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This video showcases some epic blitz chess from one of the most exciting tournaments of all time, the Intel Rapid Chess Grand Prix in 1995.

Our first game is a battle between Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Epishin, one of Karpov’s seconds during his World Championship matches with Garry. We join commentators GM Maurice Ashley and GM Daniel King after 35 moves of maneuvering in a King’s Indian Defense.

Kasparov, playing Black, has doubled Rooks on the f-file but Epishin is neutralizing that control with one Rook on f3, protected by the other on e3. The commentators think this game is level until Garry’s 36…Bd4! shatters the illusion. The defending Rook is attacked and cannot move without hanging the other Rook. Capturing the Bishop doesn’t change things either; the pawn will recapture and threaten the Rook once more. Nor does taking the Rook on f7 help – this would allow Black to bring his Queen into play with devastating effect.

Instead, Epishin sacrifices a Bishop, using the time gained from this to exchange off first a Rook then the Queens. This looks crazy – he’s given up a minor piece for 2 pawns and gone into an endgame. However, 2 pawns become 3 and, incredibly, Vladimir manages to gain the initiative and start pressing Kasparov. As the rate of play increases, it isn’t clear whether Garry will even be able to salvage a draw. See what happens in the video!

Next we get to see some real epic blitz chess as English GM Jon Speelman takes on one of the world’s best in Veselin Topalov. Toppy is already a point up so Speelman needs a victory to remain in the competition. We join the game after Speelman’s 28.c6 forcing Topalov to either reduce his Bishop to complete passivity on c8 or sacrifice it for 2 pawns on g4. He goes for the latter and it looks like a great decision, suddenly he has a phalanx taking aim at the White King plus an open f-file.

Unworried, Jon concentrates on developing his own threats, invading the 7th rank with his Rook. Topalov brings his Bishop and Queen to bear down on h2, forcing White’s Queen to stay back and defend. However, Speelman piles on the pressure with c7, getting his pawn tantalizingly close to promotion.

With everything in the balance, Topalov is reduced to chasing White’s Rook with his King. Then comes Speelman’s brilliant sacrifice, ending the game on the spot. See if you can spot it before it’s played!

With the score level, Speelman and Topalov went into an Armageddon game. Jon has the White pieces and 5 minutes to Veselin’s 4. However, White has to win – a draw sends Topalov through to the next round.

Another King’s Indian Defense and Speelman chooses 3.Bg5, trading this Bishop for the Knight one move later. Giving up the Bishop pair allows him to build a strong center quickly which Topalov attacks with 9…c5.

The game soon gets really interesting. Speelman plays the divisive 15.e6!, cutting the board in 2. It only takes a few moves for Topalov to chase away this crucial pawn’s defenders, however, before winning it. What now? Speelman doesn’t even blink as he sacrifices his Queen! The alternative was to cede control of the e-file and exchange material, no good for a man who needs to win.

Now we see why piece activity is more important than material as Speelman puts huge pressure on Black’s position. Topalov is forced to defend one focal point after another as White’s pieces improve with every move.

This pressure converts into material gain quickly enough with Black having to give back an exchange, but still Black has Queen and 2 pawns for 2 Rooks. White keeps the momentum up by swiftly maneuvering both Rooks to the 8th rank. Will it be enough for the win? See how the game plays out in the video!

Enjoy this epic blitz chess and check out the complete Intel Grand Prix Moscow 1994 video here.

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