A game that shows the unique typical style of Petrosian.

He waited with the patience of a crocodile for an error.

One came with here...

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...with 17 Bh3 and a pseudo Knight sac 17...Nxe4. 18.Nxe4 Qf5+

Later he refuses a pawn - with a check! here.

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Because it allows counter play and played 34...Rg8.

Give that to an attacking player then 34....Qxf3+ 35 Rg3 Qh1+ (Bronstein/Veinshtein '53 candidates book only gives 35...Qf5+ which does indeed allow White to wriggle back into the game.)

36.Rh2 Qf1+ and Black is two pawns up with Queen v two Rooks in the wind.

But too much like hard work. No need. The Petrosian way is the go back and wait for another error as White self destructs.

Whilst waiting we see Petrosian in his element with pawn island play. In this respect Capablanca has not greater disciple.

From the above diagram 9 moves later we are here.

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Four isolated pawns, then here. White to play.

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The threat of 45...Qf5+ and Rxh4 sucks out another critical blunder, though at this stage all moves maintain a clear Black plus.

45. Rg5 ...

Which prompts another pseudo sac.

45 ....Rxh4+
46 Kxh4 Qf4+.

Then it's the wrap up, the weak White pawns fall.

So what am I doing here. Was going to use this in a blog covering pseudo sacs. (remembered this game from my youth) then make merry with all animal nicknames Petrosian had. Tiger, Crocodile, Centipede, Python, Hedgehog....The Petrosian Zoo.

But changed my mind - shame to waste it, so you lot get it. I'll show opening traps with Pseudo sacs instead! I really should not be let loose on Petrosian's games. The Monkey examining a watch metaphor comes to mind. (add Monkey to the zoo.)