In the previous episode of this series we discussed how the first official World Champion, Wilhelm Steinitz, had more or less put an end to the so-called "Romantic period" with his scientific approach to the game. He became a kind of "super-defender" of difficult positions, capturing material and staying on his feet through all sorts of complications. He often managed to fend off an attack and then turn his material plus into a win.
Incidentally, it is not always true - as some people think - that strategically minded chess players lack tactical skills. Indeed, it has sometimes been said of Tigran Petrosian, World Champion from 1963 to 1969, that he lacked tactical skills, but the opposite is true. A player who has to defend against a dangerous opponent has to be tactically excellent in order not to get lost in a morass of variants.
The two fragments I have selected for you in this video show that Steinitz was not only concerned with defence. The first official world champion shows that he could also be a dangerous attacking player. In his game against Mongredien, which Kasparov considers to be a highlight, he goes on the attack.
We have learnt from Steinitz how to fend off a deadly-looking attack. You can test this skill for yourself in the diagram position. Black played the seemingly strong 19...Bf3. White failed to defend the attack and lost. Can you do better?
This week’s show (for Premium Members only)
