Chess is one of those games that might seem simple but is quite strategic and difficult to master. The board game consists of a checkered board with two different colored pawns with unique designs. Each pawn has its own move abilities, and the overall goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king, which is simply threatening the king with inescapable capture.
The game has been around for centuries, with the first recorded one being in 17th-century India. Throughout the years, there have been several famous historical chess games. Whether it’s because two famed chess players have battled it out, or there are incredible strategy tactics, these are the most famous historical chess games that you need to know about.
5. Byrne vs Fischer 1959
First on the list dates back to 1956 when a 13-year-old won one of the finest games of all time against Donald Bryne, a university professor and chess player. What makes it so amazing is that Byrne held the title of International Master and competed for his county in the Chess Olympiad on several occasions.
He’s even in the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. So the fact that a 13-year-old beat him is incredible, and made history quickly. Bobby Fischer became the U.S. Junior Chess Champion and played against some of the best. It’s remarkable that this win was what set him up for such a successful career. See a reenactment here.
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4. Aronian vs Anand 2013
One of the more recent famous historical chess games happened in 2013 with an undisputed world champion. The Tata Steel Tournament was between Viswanathan Anand and Levon Aronian. The famed match is also known as Anand’s Immortal, as it’s considered Anand’s greatest masterpiece.
He became the first grandmaster from India in 1988 and has the eight-highest peak FIDE (International Chess Federation) rating of all time, and even became the deputy president of Fide. Watch Anand’s skills here.
3. Anderssen vs Kieseritzky 1851
One of the most famous historical chess games was in 1851 between Adolf Anderssen and Lionel Kieseritzky and is commonly referred to as the Immortal Game. The two players were part of the 1851 chess tournament in London, however, this one was just a casual game that was not part of the tournament.
The game was so incredible that Kieseritzky published it in La Regence, a French chess journal. And it’s often taught in chess literature to show simple themes of gameplay. The most exciting part of the game was Anderssen, who won the game, allowed a double rook sacrifice, which is a major loss of material, while also developing a mating attack with his remaining minor pieces. Watch the game played here.
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2. Kasparov vs Topalov 1999
One of the most famous historical chess games happened in 1999 and is known as Kasparov’s Immortal. The game was played by Garry Kasparov against Veselin Tapalove at the Hoogovens Wijk aan Zee Chess Tournament in 1999. It’s one of his most famed matches and is considered one of the best of all time.
Even though Kasparov had a historical loss only two years prior to a computer engine, he was still at the height of his career due to winning several tournaments. The battle in this match showed off both player’s strategy, tactics, and drive. While it was a close match, Kasparov won, making it one of the most brilliant games in history.
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1. Morphy vs Allies 1858
The number one spot for the most famous historical chess games ever is the game between Paul Morphy and two strong amateurs: the German noble Karl II, Duke of Brunswick, and the French aristocrat Comte Isouard de Vauvenargues. The game is referred to as the Opera Game as it was played in an opera house in Paris in 1858.
The game is often taught by instructors to show the importance of piece development and strategies. In the game, Morphy quickly checkmated his opponents by the rapid development of material and sacrificing the queen. It’s one of the most important, and famous historical chess games ever. Watch the reenactment here.
