Two Games, Two Tempers: Sacrifice, Squeeze| PART 1

Hey Guys! 

Welcome to "Two Tempers, Two Styles: Sacrifice, Squeeze PART ONE"! 🎉

I've always been a fan of those chess games- the kind that make you sit up and replay, wondering how it all happened. In this blog, I'll be sharing three games that struck me instantly in different ways: one is pure chaos and involves numerous sacrifices, one is slow and suffocating, and the other is sharp and modern. They're all brilliant, but in totally different styles. So, grab your popcorn, folks and let the show begin （I mean the games）! 😃

Context:

Immortal Game - Anderssen vs. Kieseritzky

Karpov’s Squeeze – Karpov vs. Unzicke

The Immortal Game - Anderssen vs. Kieseritzky

“Where dignity goes to die, and brilliance takes the stage"

- Anonymous

Adolf Anderssen

Adolf Anders was a German chess master and one of the most dazzling players during the 19th century. Born in 1818 in Breslau (now Wroclaw, Poland), he quickly rose to fame after winning the first international chess tournament in London in 1851; this victory probably crowned him as the world's strongest player of his time.

Anderssen's style was bold and sacrificial; his play usually astonished spectators. His most famous masterpiece, the Immortal Game (which we are covering), showcases sacrificing many major pieces to deliver a breathtaking checkmate that matches his style very much. He also taught mathematics, composed chess puzzles, and mentored one of the future legends, like Johannes Zukertort.

Lionel Kieseritzky

Born in 1806 in Dorpat (now Tartu, Estonia), Lionel Kieseritzky was a Baltic German mathematician who traded the classroom for the cafe - specifically, the legendary Cafe de la Regence in Paris (as you can see, it has a French name), where he became a professional chess player and teacher.

Kieseritzky was known for his daring and unconventional style. His name lives upon several different opening lines, like the Kieseritzky Gambit, and others. Though he did not win any major tournaments, Kieseritzky was respected as one of the strongest players of his time. He even experimented with 3D Chess, inventing a variant called Kubicschach (if you can even pronounce that word, I'm astounded). Sadly, he died in Paris in 1853, buried in a pauper's grave - yes, you heard that, a pauper's grave - but his legacy still lives on……😭

Game

In 1851, the Immortal Game appeared, a mix of sacrifices. After this game, you'd be sitting on your chair, mouth hanging open in the air, probably. Anderssen gives up both rooks, a bishop, and even a queen. The plot? Anderssen wins. 🫢

Let's walk through the game, sit back, and admire.

Karpov’s Squeeze – Karpov vs. Unzicker

“Karpov doesn’t beat you with tactics. He beats you with inevitability.”
— Garry Kasparov

Anatoly Karpov

Anatoly Karpov wasn't just a world champion; he was seriously the master of positional games. Born in 1951 in Zlatoust, Russia, Karpov rose to prominence in the shadow of Bobby Fischer, eventually becoming World Champion in 1975 when Fischer forfeited the title. But Karpov earned this through a style that was as quiet as it was deadly.

Karpov's game wasn't filled with sacrifices; instead, he played like a snake slowly tightening its grip and squeezing until resignation is the only escape. His moves were improving, his plans completely invisible until it was too late. Watching Karpov play is like watching someone win without an attack, slowly laying pressure on its opponent. 

He held the World Champion title for a decade, and even after losing it to Garry Kasparov, he remained one of the most spectacular players in the world. 

Wolfgang Unzicker

Meet Wolfgang Unzicker (yes, I know, who have a name called Wolfgang), Germany's very own gentleman in chess who balanced a full-time career as a judge with a near-grandmaster level play. He could probably debate is whole life while simultaneously checkmating you. Born in 1925 in Munich, Unzicker was often called the strongest amateur chess player of his time. But don't let the word "amateur" fool you - he played against many legends like Fischer, Spassky, and of course, Karpov.

Unzicker's style was classical and principled. He valued development, and clean strategic play. While he never became a professional chess player, his game reflected a deep understanding of the game's fundamentals. He represented West Germany in numerous Chess Olympiads and was a national champion multiple time.

Game

So, get ready to see Karpov’s strategic squeeze unfold—like watching someone laying a cosy blanket around your dreams of winning. Spoiler alert: It ends with you resigning/checkmated. 😅

Conclusion

Chess isn’t just a game of moves—it’s a mirror of style. In these two unforgettable battles, we saw how style shapes strategy, and how personality leaves moves on the board.

Anderssen’s Immortal Game was pure fire—sacrifices, brilliance, and fearless creativity.

Karpov’s Squeeze was ice—calm control, slow pressure, and perfect timing. 

Each game teaches something different. Anderssen shows us how beauty can emerge from chaos. Karpov reminds us that patience is power. 

Well, I hope you have a great time reading! Stick to our "TWO GAMES, TWO STYLES" series and look out for PART 2! 

BYE GUYS!