Modern Classics

Fischer-Petrosian, 1971

Fischer-Petrosian, Candidates Final, Buenos Aires 1971, game 7

After winning his matches against Taimanov and Larsen in 1971 with the score 6-0 each, in the same year Fischer was to face the "iron Tigran" in the final match of the Candidates. Petrosian was famous for his solid playing style and extraordinary defensive skills. And indeed, the first part of the match was equal, with the score being 2,5-2,5 after 5 games. But then Fischer became unstoppable, winning four games in a row and accumulating the needed 6,5 points for the overall victory.

Upon completion of the match Petrosian remarked: "After the sixth game Fischer really became a genius". The presented 7th game amazes with its logic and apparent simplicity, with which White increased his slight advantage to become decisive in the endgame.

Fischer called this game the best in the match.