The format of 1970 Championship was significantly different from previous ones. The number of participating teams was extended to 8 and double round robin was replaced by single round robin event. This certainly boost the interest in the Championship since it was easier to qualify, but also made the the gap between the best and the weakest teams significantly bigger. The preliminaries were exceptionally hard-fought. In group one Spain threw out Netherlands and Denmark qualified from group 2 at a cost of West Germany who they eliminated on a basis of match point balance. On the last day (the mixed system was in use and on each day all the teams played each other at five boards) the Germans scored 3½-1½ vs Denmark but dropped half of a point against outsiders Ireland to say goodbye to the Championship dreams. Group 4 consisted of three very strong Eastern European teams, all of which fully deserving Championship final place and Romania were kicked out in the last round despite their record 10-0 win over Greece as they helplessly saw East Germany walking on water to beat overall winners Bulgaria 7-3 and procude one of glory moments of the short history of chess in DDR.

With 11 GMs and only missing Spassky and Botvinnik the Soviets were as usual iron favourites (why do we waste your time to repeat this one after another?). Then came Hungary (six GMs including Portisch, Lengyel and Szabó at top boards) and Yugoslavia (Gligorić back at top board, Ivkov, Matulović). Bulgaria and perhaps Czechoslovakia were probably favourites for reaching 4th position. Denmark were missing GM Larsen which drastically reduced their potential. The event was hosted by Bühler company (steel producers) who celebreted their centenary in 1970. This was reason why they supported the Championship.

The Soviets took off well clearly beating Czechoslovakia and Hungary. They easily retained the lead until the end grasping a record 9½-½ win over Denmark in the meantime. East Germany showed signs of good form halving vs Yugoslavia and beating Czechoslovakia 7-3. A minimal 4½-5½ loss vs Hungary in round 4 pushed them down to 4th, half of a point behind the Hungarians. Yugoslavia were in firm second after beating Spain and Denmark respectively and then losing to Czechoslovakia. In round five Yugoslavia won seemingly decisive clash vs Hungary and were thought to easily defend second position while East Germany scored another valuable victory and moved into third ahead of Czechoslovakia who destroyed Denmark. In penultimate round, however, the German hopes were shattered by ruthless Soviet team which hammered them 8-2. Yugoslavia sensationally lost to Bulgaria and Hungary levelled on points with the Yugoslavs, who were yet to face USSR. Czechoslovakia were lying in 4th ahead of DDR. On the final day Yugoslavia lost 6½-3½ to the Soviet Union waisting all the chances and dropping to 4th after three consecutive silver medals won in 1957, 1961 and 1965 respectively. East Germany took all of the opportunities they unexpectedly faced and hammered Spain 9-1 to move into third and win the bronze medals! Czechoslovakia finished in 5th after beating Bulgaria. Spain and Denmark, two by far the weakest sides finished in 7th and 8th respectively.

All the Soviets scored more than 58% and Keres' 5/5 was the best individual result of the event. Hungary's second position must be contributed first of all to board 9 player Forintos (6/7) and Portisch (4/7 vs ultimately hard opposition). Leaders of rejuvenated German squad were GM Uhlmann (of course) who finished with two game wins and no loss, Malich and reserve Schöneberg (5/6). Uhlmann and Schöneberg won board individual prizes. Other good shows were given by Filip of Czechoslovakia (5/7), Gerenski of Bulgaria (second reserve board individual prize) and Tringov.