A Comeback for the Ages
The year is 1987. Anatoly Karpov is playing Garry Kasparov in Seville, Spain. Both competitors with a chance to win the World Championship. Karpov leads 11-10, only needing one draw to be crowned the champion. Kasparov has to win to retain his title. All Karpov has to do is win or draw.
Seville, Spain
Well, under the bright lights, even simple tasks can become the hardest ones.
But first, we must look at the moments that led to this historic game that will be known as one of the biggest comebacks in chess history. When people think of the word comeback, they think of being down 31-14 in the Super Bowl and coming back to win it. However, in pro chess at the top level, winning a game on demand while the opponent is trying to draw is nearly impossible.
Though we can start with their match, I think before that we must start before the match.
The 1987 Candidates Tournament
The format of the candidates tournament in this year was changed for the first time in over 20 years. The way the participants for the tournament were decided was by 12 qualifiers from 3 interzonals plus an additional four seeds.
Then, the remaining 16 players battled it out until only the top 4 qualifiers remained. The winner of those players went against Anatoly Karpov, one of the main characters in this story.
Andrei Sokolov wins and goes on to the Candidates final against Karpov
Now, the final of the Candidates was set. Anatoly Karpov was facing off against Andrei Sokolov for the honor of challenging Kasparov for the title. We all know who won this match though.
The match is set. Karpov v Kasparov
After the dust had finally settled, Karpov had earned his spot into the World Championship match, as expected. He faces Kasparov; his biggest rival in one of his most important matches.
Match Info + Stats Prior
The match was a best of 24 games, which meant Kasparov needed to get 12 to retain his title, and Karpov needed to get 12.5, so an advantage for Kasparov. The match was held inside the Lopa de Vega theatre, with about 1,000 people spectating in person.
The outside of the venue
Prize Fund:
- The total funds for the match were 1.6 million dollars.
- Both players shared the fund equally between them.
Time Control:
120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves, 15 minutes for rest of game with 30 second increment for moves past No. 61
Ages:
Karpov: 36 years old
Kasparov: 24 years old
1987 World Championship Match
Karpov vs. Kasparov
Seville, Spain
Karpov (left) and Kasparov (right) beginning what will be an instant classic
On October 12, 1987, the battle began. Kasparov and Karpov set off into yet another World Championship match (they would play five in total).
Now, it would be a pain to go through all 24 games of this epic series. Firstly, it would take too long and be too long, while also almost all of the games are draws in pro chess. Today we will be going over the notable games, the ones that decided who won and who whimpered.
Game #2
We begin our journey in just game number two of this match. The first game was drawn, but in game two the first swipe is taken.
Karpov strikes first. After a bundle of clever moves, Karpov is able to squeeze Kasparov's position until he is able to go for a devastating blow. Kasparov's fall really came a lot because of Karpov planting a deadly pawn on e3, restricting white's pieces for most of the game.
Update: Karpov 1.5 - 0.5 Kasparov
Game #4
This wouldn't be one of the best World Championships of all time if it was not intense. So, as you would expect, our other competitor decided to get on the board playing as the white pieces in his victory.
In this game, I feel that Kasparov just outplayed his opponent. Sure, his large center definitely gave him some assistance, but even in the knight vs. bishop endgame he showed dominance and forced Karpov to resign. Getting on the scoreboard was a large confidence boost for Kasparov, and chess enthusiasts knew that just like all the other meetings with these two, we had a match.
Update: Karpov 2 - 2 Kasparov
Game #11
After a series of the two titans exchanging blows, the score was tied entering game 11. Whoever could win a future game first could take the driver seat and get some cushion in this match. Both players knew what was at stake.
The two begin the most crucial match thus far
Simply incredible by Garry. He changed it up to a Gruenfeld. Karpov made the first huge blunder after 11 games, it was 36. Rc6. Kasparov saw right through it and immediately took advantage, winning the exchange. After that, he sailed to victory, Karpov with no chance to recover.
With this win, Garry Kasparov had taken a one game lead about halfway through the match.
Update: Karpov 5 - 6 Kasparov
Game #16
The two had drawn every game since #11, both of them waiting for the other to crack under the pressure. Karpov still needed to tie the match. He would need a win eventually, and that is what he delivered.
Well, Kasparov resigned. A steady performance from Karpov to tie the match. Though Kasparov was only down a pawn, it still was a losing endgame where the queens could have been traded and most likely a conversion from Anatoly after. The intensity was beginning to rise, and so was the quality of play.
Update: Karpov 8 - 8 Kasparov
Game #23
No surprise, as the greatest rivalry in chess, this match would come down to the wire. But here is where the twist comes in. Kasparov would love to keep drawing games, because with a tie, he is able to retain his world title. This means that Karpov needs to win one of the next two games. It looks like Kasparov is starting to approach a title, but against all odds he finally broke down.
Kasparov was shocked after Bh6. Not exactly a meltdown, but certainly a missed opportunity.
Click the image above to go see Kasparov's blunder on tape
Update: Karpov 12 - 11 Kasparov
Game #24
And it all comes down to this game. December 19, 1987. Kasparov MUST win, or else Karpov is crowned the champion. Karpov just needs to win or draw. He can practically smell victory. Can Kasparov pull off an amazing miracle after Karpov has taken a full game lead? Nobody thinks so.
Both players come into the game nervous, as anybody would be. To avoid making mistakes, they need to take their time.
Below is the game that decides it all. Can Karpov hold on, or can Kasparov pull off a "buzzer beater?"
If you wish to succeed, you must brave the risk of failure
- Garry Kasparov
