The dirtiest World Chess Championship in history is widely regarded as the 1978 match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. This championship was not only a battle of skills and strategies on the chessboard, but it was also marred by political tensions, psychological warfare, and a series of dirty tricks that overshadowed the true spirit of the game.
1. Political Tensions:
The championship took place during the height of the Cold War, with Karpov representing the Soviet Union and Korchnoi defecting from the Soviet Union to the Netherlands. The match became a symbolic struggle between the Soviet establishment and a dissident, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings.
2. Psychological Warfare:
Both players engaged in intense psychological warfare, trying to unsettle each other’s concentration and focus. Korchnoi openly accused Karpov of receiving signals from a mysterious figure in the audience, leading to increased tension and paranoia throughout the match.
3. Dirty Tricks:
The use of dirty tricks during the championship was rampant and unprecedented. One notable incident occurred when Korchnoi’s team discovered a suspicious-looking jar of yogurt in a restroom adjacent to the playing hall. They suspected it contained an electronic device for transmitting signals. Although the jar was later confirmed to be harmless, the psychological impact on Korchnoi was significant.
4. Accusations of Hypnosis:
Korchnoi’s team accused Karpov’s team of employing a hypnotist to manipulate the challenger’s mental state during the games. While these claims were never proven, they further added to the hostile atmosphere surrounding the championship.
5. Interference from the Soviet Chess Federation:
Throughout the match, allegations were made that the Soviet Chess Federation was attempting to influence the outcome in favor of Karpov. It was claimed that Karpov was receiving favorable treatment, including the ability to consult with Soviet grandmasters during adjournments, while Korchnoi was denied similar privileges.
6. Outside Interference:
The Soviet authorities were reportedly involved in attempting to disrupt Korchnoi’s concentration. They allegedly employed various tactics such as using bright lights outside his hotel room to disturb his sleep and sending intimidating messages to him and his team.
7. The Length of the Match:
The championship lasted for a grueling five months, with 32 games played. This prolonged duration intensified the psychological pressure on both players and provided more opportunities for dirty tricks and external interference.
The 1978 World Chess Championship between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi was undoubtedly the dirtiest championship in history. The deeply rooted political tensions, the psychological warfare, and the numerous dirty tricks employed throughout the match all contributed to an atmosphere of hostility and suspicion. The championship not only showcased the immense skills of the players but also highlighted the dark side of the game, where personal rivalries and political agendas overshadowed the true spirit of chess.