In this post, we go over some of the biggest Chess Blunders and mistakes in the history of Chess.
7 Biggest Chess Blunders and Mistakes of All Time
Boris Spassky vs Robert James Fischer – Reykjavik ISL, rd 1 , July 11, 1972
Nimzo-Indian Defense: Normal Variation of the Gligoric System Bernstein Defense (ECO code – E56) ·
Two legends, Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, faced each other in 1971 in Iceland for the World Championship. In this game, Spassky
Yes, Bobby Fischer made a massive blunder, but keep in mind. This was the only game in that match where Bobby lost like this. In fact, this match in one one of the most impressive performances in the history of Chess. Bobby destroyed Spassky and won the World Championship.
Anatoly Karpov vs Garry Kasparov – Seville ESP, rd 5, Oct-23, 1987
Gruenfeld Defense: Exchange. Seville Variation (ECO code – D87)
In this game, we see the World Champion Garry Kasparov make a mistake costing him a game in the World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov.
Rook to a1 was the famous blunder that brought the game from about even to +13 on Stockfish, the strongest of Chess engines. Kasparov was low on time which is likely the culprit for making this famous blunder.
Magnus Carlsen vs Viswanathan Anand – Sochi RUS, rd 6, Nov 15, 2014
Sicilian Defense: Kan. Maroczy Bind Reti Variation (ECO code – B41)
In the World Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, a massive blunder was made in this game, by the World Champion.
After the Kan variation of the Sicilian Defense was played, White finds himself in the endgame with a horrible pawn structure and Black is left vulnerable due to most of the pawns on light squares against a Dark Squared Bishop. Also Anand is in an endgame that’s about even with the best endgame Chess player of all time which is a disadvantage by default.
Even being the best, Magnus Carlsen is the one in this game that made a blunder that immediately loses the game. Magnus plays King to d2 on move 26.
However, in this game, it’s the first time where a double blunder was made. Anand misses the opportunity to win with the following move. Anand plays a4, missing the win and giving the advantage back to the World Champion.
Garry Kasparov Vs Anatoly Karpov – Seville ESP, rd 24, Dec-18, 1987
English Opening: Agincourt Defense. Catalan Defense (ECO code – A13)
In the 24th game of the World Championship match between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, we witness one of the most famous blunders ever seen.
David Bronstein vs Mikhail Botvinnik – Moscow URS, rd 24, May 11th 1951
Semi-Slav Defense: Accepted (ECO Code – D44)
In this game, we see David Bronstein make a big mistake on move 19 against Mikhail Botvinnik. Followed by a brilliant move made by Botvinnik. This caused the game to end in a draw.
Deep Fritz (Computer) vs Vladimir Kramnik – Bonn GER, rd 2 Nov 27th, 2006
Queen’s Gambit Accepted: Central. Greco Variation (ECO Code – D20)
In this game, Vladimir Kramnik makes a massive blunder against the Deep Fritz Chess engine costing him the game.
Mikhail Chigorin vs Wilhelm Steinitz – Havana CUB, rd 23 Feb 28th, 1892
King’s Gambit: Accepted. Schallop Defense (ECO Code – C34)
We save the best for last. Both of these players were amongst the best chess players of the 19th century and have been crowned World Champions in Chess.
Arguable the biggest Chess blunder of all time, was made by Mikhail Chigorin in a game between by none other than the Father of Chess himself, Wilhelm Steinitz.
After going through these blunders, we learn that even Super Grandmasters, Gods of Chess, the best endgame player of all time, and even world champions can blunder in Chess. We’re all human. Play Chess, have fun. To help prevent making these kinds of moves, read the guide on how to stop blundering in Chess. In addition, if you find yourself getting too mad during playing or losing, read the list of tips on how to stop getting angry when playing Chess.