Changes

This game, which lasted 41 moves, can be compared with the [[perfect game]] in the World Series by Don Larsen, or other very rare sporting achievements that near perfection.

This game, which lasted 41 moves, can be compared with the [[perfect game]] in the World Series by Don Larsen, or other very rare sporting achievements that near perfection.

== Context ==

== Context ==

The championship match was tied at 2½-2½  when this game was played, which added drama to this pivotal game.  A tie score meant that Fischer was actually behind, because the retaining champion would keep his title in the event of a tie.

The championship match was tied at 2½-2½  when this game was played, which added drama to this pivotal game.  A tie score meant that Fischer was actually behind, because the retaining champion Spassky would retain his title in the event of a tie.

 

Fischer had the white pieces this game.  He had hinted after the last game that he may open this time with a surprise move.  Fischer had long preferred the 1.e4 opening so there was some skepticism that he would depart from that in this big game, the most important in his career.

== Opening ==

== Opening ==

Fischer shocked the world by opening with 1.c4, which virtually never did in big games.  His favorite was always 1.e4 as an opening.

Fischer shocked the world by opening with 1.c4, which virtually never did in big games.  His favorite was always 1.e4 as an opening.