Mikhail Botvinnik vs David Bronstein (1951)

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Mikhail Botvinnik vs David Bronstein
Botvinnik - Bronstein World Championship Match (1951), Moscow URS, rd 15, Apr-17
French Defense: Tarrasch Variation. Open System (C07) · 1/2-1/2

ANALYSIS [x]

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Sep-21-06		Resignation Trap: Botvinnik's pre-game comments in his journal were much the same as in previous games: "Repeat! Assessment, time, calculate to the end, the pressure to move 25-30, harassing moves, possibly the decisive game! Work and work! Composure, coolness and self-restraint! Let's go!"

Sep-21-06		Resignation Trap: Botvinnik disappointed himself again with another draw. After the game, he wrote this: "All went well, but did not think out properly the king maneuver and towards the end played like an idiot."

Feb-13-10		jbtigerwolf: Aha! Finally, I have seen a French against 1.d4. I thought it was a good possibility that those who play the French never take up. It makes sense that if you are a d4 player and you don't play the French, then you would be unprepared for the French... If white then plays 2.c4 I suppose you would go with the Semi Slav, but I'm sure most players would play 2.e4, even if they are clueless on the French... simply because it looks right. So learn the French Defence, play 1...e6 against 1.e4 AND 1.d4; that's a lot of theory you don't have to learn! 1...e6 is also a main reply to 1.c4, but I would have to study that a bit first, but in keeping with the theme, it also cuts studying other lines.

Feb-13-10		waddayaplay: yes, well, some play ..e6 against anything. Nigel Short for example: Repertoire Explorer: Nigel Short (black) But only someone who really loves the French would do it. White has free choice between continuing normally with c4, or go into the French with e4.

Feb-13-10		paul1959: Many who play e6 after d4 want to play the Dutch without facing the Staunton gambit ( 1. d4 f5 2 e4). Then, after 1-d4 e6 the next move will depend on White`s preference: Facing the Dutch or the French? There where several Dutch in the B-B match and so one has to presume that Botvinnik ( a French player on both sides) thought he had better chances with 2- e4.

Feb-13-10		paul1959: Date and place of this game looks wrong. As far as I can find , the WC match was played in Moscow from March to May 1951.

Mar-08-10		jbtigerwolf: Thanks for the help, Paul and Waddyaplay. I think as white I will invite the French from 1.d4 if it arises, as it can't hurt to go into familiar territory. I think the French is a solid, uncomplicated opening with not too much to learn.... so why not? The Dutch looks suspect, but I'll just play that when he plays 1...f5. I like 1.d4, though I am not sure why. So much to learn on this chess journey; I love it!

Mar-27-13		Everett: 1.d4 e6 2.e4 c5 is the way I play it, with three main responses. 3.Nf3 cxd4 4.Nxd4 with an open Sicilian 3.d5 exd5 4.exd5 d6 Franco Benoni 3.c3 d5 4.e5 French Advanced This way I avoid the Rossolimo Sicilian, French Exchanges, and typical KIA play. Works for me.

Sep-30-15		plang: Bronstein was critical of his decision to play for simplification with 14..Nxd3?! and 17..Qg6 but still could have attained a draw had he played 20..Bxd4 21 Rxd4..Rxd4 22 Bxd4..Re8 23 f3..Re2 24 Rf2..Re1+. Instead, his superficial play would have been punished had Botvinnik played 28 Bxf6..gxf 29 f4..Rh5 30 c4..Bxb4 31 Nxd5..Bd6 32 Nxf6..Rhh8 33 Ne4..Be7 34 Rxd8..Rxd8 35 Rxd8..Bxd8 36 Ke2..f5 37 Ng5 and White should win easily. Missing this opportunity Botvinnik took the repetition.

Dec-06-15		sined3591: What happens after 29-Bxf6 gf6 30-Nxd5

Dec-06-15		sneaky pete: No idea, but I know what would happen after 29.Bxf6 .. and you don't.

Dec-06-15		Mr. V: After 29.Bxf6, Black will reply . . .Rxf4+

Dec-13-15		sined3591: Thank you Mr. V. You are a gentleman.

Dec-19-15		Howard: Agreed !

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