Moscow (World Championship, Game 10) · 1966
Spotting Threats Before They Get Dangerous
Tigran Petrosian vs. Boris Spassky — Iron Tigran calmly defuses Spassky's kingside attack, then wins with one of the greatest exchange sacrifices ever played.
Moves · tap to jump
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Starting position
Ready
Press Auto-play to watch the game, or step move by move.
Main lesson
Prophylaxis and defensive thinking
What your student should learn
- Ask what your opponent wants before choosing your move.
- Removing the opponent's best piece can be worth material.
- Prophylaxis means preventing, not reacting.
- Safe kings win attacking games.
Mini tournament checklist
- ✓ If it were my opponent's move, what would they play?
- ✓ Which of their pieces is most dangerous?
- ✓ Can I trade it off or block it?
- ✓ Is my own king still airtight?
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
Quiet Development
Black Starts Attacking
Opening Lines On Purpose
Trading Off the Attackers
The Exchange Sacrifice
Queen to the Corner
Note: Coach’s tip: after every black move ask what changed, which white piece is under most pressure, and what Black would play if White did nothing. Only then choose a move.