Chess History in a Nutshell 116 – Brilliant Games / Fragments (4)

I believe one of the most fascinating types of sacrifice combinations in chess is the rook sacrifice—especially when it involves sacrificing both rooks. We all know the immortal Anderssen–Kieseritzky game from 1851, in which White managed to sacrifice nearly his entire army, delivering mate with just his last three minor pieces: two knights and a bishop.

In my search for modern highlights, I came across two brilliant examples of long-term rook sacrifices: Beliavsky–Nunn, Wijk aan Zee 1985, and a rapid tiebreak game from the 1991 Candidates Match between Ivanchuk and Jussupow in Brussels. In both games, the black players launched a fantastic attack on the white king, each featuring a brilliant rook sacrifice.

In my home country, the Netherlands, we can often turn to IM Manuel Bosboom, known for his genius raids and spectacular play. I found a brilliant example from him featuring a double rook sacrifice. And while I was compiling this collection, I also rediscovered a game from my own practice in which I managed to overwhelm GM Vladimir Georgiev with a double rook sacrifice.

I hope you enjoy all of these as much as I did!

But let's turn to Bosboom and his bold play! In his younger years, Bosboom occasionally played with an impulsive flair. The following sacrificial sequence is truly unparalleled. Can you find the incredible move with which Black began his attack on the white king?

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