White to move. Fischer's bishop is aimed at f7 and his rook is on f1. He found the pawn break that blows open the kingside. Can you find the classic Sozin breakthrough?
Bobby Fischer vs Bent Larsen
Why this game matters
Denver, 1971. On his march to the world title, Bobby Fischer did the impossible: he won his Candidates matches against Mark Taimanov and then Bent Larsen by the unthinkable score of 6–0 each. This is Game 3 against Larsen, a textbook Sicilian Sozin Attack in which Fischer ripped open the f-file with 11.f5! and overran Larsen's position. The streak of perfection that preceded his title match is unmatched in chess history.
The lesson
In open Sicilians, the f-pawn break and pressure on f7 and the e6/d6 pawns are White's bread and butter. Fischer shows the model plan: aim the bishop at f7, open the f-file with f4–f5, and convert the resulting weaknesses into a winning attack and a clean endgame.
Move by move
6. Bc46.Bc4 — the Sozin Attack. Fischer's signature: the bishop targets f7, the soft spot in Black's camp.
9. f49.f4 — the thematic Sicilian plan: prepare f4–f5 to open lines against the king.
11. f511.f5! The breakthrough. Fischer strikes at e6 and opens the f-file, exactly where his pieces are aimed.
12. fxe612.fxe6 Bxe6 — the e6 pawn becomes a target and the f-file opens toward f7.
13. Nxe613.Nxe6 fxe6 — Fischer trades to leave Black with weak, exposed pawns and a draughty king.
14. Na414.Na4 — rerouting the knight to b6 to add pressure and provoke further weaknesses.
16. Bxe6+16.Bxe6+ — Fischer collects the weak pawn with check; the attack flows into a winning position.
20. Qxd520.Qxd5 — Fischer is consolidating an extra pawn with a dominant centre and the bishop pair.
29. cxd429.cxd4 — the position simplifies into a clean, winning endgame; Fischer's technique does the rest.
36. Rxd636.Rxd6 — the rook mops up; Black's position is in ruins.
41. Re241.Re2 — Larsen resigned. Part of Fischer's legendary 6–0 sweep on the road to the world title.
Frequently asked
Why is the Fischer–Larsen 1971 match historic?
Fischer won the six-game Candidates semifinal 6–0 — a perfect sweep against one of the strongest players in the world. Combined with his 6–0 win over Taimanov, it is the most dominant run in the history of elite chess.
What is the key idea of 11.f5?
It is the classic Sicilian Sozin breakthrough: White opens the f-file and attacks the e6 pawn, turning the pressure already aimed at f7 into a concrete assault on Black's king.
Can I try the breakthrough myself?
Yes — take the board as White at move 11 and try to find the f5 break and the attack, or replay the whole game move by move, no sign-up.
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