When Vishy showed why he's called the "LIGHTNING KID"
Few games in chess history showcase both deep calculation and psychological resilience as well as the famous Viswanathan Anand v. Ilya Smirin Armageddon game. This game stands out for one astonishing fact: Anand, playing with the Black pieces in an Armageddon format, spent an incredible 1 minute and 43 seconds on his 4th move in the Petrov Defense, which is a move that should have been played quickly in such a high-stakes, fast-paced game. Despite this, Anand went on to win, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest players of all time. This blog takes a deep dive into the game, analyzing the moves, the psychological factors and the lessons that can be learned from Anand’s extraordinary performance...
Context: An Armageddon Clash
This game was played in an Armageddon tiebreaker. A format where White must win the game while Black only needs to draw to advance. Anand, as Black, had a slight advantage due to these rules but in such a fast-paced game, spending nearly two minutes on a single move was seen as a major risk.
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Time control: Armageddon (White had more time but Black had draw odds).
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Anand’s choice: The Petrov Defense, a well-known solid opening.
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Key moment: Anand’s 1:43-minute think on move 4.
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Final Result: Anand won, despite extreme time pressure.
Move-by-Move Breakdown
Opening: The Petrov Defense
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nf6
Anand chose the Petrov Defense (also called the Russian Defense), a highly solid and well-respected opening. The Petrov is known for its symmetrical nature & ability to neutralize aggressive attempts from White.
3. Nxe5 d6
4. Nf3 (The move that led to Anand’s long think)
The Infamous 1:43-Minute Think
Instead of immediately responding to 4. Nf3, Anand spent an astonishing 1 minute and 43 seconds thinking. This is incredibly rare in an Armageddon game where quick play is essential.
Why Did Anand Take So Long?
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Deep Calculation Recall: Anand may have been recalling a highly specific line that he had prepared but hadn’t played in a long time.
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Strategic Decision-Making: He might have been deciding how solidly to play—whether to go for an early simplification or to keep the game complex.
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Psychological Warfare: Anand could have been deliberately slowing down to unsettle Smirin, making him think that Black was unsure.
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Practical Considerations: Since Smirin had to win, Anand may have wanted to find the most annoying, drawish path that would frustrate his opponent.
Anand Shifts Gears – Rapid Moves & Psychological Impact
After spending almost two minutes on move 4, Anand suddenly started playing incredibly fast. This is a classic psychological technique of giving the opponent a false sense of security before turning the tables.
Smirin expecting Anand to be in serious time trouble later may have relaxed slightly which worked in Anand’s favor.
Middlegame – Smirin's Attack & Anand's Defense
Smirin needing a win, started pressing aggressively. However, Anand, known for his quick calculation skills, countered accurately and neutralized White’s initiative. Instead of panicking due to his time deficit, Anand used his deep understanding of chess principles to play strong & forcing moves.
Endgame Transition – Anand Takes Over
Despite being under time pressure, Anand managed to simplify the position into a more drawish or winning endgame.
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Smirin, desperate to create winning chances, overpressed.
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Anand capitalized on Smirin’s inaccuracies and eventually took full control of the position.
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Even with limited time on the clock, Anand’s superior technique and nerves of steel led him to the victory.
Final Result – Anand Wins!
Amazingly, despite spending nearly two minutes on move 4 in an Armageddon game, Anand outplayed Smirin completely and won. His ability to remain composed and execute his strategy flawlessly makes this game one of the most famous Armageddon matches ever played.
Watch the game!
Key Takeaways from Anand’s Performance
1. Deep Calculation Pays Off
Even in fast games, preparation matters. Anand’s long think likely involved recalling specific nuances in the Petrov Defense & once he remembered his preparation, he was able to play quickly and accurately.
2. Psychological Warfare is Crucial in Chess
Chess isn’t just about moves; it’s also about mind games. Anand’s unexpected time burn likely confused Smirin, making him uneasy about his own position.
3. Time Management – Knowing When to Think
While spending 1:43 on a move in Armageddon seems risky, Anand proved that spending time early, if used wisely, is not necessarily a disadvantage. He compensated by playing quickly and confidently afterward.
4. Calmness Under Pressure Wins Games
Most players would panic after losing so much time early on. Anand, stayed composed, trusted his preparation, and executed his plan perfectly.
Here's the real footage of the game!
Conclusion
Anand’s victory over Smirin in this Armageddon game is a legendary moment in chess history. His ability to spend nearly two minutes on move 4, then play at lightning speed, defend accurately and finally win speaks volumes about his class as a player.
This game serves as an invaluable lesson in chess psychology, preparation, and practical decision-making. If there’s anything to learn from Anand here, it’s that sometimes, taking your time to find the right path is more important than playing fast under pressure. And in the end, it’s not about how you start, it’s about how you finish.
Would you dare to take 1:43 on move 4 in an Armageddon game? If you’re Anand, it might just be the winning strategy! 😃♟️
