Chapter 1: The Immortal Game
The first chapter of The Mammoth Book of the World's Greatest Chess Games is dedicated to what is commonly referred to as the "Immortal Game." This game is between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky, played in London in 1851. It is considered one of the most famous and important chess games in history.
In this game, Anderssen plays white and Kieseritzky plays black. The game begins with the traditional e4 pawn opening from Anderssen, to which Kieseritzky responds with the Sicilian Defense. The game quickly becomes a tactical battle, with both players making aggressive and unexpected moves. The turning point comes on move 17, when Anderssen sacrifices his rook in a move that would later be dubbed the "Immortal Sacrifice." This move creates a devastating attack on Kieseritzky's king and ultimately leads to his defeat.
The game is significant not only for its brilliant and daring moves, but also for the symbolic representation of the Romantic era of chess. This era was characterized by bold, attacking play and a focus on creativity rather than strict adherence to strategic principles. The "Immortal Game" perfectly embodies this spirit and continues to be studied and admired by chess players to this day.
Chapter 2: The Evergreen Game
The second chapter of the book features another famous game from the Romantic era of chess, played between Adolf Anderssen and Jean Dufresne in Berlin in 1852. This game is known as the "Evergreen Game" due to its enduring nature and the brilliant sacrifices made by Anderssen.
Starting with the same e4 pawn opening as the previous game, Anderssen once again demonstrates his aggressive and imaginative play. Dufresne, playing black, initially seems to have the upper hand, but Anderssen unleashes a series of sacrifices that leave Dufresne's king vulnerable and ultimately lead to his defeat.
This game is particularly notable for its use of the double bishop sacrifice, which is a rarity in chess. It is also an early example of using piece sacrifices as a means to create mating attacks. The "Evergreen Game" is considered a masterpiece of chess art, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the game.
Chapter 3: Paul Morphy's Opera Game
Chapter three takes us to the United States in 1858, where Paul Morphy, one of the first American chess prodigies, is playing against Duke Karl of Brunswick and Count Isouard in Paris. This game, known as the "Opera Game," is a testament to Morphy's exceptional ability to calculate and plan ahead.
Playing as black, Morphy starts off by pushing his e-pawn, inviting his opponents to attack it. This leads to a series of exchanges, with Morphy sacrificing material to gain control over the center. His opponents are unable to defend against Morphy's devastating attack, and he ultimately wins by checkmate.
This game is a prime example of Morphy's genius and his ability to play against older and more experienced opponents. It also showcases the importance of controlling the center in chess and the power of a well-executed attack.
Chapter 4: José Raúl Capablanca's Queen Sacrifice
Chapter four features a game played in New York in 1925 between José Raúl Capablanca, one of the greatest chess players of all time, and Tartakower. In this game, Capablanca sacrifices his queen for a knight in a position where most players would not even consider such a move. However, Capablanca's brilliant calculation allows him to gain a strong attack and ultimately win the game.
This game is a prime example of Capablanca's exceptional positional understanding and strategic mastery. It also showcases the power of sacrificing material for a strong position and active pieces, rather than just playing for material advantage.
Chapter 5: Garry Kasparov's "Brilliancy"
The fifth chapter of the book features a game played in the World Chess Championship in 1985 between Garry Kasparov and Vasily Smyslov. This game is known as Garry Kasparov's "Brilliancy" due to the exceptional amount of creativity and tactical brilliance displayed by the young Kasparov.
Playing as black, Kasparov sacrifices his queen for a knight to create pressure on Smyslov's king. This leads to a complex and dynamic position, with both players maneuvering their pieces to land decisive blows. Ultimately, Kasparov's superior calculation and strategic understanding lead to a crushing victory.
This game showcases Kasparov's incredible talent and his ability to think outside the box and take risks in order to win. It is also a reminder of the evolution of chess and how players continue to push the boundaries of creativity and brilliance in the game.
