AMERICAN CHESS MAGAZINE #45 - The 31 Greatest Queen Sacrifices of the Modern Era

American Chess Magazine #45:

The 31 Greatest Queen Sacrifices of the Modern Era

Moments meant to be remembered and cherished, when the ultimate sacrifice is laid upon the altar of Caissa – the majestic queen herself. Riga’s buccaneer Mikhail Tal leads the sacrifice armada.

Material sacrifices often shift the momentum in a game of chess– creating imbalance, excitement and raising the stakes. Of all sacrifices, the queen sacrifice stands at the top: an act of incredible drama – not only for the players but also for spectators and devoted chess fans. Whether it leads to a forced checkmate or yields positional advantages, it reflects a player’s courage, determination and creativity. In close collaboration with our readers and contributors, the ACM editorial team has selected the 31 greatest queen sacrifices of the modern era – featuring some of the most memorable games and patterns that will remain part of chess legacy for generations to come.

As an introduction to the topic, ACM Senior Editor Pete Tamburro offers a retrospective that reaches back to the 19th century, including a dozen more examples from that era. In addition to the 31 selected sacrifices – featuring legendary attackers, world champions and other brilliant minds from chess history – our readers have contributed many additional examples, both off the list and from their own tournament play, including submissions from our editors themselves.

Dr. Corey Butler explores the implications of sacrificing the queen, offering insights into the emotional impact on players and the psychological factors involved.

Then, ACM Deputy Editor FM Jimmy Adams presents a rare piece of history, as Boris Spassky vividly describes his first meeting with the then-young Bobby Fischer at the historically significant tournament in Mar del Plata in 1960. This unique article, enriched with Spassky’s own game annotations, was originally published in a renowned Russian chess magazine that same year. Adams now offers a translated version, followed by a postscript filled with historical insights – a personal tribute to the recently deceased Spassky, one of the last true chess gentlemen.

In an exclusive presentation, FM Alper Efe Ataman directs the spotlight on two rapidly rising teenage stars from Turkey, both now rated above 2600 and making their way toward the world elite. 16-year-old GM Ediz Gurel and 13-year-old GM Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus have delivered remarkable results over the past year and continue their impressive ascent. They benefit from strong support in their home-country to nurture their immense talent – as reflected in mini-interviews with their respective coaches, GM Shakriyar Mamedyarov and GM Dragan Solak.

In a new opening column, experienced correspondence expert Robert Irons shares his Black repertoire against a modern interpretation of the Indian openings, starting with 1.d4 ¤f6 2.c4 g6 3.h4. This well-structured and extensive preparation will help readers understand the underlying strategic concepts before choosing specific lines to play.

Multiple award-winning ACM author GM Sarunas Sulskis this time dissects two top-level ladies’ games – one from the Women’s World Championship match, in which Ju Wenjun retained her title by sweeping aside her compatriot Tan Zhongyi, and another from the 2025 European Women’s Championship, where Serbian WGM Teodora Injac claimed the title in convincing fashion. To complete his “Magnificent 3,” Sulskis analyzes a tactical slugfest by American GM Brandon Jacobson, who shared first place at the prestigious Grenke Open in Karlsruhe, ahead of more than 800 competitors.

ACM endgame expert GM Alex Fishbein delves into the ever-tricky world of rook endings. Applying the basic Tarrasch rule may seem simple, yet even world champions have stumbled in critical moments. In his signature narrative style, Fishbein explores these endings in depth, highlighting key exceptions and practical lessons.

In a personal reflection, FM Dylan McClain underscores the importance of the public image of chess – whether it concerns the responsibilities of champions or reporting on record-breaking statistical achievements.

From his unique database of forgotten American chess heroes, Andy Ansel presents John Hillery – a versatile chesser: International Arbiter, National Tournament Director and respected chess editor. However, Hillery’s recognition as a player may have remained “under the radar,” and here Ansel seeks to shine a light on this lesser-known aspect of his career.