Albin Planinc, "Chess from another planet"- IBM 1973

Some players are unique geniuses; they discover new paths for creative minds; new ways to look at the game of chess. Philidor, LaBourdonais, Morphy, Capablanca, Tal, Planinc- these are a few of the ones that push chess forward. My favorite player, Bronstein, falls into this category as well. Parapphrasing World Champion Tigran V. Petrosian: "Some players think that modern chess started with the Informator. But players of my generation know that modern chess started with David Bronstein!"

I always wondered what Petrosian meant by that, and recently I found a quote where he explained that Bronstein took old openings and gave them a new interpretation.

Before I go on, I want to give an honorable mention to Andras Adorjan, who I also consider a genius of creative chess. There are others, of course; Chigorin and Alekhine are also in this category.

recently I sent away for a book about Planinc:

I have been looking at some of his games, specially from his most successful tournament, IBM 1973 in Amsterdam. He tied for first place with Petrosian. 

He won 7 games and lost 2. His two losses came at the hands of Petrosian and Quinteros.

One player that had an amazing record against Planinc was GM Borislav Ivkov. He had a 5-0 lifetime record against Planinc!

Ivkov, by the way, was no slouch. See how he demolished Fischer in 1965.

GM Borislav Ivkov (1933-        )

Now, to some of Planinc's games from this tournament.

In the following game, GM Donner shows an amazing unfamiliarity with the nuances of the Indo-Benoni, and Planinc achieves positional superiority with amazing ease.

GM Jan Hein Donner (1927-1988)

In round 4, Planinc faced Drazen Marovic. 

IM Drazen Marovic (1938-         )

This game is a textbook example of the strategy to follow in the Indo-Benoni with Black.

In round 5, Planinc won against Ulf Andersson. Now, Andersson was known for two things: great defensive skills, and great endgame play. In this game, Planinc outplays Andersson in both facets of the game!

       GM Ulf Andersson (1951-       )

In round 6 Planinc played with the Black pieces against Kick Langeweg.

IM Kick Langeweg (1937-       )

Planinc's superior understanding of the dynamic aspects of the position ruled the day.

In round 8, Planinc had the white pieces against Jan Timman.

                           GM Jan Timman (1951-       )

In round 9 Planinc had the Black pieces against GM Zoltan Ribli. Ribli was a very strong GM who was twice a Candidate for the World Championship.

GM Zoltan Ribli (1951-         )

In this game, Ribli chooses the "solid" fianchetto system with White against Planinc's King's Indian. Planinc, on the other hand, plays in the Old Style, taking on d4 and playing Re8, Nc5, a5...well, you'll see!

Dear chess lovers, this is all I have energy and time now for. Until next time, and I hope you enjoyed the games!

Kamalakanta