From ChessToday.net:
Gelfand revealed in an interview that Garry Kasparov offered his assistance in preparations for the match. But Gelfand declined his assistance.
Was it a good decision or not?
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Gelfand said no to Kasparov
Not sure if it was a good decision. Kasparov sure made carlsen and Nakamura better players. But he sure cannot teach Gelfand how to behave during a match.
From the practical point of view, perhaps it was not a good decision. But Gelfand said that it was simply a matter of principles: Kasparov had just helped Anand 2 years ago against Topalov, and recently also coached Nakamura. I personally respect Gelfand’s view on this matter.
By the way, I also sympathize with his views on how to position chess in today’s world: as a cultural event, more than just a competitive sport event (I think Kramnik has also expressed in similar terms before).
I think the decision – whether good or not – was about money. Kasparov doesn’t work for free and probably wouldn’t have helped Gelfand that much anyways.
After all, Kasparov didn’t play competitive chess for 7 years. And you can’t teach experience.
Kasprov may be the greatest chess player but he is not a great person.He is arrogant.Obviously he is jealous of Vishy Anand.
Very good Gelfand someone have to teach him how to behave
Of all the people, you don’t see anyone who dominated Vishy Anand as much as Kasparov. Kramnik once said that Anand’s less success against Kasparov can’t just be expressed by his chess quality, and that Anand was not mature enough to face Kasparov’s off the board tactics like banging on the door, etc…
Still, if Kasparov helped Gelfand for the match, we would have certainly come to know the answer on Kasparov’s domination against Anand..! Personally I feel, it would have helped Gelfand to a certain extent…
FYI… Source: ChessVibes.com, June 6 (Part 1), June 9 (Part 2):
http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/boris-gelfand-i-was-by-no-means-inferior-in-this-match-interview-part-1-of-2
http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/boris-gelfand-kasparov-offered-his-help-but-i-said-no-interview-part-2-of-2
If Kasparov wants to be a part of WC event he should sit down against players and show us the money !
gi
Gelfand made a decision based on his personal ethics. As far as I remember…that’s a good thing. Although I was a little underwhelmed by the match…I agree with Mr Anand and Gelfand. Perhaps Kasparov should re enter and start playing again. His sideline comments are not polite and not helpful to the situation at all. There are better ways to make a point, even if they are essentially correct, nobody will listen to a bully. He needs to shut up and play. Can you imagine? having GK there All the time telling you this..that..and the other thing??? He’d drive me nuts!!! haha. I’d say no just because I don’t think anyone could stand being around this person//(Control freak). Garry should just play or make interesting CHESS comments. Not denigrating people.
I don’t think Kasparov could have taught Boris anything he didn’t already know. Well..maybe how to make a 11 move or 14 move draws. But by announcing Kasparov as his second he could have put some psychological pressure on Anand.
Absolutely agree with su market!
Gelfand should coach Kasparov on how to behave and charge money. But Kasparov wont agree because Kasparov is unteachable.
That would add more spice to Gelfand’s play.