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Anand once again opened with 1. e4

1…c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 e6 4. Bxc6 bxc6 5. b3 Other main moves include 5. d3 or 5. 0-0

5…e5 It is amazing that Anand tried to surprise Gelfand with a relative rare opening in modern world championships, only to be surprised by his opponent in the 5th move. It is clear that Gelfand is very well prepared for this match.

6. Nxe5 Qe7 7. Bb2 d6 8. Nc4 d5 9. Ne3 d4 Now the knight has to go back to c4 and Queens will come off the board after 10…Qxe4 11. Qe2. The position is somewhat equal.

10. Nc4 Qxe4+ 11. Qe2 The idea is after 11..Qxe2+ 12. Kxe2 Be6 = No matter what will happen in this match, we have to give Gelfand and his team credit for their preparation. Gelfand knows that this will most likely be his last shot at the world title so he came ready to unseat Anand’s crown.

11…Qxe2 12. Kxe2 Be6 as expected. White has nothing here. Black should not trade the Bishop for the Knight. He should keep his Bishop pair.

13. d3 Black should just continue to develop his pieces.

13… Nf6 14. Nbd2 O-O-O 15. Rhe1 Be7 16. Kf1 Rhe8 17. Ba3 White is going after black’s weakness.

17…Nd5 I do not think that Gelfand will have much difficulties holding this position. Black can always park his Knight on b4.

18. Ne4 Nb5 19. Re2 Defending the pawn while preparing to double his Rooks. I expect this to be a draw. It will be hard for white to make a dent.

19…Bxc4 20. bxc4 f5 21. Bxb4 cxb4 22. Nd2 Bd6 23. Rxe8 Rxe8 24. Nb3 c5 25. a3 and they agreed to a draw.

I wonder if Anand is content with a 6-6 score to head into the rapid / blitz playoff where he has a big plus score against Gelfand.

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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