After the abrupt finish of the previous World Championship Match in February, 1985, a new match between Kasparov and Karpov was to begin in September 1985. The initial score was set to 0-0 and the number of games was limited to 24. Just like during the Botvinnik era, the champion was protected like a polar bear – in the event of the 12-12 score Karpov would retain his title and in the event of him losing the match, he had the right to a rematch in 1986.

Both players spent the period between the two matches preparing for the upcoming battle. Karpov played in the OHRA Cup tournament in Amsterdam in July, while Kasparov obliterated two world-class opponents – Ulf Andersson (+2-0=4) and Robert Huebner (+3-0=3) during May and July. The second part of the year was reserved for the match preparation. Both players had 48 games of experience and a gigantic team that helped them replenish the store of their opening idea. Karpov’s seconds were Igor Zaitsev, Yuri Balashov, Efim Geller, Sergey Makarichev and Evgeni Vasiukov, while Kasparov’s team was no less impressive: Alexander Nikitin, Josif Dorfman, Gennady Timoshchenko, Evgeny Vladimirov and Alexander Shakarov.

The match started on 3rd September. From the very first game, it was apparent challenger was much more confident. In an opening line not tested in the previous match – Nimzo Indian with 4 Nf3 – he outplayed the champion in quiet, positional style. Then, in the 2nd game, he missed a huge opportunity to build upon his success as he missed several victories and allowed Karpov to escape. After this game, the initiative shifted in Karpov’s favour – after a colorless draw in the 3rd game, the champion won the 4th and the 5th game and took the lead.

After this, a series of draw followed, which was interrupted by Karpov’s blunder in a slightly worse position in game 11 (another Nimzo Indian with 4 Nf3). The score was leveled, 2-2, and the tension reached its peak.

Then, after four draws, came the celebrated 16th game. Kasparov repeated a risky gambit he already employed in game 12. Karpov answered with the most principled 11 Be2 (instead of 11 Bc4, as in game 12), but didn’t follow it up with the critical 12 Be3, a move that even Kasparov admitted refutes the whole idea of the gambit. The way he played allowed Kasparov to carry out all the main ideas found in his home analysis. Karpov’s pieces were completely dominated and he succumbed rather simply in the end. The most famous piece of the game is the famous knight on d3, which would later be christened „the octopus knight“.

This is what Kasparov wrote many years later about this game:

„Such games are remembered for a long time, and in particular by the player himself, having literally put part of his soul into the sustained realisation of his plan. Earlier too I had succeeded in carrying out pretty combinations, making spectacular sacrifices of material, and conducting complete strategic games, but none of my earlier creations on the chess board can compare with this 16th game as regards the grandiosity of the overall conception. A particular value was imparted to this win by its status: it was gained over the world champion in a match for the world crown. Moreover, it has withstood the test of time: in Black’s play from the 12th move onwards, even the computer has been unable to find fault!”

(Garry Kasparov On Modern Chess, Part 2: Kasparov vs Karpov, 1975-1985, page 364)

After two draws, Kasparov also won the 19th game after yet another 4 Nf3 Nimzo Indian. With the score standing at 4-2, the match appeared to be over.

However, Karpov displayed his champion character and continued to fight. At the same time, the realization that the title is so close affected Kasparov’s play. After two quiet draws in the 20th and 21st games, Karpov reduced the gap by winning the 22nd game. Kasparov’s comment from his book Unlimited Challenge is worth noting:

„Karpov took his last time-out before game twenty-two, knowing full well that to draw it would be tantamount to losing the match. He succeeded in narrowing the gap in points. In time trouble, I made two impulsive mistakes which cost me the game. I was virtually paralysed in this game by a powerful feeling of responsibility for every decision I had to make.

My blunder in the previous game, was preying on my mind. This made me over-cautious and led to the time trouble. But to give Karpov his due, he proved that he had nerves of steel at a critical moment in the match.”

After a draw in the 23rd game, it was clear everything would be decided in the final, 24th game. Karpov needed the win in order to draw the match and retain the title. After opening mainly with 1 d4 in the second half of the match, he returned to his former love, 1 e4. Kasparov responded with his favourite Scheveningen and Karpov chose an aggressive plan with the kingside pawn expansion not previously tested in the match.

Kasparov seemed to be walking on the edge of the precipice, but he managed to find a deep defensive plan, involving the sacrifice of two pawns. Karpov avoided the repetition of the moves, but in the tactical skirmish that ensued, he got thoroughly outplayed. After Kasparov made his 42nd move, Karpov resigned and the 72-game-marathon spanning over one year and two matches finally came to an end – chess world got its 13th World Champion.

One last time, I give it to Kasparov to describe his feelings during the final moments of the 24th game and immediately after the match:

„Karpov appeared to freeze. A few more agonising minutes passed, and finally he held out his hand and congratulated me on my victory and on winning the title of world champion. And the thunderous roar which broke out in the hall at that moment finally convinced me – yes, yes, it was true! I had done it! I triumphantly raised my arms over my head…

The following day, 10 November, the closing ceremony of the match took place. I remember the faces of Campomanes, Sevastyanov and Krogius. It was a piquant situation: I was crowned with a laurel wreath by those people who had done everything within their powers to try and ensure that this did not happen”

(Garry Kasparov On Modern Chess, Part 2: Kasparov vs Karpov, 1975-1985, page 417)

Sources:

Chessgames: Kasparov – Karpov World Championship Match, 1985

Chessbase: Garry Kasparov: The Happiest Day Of His Life

Garry Kasparov: Unlimited Challenge

Garry Kasparov On Modern Chess, Part 2: Kasparov vs Karpov, 1975-1985