The Most Unusual Endgame Strategy in Chess: Attack and Sacrifice

In chess, the endgame is often characterized by precise calculations, pawn promotion, and subtle maneuvering. In this video, however, we delve into a game where traditional endgame norms are challenged. Here, strategic sacrifices and dynamic attacks take center stage, reshaping the usual expectations of endgame strategy. Milan Vidmar trades queens early in the opening, simplifying the position and setting the stage for a drawish endgame. However, the game takes a dramatic turn. Mikhail Botvinnik, with limited forces, initiates a devastating sacrificial attack on the enemy king, demonstrating the power of strategic sacrifices in transforming a seemingly boring position.
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. g3 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Qd7 6. Qxc4 Qc6 7. Nbd2 Qxc4 8. Nxc4 Bb4+ 9. Bd2 Bxd2+ 10. Nfxd2 Nc6 11. e3 Nb4 12. Ke2 Bd7 13. Bg2 Bc6 14. f3 Nd7 15. a3 Nd5 16. e4 N5b6 17. Na5 Bb5+ 18. Ke3 O-O-O 19. Rhc1 Nb8 20. b3 Bd7 21. Bf1 Nc6 22. Nxc6 Bxc6 23. a4 Be8 24. a5 Na8 25. a6 b6 26. b4 Kb8 27. Rc3 c6 28. Rac1 f6 29. Nb1 Bd7 30. Na3 Nc7 31. b5 Nxb5 32. Bxb5 cxb5 33. Rc7 Rc8 34. Rb7+ Ka8 35. Rxd7 Rxc1 36. Nxb5 Rhc8 37. Rxg7 h6 38. Rxa7+ Kb8 39. Rb7+ Ka8 40. Ra7+ Kb8 41. Rb7+ Ka8 42. g4 e5 43. d5 R1c5 44. Ra7+ Kb8 45. Rb7+ Ka8 46. Rxb6 Rb8 47. Rxb8+ Kxb8 48. a7+ Kb7 49. Nd6+ Kxa7 50. Ne8 Kb6 51. Nxf6 Rc3+ 52. Kf2 Rc7 53. h4 Rf7 54. Nh5 Kc7 55. g5 hxg5 56. hxg5 Rh7 57. Nf6 Rh2+ 58. Kg3 Rh1 59. Kg2 Rh8 60. g6 1-0