
The World's Strangest Blitz Game
Peter looked at his clock. Thirty seconds. His opponent had thirty five. Peter was up an exchange. The game had already attracted quite a large crowd. He fervently grabbed his queen and practically hurled it at the black king. His opponent smiled, and captured the queen. A few moments later, the smile disappeared as Peter elaborately conducted a series of sacrifices and mating threats which resulted in an eventual checkmate, with less than a second to spare. Everyone clamored around him and praised his brilliance, but who knew what Peter was feeling when he took the risk and his queen vanished off the board?
Blitz chess is arguably one of the most popular time controls in chess. After a point, the world around you fades to black, you get tunnel vision, and the board descends into chaos.
Who doesn't love that?
A few weeks ago, I was watching a match between International Master Murad İbrahimli and Grandmaster Paulius Pultinevičius. Both are incredibly talented players. The match was of the time control 3 minutes no increment. Typical blitz control. Atypical game.
Here's how the game went.
Of course, while people are playing a game, I guess their moves. But this? This was so strange I didn't guess even one move! (guessing opening moves in a blitz game is rather difficult, especially in such a game!)
If this isn't odd enough for you, let me continue.
Black now revealed just how attackingly and superbly he could play.
Can you guess Black's ingenious tactical move?
The ending of this game is probably one of the most beautiful ones there is.
Hope you enjoyed reading this article!