FIDE World Chess Championship 1981

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The FIDE World Chess Championship 1981 took place in Merano, Italy, where reigning champion Anatoly Karpov of the Soviet Union defended his title against Viktor Korchnoi, representing Switzerland. In their second consecutive clash for the crown, Karpov delivered a commanding performance and won decisively. Known as the «Massacre in Merano», this match is etched in history for its overwhelming score and intense political and emotional gravity.

FIDE World Chess Championship 1981, Anatoly Karpov, Viktor Korchnoi

📷 Karpov (left) vs. Korchnoi (right) at the 10th Interpolis Chess Tournament, Tilburg, October 21, 1986
Roland Gerrits / Anefo: Nationaal Archief (License: CC0 1.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Winner/Reigning Champion: Anatoly Karpov

Born: May 23, 1951, Zlatoust, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)

At the height of his powers, Anatoly Karpov entered the 1981 match as a symbol of Soviet sporting excellence. Already a two-time world champion, he was renowned for his positional clarity, relentless accuracy, and psychological control. Every nuance of his preparation was managed by a powerful state apparatus, with deep theoretical teams and political backing. Far from flamboyant, Karpov suffocated his opponents with a slow, methodical grip that few could escape. In Merano, he demonstrated not only technical supremacy but also the steely composure of a champion amid global scrutiny. This match did more than reinforce his legacy—it showcased the full maturity of a player who embodied the Soviet ideal of chess dominance.

«I have always aimed for a style of play that does not allow my opponent to feel comfortable.» – Anatoly Karpov

Challenger: Viktor Korchnoi

Born: 1931, Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia)
Died: 2016, Wohlen, Switzerland

Viktor Korchnoi was no ordinary challenger—he was a defector, a warrior, and arguably the most dangerous player never to become world champion. After escaping the Soviet Union in 1976, he became a symbol of resistance, both over the board and in the political arena. Despite limited resources and the heavy emotional toll of his family being held in the USSR, Korchnoi once again stormed through the 1980 Candidates cycle, defeating legends like Petrosian, Polugaevsky, and Hübner. Known for his sharp counterattacks, indomitable spirit, and deep preparation, he arrived in Merano determined to overcome both Karpov and the weight of the Soviet state. But the pressure was immense, and the match ultimately marked the end of his run as a championship contender.

«I had to fight against my opponent on the board and against the political machinery off the board.» – Viktor Korchnoi

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: October 1 – November 19, 1981
📍 Location: Merano, Italy
✅ Format: First to 6 wins (draws not counted)
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 2.5 hours, then 16 moves per hour, with adjournments
💰 Prize Fund: Not publicly disclosed; politically and symbolically significant
📄 Main Sponsors: Italian Chess Federation, Municipality of Merano

Historical and Cultural Context

Amid Cold War tension, the 1981 championship became more than a game—it was a clash of ideologies. Karpov, backed by the Soviet machine, faced Korchnoi, a defector fighting for more than a title. Western media framed it as freedom versus tyranny; the Soviets hailed Karpov’s win as proof of superiority. With tight security and global attention, the 6–2 result was so brutal it earned a name: the “Massacre in Merano.”

FIDE World Chess Championship 1981, Anatoly Karpov (RUS), Viktor Korchnoi (SUI)

World Chess Championship 1981 Games

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game 4

Game 5

Game 6

Game 7

Game 8

Game 9

Game 10

Game 11

Game 12

Game 13

Game 14

Game 15

Game 16

Game 17

Game 18

FIDE World Chess Championship 1981

Anatoly Karpov, Soviet Union

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World Chess Championship 1981 Sources

Quote Sources

General Sources

Image Sources

📷 Karpov (left) vs. Korchnoi (right) at the 10th Interpolis Chess Tournament, Tilburg, October 21, 1986 Roland Gerrits / Anefo: Nationaal Archief (License: CC0 1.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Sources, image credits, and attributions for this championship are listed on this page. For general information about the World Chess Champions timeline, visit the main page.