Michael Botwinnik - the Center strategist

Michael Botwinnik has done very much for the development of chess theory. Perhaps more than anyone else. And he was a very strong chessplayer - and world champion for a long period.

It is an open secret, that he was a lover of a strong pawncenter. He often tried to get it, and then - to use it. In the following game against Capablanca we see a successful demonstration of his center strategy.

( Please pay attention!I have separated the game in four quarters!)

Quarter 1 -  A bad bishop and an offside knight

Quarter 2 - A beautiful knight and an upcoming center-attack

Quarter 3 -   Lost queenside and the initiative in the center

Quarter 4 -   Transformation in a decicive King attack

 The center - attack was the key for winning this game!