New York · 1956
The Game of the Century
Donald Byrne vs. Bobby Fischer — Thirteen-year-old Fischer gives up his queen on move 17 and mates with three pieces.
LevelAdvanced JuniorElo1000–1200ThemeDevelopment and tacticsMoves41
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Moves · tap to jump
0/820/82
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Starting position
Ready
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Main lesson
Develop first; the tactics appear on their own once every piece is working.
What your student should learn
- Develop first; the tactics appear by themselves.
- Three active pieces can outplay a queen.
- Discovered checks win time and material.
- Age is no barrier to good moves.
Mini tournament checklist
- ✓ Is every piece developed and doing a job?
- ✓ Are there any discovered checks in the position?
- ✓ Do my pieces work as a team after the sacrifice?
- ✓ Is the opponent's king or queen loose?
Run through this list before you start an attack in a real game. Mostly yes means look for tactics; otherwise improve one more piece first.
Full move list
Development First
1.
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The Queen Sacrifice
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16.
The Windmill of Checks
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Three Pieces For a Queen
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The Quiet Mating Net
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41.
Note: Fischer played Black. Practise as Black and try to find 17...Be6!! yourself.