Karpov-Korchnoi, Candidates Final, Moscow 1974, game 2
Before their historic battles for the World Champion title in 1978 and 1981, Karpov and Korchnoi met in a highly competitive Candidates' Final in 1974. The winner would challenge the reigning World Champion Robert Fischer. Both Karpov and Korchnoi were in top form, having convincingly won their semifinals against Spassky and Petrosian, respectively.
In the featured second game of the match Korchnoi decided to play the Sicilian Dragon, but Karpov was superbly prepared. A single mistake by Black was enough for the 23-year-old Karpov to launch a decisive attack, with a series of unexpected and impressive tactical sacrifices. Korchnoi was soon forced to resign. Never again did he play the Dragon against Karpov.