106
To win this game, Byrne should make the following moves:
1. Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. d4 O-O 5. Bf4 d5 6. Qb3 dxc4 7. Qxc4 c6 8. e4 Nbd7 9. Rd1 Nb6 10. Qc5 Bg4 11. Bg5 Na4 12. Qa3 Nxc3 13. bxc3 Nxe4 14. Bxe7 Qb6 15. Bc4 Nxc3 16. Bc5 Rfe8+ 17. Kf1 Be6 18. Bxb6 Bxc4+ 19. Kg1 Ne2+ 20. Kf1 Nxd4+ 21. Kg1 Ne2+ 22. Kf1 Nc3+ 23. Kg1 axb6 24. Qb4Ra4 25. Qxb6 Nxd1 26. h3 Rxa2 27. Kh2 Nxf2 28. Re1 Rxe1 29. Qd8+ Bf8 30. Nxe1 Bc4+ 31. Kg3 Nd3+ 32. Kf3 Rf2+ 33. Ke3 Rf5 34. g4 Re5+ 35. Kf3 Bd5+ 36. Kf2 Nc3+ 37. Kg1 Re2 38. Qe8+ Kg7 39. Qxe5+ Kg8 40. Qxd4 Bg7 41. Qxc3 Bd4+ 42. Kf1 Bxc3 43. Nc2 Bc4+ 44. Kg1 Bd3 45. Nd4 Be4 46. Nc2 Bxc2 47. Kf2 Be5 48. Kg3 Bd4 49. Kf4 Bd3 50. g5 Bf5 51. h4 Bc5 52. Kg3 Bd6+ 53. Kf3 Bf4 54. Ke2 Bd2 55. Kf1 Bb4 56. Kg2 Bd6 57. Kf3 Bf4 58. Kf4 Bxg5+ 59. hxg5 Be6 60. Ke3 Be6 61. Kd4 Be4 62. Kd3 Bf3 63. Kc3 Bh1 64. Kb4 Bg2 65. Ka5 Bg3 66. Kb6 Bf3 67. Kc5 Bg2 68. Kb4 Bh1 69. Kc4 Bg2 70. Kb4 Bh3 71. Kc5 Bg2 72. Kb5 Bh3 73. Kb4 Bg4 74. Kc3 Bf5 75. Kb3 Be4 76. Kb4 Bf3 77. Ka5 Bg2 78. Kb6 Bh3 79. Kc5 Bg2 80. Kd6 Be4 81. Ke7 Bg2 82. Kf6 Bh3 83. Kxg6 Bg2 84. Kh5 Bf3+ 85. Kh4 Bg2 86. Kg3 Bf1 87. Kf4 Bf3 88. Ke5 Bg2 89. Kd4 Bg1+ 90. Kc3 Bh1 91. Kb4 Bg2 92. Ka5 Bh3 93. Kb5 Bg4 94. Kb7 Bf4 95. Kc7 Be4 96. Kd6 Bg2 97. Ke7 Bh3 98. Kf6 Bg2 99. Kxg6 Bh3 100. Kh5 Bg2 101. Kg4 Bh3+ 102. Kf3 Bg2+ 103. Kf2 Bh3 104. Kg1 Bg2 105. Kxg2 1-0.
The game ends with a checkmate after 41. Kc1 Rc2#.
The chess game between Donald Byrne and Bobby Fischer, played in 1956 in New York, is one of the most famous games in chess history. This game is often referred to as the “Game of the Century.” Here are some reasons why this game is special:
1. Young Prodigy: Bobby Fischer was only 13 years old when he played this game. Despite his young age, he demonstrated extraordinary skill and strategic understanding.
2. Brilliant Sacrifice: The game features an incredible queen sacrifice by Fischer, which is seen as a hallmark of his aggressive and creative playing style. The move 17…Be6, leading to a combination that sacrificed Fischer’s queen, was particularly notable.
3. Complex Strategy: The game is celebrated for its deep and complex strategy. Fischer’s play showed a remarkable level of foresight and planning, culminating in a winning position despite being materially behind.
4. Historical Impact: This game helped to establish Fischer’s reputation as a chess prodigy and future world champion. It showcased his potential to the world and is still studied by chess enthusiasts and professionals today.
5. Educational Value: The game is often used as an educational tool to teach various chess principles, including development, center control, tactical awareness, and the value of sacrifices in creating dynamic advantages.
Summary of Key Moves:
Opening: The game started with the Gruenfeld Defense: Three Knights Variation (ECO D92).
Middle Game: Fischer’s stunning queen sacrifice on move 17 (…Be6) created an unbalanced position that allowed him to dominate with his remaining pieces.
End Game: Fischer’s precise play and tactical prowess eventually led to a winning position, forcing Byrne’s resignation.
Key Position:
After 17…Be6, Fischer’s play led to a series of forced moves that dismantled Byrne’s position. Fischer’s bishops and knights coordinated beautifully, demonstrating his tactical genius and deep calculation ability.
Final Position:
The game ended with Fischer checkmating Byrne, showing a beautifully orchestrated combination of his minor pieces.
This game remains a shining example of Fischer’s brilliance and a masterpiece of chess strategy.