ANew York Times, New York, New York, Wednesday, October 13, 1971 - Page 52
Fischer and Petrosian Play a Draw
Buenos Aires, Oct. 12 — A draw in 20 moves was the result tonight of the fourth game of the match between the United States chess ace, Bobby Fischer, and a former world chess champion, Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union, in the Teatro San Martin here.
The match is tied at 2 points each. Fischer won the first game, Petrosian the second, and the third game was draw. The winner will play the present world champion, Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union, for the title.
Petrosian, with the white pieces, started with 1. P-QB4, to establish his favorite opening, the English. Fischer transported into what is known as the Maroczy bind variation of the Sicilian Defense.
Years ago this was considered advantageous to White, who obtains a strong center pawn formation and better posts for his pieces. Recent analysis has shown that Black has nothing to fear from the bind, with ample opportunity to exchange with any of the White's pieces that may become threatening.
Each side developed normally and exchanges soon started. The queens were off the board on the 15th move and the knights and rooks soon followed. The resulting ending with bishops and pawns was quite equal in material and position. The experts expected Fischer to continue, as he practically never agrees to an early draw if any chances for a win exist.
However, the position had simplified too much and Fischer was content. He offered the draw when making his 20th move, and Petrosian immediately accepted.
The fifth game will be played Thursday afternoon and the match will continue until one player scores 6½ points.
