Adjournment in chess refers to the practice of suspending a game and resuming it at a later time.
Below we look into the history, rules, and strategies surrounding adjournment in chess, looking at this aspect of the game.
History of Adjournment in Chess
The practice of adjournment in chess dates back to the early days of the game.
In the past, adjournments were necessary due to the limitations of time and resources.
Before the advent of digital clocks and the ability to record moves easily, players would often adjourn their games to continue at a later time.
Adjournments were particularly common in high-level tournaments and matches, where players would often play multiple games in a day.
The ability to adjourn a game allowed players to take a break, analyze the position, and formulate strategies for the next session.
However, with the advancements in technology and the introduction of digital clocks, the practice of adjournment has become less prevalent in modern chess.
The use of adjournments has been largely phased out in top-level tournaments, but it still remains a part of the chess culture and is occasionally used in certain events.
Rules and Procedures
Adjournment in chess follows a set of rules and procedures to ensure fairness and transparency.
The specific rules may vary depending on the tournament or event, but the general principles remain consistent.
1. Time Control
Before adjournment, players must reach a predetermined number of moves or a specific time control.
This ensures that both players have made a reasonable amount of progress in the game before suspending it.
2. Sealing the Move
When the game is adjourned, the player whose turn it is to move writes down their next move on a piece of paper and seals it in an envelope.
This move is kept secret until the game resumes.
3. Analysis and Preparation
During the adjournment, players are allowed to analyze the position, consult with coaches or seconds, and prepare strategies for the continuation of the game.
This time is crucial for players to assess the position, identify potential threats, and formulate plans.
4. Resumption of the Game
When the game resumes, the sealed move is revealed, and the players continue from that point.
The sealed move must be executed unless it is illegal due to a change in the position during the adjournment (e.g., a captured piece).
Strategies for Adjourned Games
Adjourned games present unique challenges and opportunities for players.
The time during the adjournment can be used to analyze the position in-depth, identify potential weaknesses, and devise strategies to exploit them.
Here are some strategies that players often employ during adjournments:
1. Deep Analysis
Players use the adjournment period to analyze the position deeply.
They may consult chess engines, study similar positions from historical games, or seek advice from coaches or seconds.
This analysis helps players gain a better understanding of the position and identify potential tactical or strategic ideas.
2. Formulating a Plan
Based on the analysis, players formulate a plan for the continuation of the game.
They identify key squares, potential pawn breaks, and piece maneuvers that can improve their position.
A well-thought-out plan increases the chances of success when the game resumes.
3. Psychological Warfare
During the adjournment, players also consider the psychological aspect of the game.
They may try to anticipate their opponent’s plans and prepare countermeasures.
Additionally, players may use the adjournment period to mentally recover and regain focus for the next session.
Examples of Notable Adjourned Games
Throughout chess history, there have been several notable adjourned games that have left a lasting impact on the game.
These games showcase the importance of adjournments and the strategies employed by players during these breaks. Here are a few examples:
1. Fischer vs. Petrosian (1971)
In their World Championship match, Bobby Fischer and Tigran Petrosian adjourned their games multiple times.
Fischer used the adjournment period to analyze the positions deeply and formulate aggressive plans.
His preparation during the adjournments played a crucial role in his victory over Petrosian.
2. Kasparov vs. Karpov (1985)
The World Championship match between Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov in 1985 featured several adjourned games.
Both players used the adjournment period to analyze the complex positions and come up with creative ideas.
The adjournments added an extra layer of tension and excitement to the match.
3. Fischer vs. Spassky (1972)
The 1972 World Chess Championship between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in Reykjavik, Iceland, is one of the most famous chess matches in history.
One of the notable features of this match, and of that era in general, was the use of adjourned games.
Adjourned Games in the Fischer vs. Spassky Match:
- What is an Adjournment? An adjournment occurred when a game wasn’t finished in a single session. Players would pause the game and resume it later, often the next day.
- Sealing the Move: When a game was adjourned, the player whose turn it was to move would write down their next move in an envelope and seal it. This “sealed move” would be the first move played when the game resumed.
- Analysis Away from the Board: During the adjournment, players could analyze the position with their seconds (assistants) and prepare for the continuation. This allowed for deep analysis and preparation, which was crucial in such high-stakes matches.
- Fischer’s Reluctance: Fischer was known to be distrustful of adjournments, fearing that the Soviets would team up to analyze the position and give Spassky an unfair advantage. However, both players had the same opportunity to analyze adjourned positions.
- Impact on the Match: Adjournments added an extra layer of strategy to the match. Players had to decide whether to push for an advantage in the current session or opt for an adjournment to analyze the position in-depth.
In modern chess, adjournments have been phased out, primarily due to advancements in computer analysis, which could give a player an overwhelming advantage during the break.
However, during the 1972 Fischer vs. Spassky match, adjournments were an integral part of the game, adding intrigue and depth to the championship battle.
Fischer ended up winning the match after an adjournment in Game 21, giving Fischer a 12.5-8.5 victory.
FAQs – Adjournment in Chess
1. What is adjournment in chess?
Adjournment in chess refers to the practice of suspending a game and resuming it at a later time.
2. Why was adjournment necessary in the past?
Adjournments were necessary in the past due to the limitations of time and resources.
Players would often adjourn their games to continue at a later time, especially in high-level tournaments with multiple games in a day.
3. Is adjournment still used in modern chess?
Adjournment is less common in modern chess, given modern computers.
4. How does adjournment work?
During adjournment, the player whose turn it is to move writes down their next move on a piece of paper and seals it in an envelope.
The game is then resumed at a later time, and the sealed move is revealed and executed.
5. Can players analyze the position during adjournment?
Yes, players are allowed to analyze the position, consult with coaches or seconds, and prepare strategies for the continuation of the game during the adjournment.
6. Can the sealed move be changed during adjournment?
The sealed move must be executed unless it is illegal due to a change in the position during the adjournment, such as a captured piece.
7. How do players prepare for adjourned games?
Players use the adjournment period to analyze the position deeply, formulate a plan, and consider the psychological aspect of the game.
8. How does adjournment affect the outcome of a game?
Adjournments provide players with an opportunity to analyze positions deeply, formulate plans, and engage in psychological warfare.
The preparation during adjournments can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game.
9. Is adjournment allowed in all chess tournaments?
The use of adjournments has been largely phased out in top-level tournaments.
However, it may still be allowed in certain events or specific formats.
Summary – Adjournment in Chess
Adjournment in chess is a practice that has evolved over time but still holds a significant place in the game’s history.
While it is less common in modern chess, adjournments provide players with an opportunity to analyze positions deeply, formulate plans, and engage in psychological warfare.
Notable adjourned games throughout history have showcased the impact of adjournments on the outcome of matches.
Understanding the rules and strategies surrounding adjournment can enhance a player’s overall understanding of the game and its complexities.
