AThe Spokesman-Review Spokane, Washington Friday, October 08, 1971 - Page 24
Fischer, Petrosian Draw in Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina (NYT) — Bobby Fischer of the United States and former world chess champion Tigran Petrosian of the Soviet Union drew the third game of their match in 34 moves Thursday night at the Teatro San Martin.
The draw came when the same position occurred three times after a repetition of moves, and was claimed by Fischer. Fischer started with his usual P-K4 (Pawn to King row four) and Petrosian used the French Defense, thus varying from the Sicilian defense he had used in the first match game.
The variation played by Fischer is not considered enterprising, as it generally leads to exchanges and a balanced formation.
With his 10th and 11th moves, Fischer showed that he was ready for an exciting battle. He game up a pawn and also offered to sacrifice a rook for a bishop.
Accepting the gift would have put Fischer's queen on the long diagonal and started threats against the black king. The white knights would also have come into play very quickly.
Long Study
After long consideration, Petrosian decided that his king side defense was most important. He castled on that side and brought his bishop back.
Petrosian had retained the extra pawn, though it was doubled and weak. With no better target, Fischer lined up his forces to regain the material.
Fischer recaptured the pawn on his 25th move, but with the wrong piece, NxP (Knight takes pawn) would have led to approximate equality, taking with the bishop allowed a pin, and Petrosian took immediate advantage.
In the resulting ending, each side had a queen, rook and five pawns. Fischer's pawns were separated and weak on both sides of the board. If the major pieces were exchanged, the game would be lost for Fischer.
Fischer's one advantage in the situation was on the time clock. After 30 moves, Fischer had about a half hour left for the 10 remaining moves on the time control, while Petrosian had about three minutes.
Fischer Calls Draw
Petrosian started to move rapidly, trying to reach the essential 40 without any basic change in the favorable formation.
He could then adjourn, with ample time to analyze and find the best winning method. Though Petrosian's moves varied, the identical position occurred three times after Fischer's 30th, 33d and 34th moves.
He immediately claimed the draw, based on a special rule covering the situation.
The score remains even, with 1½ points for each player. A total of 6½ points is required to win the match, which is for the best of 12 games.
The fourth game will be played Tuesday. Games are scheduled at the rate of three a week, on Thursdays, Sundays and Tuesday until the match is completed.
