Kasparov versus the World was a game of chess played in 1999 over the Internet.^[1] Conducting the white pieces, Garry Kasparov faced the rest of the world in consultation, with the World Team moves to be decided by plurality vote. Over 50,000 individuals from more than 75 countries participated in the game. The host and promoter of the match was the MSN Gaming Zone, with sponsorship from the bank First USA.^[2] After 62 moves played over four months Kasparov won the game. In his words:

It is the greatest game in the history of chess. The sheer number of ideas, the complexity, and the contribution it has made to chess make it the most important game ever played.

This game is very popular, but let me know if those 50 thousand individuals are choosen high rated players or they are just common chess players.

MOVE 3

Voting Results

C8-D7 50%

B8-D7 35%

B8-C6 11%

E8-B5  5%

A7-A6  1%

KRUSH MOVE 3 COMMENTARY

Nd7 to Kasparov's Bb5+

It appears that Garry wishes to avoid a theoretical battle in a main

line Open Sicilian. Now we must make an early choice that will shape the

outcome of the middlegame to come. 

Black's first alternative is 3...Bd7, but I think this variation can

become boring even though it offers reasonable chances for equality.

A second alternative is 3...Nc6 which is not so good a choice against

Kasparov in my opinion, as White can (if he wishes) immediately

compromise Black's pawn structure with 4.Bxc6+!? bxc6 5.0-0.

The third alternative, and the one I highly recommend is 3...Nd7. Black

avoids any weakening in the pawn structure, and simplification can

result in Black obtaining the BISHOP PAIR at the cost of a small lag in

DEVELOPMENT (in chess you have to give something to get something!). It

is interesting to note that this is Garry's preferred treatment when he

has this position as Black. More on this later on the 'Kasparov World

Team Strategy Bulletin Board' if we go with 3...Nd7.

PAHTZ MOVE 3 COMMENTARY

Nd7 to Kasparov's Bb5+

This move is more aggressive then 3....Bd7, because white gets after 4.Bxd7 

4....Nxd7 5.c4 a comfortable position. I hope that black makes the game more 

interesting and more complicated with the move 3....Nd7.

FELECAN MOVE 3 COMMENTARY

Bd7 to Kasparov's Bb5

This is the most simple defense for the situation.

BACROT MOVE 3 COMMENTARY

Bd7 to Kasparov's Bb5

DANNY KING MOVE 3 COMMENTARY

One of the old masters once said: "When I give check I fear no one!", but don't panic, we can get out of this one easily.

Garry's own comment to his move is revealing: 

"It seems that young coaches are trying to force me to play against my favourite Najdorf! Due to forthcoming match with Vishy I have to refrain from public theoretical duel. So please forgive me for selecting unattractive 3 Bf1-b5+."

Let me explain: 

In the latter part of the year, most likely October till mid November, there is a good chance that Garry Kasparov will be defending his World title in a match against the world no.2, Vishy Anand from India. At this moment both players will be beginning their intense preparation for the match, including research on their opening repertoires. 

It is therefore understandable that Garry wishes to reveal nothing of his future plans and so avoids the move which is generally accepted as the most critical - 3 d4 leading to an open game, rich in fighting possibilities for both sides - and turns to the bishop check, generally leading to a more closed position. The World Champion describes the move as 'unattractive', possibly because it could lead to the early exchange of pieces after, for instance, 3...Bd7, when ideally he would like to maintain as much tension as possible. 

Black has three acceptable ways to block the check. 3...Bd7 is the most solid and reliable - in this way none of black's pieces are blocked; 3...Nd7 is more complex - black aims at forcing white to exchange off the bishop for knight (possibly giving black a long-term advantage) but in so doing blocks his pieces temporarily; and 3...Nc6 is straightforward, though leaves white with several options.

It's your choice: Go World!

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