Mikhail Botvinnik vs Grigory Levenfish (1937)

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Mikhail Botvinnik vs Grigory Levenfish
Botvinnik - Levenfish (1937), Leningrad RUS, rd 2, Oct-07
Slav Defense: General (D10) · 0-1

ANALYSIS [x]

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Mar-16-07		Maynard5: This is a tremendous tactical victory by Levenfish over no less an opponent than Botvinnik. Black's surprising thrust with 18. ... g5! prevents White from consolidating in the center by organizing a counterattack on the g-file. Even more impressive is the sacrifice of a bishop with 23. ... fxe5, after which Black's pieces become active, and White is eventually forced to return the exchange. What is remarkable about this sacrifice is that it does not lead to an immediate win, but rather a situation in which Black's pieces are powerfully placed, while White has two minor pieces nearly out of action. This type of speculative sacrifice is a sign of real artistry.

Dec-09-11		Resignation Trap: Game two of the match. Levenfish considered it one of his best games.

Dec-09-11		Petrosianic: Good game, but it should be remembered that Levenfish was defending Soviet Champion in this match, not Botvinnik, and he didn't lose his title here.

Dec-09-11		visayanbraindoctor: GM Levenfish was deeply under-appreciated. This is a masterpiece! I hope this game gets honored as a game of the day some day.

Dec-10-11		tsp: A good game. I believe a Knight is very useful in the endgame too. Still it's a bit surprising that White's both the Rooks are paralyzed in the last phase of this game. Last not but not least. I am a fan of Mikhail Botwinnik. But sorry Professor!

Mar-10-13		Eduardo Bermudez: Very instructive game !

Mar-09-14		erniecohen: It's a pretty good game by Levinfish, but it's still basically a draw until Botvinnik makes some surprisingly weak moves in the ending.

Mar-09-14		perfidious: Botvinnik was curiously off form in this match, one which he would rather have been expected to win with ease.

Jun-06-15		ToTheDeath: ...g5! is the kind of thrust I'd expect to see from Botvinnik himself. The finish is very nice.

Aug-23-20		brimarern: Pretty game! That being said, it seemed as if black had to scramble for counterplay especially after 17.Nb1. I'm sure GM Levenfish saw that knight eventually winding up on d6, and with all his skill, might, and tenacity fought back. Black's g5 and d3 moves are impressive! Did white miss something concrete there?

Aug-20-25		offramp: The black knight was a right pain in the neck. click for larger view 36. Rg2 c4 37. Rc2 b5 click for larger view Eek! A mouse! The knight is the most important piece and cannot be removed. 38. a3 f3. 39. Rd2 Rg2!! click for larger view The last move of the time control. That was an outstanding decision! The knight STAYS on d3. The rook can't stop the c-pawn.

Aug-20-25		Sally Simpson: The game was adjourned after move 42...c2 White resigned without resuming. Levenfish gives: click for larger view 43. Ke3 c1=Q+ 44. Rxc1 Nxc1 45. Kd2 Na2 46. Kc2 Kg7 47. Kb2 Nxb4 48. axb4 Kf6 0-1 click for larger view

Aug-20-25		MissScarlett: <Miss Sally>, what happened to the house improvement job?

Aug-20-25		Sally Simpson: All finished but all carpets ruined. Next week men coming to fit new carpets. Mrs chose patterns, I was not allowed b/w chessboard patterns in any of the rooms. First 8 games of this match took place in Moscow. I am not sending a correction slip as I am in protest about this site not offering OAPC's membership rates (OAPC = Old Aged Chess Players.)

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