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| − | Game 6 of the world [[chess]] championship between [[Bobby Fischer]] and [[Boris Spassky]] was an absolute masterpiece, and considered by many to be the greatest chess game ever played. Played in January 1972, this game bad a startling beginning and a stunning ending. The attendees erupted in applause at its conclusion, with even the defeated Spassky also applauding in an historic display of sportsmanship. | + | Game 6 of the world [[chess]] championship between [[Bobby Fischer]] and [[Boris Spassky]] was an absolute masterpiece, and is considered by many to be the greatest chess game ever played. Played in January 1972, this game had a startling beginning and a stunning ending. The attendees erupted in applause at its conclusion, with even the defeated Spassky also applauding in a historic display of sportsmanship. |
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| | 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. |
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| | 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. | | 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. |
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| − | 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. | + | Fischer had the white pieces in 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. |
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| | == Opening == | | == Opening == |
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| | Fischer brilliantly engaged in an [[exchange sacrifice]] that put Spassky in a position where any possible move would place him in an inferior position. Spassky had an advantage in pieces and [[checkmate]] was not imminent, but an analysis of all his options shows that he would lose if Fischer continued to play perfectly. | | Fischer brilliantly engaged in an [[exchange sacrifice]] that put Spassky in a position where any possible move would place him in an inferior position. Spassky had an advantage in pieces and [[checkmate]] was not imminent, but an analysis of all his options shows that he would lose if Fischer continued to play perfectly. |
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| − | Fischer's final spectacular move was 41.Qf4!!! | + | '''''Fischer's final spectacular move was 41.Qf4!!!''''' |
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| | Spassky then resigned prior to his 41st move, which seemed like a premature resignation to a casual observer but was actually an insightful recognition by Spassky that he had been defeated. The crowd then erupted into an unusual applause, which even Spassky joined. | | Spassky then resigned prior to his 41st move, which seemed like a premature resignation to a casual observer but was actually an insightful recognition by Spassky that he had been defeated. The crowd then erupted into an unusual applause, which even Spassky joined. |