R.I.P. Boris Spassky

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1096762 The knight can go to c4 which is positionally large but goes to d3 where murder begins.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128544 No matter how White twists and turns he's on the hook.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128544 Positioning and waiting, the hardest part of chess to learn. Spassky outdoes Taimanov.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128541 You can spot the breakthrough a mile away. Aronin resigns before Spassky takes all his pieces.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128542 Traditionally Nd5 is the better outpost square but Spassky makes b3 work for him. and then there is the endgame where Spassky cleans up.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128543 White has the two powerful fianchetto bishops but the black E pawn causes mayhem. Savon blunders at the end but its over anyways.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128547 the queenside bind

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128539 Good knight vs bad bishop. Its laughable how good the knight proves to be. Great entertainment by Spassky!

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128572 A beautiful double sacrifice mating attack.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128573 You have to ask the question how does Spassky wins these games? No, its not magic. Its hard work - actively seeking the best strategic move and being hyper aware of tactics. In this game the hard work and perseverance in evident.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128576 The power of the passed pawn (and Spassky's tactical awareness)

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128571 Ask the question why did he leave those weak queen side pawns? That makes you aware of the answer. Spassky had great sensitivity to timing and the initiative and where it was best to apply pressure for maximum results.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1128574 Notice how Spassky gains tempo with 0-0 check and the conditions of bishops of opposite colour..

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2692051 Notice again bishops of opposite colour.

[Hans Jung]

https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2639759 Notice how Spassky manages the tactics (again bishops of opposite colour)