Original subtitles

PALACE OF CULTURE FROM THE MACHINERY FACTORY

ZLATOUST, SOVIET UNION, 1961

The grandmaster left the queen exposed.

Must be plotting something.

You didn't take the queen. Why?

It's not sportsmanlike to take advantage of blunders.

Buddy,

champions don't forgive mistakes.

Now you're lost.

THIRTEEN YEARS LATER

SILENCE GAMES IN PROGRESS

HOUSE OF UNIONS MOSCOW, 1974

KARPOV - KORCHNOI 31 min. - 30 min.

ARBITERS

The final match is in accordance with the rules of FIDE.

I declare that the grandmaster Anatoly Karpov of the USSR

is the winner of the Candidates Tournament.

And will play the world championship against Bobby Fischer of the USA.

Thank you for the games, Korchnoi.

Bravo!

Thank you very much!

- It was incredible! - Thank you!

This is more than a game, Anatoly.

THE WORLD CHAMPION

USSR, DECEMBER 1974

CENTRAL CHESS CLUB OF THE SOVIET UNION

- How many sugar cubes? - Two.

I don't think the Hübner variation of the Nimzo-Indian works with Fischer.

- Why? He's just another player. - No, he's not just another.

He's an animal.

Spassky, had problems with this variation,

he played pawn f4 in the fifth game in 1972.

He should have moved pawn to h3.

Then Fischer would have played pawn g5.

- Knight f3. - Knight g6.

- Pawn g3. - Bishop d7.

- Rook b1. - Rook b8.

- Bishop d2. - Queen e7.

- Bishop c1. - Knight h5.

- Queen a3. - Castle. Going to take the pawn?

No, thanks. Pawn h4.

- Pawn g4. - Knight h2.

- King h7. - Then I take on a7.

- Rook a8. - Take on b7.

- Take on a2. - Bishop e2.

- Isn't the sacrifice on f4 dangerous? - No.

Then I play knight f6.

Pawn h5.

Wow!

Damn!

Let's set up the board.

It's looking like a very simple opening line.

Care must be taken with Fischer.

FISCHER, THE KING

The world is eager to know if Anatoly Karpov

will be able to reclaim the world title for the USSR.

BELGRADE, YUGOSLAVIA

We're with Karpov's last opponent,

Viktor Korchnoi, what's your opinion?

Well, Karpov is not that good.

I'm convinced I'm not inferior in strength and talent to him.

He...

His chess repertoire is limited.

So why did you lose the final of the Candidates Tournament to him?

What could I do if it was prearranged that Karpov would win?

USSR SPORTS COMMITTEE

Viktor Korchnoi, I understand your emotions,

but you are a communist.

What do you mean it was "prearranged"?

Who arranged that?

- It was a tough tournament. - Listen to me...

You made derogatory comments about the Soviet challenger

to the world championship title.

And you did it abroad, for the world to hear.

May I?

I...

I didn't mean to offend Anatoly, we are comrades.

But you did offend, comrade.

Before the Candidates Tournament,

you were offensive towards our grandmasters,

asking whether they supported Karpov or you.

And in a recent match against Tigran Petrosian,

you kicked him so hard under the table that you sent him to the hospital.

Do you know what your colleagues call you?

"The villain."

In the difficult post-war years,

Botvinnik was the first Soviet world champion,

and we kept the title for 30 years until Spassky lost to Fischer.

Do you understand the responsibility on Karpov's shoulders?

Here it is.

Tamara, what do you mean? I get 300, there's only 200 here.

Don't you read the newspapers? The grandmaster's salary has decreased.

WHAT A LACK OF SPORTSMANSHIP, GRANDMASTER!

I'm very sorry, Viktor Korchnoi.

Feel sorry for yourself, Grigory Naumovich.

APRIL 3, 1975 Anatoly, my dear!

The International Federation did not accept Fischer's ultimatum.

He withdrew from the competition.

You are the world champion. See the telegram.

Bobby Fischer demanded too much, his conditions were rejected.

What a piece of news, huh?

- Congratulations, Anatoly. - Thank you.

Stop the recording.

Anatoly Karpov, do you mind if we record again?

But now make a happier face.

What do you mean "happier face"?

I wanted to play.

But what nonsense is this, boy?

You are the champion!

And?

I would have preferred to play and lose, than to win in this way.

Anatoly...

I understand your feelings. But the country needs to celebrate.

We need a Soviet world champion.

You will be famous, you'll be an inspiration to the youth.

A little more joy, could you?

What does it cost? Come on, please.

Comrades,

I rejoice that the greatest chess title,

the so-called "chess crown",

belongs to our country.

Of course, I am fully aware

that my contribution to world chess is still small.

I have only recently entered the world chess elite.

The title carries with it many duties and responsibilities.

I will make every effort to fulfill them with dignity.

- Bye. - Bye.

Boys, straight home! See you on Tuesday.

They launched a new emblem of Karpov with a crown.

I really don't understand.

Why did Fischer refuse to play?

- Afraid of losing? - Don't be ridiculous.

Bobby would have crushed Karpov.

Anatoly is only champion on paper. The kid was lucky.

ROBERT J. FISCHER WORLD CHESS CHAMPION

YUGOSLAVIA ISLAND OF SVETI STEFAN

Hi, old chap.

- You're two minutes late. - Hello, Bobby.

Your watch is running fast.

That's impossible.

That's an old clock, running slow.

You know what?

People all over the world are looking forward to our match.

We have to play.

I'm ready. You know my conditions.

But with the conditions you've set, it's impossible.

They won't let me play in the West.

Then run away from your country and play.

It's my homeland. Why should I run?

Because you are a hostage.

If they find out about our conversation, you'll end up in a Gulag.

You're exaggerating.

I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

If you wanna be the best

you have to be prepared to give everything.

- Chess is my life. - That's not enough, chap.

You have to go further than anyone else.

Leave everything you hold dear behind. Take a step forward.

You hear me?

What I hear is that

you're avoiding the match.

Scared of losing to me?

I like you, Anatoly.

But don't play my games with me.

I created the modern chess world.

What is it?

Mexican rattlesnake.

Good for general health. Have some.

Thanks, but I have to go. I'm playing in an hour.

Wait.

This is for you.

Look at it.

See this guy is playing against the devil.

They say Morphy found a winning move.

But he didn't have the time to tell anyone.

Lost his mind.

Thank you, Bobby.

Take care of yourself.

How far are you ready to go to be the best?

Are you ready to sell your soul?

MONTILLA FIRST PLACE

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

LIUBLIANA - PORTOROŽ FIRST PLACE

- It was a great game. - Thank you.

MILAN FIRST PLACE

SKOPJE FIRST PLACE

KARPOV WINS AGAIN

ANATOLY KARPOV, THE CHAMPION WHO EARNS HIS TITLE.

KARPOV WINS THE CHESS OSCAR FOR THE FOURTH TIME

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You are the most active world champion, why?

I'm preparing for the next world match showdown.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

AMSTERDAM, 1976

Make love, not war!

No to armaments!

No to armaments!

No to nuclear tests!

No to nuclear tests!

No to the atomic bomb!

No to the atomic bomb!

POLICE

Hello.

Hello!

Hello. What do you want?

I am international grandmaster Korchnoi.

So?

I'm seeking political asylum.

CHESS STAR IN FLIGHT ACCUSES THE USSR

We've lost a grandmaster.

Who would have thought, Pavel Trofimovich?

He said we wouldn't let him play.

Contact the International Chess Federation.

A traitor cannot be admitted to tournaments.

Understood.

I propose a draw.

Pavel Trofimovich,

Korchnoi was entered in the Candidates Tournament.

FIDE refused our petition.

They will allow him to play.

TIGRAN PETROSIAN (USSR) WILL FACE VIKTOR KORCHNOI

Alright.

Tigran will finish him.

CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT QUARTER-FINALS

CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT PETROSIAN VS KORCHNOI

KORCHNOI 6.5 vs 5.5 PETROSIAN.

It's worrying. He convincingly beat Petrosian.

Inform our grandmasters it's a matter of life or death.

They must give their utmost.

We cannot allow a traitor to claim the throne.

CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL

KORCHNOI 8.5 vs 4.5 POLUGAIEVSKY.

Not even Polugaievsky could stop him.

Don't worry, Boris.

He won't be able to with Spassky. He's our strongest player.

I resign.

CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT FINAL

Korchnoi's crushing victory in the Candidates Tournament.

Korchnoi will now face Anatoly Karpov for the world title.

A bunch of incompetents!

Karpov is our last hope.

Is he up to it?

I fear not.

USSR SPORTS COMMITTEE, 1978

Anatoly, how do you explain that Korchnoi has improved so much?

They say he hired telepaths.

They almost sent poor Spassky to a mental asylum.

I don't believe in telepathy.

And I haven't seen any significant improvement in Korchnoi's game.

Korchnoi has always been a great player.

How naive you are.

He crushed two former world champions.

And Polugaievsky, twice champion of the USSR.

And without much effort.

If here he even kicked under the table, imagine what he'll do now.

Besides being a traitor, he's a chess vandal.

How to play against someone like that?

Don't worry. We'll find a way.

You are from the Central Committee of the Communist Youth.

You and I are responsible for Soviet sports.

We have a great responsibility.

Exactly. We are of the opinion that we cannot take risks.

What do you mean by that?

The smartest thing would be

not to play the match.

Boycott the traitor.

Are you serious?

Of course.

You know that refusing to play means losing the world title?

So what?

We'll renounce the title, it will be for a short time.

Doesn't it matter to you?

The title is not yours, you can't just give it up.

You can't hand it over like that.

Anatoly, don't get so worked up.

We represent Soviet sports and what you suggest, is not sportsmanlike.

Korchnoi earned the right to compete for the title,

just as I earned the right to the world title.

Don't rush, Anatoly.

Think it over.

Like it or not, you are the face of our country.

What will it be like if you lose?

We won't put our heads at risk.

Think carefully.

Think for a week or two.

I'm sure you'll see more clearly.

Comrade Minister,

Boris Zelenin,

have a good day.

See you.

We need to ensure that Anatoly makes the right decision.

Why did you choose that move?

You've left your king exposed to an attack.

Better think of another move.

Anatoly, an urgent call.

Your turn.

Grandmaster Balashov will continue the lesson.

Let's see... What an interesting move.

I advise you to consult with Professor Melnikov.

Maybe he will decide to perform the surgery.

I can't take that responsibility.

Unfortunately, it's in an advanced stage.

- Gennady Sergeevich, go to room 7. - Right.

- Can't it be a mistake? - Definitely not.

How long does he have?

Two or three months.

Mom... mom...

Does he know?

Not yet.

You'll play soon.

Good morning.

- Hello, son! - Hello, dad.

Good to see you.

I miss you.

- Today's newspaper. - Thank you.

So?

Any news?

How are things?

Everything's great. And you?

Me?

I just want the doctors to leave me alone.

They're too strict.

Dad, they're right. You need treatment.

Right... Did you bring the razor?

- Of course. - Thank you.

See how our son is looking thin?

He's fine. Getting in shape for the championship.

Where will the match be?

There might not be one.

What do you mean?

- What happened? - Dad...

Don't worry. I'll tell you everything later.

Did CSKA win?

Yes, they won.

Lost.

What does it matter? Winning, losing...

It will be all right.

Dad, what should I do?

Tolya...

Don't be like that.

You'll be a grandmaster.

Champion of the Soviet Union.

Could have won the match...

Dry those tears.

Look.

Look what I brought.

Thank you.

Hooray! My husband is home!

Hello, champion!

Hello, princess.

How was the show?

Magnificent.

But the new shoes ruined my feet.

- Shoes? - Ballet shoes.

And your father? Did he consult with Melnikov?

Yes, he went there for a consultation.

- And? - They need to do more tests.

Is the ward nice?

Yes, quite spacious. It has a shower and everything.

That's great.

And I've been promoted to the lead soloist of the ballet.

- Really? - Yes!

That's amazing!

- You'll soon be the prima ballerina! - Yes!

Wait. I bought a cake.

- A cake. - Yes.

- Which one? - Kiev cake!

Is it good?

Delicious.

Tolya...

I've been thinking about Korchnoi...

Why take unnecessary risks?

You are the youngest world champion in history.

After Mikhail Tal.

Tal doesn't count.

That's true.

We still have so much ahead of us.

You should listen to the minister.

You have a lot of future ahead of you.

How do you know about the minister?

Everyone knows.

I heard someone saying it.

Veronika...

What?

I didn't tell anyone about this. No one knows about the minister.

You know how these things get around.

So, you were promoted to the lead soloist?

But weren't there two positions left for that?

How did you manage it?

Why are you speaking like this?

Who talked to you?

Boris Zelenin?

Answer. Was it Zelenin?

- I don't understand. - Who was it?

Zelenin? Was it him?

It was.

After rehearsal, they called me to the director's office.

Zelenin was there. They said you're playing with fire.

- And you weren't going to tell me? - I was going to tell you later.

When? After convincing me not to play the match?

Why are you like this?

It's the best thing to do. Don't you see?

I'm here alone for months.

You're always at tournaments. It's hard to bear, Tolya.

And Zelenin promised me I could travel with you.

- Veronika... - What?

They bought you.

Tolya... wait!

What are you doing? Stop!

Obsession blinds you.

You're surrounded by people, not chess pieces.

You don't care. You don't care about me.

- Not caring about your father. - Don't bring my father into this.

Tolya...

What are you doing? Don't play.

You can regain the title later. Think about it.

Veronika, I've thought enough.

You got your promotion. Congratulations.

I'll pick up my things later.

To conclude, I want to note the great achievements accomplished.

We now have an answer to the question

that was posed to the Soviet Chess Federation:

"What are the future plans?"

I will play.

Excuse me?

I will play.

I will choose my team. Trust me, Comrade Minister.

Now, the floor is given to

the president of the Soviet Committee for Sports

the minister of the USSR Pavel Gradov Trofimovich.

Anatoly, what clothes are these?

I have my reasons.

Comrades,

the next world championship will be contested between Karpov and Korchnoi.

I want to explain the preparations that the Committee is making.

The delegation will be led by the head of the chess department,

Victor Baturinsky.

He will spare no effort to ensure that the chess crown

stays on the head of the deserving one.

Anatoly Karpov will select his team of coaches and seconds.

We are convinced

that Comrade Karpov will demonstrate that we deserve

the title of world champion.

Comrade Minister, allow me to clarify:

"The world chess title".

Chess, of course.

What did I say?

You said that "we" deserve it.

With "we," I meant Soviet sports, Anatoly Karpov.

Allow me to insist that the championship will be played by me.

Yes, you will play on your own. The responsibility is yours.

I know that.

Thank you very much.

Anatoly, if you really want me to be your coach,

I need to be sure that

you will listen to me.

Igor, of course. You know I don't like opening theory.

But you, you love it.

I need you.

Alright.

I'm ready.

Will Yuri be your second (assistant)?

Of course, who else would it be?

There's the king of calculation, the grandmaster Tal.

- How are you, Anatoly? - Mikhail Tal, good to see you.

We need to go after Korchnoi. Crush him, silence that chatterbox.

- Of course! - How are you?

- Do you know what Fischer said about you? - No.

Ah, Yuri. Fischer is a loudmouth.

"Tal only knows how to win by sacrificing pieces."

That's jealousy, because I beat him four times.

- And how many did you lose? - Two.

Two.

But that was by chance, I was sick both times.

That's the spirit.

Hello.

Right, Victor Baturinsky.

Understood.

Yes, we'll wait for you.

- What a surprise. - What is it?

The championship will be in the Philippines.

- In Baguio. - Baguio?

Great news, guys!

It's going to be an adventure!

That's the end of the world.

I close.

I have a feeling

that this championship will be a cutthroat battle.

Dad...

Look, come on, take it.

Nina, why that face?

What face?

It's my usual one.

Dad...

This pains my soul.

I don't want to leave you here.

Everything will be fine.

No matter what happens,

you have to go play.

Or you would be betraying yourself, understand?

Yes.

Play your best,

and don't think about anything else.

I'll wait for you with victory.

I'll bring it.

That's the spirit.

- Don't be late, son. - I'll stay with him.

Tolya!

Make sure you're surrounded by loyal people.

I will.

I'll be back in time.

Passengers of flight 445, please proceed to boarding...

Cheer up, Anatoly. Everything will be alright.

Certainly.

Who are they?

From the KGB.

For our protection.

And that one, to save us?

He's an old comrade, Vasily Brykin.

He'll be our cook.

You look like a king, Anatoly. Traveling with an entourage.

Everyone ready? We board in 15 minutes!

Comrades, we've set a record!

We're bringing 400 kilos of books.

We'll have plenty to read!

Your requests are also packed, Comrade Brykin:

Beets, buckwheat, Belarusian potatoes, Yalta onions,

cosmonaut whole grain bread and northern fish.

Now we're all set!

- Your passport. - Thank you.

Karpov.

Professor.

- Ready, my titans? - Hello, Minister.

- Hello. - We're ready.

Are you bringing swimwear? It's a tourist region.

We're bringing everything, comrade. Including 30 chess boards.

Excellent.

Dear Anatoly.

- Finish him off. - Will do.

If you lose to that scoundrel, I'll finish you off.

Don't scare me. You think I'll play better that way?

Comrades!

The party and the Soviet people will be with you.

Remember that.

Good luck!

"They shall not pass!"

Shall we?

We need to think about what to say if he loses.

We can say the usual: "He didn't prepare enough".

"Chose a team of friends".

"Didn't listen to the more experienced comrades and lost".

Very well.

And furthermore: "He abandoned his wife,

and did not listen to the Party leadership".

Boris, what's with that cough?

And if he wins?

Something tells me Korchnoi is going to devour him.

There won't be anything left of him.

BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES

WELCOME TO BAGUIO

I'm fine, everything's in order.

We've arrived in Baguio.

- Are you eating well? - Yes, all normal.

We brought pelmeni with us.

- How's dad? - In good spirits.

Doesn't show anything.

Asks about you all the time, and reads the newspaper every day.

Great.

When you see him tomorrow, tell him I'll play the first game,

and send a hug from the Philippines.

I will, Tolya.

Playing with white?

With black.

It's about to start, huh?

Yes mom.

It's going to start.

BAGUIO CONVENTION CENTER JULY 18, 1978

FIRST GAME

It's going to start.

So, the first moves are done.

in the match that is exciting the world.

The match will continue until someone wins six games.

How long will the match last? Nobody knows.

The match begins in the Philippines that will decide the world champion.

Tomorrow we will bring results and game analysis.

Don't screw everything up, Anatoly.

Anatoly Karpov will face a very difficult challenge.

But the champion has support of all Soviet people.

Well... here we go.

Moscow...

Queen's Gambit.

Tartakower variation.

Tower c1. Received.

The great Soviet school.

Weren't they friends before?

Yes, but title fight and friendship are not compatible.

Draw?

Karpov 0:0 Korchnoi.

Minister Pavel, the game is over.

Comrade minister.

The first game ended in a draw after eighteen moves.

And how do you analyze what happened?

Korchnoi played well.

- And Karpov? - Karpov always plays well.

The question is: Is he as good as his opponent?

Keep informing me.

So?

Korchnoi is playing better.

It's like facing a wall.

I warned you.

Analysis of the Queen's Gambit.

I have to admit, Korchnoi is playing like never before.

His team it is a festival of exotic figures.

Hippies, psychologists, mediums.

Did you see the guy sitting in the front row?

He's a telepath

generating rays of negative energy.

Ridiculous.

Medieval nonsense.

You are a scientist in the age of the scientific and technological revolution.

Do you know why those sentenced to death wear blindfolds?

Why?

The person is in such a state that can cause damage by looking.

The evil eye can be something really harmful.

Enough of this nonsense. Any suggestion?

Guys,

Let's stop this circus.

I'm not superstitious, but it affects me when playing.

I'm sorry.

KARPOV'S FRIENDS

Karpov 0:0 Korchnoi.

The Soviets do not have the slightest moral sense.

Did you see who they brought from Moscow?

This seemingly respectable gentleman

is the biggest specialist in parapsychological communication

with cosmonauts in orbit.

Really?

Yes!

He transmits to Karpov the correct moves

through electrodes implanted under his hair.

I demand the removal

of the electrodes in Karpov's hair.

Surgically, if necessary.

Otherwise, I will not continue the match.

Dear arbiter, don't you see that the challenger is delusional?

He is accusing us.

And how does he explain the presence

from a well-known parapsychologist in his delegation?

With so many bad elements on your team...

I need to defend myself.

I have the right to bring whoever I want for my team.

You have no right to try to affect your rival's mind!

Enough! Stop!

Stop, please.

To level the chances,

in the first five rows, no one from the teams will sit.

Bloodthirsty.

Despots.

Scoundrels.

Talking is not allowed with the opponent during the game.

Puppet.

Who?

You.

Viktor, what happened? Have you gone crazy?

You are violating the regulations.

What is happening?

Korchnoi is motivating himself.

He needs hate to play well.

He's crazy.

No, it's not crazy.

It's a battle of super-intelligences, common standards do not apply.

We need to talk.

For what?

- Afraid? - From you? Please...

Tonight at nine, at market entry.

To save the game, Korchnoi found the only defense

moving the queen from h7 to h8.

Evgeni, you must be worried.

The match is very even.

No, no...

As expected.

Karpov 0:0 Korchnoi.

You were supposed to wait at the entrance.

Viktor, what's going on?

You look like a different person.

Don't be an idiot, Anatoly!

I was forced to leave the country where I lived for 45 years.

Did you think I was going to make it cheap?

You are converting chess in a war.

Chess is war. You did not know that?

We both want to win, don't we?

You have a home to return to. I am not. This is the difference.

Do you remember when it all started, your first tournaments?

The first combinations on the board?

Was it a war?

I started playing during the siege of Leningrad.

My first tournament it was in an air raid shelter,

lit by candles.

You can't even imagine what I went through in search of my dream.

And you, Anatoly, took that dream away from me.

Life, family, home... took everything away from me.

I took?

- Are you sure? - Yes!

- You are delirious. - You took everything from me, Anatoly.

How?

You came out of nowhere,

when I was one step away to become world champion.

It was my turn. Do you understand?

Mine!

You jumped the queue... Anatoly Karpov.

Viktor Korchnoi, this is not a supermarket.

And my champion title did not fall from the sky.

And like you, I've come a long way.

And I won the candidate tournament, in a fair fight, against you.

Did I say something funny?

My young man, I recognize your talent,

but not your championship title.

It should rightfully be mine.

If I were you, I would renounce the title now,

because I'm going to win it anyway.

And I will delight in seeing you suffer when you lose it.

Goodbye, paper champion.

- I feel sorry for you. - Feel sorry for yourself.

You will suffer when you return home as a loser.

At least I have a home.

Good morning, Baguio. Once again it is raining.

The temperature is 30 degrees, and a hurricane approaches.

Mr. Schmid, do you see what is happening?

Mr. Karpov, please respect the protocol.

In the last game, the challenger insulted my team.

He should think about his behavior.

OK.

I understand. The Bolsheviks are above the law.

Let's continue.

Ah, 1. E4, decided to fight.

I always go after loudmouths.

Am I the loudmouth?

He's been thinking for 40 minutes.

He realized it's a trap.

I don't think so, he's going to fall.

Damn!

Is this in the opening preparation?

No, no... Viktor is improvising.

- Let's analyze the position. - Yes.

RUY LOPEZ OPENING OPEN VARIATION

RUY LOPEZ OPENING TCHIGORIN VARIATION

RUY LOPEZ OPENING MARSHALL ATTACK

This! This is a fight!

They've been playing for 4 hours.

Karpov 1:0 Korchnoi.

Congratulations, Mr. Karpov.

Congratulations my friend.

Finally a victory!

- We won! - Very good, Tolya!

- First victory! - Now we only need 5 more victories!

Yes!

Congratulations!

He won.

Inform President Brezhnev immediately.

And I send a telegram congratulations to Baguio?

Send the telegram.

Guys, we have pickled cucumbers, herring and bread. Help yourselves!

Tolya finished him off, huh? Comrades, let's eat!

Just a glass, huh?

- Only one? - Of course, yes!

Today, you can drink as much as you want!

Look, comrades! The whole country celebrates with us!

Fishermen, peasants, the minister!

Tolya, this one is for you, take it.

- Comrades, shall we celebrate? - Yes!

After all, Korchnoi It's not that strong.

- Health! - Thanks!

Tolya? Tolya!

- For the victory! - Great start, Tolya!

VERY WELL DONE SON, DADDY

CALL ME, I'M AT MY MOTHER'S PLACE

What is he doing?

I think we're going to lose this one.

Karpov 1 : 1 Korchnoi.

I resign.

Congratulations, Mr. Korchnoi.

With whom do you think you're playing?

With an amateur?

Hand over the crown and go home!

You only managed to draw the match.

Even starting with defeat, the traitor controlled his nerves.

Yes, and Tolya lost concentration.

CALL ME, I'M AT MY MOTHER'S PLACE

- Hello. - Please wait.

Philippines speaking.

Hello.

Tolya!

Something happened?

I miss you.

Me too.

What idiots we are, Tolya.

I...

I'm looking at your photo.

And I don't think we will ever be happy without each other.

I think so too, Nika.

Forgive me please.

Everyone makes mistakes.

I didn't betray you.

I lost my mind,

for love, for worrying about you. Do you understand?

Let's go back to the beginning.

Nika...

I have to tell you something very important.

Say.

I love you very much.

But I can never love you more than the game.

How can you say something like that?

What kind of person are you, Karpov?

I'm a grandmaster, Nika.

I'm the world champion.

I can't have distractions.

I can't waste mental energy.

I have to win.

Understand me, please.

And forgive me.

Shit.

- What is that? - A Geiger counter.

It is used to measure radiation.

Arbiter,

this level of radiation I can accept.

But I want everyone here, please,

to know that the Soviets are capable of anything.

Remember.

He has more tricks up his sleeve than a congress of magicians.

One more game was adjourned.

That's two in a row.

They will resume on August 20th, It will be a key day for the dispute.

- Are you evaluating Karpov's conduct? - I prepared a report.

Yes.

Call from the General Secretariat.

Boris, it has to be a document convincing.

Don't worry.

Speak.

This is the position of the adjourned game,

which will resume on August 20th.

The adjournment occurred at the request of the challenger.

It's a very complex position.

Karpov has the advantage of a rook against bishop,

Korchnoi has the possibility to pass the pawn of the d-file.

A good move would be: Rook a7,

And knight... f4 or b4.

- After changing the queens... - Say it clearly.

Will Tolya win or not?

Comrade Brezhnev, he might lose.

May I?

It's a report

which indicates that Karpov didn't prepare well for the match.

Pavel,

don't waste time on this.

Karpov is a muzhik from the Urals.

Right, Leonid. I don't argue his natural talent, but...

Don't give me excuses.

Pack your bags,

go to the Philippines, and give Tolya a squeeze.

If he loses the match,

you will both be finished.

That's the thing, uncle!

- So he promotes the pawn. - Don't promote!

Calm down, people!

This one is from Ulan-Ude,

Poltava,

Volgograd...

Guards write from the border of Kushka:

"Anatoly, play a8 rook. In chess, luck is not enough."

Popular knowledge. And they even suggest moves.

Knight d3.

Bishop g7.

Ready.

Anatoly needs build a fortress.

He changed the style of play. He adapted to Karpov's game.

I'm sure he will attack in the king side.

- He wants to open lines. - It will weaken f2.

This ploy of his won't work. You'll run out of space.

- Tolya. - What?

What do you think?

He will play cautiously.

He won't attack.

Let's analyze it again.

Tolya...

Damn, you're bleeding. Hey, guys!

- What was that? - I am fine.

- Good? - I'm telling you, I'm fine.

It's just a bloody nose.

I'll call a doctor.

Let's continue.

I'm going to play the Ruy Lopez again, I know how to gain an advantage.

Pawn h3.

It will break the pawn structure, but it will be blocked.

And if he retreats the bishop,

I can force an ending with a small advantage.

Even with bishops of opposite colors.

Like this.

I have an advantage.

I like this position.

Let's check every move.

Hallelujah.

Leave it to us. Go get some sleep.

Oleg Blokhin receives the ball.

Approaches the Spartak area.

Oleg prepares to kick.

Telegram from the Sports Committee.

Attention to the news!

The 13th game has just been played

in the world chess championship in Baguio, Philippines.

And the winner of the game was...

Anatoly Karpov!

This other one too.

New information,

a few moments ago the 14th game has just been played too

and the winner was also Anatoly Karpov!

The score is 3 : 1 for the current world champion!

Tolya! Tolya!

Tolya! Tolya!

Karpov 3 : 1 Korchnoi.

Thanks.

Tan-tan-tan.

Comrades!

Congratulations on your victories in adjourned games.

Thank you, comrade minister.

Welcome, Pavel Trofimovitch. How was your trip?

Very good.

We are looking for you all over Baguio,

and you are having fun.

It's a tourist site, minister.

No problem!

Comrade Aliyev sent this.

Black caviar from the Caspian Sea.

And Brezhnev asked to give the winner a firm handshake.

Come.

Don't wash your hands anymore, Tolya.

A snake! Comrades!

A snake!

Please ask at reception.

They've already checked everything.

There's nothing to worry about.

Don't tell me, what about the snake? And the pictures in reverse?

And the alarm ringing at 4 am? Was my grandmother who did this?

They said no one came in in the room, only the maid.

And she is trustworthy, She has worked here for ten years.

And what Karpov said doesn't count?

Or was it just his imagination? Because of stress?

He's fine, minister.

You want to know, comrades?

Let's get Karpov out of the hotel.

Rent a house and send the police to watch 24 hours a day.

- Great idea, minister. - I'll talk to the ambassador.

Can you watch the entrance?

Of course.

We have enough personnel for this.

Second floor: Kitchen, bedrooms and lounge.

What do you think?

For me, it's great.

Most importantly: It's quiet.

It's a remote place.

There is a direct line to Moscow.

Thank you, Sergei Petrovich.

It's a palace.

- You can get lost here. - And truth.

The snake was real or was it my imagination?

It was real, it came from the street.

And went up to the 11th floor?

There's nothing to worry about.

Finish that scoundrel, enjoy the moment and let's go home.

It's the "dance of the knights", two knights against one rook.

This position was studied by Gia Nadareishvili.

"Dance of the knights"?

What a poetic name.

Mkhedruli.

It's a Georgian sacrifice, we call it Mkhedruli.

Karpov 4 : 1 Korchnoi.

That's it!

It's bloody beautiful!

Poor Korchnoi!

You can now request a death certificate.

Not long now to go home!

What a well-played game, huh?

And I can say... with a Georgian touch!

The truth, Pavel

each nationality has its own qualities.

Latvians are good at openings,

the Ukrainians are masters of the combinatorial game,

and the Georgians are good with horses.

- This is internationalism. - Exactly.

- I will deliver the news to Brezhnev. - Thanks.

- I'm glad I came, comrades. - Very good, Pavel.

But I have to go back to Moscow. The duty calls me.

Dear friends,

Victory is very close.

"But don't sell the skin of the bear before killing it."

Is that understood?

No doubt, Pavel Trofimovitch.

Boris will stay here to take care of you.

Anatoly,

Your mission is to punish that scoundrel.

Pavel, what if I don't punish anyone?

I just want to win.

Whatever. Do as you wish. But win!

For the victory!

- Hurray! - Hurray!

Tolya?

Hello, dad!

Tolya! Hello!

How are you?

Good.

I'm treating myself. The doctors are good.

Excellent.

- Listen carefully to the doctors. - Of course.

I'm proud of you, son.

Just two more wins, focus.

Leave it to me.

Don't let him escape.

Do you remember what...

Doctor!

- Is cutting... - I hear you, I'm here.

- Talk to your mother. - Doctor!

Father?

Dad, what happened?

Evgeni, listen to me?

Dad, I'm here. Father?

Father?

Has this turned into a circus?

Damn!

Korchnoi will promote the pawn.

Find out who the genie in the lamp and his friend are.

Karpov 4 : 2 Korchnoi

Mr. Schmid, can you explain to me the challenger's bonds

with the Ananda Marga terrorist sect?

The leaders of this organization oppress the will of their followers.

This sect is associated

to kidnappings in India, in Canada and Europe.

Why are there two members from Ananda Marga,

accused of murder of an Indian diplomat,

sitting in the first rows

of the world championship match?

Ladies and gentlemen...

Hey, you two. Stop.

The referee committee has decided

to ban all persons charged with criminal activity.

I am really sorry.

The rest of the delegation can enter.

I want to adjourn the game.

Korchnoi resigned, congratulations. KARPOV 5 : 2 KORCHNOI.

There's nothing to celebrate.

What happened?

I'm sick.

My head is bad.

It's like I don't recognize the pieces, they look like mere pieces of wood.

- Shall we ask for a break? - No way.

- How many days have we been playing? - 73 days.

It's already the world championship longest in history.

I still hold on a few more games

before I break.

They spent the night cutting grass nearby.

- Another strange coincidence? - No, that was planned.

First they tried to affect Anatoly during the games, and they failed.

Now they want to interfere with his sleep.

Who does this?

Foreign intelligence services.

The challenger will also change the way of playing.

He is already doing it. He is using variants with more calculation.

And what will we do?

Play defensively.

- Good morning, comrades. - Good morning.

Aren't you going to have coffee?

No thanks.

- I'm not hungry. - Eat at least one bagel.

- Anatoly, did you manage to sleep? - I didn't sleep at all.

Hello.

Call from Moscow.

Hello, Anatoly Karpov.

The surgery went well, but the problem cannot be fixed.

Doctor, what do you mean?

There is no hope, Anatoly.

He has a few days, maybe a few weeks.

The inevitable may happen any time.

Can I talk to him?

This is not advisable.

A stronger emotion can be fatal.

I'm sorry, Anatoly Karpov.

We did what was possible.

Thank you very much, doctor.

Keep me informed.

I propose playing the Caro-Kann Defense.

And the variation with f5 at Ruy Lopez.

You're right, Serguei.

Korchnoi is forcing us playing complicated variants.

What's your opinion, Yuri?

It's a very complex position.

To play it takes a lot of energy.

Karpov 5 : 3 Korchnoi.

Korchnoi played h5.

- It was a great move. - Yes.

Great move?

It is not good.

It was a poorly prepared move.

We must insist on his preferred opening, the Ruy Lopez, open variation.

And what are we doing?

We have to be more incisive, with better prepared openings.

Is this a hint to us?

And who else would it be for, Igor?

I am one, you are three.

You're not right, Anatoly. We are working very hard.

You are working poorly.

Spend more time playing blitz games for fun.

I need new ideas!

New ideas that you don't seem to have.

Wants to know? It's over for me.

Viktor, do something. Your passivity surprises me.

Boris...

What do you want me to do? Dance a polka?

It's a game.

Why are you looking at us like that?

Do you also think we don't do anything?

And you, Tolya, are being unfair. You're losing your mind.

What the hell! I'm full of this rain that doesn't stop.

My dear Tolya...

What's the matter with you?

I am tired.

I can't calculate.

And he seems to calculate everything.

What is that?

Hearing this?

What the fuck is this?

They won't leave Tolya alone.

They are spending.

And we can't stop them.

Karpov 5 : 4 Korchnoi.

The boy collapsed.

Nadia, call Baguio.

Comrades, the situation is a crisis.

Anatoly is submitted to several very stressful factors.

The father is sick. Anatoly sleeps badly. And the responsibility is heavy.

I highly recommend interrupt the championship.

- Would you sign a certificate? - I've done.

His health is at risk. He has already lost five kilos.

It's something serious.

What meeting is this, comrade?

We are discussing the situation.

Igor, Yuri...

And if we think something in the Queen's Gambit?

Queen's Gambit?

It could be interesting.

Maybe a more aggressive line,

like the one Vaganian played against Miles, in Sao Paulo.

And with black pieces, we can play Bishop b4 against English.

It's a plan that Petrosian played a lot.

Mikhail Tal, come here.

Dear Boris,

It's a difficult decision.

We don't have the right to stop him from playing.

Let's support him.

Let's go all the way.

We are risking our heads.

What are his chances?

There's no way to know. It's a game.

But to interrupt the match would be betraying Karpov.

You have no idea what are happening now in our country.

I destroyed Karpov.

Now I will hit him from the left, and right.

Careful, boy. The title is slipping from your hands.

Wait, it's not over yet.

Karpov 5 : 5 Korchnoi.

In chess combat which takes place in Baguio,

our champion still failed to achieve the decisive victory.

Karpov lost three games in a row.

In a dispute of this level, It seems like there is no going back.

Korchnoi will maintain the initiative. He is one step away from the title.

Tomorrow Korchnoi will knock out the opponent.

Hello, comrades! Surprised to see me?

- Greetings from the star city! - Comrade Sevastyanov (cosmonaut).

The cosmonauts are with you!

You guys traveled far, huh? To the ends of the Earth!

Exactly.

What's the matter with you? Why does the head hang down?

I'm in zugzwang.

Any move I make, I lose.

Zugzwang.

- Let's go for a walk. - Where?

For Manila, our team plays today.

- What you mean? - The basketball world final.

But Sevastyanov...

We haven't decided the strategy we will use yet.

Comrades, Anatoly has been under pressure for three months.

He needs at least a day without thinking about chess.

We will go hidden, It's my responsibility.

Anatoly, I don't think this is right.

I have free will, Serguei.

Pass the ball!

Go! Go! Go!

That!

That very good!

It was a foul!

Referee!

Take away Belov!

Do you know why you lost?

It's your turn.

No.

It's rushing.

Play again.

Keep focus.

Don't be intimidated with the most experienced.

Do you want to prove that you're the smartest?

Find the best squares for your pieces.

Very good!

Tolya! Tolya!

This is absurd!

They arrived!

- I said nothing would happen. - Who won?

We lost, but we fought until the end.

Take it, the whole team signed.

Igor, Yuri...

Mikhail...

I'm sorry, I was wrong.

No problem, Tolya, everything is fine.

Which opening are you going to play?

I don't know.

But I feel like I'm going to play well.

OCTOBER 17

URGENT TELEGRAM

LOOK FOR THE BEST MOVE, DADDY

Find the best squares for your pieces.

Good morning.

I managed to sleep.

Have some tea.

Isn't it time to go?

Kislovodsk.

What?

A game played in 1964.

- Hello. - Call from the Philippines.

- Hello, it's me. - Tolya.

Sorry for calling at this hour.

What happened?

Nika, I need your help.

Like this, all of a sudden?

I forgot a variation. But I have it in my file.

I don't have time to ask through official channels.

I am going to try. But you know I don't know differentiate a rook from a bishop.

You'll make it.

I'll tell you where to find it.

Mr. Baturinsky!

Mr. Baturinsky, where is the champion?

Be patient, he's coming.

He is always punctual.

What is your plan?

I'm afraid of scaring you.

- Where is Mr. Karpov? - He is coming.

In five minutes I will start the clock.

Drawer, second door.

GAME 32

We love you!

Ladies and gentlemen, please, please calm down.

1964...

1964!

Hello.

I think I found it, but I don't understand anything.

Calm down, baby. I'm going to explain to you.

Have you opened the notebook?

- Yes. - Look for the year 1964.

- Ready. - Listen...

Search the page in which the title is "Kislovodsk".

- Found it? - No.

- And now? - I'm looking for.

- Found it? - No, calm down.

I found it! "Kislovodsk", Mikhail Tal vs Kluger.

Kluger, that's it, you found it.

Now find a move which is circled in green.

- Move 13. - Yes.

Bh2.

Nd7.

Keep talking.

- Ne5. - Not that, follow the arrow.

13. Qd3.

- Nd7. - Keep talking.

14.e5, dxe5.

Repeat the move 14.

14.e5, dxe5.

It is like this.

Breakthrough on e5, of course.

See? You're amazing!

I knew you could do it.

- Nika... - What?

I'll call you later, okay?

I'll wait, Tolya.

Korchnoi is going to play the Pirc Defense.

- Are you sure? - Yes, let's go!

GAME TIME Karpov - Korchnoi.

- What if he plays the Ruy Lopez? - For the ninth time?

And if he plays the French Defense to try to force a draw?

He will play to win, he will use the Pirc Defense.

With a double fianchetto to get out of the usual lines.

Let's suppose...

Tal played it in Kislovodsk and lost. But there was a very good move.

Korchnoi also played the Pirc with me in 1973.

- I know how he's going to play. - Let's analyze this.

Sergei, drive carefully. Please.

Play safe. Try to surprise him.

Avoid the line with c5, play with d5. It's a solid pawn structure.

Play for the center of the board. What if you play Na5, Nc7 with an eye on d5?

Then I will play e5. Sergei, turn right.

- Knight a6, bishop f4, knight c7, a4... - What if a4... b6, rook e1, a6 and,

and the pawn advances to e5, knight takes e5 and weakens c6...

- How was the Kluger-Tal game? - If knight h2, bishop h5...

Rook e8, bishop a6, queen d3, knight d7... and then?

- Pawn e5. - And knight e5?

- Knight takes e5, bishop takes. - Bishop takes e5, rook takes e5.

- And rook from a1 to e1. - And we have an advantage.

Seems like a good variation. Now it's time to test.

How can you do this?

Comrade, explain to a layman today's strategy.

Anatoly believes that Korchnoi will use the Pirc Defense.

Let's pretend we are playing for a draw,

let's play quiet positions, and set a trap for him.

What if he doesn't fall?

- Or if he doesn't use the Pirc? - He'll use it, I'm sure.

Tolya is sure.

Ladies and gentlemen, please!

Mr. Karpov, the clock has already been started.

Pawn d6.

Korchnoi started with the Pirc Defense. Anatoly was right.

- I knew. - Calm down, the game has just begun.

Pawn c5.

Then

a lot of caution is needed.

Don't rush, Tolya.

Do not rush.

Guys, pawn d5.

Well done, Anatoly! Transposed into a Benoni.

- Great start. - Are him the champion or not?

Igor, what's going on?

The opening phase is over. Now it's time to see who plays better.

This can be the decisive game of the match.

Since opening, there is an intense fight on the board.

Korchnoi released a queen side attack

and Karpov maneuver the pieces to control the center.

He played the pawn to e5!

What does that mean?

If Korchnoi takes on d5, we sacrifice the knight and checkmate.

Igor!

I'll calm down!

Guys...

- Korchnoi is in trouble. - What is happening?

- He took a while to play. - He is out of time.

He has two minutes to make six moves.

I want to adjourn the game.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen, 32nd game has been adjourned.

According to FIDE rules,

will resume tomorrow, October 18th.

Thank you.

Mr. Karpov...

that's been a great game.

Thank you.

OCTOBER 18, 1978

Important visitors!

Mr. Korchnoi has just informed us that he resigned the game.

Tolya! Tolya, where are you?

As president of the International Chess Federation,

I officially announce that Anatoly Karpov

defended the title of world chess champion.

Karpov 6 : 5 Korchnoi.

We're champions!

Tolya will be back tomorrow.

Nina...

My life was not in vain.

Tolya?

Hi, Nika!

Congratulations!

Thanks.

Without you, I wouldn't have won.

You had never played this variation. Ira Balashova who told me.

Good thing I had it saved,

for when necessary.

Are you happy?

Tolya, don't be late! Let's go.

I think so.

Well, yes, I'm happy.

I really want to get home.

Come back soon.

I'll be there soon.

I love you.

I love you too.

Be brave, son.

No one is born knowing.

Dad, aren't you coming in with me?

Yes, I am.

Of course.

I will always be with you.

Mr. Karpov asked me to give this to Mr. Korchnoi.

I can handle it. Thank you, Mr. Arbiter.

- There's a card. - What's written?

Thanks for the games.