Match

Flo hr – Bo tv innik
1 9 3 3
 Copyright © 2020 Victor Ciobanu, All rights reserved.
This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any
manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher
except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

First paper edition April 2020.

ASIN: B0872BDSC2 (E-Book)

ISBN: 9798636796589 (Paper)

E-Mail: VictorCiobanu94@gmail.com
 Table Of Contents
From The Author
Before The Match
Match Rules
Game One
Game Two
Game Three
Game Four
Game Five
Game Six
Game Seven
Game Eight
Game Nine
Game Ten
Game Eleven
Game Twelve
FLOHR ABOUT HIS IMPRESSIONS

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 From The Author
The colossal and unprecedented growth of the Soviet chess movement
in history has opened up unlimited opportunities for the spread of chess art
among the working masses of the Soviet Union. They spend their leisure time
at the chessboard. With such a quantitative scale of the movement, soon will
appear the new high-quality players in the Soviet chess art.
Personally, my path of chess improvement was no different from this
way. It proceeded under those specific conditions: communication with
masters in tournaments, promotion of the young players, and of course
literature.
The author is deeply grateful to N.V. Krylenko, the irrefutable leader
of the Chess Movement of the Supreme Council of Physical Culture under
the Central Executive Committee of the USSR, the Leningrad Regional
Council for Physical Culture, the Leningrad Chess Committee and to J.
Edelson, who put a lot of effort and work into my meeting with Flohr.
At the same time, I thank my friend Alexander Ilyin-Genevsky, who
have successively contributed to the organization of the match.
The English newspaper „Manchester Guardian” wrote in an article about the
outcome of the match: „Botvinnik had the advantage over Flohr because he
had a whole Government behind him”. Indeed, the huge interest of the entire
Soviet public in the individual competition and in the art of chess in general
was the main motivation for my creativity and the result that I achieved. I
hope that this work will be a kind of living memory for all those who,
together with me, experienced the particular moments of the match.

4
 Before The Match
My last performances at the Union and Leningrad tournaments
brought me few first prizes, but I was not convinced that I or other best
masters of URSS would be able to succeed in a competition with Western
European coryphées who are professionals and play more often than we play
in the international tournaments. If representatives of the older generation:
Ilyin-Zhenevsky, I. Rabinovich, Levenfish, etc. had the opportunity to “cross
arms” with foreign masters, then the youth did not have this opportunity.
​It is very difficult to judge the strength and content of a chess player’s
work only by printed games in foreign magazines and newspapers, because it
does not take into account a number of purely practical points, for example:
opening selection, study of the opponent's style, tournament experience etc. It
plays an important role in a personal meeting of two opponents. The prospect
of my match with the Czechoslovak grandmaster S. Flohr has been extremely
attractive to me.
​At the beginning of November 1933, I was released from work. There
were 25 days left before the match, which I had to use it for rest and
preparing for the match. I assumed to devote all my time to chess until
November 15th, and to rest on the following days. That is what happened
approximately.
​What were the goals and objectives of my training?
​First of all, It was important to analyse as many games of S. Flohr as
possible. Based on these games, I was supposed to conclude on the
opponent’s style, on his technique, on his favourite schemes, on his most
frequently used openings. It was also necessary to find out how psychological
strong is the opponent: whether he succumbs to the mood, how strong he is in
defense etc. This is one side of the problem. More important was to prepare a
good chess opening, based on study of his work and his opening repertoire. In
fact, in each chess game, in order to preserve the strength for the middle
game struggle, it is important „to be armed to the teeth” in the opening.
​This was my main task. I found Flohr’s games in six tournament
collections and various chess magazines. Approximately, all his games,
starting in 1931. I closely reviewed about 110 games and recorded their
contents.

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 I​ t was extremely interesting to follow in these games the development of
the Flohr's style. In 1931, Flohr wanted to attack, to create combinations, and
the endgame was rarely found in his games. In 1932-1933, Flohr is hard to
recognize. He began to like positional play, to exchanges pieces, to the go to
endgame, to solve the game with pure technique. Especially, his match with
Euwe in 1932 is illustrative. From 16 games, Flohr had only one truly
brilliant, combinational sharp game. In others games, he adhered to extremely
cautious tactics and positional methods of leading the struggle.
​I also managed to notice that, psychologically, Flohr was not very stable.
Therefore, against the Euwe, he failed to keep the advantage in one point,
which he had almost until the very end of the match. He could not recover
from the bad start in Bled (1931) during many tournaments. In some games,
he could not mobilize all his forces and lost without a fight. However, of
course, this is only my personal impression, especially because Flohr rarely
lost his games.
These are the conclusions that I got about Grandmaster S. Flohr based
on 110 games. I had to prepare my opening repertoire, which I will use in all
the games of the match.
One favourable circumstance for me was Flohr’s repertoire. It turns
out that it is quite limited. For White, he constantly plays Queen’s Gambit,
moreover in three games of Orthodox defence he transposed it by d5 and then
carrying out an attack on the Queenside (b2-b4-b5 etc.). Sometimes he plays
English Opening (1.c2-c4) and here adheres to two or three schemes of
development and attack. This is all for White. For Black, on 1.d2-
d4→Queen’s Gambit Accepted and on 1.e2-e4→Caro Kann Defense
(occasionally Rubinstein variant with an exchange on e4 in French Defense).
He plays these opening consistently. During the match, he has fully
confirmed my predictions – Flohr did not avoid his favourite openings.
Since Flohr virtuously plays the Queen’s Gambit, I decided on 1.d2-
d4 never to answer d7-d5, but to focus on Nimzo-Indian Defense (Krauser
variant), Dutch Defense and Grunfeld Defense. With White, I decided to play
1.e2-e4 to test some new ideas in Caro-Kann that I had developed back in the
summer of 1933 during my vacation in the Caucasus (in Teberda). Similarly,
I was supposed to check one of the variants of the Queen's Gambit Accepted
and finally two games I was supposed to start with the move 1. c2-c4,
because this opening Flohr often plays for White and almost never had to
play it with Black.

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 That is all I can tell you about my training. How successful it was and
how much it helped me, the reader will see during the twelve games of the
match.

7
 Match Rules

1. This is 12th games match.

2. The game will be played from 6-11 pm with control:

For the first 37 moves → 2 ½ hours

For the following 15 moves → 1 hour.

3. The game is held according to the following calendar:

November 28th – 1st game

November 29th – 2nd game
November 30th – Finish
December 1st – 3rd game
December 2nd – Rest day
December 3rd – 4th game
December 4th – 5th game
December 5th – 6th game
December 6th – Rest day
December 7th – Finish
December 10th – 7th game
December 11th – 8th game
December 12th – Finish
December 13th – Rest day
December 14th – 9th game
December 15th – 10th game
December 16th – Finish
December 17th – Rest day
December 18th – 11th game
December 19th – 12th game

4. The organizing committee members were allocated to help the

opponents:

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 Botvinnik: S. Weinstein and Y. Rokhlin (Botvinnik)
Flohr: N. Grigoriev and R. Goltz

If it is impossible to come to an agreement, exclusively the super

arbiter of the match N. M. Zubarev shall make the decision.

5. The first six games of the match are played in Moscow (in the
Column Hall of the House of Unions), the remaining six in
Leningrad (in the Great Hall of the Conservatory).

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 Game One
28th and 30th November
Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr
1. e4 c6 2. d4 …
Another promising plan is 2. c4, as recommended by Lajos Steiner. I
applied this move in the 11th game of the match.
2. … d5 3. e:d5 …
Two or three years ago, the Caro-Kann was considered one of the most
neutralizing opening. White usually continued 3. Nc3 de 4. N:e4, after which
the pawn tension in the center was relieved and the game flowed peacefully.
However, Capablanca brought the high chance of drawing possibilities in this
opening.
The continuation 3. cd ed 4. Bd3 Nf6 5. Bf4 Nc6 6. c3 Bg4 is even in
Black’s favour, who in the middlegame can carry out an attacking plan with a
pawn storm on the Queenside. It is interesting to note that this attack, as well
as a similar attack in the Queen’s gambit, Flohr has applied successfully.
However, the situation has changed in recent years. V. Panov, a Moscow
chess player, proposed a new attack system that received his name. Panov
attack became a very terrible weapon in the hands of the current world
champion Alekhine, and only a few months before the match began, many
players started to find an antidotes for Black against this attack. In this game,
White is trying to strengthen Panov's attack.
3. … c:d5 4. c4 …
This is the beginning of the Panov attack.
4. … Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 …
Panov usually continues here 6. Nf3. Alekhine played like this too, but
later it turned out that after 6. … Bg4, White cannot get an advantage. A
move in the text contains a real threat 7. B:f6 ef 8. cd, which looks more
dynamic.

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 6. … d:c4
This continuation is not obligatory for Black. It is doubtful here to play 6.
… Be6 because of 7. B:f6 and 8. c5, but the move proposed by Flohr - 6. …
e6 deserves attention. In the case of 7. Nf3, Black transpose the game into the
Queen’s Gambit Accepted by 7. …dc. In the case of 7. c5 h6, they also get
some counterplay.
7. d5 Ne5
The next two-three moves are forced for both sides.
8. Qd4 Nd3+ 9. B:d3 c:d3 10. B:f6 …
The view was consistently expressed that a chess player in front of a
board is often insured against blunders that occur in home analysis.
In addition, when a chess player during the practical game trusts too
much the variants developed in home analysis by him - it is also bad. This
game is a good example.
In an ordinary tournament environment, of course, I would not dare to
make this exchange without any reason. The White’s 10th move is the result
of low-quality home analysis. In fact, I explored another continuation 10. Nf3
e6 11. 0-0-0? Be7 12. R:d3 ed! that is even in Black favour and therefore I
chose the move 10. B:f6.
I have decided that Black cannot avoid exchange one of bishops after
which the force of the d-pawn will increase. However, I insufficiently enough
understood the essence of the concrete variants and position. As is clear from
the further game continuation, Black will manage to save the bishop pair and
to block the d5-pawn.
10. … e:f6!
The right decision. Black places his bishops on the d-file, after which the
d5-pawn will lose all its power. Then Black manages to protect both bishops
from enemy’s attacks.
Weaker continuation was 10. … gf 11. Q:d3 and Black has a hard time to
find the right plan.

11
 11. Q:d3 Bd6 12. Nge2 O-O 13. O-O Re8!
Well played. The rook is excellently located here and the move 14. Ne4 is
easily refused with the move 14. ... Bf5. The move 14. Nb5 makes no sense,
because after 14. … Bb8 and 15. … a6, the knight must go back.
The correct plan for White was to transfer the knight by Ne2-d4-f3,
followed by transferring the rooks on e-file. Unfortunately, White, still
hoping to exchange one of the Black’s bishops, and does not immediately
begin to execute this plan.
After the move in the game, the Black position is clearly better.
14. Rad1 Bg4
It looks menacing, but it does not really bother White. Black, however,
does not compromise his position. In the next few moves, Black limits the
area of action of White’s knight.
15. Rd2 a6 16. Ng3 Rc8 17. h3 Bd7 18. Rfd1 …

White just marking time. It was easier to offer an exchange by 18. Re2.
18. … g6!
Strong move. Now after f6-f5, the bishop on d6 will be untouchable.
White cannot use the f6-point, because on 19. Nce4 follows 19. …Bf4! (Of
course not 19. … Bb4? 20. Qd4! and White wins. ) 20. Rc2 R:c2 21. Q:c2 f5
22. Nc5 Qc8! and all the complications will end in Black’s favour. White has
to reconcile with the worse position and to play on simplification. Since the
bishops are especially strong against rooks, it is necessary to exchange the
rooks at first.
19. Re2 R:e2 20. Ng:e2 f5
Of course, bad was 20. … Bf5 21. Qd2 and White easily chases back the
bishop on f5.
21. Nd4 Qe7 22. Qd2 Re8 23. Nf3 Qf6 24. Re1 …
White has finally managed to offer an exchange of another rook.
However, the position becomes more risky for White.
24. … R:e1+ 25. N:e1 b5

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 The pawn advancement on the kingside looks very strong. However, after
25. … g5 26. Nd3! h6 27. Qe3 b6 28. Kf1 Bc7 29. f4! There are no real
prospect of an attack for Black. With the move in the game, Black starts to
execute another plan, which consists in transferring the bishop to b7 and after
b5-b4 to win the d5 pawn.
26. a3 Kg7
Right, Black refuses to attack immediately on the queenside. After 26. …
a5 27. Nf3 b4 28. ab ab (28. … B:b4 29. Nd4) 29. Nd1 and Black cannot
improve his position.
27. Nf3 Bc8 28. Kf1 …
Risky, it was easier to play instant b2-b4 move.
28. … Bb7 29. b4 Kf8
Black position is better, but still a draw is more or less obvious. On
immediate 29. … a5 follows 30. N:b5 Ba6 31. Nd4 etc. That is why Black
uses the last option - they wait for a favourable situation.
30. Ke2 …
The King has nothing to do here. Now Black finally gets a chance to
break through on the queenside, but it was only supposed to lead to a draw.
30. … a5 31. Qd4 …
Possible was 31. .. N:B5 Ba6 32. Nd4 Qe5+ 33. Kd1 Q:d5 34. N:d6 …
etc.
31. … Q:d4 32. N:d4 a:b4 33. Nc:b5? …

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 A blunder in the time trouble. Correct was 33. ab B:b4 34. Nd:b5 Ba6 35.
Kf3 Ke7 36. h4 with a draw.
33. … b:a3!
Simple but elegant combination!
34. N:d6 a2 35. Nc2 Ba6+ 36. Ke3 Ke7 37. N:f7 K:f7
In this position, the game was postponed. It is easy to make sure that
White lose the d5-pawn if they tries to save the pawns on the kingside. When
the game resumed on November 30, White prolonged the useless resistance
by another three moves.
38. Kd4 Bf1 39. h4 B:g2 40. Kc5 f4 White resigned.
Black wins by sacrificing the bishop for the d-pawn and then promotes
the pawns on the kingside.

14
 Game Two
29th November
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 ...
How big a splash in the last five years has made this defense!
Nimzowitsch scored a series of brilliant victories over his opponents.
Feverish analytical research was in full swing and now we can sum up a few
conclusions.
The main struggle went around White's 4th move. Whether to continue 4.
Qb3 or 4. Qc2? Move 4. Qb3 looks undoubtedly more energetic as White
attacks the bishop; therefore, around 1930 all theorists recommended this
"energetic" continuation.
The turning point was the game Bogoljubov - Nimzowitsch (San Remo,
1930), where Bogoljubov applied this move and lost with a crackle. After
that, they tried repeatedly to bring new forces into move 4.Qb3, but
unsuccessfully!
By this time, it had been determined that the move 4. Qc2 gives White a
small but undeniable advantage, and now the move in the text enjoys a
definitely larger popularity.
I studied it well and I decided to play Nimzowitsch Defense only in order
to test one variant recommended by the Danish theorist Krause. In this game,
however, Krause's variant did not work, because White dodged it, and I only
managed (or rather failed) to play it in the 6th game of the match.
4. ... c5 5. d:c5 Na6 6. g3 ...

The blunder. It is clear that in such positions it is risky to fianchetto the

15
king's bishop, as the c4-pawn remains without protection. Black uses this
circumstance in the game.
The right move was 6. a3!, after which Black transposes the game into
Krause's variant.
6. ... Qa5!
Very strong. Black threatens to double white pawns, after which the
weakness of pawn c4 will be even more pronounced; they also threaten 7. ...
Q:c5 to attack the c4-pawn. If White defends against the first threat with
move 7... Bd2, then after 7. ... Q:c5 8. a3 (8. e3 weakens f3.) 8. ... B:c3 9.
Q:c3 Ne4! and White loses in several moves. White chooses the lesser of two
evils; they try to protect the central square e4 from the invasion of the
enemy’s knight.
7. Bg2! B:c3+
On 7. ... Q:c5 follows 8. a3!.
8. Q:c3 ...
Right. Ironically, in the case of 8. bc, Black could use the weakness of
pawns “c” and “a” in the endgame, but in this situation they do not have
time! White, taking advantage of his somewhat better development and
threatens to close up the b and c files. That is enough compensation for his
c4-pawn.
8. ... Q:c3+ 9. b:c3 N:c5 10. Ba3! ...

Only move. In case of 10. Bf4 Ke7 11. Rd1 Ne8! Black has a good game.
The move in the game was a tricky sacrifice of the pawn. A strong
continuation for Black seems 10. ... Na4. Moreover, after 10. ... Na4 11. Rc1
Nb6! 12. c5 Nc4 13. Bb4 a5, Black wins a piece. However, on 10. ... Na4,
White can continue 11. Nf3! N:c3 12. Rc1 Na4 13. Nd4! with enough
compensation for the pawn.
10. ... d6 11. Nf3 Nfe4
This forcing continuation leads to a draw. Unfortunately, Black has no
other strong continuation, for example: On 11. ... Nfd7 follows 12. Nd4! Nb6

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13. B:c5 dc14. Nb3 N:c4 15. N:c5 with a good game for both sides. Black
cannot maintain the outpost on c5 and the game is quickly moving to the
draw.
12. Rc1 Bd7
After 12. ... b6 13. Nd2 Bb7 14. N:e4 B:e4 15. B:e4 N:e4 16. f3 Nc5 17.
B:c5 dc – the game equalized.
13. Nd2 N:d2
13. ... Bc6 14. N:e4 B:e4 15. B:e4 N:e4 16. f3 Nc5 17. B:c5 dc, will lead
to a draw.
Black tried the last attempt to play for a win.
14. K:d2 Rc8 15. B:c5 R:c5
Black managed to keep the c-file open, but too a high price: the weak c4-
pawn is exchanged for a good b7-pawn.
16. B:b7 R:c4 17. Rb1 Ke7
Necessary. On 17. ... d5 (to block the bishop on b7) follows 18. Ba6! and
Black should resign. Was not good also 17. ... Ra4 18. Rb2 d5 19. B:d5! etc.
18. Bf3 Ra4 19. Rb2 Rc8 20. Ra1 Bc6 21. B:c6 R:c6 and the draw was
agreed.

​ s the Grandmaster Flohr remarked: The position of both opponents is

A
“bad enough to play for a win!”
​It is necessary, however, to pay tribute to White, who managed to get out
after their opening error on the 6th move.
​After the 2nd game, I faced a very serious question: I had to decide how to
start the 3rd game. True, I had no doubt at all about the correctness of move 6.
Cg5 in Caro-Kann, although the first game ended with my defeat. However,
as long as I did not study this option carefully, I did not want to repeat it,
because I did not want to repeat old mistakes – to apply little-thought-out
novelties.
In Moscow was a situation that was not favourable for serious
analytical work. In addition, I was interested to see how Flohr plays the

17
Queen’s Gambit Accepted. After long thought I temporarily (before
Leningrad) refuted to play the move 1. e2 – e4, and therefore in the 3rd game
I returned to my typical move 1. d2-d4.

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 Game Three
1st December
Queen's Gambit Accepted
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr
1. d4 d5 2. c4 d:c4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 c5 5. B:c4 e6
All this has been known and played out countless times. Flohr perfectly
plays the Queen's Gambit Accepted. True, he learned this at a rather high
price, since at first he lost a series of games to Alekhine, Bogoljubov and
Euwe. Now he has studied this opening perfectly. Here, the reader should pay
attention to a slight subtlety. White is not recommended in this variation to
develop the queen's knight. Why this is so will be clear later.
6. O-O Nc6 7. Qe2 ...
That is the whole point. Now Black is unprofitable to play 7. ... cd, in
view of 8. Rfd1 and 9. ed. Meanwhile, if White will play at first 7. Nc3, than
after 7. ... Be7 8. Qe2 cd 9. Rfd1 e5! 10. ed ed 11. N:d4 N:d4 12. Qe5 Qd6,
Black equalizes the game.
7. ... a6 8. Rd1 ...
Early, the move 8.a4 was usually played in such positions, preventing the
move b7-b5. However, nowadays, when the chess mastery technique has
reached a quit high level, many chess player are afraid to play this move due
to dangerous weaknesses in the pawn structure on the queenside.
8. ... b5 9. d:c5 Qc7 10. Bd3 B:c5
In fact, it is clear how carefully Flohr has studied this system in view of
how much time he spends on moves. He spends only 5 minutes to think about
all the first ten moves!
11. a4 ...

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 Before the match, I rather seriously analysed this position. Whites has
two ways:

1. To continue 11. a3 with the following b2-b4. In this case, we

get a symmetrical position with approximately equal game.
2. To attack the pawns on the queenside by 11. a4 (The move in
the game). On this move, Flohr answered twice 11. ... b4 and after
12. Nbd2! lost both games. In the first game, he allowed the knight
to transfer on b3 and lost quickly due to weaknesses on the
queenside. In the second game, he answered 12. ... Na5, but after
13. b3! White gained a significant advantage in development.

11. ... b:a4 12. R:a4 ...

I prepared this move in my home analysis. It seems that the “normal"
continuation 12. Nc3, already used in the West, does not give great
advantages.
12. ... Nb4
It was necessary due to 13. B:a6. Worse was 12. ... a5 13. Bb5! with the
threat of 14. Rc4. However, after the move in the game, White retains the
initiative.
13. Bb5+ Bd7
Of course, bad was 13. ... Ke7 14. Bd2! and the open position of the
Black king should be decisive factor.
14. B:d7+ N:d7 15. Bd2! a5

20
 Black makes the only moves in the position. For example 15. ... Qb7 16.
Bc3 0-0 17. B:b4 B:b4 18. R:d7 Q:d7 19. R:b4 etc. Now White has an
attractive continuation: 16. B:b4 (if now 16. Qb5, then 16. ... Qb6) 16. ...
B:b4 17. Qb5 and in case of 17. ... 0-0 18. R:d7 Qc2 18. Ra1 Q:b2 20. Qa4!
White wins. But Black plays 17. ... Rab8! and after 18. R:d7? Q:d7 19. Q:b8+
Ke7! Black is already winning. Not good for White either 16. Bc3 0-0 17.
Ng5 Be7 18. Ne4 Qc6! 19. Qg4 g6 etc. The continuation chosen by White
also cannot give them significant advantage.
Gives nothing 16. Qc4 in view of 16. ... Qc6!
16. Rc1 Qb7 17. Bc3 ...
On 17. Ne5 0-0! 18. Nc4 Nc6! 19. B:a5 Rfb8!, Black has an equal game.
It was easier - 17. Nc3.
17. ... O-O 18. Nbd2 Nd5!
Formidable. Black eliminates the concern about the a5-pawn with this
regrouping of forces.
19. Rca1 Bb4?
Black wants to force a draw. However, Black makes a serious mistake
during the simplification.
20. B:b4 a:b4 21. R:a8 ... and the Draw was agreed.

​ premature decision! Oddly enough, but I looked here for a force

A
continuation, which wins the pawn: 21. ... R:a8 22. R:a8+ Q:a8 23. Qb5! and
Black’s position is extremely difficult. The knight on d7 is under attack, the

21
threat 24. e4 is coming and the b4-pawn is lost. Did not save 23. ... Nf8 24.
e4 Qa1+ 25. Nf1 Nf4 26. g3 Nh3+ 27. Kg2 or 23. ... Qa7 (attacking the f2-
pawn) 24. e4! Nf4 25. g3! Nh3+ 26. Kg2 N:f2 27. Ne5 Nf8 28. Qe2 etc.
Therefore, it is possible for Black immediately to give up the b4-pawn.
This continuation was unnoticed by both opponents and numerous
analysts. However, after the match, one provincial amateur brought to my
attention this variant.
After this game, in which Flohr had excellent defensive skill in a very
difficult situation. I generally decided not to play the Queen's Gambit in the
match. According to the position of the match, I was obliged to play for a
win, and the 3rd game finally convinced me that with this variant of the
Queen's Gambit, I would not be able to achieve a win. As I wrote earlier, I
intended to play the Dutch Defense for Black.

22
 Game Four
3rd December
Dutch Defense: Rubinstein Variation
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 e6
If you want to play Dutch Defense, you should start with the move 1. ...
e6. In case of immediate 1. ... f5, White can try Stanton’s Gambit 2. e4! with
a strong attack.
After the move in the game, White can think about how to continue the
game. With the move 2. e4, they can transpose intro French Defense (Flohr
played like this in the 8th game of the match). However, in this game, he
decide to allow Dutch Defense.
2. c4 f5 3. Nc3 ...
My guess was right, Flohr is not familiar with this opening and already on
the 3rd move he made an inaccuracy. Correct was 3. g3, after this game, he
played like this in the 10th game. The move 3. Nc3 is an inaccuracy because
Black can pine the knight by Bb4. Later Black can play Ne4, and it is
difficult for White to prevent the exchange of four pieces, which facilitates
Black defence. Steinitz has already said the general rule that exchanges are
profitable for the side with the less space. However, of course, in this
situation Black does not have to count on the winning chances. If they want
to complicate the game, they should abstain from exchanges.
3. ... Nf6 4. g3 Bb4 5. Bd2 ...
White do not allow double pawns on the c-file.
5. ... O-O 6. Bg2 d6
The pawn break e6-e5 is a usual counterplay plan in this variant for
Black. Nevertheless, there are many pitfalls to bypass along the way.
7. Nf3 Nbd7
Deserved attention 7. ... Nc6.
8. O-O B:c3

23
 Necessary. On 8. ... Qe7 is very unpleasant 9. Nb5! Knight on c3 should
be removed, but, as I noted above, it is part of the Black's plans to eliminate
this knight.
9. B:c3 Ne4
Black does not leave White with the bishop pair without any
compensation. Of course, if White will retreat the bishop on e1, they
disconnect the rooks.
10. Qc2 Qe7 11. Rfd1 N:c3
White threats to preserve the bishop pair by 12. Be1.
12. Q:c3 Nf6
Black can take his time with e6-e5. On immediate 12. ... e5 could follow
13. de de 14. Rd2 e4 15. Nd4 Nf6 (15. ... Ne5 16. f3!) 16. Rad1, and White
wins tempo in comparison with the continuation in the game.
13. Ne1 …
With this move, White admits that they do not find an active plan and are
waiting for further events. Indeed, it is not easy for White to improve his
position. It is doubtful, for example, to continue 13. b4 No4 14. Qb2 Bd7 15.
b5, although this was White's only serious chance to gain something. Now
Black is ready to breakthrough in the center.
13. … e5 14. d:e5 …
At least, to neutralize Black threats in the center and on the Kingside by
opening up the d-file.
14. … d:e5 15. Rd2 ...

24
 It is a trap. Of course, after a tempting 15. ... Ne4 16. B:e4 fe, the open f-
file could not compensate Black for the weak e-pawn. Black must now solve
the problem of developing his queenside. For this purpose, there is only one
way in this position - to close the diagonal b1-a8. That is why Black decides
on a seemingly anti-positional, but extremely necessary move.
15. ... e4! 16. Rad1 Be6
Black has to eliminate White's pressure on d-file to equalize the game.
17. Nc2 ...
Was impossible 17. Qe5 Ng4 18. Qf4? g5 and Black wins. Black has to
make the next move, because on 17. ... Rae8 follows by 18. ... g5 and this
will be a losing continuation.
17. ... Rad8 18. Ne3 R:d2 19. R:d2 g6!
One last subtlety. It was not good right away to play 19. ... Rd8 20. R:d8
Q:d8 21. Qa5! and White wins a pawn. That is why Black protects in advance
the f5-pawn from possible attacks in the future.
I have to point out that a move before, the continuation 19. Q:d2 because
of 19. ... Qc5 20. Qc3 (Otherwise 20. ... Qe5) 20. ... a5! was not good for
White and Black stand not worse.
20. Bf1 ...
Well played. White correctly assumes that this is the only way to
reactivate the bishop in connection with the move e2-e3.
20. ... Rd8 21. R:d8+ Q:d8 22. Nc2 ... and the Draw was agreed.

25
 Black may have a little better position, but it certainly does not give a
chance to win the game. You cannot play 22. ... с5 23. Qe5 B:c4 24. Q:c5
B:a2 25. Q:a7.
Therefore, after the 1st and 3rd game I refused to play both 1. e2 - e4
(temporarily) and 1. d2-d4 (for the whole match). I had to use the "last" tool
in my arsenal - to play the English opening (1. c2-c4), also well studied by
me before the match.

26
 Game Five
4th and 7th December
English opening
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr
1. c4 e5
In this way, we have the Sicilian Defense with reverse colour. It is no
coincidence that Flohr on 1. c4 answered 1. ... е5. He very often plays the
English opening, and therefore he is well aware of all the difficulties in this
opening.
However, even with this answer, Black has many difficulties to
overcome.
2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. d4 e4
This continuation, invented by one of the Soviet provincial theorists.
Alekhine strongly recommended this continuation at the time.
Previously, many believed that the main danger for Blacks was in the
move 5. Ng5. It turns out that, in this case, after 5. ... h6! Black gets an
interesting counterattack.
The continuation chosen by White is definitely stronger, and you may
think that it will take away everyone's desire to play 4. ... е4.
That is right for Black 4. ...e4, as Flohr continued in the 7th game.
5. Nd2! …

Black does not have a lot of choice now. By 5. ... Bb4 follows 6. e3 and
after 6. ... B:c3 7. bc, White remains with the bishop pair and a strong center.
In reverse, Black remains with the weak e4-pawn.
5. … N:d4 6. Nd:e4 Ne6

27
 On 6. … N:e4 could follow 7. Q:d3 N:c3 8. Q:c3, and Black has
difficulties with the kingside development. Possible was also 7. N:e4 Bb4+ 8.
Bd2 etc. like in the game.
7. g3 …
It looks like a strong move, but it is possible that White gives off all its
advantage with this move. Better was 7. a3!, avoiding further exchanges,
which are beneficial for Black.
7. … N:e4 8. N:e4 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 B:d2+ 10. Q:d2 O-O 11. Bg2 d6 12. O-
O…
White cannot prevent the bishop to come on c6. For example 12. Rd1
Bd7 13. c5 f5 14. cd fe 15. dc Qf6! and Black wins.
12. … Bd7 13. Nc3 …
It is clear that White must aim to get the knight on d5, where he can cause
a lot of trouble to Black.
13. … Bc6 14. Nd5 a5!
Well played. Now it turns out that the chances of both sides are
approximately equal. White is slightly freer, but there are no weaknesses in
Black's position, and they can operate on the e-file.

It is difficult for White to come up with the right plan. They prefer to wait
for a breakthrough in the center by e2-e4-e5. However, it is not yet possible.
The next stage of the game is a series of manoeuvres.
15. e4 Nc5 16. Rfe1 Re8 17. Rad1 …
Considering, by the way 17. … B:d5 18. Q:d5 Qf6 19. e5! R:e5 20. R:e5
Q:e5 21. Q:e5 de 22. Rd5 etc. with the advantage for White.
17. … a4
Risky move. The pawn on the a5 definitely strengthens better the knight's
position on c5.
18. Re3 Bd7!
Very subtle move. Black transfers the bishop to e6, where it will
constantly threat indirectly the c4 pawn by the move c7-c6. Therefore, White

28
immediately retreats the knight back and stop any ideas connecting with
moves c6 and Qb6 etc.
19. Nc3 Be6 20. Qd4 f6
The threat was 21. e5.
21. Bf1 …
Adding more protection to c4-pawn. Risky was 20. f4.
21. … Qe7 22. Nd5 Qf7

23. Rde1 …
Tempting Black to play 23. … B:d5 24. ed R:e3 with the exchanges on
the e-file. However, of course, on 23. … B:d5 would follow 24. cd! with
further 25. Bb5 and White has an excellent position.
Now White has taken off the pressure from the d-pawn, so Black can
already play 23. … c6 with the idea to defend the d5-square. Not all this is
dangerous for White, because Black has to waste time for manoeuvring the
queen on the queenside.
23. … c6 24. Nf4 …
After 24. Nb6 Ra6 25. Q:d6 Qf8! (25. … Qe7 26. Q:e7 and Nd5!) 26.
Qc7 Re7 27. Qd6 Rf7, Black wins a piece.
24. … Qc7 25. Nd3 …
It is necessary to eliminate the knight on c5. Wrong was 25. Rd1 Qa5!
and it is not possible to take on d6 because White loses the queen.
Now Black should have exchange on d3, but even in this case White is a
little better. Black tries to maintain the c5-square, but thorough weakening his
position.
25. … b6 26. Nb4 …
To keep the c6-pawn under fire.
26. … Bf7 27. Qc3 Rad8 28. Nc2 …
White transfers the knight to an even more active square – d4.
28. … Re7 29. Nd4 Bg6

29
 Attacking the e4-pawn. Here White had an interesting breakthrough in the
center: 30. Bg2 Rde8 31. e5! de 32. N:c6 Rd7 33. Bd5+ and White has an
excellent position.

Nevertheless, as Flohr pointed out, he should have continued 31. … R:e5

32. N:c6 R:e4 33. R:e3 R:e3 34. Q:e3 Kf8 and Black has drawing chances.
30. f3 Rde8 31. b4 a:b3 32. a:b3 Ne6 33. Nf5 …
The last attempt to play for a win. At the cost of worsening the position,
White gets a good bishop against a knight and more space.
33. … B:f5 34. e:f5 Ng5
Threatening 35. … N:f4+.
35. Bg2 …
The move 35. Kg2 was not better.
35. … R:e3 36. R:e3 R:e3 37. Q:e3 Kf8
The threat was 38. Qe8#.
38. f4 Nf7

Postponed position. Here many believed that White could win by 39. Bf3.
That is not true. Black always has a guaranteed draw with the move 39. …
d5! Anyway, the move 39. Bf3 was the right continuation. After the recorded
move by White, not Black must find the draw, but White.
39. b4 d5!
Well played. Black will get the pass pawn on the c-file and the d6 square
for his knight. White’s extra pawn does not play any role.

30
 40. c:d5 …
Dubious move, the continuation 40. b5 dc 41. bc Nd6 gives more
chances.
40. … c5 41. b:c5 b:c5 42. Qa3 …
White tries to slow down the c-pawn.
42. … Nd6 43. Bf1 Kf7
Of course, Black cannot play 43. … c4, due to 44. B:c4. Was not better
and 43. … Ke7 (to protect the knight on d6) 44. Qe3+ Kf7 45. Bd3 with the
same continuation like in the game.
44. Bd3 c4 45. Bc2 c3
Black misses his last chance to win. It was better 45. … Qb6+ 46. Kf1
Ke7, but event after 47. Ke2! White easily achieves the draw.
46. Qb4! …
After this simple move is clear that Black cannot improve his position.
Black Queen is overwhelmed to defend both, the pawn and the knight. Did
not help 46. … Ke7 47. Qd4 with the threat 48. Qe3! White threatens to bring
the king into the game. That is why Black makes a quite reasonable decision:
they forced a draw by perpetual check.
46. … Nc4! 47. Q:c3 Qc5+ 48. Kh1 Q:d5+ and the draw was agreed.

It was, in fact, the first game of the match in which I tried to "put
pressure" on Flohr. However, as the reader can see, my game was marked by
uncertainty and inconsistency - this game has shown me 'that to win the
grandmaster must play with great lift, confidence and activity.
It should be noted Flohr's extremely witty game, especially after the
break.

31
 Game Six
5th, 7th and 8th December
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. Qc2 c5 5. d:c5 Na6 6. a3 …
Like in the 2nd game, White made a clear mistake there by playing 6. g3.
In this game, White chosen the right continuation. After the move in the
game, Black has to play Krause variation, which I considered quite
satisfactory choose.
6. … B:c3+ 7. Q:c3 N:c5
There was an opinion among our masters that Black in this variant has
minimum a draw. Specifically, after 7. … Ne4 8. Q:g7 Qa5+ 9. b4 N:b4 10.
Q:h8+ Ke7 11. ab Q:b4+ 12. Kd1 Qb3+ Black has a perpetual. However, if
White had played instead of 8. Q:g7 → 8. Qd4! Black would only have to
give up.
8. f3 …
The best continuation. White takes under control the e4-square and
prepares the e2-e4 pawn break. This position was considered for a long time
unsatisfactory for Black. Only Krause (Denmark) offered quite a witty
continuation in this system for Black. This game shows that it is also
insufficient.
8. … d6 9. e4 e5 10. Be3 Qc7 11. Ne2 Be6

This is Krause's variant. Black has achieved satisfactory development,

but at what price! The weakness of Black's central position is obvious;
especially the weakness of the d6-pawn. Until now, players usually played

32
here 12.Bg3, which allowed Black to get a good game.
Flohr greatly enhances the variant for White: He puts the knight on c3,
where he has a beautiful square.
In one game, this idea was already carried out, but there White made a
previously weak move b2-b4, which was an important loss of time. After
White's next manoeuvre, Black gets in a difficult position.
12. Qc2! O-O 13. Nc3 Rfc8 14. Be2 a6 15. Rc1 Ncd7 16. Qd2! …

The only move to preserve the advantage. On 16. 0-0, Black continues
16. .. B:c4 17. Nb1 (17. Nd5 N:d5 18. B:c4 Qd8! 19. ed b5!) 17. … B:e2 and
the rook on f1 is under attack. Now of course you cannot take the c4-pawn.
16. … Qb8! 17. Nd5 …
Forced. Black has used his advantage in development and created a series
of threats. For example, you could not play 17. b3 b5 or 17. … Nc5. Black
should not have rushed with the exchange on d5. Not bad was 17. … Kf8!
with the threat of b5.
However, Black planned to exchange on d5. They saw that in the
upcoming endgame, White is a little better, but this advantage is
insignificant.
17. … B:d5 18. c:d5 R:c1+ 19. Q:c1 Qd8 20. O-O Rc8 21. Qd2 Qc7 22.
Rc1 …
Both opponents try to simplify the position. White saw that it is quite
difficult to keep rooks as Black control a single open file. For example, on
22. Qb4 follows 22. … Qb8. Black thought that the endgame could not be
lost for them.
22. … Q:c1+ 23. Q:c1 R:c1+ 24. B:c1 Kf8

33
 I am still convinced that this endgame is a draw. White's chances of
winning (with bishop pair advantage) are purely practical.
It is very difficult to give an in-depth analysis of the resulting endgame,
but you can specify several points in the future where Black could play
better.
25. Kf2 Ke7 26. Be3 Kd8 27. Ke1 Kc7 28. Kd2 Nc5 29. b4 Ncd7 30. g3
Nb6 31. Kc2 Nbd7
Already here Black could play better: 31. … Na4! 32. Kb3 b5 and black
knights have much more freedom, not to mention the fact that white's chances
on the queenside are equal to zero. White should keep a close eye on the
black knights’ manoeuvres all the time. With the move in the game, Black
intimidated their position.
32. a4 Nb6 33. a5 Nbd7 34. Bc1 Kd8 35. Bb2 Ne8 36. Kd2 Nc7
Black continue to follow a waiting tactic. However was better to try the
next plan: 36. … Ke7 with the following g7-g6, Ng7, f7-f5.
37. Ke3 Ke7 38. Bf1 Nb5 39. h4 Nc7 40. Bh3 Ne8

Recorded move. After the break, White finally begins the actions.
41. f4 f6
Anyway, after 42. Bc3! Black should played this move due to the threat
43. fe de (otherwise Bc8) 44. B:d7 winning a pawn.
42. Bf5! …
The best continuation. Did not give anything:

34
 1. 42. Be6 Nc7 43. f5 N:e6 44. de Nb8 45. g4 g5! and White
cannot breakthrough.
2. 42. Be6 Nc7 43. Bg8 ef+! 44. gf Nf8! 45. e5 Ne8 and White has
not reached anything because the bishop on g8 is awfully placed.

Curiously that the exchange 43. … ef+! is necessary, otherwise White

wins the game by f4-f5 with the following advancement of the g-pawn.
42. … g6
Hopeless was 42. … h6 in view of the infiltration of the White king
through light-squares.
43. Bh3 h6!
Beautiful defensive resource. The White’s main threat was f4-f5! with the
following fg and g3-g4, creating the pass pawn. That is why on f4-f5, Black
should prepare the move g6-g5. However, without the move 43. … h6 it is
not possible due to 43. … Ng7 44. f5 g5 45. hg fg would follow 46. f6+!! and
White wins. Black once again protects the g5-square, in order on 45. hg to
take with the h-pawn.
44. Bc1 Ng7 45. f:e5! …
The only way to create complication. Black could not answer 45. … N:e5
46. Bc8 because of 45. … fe 46. Kf3 h5 47. Bg5+ etc.
45. … d:e5 46. Kf3 …

Stronger was 46. Kd3. White anyway will put the king on d3. The move
in the game is an important waste of tempo.
46. … h5 47. Be3 Kd6 48. Bh6 Ne8 49. g4 h:g4 50. B:g4 Nc7
Here stronger was 50. Ke7! and in case of 51. Be3 Nd6 52. Bc5 N:c5 53.
bc Nc4 and the draw is secured. White should have continued 51. h5 gh 52.
B:h5 with a minimal chances of winning.
51. Be3 Nb5 52. Ke2 …
If 52. Be6, than 52. … Ke7 53. Bc5+? N:c5 and Nd4+.
52. … Nc7 53. Kd3 …

35
 Zugzwang. The king should defend the c5-square. The threat Bc8 pinned
the knight on d7, the knight on c7 also cannot move in view of threat Be6 and
Bf7. White had played extremely subtly. Therefore, Black decides on a
desperate breakthrough.
53. … f5 54. e:f5 g:f5
The last error. Better was 54. … Nf6! 55. Bh3 gf winning an important
tempo. However, objectively speaking, even in this case the Black position is
lost.
55. B:f5 N:d5 56. Bd2 N7f6 57. Kc4 Kc6 58. Bg6 b5 59. Kd3 Ne7
In this position, the game was postponed again. Here, White had the
following possibilities:

1. 60. h5 N:g6 61. hg Kd5 62. g7 Ng8 63. Bg5 e4+ 64. Ke3 Ke5
65. Bh4 Kd5 66. Kf4 Kd3 67. Kf5 e3 68. Kg6 e2 69. Kh7 Ne7 70.
B:E7 e1=Q 71. Bc5+ Ke5! 72 g8-! Qh4+ 73. Kg6 Qg4+ 74. Kf7
Qd7+!! 75. Be7 Qe6+ 76. Kf8 Qc8+ 77. Qg4+ 78. Kh8 Qh5+ 79.
Qh7 Qe8+ and the draw by perpetual.
2. 60. Bg6 N:g6 61. B:f6 Kd5 62. Bg5 Nf8 63. h5 Nh7 64. Bh4
Nf8 65. h6 Kh7 66. Ke3 Ke6 67. Ke4 Nf8 68. Bg3 Nd7! Draw.

Unexpected complications also occurred after 60. Bf7 Nf5 etc. White
recorded the simplest and strongest move:
60. Be4+ Ned5 61. Bg5 Nh5 62. Bf3 Ng3 63. Bd2! …
After 63. h5 N:h5 64. B:h5 Nb4+ 65. Ne4 Kd6 and Nc6, Black has a
chance for a draw.
63. … Kd6 64. Bg4 Nf6 65. Bc8 Kc6 66. Be1 e4 67. Kd4 Ngh5 68. Bf5
Kd6 69. Bd2 … I resigned.

36
 If we rule out the error on the 46th move, Flohr played the whole game
brilliantly.
The series of Moscow games ended with this game and on December 9
the organizing commission and the match participants arrived in Leningrad.
By the 7th game I still had not been able to figure out all the variants
associated with the move 6. Bg5 in the Caro-Kann Defense. I started with 1.
c4 again, since in the 5th game of the match I got a good position in the
opening.

37
 Game Seven
10th December
English Opening
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr
1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. d4 e:d4
It is better than 4. … e4, as it was in the 5th game.
5. N:d4 Bb4
Obligatory move. The knight on c3 is so strong in the position that it
should at least be pinned.
6. Bg5 …
Another promising plan is development of the king's bishop.
6. … h6 7. Bh4 d6
Flohr seems to be unfamiliar with this opening and makes it very difficult
to equalize the game. The easiest thing to do here is: 7. … B:c3+ 8. bc ne5 9.
e3 Ng6 10. Bg3 Ne4 with the equal game.
8. e3 …
Gives nothing 8. N:c6 bc 9. Qa4 B:c3+ 10. bc 0-0! and White is behind in
development.
8. … Qe7

Black intends to play g7-g5 followed by Ne4 to get rid of the pin on f6.
White cannot stop it but of course, with this manoeuvre Black weakens his
kingside.
It should also be noted that 8. f3 (instead of 8. e3) was not the best option.
By 8. … Qe7 9. e4 N:d4 10. Q:d4 Qe5! Black easily achieved an equal game.
9. Be2 g5 10. Bg3 Ne4 11. N:c6 …

38
 A mistake after which White can count on advantage. Right was 11. Rc1
0-0 12. 0-0 B:c3 13. bc N:g3 14. hg Ne5 15. Qc2 and the knight on d4 is
definitely stronger than his opponent is.
11. … b:c6
Of course, weaker was 11. N:c3, at least because of 12. N:e7 N:d1+ 13.
K:d1 etc.
12. Rc1 …
Gives nothing 12. Qd4 909 13. Bf3 Bf5 14. 0-0 N:c3 15. bc Bc5 and
Black has a good position.
12. … O-O 13. O-O B:c3
13. … N:c3 14. bc Bc5 15. Bf3 Bd7 16. Qa4 is obvious not good.
14. b:c3 N:g3

Unfortunately, Black should go for simplification. Risky was: 14. … f5

15. Bf3! Be6 (15. … f4 16. ef gf 17. Bh4! or 15. … c5 16. B:e4 Q:e4 17. Qh5
and h4) 16. B:e4 fe 17. c5! dc 18. Qa4 etc. with advantage for White.
15. h:g3 Bf5!
It is the only move. Otherwise, through Bf3, Qa4 and Rb1, White would
obtain a dangerous initiative. Now Black is threatening with to move c6-c5 to
fix White's double pawns on the c-file.
Therefore, White has to go for the exchange of the bishops, which allows
them to win a few tempo.
16. Bf3 Be4 17. B:e4 Q:e4 18. Qd4 Qe6!

39
 The best. On typical 18. … Rfe8 would follow 19. c5! d5 20. Rfd1 and
then c3-c4. It was also not good 18. … Q:d4 19. cd Rab8 20. c5! d5 21. Rb1
and White has an excellent position.
19. c5! …
Forced (because otherwise Black will play c6-c5) and very unpleasant for
Black. Flohr chooses the strongest continuation; he creates a passed pawn,
which ensures him with an easy draw.
19. … Q:a2 20. c:d6 c:d6
The easiest way. In case of 20. … Rfd8, White could complicate the
game by 21. d7 Qd5 22. Rcd1! or to force draw after 21. Ra1 Qe6 22. R:a7
R:a7 23. Q:a7 cd.
21. Q:d6 Qe6 22. Rfd1 Rfb8!
The only move. It is unfavourable to exchange right now (a pawn will be
lost), but at the same time, Black should prevent Qa3! with the following
Rd6.
Now, on 23. Qa3 follows 23. … Rb3. On the other queen move – 23.
Qc7, Black could play 23. … Kg7! 23. Rd6 Rc8! 25. R:e6 R:c7 and a draw is
ensured for Black.
That is the reason why White has no choice but to exchange queens.
23. Q:e6 f:e6 24. Rd4 … and the Draw was agreed.

White cannot play 24. Rd6 a5 25. R:c6 a4 26. Rd6 a3 27. Rdd1 a2 28. c4
Rb7! 29. Ra1 Rb2 30. Rdc1 Rab8 31. Rf1 Rc2 and Black has a dangerous
initiative.
Black has the passed pawn, but it does not give them a serious chance to
win. It is a short but informative game.
I have played already seven games and have not won a single game yet, a
circumstance that I did not like. The match situation made me to go for
complications, so I decided to choose the Dutch Defense (close variation)
again in the next game. However, on the second move already I was a little
disappointed.

40
 Game Eight
11th December
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 e6 2. e4 …
The peaceful attitude. Flohr is two points ahead and decided apparently to
avoid any complications. Like feeling the Black aggressive intentions, he
chooses the ultra-drawing variant of the French Defense.
2. … d5 3. Nd2 …
This is a favourite weapon of Ilyin-Genevsky. If Black tries to avoid a
normal continuation by 3. … c5 with the following exchange of queens, than
White easily gains advantage. After 3. … Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 5. Bd3 they are
clearly better.
3. … c5 4. e:d5 e:d5
In case of 4. … Q:d5 5. Nf3 cd 6. Bc4 Qd8 7. 0-0 and Nb3, White wins
back the pawn.
In the game continuation, Black has an isolated d5-pawn, which does not
give White any noticeable advantage.
5. Bb5+ Bd7 6. Qe2+ Qe7
After 6. … Be7 7. dc and Black loses a pawn without any compensation.
7. Q:e7+ B:e7 8. B:d7+ N:d7 9. d:c5 N:c5 10. Nb3 Na4!

White plays inaccurately. The knight on b3 is misplaced, since it is

difficult to develop the bishop on c1.
11. Ne2 Bf6 12. c3 …
Maybe stronger was 12. Nbd4 to free up the bishop on c1. Black would
have to answer 12. 0-0-0, protecting the b7-pawn.

41
 12. … Ne7 13. O-O O-O 14. Rd1 Rfd8 15. Rb1 …
As a result of the 10th move, White now has to play such moves.
15. … Rac8 16. Kf1 a6!

Black play very accurately. For White, of course, is very beneficial to

exchange bishops, which will weaken the d5-pawn and dark-squares in
Black's camp. Therefore, White wants to maneuver Bc1-e3-d4. If Black tried
to move the knight from a4 to c4, then after 16. … Nb6 17. Be3! White has
just fulfilled its plan. Black waits for White knight to occupy the d4-square
and only then to play Nb6.
The immediate move 17. Be3 will meet 17. … Nf5.
17. Ned4 Nb6 18. Na5 …
Black gets rid of his only weakness.
18. … Nc4 19. N:c4 …
19. N:b7 Rd7 lead to a loss of a piece.
19. … d:c4 20. Be3 Nd5 21. Nf3 … and the Draw was agreed.

Unprofitable for Black was 21. … N:e3! 22. fe, because White will get
control under the d4.
According to the regulation after the 8th game, the match was paused for
two days. These two days have not been in vain. I used them for intensive
analytical work, studying the variant 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. ed cd 4. c4 Nf6 5.
Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 dc:

42
 And on December 14, I confidently started the game (like the first one,
which ended sadly for me) with 1. e2-e4.

43
 Game Nine
14th December
Caro-Kann Defense: Panov Attack
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr
1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. e:d5 c:d5 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6 6. Bg5 d:c4 7. d5
Ne5 8. Qd4 Nd3+ 9. B:d3 c:d3 10. Nf3 …

In the first game, I played 10. B:f6 and got a worse position. However,
after the home analysis, when I was convinced that in case of 10. … e6 11.
B:f6! Q:f6 12. Q:d3 - Black stands very badly (since the bishop on f8 has no
moves); I decided to play this variant again.
If 10. … Bf5 11. 0-0 and Black cannot longer resist. White’s main
advantage is lead in development. In all variants, White’s attack become
threatening and dangerous before Black has time to develop his forces.
I will not recommend for the reads the move played by Black in the
game.
10. … g6 11. B:f6 …
Now this move is strong. White has won an important tempo and their
rooks are starting to work on the central files with terrible power. The passed
pawn “d” is very annoying for Black.
11. … e:f6 12. O-O Qb6
It is fair to say that Black has a lost position. Did not save 12. … Be7 13.
Rad1! (13. Ne4 Qb6! 14. d6 Q:d4 15. N:d4 f5! 16. Rfe1 fe 17. R:e4 Kd7) 13.
… 0-0 14. R:d3 Bf5 15. Rd2 Bd6 16. g4 Bc8 17. Ne4 and Black should
resign.
It is possible that Black may have played stronger, but it cannot make a

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significant change in the evaluation of the position. With the move in the text,
Black loses castling rights and hopes that the king at d8 will be safe.
However, the game in style of Steinitz with an open position and with a
completely undeveloped army will not save the game.
13. Rfe1+ Kd8 14. Qh4! …
The strongest way to continua the attack. On 14. Q:d3 Bd6! It is doubtful
that White can convert his advantage into a win.
White’ main threat is 15. Ne5! Qc7 16. d6 B:d6 17. Nb5 and White wins.
On 14. … Be7, White can respond 15. d6 Q:d6 16. Rad1! Bd7 (16. … Bf5
17. Nd4) 17. Re3 and White easily wins.
14. … g5 15. Qh5 …
Black is hopeless. On 15. … Qc7 will follow 16. Ne4 and Black pawns
will be lost one after another. At the cost of two pawns, Black “develops”
two pieces.
15. … Bd6 16. Q:f7 Rf8 17. Q:h7 g4!
Only chance to create a counterplay. On 18. Nh4 (in view of 18. … Qc7
19. Q:c7 B:c7 20. Rad1), Black plays 18. … d2! and the position became
complicated with some advantages for Black. That why the next move is
necessary.
18. Nd2! Qc7
Hopeless for Black is 18. … Q:b2 19. Q:d3 with a strong attack. Now
White should play very accurately. On 19. Q:c7 B:c7, it is not easy to win the
d3-pawn and even if White did, this will present a great technical difficulty
(Black has bishop pair and centralized king etc.). However, the nest move in
the game destroys all the hopes.

19. Qh6! …
Weak was 19. Q:d3 B:h2+ 20. Kf1 and White king is in a dangerous
position. Now the threat is 20. Nb5. In additional, the rook on f8 is also
vulnerable and the Black queen is just in time to protect everything.
19. … Qf7 20. Nc4 Be5

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 Desperation. Loses and 20. … Bb4 21. a3 B:c3 22. Nd6 Qg8 23. bc or 20.
… Bc8 21. d6 Rg8 22. Re7 Qg6 (22. … Q:c4 23. Q:f6) 23. Qf4.
White now wins the second pawn, taking away the black advantage of
bishop pair and goes into an endgame. The next phase of the game is a
technique.
21. N:e5 f:e5 22. Qg5+ Qe7 23. Q:e5 Q:e5 24. R:e5 Bf5 25. Rf1 Kd7
26. f3 b5
Black takes a final attempt to complicate the game.
27. f:g4 B:g4 28. h3 b4

29. Ne4! …
The last subtlety moment. In the case of 29. hg bc 30. bc R:f1+ 31. K:f1
Rc8, the result of the struggle would be unclear, as the white pawns would be
lost one after another. With the move in the game, Black allowed White king
to come in the center. However, even in case of 29. … Be2 30. R:f8 R:f8 31.
d6! Rf1+ 32. Kh2 Rd1 33. Re7+ Kc6 34. d7 Kc7 35. Nc5! and White will
promote the pawn into a queen.
29. … R:f1+ 30. K:f1 Rf8+ 31. Ke1 Bf5
If 31. … Be2, than 32. Ng3.
32. g4 Bg6 33. Re6 … Flohr resigned.

This game has shown me that I can beat Flohr and I would not deny
that this victory inspired me a lot.
The next day I decided to play the Dutch Defense again because I was

46
sure that my opponent, who was eager for revenge, would not go for a draw
with the French Defense.

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 Game Ten
15th December
Dutch Defense: Classical. Stonewall Variation
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 e6 2. c4 …
I was right; Flohr plays for a win and allows the Dutch Defense.
2. … f5 3. g3 …
The strongest continuation recommended by the theory. In the 4th game,
Flohr played 3. Nc3, which is much weaker.
3. … Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7
Responsible decision. Black abstains from exchanging the bishop (4. ...
Bb4+) in order not to simplify the game. It is recommended to play the
variants of the Dutch game, long known as the "stone wall" - a favourite
weapon of the Leningrad master A. Model. This variant is rejected by the
theory, but contains a lot of poison; against an insufficiently sophisticated
opponent, it can be safely played.
5. Nc3 d5 6. Nf3 …
At one time, Grunfeld recommended to play here 6. Nb3 followed by f2-
f3 and e2-e4. However, a depth-analysis shows that this manoeuvre does not
work. It is true that White could give up this plan, but then the development
of the knight at h3 has no sense.
6. … c6 7. O-O O-O

8. b3 …
The lack of knowledge has already an effect: Flohr does not choose the
strongest continuation here. Only with the move 8. Bf4! White can hope to

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gain an advantage. One of the disadvantage
Fianchetto has the disadvantage that it weakens the f4-square and Black’s
chances of winning are significantly increased.
8. … Qe8
Necessary manoeuvre here. Black transfer the queen on h5 not only for
attack, but also for defence of the f5-pawn.
9. Bb2 Nbd7 10. Qd3 …
A small inaccuracy. In majority of cases, the queen is better placed on c2.
Now easier was 10. Ng5 Bd6 11. f4, locking down the position and
eliminating any chance to an attack on the kingside.
10. … Qh5
In time, White threats with 11. cd! to open up the game on the c-file.
11. c:d5 …
This exchange should only take place if it gives some immediate positive
results. Otherwise, it only leads to a worsening of the position.
White did not get anything on 11. Nd2 (or 11. Ne1) 11. … e5! 12. cd e4
etc. However, from this follows only that it was necessary to admit that the
development of the bishop on b2 was a mistake and to transfer it to f4, after
which any breakthroughs with e6-e5 were eliminated.
11. … e:d5 12. Nd2 …
This is also a mistake. White plans to play f2-f3 and to strengthen the e5
point. However, the plan with the move 12. Ne1 was stronger followed by f4
and Ne1-f3-e5. Now this manoeuvre turns out to be impossible.
12. … Ne4 13. f3 …
Exactly. On 13. f4 follows 13. … N:d2! 14. Q:d2 Nf6 and Black takes
under control the e4-square, while White has a hard time to manoeuvre the
knight to e5.
13. … N:c3
Only in this way. After 13. … N:d2 14. Q:d2, White is just in time to
defend the e5-square.
14. B:c3 f4!

49
 The signal to assault. Black gets long-term pressure and initiative on the
kingside. It is possible that the next move was stronger 14. Rfd1, leaving the
e1-square free for the bishop. The rook should be removed from f1-square to
give room for the knight to protect the g3-pawn.
15. Rfe1 Bd6 16. Nf1 Rf7
An important move. Bad was 16. … Nf6, because White will respond 17.
Bd2! attacking the f4-pawn and in case of 17. … fg 18. hg got an important
diagonal c1-h6 for the bishop. Therefore, Black frees up the f8-square for the
knight. Still for White was better here to play 17. Bd2.
With the next move, White closed up the c1-h6 diagonal after which
Black with the advantage makes the exchange operation on g3.
Also, wrong for White was 17. e4 de! 18. Q:e4 (18. fe f3!) 18. … Nf6 etc.
17. e3 f:g3 18. N:g3 …
Forced. On 18. hg could follow 18. … R:f3! or also 18. … Qg5 19. e4
B:g3 20. N:g3 Q:g3 21. ed Nf8 of Nf6 with the advantage for Black.
18. … Qh4 19. Nf1 Nf6 20. Re2 Bd7
White has high expectations on manoeuvre Bc3-e1-g3, but there is no
way that this manoeuvre can improve their position. However, their position
is already so bad that it is difficult to recommend anything better.
21. Be1 Qg5 22. Bg3 B:g3 23. N:g3 …
It was bad 23. hg Nh5 and White is forced to play 24. g4 since on 24.
Kh2 follows 24. … N:g3!
23. … h5!
The signal for a decisive strike. Threatening to win a piece after h5-h4-h3
and therefore a new weakness in the white’s camp are inevitable.
24. f4 Qg4 25. Rf2 …
Maybe 25. Rf1 was better.
25. … h4 26. Bf3? …

50
 A blunder. In all fairness, we would like to point out that even after 26.
h3 Qe6 (26. … Q:g3 27. Rf3 ) 27. Nf1 Ne4, White’s position is lost.
26. … h:g3
The obvious but quite elegant sacrifice.
27. B:g4 g:f2 28. Kg2 …
After 28. K:f2 N:g4+, White will lose also the e3-pawn.
28. … N:g4 29. h3 Nf6 30. K:f2 Ne4+ and White resigned.

On 31. Kg2 follows 31. … B:h3+ or the manoeuvre Ra8-e8-e6-g6 with

the mating attack.
By winning this game, I equalized the score of the match, and my fighting
spirit significantly decreased. However, in the next game I still made one last
attempt to win.
With regard to this game, we can also say that Flohr certainly did not play
to his full potential, apparently under the influence of a previous defeat. I
think I played the 10th game smoothly.

51
 Game Eleven
18th December
Caro-Kann Defense: Accelerated Panov Attack
Mikhail Botvinnik vs Salomon Flohr

1. e4 c6 2. c4 …
Lajos Steiner recommended this move. In one game between Steiner –
Flohr, Black replayed 2. … d5, after which White got a good position.
Therefore, Flohr chosen another continuation in this game, in my view, quite
correct one.
2. … e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. e:d5 e:d5 5. c:d5 c:d5 6. Bb5+ Bd7
The simplest way. It is difficult for Black to get an advantage by 6. Nc6.
7. B:d7+ Q:d7
Less favourable continuation: 7. … N:d7 8. 0-0 and Black can get a lot of
trouble on the f-file.
8. Ne5 Qc7 9. O-O Bd6
Black develops the bishop on d6 and the knight on e7 and eliminating any
White’s hope on e-file. That is the most important - Black prepares to take
the dangerous knight on the e5 at the right time. The 9. … Nf6 and Be7 was
preferable.
10. d4 Ne7 11. Nc3 O-O
Of course, Black has no time to play a7-a6, in view to preserve the bishop
on d6.
12. Bf4 B:e5!

The only move. Wrong was 12. .. f6 13. Nb5 Qb6 14. N:d6 Q:d6 15. Ng6
winning the exchange or 12. … Nc6 13. Nb5 and White wins a piece.
If White takes on e5 with the bishop, it is an obvious draw. That is why

52
they prefer to take on e5 with the pawn.
13. d:e5 Qd7 14. Qe2 …
More promising was 14. Bg5! Nbc6 15. f4 and Black has difficulties. For
example:
15. … Rad8 follows 15. f5! with a dangerous initiative;
On 15. … d4 16. Ne4 with the pressure.
In the case of 15. … Nf5 16. N:d5 Kh8 17. g4 Nfd4 18. Ne3 f6 19. fe gf
20. Bh4 Rae8 and the position is unclear.
14. … Nbc6 15. Rad1 Rfe8 16. Rfe1 …
Now we have a force draw. However, it was a good try 16. Bg3 followed
by f4 with an initiative.
16. … d4! 17. Nb5 Ng6 18. Be3! …
Otherwise, White even loses.
18. … R:e5 19. N:d4 N:d4 20. R:d4 Q:d4 21. B:d4 R:e2 22. R:e2 Rd8
23. Rd2 f6 24. Kf1 Kf7 25. Ke2 a6 26. Be3 R:d2+ and the Draw was agreed.

This is actually the last active game of the match. In the 12th game, both
opponents were so tired of the previous struggle that neither of them was
looking for complications.

53
 Game Twelve
19th December
Grunfeld Defense: Botvinnik Variation
Salomon Flohr vs Mikhail Botvinnik
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 …
It is the calmest continuation. However, the only attempt to refute
Grunfeld Defense is by 4. Qb3, as I played twice in the USSR championship
in 1933. The idea of this move belongs to one Leningrad master.
4. … Bg7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Qb3 e6
Usually here 6. … c6 is played, but then Black is still forced to play 7. …
e6. Alatortsev commonly uses the move played in the game, further
developing the knight on c6. However, Black connects the move 6. … e6
with another idea.
7. Be2 b6
Exactly. Black develops the bishop on c8 without any difficulties, which
is considered the main problem for Black.
8. O-O Bb7 9. Rd1 Nbd7 10. Bd2 c5
It seems that Black has a better position, but it is not true. White
simplifies the position with the series of exchanges.
11. c:d5 N:d5
After 11. … ed 12. dc! N:c5 13. Qa3, White has a little better position.
12. d:c5 N:c5 13. Qa3! …

The rook on d1 is very well positioned, that why Black should play with
high accuracy.
13. … Qb8 14. N:d5 B:d5 15. Bc3 Ne4!

54
 Of course, not 15. … B:c3 16. Q:c3 and the White queen with a tempo
comes into the game.
16. B:g7 K:g7 17. Rac1 Rc8 18. b3 Kg8 19. Qb2 R:c1 20. R:c1 Qd8 21.
Nd2 N:d2 22. Q:d2 Rc8 and the Draw was agreed.

Therefore, the match ended in a draw. It is quite understandable that it

was an outstanding achievement for me, and at the same time for the entire
Soviet chess movement. This match is even more significant because,
approximately to my strength played a dozen of our masters, who can safely
be classified as masters of international class.
I would like to point out how much the theoretical preparation for the
match has helped me. I had a surprise in the opening only in the 6th game,
when in other games I did not once encounter any unexpected moves. Maybe
the rather modest opening repertoire of my opponent was the reason, but
there is no doubt that my home analysis was very important in my
preparation to the match.
Nevertheless, at the same time, the match revealed some
vulnerabilities in my technique, on which I will have to work harder in the
future. I have no doubt that many of the more experienced grandmasters
would have been able to take much more advantage in certain position in
games than I did.
The match showed that in qualitative terms our masters managed to
catch up with Western Europe. However, in order to accomplish the second
task - to surpass the creative achievements of the best Western European
professionals, we need to study seriously, and in any case not be satisfied
with the success that we achieved in the first meeting with a representative of
bourgeois chess art.

55
 FLOHR ABOUT HIS IMPRESSIONS

Since the international tournament in Moscow in 1925, no European

master has visited the Soviet Union; therefore, it was extremely difficult to
get a clear idea about the class of Soviet masters, especially to compare the
younger generation with international grandmasters.
I was particularly honoured by the fact that I had to establish a chess
relationship between Europe and URSS; for this reason, our match has not
only chess and sport, but also historical significance.
The reception I received in Moscow was fantastically good. Already
on the border in Negorelom, a representative of the central chess organization
met me and conveyed me greetings from Soviet chess community. At the
station in Moscow, members of the organizing committee, journalists and
photographers were waiting for me. They always took care of me and showed
me everything; I have already seen opera, operetta and various chess clubs. In
Europe, such a welcome is given to a famous movie star.
The organization of the match is remarkable. The match take place in
the magnificent Pillar Hall of the House of Unions. Opponents are sitting on
the stage. On the side of Botvinnik - the red flag of the Soviet Union, on the
left side - Czechoslovakia. The audience in the hall is about 2000 per day. I
have never seen so many spectators in any country. The game is shown on
two 4-meter boards on both sides of the stage and on a number of smaller
boards in the side halls.
From a radio show in Moscow

56
 I am excited about everything I see in Moscow. It is difficult to put
into words my experiences and impressions. Such a wonderful organization,
such an extraordinary interest in the match, such attention of the press, radio,
cinema, I have certainly never met anywhere and will never see it in the
West. All this is even hard to imagine for a Western European chess player
who is used to the outwardly humble atmosphere of matches and to several
dozen spectators.
I am considered the one of the best simultaneous player in the world.
Last year, the Amsterdam club organized a simultaneous contest between
Ave, Spielmann and me on 26 boards. I was the winner, with only two draws.
I was ahead of my competitors by more than an hour.
My record for the simultaneous game was also set in Amsterdam: out
of 100 games in 8 hours and 20 minutes, I won 80, lost 5 and drew 15.
In Botvinnik, I met a worthy opponent of a large international class. I
have no doubt that in any international tournament, regardless of its
composition; Botvinnik would have achieved a very good result.
The public does not understand the specifics of the match game. It is
significantly different from the game in a tournament. In a match, I have no
right and should not risk losing. However, to beat such a strong opponent as
Botvinnik is not so easy.
The Russian local newspaper “Vechernyaya Moskva”

57
 The reception I received in Leningrad is as good as in Moscow. The
chess organization treated me extremely carefully and took great care of my
impressions. We visited the factory "Электро-прибор" (Electro device). In
memory of our visit, they gifted a voltmeter to Botvinnik and me. We visited
a luxurious Russian ballet, spent an exceptionally pleasant evening in the
House of Scientists.
Such attention in other countries is absurd. The central newspapers
devoted a lot of time and space to the match. The film factory filmed about
400 meters, a film that will certainly arouse great interest abroad. Non-
European film community would ever think of shooting a chess match. Only
in the Soviet Union, it is possible.
The chess organization of the Soviet Union has done a tremendous
amount of work in recent years. The results of this work are visible. There is
a huge interest in chess everywhere. Chess has become widespread in all
strata of the population.
From a radio show in Leningrad

58
 The Moscow series ended in my favour with a score of 4-2 without a
single loss. When I came to Leningrad, I thought that in the other six games I
would at least hold that advantage. What Master Botvinnik managed to do in
Leningrad should be considered a major achievement. History does not know
of such a case in major international match that one would manage to
equalise the score of the match and with such a difference in chess
experience.
Botvinnik showed himself to be a highly talented chess player, who
also has such valuable qualities as stamina and coolness. Hardly anyone else
in his position would have been able to offer serious and lasting resistance
after the Moscow half. Botvinnik is undoubtedly an already formed
Grandmaster, and he is expected to make even greater progress in the future.
The Russian newspaper “Krasnaea Gazeta”

The overall impression I have of the Soviet Union's chess

organization are tremendous. I never imagined that a chess match could
attract so many spectators and generate such interest in all layers of the
society. I remember my games with Euwe in the high season in Carlsbad. On
some days, there were only a few spectators. Here, wherever we appeared, a
crowd of people were everywhere.
The average level of your chess players is much higher than in any

59
Western European country. If I had been told a month ago that I could lose
20 games out 50 in a simultaneous exhibition, I would consider it a bad joke.
In Leningrad, it turned out to be a reality. I knew that the players would be
very strong and I played carefully, but I could not avoid losing. None of the
participants made any major mistake.
Leaving the Soviet Union, I consider myself obligate to express my
gratitude to the chess associations of Moscow and Leningrad for their
hospitality. I am taking my best memories and one wish with me - as soon as
possible, to come back. Not a single tournament in Western Europe, not a
single chess event has left behind of such a grand, memorable impression.
The Russian newspaper “Spartak”

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