Kasparov's Immortal

• Event: Hoogovens Tournament
• Date: January 20, 1999
• Site: Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands
• White: Garry Kasparov
• Black: Veselin Topalov
• Result: 1-0
• ECO: B07
• Opening: Pirc Defense
• Moves: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Be3 Bg7 5.Qd2 c6 6.f3 b5 7.Nge2 Nbd7 8.Bh6 Bxh6 9.Qxh6 Bb7 10.a3 e5 11.O-O-O Qe7 12.Kb1 a6 13.Nc1 O-O-O 14.Nb3 exd4 15.Rxd4 c5 16.Rd1 Nb6 17.g3 Kb8 18.Na5 Ba8 19.Bh3 d5 20.Qf4+ Ka7 21.Rhe1 d4 22.Nd5 Nbxd5 23.exd5 Qd6 24.Rxd4 cxd4 25.Re7+ Kb6 26.Qxd4+ Kxa5 27.b4+ Ka4 28.Qc3 Qxd5 29.Ra7 Bb7 30.Rxb7 Qc4 31.Qxf6 Kxa3 32.Qxa6+ Kxb4 33.c3+ Kxc3 34.Qa1+ Kd2 35.Qb2+ Kd1 36.Bf1 Rd2 37.Rd7 Rxd7 38.Bxc4 bxc4 39.Qxh8 Rd3 40.Qa8 c3 41.Qa4+ Ke1 42.f4 f5 43.Kc1 Rd2 44.Qa7 1-0
• Verified Sources:
  • ChessGames.com Database Entry
  • Tournament Bulletin of Wijk aan Zee 1999
  • Kasparov's "My Great Predecessors" series
  • New In Chess Magazine (1999)

This game was played in the prestigious Hoogovens Tournament (now known as Tata Steel Chess) in 1999. Kasparov was the world champion at the time, while Topalov was emerging as one of the world's strongest players. The game showcased Kasparov's legendary calculating abilities and attacking prowess.

The game is particularly famous for Kasparov's deep sacrifice and the subsequent king hunt that forced his opponent's king to walk to the center of the board. It is considered one of the greatest attacking games in chess history and a testament to Kasparov's genius.

1. Opening (1-10): A Pirc Defense leads to a complex position with chances for both sides.
2. Middlegame (11-20): Both kings castle on opposite wings, setting up a sharp battle.
3. Tactical Phase (21-30): Kasparov launches a spectacular attack, forcing Black's king to march across the board.
4. Final Phase (31-44): A relentless pursuit of Black's king leads to a brilliant finish.

Opening Phase

The game begins with the Pirc Defense, leading to a position where both sides have chances. Kasparov's early piece placement and pawn structure set the stage for the coming attack.

Tactical Phase

The position explodes with Kasparov's sacrifice, forcing Black's king to begin an unprecedented journey across the board. His calculation of the variations was extraordinary.

Final Combination

The endgame features one of the most remarkable king hunts in chess history, with Black's king being driven from a3 to e1. Kasparov's precise calculation ensures that the king never escapes.

This game demonstrates several important chess principles:

• The power of long-term calculation
• The importance of king safety
• The value of the initiative
• The role of piece coordination in attacks
• The beauty of sacrificial play
• The significance of prophylaxis

The game is frequently used to teach:

• Advanced calculation techniques
• King hunt strategies
• The power of the initiative
• How to convert an attack into victory

Books

• Kasparov, Garry - "My Great Predecessors" series
• Kasparov, Garry - "How Life Imitates Chess" (2007)
• Stohl, Igor - "Instructive Modern Chess Masterpieces" (2001)
• Nunn, John - "Understanding Chess Move by Move" (2001)

Online Resources

• Full Game with Interactive Board (ChessGames.com)
• Chess.com's Analysis
• Lichess Study with Engine Analysis

Historical Documents

• Wijk aan Zee Tournament Bulletin (1999)
• New In Chess Magazine coverage
• Contemporary chess press reports