GM Mariotti, Italy’s first GM, was an interesting player and fellow. I’ve had an interest in him and his games for a long time as he played in my home county Bedfordshire in the 70-71 season whilst still an IM. I have spoken to him about that since, but alas he told me that ever since his heart operation he isn’t able to remember anything about his past life.
Here’s a game of his where he defeats Pal Benko with the Wing Gambit in the Sicilian Defence. White plays 26. Nxf5+ in the diagram below, a long term piece sacrifice which the engines are not critical of, given his position is assessed as already slightly inferior and does not worsen. I can’t see where the win is coming from exactly, so I couldn’t play it,
As mentioned, I did run it through the engines, well the analysis board on Lichess I should say.
It gave him an attack and then Benko cracked under pressure and blew it, allowing mate in 4. Here’s the game.
https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1785932
M J M
