Strategies For A Must-Win Chess Game

Imagine yourself in a situation: ahead of you is a chess game that you must win at all costs. Failure is not an option. This could be the last step toward a FIDE title you've been chasing your entire life, the final push to finally break the 2000 Elo barrier, or just a game against your lifelong rival. Possibly, it's the most important game you'll ever play.

How should you proceed? Which opening should you choose? What strategy should you follow? This question has troubled countless players throughout chess history. 

There is nothing harder in chess than playing for a draw on demand. Many players—me included—have been there and failed miserably. Once you start playing for a draw, it often triggers subconscious passivity, and that inevitably leads to trouble. Sooner or later, a moment comes when you must make an active choice, but the voice in your mind says, "This is risky; I might lose. Better take the safer option." And that "safe" choice is often the beginning of the end.

Among professionals, there's a widespread understanding: if you need a draw, play for the win. Treat the game as if victory were the only acceptable outcome; psychologically, this makes the position easier to manage. Of course, that's easier said than done—once you sit at the board, everything feels different.

Let's look at three famous World Championship examples where White had to win on demand to claim the title.

What are your impressions? I suspect you'll agree— GM Peter Leko was under immense psychological pressure, played far too passively, and only tried to be active when it was already too late. GM Vladimir Kramnik set a subtle psychological trap, offering Leko unpleasant trades, and the Hungarian grandmaster couldn't resist them. Had Black approached the game with a "play to win" mindset, the outcome might have been different. Again: easier said than done.

Now let's move on to another classic.

Here you can see that GM Garry Kasparov did not play for a draw at all—he played as if he were the one who needed the full point. Psychologically, this is far easier. Even though modern engines suggest that his position after the opening was somewhat dubious, the game always felt as if it took place on Kasparov's turf.

He was 12 years younger and far more comfortable in dynamic positions, whereas GM Anatoly Karpov was a master of positional play. I believe that Karpov made a critical misjudgment by switching to 1.e4. He felt that a must-win situation required a sharper game, but in doing so, he walked directly into Kasparov's territory.

In 1986, Kasparov again won by the narrowest margin, 12.5–11.5, and in 1987, they fought for the world title yet again. This time, Karpov scored a crucial win in the penultimate game, taking a 12–11 lead. Now Kasparov needed a victory on demand with White to retain his crown. Deja vu, anyone? It was the same situation as in 1985—only now Kasparov had White, and he needed the win. What strategy would he choose? Watch the game.

What do you think? Even one of the greatest positional players in chess history, Karpov, couldn't secure the draw he desperately needed. He had chances, but the psychological pressure was simply overwhelming.

Kasparov had learned from 1985: in a must-win situation, you don't burn your bridges early. You play slowly, keep tension, and let the opponent crack under the weight of the moment. This approach caught Karpov completely off guard.

There's also a scenario where both players must win on demand. This often happens in open tournaments, especially in the final round, when the difference between winning and not winning is enormous for both sides. In my experience, your strategy shouldn't change much: play simple, solid chess, and let your opponent destroy themselves with their desire to win—especially with Black.

Summary And Practical Advice

Playing for a draw is extremely difficult.

Even World Champions struggle with it. In casual games, it's manageable because the consequences are minor. But when the stakes are high, the psychological burden becomes enormous. Paradoxically, it is often easier to play for the win (trust me, I've been in this situation many times).

Avoid subconscious passivity.

When aiming for a draw, you may start making passive decisions without noticing—just like Karpov and Leko. Always play according to the position and your style, not the desired outcome. If the best move is aggressive, trust it and play it.

In must-win situations, patience is your greatest weapon.

Don't go in with reckless aggression, especially with Black. Over-forcing things often leads to a quick collapse—I've seen it happen again and again. Play your normal chess. Keep tension. Make smart, practical choices. And remember: your opponent is under pressure too.

Stick to your trusted repertoire.

A must-win game is not the moment to reinvent the wheel or try a style that doesn't suit you. Don't fear "simple" or "quiet" positions—remember Karpov's struggles. Symmetrical positions do not mean automatic draws.

I hope my advice helps you win your next important game. Now, go out there and win some must-win games.

Happy hunting!