From 1950 to 1962, the challenger for the world title was determined by a Candidates tournament of the world’s leading grandmasters, apart of course from the world champion. This was deemed an improvement on the previous system whereby the incumbent could accept or decline challenges as he saw fit, subject to pressures of finance and prestige. Thereafter Fidé, the world chess federation, adopted a number of experiments, some successful, some less so, such as the qualifier for the 2012 championship which was determined by quickplay games, an affront to classical chess.
Since last year, though, Fidé has sensibly reverted to the great tournament format of yesteryear, with splendid events in London and Khanty-Mansisk. These have delivered two worthy winners, Carlsen in 2013 and Anand this year.
This week I pay tribute to some of the great Candidates tournaments of the past.
Keres-Smyslov: Candidates Tournament, Zurich 1953; Queen’s Indian Defence
1 c4 Nf6 2 Nc3 e6 3 Nf3 c5 4 e3 Be7 5 b3 0-0 6 Bb2 b6 7 d4 cxd4 8 exd4 d5 The opening has been a slow variation against the Queen’s Indian much favoured by the great Polish master Akiba Rubinstein.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
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