A new generation in Tbilisi

Maia Chiburdanidze vs Nona Gaprindashvili

Women’s world championship · 1978 · 1-0

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A masterpiece, move by move

Game 13 of the 1978 championship features an exchange sacrifice, a promotion and a long rook-versus-bishop ending.

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18... Rxb5

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Trade a rook for activity. Black captures the pawn on b5 with the rook. White’s knight takes that rook and Black’s bishop recaptures, creating a material imbalance.

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35... exd1=Q

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Promote during the exchanges. Black’s e-pawn captures a rook and promotes. White’s other rook immediately takes the new queen, so this is a tactical transition rather than a lasting extra queen.

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48. f6+

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A protected attacking pawn. White’s f-pawn checks the king. The rook on d6 protects it, and White’s king can now join the action against Black’s kingside.