Weekend Chess Story: Fischer-Fine, Evans Gambit 1-0 in 17 moves

Reuben Fine (October 11, 1914 – March 26, 1993) was another top chess player who quit the game at the height of his career. In 1945, Fine decided to become a professional psychoanalyst. He wrote both on psychology and chess. He won five medals (four gold) in three Chess Olympiads and was the US Chess Champion seven times! Fine declined to play in the six-player World Chess Championship tournament of 1948 that was to be organised after the death of the then World Chess Champion Alexander Alekhine.

But, this story is about Bobby Fischer and Reuben Fine. Fischer visited Fine in the latter’s New York home in 1963. The two chess artistes played several games. Here is one in which Bobby Fischer abandoned his favorite Ruy Lopez and tried the Evans Gambit.

6.d4

Fine played 6. …exd and Fischer castled Kingside. Do you know the Lasker Defense that spiked Evans Gambit for a long time here? – 6… d6 7.0-0 (better 7.Qb3) and 7. … Bb6 the Lasker way!

Anyway, back to the Fischer-Fine game. The game continued after that and Fine, being a little too greedy took the pawn on c3 as well. We flip forward to move 14.

What key move did Fischer play here and how did he go on to win the game?

13. … Qg5 What did Fischer play as his 14th move and how did he win the game?

You can replay the Fischer-Fine full chess game in our Chess King applet for the solution.