AThe New York Times New York, New York Thursday, February 18, 1971 - Page 32
Chess: Good Moves Can If Better One Is Beckoning By Al Horowitz
“When you see a good move,” according to Dr. Emanuel Lasker, a one-time world champion, “don't make it. Look for a better one.”
Bobby Fischer (visiting house-guest of Lina Grumette of Los Angeles) followed this counsel as Black in an Alekhine Defense against Dragoljub Minic of Yugoslavia during the recent Palma-Majorca interzonal tournament. Fischer seized the initiative with 12. … P-K4 and increased his lead with 13 … NxBP. For, if 14. PxN, 14. … P-Q5.
The turning point came after 20. Q-Q4. Black's obvious reply and a good one was 20. … BxKP. But this would permit a trade of queens, when the resulting simplification could allow equalizing chances. So Black found a better move and played 20. … Q-R4, attacking a bishop.
Fischer's Mobility Counts
If the bishop moved or was protected, Black could win the king pawn without trading queens. As the game went, Fischer's extra material and mounting mobility on both wings compelled capitulation.
In the Palma event, the Old Indian Defense, Lev Polugaevsky, Soviet Union, against the Canadian star, Duncan Suttles, was a fiercely contested draw in which the Russian commanded all pressure all the way through both wings. But it was insufficient for victory.
This was a bitter disappointment for Polugaevsky—a pre-tournament favorite to qualify for the elimination event for the world challenge match. Because of Suttle's indomitable defense, the Russian missed a chance to advance. A victory would have edged him close to a further playoff with his countryman, Mark Taimanov, and the East German, Wolfgang Uhlmann.
Credit must go to Suttles, whose stubborn refusal to collapse always encompassed a saving move.
Dragoljub Minic vs Robert James Fischer
Palma de Mallorca Interzonal (1970), Palma de Mallorca ESP, rd 14, Nov-28
Alekhine Defense: Exchange Variation (B03) 0-1
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1044677
Lev Polugaevsky vs Duncan Suttles
Palma de Mallorca Interzonal (1970), Palma de Mallorca ESP, rd 10, Nov-22
Rat Defense: English Rat (A41) 1/2-1/2
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1111933
