Xiiiiiiiiy 8Rsnlwq-Trk+0 7Zp-+P+Pzpp0 6-+-+Psn-+0 5+Pzpp+-+-0 4-Vlp+-+-+0 3+-Snlzp-+-0 2Pzp-+-Zppzp0 1Tr-Vlqmk-Snr0 Xabcdefghy

(The annotations to this game, by A. E.
Karpov, are from Sto pobednykh partii (Fizkultura i Sport,

1984). The translation from the original Russian is by Douglas Griffin.)
This game was played at an exceptionally important moment of the match. Two consecutive
victories in the match, one of them coming completely unexpectedly during the adjourned session,
had given me a tangible advantage in the score. Korchnoi, though discourage, all the same exerted
pressure. Having gained an advantage in the opening, he painstakingly considered each of his
moves, so as not to miss a single possibility, and fell in to time trouble, which reduced his efforts to
nothing. The game concluded with a unique mating finale.
My opponent was broken for at least the next ten games.
Korchnoi – Karpov
17 match-game, World Championship, Baguio City, 26th August 1978
th
1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.d4 Bb4 4.e3 0–0 5.Bd3

Undoubtedly, a move-order that was thought out well in advance of the game. In the 7th game
of this match Korchnoi went in for the classical scheme of piece development in the Nimzo-Indian
Defence for the first time in his encounters with me. Ten games later the invitation is repeated –
some sort of ‘catch’ can be expected.
5...c5 6.d5 b5!?

XIIIIIIIIY
8rsnlwq-trk+0
7zp-+p+pzpp0
6-+-+psn-+0
5+pzpP+-+-0
4-vlP+-+-+0
3+-sNLzP-+-0
2PzP-+-zPPzP0
1tR-vLQmK-sNR0
xabcdefghy
In the 7th game this seemed unexpected and in practical terms was fully justified. The
theoretical basis for the outwardly risky pawn sacrifice can be summed up. Black breaks up the
opponent’s pawn centre, obtains active bishops and some prospects of an attack on the king in
connection with the break in the centre. All the same White’s position remains solid, and Black
should reckon with the possible advance of the e-pawn.
7.dxe6 fxe6
A long time after the match, theoretical work was carried out showing that Black gains still
greater prospects after 7...bxc4 8.exf7+ Kh8 9.Bxc4 d5.
(Translator’s note: This idea was tested in the game Bagirov-Averbakh, USSR Cup First League,
Jurmala 1980.)
8.cxb5 a6
Inspired by the ideas of the Volga Gambit, although the position is of course is of an altogether
different type. Black tries to open lines on the queen’s wing and develops his pieces with tempo,
and in addition, after the opening of the a-file White is deprived of the possibility of immediately
expelling the bishop from its position at b4 with a2–a3.
The move 8...Bb7 played in the 7th game forces White to bring the knight to d3, while now this
knight can occupy a more flexible position.
9.Nge2 d5 10.0–0 e5
XIIIIIIIIY
8rsnlwq-trk+0
7+-+-+-zpp0
6p+-+-sn-+0
5+Pzppzp-+-0
4-vl-+-+-+0
3+-sNLzP-+-0
2PzP-+NzPPzP0
1tR-vLQ+RmK-0
xabcdefghy
In this consists Black’s idea. In previous games played with the given variation, the weakness of
the light squares, especially the square e6, told. Therefore in preparation for the continuation of
the theoretical duel it was decided to delay determining the position of the light-squared bishop for
as long as possible, the more so since on the c8 square the bishop can be considered a participant in
the game.
11.a3
Clearly, 11.e4 will not do in view of 11...c4 and 12...d4.
11...axb5
Opening the a-file, Black indirectly defends his bishop.
12.Bxb5
XIIIIIIIIY
8rsnlwq-trk+0
7+-+-+-zpp0
6-+-+-sn-+0
5+Lzppzp-+-0
4-vl-+-+-+0
3zP-sN-zP-+-0
2-zP-+NzPPzP0
1tR-vLQ+RmK-0
xabcdefghy
12...Bxc3
A responsible decision, which had to be taken at the board. In preliminary analyses it had been
considered that the black bishop would be retained, since it is needed for the attack on the king’s
flank (after ....Ba5–c7 and...e5–e4). But on completely concrete considerations this plan, as I saw it
during the game, cannot be implemented.
On 12...Be6 the reply 13.Na4 is unpleasant. In the case of 12...Ba5 White plays 13.Bd2,
creating the threat of b2–b4, after which the opening of the a-file now proves to be in White’s
favour. The most logical appears to be 12...Qb6. If 13.Nxd5, then 13...Qxb5 14.Nxf6+ gxf6
15.Qd5+ Kh8 16.Qxa8 Bb7 17.Qa7 Ba5! 18.a4 (18.Nc3 Bxc3 19.bxc3 Bxg2 20.Kxg2 Rg8+, and
wins) 18...Qc6 19.f3 Bb6; or 18.f3 (instead of 18.a4) 18...Nc6 19.a4 Qb4 20.Bd2 Nxa7 with
advantage for Black. All the same, on 12...Qb6 White simply replies 13.Bd3 (13...c4 14.Nxd5).
To what has been said it should be added that 12...c4 will not do in view of 13.e4 and Black’s
position collapses.
All the same thought should have been given to saving the dark-squared bishop from exchange, or
retaining the tension with 12...Bb7. In my preliminary calculations I had under-estimated the
following move by the opponent.
13.bxc3! Ba6
Possibly, it was better to continue 13...Bb7. Unfortunately, 13...c4 will not do in view of 14.a4
Ba6 15.Ba3 Rf7 16.f4!, and if 16...Qb6, then 17.Rf3 with the initiative for White. The exchange
of bishops attracted me by the fact that after this White is left with a bishop that is blocked in. But
Black lacks the advantage in development that is needed in order to be able to exploit the weakening
of the light squares.
14.Rb1
On 14.c4 there would have followed 14...d4 (14...dxc4 is clearly worse in view of 15.Bxa6 – but
not 15.Qxd8 Rxd8 16.Bxa6 Nxa6 with possibilities of ...Rd3 and ...Ne4 – 15...Rxa6 16.Bb2 Nc6
17.Rc1 Qd3 18.Qc2) 15.f4 d3 16.Ng3 exf4 with sufficient counter-play for Black.
14...Qd6
If 14...Nbd7 then 15.e4 Bxb5 16.Rxb5 followed by a3–a4, Ba3 and f2–f4.
15.c4 d4
XIIIIIIIIY
8rsn-+-trk+0
7+-+-+-zpp0
6l+-wq-sn-+0
5+Lzp-zp-+-0
4-+Pzp-+-+0
3zP-+-zP-+-0
2-+-+NzPPzP0
1+RvLQ+RmK-0
xabcdefghy
16.Ng3
In the case of 16.f4 d3 17.Ng3 (17.fxe5 dxe2 18.Qxd6 exf1=Q+ 19.Kxf1 Ne4+ 20.Qxf8+ Kxf8)
17...exf4 18.Rxf4 White has the advantage. On 16.f4 I proposed to reply 16...Nc6, but 17.fxe5
Nxe5 18.exd4 Nxc4 19.dxc5 (19.Qb3 Qd5 20.dxc5 Qxc5+ 21.Kh1 Bxb5 22.Qxb5 Qxb5 23.Rxb5
Nxa3) 19...Qxc5+ 20.Qd4 is also in White’s favour. Probably, on 16.f4 deserving attention is
16...Bb7.
16...Nc6 17.a4
After 17.Nf5 Qe6 18.Bxc6 Qxf5 19.Bxa8 Qxb1 Black already achieves a decisive advantage.
17...Na5
The planned play against the c4–pawn is too slow. Possibly, the bishop ought to have been
removed to b7, and the knight to e7, trying to create piece play in the centre and on the king’s flank.
18.Qd3 Qe6 19.exd4 cxd4

19...exd4 appears prospectless, since White attacks the c5–pawn with 20.Ba3, and then occupies
the e-file. The move in the text I considered to be practically forced, but after the reply by White
that follows it became clear that strategically, I had lost the fight. There remained only to hope for
resourcefulness in defence and the pursuit of tactical chances.
20.c5 Rfc8
If 20...Bxb5, then after 21.axb5 Qd5 22.Ba3 e4 23.Qc2 White easily deals with the black
d-pawn, while there is no way to fight against the two white connected passed pawns.
21.f4!
A perfectly-timed blow against the centre. Had White occupied himself with the defence of the
c-pawn with 21.Ba3, then after 21...Nd5 22.Rbe1 Nf4 23.Qe4 Nc4 24.Bb4 Nd5 Black gained
active counter-play. 21.Ne4 would have been mistaken on account of 21...Nxe4 22.Qxe4 Bb7,
also with the initiative for Black.
XIIIIIIIIY
8r+r+-+k+0
7+-+-+-zpp0
6l+-+qsn-+0
5snLzP-zp-+-0
4P+-zp-zP-+0
3+-+Q+-sN-0
2-+-+-+PzP0
1+RvL-+RmK-0
xabcdefghy
21...Rxc5
In the case of 21...Bxb5 22.axb5 (also possible is 22.Rxb5 Nc6 23.fxe5) 22...Rxc5 23.fxe5 Qxe5
(23...Rxe5 24.b6!; but not 24.Qxd4 Rd5 25.Qe3 Qxe3+ 26.Bxe3 Nc4 with equality) 24.Bd2 with a
clear advantage for White.
22.Bxa6
Black gained chances of equality after 22.fxe5 Rxe5 (22...Bxb5 leads to the variations given
above) 23.Qxd4 Bxb5 24.Rxb5 Rxb5 25.axb5 Nb3 26.Qe3 Qxe3+ 27.Bxe3 Rb8 28.b6 Nd5. But
on 22...Rxe5 deserving attention is 23.Bxa6, hindering for Black the possibility of the capture at a6
with the queen, which took place in the game. (Translator’s note: After 23...Qxa6 White continues
24.Rb8+ Re8 (24...Kf7 25.Rxf6+!) 25.Qxa6 Rxa6 26.Rxf6!, winning.)
22...Qxa6 23.Qxa6 Rxa6 24.Ba3

Thus, White has returned the extra pawn that he was offered in the opening, hoping to obtain an
attack on the opponent’s king, despite the exchange of queens and the limited material remaining on
the board.
24...Rd5 25.Nf5
If White is enticed by the checks, then after 25.Rb8+ Kf7 26.Rf8+ Ke6 (of course, not 26...Kg6?
27.f5+ Kg5 28.Bc1+ with a probable mating finale) 27.f5+ Kd7 28.Rf7+ Kc8 Black’s king runs
away, while his two passed pawns remain.
25...Kf7 26.fxe5 Rxe5 27.Rb5

The capture of the d-pawn (27.Nxd4) led to a lessening of the tension and to drawish
simplification after 27...Nc4. Naturally, White hopes for an exchange of rooks, when the a-pawn
moves to the b-file with gain of tempo, and its further advance is supported by the white pieces.
The black rook has practically no squares for retreat along the e-file, but the tactical play continues.
XIIIIIIIIY
8-+-+-+-+0
7+-+-+kzpp0
6r+-+-sn-+0
5snR+-trN+-0
4P+-zp-+-+0
3vL-+-+-+-0
2-+-+-+PzP0
1+-+-+RmK-0
xabcdefghy
27...Nc4!
It is no wonder that, far in advance, Korchnoi had overlooked this move. It is seemingly
impossible in view of 27...Nc4 28.Nd6+, but on this there follows 28...Rxd6 29.Bxd6 Rxb5 30.axb5
Nxd6, while on 29.Rxe5 there is 29...Nxa3.
28.Rb7+ Ke6
Once again the only move, since 28...Kg6 leads to mate after 29.Rxg7+. All of Black’s hopes lie
in activity, although I had seen that after the strongest 29.Bf8, it would not be easy to come up with
the next move.
29.Nxd4+ Kd5 30.Nf3

At this point Korchnoi was in time trouble, and naturally wanted to simplify the position. He
gives up two pieces for a rook, hoping to take all of the opponent’s pawns, after which the black
knights will feel uncomfortable. But I had no choice.
30...Nxa3 31.Nxe5 Kxe5 32.Re7+

‘Gaining’ a move in time trouble, and in addition ensuring the retention of the a-pawn, since the
black rook will need to defend the knight at f6.
32...Kd4 33.Rxg7
Possibly, it was worth giving a further check on d1, but this meant renouncing the win of the
h-pawn. After 33.Rd1+ Kc3 34.Rxg7 Rxa4 White has only a rook and one pawn against two
knights, while the attack on the king is unlikely to achieve its aim. Here I sensed that a crisis was
approaching, and that better times could possibly lie ahead for Black.
33...Nc4 34.Rf4+
Apparently, Black could already achieve a draw even after 34...Kd3, but then 35.Rf7, and
ultimately the h-pawn would have to be exchanged for the a-pawn. So it is better to do this
immediately, but in return to activate another piece.
34...Ne4! 35.Rd7+
My opponent fails to sense the impending danger and drives the king to where it was itself headed.
After 35.Rxh7 Black would still have had to overcome some technical difficulties in achieving a
draw.
35...Ke3 36.Rf3+ Ke2 37.Rxh7 Ncd2 38.Ra3

Even giving up rook for knight, White could still not have lost. Kochnoi’s flag was hanging,
and I quickly played the next move, threatening mate on the 1st rank.
38...Rc6 39.Ra1
In time trouble it was difficult to decide which pawn to advance, and therefore the desire to
defend the 1st rank, which Korchnoi quickly did, is natural. The only continuations leading to a
draw consisted in the advance of the g-pawn, one or two squares. A mating finish followed on the
moves of the h-pawn – 39.h4 Rc1+ 40.Kh2 Nf1+ 41.Kh3 Nf2#.
XIIIIIIIIY
8-+-+-+-+0
7+-+-+-+R0
6-+r+-+-+0
5+-+-+-+-0
4P+-+n+-+0
3+-+-+-+-0
2-+-snk+PzP0
1tR-+-+-mK-0
xabcdefghy
39...Nf3+!
White resigned in view of 40.gxf3 Rg6+ 41.Kh1 Nf2#.

Xiiiiiiiiy 8Rsnlwq-Trk+0 7Zp-+P+Pzpp0 6-+-+Psn-+0 5+Pzpp+-+-0 4-Vlp+-+-+0 3+-Snlzp-+-0 2Pzp-+-Zppzp0 1Tr-Vlqmk-Snr0 Xabcdefghy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Xiiiiiiiiy 8Rsnlwq-Trk+0 7Zp-+P+Pzpp0 6-+-+Psn-+0 5+Pzpp+-+-0 4-Vlp+-+-+0 3+-Snlzp-+-0 2Pzp-+-Zppzp0 1Tr-Vlqmk-Snr0 Xabcdefghy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Xiiiiiiiiy 8Rsnlwq-Trk+0 7Zp-+P+Pzpp0 6-+-+Psn-+0 5+Pzpp+-+-0 4-Vlp+-+-+0 3+-Snlzp-+-0 2Pzp-+-Zppzp0 1Tr-Vlqmk-Snr0 Xabcdefghy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

(The annotations to this game, by A. E.

Karpov, are from Sto pobednykh partii (Fizkultura i Sport,

My opponent was broken for at least the next ten games.

1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.d4 Bb4 4.e3 0–0 5.Bd3

5...c5 6.d5 b5!?

18.Qd3 Qe6 19.exd4 cxd4

22...Qxa6 23.Qxa6 Rxa6 24.Ba3

25...Kf7 26.fxe5 Rxe5 27.Rb5

29.Nxd4+ Kd5 30.Nf3

30...Nxa3 31.Nxe5 Kxe5 32.Re7+

35...Ke3 36.Rf3+ Ke2 37.Rxh7 Ncd2 38.Ra3

You might also like