Immortal Zugzwang Game

by Vidya S
(India)

While taking the list of notable chess games, we are absolutely confused to select one or two most interesting games. There are a lot of games that have their own positions in chess history due to clever movements.

From that long list I would like to select one which is one of the most interesting games in history. That is the Immortal Zugzwang game held in 1923 at Copenhagen. The game was between Friedrich Saemisch and Aaron Nimzowitsch. The final position of this game was considered as a rare instance of zugzwang occurring in the middle game. That is the reason for getting this name for the game.

We can get the explanations regarding this game from the book Wiener Schachzeitung written by Aron Nimzowitsch in 1925. In this book he describes that the name of this game is originated in 'Danish chess circles'. According to Nimzowitsch, the brilliant moves are as follows:

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. g3 Bb7 5. Bg2 Be7

This move called Queen’s Indian defense, which is a great chess opening.

6. Nc3 0-0 7. 0-0 d5 8. Ne5 c6

This is to safe guard.

9. cxd5?! cxd5 10. Bf4 a6

Opposing the outpost station.

11. Rc1 b5 12. Qb3 Nc6 13. Nxc6

Exchange of the knight.

13... Bxc6 14. h3? Qd7 15. Kh2 Nh5
16. Bd2 f5! 17. Qd1 b4! 18. Nb1 Bb5 19. Rg1 Bd6 20. e4 fxe4! 21. Qxh5 Rxf2 22. Qg5 Raf8 23. Kh1 R8f5 24. Qe3 Bd3 25. Rce1 h6!!

The brilliant move which restricts the opponent’s move.

0-1

Play through the game yourself.