For today’s analysis, I have chosen a game that was referred to as the inaugural immortal game of chess in Reuben Fine’s renowned book, “The World’s Great Chess Games.”
Category: Full Game Analysis
Levitsky vs. Marshall: The Gold Coins Game
I think it’s not as important whether the gold coins effect really happened or not. The game itself is a gem anyway, and earned a prominent place in the chess history. Watch the analysis and enjoy.
Boris Spassky vs. David Bronstein: From Russia With Love
This game was featured in the James Bond film From Russia With Love (1963). One of the antagonists, the Number Five in SPECTRE, named Kronsteen, beat his opponent in the Spassky style, and received an enthusiastic ovation from the audience before descending into a secret hideout to report to Blofeld, the criminal mastermind.
Bogolyubov Variation against the King’s Gambit
The variant can also be found in various sources under the name Jänisch-Bogolyubov Defense, and sometimes Cozio is also mixed in among the names used. It is pretty solid, as the pawn blocks the knight advance to b5 or d5, and prepares to fight for the center with the d-pawn.
Break through the MacLeod Defense: Another sharp gambit
A knight move in the MacLeod’s Defense (1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 Nc6) is considered a waiting maneuver, much like Fischer’s defense is based on a pawn move on d6. It is not one of the most used variants of the King’s Gambit, as the knight will be exposed to attack by White’s central pawns too soon.
Hanstein Gambit: Follow the King’s Gambit idea
The Hanstein Gambit, named after a German chess master and journalist Wilhelm Hanstein, is one of the more subdued responses to the King’s Knight Gambit, as Black typically refrains from advancing the pawn to g4. A similar variant, known as the Phillidor’s Gambit, belongs to this category as well – White usually opts for a non-castling move and instead attacks Black’s structure with the pawn 5. h4.
Immortal Draw: How White saved the seemingly lost game
During the game, Black makes significant sacrifices of material in order to dislodge the white king from its initial position and aim for a checkmate. However, White impressively thwarts Black’s efforts by continuously putting the king in check, leading to a draw.
French Defense: Sacrifice three pieces and win!
Whenever I come across a game that showcases a bold assault with numerous sacrifices, it brings me immense joy. Although the romantic period of chess has passed, I greatly admire any game that deviates from the norm. Today’s full analysis is dedicated to one of these tactical gems.
Blachly/Muzio Gambit: Risky knight sacrifice
Just to remind, the King’s Gambit idea is: White sacrificed the f-pawn to build a strong center and prepare an attack over the f-file. The first part of the plan is done, now it’s necessary to remove the black pawns somehow. Black’s usual counterplay is to attack the center from the flanks (bishop to g7) and keep the material advantage.
Winawer Defense: You are on the way to destruction
. Maybe the black king’s anabasis to the white camp looked a bit like a way of a condemned, as White’s attack didn’t give him a chance to save himself. However, the game is very impressive, and demonstrates several tactical tricks to remember.