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Mikhail Botvinnik vs Grigory Levenfish
Botvinnik - Levenfish (1937), Leningrad RUS, rd 2, Oct-07
Slav Defense: General (D10)  ·  0-1

ANALYSIS [x]

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Kibitzer's Corner
Mar-16-07  Maynard5: This is a tremendous tactical victory by Levenfish over no less an opponent than Botvinnik. Black's surprising thrust with 18. ... g5! prevents White from consolidating in the center by organizing a counterattack on the g-file. Even more impressive is the sacrifice of a bishop with 23. ... fxe5, after which Black's pieces become active, and White is eventually forced to return the exchange. What is remarkable about this sacrifice is that it does not lead to an immediate win, but rather a situation in which Black's pieces are powerfully placed, while White has two minor pieces nearly out of action. This type of speculative sacrifice is a sign of real artistry.
Dec-09-11  Resignation Trap: Game two of the match. Levenfish considered it one of his best games.
Dec-09-11  Petrosianic: Good game, but it should be remembered that Levenfish was defending Soviet Champion in this match, not Botvinnik, and he didn't lose his title here.
Dec-09-11  visayanbraindoctor: GM Levenfish was deeply under-appreciated. This is a masterpiece!

I hope this game gets honored as a game of the day some day.

Dec-10-11  tsp: A good game. I believe a Knight is very useful in the endgame too. Still it's a bit surprising that White's both the Rooks are paralyzed in the last phase of this game.

Last not but not least. I am a fan of Mikhail Botwinnik. But sorry Professor!

Mar-10-13  Eduardo Bermudez: Very instructive game !
Mar-09-14  erniecohen: It's a pretty good game by Levinfish, but it's still basically a draw until Botvinnik makes some surprisingly weak moves in the ending.
Mar-09-14
Premium Chessgames Member
  perfidious: Botvinnik was curiously off form in this match, one which he would rather have been expected to win with ease.
Jun-06-15
Premium Chessgames Member
  ToTheDeath: ...g5! is the kind of thrust I'd expect to see from Botvinnik himself. The finish is very nice.
Aug-23-20  brimarern: Pretty game! That being said, it seemed as if black had to scramble for counterplay especially after 17.Nb1. I'm sure GM Levenfish saw that knight eventually winding up on d6, and with all his skill, might, and tenacity fought back. Black's g5 and d3 moves are impressive! Did white miss something concrete there?

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