Modern Classics

Byrne-Fischer, 1956

Byrne-Fischer, New York 1956

The round robin traditional Rosenwald Memorial Tournament in New York 1956 was easily won by Samuel Reshevsky with 9 out of 11, two points ahead of second place. On the ninth spot in the final standings was the 13-year-old Bobby Fischer, who a few months previously had won the US Junior Championship. Although Fischer had not yet reached the level of some of his adult colleagues, in the 8th round of the Rosenwald Memorial Bobby produced a marvellous game with the black pieces against the former US-Champion Donald Byrne.

In the opening White neglected quick development and the king remained in the centre. However, Byrne controlled the centre and things seemed to be under control. What happened next was a real catastrophe for White. Fischer started an incredible sacrificial play, including a brilliant queen sacrifice. The former US-Champion took their opponent's strongest piece, hoping for a repetition of moves, but the young Bobby rejected the draw and grabbed more than enough material for the queen. It all ended with domination of Black's multiple pieces and mate on the board.

When seeing this game Botvinnik said: "We will have to keep an eye on this boy", while the journalists hailed it the "Game of the century".