This book, the fifth in Garry Kasparov's magnificent history of the World Chess Championship, catalogues what is probably the greatest ever rivalry for the ultimate chess title. Between 1984 and 1990 Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov contested five World Championship matches and played a total of more than 150 games against each other. These matches, all of which were close and very hard-fought, feature some of the greatest games of the modern era. Anatoly Karpov gained the right to challenge Bobby Fischer for the world title by winning through the Candidates series in 1974. As is well known, Fischer refused to defend the title and in 1975 Karpov became champion 'by default'. Although he did not have to contest a Championship match to gain the title, Karpov proved that he was a worthy champion by winning virtually every major tournament over the next decade. He also twice defended his title in matches against Viktor Korchnoi in 1981 and 1984. In this book, a must for all serious chessplayers, Kasparov analyses deeply Karpov's greatest games and assesses the legacy of this great Russian genius.

Also under the microscope are the games of the other great, of the 1970s and 1980, Viktor Korchnoi.