As we bid farewell to the great Viktor Korchnoi, it is worth pointing out that he was one of those rare players who at various times held a diversity of national titles. His record included winning the championships of the USSR, the Netherlands and finally Switzerland.
I conclude my tribute to him this week with one of his classic wins in the French Defence. This week’s game is a Korchnoi masterpiece that I found in a new book on one of his favourite defences.
First Steps: The French Defence by Cyrus Lakdawala is published by Everyman Chess.
Braga-Korchnoi: Sao Paulo 1979; French Defence
1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 Nge2 White protects his c3-knight from the potential damage to his structure, but at a high cost: 1) White’s e4-pawn is sacrificed and there is no guarantee he regains it.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in