The first world title clash between Kasparov and Karpov commenced in Moscow in the autumn of 1984. Both men played brilliant chess throughout the event, but the five-month, 48-game marathon became something much more than just another chess match. From the beginning, the press hailed the event as a collision between two opposing Soviet philosophies: Karpov represented conformity to the Communist regime, while Kasparov was viewed as a champion of constructive criticism of the establishment.

The match began unfavorably enough for a nervous Kasparov, as he staked the world champion to a four-game lead after nine games (four losses, five draws). Karpov would only need two more victories to retain the title. The match then fell into an endless string of draws: at one point, seventeen in a row. Finally, Karpov broke through in game 27 to win his fifth game (to Kasparov's none) and move within one victory of the championship.

Kasparov held firm, and after months of mostly draws, Karpov began to falter. The next 21 games saw 18 draws and three wins for Kasparov, the last two victories in quick succession in games 47 and 48. The previously indomitable Karpov now appeared to be on the ropes, and Kasparov could feel the shift in momentum.

But this time, Kasparov would have to wait for his first World Championship. Citing exhaustion on the part of both players, World Chess Federation President Florencio Campomanes suddenly canceled the remainder of the match after game 48. Kasparov protested that his health was fine and demanded that play continue. After a one-hour session with both players, Campomanes announced that the ruling would stand and that the "match is ended without decision." Because Karpov held the World Championship title going into the event, an "indecision" allowed him to retain the crown.