Former world champion Vassily Smyslov famously said a master’s goal is to play 40 good moves in a game.
This was back in the days when a tournament game lasted 40 moves before it was adjourned.
If his opponent also makes 40 good moves, it’s time to agree to a draw, Smyslov believed.
On the eve of the London Candidates tournament to choose the next world championship challenger, another former champ, Garry Kasparov made a prediction:
Magnus Carlsen would win, he said, because the young Norwegian can play 70 good moves.
Today’s playing sessions typically last much longer than 40 moves, and superior stamina wins.
Carlsen, who led London much of the way, didn’t need his superior staying power.
In polishing off Peter Svidler of Russia, it only took him 36 moves — with the Black pieces. Svidler set a trap with his 33rd move, threatening 34 Rh8+! Kxh8 35 Qxh6+ and mate, as well as 34 Qf5+.
But he overlooked the defense 33 . . . Qe4, which also prepares to catch the White queen in a . . . Rd5 pin. On 34 Qxf7 Black wins with 34 . . . Rd1+ and 35 . . . Qxe5+.
White resigned three moves later, when 33 . . . f6 won a piece.