In my series of homages to great masters in London, this week an outstanding win by Anatoly Karpov, who took first prize in the major international tournaments in London 1982 and London 1984. The position is by Alexander Alekhine who came second to Capablanca in London 1922, won in London 1932 and would have defended his world title in London against Botvinnik in 1946, had he lived.
Timman-Karpov: London 1984; Scotch Game
1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4 exd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 5 Nxc6 bxc6 6 e5 Qe7 7 Qe2 Nd5 8 c4 Ba6 9 Qe4 Timman tries something unusual but it is hardly to be recommended since after 9 … Nf6 White has nothing better than repeating with 10 Qe2. However, Karpov quickly perceives that there is something even more promising in the position. 9 … Nb6 10 Nd2 0-0-0 11 c5 This is Timman’s new idea for the game.
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