After the first Karpov-Kasparov match was aborted by Campomanes, the question arose whether Karpov should be considered the reigning champion. Kasparov considered that Karpov no longer held the title, similar to the situation in 1946-48 after the death of Alekhine.
In past title matches over a fixed number of games, the reigning champion had enjoyed various advantages. In case of a tied match, the titleholder had always kept the title. In title matches played before 1963, the titleholder had also enjoyed a rematch clause, where a second match would be played if the challenger won the first match.
What would be done if the second match ended in a tie? Kasparov suggested that six additional games be played. If still tied, Karpov would become the world champion.
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