Traps, Tricks & Mistakes: Shortest Miniature Ever

Kamran Shirazi is an Iranian International Master (IM) of chess who won the Iranian Chess Championship in 1972.

In the 1970s he moved to the USA and quickly became an active player in the country, winning many tournaments, including the Southern California Open (five times).

He is known for playing unorthodox openings. Playing strange openings is a surprise weapon against club players, but against elite chess players, the risk of losing quickly is very high.

This is exactly what happened to Shirazi when invited to play in the 1984 United States Championship. From 17 games, he only managed one draw and finishing last. In addition, Shirazi also achieved the dubious distinction of losing the shortest game in the history of the U.S. Championship. His game against Jack Peters, another IM, only lasted 10 moves!!

Crazy miniature!

In Shirazi’s defence, some witnesses claim that this game was played under not the best conditions. There were musicians outside who played very loudly.

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