
�.
......... To prepare Q·side castling, thus exerting more
pressure on Black's backward QP.

•
., • , , .: i

. :•.
, ,•ll••
EfJ• •
•

•ftllftll B ft ll . .tt • II
D Yb - A El
ft a 11: m11afu
..

5 N�B3
D. 11 ;;JABEt
. . .

An immediate 5 P-K3 would prevent

White's next and branch off into the Scheveningen 7 P--QR3
Variation. Black prefers to develop a piece rather
. . .

than make a non-developing Pawn move, however. To stop N-N5 at some future point. If 7 . • •

P-KR3 8 BxN! QxB? 9 N/4-N5, Q-Ql 10

0-0--0 wins the QP, for example. Or on 7 . . .

NxN 8 QxN White's Queen is on a dominating

central post.

6 B-KN5
The Richter Attack, played by Fischer only twice
before in tournament games. It is interesting that
he abandons his pet 6 B-QB4, probably as a
result of his stinging experience in game 4. 8 0-0-0
213
 10 . . . P-N4
Attack is the best defense. Black is braced for
1 1 P-K5, P-N5 12 PxN , PxN 13 QxBP, PxP
1 4 B-R4, P-Q4.

11 BxN
The sharpest move, imprinting permanent fea·
tures on the game. A trap is 1 1 P-QR3, P-N5!
9 P-84 1 2 PxP, NxNP 13 P-K5 (better is 13 K-N l , B-
83) Q-R4! 14 K-N l (14 PxN? Q-R8ch 1 5 N­
More firepower to the center. Now Black must
keep an eye on two possible White Pawn thrusts: Nl, N-R7 mate) N-K5! 1 5 NxN, Q-R7ch 1 6
K-Bl, Q-R8 mate. While in some positions P­
P-K5 and P-KB5.
QR3 is necessary to prevent the QN from being .
kicked by . . P-QN5, there is the risk that a
.

later . . . P-QNS will have increased effect as

then the exchange QRPxQNP opens up lines of
attack against the King.

9 ... B-K2
Bringing out a piece can't be bad. A well-explored
alternative is 9 .. .P-R3 1 0 B-R4 (10 BxN,
QxB only helps Black) NxP 1 1 Q-Kl, N-83 1 2
N-85, Q-R4 ( 1 2 . . . P-Q4 1 3 NxQP!) 13
NxQPch , BxN 14 RxB with advantage for White.

11 . . . PxB
Unclear is the Pawn sacrifice 1 1 . . . BxB 12
QxP, B-K2 1 3 Q-Q2, R-R2 (in order to protect
the Bishop and castle). Spassky obviously prefers
to accept doubled Pawns than to give one away.

10 N-83
Avoiding simplifications and threatening P-K5.
Alternatives a re 10 Q-K l or P-85. For 1 0 B­
K2 see game 20.
214
 12 B-Q3!? K-N2, bringing his King to relative safety before
Fischer's novelty, of dubious value. tf there is beginning any demonstrations.
one single, clear melodic note in White's strategy,
t
i is to exert persistent pressure against the Black
KP. This can best be accomplished by an immed­
iate Pawn sacrifice 12 P-85! Q-N3! (never 12
. . . P-K4? 13 N-Q5! or 12 . . . PxP 13 PxP,
BxP 14 N-Q5 with a bind) 13 K-Nl , �
14 P-KN3! K-Nl 14 B-R3! (from here the
Bishop exerts the most pressure against K6) P­
N5 1 5 N-Kt, P-K4 (now and only now can Black
play thi s--when White's Knight cannot penetrate
on QS--an important theme in this struggle for
control of the center) with a hard game (Boleslav·
sky-Taimanov, U.S.S.R. Team Championship 1970). 14 N-K2
From here the Knight no longer has access to
Q5 should Black play . . . P-K4 at some point.

•• · •• JI
IJ 11.l.fliJl.t
i•ll•�. tflla�
... ft9 • -

4Jll
ft H ft r!i4Jl1ft11
12 . . . Q--R4
12 . . . 0--0 is too dangerous, so Black thinks
\fill.§.II ii.§.
about bringing his King to safety on the Q·side.
14 . . . Q-QB4
Also he has aggressive intentions on the Queen Freeing the QRP. Black intends . . . P-QR4-
flank. If 12 . . . P-N5 13 N-QR4 i s a good R5 and . . . P-QN6 opening lines for attack. The
response. The text prevents that. Another plan is loss of time in moving the Queen twica is negligible
12 . . . Q-N3 followed by 0--0-.-0 in a closed position.

Black dare not castle K-side as his Pawn struc­

ture thereis broken up. Also White's KB points
menacingly in that direction.

15 P-85
A Pawn sacrifice to win some maneuvering
space.

13 K-Nl
Defending the RP against the threat of • .P­ .

N5. White abstains from 13 P-QR3 which would

only weaken his King. As a general rule the castled
King is safest when none of the Pawns on that
wing has advanced.

.-
. .-
.• .
-·
•t ••.t.•.t•
�••t · ••t
_ ....... - -

•at •.mftB •
II EA•4J•
ft&ftll� '. ftll 15 . . . P-QR4
Black is not deflected from his attacking designs.
-�- - •.§. It is always bad to take the Pawn and expose his
King: e.g., 1'5 . . . PxP 16 PxP, BxP 17 BxB, QxB
13 . . . P-NS 18 N/2-Q4, NxN 19 NxN, Q-Q2 20 QR-Kl
Driving the Knight to a passive post. Black also with a strong initiative (20 . . . 0-0-0 21
has the option of 13 . . � followed by .
. _ . Q-K2).
215
 16 N-84 18 P-83
Exerting more pressure against the KP and pre­ As advertised, White tries to open the QB-file.
paring to pounce on Q5 should Black play . . . 18 KR-Bl is also playable, awaiting further develop­
P-K4. ments.
More or less forcing Black to close off the Q-side,
as . . . NPxP allows White to seize the QB-file after
RxP. With the Q·side Pawns locked White's King
will be relatively secure, allowing White to pursue
his ambitions in the center and K-side.

16 ..
. P-RS

...
Hoping to induce a weakness i n White's fortress.
Black still has a problem, however: what to do with
his own King? Again bad is 1 6 PxP 1 7 PxP,
BxP 1 8 BxB, QxB 19 N-Q5 (threatening N­
B7ch). 18 . . . P-N6
A drastic decision, shifting to a positional strug­
gle. As usual bad is 18 . . . KPxP 19 KPxP, BxP
20 KR-Kl with pressure along the K·file. Black
also abstains from 18 . . . PxBP 19 RxP, Q-N3
20 B-B4 pointing a dagger at the weak KP.
Reshevsky recommends that Black try to keep the
QN-file open to enhance his chances of victory, with
1 8 . . . N-K4. Perhaps Spassky then feared 19
NxN, BPxN 20 N-R5 with initiative. Finally 18
. . . P-R6 doesn't work because of 1 9 P-QN3.

17 R-QBl
Preparing to open the QB-file where the Rook
will have more scope. This also discourages
0-0-0 since it is now dangerous for Black to
line his King and Queen on the same file.

19 P-QR3
Sealing the Q·side forever, like Poe's brick wall.
A mistake is 19 RPxP? NPxP threatening Q-R4
with a winning breakthrough on the QR-file.

. �·- .
.· ••t ' •
.
�. l!..t..B tlJt
•
a .•it:tt EaB
'

B t &L4S ••
t
. . ..�ll B f a
�
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
216 B D .• �.§
 19 . . . N-K4
Now that the Q-side has been resolved, Black
shifts his attention to the center. Still awkward is
the Pawn grab 19 . . . PxP 20 PxP, BxP 2 1 KR­
Kl. Black's Pawn is needed on K3 so as not to
defended and White has no points to penetrate with
his 2 Knights.
At this point the position is about equal, though
White's better development makes a favorable im­
pression.

.-
weaken his Q4.
.�

•
--Ill
-= �
llil1
• • Jtll
·'
·='""='
•
.

t ftE -�
• Ii.

II llftB
� -�• .• §
.
22 QR-Kl
20 KR-Bl Defending the KP. White would be .only too
Lining up the sixth piece on the KB-file! In some happy after 22 ·. . . PxP 23 PxP, BxPch 24 K-Rl.
cases this Rook will be useful on the third rank. An alternative is 22 KR-Kl to use the QR on the
An alternative is 20 NxN, BPxN 2 1 N-R5. Or 20 Q·file, and control the center more effectively.
N-Q4, NxB! 21 NxN (21 QxN? P-K4 wins a
• .:�'II•• It
!l.IJll �lliIm
piece) Q-85. Finally 20 PxP, P:xP 21 N-Q4, NxB
22 NxN, Q-85 gives White nothing.
JI
,· D llftrl
.1
.

t&ill1tr-�11
t 11 t1
� m & ft
-�- - §tE!•
22 . .
. K�l
Naturally _Black wants to keep the game closed
while he castles by hand. His long-range prospects
20 . . . N-85 are better because of the two Bishops.
Again if 20 . . . NxN 21 RxN, PxP 22 N-Q5 is
crushing. Also bad is 20 . . . K-Ql 2 1 PxP, PxP This is the only way to get his King into safety
, 22 N-Q4. and allow his KR to come into play. Not so good is
22 . . . P-K4 (weakens Black's vital . . . Q4
square) 23 N-Q5, B-83 24 R-K3, BxN 25
QxB, QxQ (sealing off the . . . Q4 square but
White's next clears his K4, no less imposing an
outpost than White's QS) 26 PxQ followed by 27
N----02 and N-K4 after which White's N is much
stronger than B/ack's hemmed-in Bishop.

!
t

t
r 21 BxN
� The Knight is too strong. White does not want
; to worry about combinations beginning with
' NxRPch.

23 K-Rl
A stodgy station but the King is quite safe.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

 25 . . . K-82
Finally. The tempting 25 . . . P-K4 fails to 25
N-83, P-Q4 (else N-N4 follows-also bad is
25 . . . B-83 26 N/QxP! BPxN 27 NxP with a
double attack on the Queen and KBP) 26 N/QxP!
PxN 27 NxP with a . clearly winning position .

•• • • •
• 11.1.ll
. • . .••
t
i ll i
23 . • • R-N4
Preferable is 23 . . . K-82 before deciding
where to place the Rooks.
Trd�IJ'm•
Bt 114Jli
B. m
• • •
• 8.1.li• t•• t -� �§
•
m :a: •
R KB B ft ll
• 26 N-N4
Once more discouraging the freeing move . . .
t it ft � P-K4 because of N-Q5ch.

n:a: e lll!)IJ Although Black has two potentially far·ranging

B I! ft B
Bishops against two short stepping Knights, the
Black central Pawn structure--<)3. K3, K83-is an
;; §§E annoying muffler of their activity. White must be
careful to not allow Black a timely . . . P--Q4
24 N-Q4 which could lead to an opening up of center with
White can make little headway without improving a corresponding increase in the activity of the
the position of his Knights. Bishops. In the meanwhile White hopes to inveigle
Black into playing P-K4 which would create
� - .
•
. . •

further barricades to the Bishops and seriously

IU.l! i ll t weaken Stack's . . . Q4.

lfa• iJ•
1
.

..,--.·
,. . . .
.. ""
� ""' t
.._·
... ....
. ... ....
..... ..

•
- -

t •irE ft � 8 • : .t
• a 1111•
9lil� "a! a :tEit'E ftll II
� §§Ii Htltl ·
'

a
;; •
m

24 R-R4 rm m
1§§11
. . •

Better than 24 . . . R-K4 25 N-Q3.

fl • tl
8.1.. B tBt
- 26 P-R4
f.i
. . •

To prevent an incursion with Q-R6.

•••,, •
• •
• •
t 11irE ft E
tilt & •
a m ll ft &
� �§- •
25 N-Q3
The Knights hobble about looking for stronger
posts. Headed for QN4.
27 P-N3
Strangely tame. 27 R-83 looks more natural,
with the possibility of R-R3 and pressure against
the KRP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

218
 tion the wily 30 . . BxP 3 1 PxB, P-N7ch 32
.

K-N l , Q-84 with dangerous assault.

• • • •
a lllB t•
.,• •
• ft • t
t [1 ft S
B t &14-Jll .
B
•'iffl B
27 . • . R-K4
Black feels he has reached his maximum and m • t§E!•
sees no other ,way to improve his position. ff 27 29 . . . R-R4
• K-N2 28 Q-N2 (threatening P-KSch) could
. . It is not clear what Black has gained by his
be troublesome. dubious maneuver, but he must now prevent NxR.

28 N-Q3 30 PxP
Tacitly acquiescing to a draw by repetition after Wild and wooly is 30 QxP, P-K4! (30 .
28 . . R-R4 29 N-N4, R-K4 30 N--Q3, etc.
. .

.
QxN 31 QxP) 3 1 N-N4, PxN 32 PxP (threatening
More logical i s 28 Q-Q3, QxQ (not 28 . . . R- R-81). The text ls a preparatory move opening
84? 29 N-R6ch followed by NxR) 29 NxQ. R- the KB file for the Rook
.
. R4 30 PxP, PxP 31 N-84! P-K4 32 N-QSch!
K-Ql (not 32 . . . RxN 33 PxR, PxN 34 RxB) 33 White continues to press on Black's Pawn on
N--8 5 with a good grip on the white squares. But K3 hoping to win it or force . . . P-K4.
28 Q-Q3. P-Q4!? seems to frustrate that plan.

•
• •
· t
LI
,_,·..
. •
• . ft . i
flitE ftiR •
Dli B4J• II
0 11 11 11
&; II UE!• 30 . . • PxP
28 • . . R--QN 1 !? Black has finally undoubled his Pawns.
Instead of playing safe with 28 . . . R-R4
\Spassky offers the sacrifice ·of the Exchange. This Nii - • ��
is an acceptable tactic since he needs to win at
· mny cost. .�.T..-.-
• . t• .
• • • B B R Bt
••••.t.•
•t• •
t• i Bif�
9i B45
Ii
6
• • • ft • t B §
•�• II
t rJitE ft II •
Ut R4Jll D
·''

31 R-82
f!fj
n m 11 11 A move which seems to have no bearing on the
�
-� 11 tr:JE!• game. What is its purpose? The obvious shot is
31 N-84, QxQ 32 RxQ (not 33 N either ICPch?,
29 Q-K2! BxN 34 NxBch, K-Q2 35 RxQ, KxN) P-K4 33
very strong move which threatens NxR as weU
A N-Q5ch, K-Ql (not 33 RxN? 34 PxR, PxN
. . •

as QxRP. Unclear is 29 NxR, QPxN 30 N-83, 35 RxB) 34 N-85, RxNl 35 PxR, B-N4! regain·
�N4 with extremely active Bishops--not to men· ing material beca.use of the pin. White's threat,
219
then, is to enter his combination with the Rook on 33 RxB
KB2, out of range of Black's 35 . . . B-N4! But Threatening RxRP as well as N-N4, with a
there is no time. bind on Q5. Strategically and tactically wrong is
33 PxB? P.-Q4 with free rein in the center.

••ill•
. .. . ...
•
....,, •t ••••• •
tllit�ft· II II • .§g t
lltH�ll II • •
B Bit� B i'fIIlfj .
•'lt• II
r; II � a
31 . . . P�K4
31 . . . K-N2 is also playable but the text is 33 • • • P--Q41
fine. This move is healthy as long as Black can Counterplay at last. The great danger is that
follow it up with . . . P-Q4, without allowing Black will break th rough on the Q·file, exposing
White to post a piece on Q5 permanently. the vulnerability of White's King on the back rank.
Black finally decides to advance his cramped
Pawn center. The text is better than 31 . . . P--Q4 .II 8 •.•
' ....
which could be met by 32 P-K5 and if 32 . . •

•
PxP 33 NxP(5) and White has withering pressure
against Black's weak KP on the open file; if 32 . . .
-

T11litti i
P-84 33 N-84 is extremely strong, with threats

RtB4Sll II
on Black's KP and KRP.

w.o.•;•.•
34 PxP
Virtually forced. If 34 RxRP, QxKP 35 QxQ,
PxQ 36 R/lxP, R-Ql.

32 N-KBS
· · ·
·=' •tt= =§•t=
The reason White exchanged Pawns on move 30
was to provide the Knight with this square. tllitB •II•
llt&4J•
B II*• II
;i • p •
34 . • • QxQP?
No better is 34 . . . RxP 35 N-84! (but not 35
N-N4? RxN 36 BPxR, QxQ 37 RxQ, R-QS mate).
Correct is 34 . . . R-Q l ! 35 N-84, QxQ 36
RxQ, K-Q3 37 NxP, RxP 38 R-K 1, K-K3 39
R/5-81 (forced to stop . . . R-Q8) R-Q7 40
P-R3 and now Black has at least a draw-if he
32 . . . BxN wants it-BxP 41 PxB, R-R7ch 42 K-Nl, R/1-
Parting with the Bishop to enforce a rapid . . . Ql with a perpetual check in the offing.
P-Q4. There is no time for 32 . . . B-KBl 33
N-N4! with absolute control of Q5 for White.

35 N-N4
Striving for an initiative. Less appealing is 35
220
RxRP, R-Ql .
The text isn't bad but 3 5 N-84! looks strong,
e.g., 35 . . . Q-82 (otherwise White can chedc
from QB4) 36 RxRP threatening 37 Q--1<4 with a
powerful attack .

••• •
• • • •
•1: II •II�-•.§•••:t
n,a.181111
37 • . • R--Q4
Now the difference is Black controls the Q·file
instead of White. The immediate threat is . . .

;l II H • R-Ql and . . . R-Q8. The Pawn is relatively

meaningless. What counts is which King is more
secure.
35 . .
. Q--Q2
35 .. . BxN 36 BPxB exposes Black's King to

II a • •
a vicious attack along the drafty QB-file.

• •itB •
• • • •
• • 11.§•:t
iE II II •
ll:tB
B IIII
wm o •
36 RxRP
It's more important for White to seize the Queen
file with 36 R-831 (intending to go to Q3).

• •
• •it-• •
• II f8 •
• II rl ·�
:tE II II •
B:tB IJ II
II B*ll B 38 . . • K-N2
The King is surprisingly sheltered here.
36 . . . BxN
An ingenious defensive maneuver. The threat
was N-R6ch.

37 BPxB
To open up the QB·file for attacking purposes.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

221
 39 . . . R-QBl! 41 . . . R-QS!
Inviting 40 RxR? KxR 41 R-R8ch, K-62 42 Compelling the Qu een to relinquish its dominat·
R-R7 (or 42 Q-B4ch, K-N2) R-Q8 mate. ing post.
Without this resource Black is in grave trouble.
A fine move by Spassky which ensures equality.
Now the insecure position of White's cornered King
forr.�s one of his Rooks into passivity to prevent
back rank mating threats.

•L•.•
·-- -
at im �t\'
• • •
•• , • �

6ltl•aflm a
� � ii If
40 R-QNl
The Rook is inactive here but at least mates are
out of the question. Not 40 R-Ql , K-Nl 41
QxR. QxQ 42 RxQ, R-88 mate.

42 . . ' Q-83!
The most efficient defense is sealed by Spassky.
42 . . . Q-Q3 43 R-KB7, R-83 44 Q-N7,
K-N4 (forced to stop R-N7ch) 45 R-N7ch,
R-N3 46 R-R7 (th reatening R-R5ch) could
40 . . . K-N3 prove troublesome. Not 42 . . Q-K3? 43 Q-N7'
.

Black must attend to the threat of R-R7, a with insuperable mating threats.
deadly pin.

43 R-KB7
41 R-R7 Threatening RxP.
Gaining space. The trouble is White only has a
Rook and Queen working against Black's active
Queen and two Rooks.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

222
 •
••- � � • •
m •
- � �­
� ��·
- •
•..v •@
�

iba • • .
• • • •
-
.
�
�.
• II
-
�

•
;1§11 • •
43 . . . R-Q3 45 . . . Q-83
The only defense, but suff!cient. Prudent. Not 45 . . . P-KS? 46 R-N7ch.

• •
B§ B'lfJ
•
� - -· 84

i ll �·
••
� � -

8i1111•1a a
;a§ll • -
46 Q-R6
Apparently Bobby could not find a win i n over·
night analysis. If 46 Q-85, R-82 (46 . . . P­
K5?? 47 Q-R5 mate) holds. ·

••••• •
•••,. 1• •
••••• •
#,}IIf.II,.flu•II
�§· •"
46 . . . Q-KB6
Boris needs to win desperately but must swallow
his pride and repeat moves. A mistake is 46 . . .
P-KS? 47 Q-K3ch, K-N4 48 R-QR7 and
Black's King is besieged by mating threats.

· DRAW
Black would be content to draw by repetition
after 47 Q-R7� Q---83,

Times: Not recorded.

Score: Spassky 71h-Fischer 101/2 •
Needed to Win: Spassky 41/2, Fischer 2.

223
 2 ... N--Q4
GAME NINETEEN Black may later suffer from the absence of this
Knight on the K-side.
Boris opened the game with Fischer's favorite
move, P-K4. As in game 13, Bobby elected to
play Alekhine's Defense.
"Boris is playing for the history books. He wants
to make a respectable score," said Fred Cramer,
one of Fischer's aides. "I believe Spassky has a
good chance to hold Fischer even in the remaining
games," said Yugoslav Grandmaster Svetozar Gllg.
oric.
The worst slaughter in modern title play was
Mikhail Botvinnik's 13 to 8 win in 1961 against
fellow Russian Grandmaster Mikhail Tai, who, at
23, was the youngest player ever to win the title.
This 19th game was a rousing contest that had 3 P�
2,500 spectators on the edge of their seats and
The Four Pawns Attack 3 P-QB4, N-N3 4
grandmasters disagreeing in their analysis.
P-Q4, P-Q3 5 P-84 does not suit modern
taste, yet it still poses critical problems for Black.
White: Spassky Black: Fischer
••.t..••
,,., ,,.. t
Alekhine's Defense
1 P-K4
Boris lost with this opening move only once-in
game 13.
:-:1:11:•
i fm t • B ft R
�D�;rui[i�
3 ... P--Q3
Striking at the advanced KP and freeing the QB.

1 ... N-KB3
Speaking of the devil. Bobby also chose this
provocative defense in game 13.
Fischer's use of this hitherto little played defense
to l P-K4 should put it in the vogue.

4 N-KB3
Boris is in the mood for a positional struggle.
White can still transpose into the "chase " varia·
tion 4 P-QB4, N-N3 5 P-84.

2 P-K5

4 ... B-N5
Varying from 4 . . . P-KN3 as in game 13.
This pin exerts indirect pressure on the advanced
KP. 4 . . . PxP 5 NxP allows White a greater chance
for the initiative.

224
the previous games .
Again we meet Fischer's tactic of varying from
 5 B-K2 7 P-KR3
Breaking the pin and preparing to castle. The Inviting 7 . . . BxN 8 BxB.
alternative 5 P-KR3, BxN 6 QxB, PxP 7 PxP,
P-K3 offers Black counterplay against the static
KP.

7 . . • B-R4
Fischer does not want to part with the two
Bishops unless he gets specific compensation.
5 ... P--«3

8 P-84
Gaining space. A ghastly error is 8 P-KN4?
6 ()......() B-N3 and White has needlessly weakened his
The thrust of modern chess is to complete K·side.
development before launching complications. No
premature attacks until your own King r.; immune.

8 ... N-N3
Black has allowed his Knight to be driven clear
to the other side of the board to tempt White to
occupy the center. While White's center may appear
formidable, it has no immediate value except to
exert a slight cramp on Black's position.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

225
 9 N-83
The Knight springs to its best square. More
usual first is 9 PxP, PxP, in order to unbalance the
Pawns and thus gain a 3-2 Pawn majority on the
Q-side.
10 . . . P-Q4!?
A novelty. Black wants to challenge White's
domination of the center, even at the neglect of
development. The natural course is 10 . . . N-83
bringing out a Knight and putting pressure on the
KP, but 1 1 P--Q5 may present some problems.
This is a virtually unknown move in this position,
although it was tried in two games of the 1969
women's world championship match between Nona
Gaprindashvili and Alfa Kushnir. With the text Black
creates a formation similar to the Advance Varia­
tion of the French Defense (1 P-K4, P-K3 2
P--04, P�4 3 P-K5) with the favorable dif·
ference that the Black QB is not hemmed In by the
KP. On the minus side, White's QBP is more ag·
gressively placed than in the usual French position.

9 . . .. 0--0

,,__,,.,
Black's game is cramped but fundamentally
solid. He has only one more piece to develop--the
QN. Wrong is the greedy attempt to win a Pawn:
9 . . . PxP 10 NxP, BxB 1 1 QxB, QxP? 12 R--Ql,
Q-84 13 Q-B3! (threatening QxBP mate) QxN
• • t ll •_t.

IJ !.!
• •

i•
14 QxNP followed by QxR, winning the Exchange.

evl/A
Or if 9 . . . BxN 10 BxB, NxBP then 1 1 Q-R4ch
wins a piece.
.

11 P-85
The best hope for an advantage? If 1 1 P-QN3,
PxP 12 PxP, N-83 followed by . Q-Q2 and
. .

. . . QR-Ql White's QP is under heavy fire. And

1 1 PxP, NxP permits Black to improve the position
of his Knight.

10 B-K3
Now White defends his QP since the combination
Is no longer possible after Black has castled. An
alternative is 10 PxP, PxP 1 1 P-QN3, giving
added protection to the QBP-later Black might
play . . . QBxN and if Bx6 (PxB usually is too
weakening) then White's QBP is under attack.
According to existing theory 10 PxP, PxP and 11 . . . BxN
only then 1 1 B-K3 is preferable. Spassky goes
To secure an outpost for the Knight at B5. The
his own way.
con5equences of 1 1 . . . N-85 1 2 BxN, PxB 13
Q-R4, BxN 14 PxB are unclear.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUM N SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE l

J
226 ...
 13 . . . NxB
The Knight moves for the fifth time!

12 BxB
Boris took almost 20 minutes on this obvious
recapture. Was he thinking about wrecking his K·
side with 1 2 PxB? Or was he examining 12 PxN,
BxB 13 PxBP, BxQ 14 PxQ/Q, RxQ 15 KRxB which
gives White nothing?
14 PxN
White has a slight lead in space and develop·
ment. As compensation for his doubled KP he has
play along the semi-open KB-file. What makes the
game drawish is opposite colored Bishops.

12 . . . N--85
14 . P-QN3�?
With the center of the board �ocked by Pawns
. •

the Bishops are left without clear diagonals for their
ma.ximum mob.ility, hence in this position Black's
Knights are slightly stronger than White's limited
Bishops.
As usual, Fischer seeks rapid counterplay. But
he should bring his Knight out first, either via QB3
or QR3.
14 . . N-83 is a recommendation of ex-world
.

champion Tigran Petrosian.

In the aforementioned GaprindashYilli-Kushnir
encounters Black played the passive 12 . . . H-81.

15 P-K4!
13 P-QN3 Dissolving the doubled Pawns and blasting open
White makes no effort to retain his 2 Bishops. the center.
If 13 B-81, P-QN3 14 P-QN3, N-R4 1 5
P-QN4 {15 PxP, RPxP, followed by . . . P-QB4
smashes White's overextended center Pawns) N- .
_
85 White has weaknesses on his white squares
{too many Pawns on black squares).

15 . . . P-QB3
Time: White 1:00 Black: 0:40. Black solidifies
his center. Weaker is 1 5 . . . PxBP 1 6 PxQP! threat·
ening P-Q6 with a double attack on Black's QR
and Bishop.
227
 18 NxP!
Played almost instantly. Unsound is 18 PxP,
QxN 19 PxBP (19 P-Q6, B-N4) N-R3. And on
18 Q--Q3, N-R3 solves Black's problems.

16 • . . PxBP
After 10 minutes of deep reflection. Wrong is
16 . . . PxKP? 17 NxP followed by N-Q6 with a 18 • • • B-N41
crushing bind. If 16 . . P-QR4 17 P-QR3
.
Also played instantly. Bobby had obviously ex·
maintains the Pawn chain (17 . . . PxNP 18 RPxP, pected the combino, but whether he should have
RxR 19 QxR, QPxP 20 NxP, QxP?? 21 QxQ). permitted it is another question. Too dangerous is
•• II •••
•Jf ,,.,
18 . . . KPxN 19 PxP, PxP 20 BxP, N-Q2 when
White has a choice between 21 BxR or P-K6 with

. •
molten center Pawns. The text cuts off the Knight's

• 1118
retreat; Black wants to take the Knight under safer
conditions.

a at •
• [] •AB t
i • •t• •1•••1 •t •t
17 NPxP
'lb � ' •.DfJ'J.11•.
The only proper recapture. Not 17 QPxP, N-Q2 • II •A• t
i!Jwl.I,.
and the KP falls.

17 . . . Q-R4!?
Provoking White's next move. Perhaps Black
should take advantage of the lull to develop his
Knight with 17 . . . N-Q2 18 Q-R4, Q-82 19
PxP KPxP and if 20 BxP!? PxB 21 NxP, Q-Ql (not
21 . . . NxBP 22 Q-B4!) it is not clear how White
makes headway, since Black always threatens to
return the piece with . . . NxBP (or NxKP).
A sharp move. Fischer rejects the conservative
17 . . . N-Q2 and 18 . . . Q-82.
228
19 B-R5!?
An unexpected stroke after 1 1 minutes on the
clock, but it doesn't quite work. White has many
temping continuations and only intensive analysis
will reveal whether or not there is a forced win.
Unclear is 19 P-KR4 and 19 K-Rl, simply leav·
ing the Knight in the lurch. Also possible is 19
Q-Q3. KPxN {not 19 . . . R-Ql 20 8-RSI
KPxN 21 BxPch, K-Rl 22 PxP., PxP 23 BxPI
RxB? 24 R-BB mate) 20 PxP, N-Q2 (anything
else looks dangerous) 21 PxP, NxKP 22 PxN,
QxPch 23 K-Rl, QxKP 24 8-QS (24 . . . QR­
Ql 25 QR-Ql) with a passed Pawn and chances
for initiative despite the opposite colored Bishops.
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
 21 . .. Q-Q7
With utter sang froid Bobby ignores the Rook
and compels an exchange of Queens. Small wonder.
He rejects 2 1 . . . KxR 22 Q-R5ch out of hand.
The peril is also too great after 21 . . . B-K6ch
22 K-Rl, KxR 23 Q-R5ch, K-K2 24 R-KBl.
The moral: when you see an adequate defense, and
everything else is dangerously unclear, seize it!
Dangerous is 21 . . . Q-Ql 22 Q-R5, N-B3
23 QR-KBl, PxP 24 RxPch! KxR 25 R-B7ch, etc.
This cool maneuver completely kills White's at·
tacking plans as White must acquiese to the ex·
19 . . . BPxN! change of Queens.
This method of capturing provides a square on
QB3 for the Knight.

22 QxQ
20 BxPch Reluctantly after 20 minutes. Boris looked des·
If 20 RxP, N-B3 holds. pendent and angry with himself. Was it the taste
of his black coffee or the position on the board?
Had he let Bobby slip through his fingers again?
Boris pursed his lips, covered his face with his
hands and rubbed his eyes wearily. How can White
strengthen his attack? Not 22 Q-R5? QxQPch 23
K-R2, QxKPch 24 K·Rl, QxRch, etc. Also bad Is
22 Q--K Bl. QxQPch 23 K-Rl, N - 83 A wild
.

stab is 22 R-87!? to take QB3 away from the

Knight, but N-R3 23 R-N7 (if 23 R-86, Q-­
K6ch 24 K-Rl, N-N5 25 RxP, N-Q6!) B­
K6ch 24 K-R l , QxQP is decisive.

20 • • • RxB
On 20 . . . K-Rl 2 1 BxP is too strong.

•• • •••
•.n.••• :t
• t• •
•
•
• • • f!l ft
om•*•�w
,?.
ftll • ll it • 22 . • • BxQ

.·
With the Queens gone Black can breathe a little
eaeier. but the complications are still enormous.
21 RxR

.
Time to take stock. For the moment White has a
Rook and 2 Pawns for Bishop and Knight. Of
course his Rook is en prise, but that is another
matter.

23 QR-KB1
Threatening R
88 mate. Less clear is 23 R-
-

87. N-R3 24 R-86, N-N5 25 RxP, PxP.

229
 Finally the position has clarified. White's R1ooks
are aggressively placed but B/ack's Knight and
Bishop threaten to demolish White's exposed Pawn
center. The ;esulting play is full of thrust and coun·
terthrust, but nonetheless the position simpl'ifies
down to a drawn Rook and Pawn endgame.

•• . ••
• • 1113.fE i
,,

• Ii i
II H
�
25 . . . B-K6ch

•ftlJ• •
Driving the King into a corner and preparing to
capture the QP with the Bishop .
• •
23 . . . N-83!
A triumphal entry after 23 moves! Now the ffook
is freed also.

26 K-Rl
The King is safer here than on R2 where it
would be exposed to checks from the Bi shop.

24 PxP
Also interesting is 24 R-87, B-K6ch 25 K­
Rl, NxQP 26 R/1-87, B-R3 27 PxP, PxP 28
RxRP, R-QBl 29 R/R-87, R-Rl 30 R--R7,
R-QBl, etc.

26 . . . BxP
White's center has finally crumbled, Even though
Black has "only" equality here, the efficacy of
Black's hypermod ern opening stra.tegy has been
proven. The once proud White Pawn center must
scramble for safety.

24 . . . PxP
Black has repu lsed the attack but White still
retains the initiative because of his dangerous
passed KP.

27 P-K6
Creating tactical threats with the Pawn. Weaker
is 27 RxQP? BxKP.

25 R-Q7
Going after the QP. But premature is 25 P--K6,
B-K6ch 26 K-R l, BxP 27 P-K7? 8-83! and
the Rook is trapped. SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE
230
 29 . . . RxP
Black might play for a win by moving his Bishop,
but then he could no longer take the KP.

27 . . . B--K4
To prevent an annoying R-QB7, dislodging the
Knight. For exa.rnple, if 27 . . . R-Kl 28 R-QB7.
RxP? 29 R-QBS mates. 30 R--Q6!
Utilizing the pin on the K-file to win material.
A cute tactical maneuver which has no effect on
the essentially drawish character of the position.

28 RxQP
Nothing fancy like 28 R-Q6!? BxR 29 PxR,
R-Kl.
30 . . . K-82
Inferior is 30 . . . RxR 3 1 PxR, K-82 (31 . . .
BxP? 32 R-K6) 32 R-QBl, N-Ql 33 R-87ch,
K-K3 34 RxRP. If 30 . . . BxR? 3 1 RxR, BxP 32
RxN gives White a winning ending.

28 • • • R�l
Finally catching that pesky KP.

31 RxN!
There's the rub. Black must lose two pieces for
a Rook.

29 R-Kl
Threatening RxB.

31 . . . RxR
Fortunately the Rook lands on a good square.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

231
 34 R-RS
A temporary respite.

32 Rx8
Suddenly White is a Pawn up. But he cannot
maintain it. 34 . . . P-KR3
Guarding the RP.

32 . . . K-83
Torturing the Rook which must stay on the fifth
35 K-R2
rank to guard the extra Pawn.
Finally trying to enter the game.

33 R-QS
35 . . . R-R3
If White's King were centralized he could win,
but it cannot come to the aid of the Rook. But now Black goes after the other Pawn.

33 . . . K-K3 36 P-86
Tickling the Rook again. One of the Pawns must fall anyway, and White
wants to free his Rook.

232
 36 . . . RxBP 39 K-83
A trap is 36 . RxRP? 37 R--Q85! K-Q3 38
. . The King has no future.
P-87! and the Pawn queens.

39 . . . R-B6ch
37 R-R5 Waiting.
It's down to skin and bones.

40 K-82
37 . . . P�3 If 40 K-K4, R-83 4 1 K-Q5, R-K3. White
The text is a little more active than 37 . . . must not wander too far from his K-side Pawns
R-82 but anything draws. with his King, else there is a danger Black will
penetrate there with his Rook, giving up his QRP
in return tor the KNP and KRP.

38 K-N3

40 . . . R-B7ch
After 41 K-N l , R-83 neither side can make
headway.

38 . . . K-83
Waiting.

DRAW

Times: Not recorded.

Score: Spassky 8-Fischer 1 1 .
Needed to Win: Spassky 4, Fischer 11 /2•
233
 ........�.
GAME TWENTY Et. t
Fischer, in a plum suit and canary yellow shirt,
came on stage 3 minutes late. Boris Spassky, in
•
a mood to risk everything in a desperate attempt
to win, used the Sicilian Defense. •
Bobby, who has used the Sicilian 4 times, lhas
taken quite a pounding with it-losing one and
drawing 3. Once more Bobby chose the Richter·
Rauzer attack on move 6 , varying from game 18
on move 10, proving that he Is constantly Inventive. 2 N-K83
It promised to be a keen fight when both ki1ngs This move is automatic in master play. One is
castled on opposite wings. This hope proved abor­ tempted to wonder if that will be the case by the
tive, however, when Black embarked on a freeing end of the century.
combination, in which the queens and sev��ral
minor pieces were swapped quickly. Bobby es­ ._.
l,...,
•,,,.
.A ,.,... ,...
....,. B
,..,
..,,.. :e,.. tl"' , -
""""
....
. ... ft'!'t·
�-
chewed complications. for the first time cle:3rly
t ilt . t .t
• • . .
content to play for a draw with White. He is so

• .
close to the title he can taste it.
Match sidelights: At the neJ<t session of the Ice·
•
• •
,!
landic Parliament the government is going to au·
thorize exemption from taxation of the prize money
•
ft flbl: fftj 9 it ml
11in the faith that it wlll not be subject to taxa1tlon
in the contestants home countries." Said Paul

�4:JQ�WA•E!-
Marshall, one of Fischer's lawyers, "Everyon€! is
entitled to have faith. It makes no difference! to
us. One way or the other Fischer Is going to be 2 . . . N--QB3
taxed ."
Immediately putting pressure on White's Q4.
Dr. Max Euwe, president of the World Chess
Federation, and a former world champion himself,
said that the federation would have no objection
to Fischer's playing a title match whenever he
wanted, provided he faced the accredited challenger
every three years.

White: Fischer Black: Spassky

Sicilian Defense

1 P--k4
Bobby switched back to this move exchlsively
on game 16.
The old move but not quite with the same old
zing. Bobby hasn't won with White since game 10.
3 P-Q4
Now if Bobby wants to play footsies with 3 N-
83 (as in game 18) N-Q5!? 4 NxN, PxN 5 N-K2,
P-K4 makes it a whole new ball game. Of course
no such drastic action is req uired and Black can

t• .t • t • .t also continue normally with 3 N-83, P-Q3 (or

3 . . . P-KN3 going Into a Dragon Variation).
• • • •
· • ·
• · ft · ·
• • •
ft il ft ll ll ft B
n�U&;AIJS
1 . . , P-QB4
Boris's third Sicilian. He certainly had no reiason
to complain about the positions he got in games 4
and 18.
3 ... PxP
In general an exchange gains time because after
the inevitable recapture, another piece can be de·
veloped In the hiatus.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

234
 4 NxP
No gambits! 4 P-QB3!? PxP 5 NxP leads to the
infamous Smith-Morra Gambit, wild stuff. But with
a three point lead Bobby is in no mood to ;eopar­
dize the title by mixing it up.
6 B-KN5
Again the Richter-Rauzer Attack. A quieter ap­
proach is 6 B-K2, delaying the battle until the
middle game. It is noteworthy that Bobby refrains
from 6 �84. the Sozin Variation, a weapon he
has been sharpening ever since his childhood. Per·
haps he does not want to repeat his unpleasant
experience in game 4. After that game, if you re­
member, he switched to 1 P-QB4 in games 6 and
8, and then again in 12 and 14.
Has Spassky really found the complete answer
to 6 8-QB4? Only time will tell.

••.t.--• .
flt ill i t

4 .. N--83
•:a[j,:a.
� · ·
•

ftDftlJ UftB�
The counterattack against the KP restricts
White's options. Too passive is 4 . . . P-Q3 5
P-QB4! N-B3 6 N-QB3 and White has set up
the Maroczy Bind, with a sway in the center. 131 ·fi
6 ... P-K3
Repeating the same line as game 18 is a tacit
recognition that Black was happy with the position
he got. The onus is on White to show an improve­
ment.

.._._... .
il i lil lit lit
.'i.:1: 111 •
8 II 11 a
• EftlJ
ft&ft••Hftll
fl E II
5 N-QB3
A mistake is 5 NxN, NPxN 6 P-K5? Q-R4ch!
7 N-83, QxPch winning a Pawn.
JE:I fl'it&!JAllS
7 Q-Q2
The quieter 7 B-K2, B-K2 8 0--0 holds less
hope for an advantage. By striking quickly In the
canter White puts the greatest pressure on the
Sicilian. Once Black consolidates, he has ample
counterplay on the Q-side.

5 . . •
P--Q3
Now the exchange of Knights followed by P-K5
has become a threat, so Black promptly stops it.
Also playable is 5 ; . . P-K3, and if 6 NxN, NPxN
7 P-K5, N-Q4.
Spassky's Sicilian has so far held up against
Fischer's 1 P-K4.
235
 7 . . . P�R3
For an explanation of why this move is necessary
see game 18.

8 0--0--0
The die is cast. It would be inconsistent to play
8 e-.K2 and 0--0, because the Queen is not
necessarily on its best post. Chess has its own inner
harmony. 8 NxN, PxN merely solidifies Black's
center and gives him counterplay on the open QN·
file.
10 B-K2
Varying from 10 N-B3 in game 18. Bobby's
strategy throughout this match has been not to
play exactly the same line twice, a departure from
his usual rigidity. His broadening of repertoire is
delightful and enriches opening theory. This move
is attributed to the German grandmaster Klaus
Darga, who played it in 1964. The idea Is to post
the Bishop on KB3.
Again Fischer varies before Spassky can. Another
playable continuation is 10 P-BS to pressure
Black's KP.

8 . .. �2
Ready for 9 NxN, BxN! I n many lines this Bishop
is headed for QB3 to bear down on the KP. 10 . . . 0--0
After thinking for over 10 minutes, Boris decides
that his King will be safe enough. Both Kings
castled on opposite wings generally holds promise
of a keen battle.

9 P-84
Consistent, intending P-K5 or P-B5 at the
proper moment. Note that White refrains from
developing his KB because the best place for it has
not yet bee11 ascertained. 11 8-83
Bad is 1 1 BxN, BxB 12 NxN BxN 13 QxP, BxN
and Black wins the KP. Worth considering, how·
ever, is 1 1 N-83 threatening BxN.

9 . . . B-K2
"I wish they wouldn't move so fast," moaned a
grandmaster, trying to write down the score. Per·
haps by their unseemly haste Bobby and Boris are
trying �o tell each other something. .
236
 11 . . . P-R3
After thinking 27 minutes, Boris puts the ques­
tion to the Bishop. By weakening his K-side, he is
virtually committed to the simplifying combination
on move 12, otherwise White might use the move
. . . P-KR3 to help him open a file for attack by
a later P-KN4-N5. A better way of playing for
a win is 1 1 . . . R-81.

13 • • • NxQ
Forced. 13 . . . QxB 14 NxN wins a piece for
White.

12 B-R4
Inferior is 12 BxN, BxB 13 NxN, BxN 14 QxP,
· BxN 15 PxB (if 1 5 QxQ, BxPch regains the Pawn)
Q-R4. White's extra Pawn is doubled and mean­
ingless, and his King i s exposed. A wild try is 1 2
P-KR4!?

14 BxQ
White must stop everything else and regain his
Queen.

12 . . . NxP!
This leads to an even ending, which is a suffi·
cient reason for shelving White's particular mode
of attack. But Bobby is not concerned about theory.
This is the first game in the match where he is 14 . • . NxB(6)
clearly relaxing with White, content to draw and A Zwischenzug which regains the piece. With
inch closer to the title. Dangerous now is 1 2 . . . White's Bishop on K2, for example, the freeing
R-81 1 3 8-82 followed by P-KN4 and P­ combination would not have been possible, because
KR4, etc. Black's Pawn on KR3 compromises his the Knight on Q7 is doomed. But not 14 . . . NxN?
K-side. It is much more difficult for Whrte to open 1 5 BxP, QRxB 1 6 RxN, etc.
lines there with the 3 Pawns intact on KB2. KN2,
KR2.

1 5 NxN/3
Much weaker is 15 NxN/6, BxN 16 B-K7,
13 BxB KR-Kl 1 7 BxP, N-R5 with pressure against the
Also without sting is 13 N(3)xN, BxB 14 NxQP, KNP.
Q-82. Or 13 BxN, BxB 14 NxN, BxN 1 5 BxB,
PxB 16 QxP, Q-N3 with dangerous counterplay
along the QN-file.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

237
 17 . • • K-K2
Defending the Bishop, Note that the absence of
Queens and two minor pieces makes it .safe for
Black's King to stray freely to the center.

15 . . . KRxB
This method of recapturing allows the King to
come rapidly to the center via B l and K2.

18 N-QR4
Threatening 1 9 RxBch, RxR 20 RxRch, KxR 21
N-N6ch and 22 NxR.

16 RxP
White finally wins his Pawn back, but any chance
for an initiative has obviously gone askew.

18 . . . B-Kl
The Bishop retreats temporarily to ease the
pressure.

16 . . . K-Bl
If anything, Black's pieces are slightly more
active. But one can descry a draw taking shape
already.

19 kxR
There is nothing better. The Rook is attacked
twice.

17 KR-Ql
White's "control" ot the Q·file is illusory.

SEE. DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE ·

238
 20 N-85 22 R-N3
Bobby is a sly one. He knows very well that 20 Attacking the NP.
RxR, NxR 21 N-83, B-83 22 N--K l should
be drawn. He also knows that Boris needs to win,
Md that without Rooks on the board Black's win­
nif\I chances are diminished. So he gives Black an
opportunity to avoid the swap---hut only at a cost
Of abandoning the Q-file. Thus Bobby wants to
tempt Boris to overreach himself and play tor a
win!

22 . . . P--QN4
Another courageous attempt to play for the win.
Black realizes that he weakens the Pawns by ad·
vancing them, but he wants to avoid a forced draw
after 22 . . . P-QN3 23 N-R6 (weaker is 23
N-R4., P-.QN4) R-N2 24 N-85! R-Nl 25
N-R6, etc.

20 . . . R---QNl
Boris accepts a disadvantage in order to keep
his winning chances alive! He can also d100Se 20
xRch 21 KxR, N-Ql with a s.lilhtfy more
. . . R
comfortable ending for Black, but the r9duc:ed
forces also reduce the chances to win.

23 P-..QR3
Restniining the Pawns and preventing Black
from getting his Knight to a better $quare via . . •

QNS and Q4.

21 R-Q3
The Rook can m�neuver better on the third rank.
where It ha$ access to QN3.

23 . • . P--RS
A drastic deci�ion. Fixing the Pawns on white
aquares limlts the scope of the Bishop. But Black
ha$ a dilemrtia: In order to free his Rook, he must
21 , . •
p.QIN drive the Rook away from N3. If 23 . . . K-Q3 24
The Pawns are safer on Black; •lso, Of' black N-K4ch; Or on 23 . . . P-S3 24 R-K3 with
squares they don't obstruct the Bishop's mobility. dangerous threats alone the K·flle.
239
 24 R-83 26 R-B5
R-Q3 or R-K3 are also good alternatives, Attacking the NP.
but on the QB file the Rook can reach QB5 to hilt
the QNP.

24 . . . R-Ql
Grabbing the open file and preventing Whit1e
from improving the position of his King with K--Q��
and K-K3. But not 24 . . . P-N5 25 R-84 arnj
Black's QRP is enfeebled.
26 . . . R-Nl
Boris defends with great care. He still does not
want to trade Rooks with 26 . . . R--Q4 27 RxR,
PxR because the danger exists that he will end \Jp
with a bad Bishop against a good Knight.

27 R-83
After 27 K-Q2, K-Q3 the Rook must retreat
25 N---03 sooner or later, due to the threat of . . . B-N3 and
To provide shelter for K--Q2 and K-K3. J!1t . . . BxN. He also rejects 27 N-N4, K-Q3 28
this moment the White Knights are more active R-83, NxN 29 PxN, B-83, freeing the B•shop.
than the Knight and Bishop.

27 • • • P-N4
25 . . . P-83 Counterplay at last. Blac.k's 2 Q·side Pawns tem­
Weakening the KP but providing an exit for the porarily hold the 3 Pawns at bay, so he tries to
Bishop on the K-side. Black also prepares counter· create a passed Pawn on the K-side with 4 against
play with . . . P-N4. 3.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

240
 28 P-KN3 30 N-K4ch
Freeing the Knight from its guard of the KBP. Inviting 30
. . K-Q4? 31 NxBPch, deftly win·
.

After 28 PxP, RPxP Black's K-side Pawn majo�� nin& a Pawn under duress.
would be a little more viable, also the newly opened
KR-file would beckon to Black's Rook.
Not so good is 28 PxP as White needs to �;..,
his Pawn on KB4 to control the important KS
square and restrain B/ack's potentially passed KP'.

30 . . . K-K2
Walking into a pin with 30 . . . K-82? 3 1 N­
Q4 is unpleasant.

28 . . . K--Q3
To free the Bishop. Another way is with 28 . . .
R-N3.

31 N-Kl
Looking for a future on Q3.

29 N-85
Penetrating on the hole and threatening to driYE!
the King back with N-K4ch.

31 . . . R-Ql!
Again Boris stops the King from coming out to
Q2 and K3.

29 . .. P-KNS!?
Another drastic, irrevocable decision, to restrict:
White's initiative. Unclear is 29 . . . B-N3 30!
NxKP!? P-QN5 (30 . . . KxN 3 1 RxNch) 3 1
RPxP, NxP with the dual threat of KxN and N-·
R7ch.
�1
 32 N-Q3
Seeking greater activity.

32 . . . R-Q5 35 R-83
No better is 32 . . . N-QS 33 R-B7ch, R­ There i s no particular reason for avoiding 35
Q2 34 R-85. RxR, PxR 36 N-N4, NxN 37 PxN, B-N3 38
K-Q2, P--G5 with an easy draw. The ending that
White actually gets later is much more difficult for
him to hold.

33 N/4--82
Attacking the NP.

35 . . . N-QS
Suddenly there are nasty threats: immediately
. . . N-K7ch, later . . . N-KB6, threatening to
pick off the KRP.

33 . . . P-R4
Which Black defends without further ado.

36 R-B7ch
White is drifting into a passive ending.

34 R-85
Attacking the QNP. An alternative is 34 K-Q2.

36 . . . R--Q2
An all-out attempt to win is 36 . . . K-Q l 37
R-QR7, N-86. 38 P-R3. but it is not clear
how Black makes progress.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

242
 37 RxRch 39 PxP
At long last the Rooks go off. White has nothing to gain by refusing to ex·
change.

37 • . • BxR
Black has the more aggressive position. He 39 . . • PxP
intends . . . N-86. Black's control of the center grves him a little
pull. White's Knights are not working so har·
During the last few moves Blacl<'s position has moniously.
assumed a more aggressive character, but basically
the game is still a draw.

38 N-Kl
Passive defense. Not 38 P-R3? PxP 39 NxP,
N-K7ch followed by NxNP.
. . •

, rt �

�
Btm.
rJ E
40 • • • B-84
Finally bringing the Bishop out. Time: White:
38 . . . 2:10 Black: 2:20.
Creating a passed KP. Tying White down to defense of his QBP. White
must never move the QBP as that would weaken
his QN3 and allow a possible penetration by Black's
King via, say, . . . QB4, . . . QB5, . . . QN6, not to
mention possible penetration by the Knight or
Bis.hop.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN SEE DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE

243
 43 K-Q3
Blocking the advance of the KP.

41 N-Ql
This Knight maintains a blockade on the dark
squares, notably K3, to prevent Stack's KP from 43 . . . B-82
becoming too far advanced. Temporizing. There is no other way Black can
strengthen his position. His pieces have reached
their maximum. Boris must have stayed up all
night analyzing the game with his second, grand·
master Efim Geller. Geller sat in the corridor watch·
ing the game on a closed-circuit TV set. His head
dropped and his eye sockets were hollow.

41 . . . K--Q3
The sealed move. The King must come to the
aid of the minor pieces to retain any winning­
chances.

44 K-83
Come and get me.

42 N-K3
A more active outpost.

44 . . . K-83
"What's he trying, the old Chinese water tor·
ture?" Robert Byrne asked me in the press room.
Actually Boris is trying to squeeze something out
of nothing. He rejects 44 . . . N-B6 45 NxN, PxN
46 K-Q2, B-85 47 K-Kl and the King gets
back in time to stop the Pawn.

42 . . . B-K3
Now Black wants to play . . . P-KS and N­
B6ch.

45 K-Q3
White is reduced to passildty and can only mark
time. He does not want to weaken himself by push·
ing any Pawns.
244
 Fischer's pieces must remain passive to prevent
Black's more aggressive pieces from penetrating.
Still, the position is a draw as Black has no way
to break down the door.

•
•••.
••• ••.
.. .._.

t •ill•�. •IIi .t
.·

• • 47 . . . B-H3ch

E .
Driving the King back even further.

45 . . . K-84
Another try is 45 . . . B--H3ch -i6 K�.
K-84.

48 K-83
Accurate. This hinders . . . P-K5 by keeping
pressure on the Knight.

46 K-K4
The most active defense, threatening KxP.

48 . . . K-84
Once more Black is getting ready for . . . P-KS.

46 • • • K--QJ
Now the threat of . . . B-H3ch is slidrtfy
devastating.

• • •
• · �·
• ••
• .t• • .t
t •.·�i. 49 N--Q3ch

Bftll�. " Get thee gone, Mortimer!

B E
47 K-Q3
So White beats a hasty retreat. Double-edged is
47 N-85ch, NxN 48 KxN, K-Q4. Bobby does
not want to make waves by giving Black any win­
ning chances.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

245
 49 . . . K--Q3
Mortimer goes. 49 . . . BxN 50 KxB, N-86 51
N-81 holds easily.

52 N-Q3ch
This was reached at move 49.

50 N-Kl
White is content to settle peacefully.

52 . . . K-Q3
And so was this.

50 . . . K-83
Black still has some pressure and does not
oblige by drawing by repetition: 50 . . . K-84 51
N---Q3ch, etc.

53 N-Kl
This snapshot was taken on move 50.

51 K-Q2
Giving a little ground. On 5 1 N---Q3, N-86 is
unpleasant.

·
53 . . . N-K3
A vain attempt to improve the position of the
Knight, perhaps at KN4 or QB4.

51 • • . K-84
What's he waiting for? The only real winning try
is 51 . . . P-K5! There is certainly a lot of play
left after 52 K-83, K-84 53 P-N4ch, PxP e.p.
54 PxP, N-86 55 NxN, KPxN. Passive defense
with 52 N-B 1 , N-B6ch 53 K---Q 1 ! 8-82 54
N-N2, B-85 55 N/2-K3 may hold. But Black
must at least try 51 . . . P-K5 to exhaust all his
winning chances.
246
 54 K-83 and Spassky and Petrosian in 1966 drew
If Black gets too frisky, the King may go to QN4. straight games before a decisive result.

54 . . . " Q5
Black does not care to try anything fwther,
acquiescing to the draw. The adjourned session
took a total of an hour and a hatf. This seAS1tf1
consecutive draw is a record in modem --1d
championships. Botvinnik and PebosiMl in 1963
Times: Spassky 3 hrs. 24 min., Fischer 3 h
11 min.
Score: Spassky 8112-Fischer 1 1 1/2 .
Needed to Win:· Spassky 3 1/2 , Fischer 1 .

TO FOREIGN JOURNALISTS

from the Ministry of Finance.

A study fT\ade on behalf of the Ministry of Finance has revealed that the prize
money to be awarded in the World Chess Championship Match between Boris Spass·
ky and Robert Fischer is subiect tD ICJlietiillent income tax and local income tax.

In view of the special nature of this prize money, the Government has decided to
secure a special legislation cturw. the next session of the Icelandic Par'liament to
authorize exemption from tullf:ian of the prize money.

The local authorities concerned haw for their part agreed to this decision.

The decision not to levy tu an the prize money . is being made in the faith that
it will not be subject to taxation in the contestants' home countries.

The total sum of taxes thus emmpted in Iceland, are, as regards the winner, of
the amount Icelandic Kronur 2.513.000,00 and that of the other contestant Icelandic
Kronur 1.503.000,00.

Reykjavik, August 29, 1972.

TO JOURNALISTS
FROM
ICELANDIC CHESS FEDERATION

Reykjavik, August 3 l st, 1972

On the second day after the Wor1d Chess Championship Match is finished a con·
eluding banquet will be held in the laugardalsholl. This banquet starts with dinner
and then the final ceremony will take place. After the ceremony there will be dance.
Tickets for the banquet are sold in the souvenir shop in Laugardalsholl and each
ticket costs 2000 Icelandic kronur or $22.

The dinners menu consists of Wild lcefandic Mountain Lamb, grilled in old viklng
style, barbecued Suckling Pig, served with mixed vegetables, potatoes and viking
sauce. With this will be served '"Viking blood" cooled with ice from Vatnajokull.

247
 2 N-KB3

GAME Sticking with a good thing.

TWENTY-ONE ••..t.••·�­
iSt
This last game, played before a capacity crowd
• •
• �11m4JB
. . 1Q.
of 3,000, was a titanic tussle that swayed back
_
and forth. For the 4th time in the match, Bobby
resorted to the Sicilian Defense, choosing a varia·
tion he has never played before-the Paulsen­
11 11 .
and a second move (2 . . . P-K3) he has never
played before either. ft 9 ft fm B ft fil
On move 8, Bobby surprised the experts by
accepting an isolated pawn, an unusual move be·
�4Jl1.'i6'Wllll .§
2 . .. P-K3!
cause such a pawn must be defended by heavy
pieces rather than a pawn on either tile next to The first time Fischer has ever played this on
it. As compensation, however, Bobby obtained good his second move. This system has characteristics
play for his pieces on the central squares. of the French Defense except White cannot play
P--Q4 with impunity anymore, as Btack's QBP is
On move 10, Boris surprisingly exchanged
ready to swap it off immediately.
knights, allowing Bobby to repair his weakness
and reinforce his weak pawns. By move 15 the Still another surprise from Fischer.
queens were off. In a fascinating endgame Fischer's
king-side pawns were demolished but he had two
bishops and fluid center pawns.
Ending the most significant chess match in
history, the enigmatic and brilliant Bobby Fischer
became the first American World Champion of
modern times, when Russia's Boris Spassky, who
had won the title in 1969, telephoned his resigna·
tion In the 21st game of their $250,000 match.
Many in the crowd ei<pressed disappointment at
Spassky's failure to show up and congratulate
Fischer. Euwe said he thought the former champion
"was a little bitter" about the controversy sur­
3 P-Q4
rounding the match.
Compare with 1 P-K4, P-K3 2 P-Q4, P­
QB4 when White has the option of 3 P-Q5 (in­
White: Spassky Black: Fischer
stead of 3 N-KB3 transposing back into the
Sicilian Defense text).

1 P-K4
Boris switched to this exclusively in game 1 1
when it became apparent that Bobby's Najdorf
Sicilian was not so invincible after all.

1 P--Q84
Bobby has tried the Alekhine and Pirc, but now
returns to his old standby.
3 PxP
Easing the pressure. Premature is 3 . . . P-Q4
4 PxQP, KPxP 5 B-N5ch and Black lags in de·
velopment without much compensation for his
isolated QP. Compare with 1 P-K4, P-K3 2
P-Q4, P-Q4 3 N-Q2 (Tarrasch Variation of
the French) P-QB4 4 PxQP, KPxP where White's
QN is somewhat misplaced.

248
 4 NxP 6 B-K3
4 QXP? N-QB3 costs White a tempo. Reinforcing Q4, to prepare B--Q3; the immed·
iate 6 8--Q3 is a blunder after 6 . . . NxN. More
customary is 6 P-KN3.

4 ... P--QR3
This order of moves stops 4 . . . N--QB3 5
�5 (aiming at Black's weakened Q3 square).
Fischer has adopted the same line Petros4an
used (unsuccessfully) in their Finals Match. 1971,
in Buenos Aires.
N-83
Black's order of moves qualifies this as the
Paulsen Variation. More fashionable is 6 . . .
<r-82, the Taimanov Variation, but Bobby is
deliberately trying to frustrate Spassky's favorite
attacking setup with White.

........ .
• . im �� ,.._� 1
d£.iiRi•m
1
..e�� .£'"' ,�
�
.��-�T��•
Wf.ij �"r.:s.f�
..
• -
.ft L ft . �
�'!ff?J $/t���
f$f

5 N-QB3
� -��Jt .�
7 B-Q3
White gets no clearcut advantage after 5 P-QB
4, N-KB3 6 N-QB3 (6 P-KS? Q--R4ch) B­ Now 7 NxN, NPxN 8 P-K5, N-Q4 cannot be
N5. met by the usual 9 N-K4 because of NxB, 10
PxN, <r-R4ch winning the KP.
Against Petrosian, Buenos Aires 1971, Fischer
played 5 B-Q3 and won with a briHiant perlonn­
ance of endgame technique. Spasslcy plays differ·
entfy, obviously expecting an improvement on Pet·
rosian's play in th at game.

•M..tll••t.•
• t • t • t • :l
t • • 1•
Ii � ,_. II •
��· . E .ft B
..

d [1 R • 7 .. . P-Q4

ft 0. ft 8 � ft ft Thanks to his careful order of moves, Black can

·a
· ��A•!!
play this without having lost a tempo by P-Q3
� first. As a rule the second player equalizes easily
when he can make this advance safely.
5 . .. N-QB3
Now 5 . . . N-KB3 is a mistake because of
KB..Hltl>B ..J
• 1 � 1t tm 1
,
P-K5.

1 •�·11-111 • "
� t� m
���rll�
��E! it'll�.
D. 'tJAU m
11 8 .ft 11 O ft B.
r� .. . %
t::.1� �t
�g
� �� !.gt 'd
e i� t::1
....
.

8 PxP
If 8 NxN, PxN 9 PxP (9 P-K5, N-Q2 gives
Black a strong center and a target pawn on �<5)
249
 BPxP 10 0-0, B-Q3 {10 . . . P-QS? 1 1 BxQP, reinforce his isolani. A better try tor an advantage
QxB?? 12 B-N5ch, PxB 13 QxQ wins) is favorable Is 10 P-KR3.
for Black because of his strong Pawn cent1er.
alUJIH •
•1•
l·�· . .
• 1 11 1
•••,••••
B E�D •
ftmt.ft•
§ ·�·g;;
Rftll
10 • . • PxN
8 ... PxP Time: White: 0:50 Black 0:17 Black has eli mi·
Accepting an isolated QP-but White's pieces nated his only weakness and h as obtained counter·
are posted awkwardly. H is Bishop, for example, is play along the QN·file.
· more eff�ctive on K2 now. If i nstead 8 . . . NxP 9
NxQN, PxN 10 B-Q4! gives White chances for an
•••.D •• II
• • t•t
, ,,••••
initiative.
Fischer's 7 . . . P-Q4!? has been played before
but now he diverges from the book fine B . . . NxP.

.•JJ.a••
i ll ft. llftll
g •*•�;;
1 1 B-Q4
It is hard to find a constructive plan for Wh ite.
1 1 Q-83? B-KN5 wins the Queen. And 1 1 P-
-
KR3 looks tame.
White has tried to reposition his Bishop to secure
better activity. However, Black's potentially mobile
9 0-0 Pawns on . . . Q83 and . . . Q4 bode danger for
White has a minimal edge beca use of his lead White's exposed Bishops.
in development.

am.tJ••• •
�
mi ll i tl £
i • -

II � fl�R
ii E�U Iii
ft�ftfl llftB
l§t ll�lf§� 11 . . . 0--0
9 . . . B-Q3 Chances are roughly equal. Note th_at Black
More active than 9 . . . B-K2 and setting a completes his development before trying any shen·
slight trap. Not 10 N-85? BxN 1 1 BxB, P-Q5! anigans, such as 1 1 . . . P-84.
1 2 BxP, NxB 13 QxN, BxPch 14 KxB, QxQ, etc.
Now Black threatens 10 . . . N-KNS.
• • •r-1
,.,,. .••
•
•ftBt• D .-
E.Q.11 •
•
D lltt•§'5
llftll -

12 Q-83
Bringing more pieces to bear on the K· side.
10 NxN Strangely enough, this position resembles the
A rather surprising choice which allows Bllack to Scotch Game. Compare with 1 P-K4, P-K4 2
250
N-KB3, N--QB3 3 P-Q4, PxP 4 NxP, N-83 5
N-QB3, B-N 5 6 NxN, NPxN 7 B-Q3, P--Q4,
8 PxP, PxP 9 0-0, 0-0 10 B-KN5, P-83 1 1
�83, B--Q3.

..
-��
-
. ...�..
....

•.
-
.... ...
,., .

,
•
. -. i . •
•
.
• a • •
, E.il�'i!f· 14 BxN
tB:tt• iD Wrong is 14 8-KS, BxB 15 RxB, �Nl! win·

D ··-. �m ning the QNP.

.
1"'!'ll!
. � .
--�-=-=·
- =-·
• II • i i
12 . . . B-K3
Black does not
Pawns because he
mistake is 12 .
fear the doubling of his KB
has faith in his two Bishops. A
. B-KNS? 13 BxN winning a
t•••t•
•.t.D·•
.

piece, e.g. 13 . .
PxB.
. BxQ 14 BxQ, R(either)xB 15
. ··
The tempting sortie 12 . . . N-N5 is now poorly
motivated. For example, after 12 . . . N-N5 13
P-KR3, N-R7? (no better is 13 . . Q-R5
.

because of 14 KR-K l, giving the King an escape

t11i'hf11
route via KBl and K2 and forcing B/ack's Knight 14 . . . QxB
to retreat) 14 Q-R5, P-N3 15 Q-R6 (again a 14 . . . PxB? destroys the K·side without a ny
mate threat) and Black is in sad shape. compensation and is refuted by Q·R5.

•• . ...

•
d..•,
'l.'l•t• • • •i i
t••, .. ·�·
•
• Et.I.
.
• .•
�·*·
.
.

,.., "',.
13 KR-Kl
!Rt• . lltB
15 QxQ
White is in no rush to enter an endgame. First
Not 15 �RS, P-N3 16 NxP? � 1 winning
he improves the position of his Rook by seizing the the Knight (17 Q-83, BxN and if 18 QxB, BxPch).
op�n file.
•• . ...
•
, .B-i
•
:·:t:·:·
iBt• ll :it B
15 . . . PxQ
13 . . . P--84 Black has compensation for his doubled Pawns
Black has reached his maximum. Since a n end· in the two Bishops and a fluid Pawn center.
game is inevitable, he wants to avoid deploying his
Rooks until he knows the best squares for them. •• . ...
• • •i•i
..••,....•••.
• EA• •
i H t • llill
SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN
 16 QR-Ql 1 8 P-QN3
Aiming at the weak QP. 18 N-R4 is also playable, but the text is neces·
sary sooner or later.
With 16 QR-Ql White is threatening to take
advantage of Blac;k's unprotected KB to play 17
B-K4 (or even 1 7 B-84) as . . . PxB, QRxB
allows White to invade on the Q-file with pressure
against B/ack's weak Pawns.

•• •
• • •t•t•
•t••11.1.•
t• •
• • • •
• Ep . • .
it Ii i
18 . P�BS
Iii B
.

Threatening . . . B-QN5 and also defending the

• •an ii
QRP.

16 . . . . KR--Ql
Now we see why Black abstained from KR-K 1
earlier. He reinforces his QP instead and stops 17
B-K4 as after 17 . . . PxB, Black's KB is pro­
tected . Time: White 1 : 1 5 Black: 0:45.

•• • •••
••• • t•t
'.•:. • P. : 19 NxP!?
After thinking for six minutes, Boris decides to
. ll
E.il • sacrifice the Exchange. It's risky but his best win·
illt• Bill ning chance, considering that draws do him no
good at this stage of the match .

A tempti".'g sacrifice of the Exchange as White

. 17 B-K2 .
obtams a Bishop and two connected pass·ed Pawns
The thre at is B-83. White is trying to forc1e
on the Q·side. Nevertheless Fischer demonstrates
. . . P-Q5 so that he can set up a blockade 01n
that Black actually has the edge in this endgame.
the white squares after N-K4.

•• . ... • • •••
,•••'lJ., . • • •t•t
• •
• •1• • ' .!ri.
•
··E llr£.
• _,,•••••
tBftlG.Bftll ftmfttuBtt&
� .§
19 • • . BxN
17 . . • QR-Nl
Inaccurate is 19 . . . PxP 20 NxPch, K-N2 21
To force a Q-side weakness. The QP is indirectllf N-R5ch fol lowed by BPxP.
protected: 18 NxP, BxN 19 RxB, BxPch 20 KxB,
RxR, etc.

20 RxB
White reckons that he cannot lose this endgame.
252
 22 . ..
Grabbing the seventh rank.
R--Q7

•
••t•• • t
•••
• • • •
• t
• • •
•-'l• II •
. .
20 .. BxPch
. . PxP 2 1 RPxP, BxPch 22 KxB, RxR 23
If 20
'li'fa8e'I�
BxP, R-Q7 24 R-K2 holds. 23 BxP
Weaker is 23 R-K7, RxQBP 24 RxP? RxB 25
PxR, KxR.

•
.••. • ••
A• • •
,
• • •
• • • •
a .ft ll II ll
t•.ftll II.ft�
fl II � II
..
21 KxB
Spassky of course saw that now his Rook falls.
He is counting on his preponderance in Pawns. 23 . RxQBP
Not 23 . . . RxKBP 24 B-Q3 with 3 connected
••••
•t ••• • •t•t•
passed Pawns on the Q-slde.

• -�· II
Bt• m •
• .ft • • . •
ft• ft fJAB ft&;
21 .
.. RxR
Black is an Exchange ahead but his Pawn struc­
24 R-K2

• • •n
ture is abominable.
The only way to avoid losing another Pawn.

.t •.•.• ;� •
••t• •••- ••.
•t• • •
.ft• .ft •All .ft;;
22 BxP
White has a Pawn for the ox. 24 . . . RxR
Black's winning chances are better with one
Rook off. Otherwise White's Rook could aid in
mobilizing the 2 passed Q·side Pawns.

SEE DIAGRA� NEXT PAGE

253
 27 B-84
A powerful post where the Bishop also observes
the KBP should Black's King wander.

25 BxR
White is not in such bad shape. In effect, he
has a Bishop and two Pawns for the Exchange. His
2 K-side Pawns hold the 3 Black ones at bay.

27 . • • R-R7!
Stymying the Pawns from advancing. Not 27 . . .
RxP? 28 P-R5, R-R7 29 P-R6, K-81 30 P
.
-N4, R-RS 31 P-N5! �xa 32 P-N6 and one
of the Pawns must queen.

25 • • • R--Ql!
Threatening R�7.

28 K-N3
Centralizing the King.

26 P-R4!
The only hope is to get these Pawns moving as
quickly as possible.

�
� .
.. .
- - �
- �.
� �-"�.- 28 . . . K-81
ft ·� • • • So does Black.

M ft m B. m
• RAH ft�
- . . .
26 . . . R--Q7
To get the Rook behind the passed Pawns.

29 K-83
White is looking for some way to bring his King
to the Q-side to advance his two passed Pawns.
Failing that, he just sits in the center and waits.
The game should be drawn.
254
 31 .. P-83
• • •t t
.

Now the King is free to invade on the weakened

• •••
dark squares.

•
'·.il· • ••• . •• t
l#l.rAT•
••• •,•
• .II • • ft •.Q.• • •
•t • �
29 .. •

Black intends to free his Ki ng

k-«2
by P-M to9Iud • •·e •
by P-83.
•• • •
32 B-N8
Attacking the
RP.

30 P-KN4?
Dangerously weakeni ng the KB4 squme. canect
Is 30 P-N3 ..

32 . . • P-R3
Creating a potential menace.

33 K-N3
The King is tied down to stop the RP .

• • • ••
•••••,•
•
31 PxP
Winning a Pawn is no gai n since White's doubled
Pawns are now crippled and Bllldl has • J-9
Ii•
'··
•··
."1)..
RP. But no better is 31 P-N5, P-83 32 �
KxP. 33 • • . K--Q3
The King is a fighting piece.

255
 34 K-83?
More accu rate is 34 P-84, keeping Black's
King out of KB4.

Probably the losing move.

36 . . . K-85
Taking some vital squares away from White's
Ki ng
.

34 . . . R-R8
Increasing the Rook's mobility at no cost. Now
35 K-N3? R-N8ch wins the Bishop.

37 B-Q7
Threatening P-N4, mobilizing White's Q-side
passed Pawns.

35 K-N2
To stop the Rook from cutting the King off on
the KN file and then pushing the RP.

37 • • • R-QN8
Attacking the NP.

35 . . . K-K4
The King is coming to the aid of the RP, so that
it can advance.

38 B-K6
The only defense.

36 B-K6
To hold the BP.

SEE DIAGRAM NEXT COLUMN

256
 38 . . . R-N7 40 . . . P-R4?
Pinning the Pawn. Also strong is 38 . . . K-N5! Creating needless technical ·difficulties. Correct
is ·40 . . . K-N5! to take KR3 away from the
White King.

39 8-84
Not 39 P-R5? R-R7 40 P-N4, R-R5 wrnmng 41 B-Q7?
a Pawn. White is in Zugzwang. He must either move This sealed move was never played on the board
his Bishop or give ground with his King. since Spassky resigned the next day by telephone .

It rnakes things easy for Black. After 41

39 . . .
Now P-R5 was a threat, followed by P-R6
(see note to Black's 27.th).
. . . K.-N5
the winning plan is to force the Bishop to take the
KR1-QR8 or KB1-QR6 diagonal, relinquishing
hold of the KBP. Black would then systematically
advance his KBP and KRP until White is forced to
sacrifice his Bishop. e.g., 42 B-66, P-R5 43
B-B3ch, KxP 44 B-B6. K-N5 45 B-B3ch,
K-85 46 B-86, R-B7 47 B-Q5, R-B6
taking control of K86 and KR6.
A much sturdier defensive try is 41 K-R3!
RxBP (41 . . . K-N4 42 P-B3!) 42 P-R5.
R-R7 R-88! (42 . . . R-QR7 43 P-R6! RxP 44 K­
R4 holds) 43 P-R6, R-R8ch 44 K-N2, R­
QR8 45 B-84, KxP 46 P-N4, K-K4 47 P-N5,
K-Q3 48 P-N6, K-83 49 P-N7, K-B2 where
Black uses his King to blockade the passed Pawns
while his Rook aids the advance of the K-side
Pawns. But there are many problems and it would
have been interesting to see this line tried.

40 8-K6
To hold the BP.

WHITE RESIGNS

Times: Spassky 2 hrs. 36 min., Fischer 2 hrs.

5 min.
Final Score: Spassky 81/2-Fischer 121/2.

FINAL
Fischer sent Spassky a friendly letter and a gift camera as the defeated Soviet
chessmaster prepared to check out of his hotel in Reykjavik, Iceland. For his part,
Spassky got these remarks off his chest: "Fischer is a man of art, but he is a rare
human being in the everyday life of this century. I like Fischer and I think that I under·
stand him."
257
 SPASSKY'S VIEW
(Excerpt from 64)

I am not satisfied with my play. I never before made so many mistakes.

Fischer is number one now because of his high tec:hnique and precision in the opening. In
the opening he knows the best moves. Later in the middle game he seeks an efficient plan. He may
not always find the best move, but he usually finds a good one.
Another quality of Fischer Is his enormous energy output per game. He knows how to fight to
the last Pawn. This puts constant pressure on his opponent. He also senses the mood and physical
condition of his opponent.
He was also better prepared .jn the opening, despite appearances. There is no one equal to him
in that phase of the game. My training was complete and I am satisfied with my physical condition
and opening preparation. My mistake was not playing in enough strong tournaments ln the previous
year.
Fischer's actions during the match did affect me. What I looked forward to as a holiday turned
into 3 nightmare.
My plans are to continue analyzing the match and to improve my chess. I shall try to earn a
rematch in 1975 under FtDE regulations. In the event of a rematch before then, I am ready.
In the first game we were both nervous. Fischer overreached himself by sacrificina a Bishop,
then could not find the draw.
When he forfeited the second game 1t didn't bring me any glory. If he had showed up, the open·
ing would probably have been the same as Game 4.
Before Game 3, I agreed to play i n a cl,osed room without spectators to save the match. I made
r
concessions for the sake of fighting chess. Just as we sat down to lay I was an unwilling witness to
a dialogue between Fischer and the chief referee Lothar Schmid. don't like to recall that unpleas·
ant moment but the Americ<tn Grandmaster allowed himself to be carried away with some disrespectful
language. Listening to that was extremely unpleasant for me. My acceding to Fischer's groundless
demand to play in a closed room was a big psychological mistake. At the end of that unfortunate
game I broke the rule of sealing move 41 and made it on the board. Usually I would seal, and the right
move would have given me a chance to salvage a draw.
In Game 4 l had winning chances In the opening after a mistake by Fischer. It was an exciting
struggle. What I remember specifically i n the beginning was that it was like treading on a fresh path.
I n Game 5 began my feverishness and impul siveness. Maybe this was due to the tension of
waiting for Fischer before the match beg&n.
In Game 6 I must congratulate Fischer. He played superbly, possibly his'best win of the match.
In Game 7 Fischer missed some wins.
In Game 8 I thou$ht "I Discovered America" but I got tired and made a gross blunder. It was
necessary not to hurry in making my decisions, but to concentrate on playing ealm and better chess as
my opponent was doing.
After an easy draw In Game 9, the 10th developed into an Interesting fight. In the end I actually
missed good drawing chances. Trailing by 3 points, I know I would now have to give strenuous battle.
But the loss of Game 10 did not discourage me.
,

In Game 1 1 Fischer played his pet variation, snatching a Pawn with his Queen. I defended myself
with better prospects and that's how I won.
Now started a problem, the third part of the match. After a draw I n Game 12 I wa5 trailing
by 2 points. The crucial 13th was very difficult. I made a big mistake in the opening and had to
sacrifice a Pawn. Fischer gave me a chance to win but I didn't take advantage of it. We adjourned
in a very sharp position. However I thought too long on my sealed move and got into time pressure
again. Fischer thought for an hour on one move. I missed a draw. So at the crltlcal period I was
drowning by 3 points.
Before Game 14 I left the hotel and moved to a beautiful house. My wife also arrived in Reyki·
avlk.
There are some mistakes I cannot explain, such as my blunder in game 14. It didn't matter now
with the score so far against me. In the last part of the match I played better with more inspln.tion
-as one ls supposed to play.
I n the last eight games Fischer was completely relaxed and he relied on his lead. He started to
p lay passively. One thing is for sure: I missed wi nnlnc chances in every game from then on, espec·
1ally In 18 and 20. But I was never able to 5llng that crushing blow which seemed so near. I saw
emptiness In my opponent. But I didn't have the nervous energy left to exploit it.
I think the best and most clear game of the match was 19, an Alekhine's Defense. My spirit
sagged after I missed a winning chance In Game 20. I n Game 2 1 I trie(S to avoid a draw several
times and lost. But It no longer mattered.
Fischer won the match decisively. The first half was good, the second colorless.

258
 11-
!
<et
\

259
 A SOVIET VIEW
By International Master Vasily Panov

(excerpted from 64 )

The struggle Is finished. Far·off Iceland was the arena for the two best chessplayers on the planet
Earth.

The overall score was 121h-8% in favor of the new world champion, Robert Fischer. Even from
the dry statistics it is clear that the struggle, especially in the second half, was stubborn and uncom·
promising. Fischer, after his very impressive victories over Talmanov, Larsen and Petrosian in 1971,
finally met stiff opposition.

Spassky was not in the best sporting form during the first half of this match, committing strategical
errors and tactical oversights; he recovered somewhat in the end. It is said, better late than never;
perhaps better "early" than never would be more appropriate!

Spassky surpassed Fischer in opening preparation. but the American was much more precise and
energetic in the middle game. Spassky's poor showings over the last few years were cwldent in his
play. Since winning the title, he had not participated fn any Soviet Championships; his international
tournaments were infrequent. His last outing in the 1971 Alekhine Memorial was hardly flt for a
world champion: he shared 6th and 7th, losing outright to Petroslan and Korchnoi while giving up a
strtng of short draws.

The title needed to be rehabilitated. Neither armchair preparation nor trainl'ng games can replace
live, strenuous, genuine struggles! They said that if Spassky participated in tournaments he would have
given away his secrets. Rubbish. There were no secrets, as this match showed, and there cannot be
"secrets" between opening connoisseurs. Tactical mastery, however, can and should be perfected i n
each high caliber competition.

Fischer's strength is not his meticulous knowledge of classical theory; he is not noted for his open·
ing innovations among contemporary grandmasters. What is admirable is his fighting spirit, his skill
in taking advantage of all possibilities, his alertness. Above all, he creates the maximum amount of
tension in a struggle. Fischer is a chess warrior for whom only victory is important!

In the past c�ntury and at the beginning o1 the current one, a number of Americans ·were deserv·
ing candidat� for the title. Unquestionably such was the case with the brilliant Paul Morphy, althoush
the actual Htle was not in existence then. The first world champion Steinitz moved from Europe to the
USA. The great l_ytalented Pillsbury could have been considered a challenger, and also Marshall. But
after AJekhine died in 1946, the title of world champion was in Soviet hands. In my opinion probably
only Botvinnlk possessed all the attributes of an authentic chess warrior, fighting until the "last drop
of blood."
A change occurred in the next generation despite their great talent and erudition. After Botvinnlk
came Smyslov, and then the return match and Botvlnnlk again. Then Tai and again Botvinnik. Then
Petrosian and finally Spassky. It is noteworthy that, with the exception of Botvinnik, none of our
world champions competed in the USSR Championship during their reign. The habit of playing
sharply was therefore lost. Even in those toul"naments that the world champions deigned to partici·
pate in, they did not tax themselves and blaze a path to first place! Instead of that terrible yearning
to win they were satisfied with quick "grandmaster draws," occasionally leaving the higher places
to a more ambitious, bolder opponent.

Our chess journals play no small role in this matter. They seem to refrain from offering even friend·
ly criticism to our leading representatives.

Thus the new world champion, eleventh by number, after five Soviet grandmasters, is Robert
Fischer. From his early youth he dedicated himself to chess. He was US Champion 8 times, took first
place in a number of international tournaments, and brilliantly won matches against the strongest
opponents. Fischer is a fanatic who breathes only chess, thinks only chess. The atmosphere of the
dollar cult In which he grew up, combined with his poverty, made him more determined to impose
his will and overcome severe opposition. We can only hope that Fischer, now that he is world cham·
pion, will control his caprices and his disrespectful attitude towards his opponent. He must conduct
himself in a manner that is worthy of his predecessors, as a World Champion, a high and noble
title!

Having experienced the bitter taste of defeat with our wortd champion, Boris Spassky, we sincerely
wish Robert Fischer great success in the future along with new artistic achievements.

260
 VIEW
"Whefl an authentic genius surfaces we do ill to plague him with our puling Lilliputian censur·
ings. Is he kind to his mother or sister. is he polite to his opponents, does he get to his matches
on time? And why, oh why, does he insist on getti ng more money, atways more money, with a mater·
ialism which the Russians don't lile beea d it isn"t dialectical, like theirs?

"The Russians are in despair. as tttey shoukl be. There were suspicions that Spassky might
defect to the corrupt monied West. Their run of champions has been broken. Worst of all, it was
done by a flamboyant, neurotic. ault1e111tic indMdual, against all the collective balderdash which says
the individucli is a cipher."

(MAX LERNER)

Dear Bobby,
Your convincing victory at Reykiavik is eloquent witness to your complete
mastery of the world's most difficult and challenging game. The Championship
you have won is a great personal triumph for you and I am pleased to join
countless of your felkJw..dtizens in extending my heartiest congratulations and
best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Richard Nixon

261
 . ' .·.�1::,�,:·�. .. • <:

, ..
_;.....

\ . . '. · .

·� ·: :f1.
·¥':..
1. •

.;· .

'· ·
THE_-.EVENT: Chess !'Mid Championship '
.
. THE YEAR: 1972
,·
·.:.:· · · THE PIACE: Reykjavik, Iceland .·

."
I

THE STAKE: $250�

•

..
-.
"·
.

THE CHAMPION: · Boris Spassky, 35, USSR

.. . .
THE CHALLENGER: Rebert Fischer, 29, UsA:
,
>

.
TKE AUnt()ftS: Grandm�1er Larry Evans was there. He has� diawn maDJt . . .
rournament pmes with bo_th ·f..si:her and Spassky. His ptay-by.ptay �nt · · ·
'
is i�, inlerestiaf, instn.ittive

. ..
U. S. r.,aster Ken Smith rounded up the best Soviet anal.Ysis to �
produce the most unique chess book in history. It is the first with·a diagram '
· ·
_

·
.

· after every move.

.. ..
. " ·

. . .
Here at last is a book that can be understood by amateurs and appre­
·
ciated by experts. · aver 1800 diagrams enable you to follow the games
,
' Without ·a chess set.

·.Here are all the moves and the ideas behind each of them as seen . . .
through the eyes of a leading ·grandmaster. This ·is more tban a book on .; .;

. ..
... : +

"' the m�h.. ft .is· a r�esher course.:� ches$ strategy and basic· . principles. � .
··

· ?-.. ',tt

Improve yout. game by ·1earning from the masters.

· . . ."
.
..,. .
'·

.. _

: .
.

I .
.·

'· . .. '

. ·,,:-
/

· ·ra; ·
'
A FJreside Book
Put-lished. by Simon and Schuster
. .- . .•'
..
''i
I
·'

NewYork · 21547