But now the next installment of the Akiba Rubinstein story.
In 1905, a 5th place finish at a Kiev tournament gave Rubinstein his first Grandmaster title and that cemented his decision to become a chess professional. That was a benefit to the entire chess world!
Between 1906 and 1911, Akiba played in 17 international tournaments and placed first in 11 of them!
In 1912, he shocked the world by winning 5 straight international tournaments!
Now to present Rubinstein's "Immortal Game".
White: Georg Rotlevi
Black: Akiba Rubinstein
1. d4 d5
2. Nf3 e6
3. e3 c5
4. c4 Nc6
5. Nc3 Nf6
6. dxc5 Bxc5
7. a3 a6
8. b4 Bd6
9. Bb2 O-O
10. Qd2 Qe7
11. Bd3 dxc4
12. Bxc4 b5
13. Bd3 Rd8
14. Qe2 Bb7
15. O-O Ne5
16. Nxe5 Bxe5
17. f4 ? .........
 |
| Position after White's 17th move - f4? |
What is there to do for White! This move doubles White's disadvantage to a small (-.6), Igor3000 suggests 17. Rfd1, but White would still be slightly behind.
17. ...... Bc7
18. e4 ?! Rac8
19. e5 ? ......
White exposes his King and Akiba jumps on that chance (-3.6). 19. Kh1 was needed here first.
19. ...... Bb6+
20. Kh1 Ng4 !
21. Be4 ......
This allows a beautiful finish but 21. Qxg4, Rxe3 is just as bad for White.
21. ...... Qh4
Well, 21. ......Nxh2 was better but a different sacrifice looms!
22. g3 ? Rxc3 !!
23. gxh4 Rd2 !
24. Qxd2 Bxe4+
25. Qg2 Rh3 !
White resigns in the face of mates in 3! An incredible game!
We will wrap up the Akiba Rubinstein story next time.
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