This is a game from the famous Zurich 1953. After quite a dull opening, Keres sees a way to liven up the game. He makes a beautiful rook sacrifice which Smyslov wisely avoids. After 19. ... dxc4 ! in the game, white missed a possible draw after 20. Qg4 (according to Bronstein).
The real fun is 19. ... gxh5 20.Qxh5 Re8 21.a4 !! Bronstein provides 4 interesting variations which all seem to favor white.
Smyslov manages to refute the whole variation after 20. Rxh7 quite brilliantly. This is, after all, over the board chess with a shot at the world title on the line.
In the end, Smyslov would win the tournament and go on to beat Botvinnik. Botvinnik did get his revenge in the return match however.
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| 1. | c4 | Nf6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2. | Nc3 | e6 |
| 3. | Nf3 | c5 |
| 4. | e3 | Be7 |
| 5. | b3 | O-O |
| 6. | Bb2 | b6 |
| 7. | d4 | cxd4 |
| 8. | exd4 | d5 |
| 9. | Bd3 | Nc6 |
| 10. | O-O | Bb7 |
| 11. | Rc1 | Rc8 |
| 12. | Re1 | Nb4 |
| 13. | Bf1 | Ne4 |
| 14. | a3 | Nxc3 |
| 15. | Rxc3 | Nc6 |
| 16. | Ne5 | Nxe5 |
| 17. | Rxe5 | Bf6 |
| 18. | Rh5 | g6 |
| 19. | Rch3 | dxc4 |
| 20. | Rxh7 | c3 |
| 21. | Qc1 | Qxd4 |
| 22. | Qh6 | Rfd8 |
| 23. | Bc1 | Bg7 |
| 24. | Qg5 | Qf6 |
| 25. | Qg4 | c2 |
| 26. | Be2 | Rd4 |
| 27. | f4 | Rd1 |
| 28. | Bxd1 | Qd4 |
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsFirst Botvinnik - Smyslov match in 1954 (after candidate tournament in 1953) was draw. Smyslow won their second match in 1957 (after winning Amsterdam candidate tournament in 1956) and lost revenge match in 1958.
This is a game from the famous Zurich 1953. After quite a dull opening, Keres sees a way to liven up the game. He makes a beautiful rook sacrifice which Smyslov wisely avoids. After 19. ... dxc4 ! in the game, white missed a possible draw after 20. Qg4 (according to Bronstein).
The real fun is 19. ... gxh5 20.Qxh5 Re8 21.a4 !! Bronstein pr Rfd8 23.Bc1 Bg7 24.Qg5 Qf6 25.Qg4 c2 26.Be2 Rd4 27.f4 Rd1+ 28.Bxd1 Qd4+ 0-1 [/pgn]
Thanks 🙂
I read a Bronstein interview online that mentioned the Zurich 1953 tournament. He said he and others were "pressured" to throw games to Smyslov. Apparently, they were afraid of Reshevsky (American) winning the tournament and beating Botvinnik. Reshevsky may have even had a positive score against Botvinnik at that point. Perhaps, this is part of what Fischer was talking about. Bronstein makes no mention of this, however, in the tournament book.
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsBronstein tournament book was written in 1956 (e.g. still in USSR time) when he was not allowed to talk about it.
Thanks 🙂
I read a Bronstein interview online that mentioned the Zurich 1953 tournament. He said he and others were "pressured" to throw games to Smyslov. Apparently, they were afraid of Reshevsky (American) winning the tournament and beating Botvinnik. Reshevsky may have even had a positive score against Botvinnik at that point. Perhaps, ...[text shortened]... scher was talking about. Bronstein makes no mention of this, however, in the tournament book.
About "throwing" games - not exactly. Bronstein was suggested to accept draw against Smyslow when he had better position, promising that Heller will "spoil" game against him. Bronstein agreed, but he was deceived - Heller played for win and defeated Bronstein.
Another story is about game you have posted - before that game Keres had conversation in which chef of Soviet delegation tried to persuade him not to play for win against Smyslov as it would increase chances of Reshevsky. Keres was categoric and refused to do it, but quarrel took his nerves and as you can see in that game he started desperado attack which failed (actually in one moment he had chances to force draw, but nothing more).