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Robert Byrne vs Fischer, 1963

The other Byrne–Fischer classic. After 15...Nxf2 Fischer’s minor pieces chase the white king, and Byrne resigns in a position that still looks crowded. It was part of Fischer’s 11–0 US Championship.

White
Robert Byrne
Black
Bobby Fischer
Event
US Championship, New York
Year
1963
Result
0-1

Critical position

Robert Byrne vs Fischer, 1963, after ply 29♜♛♜♚♟♟♝♟♝♟♞♟♟♗♙♘♞♙♙♙♕♘♙♗♙♖♖♔hgfedcba87654321

After 15. Qc2. Black to move.

Take over as Black vs Maia

Step through

Position after 15. Qc2♜♛♜♚♟♟♝♟♝♟♞♟♟♗♙♘♞♙♙♙♕♘♙♗♙♖♖♔hgfedcba87654321

15. Qc2

Annotated score

  1. 1. d4 (best) Nf6 (best)

  2. 2. c4 (best) g6 (good)

  3. 3. g3 (excellent) c6 (best)

  4. 4. Bg2 (excellent) d5 (best)

  5. 5. cxd5 (best) cxd5 (best)

  6. 6. Nc3 (excellent) Bg7 (best)

  7. 7. e3 (good) O-O (best)

  8. 8. Nge2 (best) Nc6 (best)

  9. 9. O-O (excellent) b6 (good)

  10. 10. b3 (excellent) Ba6 (best)

  11. 11. Ba3 (best) Re8 (excellent)

  12. 12. Qd2 (excellent) e5 (best)

  13. 13. dxe5 (best) Nxe5 (best)

  14. 14. Rfd1 (inaccuracy) Nd3 (best)

    Nd3: 14...Nd3 plants the knight that will take on f2.

  15. 15. Qc2 (excellent) Nxf2 (best)

    Nxf2: 15...Nxf2. The king is pulled to f2 and never gets safe.

  16. 16. Kxf2 (good) Ng4+ (best)

  17. 17. Kg1 (mistake) Nxe3 (best)

  18. 18. Qd2 (best) Nxg2 (best)

  19. 19. Kxg2 (best) d4 (good)

  20. 20. Nxd4 (inaccuracy) Bb7+ (good)

    Bb7+: 20...Bb7+ forces the king to f1, where the queen check ends it.

  21. 21. Kf1 (inaccuracy) Qd7 (best)