Fischer-Spassky 1992 (Game 20)

Boris Spassky won game 20 of his match against a seemingly passive Bobby Fischer.  After letting Spassky off the hook in their previous game and settling for a draw, it was widely expected that Fischer would come out very aggressive in this game.  This thought was immediately amplified when Spassky played 1.e4 for the first time in the match, enabling Fischer to deploy his vaunted Sicilian Defense.

Spassky optioned for the Closed System with 2.Ne2 Nf6 3.Nbc3.  Fischer responded with a solid defense, but one that did not seem poised for a sufficient counterattack.  Spassky’s advance of his g-pawn on moves 14 and 19 indicated right away that he was pressing for a kingside attack.  Fischer eventually sacrificed a pawn on move 23 in an attempt to break up Spassky’s solid center.  Spassky would eventually fortify his position with 28.Nd3.

After 31.Be3! Qh4 Spassky had both of Fischer’s rooks in a forked position and now had a winning rook for bishop ending.  Bobby would resign after white’s 41st move.  Fischer now leads the match by the score of 7 - 4.

For an account of the earlier games, visit www.rookhouse.com/blog and type in "fischer spassky 1992" in the search bar located on the right side.

Also, be sure to check out my book review of "Carl Haffner's Love of the Draw" at http://www.rookhouse.com/blog/?p=270