Garry Kasparov on Modern Chess, Part Two: KASPAROV vs. KARPOV 1975-1985 Including the 1st and 2nd Matches
Author: Garry Kasparov with Dmitry Plisetsky
Everyman Chess (2008)
424 pages
Hardcover
$32.95

Reviewed by Jeremy Silman

KASPAROV vs. KARPOV is supposedly the second in a series (titled MODERN CHESS) that “examines the developments of chess from the 1970s to the present day.” I didn’t care for the first volume of the MODERN CHESS series (titled REVOLUTION IN THE 70s), but I did enjoy the GREAT PREDECESSOR series. Oddly, Kasparov has this to say in his Foreword of KASPAROV vs. KARPOV: “My duels with Anatoly Karpov are essentially the finale of my multi-tome project MY GREAT PREDECESSORS.” In my mind it’s “who cares!?” about which series this new book belongs to, with the only question being, “Is Garry Kasparov on Modern Chess, Part Two: KASPAROV vs. KARPOV 1975-1985 any good?”

The answer to that question is obvious: how could it be anything but superb? Quite simply, we have Kasparov discussing every detail of his first two matches with Karpov and deeply analyzing each and every game. If that isn’t chess gold, then what is?

Of course, I can still remember the incredible tension all five of their matches created, but nothing before or since has compared to the first match where Karpov built up a 5-0 lead (the winner was the first to gain six victories), but was then held to draws by Kasparov in game after game after game. The match went on for months, and it was clear that Karpov (never a hardy physical specimen) was weakening. In my view it was obvious that he could (at that time) beat Kasparov in a match, but he couldn’t beat him in an endurance contest.

This can be put in perspective when one takes a look at Kasparov’s first victory of the match in game 36 (!). Garry had winning chances throughout and Karpov was forced to put up a tough, exhausting defense. When the game was adjourned Karpov was a pawn down in a Queen endgame, but even Kasparov wasn’t sure whether or not he could win it. And … shock of shock … Karpov resigned the game without resuming! Kasparov claims (over and over) that the sudden change in their respective fortunes wasn’t due to fatigue on Karpov’s part, “but of the fact that I was playing increasingly strongly.” Yet, a few lines earlier he says, “But apparently he did not want to waste the remnants of his strength …”

Let’s be realistic for a moment. After 36 games in a row, each one tiring by itself, how would it be possible for Karpov not to be exhausted? Kasparov though, wants to present his older opponent (by 12 years) as fresh and energetic. A man at his peak fading only due to the fact that he was facing a superior chess talent. This sounds like total egocentric hogwash to me, but that’s what makes this book so enjoyable – you get Kasparov’s reality from beginning to end (and we all see things through the prism of our own egos), and it’s extremely interesting.

Ultimately the match went 48 games deep, with Karpov weakening more and more (by this time Kasparov had won three games to Karpov’s five). The powers that be freaked out, endless posturing and speeches followed (Kasparov goes into this in great detail), and the match was stopped.

After this draining match (it’s even emotionally draining just to read about it!), a rematch was played and was witness to a new and improved Kasparov. And how could he not be better? Forty-eight games with Karpov had strengthened his technique and positional understanding and now, finally, one could honestly talk about him being the superior player. Kasparov won that match and became World Champion.

This match is also covered in great detail, and one finds a “funny” comment about the situation in that contest when Kasparov led by two games with only four remaining: “I was literally exhausted by the burden of the secretly pressing thought that in the remaining four games I needed only three half-points, three draws.” Apparently (in Kasparov’s world) Karpov wasn’t tired at all after 36 games, but the much younger Kasparov was exhausted after 25.

This is an important book and every real chess enthusiast will be delighted to own it and pour over Kasparov’s wonderful notes and fascinating prose. A must buy!

Click to buy (or get more information about) GARRY KASPAROV on MODERN CHESS: KASPAROV vs KARPOV 1975-1985

Other books by Kasparov:

GARRY KASPAROV ON MODERN CHESS PART ONE: REVOLUTION IN THE 70s

Kasparov has signed a limited number of these books. Click to buy (price: $60.00) your AUTOGRAPHED COPY NOW!

If you're interested in owning one or all five of Kasparov's celebrated MY GREAT PREDECESSORS series ($30.00 to $35.00 a book, SIGNED by Kasparov for $50.00), click to buy (or get more information about):

MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART ONE

PART ONE, SIGNED BY KASPAROV!

MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART TWO

PART TWO, SIGNED BY KASPAROV!

MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART THREE

PART THREE, SIGNED BY KASPAROV!

MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART FOUR

PART FOUR, SIGNED BY KASPAROV!

MY GREAT PREDECESSORS, PART FIVE