Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Anand Reveals 'Silent Killer' Chess Move From 1997 Game
Chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand revealed a favorite chess move: a simple pawn push (20.h6).
He played this 'silent killer' move in a 1997 game against Joel Lautier.
Anand enjoyed the creative process, analyzing different possibilities before selecting the pawn push, which he felt put pressure on his opponent and led to a decisive victory.
The game ended quickly after this move.
Viswanathan Anand identified 20.h6, a pawn push, as one of his favorite moves in chess.
The move was played in a 1997 game against Joel Lautier at the Biel Chess tournament.
Anand called the move a 'silent killer' and described the creative satisfaction he got from the game.
Anand considered and rejected other moves before selecting 20.h6.
The game ended in 25 moves, with Lautier resigning shortly after Anand's move.
- Who
- Viswanathan Anand played against Joel Lautier.
- What
- Viswanathan Anand revealed his favorite chess move: 20.h6.
- When
- The game took place in 1997.
- Where
- The game was part of the Biel Chess tournament.
- Why
- Anand chose the move due to its strategic impact and the creative satisfaction it provided.
- Chess Player
- Viswanathan Anand
- Opponent
- Joel Lautier
- Tournament
- Biel Chess tournament
- Year
- 1997
- Anand's Move
- 20.h6
- Result
- Lautier resigned