Karpov vs Kasparov
622
[Event "World Championship"] [Site "?"] [Round "16"] [White "Karpov"] [Black "Kasparov"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "B44"] [Opening "Sicilian: Taimanov"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nb5 d6 6. c4 Nf6 7. N1c3 a6 8. Na3 d5 {This gambit was introduced in the 12th game of the match. It was popular for a while and was called the "Garry Gambit" by some. Karpov came well- prepared this time.} 9. cxd5 exd5 10. exd5 Nb4 11. Be2 {Karpov returns the pawn for rapid development. Usually this is a reasonable strategy. But I wasn't interested in regaining the pawn. I wanted to fight!} 11... Bc5 { I played this quickly, and Karpov knew it was all prepared at home.} 12. O-O O-O 13. Bf3 {Karpov decides to continue the fight. Otherwise he would have just let a lot of pieces come off the board. 13.Bg5 Nbxd5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Bxf6 Qxd1 16.Rfxd1 gxf6 Despite the fractured pawns, this position would have been drawn fairly easily} 13... Bf5 14. Bg5 Re8 {It was essential to take control of the open file, and, in particular, the e4- square.} 15. Qd2 b5 { For the rest of the game the White knight suffers quietly at a3.} 16. Rad1 Nd3 {A more eminent position could not have been dreamed of by the knight, which is destined to play a brilliant role in the ultimate victory of the Black army. } 17. Nab1 {Hardly an improvement. 17.d6 would have been best.} 17... h6 18. Bh4 b4 {Not only does this drive the knight at c3 away, it also limits the options for the poor cousin at b1.} 19. Na4 Bd6 { Both of White's knights lie along the edge of the board.} 20. Bg3 Rc8 { I take control of another open file.} 21. b3 {Now Karpov is getting ready to redeploy his knight from a4 to b2 to c4, where it will be useful. But by attacking on the other side of the board I deprive my opponent of the opportunity to bring the knight to b2.} 21... g5 {I am not concerned with the weakening of the kingside because White's pieces cannot get at my king, and now I threaten to advance the pawn and trap the enemy bishop (remember that I took control of e4 earlier!).} 22. Bxd6 {22.h4 might have been a wiser choice.} 22... Qxd6 23. g3 Nd7 {It seems that White can finally play the knight to b2, but then there would have been a fantastic combination which would have trapped the queen in the middle of the board.} 24. Bg2 Qf6 { Now I have a firm grip on b2 again, and I won't let go!} 25. a3 a5 26. axb4 axb4 27. Qa2 Bg6 {This prevents 28.Nd2. I keep those horses corralled!} 28. d6 {28.Nd2 Re2 28.Bh3 Rcd8} 28... g4 {Even though there are plenty of pieces on the board, White has almost no moves !} 29. Qd2 Kg7 30. f3 {30.f4 Bf5} 30... Qxd6 31. fxg4 Qd4+ 32. Kh1 Nf6 {Finally I am ready to begin the final assault.} 33. Rf4 Ne4 {My knights are certainly better than Karpov's!} 34. Qxd3 { A sacrifice, but what else was there to do?} 34... Nf2+ 35. Rxf2 Bxd3 36. Rfd2 Qe3 37. Rxd3 {Only two of White's pieces, the rooks, are coordinated. But now I break them down, too.} 37... Rc1 38. Nb2 Qf2 39. Nd2 Rxd1+ { One of the finest games I have ever played.} 40. Nxd1 Re1+ 0-1
0-1
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1108
HITS
Players
WhiteKarpov
BlackKasparov
Game
Moves40
OpeningB44 — Sicilian: Taimanov
Result0-1
Date
Tags
Tournament
TournamentWorld Championship
Location?
Round16