Shirov's Bh3!!
Linares Tournament
Alexei Shirov plays 47...Bh3!! — a bishop sacrifice widely called the most beautiful single move ever played — converting a drawn endgame into a win that stumped computers.
Topalov vs Shirov 1998 — the endgame featuring 47...Bh3!! is one of chess's greatest moments. Opening moves shown; the famous bishop move comes deep in the endgame.
📖 The Story
At the 1998 Linares tournament, Shirov faced Topalov in what appeared to be a drawn endgame. Then he played 47...Bh3!! — a bishop move to a square where two pawns can capture it, yet neither capture leads to a good result. Early computer engines evaluated it as simply losing. Kasparov, watching nearby, couldn't explain it. The idea was deeper than any engine could see: the bishop restricts White's king while Shirov's king and remaining bishop coordinate for a decisive zugzwang. Topalov resigned 20 moves later.
⚡ Key Moment — Move 47
47...Bh3!! sacrifices the bishop on a square where both pawns can take it — yet neither recapture leads to a draw. Computers initially called it losing. It won in 20 more precise moves.
🎯 Tactical Themes
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shirov's Bh3 move?
In the endgame of Topalov vs Shirov 1998, Shirov played 47...Bh3!! — a bishop sacrifice that looked like a blunder but created an unstoppable winning plan through zugzwang.
Why is Bh3 considered the most beautiful chess move?
The move appears to give away a bishop for nothing, computers couldn't understand it, and even Kasparov was stumped — yet it forces a decisive zugzwang in a position that looked completely drawn.
Did Shirov play White or Black in the Bh3 game?
Shirov played Black. Topalov had White and appeared to have a safe endgame until the stunning 47...Bh3!!
Do you make similar mistakes in your own games?
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