SPOT ON CHESS PUZZLES For 07/24/2023: Chess Caviar

Dearly departed FIDE Master / USCF Senior Master John Curdo had coined the term “Chess Caviar” and had even had published a book series under that title. A fine work of “Chess Caviar” is any game that is less than or 25 moves in duration. Because quick wins make for a short round and a gladdened heart!

Today’s game features Peter Svidler blundering badly against Alexie Shirov (The man Kasparov dodged back in 1997) who immediately punishes the opening error. We all lose games that could be classified as “Chess Caviar” - even top talents such as GM Svidler have had bad days. But don’t feel too too badly for Peter as he has been the Russian National Champion on several occasions as well as having been a candidate for the top honor in all of chess: the World Championship. He’s a very entertaining commentator as well!

Enjoy today’s short game which is the very epitome of “Chess Caviar”. ~ S