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This video shows the very first Shirov vs Kasparov clash, a game memorable for many reasons. At this time, Alexei Shirov was the rising star in world chess, headed for 3rd place in the world rankings, behind only Garry and Karpov. However, the young Lithuanian had never actually played against either of the top 2 in competitive play. This tournament, the Dortmund International 1992, would be a chance to see how Alexei fared against the very best.
All eyes were on this game, played in the very first round. Shirov vs Kasparov opened 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6, Garry’s favorite King’s Indian Defense. Shirov was something of a King’s Indian expert himself having learned the opening from… Garry Kasparov! Alexei was one of the students at the famed Botvinnik-Kasparov chess school; now it was his turn to take on the master.
GM James Plaskett takes us through this game (a free preview of GM Magazine: Nigel Short beats Karpov in the Candidates), noting a possible, very surprising, Queen sacrifice in the Samisch variation, as played by David Bronstein vs Boris Spassky in 1956. Shirov doesn’t allow this, instead developing his King’s Knight to e2.
Normally, when Black plays …e5, White responds with d4-d5, blocking the center and gaining space. However, Shirov was in no mood to block the position and castled Queenside instead, a sign of aggressive intent with a possible pawn storm to come on the Kingside. Kasparov saw this as an invitation to begin his own attack and played the unassuming …a6, preparing …b5.
A couple of moves later, Kasparov offers his d6 pawn but, to get it, Shirov must part with his dark-squared Bishop giving Black dominance over these squares. He takes the bait and the Queens are exchanged too. Will the Bishop pair be sufficient compensation for the pawn, even without Queens?
With each move that follows, Kasparov’s pieces increase their activity. The Knight jumps into g4, then f2. The Bishop lands on f5, check, forcing the White King to the corner. A simple push of the pawn to b4 displaces the Knight to the side of the board. Then …f6 breaks down White’s advanced pawn and, again, opens the long diagonal. Soon Shirov felt he just had to return the extra pawn, leaving Kasparov with material equality and by far the more active pieces.
In instructive fashion, the World Champion uses his activity to target White’s loose pawns and prevent the offside Knight from returning to the action. A few natural moves later and Shirov has to resign, as his pawns begin to fall.
This was the first of 31 Shirov vs Kasparov games, the tally a crushing +16 -0 =15 in favor of Garry.
If you enjoyed this video, check out the full course GM Magazine: Nigel Short beats Karpov in the Candidates.