Fischer-Spassky Game 6

Game 6 of the world chess championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky was an absolute masterpiece, and is considered by many to be the greatest chess game ever played. Played in January 1972, this game had a startling beginning and a stunning ending. The attendees erupted in applause at its conclusion, with even the defeated Spassky also applauding in a historic display of sportsmanship.

This game, which lasted 41 moves, can be compared with the perfect game in the World Series by Don Larsen, or other very rare sporting achievements that near perfection.

Context

The championship match was tied at 2½-2½ when this game was played, which added drama to this pivotal game. A tie score meant that Fischer was actually behind, because the retaining champion Spassky would retain his title in the event of a tie.

Fischer had the white pieces in this game. He had hinted after the last game that he may open this time with a surprise move. Fischer had long preferred the 1.e4 opening so there was some skepticism that he would depart from that in this big game, the most important in his career.

Opening

Fischer shocked the world by opening with 1.c4, which he virtually never did in big games. His favorite was always 1.e4 as an opening.

Spassky had thought about the possibility of a surprise 1.c4 opening, and had told his advisers that he would handle it with Tartakower's Defense in response (7...b6). Spassky had played this defense often in tournaments and had never lost with it.

Queen's Gambit

Fischer quickly added another surprise by playing 3.d4, which turned the game into a Queen's Gambit which Fischer had also almost never played before in a big game. Spassky declined the gambit so this game is categorized as "Queen's Gambit Declined."

Pivotal move

Fischer's gambit at move 20, almost exactly halfway in the game, is considered the most brilliant, decisive move of the match: 20.e4! It enabled Fischer to solidify his control of the middle of the board and from there threaten Spassky's underprotected King for the rest of the contest.

Victory

Fischer brilliantly engaged in an exchange sacrifice that put Spassky in a position where any possible move would place him in an inferior position. Spassky had an advantage in pieces and checkmate was not imminent, but an analysis of all his options shows that he would lose if Fischer continued to play perfectly.

Fischer's final spectacular move was 41.Qf4!!!

Spassky then resigned prior to his 41st move, which seemed like a premature resignation to a casual observer but was actually an insightful recognition by Spassky that he had been defeated. The crowd then erupted into an unusual applause, which even Spassky joined.

Aftermath

Fischer's spectacular play in this game put the entire chess world in awe of him. Earning a full point for his victory, Fischer took a 3½-2½ lead in the championship and he cruised from there to win it by a rout of 12½-8½.