Tigran Petrosian v. Alexander Kotov (London System, 1952)

World Chess Champion (1963-1969) Tigran Vartanovich Petrosian is known for his impenetrable defensive style. Thus, he is also known as "Iron Tigran". Tigran's style of play is very solid, cautious and with focus on the defense rather than the offensive. He would ensure that his chess kingdom is locked and safe before launching an attack.  As a result, several of his games often result in draws and are described as boring, lack excitement and thrill compared to the games of known attacking players.

But during his younger days, Petrosian has the flare to attack and demolish his opponent even during the early stages of the game. Here, he annihilated Kotov in just twenty nine (29) moves.

Event "Gagra"]

[Site "Gagra"]

[Date "1952"]

[White "Alexander Kotov"]

[Black "Petrosian"]

[Result "0-1"]

Petrosian v. Kotov (after 12.__cxb2)

1. Nf3 Nf6 2. d4 g6 3. Bf4 {The early development of white's bishop to f4 characterizes the so called "London System". While the system gives white flexibility, this usually results to a closed game. With Petrosian on the other end of the board, it can be expected that this game would result to a draw. But, that does not happen here.} 3... Bg7 4. e3 O-O 5. Nbd2 c5 6. c3 {White solidifies his position. Taking the pawn on c5 would weaken the center.} 6... cxd4 7. exd4 {I think cxd4 is much better creating an open c-file also for white.} 7... Nc6 8. h3 {This seems to be a passive move. Better may be Bd3 to speed up the development.} 8... d6 9. Nc4 {What is the purpose of this move? The knight has no business on c4 yet. White should continue development instead.} 9... b5 {Black immediately attacks the misplaced knight.} 10. Ne3 b4 {Black now tries to weaken white's center after gaining a tempo.} 11. d5 {White tries to counter. Petrosian however surprises Kotov with his next move.} 11... bxc3 {This move is not typical of Petrosian. Kotov may have expected the knight moving to safety.} 12. dxc6 cxb2 13. Rb1 {White is piece ahead. Black's position is however dominating given the pawn on b2.} 13... Ne4 {Protecting the b2 pawn and at the same time preparing for attack.} 14. Bd3 Qa5+ {White is forced to forego castling privileges. Covering with the knight is not good due to a fork on c3.} 15. Kf1 Ba6 16. Nc4 Bxc4 17. Bxc4 Nc3 {At this point, black has a won game.} 18. Qd2 Qa4 19.Bd3 Nxb1 20. Bxb1 Rfc8 21. g3 Rxc6 22. Kg2 Rac8 23. Bh6 Rc1 24. Bxg7 Rxh1 25. Kxh1 Rc1+ 26. Kg2 Rxb1 27. Qh6 Qd1 28. g4 Qh1+ 29. Kg3 Rg1+ {White has no other option but to give up.} 0-1