FIDE World Chess Championship 1984

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Sept 10, 1984 – Febr 15, 1985 | 👑 Anatoly Karpov (Soviet Union)


Reigning Champion: Anatoly Karpov

FIDE World Chess Championship 1984
Photo Marcel Antonisse Anefo via Wikimedia Commons CC0


Anatoly Karpov, born on May 23, 1951, in Zlatoust, Soviet Union, entered the World Chess Championship 1984, having held the title since 1975 after Bobby Fischer’s forfeiture. Known for his precise positional play, deep strategic understanding, and relentless endgame technique, Karpov had successfully defended his title against Viktor Korchnoi in 1978 and 1981. By 1984, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest champions in chess history.

«The ideal chess player is one who is both precise and resourceful.» — Anatoly Karpov


Challenger: Garry Kasparov


Garry Kasparov, born on April 13, 1963, in Baku, Soviet Union, earned the right to challenge for the title by winning the 1983 Candidates Tournament, where he defeated Alexander Beliavsky, Viktor Korchnoi, and Vasily Smyslov. Known for his aggressive, dynamic play, deep preparation, and psychological resilience, the 21-year-old Kasparov was seen as the greatest challenge to Karpov’s dominance.

«Chess is mental torture, but it is also an art and a science.» — Garry Kasparov


Match Overview

The 1984 World Chess Championship, held in Moscow, was the first title match between Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov, marking the beginning of one of chess history’s greatest rivalries. The match followed a first-to-six-wins format, with draws not counting.

Karpov dominated the early stages, securing a 5–0 lead after 27 games and needing just one more win to retain his title. However, Kasparov mounted a historic comeback, avoiding defeat in the next 21 games before scoring his first win in Game 32. He added another victory in Game 47, closing the gap to 5–3 after 48 games.

Then, in a highly controversial decision, FIDE President Florencio Campomanes terminated the match on February 15, 1985, citing player health concerns after five months and 48 games. The decision outraged both players, but the title remained with Karpov.

«This match should have continued. A champion must be decided over the board.» — Garry Kasparov

Earlier Encounters

Karpov and Kasparov had met only a few times in major tournaments before this match. Karpov’s strategic discipline contrasted with Kasparov’s dynamic, high-energy approach, setting the stage for their historic rivalry.

Key Moments and Highlights


Historical and Cultural Context

This championship was deeply intertwined with the Cold War. Karpov was a symbol of Soviet establishment – groomed as a state-backed chess champion—while Kasparov, though also Soviet, was seen as a rebellious, independent thinker. The match became a symbolic battle between tradition and the future.

Many speculated that political forces influenced the decision to halt the match, as Kasparov’s comeback threatened Karpov’s reign.


Results Summary

PlayersW–L–DFinal Score
Anatoly Karpov5–3–40Match Canceled
Garry Kasparov3–5–40Match Canceled

World Chess Championship 1984 – 1985 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


Game 19


Game 20


Game 21


Game 22


Game 23


Game 24


Game 25


Game 26


Game 27


Game 28


Game 29


Game 30


Game 31


Game 32


Game 33


Game 34


Game 35


Game 36


Game 37


Game 38


Game 39


Game 40


Game 41


Game 42


Game 43


Game 44


Game 45


Game 46


Game 47


Game 48


FIDE World Chess Championship 1984 – 1985

Anatoly Karpov, Soviet Union

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World Chess Championship 1984 – 1985 Sources


Quote Sources


Garry Kasparov on Garry Kasparov, Part I: Garry Kasparov
Karpov-Kasparov: Moscow 1984 – Yuri Averbakh


Sources

Image Source


All sources, image credits, and content attributions are available on the main World Chess Champions page.