The Bobby Fischer vs. Mark Taimanov FIDE Candidates Match (1971) was a quarterfinal match in the 1971 Candidates Tournament, which determined the challenger for the World Chess Championship against Boris Spassky in 1972. The match took place in Vancouver, Canada, from May 16 to June 1, 1971.
Players: Bobby Fischer (USA) vs. Mark Taimanov (USSR)
Format: Best of 10 games (first to 5.5 points wins)
Result: Fischer won 6-0
This was the first time in modern chess history that a top grandmaster lost 6-0 in a Candidates Match.
Fischer's dominant performance shocked the chess world and demonstrated his superior preparation, tactical brilliance, and psychological resilience.
Taimanov, a strong Soviet GM, was humiliated by the loss and later stated that he had underestimated Fischer’s strength.
After the match, the Soviet authorities punished Taimanov, stripping him of government privileges, forbidding him from traveling internationally for some time, and even taking away his stipend. The official reason given was that he had brought shame to Soviet chess.
Game 1: Taimanov misjudged an endgame and lost despite seemingly equal chances.
Game 2: Fischer outplayed him in a Sicilian Najdorf with a deep strategic squeeze.
Game 3: Fischer's Queen sacrifice shocked the chess world and is still studied today.
Game 4: Fischer demonstrated flawless technique in a rook endgame.
Game 5 & 6: Taimanov was completely demoralized, making blunders in otherwise playable positions.
Fischer continued his Candidates run with another 6-0 sweep against Bent Larsen in the semifinals.
Fischer defeated Tigran Petrosian (6.5-2.5) in the finals, becoming the challenger for the World Championship.
Fischer’s unprecedented streak of 20 consecutive wins (including games from the Interzonal Tournament) remains one of the most remarkable feats in chess history.
The match was a turning point in chess history, as Fischer’s dominance signaled a shift in power from Soviet-controlled chess to a more individual, Western approach to preparation and competition.
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