Kasparov's Biggest Blunder
In this newsletter, I take a look at an iconic blunder. We often see the above GIF being shared online when someone blunders. But do you know the story behind it?
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In this newsletter, I take a look at an iconic blunder. We often see the above GIF being shared online when someone blunders. But do you know the story behind it?
It captures the moment in a blitz game when Kasparov recognizes a horrible blunder against Anand, a misstep that squandered a winning position. Kasparov’s expression and reactions perfectly encapsulate what chess players feel when they completely overlook something. I also think that is why we still share the GIF here 27 years later.
The iconic moment unfolded during the Credit Suisse Rapid Final Blitz Playoff in 1996.
Kasparov was Black and played 33… Qxe3 capturing Anand’s Bishop. What move did Anand play?
Back in 2018, The New Yorker interviewed Kasparov about the blunder. The move was categorized as his biggest blunder. In the interview, he mentions that it still hurts looking at the position so many years after. Check out his explanation.
If you're interested in rewatching the entire game along with an explanation, I'd suggest checking out this video by KingCrusher. In the video, he highlights the significance of considering what a move no longer accomplishes.
In Kasparov's case, his move 33… Qxe3 removed the defender of the g4-pawn, which ultimately led to the tactic played by Anand.
The GIF is a also reminder that even the greats like Kasparov are not immune to blunders. And it's through studying these blunders, understanding the reasons behind them, and learning from them, that we improve.
So, the next time you make a horrible game losing blunder, take a moment, reflect, think about Kasparov’s blunder, and come back stronger.
I hope you found this little piece of chess history interesting.
/Martin