Robot-vinnik, Part 1

Mikhail Botvinnik, the sixth champion of the world, wasn't made out of metal and wires like a robot. But he sure could play like one!

When he played, he did not try for tricks or to confuse his opponent. He always tried to find the best move. As we will see in this game, sometimes the best moves can be pretty cool!

The game, against a top Hungarian grandmaster named Lajos Portisch, looks like fantasy. But there are no tricks - his attack was correct and his play - robot-like!

It sure looks like Botvinnik messed up, doesn't it? He snatched that pawn on c7, but could it have been poisoned? After all, now the rook is trapped and the queen is also under attack! But surely the great Robotvinnik wouldn't fall for something so simple?! What did he have planned?

Sorry, but you will have to wait until next week to see what he had in mind!