Kasparov’s win over Karpov in Game 16 of the 1985 World Championship is famous for the “octopus” knight on d3 that paralyzed White’s position and ultimately forced Karpov to give up his queen to eliminate it.
Game overview
Played in Moscow during the 1985 World Chess Championship match, this was the game that pushed Kasparov into the lead after the match had been level. Contemporary accounts often call it “Kasparov’s masterpiece,” and Chess Informant readers later selected it as the best game of the first 64 issues.
Opening and early turning point
The first 10 moves repeated Game 12 of the same match before Karpov deviated, and Kasparov’s preparation let him seize the initiative with Black. The critical strategic moment is 16…Nd3—an extraordinarily powerful outpost that restricted White’s coordination for many moves.
The “octopus” knight and queen sacrifice
Kasparov’s knight on d3 sat deep in White’s camp for a long stretch, tying down Karpov’s major pieces and limiting counterplay. When Karpov finally captured it with 34.Qxd3, the tactical reply 34…Nf2+ effectively forced a queen-for-pieces trade, after which Black’s attack proved decisive.
Game Facts
- Players | Karpov (White) vs Kasparov (Black) |
- Event | World Championship Match, Moscow |
- Date | October 1985 |
- Opening | Sicilian Defense, Taimanov Variation |
- Result | 0-1 (41 moves) |
Critical Moments
- 16…Nd3: The “octopus” knight lands and White’s position gets tied in knots.
- 28…g4: Black shifts from control to a direct kingside punch.
- 34.Qxd3 Nf2+!: The key tactical shot—once the knight is finally taken, the fork turns the whole plan into a winning sequence.
Lessons
- A dominant outpost can decide a game—build the position around it.
- When the defender finally removes your “monster” piece, have the tactic ready.
- Improve pieces first, then attack: Kasparov’s pressure makes the finish feel inevitable.
