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Efim Geller vs Israel Albert Horowitz
USA - Soviet Union (1954), New York, NY USA, rd 3, Jun-21
Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation. Yugoslav Attack Modern Line (B76)  ·  1/2-1/2

ANALYSIS [x]

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Kibitzer's Corner
Mar-02-19
Premium Chessgames Member
  woldsmandriffield: A memorable game in the 1954 USA vs USSR match that took place in New York.


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Geller thought for 40 minutes before playing his 21st move. (NB Horowitz had a side-bet of $100 stake for $250 return that he would emerge with a plus score in this mini-match).

Could White have sacrified his Queen with 21 Qh6!!? After 21..Bxh6 22 Rxh6 g5 23 Rxf6


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Horowitz can force a favourable ending with his own Queen sac 23..Qb6! (23..Kg7!? is also possible but insanely risk).

Geller could also try 21 Qh6+ Bxh6 22 Rxh6 g5 23 g4(!) when 23..axb3 and 23..Kg7 lead to draws by perpetual check. This leaves 23..Nh7 24 Rxh7 and now Horowitz can again force a favourable ending with a counter Queen sac 24..Qf1+!

After his long think, Geller played the 'correct' 21 Bxf6 winning a pawn but producing a position ith chances for both sides. Time-pressure affected the play and Horowitz took advantage of the chance to make a promising exchange-sac 33..Rxc4! but missed 36..Bxc3 winning.

Mar-02-19  Retireborn: <woldsman> Thanks, very interesting. Can I ask where you found these details (40-minute think, side-bet etc?)
Mar-02-19  Granny O Doul: I wasn't sure of Black's win after 36... Bxc3 37. Qe4, so I checked with an engine (which I've recently learned how to do), and it offers ...Bb2+ 38. Kd1 Qxa2 39. Qh7+ Kf8 40. Qh8+ Bxh8 41. Rxa2 Bb2!, and Black does win.
Mar-02-19
Premium Chessgames Member
  woldsmandriffield: @Retireborn There is a great commentary here https://www.chess.com/blog/batgirl/... Online are also several photographs of the action which might be posted to the games from this fascinating contest, Enjoy!
Mar-02-19  Retireborn: <woldsman> Thanks.

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