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Chess 12 Nov 1960, Sat The Montreal Star (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) Newspapers.com
Let's Play Chess
Olympics Show Superiority Of Soviet Union Players
By Bill Oaker
The Soviet Union once again demonstrated its chess superiority over the rest of the world, when it finished in clear first place in the Chess Olympics, held in Leipzig, East Germany.
With a final score of 34-10, the Russians' only threat was from a young and eager team from the United States. The Americans finished second with a score of 29-15.
The complete final standings and scores were as follows:
Soviet Union, 34-10;
United States, 29-15;
Yugoslavia, 27-17;
Hungary, 22½-21½;
Czechoslovakia, 21½-22½;
Bulgaria, 21-23;
Argentina, 20½-23½;
West Germany, 19½-24½;
East Germany, 19-25;
Netherlands, 17-27;
England, 16½-27½;
Rumania, 16½-27½.
By the end of the fifth round, the results were never in doubt as to the first three places. Russia clearly was destined to finish on top. The United States was headed for second, but with little chance of catching the Russians. Yugoslavia was slotted for third and finished up just so. As can be seen from the point spreads, most of the struggling was for fourth spot.
The reason the Soviet team was victorious was obvious. They had by far the best players. When one considers that the world champion was playing top board, the former world champion was playing on second, and that the world champion before that was a substitute, you begin to realize just how strong this team was.
The general opinion, as expressed by one of the Americans, was that even if the entire Soviet team dropped dead, and they had to bring in an entire new squad, they would still be favored to win. To give an example, let us say the Russian team of four was Tal, Botvinnik, Smyslov and Korchnoi, the latter being the incumbent Soviet champion. Now, suppose they all disappeared. They could easily be replaced by, for example, Bronstein, Petrosian, Spassky and Geller and would still be considered the top team.
Now that we think about it, this team could probably be replaced, also, without falling out of favor.
The American team, on the other hand, could probably find three players in the entire country, who might measure up to the caliber of the team they sent. The United States team consisted of Fischer, Lombardy, Byrne and Bisguier, with Rossolimo and Weinstein as spares. The only proven players of this caliber would seem to be Reshevsky, Evans and Benko.
Our opinion is that the American team covered itself with glory with their second place finish, and in view of the youth of the team, will be even stronger next time.
The Montreal Open Championship will begin tomorrow at 1:00 p.m., at the Chess Centre, in NDG Community Hall, corner of Cote St. Antoine road and Decarie boulevard.
Players are asked to be on time, as about 100 entrants are expected. The Montreal Chess League, which sponsors this annual event, has asked that players bring sets and clocks for the first round, in case the turnout exceeds what is expected.
We know of no better way for a chess player to improve his skill at the game that by playing against opponents who are stronger than himself. An open tournament brings this about, yet at the same time does not leave the weaker player discouraged from taking too many thrashings at the hands of the experts. There is bound to be a number of players with whom a player can hold his own, regardless of his calibre of play.
Entry fee is $6, plus $1 membership in the Montreal Chess League. Juniors, that is children attending regular elementary or high school, will not be permitted to play.
The solution to this one depends on the placement of black's king.
How Good Are You?
White to Play and Win
FEN 8/6p1/p1Pp3p/2rb3k/3R4/6PK/1P6/R7 w - - 0 1
1. RxBch! RxR
2. P-B7 R-B4 (forced)
3. R-R5!! And black is helpless!
