AThe Los Angeles Times Los Angeles, California Thursday, July 13, 1972 - Page 17
Fischer Defense Fails in Face of Bishop. Pawn Held Down. by Isaac Kashdan
World chess champion Boris Spassky won as expected Wednesday in the adjourned session of his first chess game with challenger Bobby Fischer of the United States.
Fischer continued the game for an additional 15 moves, then resigned. There was no longer any hope for a draw.
Spassky's task was not particularly difficult. He had gained a bishop late in Tuesday's session due to a serious error by Fischer.
Fischer had two pawns as compensation for the bishop, but they were separated and weak. The pawns soon fell due to good strategy by Spassky.
There were then two defensive methods open to Fischer. The one he chose was to attack Spassky's rook pawn. Spassky had no objection, and he moved toward Fischer's queen-side pawns as the quickest way to win.
Spassky planned to free his one remaining pawn and in a few moves advance it to queen. Whenever Fischer's pawn became dangerous, the long-ranging bishop would be there to hold it.
The alternative course was for Fischer to retreat his king to defend his remaining pawns. Curiously enough, this would have led to a draw if Spassky's pawn had been on R5 instead of R4.
This is an unusual, little-known situation in which white cannot force a win, despite that fact that he has the bishop.
Following is a position that might have occurred in the game.
If you advance the white pawn to R5, all the pawns on the queen side are blocked and immobile. Fischer's king can never be driven from the area. Stalemate is a constant threat.
Fortunately for Spassky, the one square between the pawns can be utilized. In the position shown Spassky would play K-K7, deliberately stalemating the black king.
Fischer's only reply would be P-R4. Spassky would proceed by attacking the pawn with the bishop, at the same time releasing the stalemate.
Capturing the pawn on the following move, Spassky would free his own rook pawn, which would lead to a routine win.
