BORIS SPASSKY LECTURE JULY 28

Boris Vasilievich Spassky (born 1937) is the 10th and oldest living ex World champion alive today. He made 2 attempts on the World Championship in the 60's, failed in 1966 but won in 1969 against the tough Tigran Petrosian. His reign lasted till 1972 where he played the American Bobby Fischer and surrendered the title after a gruelling 21 game match trailing 12.5 - 8.5.

The second match with Fischer in 1992 was called at Fischer's request and termed the rematch. This match was not sanctioned by FIDE and also blacklisted by the US State Department. Fischer's insistence in playing the match resulted in his arrest in Japan after his passport was declared invalid. Though the 1992 match went the full 30 games (being the first to reach 10 points format,draws not counting), both players were clearly no longer at their peak.

Nonetheless, Spassky had bested the top of the Soviet chess stars such as Tal, Korchnoi, Geller, Petrosian, Stein, Bronstein and Keres with the exception of Karpov (his main nemesis after Fischer). His style was universal, adept in defence and attack when provoked.

You will be treated to an evening of spectacular chess where the master of initiative unveils his talents in the combinations and grand plans which often escaped the attention of his opponents.

Conference Room 8pm July 28.

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