Trap your opponent in the corner using your rook and knight!

The checkmate with rook and knight against a king comes up fairly often, but most beginners don’t know it, and even some fairly strong players either don’t know it well or miss it easily. So it’s a good pattern to know. You can rescue games (as I have) knowing this pattern.

The rook and knight mate pattern

Your knight

Notice that the knight stands on f6, a square that is on the diagonal that leads to the corner square, with one square between the knight and the corner square. Put another way, to reproduce the pattern, the knight should stand on c3, c6, f3, or f6.

The enemy king

The enemy king must be on the corner square. Very often you can set up this pattern by moving your knight to the f6 square (or one of the other squares mentioned above) while the king stands in the corner. Other times, you may be able to force the king to move to the corner.

Your rook

The rook will often be on the seventh rank, checking the enemy king from h7. But it might be on the g-file as well, checking from g8. Of course, this pattern could occur on the other side of the board, with the enemy king trapped on a8, or it might occur in the a1 or h1 corners too.

How to set up the checkmate

To set up the checkmate, the opponent must have his king in the corner or in a position where you can drive it into the corner. Place your rook to cut off the king’s escape on either the seventh rank or the g file. Then maneuver your knight to the f6 square (or the comparable square for one of the other corners).

Notice that in this position the enemy king is trapped: he can’t make a move. The rook guards the square that stands between your knight and the enemy king, and the knight guards the other two squares around the king. This locks the enemy king in the corner, preventing him from escaping. Trapping the enemy king like this is often referred to as making (or weaving) a “mating net.” This net is particularly strong, and can be very tricky to defend against, once it is properly set up.

The checkmate

Checkmate is delivered by moving the rook to the checking square that stands immediately next to the king. In the diagram, mate is delivered by moving the rook to h7.

Important clues!

This checkmate will occur most often on the seventh rank (your opponent’s “pawn row”) or on the g-file when your opponent has castled on the kingside (“castled short“). You should look for this checkmate idea when you have a rook and a knight available for attack and your opponent is vulnerable on the seventh rank or the g-file. It can, of course, occur on the b-file as well, but it occurs more often on the kingside of the board.

This will come up most often in the late middle-game or early endgame, or in the course of a direct attack against the enemy king, which of course can occur at any point of the game. This mate will rarely, if ever, occur in the opening.

Example game

In the following diagrammed position, from one of my own games, Black has just moved his pawn to c6. Is this a good move? What should White play next?

No, 1…c6 is not a good move. White’s next move is 2.Nf6!, and White will be able to checkmate Black in 2 more moves. Black can try:

• 2…Rc7
• 3.Rxc7

And now Black can make any move, and White will respond with 4.Rh7, checkmate.

Notice that Black has no way to defend against this checkmate. That’s one of the nice things about this pattern: having established the setup, it can be very difficult to defend against.

Quiz

Finally, here’s a somewhat tricky position testing your grasp of this checkmate pattern. It’s White’s move … and it’s a good thing, because Black is threatening …Qe1 checkmate.

But White gets to move first! So your challenge is to find White’s proper course of play. Click here to see the answer.

Read Rook and knight checkmate – basic checkmate pattern at Chess Strategies Blog

White rescues himself from the threatened mate and wins the game by playing 1.Qxh7+!

Position after 1.Qxh7+

Black responds by capturing the queen, playing 1…Rxh7. But now White delivers the killing blow by 2.Rxg8 checkmate

Here’s the diagram of the final position.

Final checkmate position

Return to rook and knight checkmate pattern.

Read Answer to rook and knight mate quiz at Chess Strategies Blog

This is part three of my first annual Christmas chess player’s wish list. In this article, I’m reviewing chess equipment and related products (chess boards, chess sets, chess clocks, and so on). If you want to see suggestions for chess books, check out part 1 (recently published books) and part 2 (older chess literature).

I’m making this list in the hopes of helping out the non-chess-player who is doing Christmas shopping for his/her favorite chess player. If you’re really not familiar with chess, but you want to know what would be a fun and interesting gift for a chess player you know, take a look at my recommendations below. Just click on one or more of the links to finish your Christmas shopping.

I make these recommendations based on my own interests. I’ve been playing chess for over fifty years, and these are all things I would love to receive in my stocking this Christmas.

You should know that most of the links in this article are affiliate links, that is, the links are either links to my chess store (links to my Amazon product pages) or are affiliate links to other web pages. If you click on those links and make a purchase, I’ll make a commission. Unless otherwise noted, you should assume I’ll get paid a commission if you click the link and buy something. It’s a great way to support Chess Strategies Blog!

Chess sets

This category just includes chess pieces without a board. If you want a board and set combination, I have some recommendations further down the page.

The Championship Series Chess Set – 3.75-inch King

For a really nice set of pieces, check out the selection available at the House of Staunton. The set I’m recommending is a very nice wood set at a reasonable price. I’ve paid more money for lower quality sets, so I can highly recommend this set as a great bargain. The pattern for these pieces is the one that has been used for international chess tournaments for years, including World Championship events. The King is 3-3/4 inches tall, (perfect size) the pieces are heavily weighted, and have billiard cloth bottoms.

The London Series Timeless Chess Set – 4.0″ King

This next set is for the chess player with a budget to match his discerning tastes. It’s my personal favorite because I have a nearly identical set that was purchased by my grandfather back in the 1940′s. I still use it regularly. This set has a 4-inch king, with a 1-3/4 inch base. As such it is slightly larger than most ordinary sets. It will play nicely on a standard size board with 2-1/4 inch squares, but will also work well on a larger board with 2-1/2 inch squares. If you want the highest quality, click here. This set is for you.

Chess boards

If your favorite chess player has a set but needs a board, I have some recommendations for you.

Chess Board – Standard Vinyl Roll-up in Green

For young players and someone who needs a board to take to the club or her next chess tournament, check out the roll-up vinyl boards available in my chess store. Inexpensive but very durable, these boards will go anywhere and last nearly forever. Very inexpensive … would make a great stocking-stuffer.

Mahogany and Maple Wooden Tournament Chessboard

For a high-quality gift, get a nice wood board. The board I’m recommending is made of mahogany and maple, with algebraic notation rank and file labels. This board is great for use in your den or home office. You have a choice of sizes for this board; I recommend the 2.25-inch squares, which is the standard used for the vast majority of tournament and club boards. http://www.houseofstaunton.com/product_p/brdwtrnmh.htm&Click=13363

Folding Mahogany and Maple Wooden Tournament Chessboard

I’ve always preferred a folding board for taking to tournaments and the club. It used to be that you could get a very nice, durable, screen-printed linen folding board made by Dreuke that was perfect. I still have one I got in the 1970′s and that I use regularly. Alas, the linen folding board is no longer available. But House of Staunton has a great alternative, a folding wood board. folding wooden boards with notation labels along the side, or here for a selection of wooden folding boards without the notation labels.

Chess board and set combinations

These sets have both the chess pieces and a chess board included in one package.

Drueke Magnetic Travel Chess Set

If you want a travel set, I would recommend the Dreuke magnetic set. I’ve used one for nearly my whole life. It’s still the best choice available for playing chess while traveling. Especially great for keeping the youngsters occupied on a long car trip. The pieces are less than an inch tall, and the board measures under 8 inches square. The magnets hold the pieces in place very securely, so you can even put the lid on a game in progress, and unless you shake it quite a bit, the position will still be there the next time you take off the top. I highly recommend this travel set!

The Championship Series Chess Set and Board Combination

If you want a very nice set of chess pieces with board, you can’t do better than this great combination. High quality at a very reasonable price. The chess board is mahogany and maple with a mahogany border. The squares are the standard 2.25 inches. The Kings stand 3-3/4 inches tall, made of hand-carved boxwood.

Chess clocks

Every chess player needs a chess clock. If for no other reason, learning how to play speed chess is a lot of fun! But you need a clock for tournaments and at the chess club too.

DGT Easy Timer Digital Chess Clock

It has become standard these days to use a digital clock for tournament play. One of the big reasons is the ability to program these clocks with delay and increment time controls. That being the case, you or your favorite chess player will certainly want one of these inexpensive digital clocks with the rocker buttons. This is the style of clock that you will see at the most major chess tournaments.

INSA Wooden Mechanical Chess Clock

If you’re a traditionalist, like me, you will appreciate the accuracy and beauty of this mechanical analog wood clock. Beauty, simplicity, and practicality … but no time increments.

Miscellaneous

Here are a few recommended items that don’t fit in any of the categories above, but I think you’d find useful and would make a great gift for a chess lover!

Chess Score Book – Keep a Record of Your Games!

For a nice little stocking stuffer, you might consider getting a chess score book. I recommend the spiral-bound books, as they are much easier to use. Avoid hard bound books. When you’re under time pressure, you don’t want to be struggling with your score book.

The Ultimate Chess Bag

This chess bag is great for carrying all your chess stuff … set, board, clock, and books. It will even accommodate both a roll-up board and a folding board. Extremely useful for chess tournaments, travel, and convenient for taking to the chess club.

ChessBase database of 5 million chess games

For the serious chess player, check out the new ChessBase12, and get access to 5 million chess games.

U.S. Chess Federation

For my final recommendations, I want to highlight the good work of the U.S. Chess Federation. You should know that I am not associated with the U.S. Chess Federation, and I won’t receive any money or other compensation for the suggestions below. Second, if you live outside the U.S., check out your local chess federation for access to information about tournaments and local chess happenings.

Here are two items I recommend from the USCF:

Membership in the USCF

If you’re interested in taking your chess to the next level, you’ll want to get a USCF membership. USCF membership is required for most rated chess tournaments. Membership also entitles you to Chess Life, their award-winning monthly magazine. I’ve been a life member of the USCF for 30 years, and highly recommend it.

Sponsor your child in a chess tournament

Take your chess youngster to a local chess tournament. Click the headline link to find lists of tournaments available near you. You can find very inexpensive scholastic tournaments. And even if you can’t find one of those, most tournaments are not too expensive, and will make a great experience for your budding chess star!

Read Christmas 2012 wish list – Part 3 – Chess boards, sets, and clocks at Chess Strategies Blog

This post is a continuation of my recommendations for Christmas 2012. If you happened to miss part 1, click here to view my recommendations for chess books published this year.

I hope that these lists will help give you ideas of gifts you could give or would like to receive. You might want to print this out and give it to your non-chess-playing friend as a hint.

Be warned! Some of these books will still have English descriptive notation. Don’t let that deter you! Learn the older system of notation and get all the benefit from the classic chess literature.

Classic Chess Books

Here is my recommendation for books from the older, classic chess literature.

The books in this list should be in any chess player’s library who aspires to get beyond novice. These books are not overly advanced, but are advanced enough for even relatively strong players to benefit from. Before purchasing these books for a Christmas gift, you may want to check what’s in your chess player’s library, as these books should be there. If they aren’t, get them!

The essential books from classic chess literature

Pandolfini’s Endgame Course, by Bruce Pandolfini

Pandolfini is recognized as one of the greatest chess teachers alive. His books are highly informative. And while this book cannot really be called a “classic,” it should be. In my opinion, this is one of the first books any beginning chess player should tackle. You’ll get more solid instruction about how to win a chess game from this book than from any other source. (Just my opinion. ) This book should be useful for any player short of expert strength, and is especially recommended for beginners.

Learn Chess: A Complete Course, by C. H. O’D. Alexander and T. J. Beach

Although the great chess master, author, and publisher Ken Smith recommended this book for intermediate players — just to make sure they had a sound foundation in chess fundamentals — this book is probably the best book for the beginning chess player. It covers everything from the very basics about how to move the pieces to chess tactics and basic chess strategies. If your chess player is below class A, this book is worth considering. And if your chess player is a real beginner, definitely get this book.

Logical Chess: Move by Move: Every Move Explained New Algebraic Edition
by Irving Chernev

This book is indispensable for beginning players who might be frustrated by the mystifying … and unexplained … moves of chess masters. The author gives a collection of master games, and explains and analyzes every move for each side. Essential for developing an understanding of the flow of a chess game, the making of plans, and the calculation of alternatives. You’ll pay a little bit for this book, but you’ll find it a worthwhile investment. Invaluable and highly recommended!

More advanced books

The following books are for those who have progressed beyond rank beginner, and are interested in devoting some serious study to the game. Each one of these books is a must for the well-rounded chess library of even the most casual tournament player.

My System (Chess Classics)
by Aron Nimzovich

This is, perhaps, the quintessential manual on chess strategy. Nimzovich was one of the great hyper-modern masters of the early 20th century. His approach to understanding chess has become the norm for most players. One of the true classic chess works; a masterpiece.

Pawn Power in Chess, by Hans Kmoch

Another seminal work on understanding chess strategy. Like My System, this book seeks to give the reader a deeper understanding of chess positions through developing a systematic approach to analyzing just about any position. Kmoch teaches the ideas behind pawn structures, their weaknesses and strengths, and what to do about them. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

A Guide to Chess Endings, by Max Euwe and David Hooper

Euwe was the fifth world chess champion, attaining the title by defeating Alexander Alekhine, one of the greatest players ever to play the game. Euwe’s systematic approach to chess is evident in this work, which should be in any serious player’s library. The book focuses on endgames, more specifically endgames dominated by pawns. Highly recommended for intermediate players and above.

The Art of Attack in Chess, by Vladimir Vukovich

This book focuses on how to win chess games by direct assault against the enemy king. Very instructive for players who like to attack or wish they could. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

Basic Chess Endings
by Reuben Fine

Reuben Fine was one of the American super Grandmasters of the mid-20th century. He was of world championship strength, and was invited to play in a tournament to determine the world championship in 1948, though he did not play for the title. This book may be his most important contribution to chess literature, and is still treasured by chess players today. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

1001 Winning Chess Sacrifices and Combinations, by Fred Reinfeld

This book is nothing more or less than a collection of great chess tactical ideas — 1001 of them. The answers to every position are presented at the end of the book. Mastering these positions will give you a master’s degree in tactics. Destroy the opposition with your tactical prowess!

1001 Brilliant Ways to Checkmate, by Fred Reinfeld

Similar to the previous book, this one focuses on tactics ending in checkmate.

How to Reassess Your Chess, 4th Edition, by Jeremy Silman

This book was an instant classic when it first came out, and the 4th edition contains extensive improvements over previous editions. It might be a little advanced for most intermediate players, but I would still recommend it. Silman is one of the great chess authors, and this book will surely grace chess libraries for many decades to come.

The third part of this list will contain recommendations for chess sets, boards, and other chess-related items.

A brief reminder: most of the links in this series are affiliate links, that is, the links are either links to my chess store (links to my Amazon product pages) or are affiliate links to other web pages. If you click on those links and make a purchase, I’ll make a commission. Unless otherwise noted, you should assume I’ll get paid a commission if you click the link and buy something. Thank you very much!

Read Chess Gifts for Christmas 2012 – Part Two at Chess Strategies Blog

A Christmas wish list for chess geeks!

This is my first annual Christmas chess player’s wish list. Here I’ll review some new chess products, some oldies but goodies, and make recommendations for Christmas gifts for chess newbies and veterans alike.

This is part 1 of a 3-part wish list. This part is devoted to recently published chess literature. In future posts, I’ll present recommendations for older chess books (the classics), and chess equipment and other chess gift ideas. Click here to see part two. Part three is coming soon.

You should know that most of the links in this article are affiliate links, that is, the links are either links to my chess store (links to my Amazon product pages) or are affiliate links to other web pages. If you click on those links and make a purchase, I’ll make a commission. Unless otherwise noted, you should assume I’ll get paid a commission if you click the link and buy something. Thank you very much!

Recently published chess books

We’ll start with books. One of my chess heroes used to say that a chess player ought to be known for his large library of chess books. You can help your favorite chess player (or yourself) by getting one or more of the following books.

Chess books published in 2012

What it Takes to Become a Chess Master, by Andrew Soltis

Soltis is a popular American Grandmaster and prolific writer. He has an easy and informative style. This book is sure to be high on everybody’s wish list this year for Christmas. Recommended for intermediate to advanced players.

How I Beat Fischer’s Record, by Judit Polgar

If your favorite chess player happens to be a young lady (or anyone else, for that matter), then Judit Polgar is definitely an inspirational role model. She achieved the Grandmaster title at a age younger than anyone had before her, including Bobby Fischer (though her record has since been surpassed). She is still one of the top Grandmasters in the world, and the strongest woman chess player in the world. Recommended for all.

Capablanca: Move by Move, by Cyrus Lakdawala

The author is a strong International Master with 30 years of playing and coaching experience. His subject, Jose Capablanca, a Cuban, was one of the greates players of all time, and was world champion from 1921 to 1927. Capablanca is known as a “natural” chess player, who had a nearly intuitive grasp of any position. His games are still as instructive today as they have ever been. Recommended for all.

Paul Morphy, by Geza Maroczy

Maroczy is one of the strongest masters to comment the games of the great Paul Morphy. Maroczy’s 1909 work has been translated into English from the original German, and is available in only limited quantites at the present time. Recommended for strong players and collectors interested in possessing Maroczy’s masterful commentary on Morphy’s games.

Bobby Fischer Comes Home, by Helgi Olafsson

This book is about Fischer’s return to Iceland, scene of his 1972 triumph over Boris Spassky. Olafsson developed a friendship with Fischer during that time, and wrote about his experiences with Fischer during the final days of the enigmatic chess champion. Recommended for all; it’s not a book about chess, but about Fischer.

Mastering Opening Strategy, by Johan Hellsten

The author, a Grandmaster, has taught chess full time for many years, and put that experience to good use in this book that seeks to instruct chess players about the strategies behind the chess opening. Most players want to know what moves to play in the opening … but it’s far better to have a solid grasp of the fundamental ideas, and a plan based on that understanding. This book will give you that. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

Vishy Anand: World Chess Champion — Life and Games, by Vishy Anand and John Nunn

The reigning world champion teams up with one of the great chess Grandmasters and authors, John Nunn, to produce a collection of his games, with 30 annotated games from 2001 to 2011. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

Point Count Chess, by Israel Albert Horowitz and Geoffrey Mott-Smith

This is a 2012 reprint of an old and controversial classi. The unique approach taken by the authors to assessing chess positions is legendary. Most tournament players have heard of the point count method, and many have used it to good effect. Newly reprinted for 2012, this book is a must-read, if only to expose yourself to the ideas. The original conception was originally controversial, but has been found useful by chess coaches, teachers, players, and even chess computer programmers. The text is printed in descriptive notation. Not recommended for beginners, but should be a welcome addition to the library of players of intermediate strength and above.

Note that this is not a new edition. It’s basically a reprint of the old edition with a new introduction added. The notation is the older English descriptive notation.

Masters of the Chessboard — 21st Century Edition, by Richard Reti

This masterpiece has been brushed up for modern readers, with figurine algebraic notation, and photos added. Reti’s work is one of the great classics of chess literature, and would be worth adding to your library. Recommended for intermediate players and above.

Fighting Chess with Magnus Carlsen, by Adrian Mikhalchishin and Oleg Stetsko

Carlsen is the wunderkind of this generation. Still very young, he has already attained a chess rating exceeded only by Garry Kasparov in his prime (and at this writing, he’s only 3 rating points behind Kasparov’s record). The authors present 64 of Carlsen’s greatest games. Hopefully there are many, many great Carlsen games yet to come.

The next post will be on older chess literature.

Read 2012 Chess Books for Christmas at Chess Strategies Blog

Spassky v. Fischer – Game 21 of 1972 Championship Match

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky match for the chess world championship, I am publishing the games of the match on the anniversary date of each of the games.

The final game of the Fischer-Spassky match was played on August 31, 1972. Fischer had the Black pieces, and Spassky, still seeking to play aggressive chess, began with 1.e4.

Round 21
Spassky-Fischer
Date: August 31, 1972 (*See note below.)

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 e6
• 3. d4 cxd4
• 4. Nxd4 a6
• 5. Nc3 Nc6
• 6. Be3 Nf6
• 7. Bd3 d5
• 8. exd5 exd5
• 9. O-O Bd6
• 10. Nxc6 bxc6
• 11. Bd4 O-O
• 12. Qf3 Be6
• 13. Rfe1 c5
• 14. Bxf6 Qxf6
• 15. Qxf6 gxf6
• 16. Rad1 Rfd8
• 17. Be2 Rab8
• 18. b3 c4
• 19. Nxd5 Bxd5
• 20. Rxd5 Bxh2+
• 21. Kxh2 Rxd5
• 22. Bxc4 Rd2
• 23. Bxa6 Rxc2
• 24. Re2 Rxe2
• 25. Bxe2 Rd8
• 26. a4 Rd2
• 27. Bc4 Ra2
• 28. Kg3 Kf8
• 29. Kf3 Ke7
• 30. g4 f5
• 31. gxf5 f6
• 32. Bg8 h6
• 33. Kg3 Kd6
• 34. Kf3 Ra1
• 35. Kg2 Ke5
• 36. Be6 Kf4
• 37. Bd7 Rb1
• 38. Be6 Rb2
• 39. Bc4 Ra2
• 40. Be6 h5
• 41. Bd7 0-1

Match score: Fischer 12 1/2, Spassky 8 1/2

The final position does not look like the kind of position one would normally resign. However, Spassky could probably have expected no better than a draw. In which case he would have faced the daunting challenge of winning the final three games to tie the match and retain his title. It must have seemed a futile idea, and resigning must have seemed quite appealing by comparison.

As seems fitting for this match, Spassky’s resignation was attended with some confusion. The game had been adjourned on August 31st, a Thursday. When the game was to resume on Friday, there came reports of Spassky having resigned, and reporters covering the event so annunced. Then news agencies retracted — the reports of Spassky’s resignation had been premature. Then after some time, the announcement was made that Spassky had indeed resigned.

If you want to download the pgn file for the game, here’s a link.

*Note: See my post of game 1 for a note about the dates of the games in this match.

Read Fischer Spassky Game 21 – 1972 World Championship Match at Chess Strategies Blog

Fischer v. Spassky – Game 20 of 1972 Championship Match

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky match for the chess world championship, I am publishing the games of the match on the anniversary date of each of the games.

Round 20
Fischer-Spassky
Date: August 29, 1972 (*See note below.)

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 Nc6
• 3. d4 cxd4
• 4. Nxd4 Nf6
• 5. Nc3 d6
• 6. Bg5 e6
• 7. Qd2 a6
• 8. O-O-O Bd7
• 9. f4 Be7
• 10. Be2 O-O
• 11. Bf3 h6
• 12. Bh4 Nxe4
• 13. Bxe7 Nxd2
• 14. Bxd8 Nxf3
• 15. Nxf3 Rfxd8
• 16. Rxd6 Kf8
• 17. Rhd1 Ke7
• 18. Na4 Be8
• 19. Rxd8 Rxd8
• 20. Nc5 Rb8
• 21. Rd3 a5
• 22. Rb3 b5
• 23. a3 a4
• 24. Rc3 Rd8
• 25. Nd3 f6
• 26. Rc5 Rb8
• 27. Rc3 g5
• 28. g3 Kd6
• 29. Nc5 g4
• 30. Ne4+ Ke7
• 31. Ne1 Rd8
• 32. Nd3 Rd4
• 33. Nef2 h5
• 34. Rc5 Rd5
• 35. Rc3 Nd4
• 36. Rc7+ Rd7
• 37. Rxd7+ Bxd7
• 38. Ne1 e5
• 39. fxe5 fxe5
• 40. Kd2 Bf5
• 41. Nd1 Kd6
• 42. Ne3 Be6
• 43. Kd3 Bf7
• 44. Kc3 Kc6
• 45. Kd3 Kc5
• 46. Ke4 Kd6
• 47. Kd3 Bg6+
• 48. Kc3 Kc5
• 49. Nd3+ Kd6
• 50. Ne1 Kc6
• 51. Kd2 Kc5
• 52. Nd3+ Kd6
• 53. Ne1 Ne6
• 54. Kc3 Nd4
• 1/2-1/2

Match score: Fischer 11 1/2, Spassky 8 1/2

If you want to download the pgn file for the game, here’s a link.

*Note: See my post of game 1 for a note about the dates of the games in this match.

Read Fischer Spassky Game 20 – 1972 World Championship Match at Chess Strategies Blog

Spassky v. Fischer – Game 19 of 1972 Championship Match

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky match for the chess world championship, I am publishing the games of the match on the anniversary date of each of the games.

Round 19
Spassky-Fischer
Date: August 27, 1972 (*See note below.)

• 1. e4 Nf6
• 2. e5 Nd5
• 3. d4 d6
• 4. Nf3 Bg4
• 5. Be2 e6
• 6. O-O Be7
• 7. h3 Bh5
• 8. c4 Nb6
• 9. Nc3 O-O
• 10. Be3 d5
• 11. c5 Bxf3
• 12. Bxf3 Nc4
• 13. b3 Nxe3
• 14. fxe3 b6
• 15. e4 c6
• 16. b4 bxc5
• 17. bxc5 Qa5
• 18. Nxd5 Bg5
• 19. Bh5 cxd5
• 20. Bxf7+ Rxf7
• 21. Rxf7 Qd2
• 22. Qxd2 Bxd2
• 23. Raf1 Nc6
• 24. exd5 exd5
• 25. Rd7 Be3+
• 26. Kh1 Bxd4
• 27. e6 Be5
• 28. Rxd5 Re8
• 29. Re1 Rxe6
• 30. Rd6 Kf7
• 31. Rxc6 Rxc6
• 32. Rxe5 Kf6
• 33. Rd5 Ke6
• 34. Rh5 h6
• 35. Kh2 Ra6
• 36. c6 Rxc6
• 37. Ra5 a6
• 38. Kg3 Kf6
• 39. Kf3 Rc3+
• 40. Kf2 Rc2+
• 1/2-1/2

Match score: Fischer 11, Spassky 8

If you want to download the pgn file for the game, here’s a link.

*Note: See my post of game 1 for a note about the dates of the games in this match.

Read Fischer Spassky Game 19 – 1972 World Championship Match at Chess Strategies Blog

Fischer v. Spassky – Game 18 of 1972 Championship Match

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky match for the chess world championship, I am publishing the games of the match on the anniversary date of each of the games.

Round 18
Fischer-Spassky
Date: August 24, 1972 (*See note below.)

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 d6
• 3. Nc3 Nc6
• 4. d4 cxd4
• 5. Nxd4 Nf6
• 6. Bg5 e6
• 7. Qd2 a6
• 8. O-O-O Bd7
• 9. f4 Be7
• 10. Nf3 b5
• 11. Bxf6 gxf6
• 12. Bd3 Qa5
• 13. Kb1 b4
• 14. Ne2 Qc5
• 15. f5 a5
• 16. Nf4 a4
• 17. Rc1 Rb8
• 18. c3 b3
• 19. a3 Ne5
• 20. Rhf1 Nc4
• 21. Bxc4 Qxc4
• 22. Rce1 Kd8
• 23. Ka1 Rb5
• 24. Nd4 Ra5
• 25. Nd3 Kc7
• 26. Nb4 h5
• 27. g3 Re5
• 28. Nd3 Rb8
• 29. Qe2 Ra5
• 30. fxe6 fxe6
• 31. Rf2 e5
• 32. Nf5 Bxf5
• 33. Rxf5 d5
• 34. exd5 Qxd5
• 35. Nb4 Qd7
• 36. Rxh5 Bxb4
• 37. cxb4 Rd5
• 38. Rc1+ Kb7
• 39. Qe4 Rc8
• 40. Rb1 Kb6
• 41. Rh7 Rd4
• 42. Qg6 Qc6
• 43. Rf7 Rd6
• 44. Qh6 Qf3
• 45. Qh7 Qc6
• 46. Qh6 Qf3
• 47. Qh7 Qc6
• 1/2-1/2

Match score: Fischer 10 1/2, Spassky 7 1/2

If you want to download the pgn file for the game, here’s a link.

*Note: See my post of game 1 for a note about the dates of the games in this match.

Read Fischer Spassky Game 18 – 1972 World Championship Match at Chess Strategies Blog

Spassky v. Fischer – Game 17 of 1972 Championship Match

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Fischer-Spassky match for the chess world championship, I am publishing the games of the match on the anniversary date of each of the games.

Round 17
Spassky-Fischer
Date: August 22, 1972 (*See note below.)

• 1. e4 d6
• 2. d4 g6
• 3. Nc3 Nf6
• 4. f4 Bg7
• 5. Nf3 c5
• 6. dxc5 Qa5
• 7. Bd3 Qxc5
• 8. Qe2 O-O
• 9. Be3 Qa5
• 10. O-O Bg4
• 11. Rad1 Nc6
• 12. Bc4 Nh5
• 13. Bb3 Bxc3
• 14. bxc3 Qxc3
• 15. f5 Nf6
• 16. h3 Bxf3
• 17. Qxf3 Na5
• 18. Rd3 Qc7
• 19. Bh6 Nxb3
• 20. cxb3 Qc5+
• 21. Kh1 Qe5
• 22. Bxf8 Rxf8
• 23. Re3 Rc8
• 24. fxg6 hxg6
• 25. Qf4 Qxf4
• 26. Rxf4 Nd7
• 27. Rf2 Ne5
• 28. Kh2 Rc1
• 29. Ree2 Nc6
• 30. Rc2 Re1
• 31. Rfe2 Ra1
• 32. Kg3 Kg7
• 33. Rcd2 Rf1
• 34. Rf2 Re1
• 35. Rfe2 Rf1
• 36. Re3 a6
• 37. Rc3 Re1
• 38. Rc4 Rf1
• 39. Rdc2 Ra1
• 40. Rf2 Re1
• 41. Rfc2 g5
• 42. Rc1 Re2
• 43. R1c2 Re1
• 44. Rc1 Re2
• 45. R1c2 1/2-1/2

Match score: Fischer 10, Spassky 7

If you want to download the pgn file for the game, here’s a link.

*Note: See my post of game 1 for a note about the dates of the games in this match.

Read Fischer Spassky Game 17 – 1972 World Championship Match at Chess Strategies Blog