The score is 5-5 after 10 games
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OK, here we go!
Vishy Anand – Veselin Topalov
World Championship – Game 11
1. c4 e5 The English for the first time in the match!
2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Nb6 7. O-O Be7 8. a3 O-O 9. b4 Be6 10. d3 f6 11. Ne4 We are still in opening book, no novelty so far. But with his last White game in regulation, Anand surprised Topalov with the English instead of 1. d4 as in the previous 5 games.
Topalov is spending a lot of time on this move. For example, 11…Qd7 is a normal book move. But this is now a mind game. Topalov knows that Anand and his team have something up their sleeves. He is trying to guess when the novelty will come. So he has to decide when to deviate first to avoid walking into a home preparation by the other side.
11…Qe8 Here is the move which Topalov believes that Anand and his team did not expect. There are a few ideas for this move: To clear the d8 square for the Rook and to bring the Queen to the Kingside for attack.
Now the mind game goes the other way. Anand has to try to figure out if Topalov just made the decision on the board for his last move or if he had something prepared. Both are players are taking their time in this game.
White has a few logical move choices here: 12. Nc5 to attack the b7 pawn or just develop his Bishop. But after Ne4, one must expect Anand to play Nc5.
12. Nc5 Basically Black is forced to exchange one of his Bishops.
12…Bxc5 13. bxc5 Now the most logical move is to put the Knight in play in the center.
13…Nd5 Black has a weak b7 pawn but he has a strong center. White has an unorthodox pawn structure but he has the Bishop pair. White’s c5 pawn is technically weak but Black does not have too many pieces which can put pressure on it.
14. Bb2 A simple development. The Black a8 Rook belongs on d8.
14…Rd8 15. Qc2 15. Nde7 Now Black can put his Bishop on d5 to counter White’s g2 Bishop. Black can also move his Knight to f5 to eye on the d4 square. This game will come down to the middlegame skills of these two players. Neither has anything substantial or dynamic at the moment, just a lot of piece maneuvering. One would assume that this favors Anand a little more.
16. Rb1 Aiming at the b7 pawn. Now Topalov can try to be annoying by playing Ba2 to chase the Rook elsewhere.
16…Ba2 17. Rc1 Qf7 18. Bc3 Neither side has much of a solid plan right now. Still a lot of piece maneuvering going on.
18…Rd7
19. Qb2 Rb8 20. Rfd1 Both players are very patient. They are in a lot of pressure so neither is taking any outrageous chances.
20…Be6 21. Rd2 Topalov can trade for one of Anand’s Bishop pair with Nd5 although he may not want to since that Bishop has little mobility. It may look to the fans at home that this is a boring positional game but the tension is high for both players. They know that it is crunch time and a single mistake can cost them the World Championship.
21…h6 An unusual and unexpected move. Perhaps it is a waiting move. Perhaps the idea to create room just in case of Bf5 later.
22. Qb1 Surely the difficulty for both players here is to come up with a meaningful plan. In the mean time, both are being extremely cautious. Topalov has to make a decision. Will he just shuffle his pieces to see what Anand will do? Or will he get antsy and try to open up the position with something like 21…b6.
22…Nd5 I expect this last move instead of h6. Now it does not have the same effect as White can play Rb2 to put additional pressure on the b7 pawn.
23. Rb2 This is stronger than to retreat the Bishop. The main target for White now is the b7 pawn.
23…b6 Now the action starts. The pressure will shift from the b file to the c file by moving the Bishop to either e1 or d2.
24. cxb6 cxb6 Topalov does not want to recapture with the a pawn which would not solve the c7 weak pawn.
25. Bd2 Both sides can stack their Rooks on the c file. They are battling the control of this file.
25…Rd6 Topalov chose not to challenge for the c file. Now there is no doubt that Anand will take advantage of it by doubling up his Rooks on the c file.
26. Rbc2 Qd7 White is now slightly better because he has control of the c file as well as a Bishop pair. However, the question is how to capitalize on this slight edge?
27. h4 A curious move. Perhaps he could not find any concrete plan.
27…Rad8 Topalov is being extremely patient. He is playing a waiting game while consolidating his pieces.
28. Qb5 Nde7 29. Qb2 It seems that both players are struggling to find a serious plan.
29…Bd5 30. Bb4 Nxb4 31. axb4 I do not see much for Anand here. After 31…Rc6 I think Black is fine.
31…Rc6 32. b5 Now Black has this option: 32…Rxc2 33. Rxc2 Rc8 =
32…Rxc2 33. Rxc2 Be6 Topalov did not want the simple Rc8 which most likely lead to pieces going off the board and a likely draw. He feels that he is in no danger of losing. This keeps the game going a bit more.
34. d4 An interesting but not so dangerous move. 34… e4 35. Nd2 Qxd4 36. Qxd4 Rxd4 37. Bxe4 Bf5 38. Bxf5 Nxf5 39. e3 Ra4 =
| Num | Perc. | Country Name | ||
| 23 | 23.00% | India |  |
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| 21 | 21.00% | United States | |
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| 9 | 9.00% | Germany | |
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| 6 | 6.00% | United Kingdom | |
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| 4 | 4.00% | Bulgaria | |
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| 4 | 4.00% | Canada | |
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| 3 | 3.00% | Austria | |
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| 3 | 3.00% | Brazil | |
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| 3 | 3.00% | Italy | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Spain | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Netherlands | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Finland | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Hungary | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | France | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Sweden | |
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| 2 | 2.00% | Israel | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Mauritius | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Turkey | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Bahrain | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Mexico | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Switzerland | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Portugal | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Japan | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Venezuela | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Romania | |
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| 1 | 1.00% | Singapore | |
Here are the top countries of chess fans following this LIVE commentary today. Once again, India leads the list.
34…e4 35. Nd2 Qxd4 I do not see a win by either player with this position.
36. Nxe4 Black is fine with the following 36….Qxb2 37. Rxb2 f5 38. Nd2 Kf7=
36…Qxb2 37. Rxb2 Black can also simply move his King up to f7 =
37…Kf7 38. e3 g5 39. hxg5 hxg5 Still equal. It seems that this game is headed to a draw. Now the edge goes to Topalov since he will have White in the final game 12.
40. f4 gxf4 41. exf4 Rd4 42.Kf2 Nf5 43.Bf3 Bd5 44. Nd2 If Bxf3 45. Nxf3 Ra4 still = I do not think that either side has much chances to do any damage here.
44…Bxf3 45. Nxf3 Ra4 Still an even game with very little action. I have to believe that Anand is disappointed with the outcome of this game. Now he will face a tremendous amount of pressure holding the final game.
46. g4 Nd6 47. Kg3 = Ne4+ 48. Kh4 Black’s position is a little bit easier here but nothing significant enough to convert.
48…Nd6 Perhaps a repetition coming?
49. Rd2 Anand is willing to give up a pawn. A risky move.
49…Nxb5 50. f5 =+ Anand is banking on play on the Kingside.
50…Re4 51. Kh5 Re3 52. Nh4 Nc3 53. Rd7+ Re7 54. Rd3 I looked at the position more closely and I think Anand is fine. Topalov must take Anand’s attack on the Kingside seriously by playing 54. Ne4. He cannot allow Anand to further penetrate.
54…Ne4 55.Ng6 Perhaps Nc5 now although Rc7 is fine also. I had pause for short moment a few moves back because I dropped my wireless keyboard and it stopped working. A certain keys would not work. I think it is OK now.
55…Nc5 Anand has a the following: 56. Nxe7 Nxd3 57. Nc8 b5 58. Nd6+ Kg7 59. Ne8+ Kf7 60. Nd6+ Kg7 =
56.Ra3 Rd7 Topalov just has to be careful with Anand’s threat on the Kingside. Once he can contain it, he can then try to make progress with his passed pawns on the Queenside.
57. Re3 Kg7 58. g5 I have to say that Anand’s 49th move was gutsy. He is taking a big risk as it is impossible to calculate every variation through. He simply went with his gut instinct.
58…b5 Now that there is no immediate danger on the Kingside, Topalov is making a play on the Queenside to relieve some pressure.
59. Nf4 b4 Anand must pin the Black King back with perhaps 60. g6. Trading the pawn is bad for him.
60. g6 This is a very complicated position. Any slight inaccuracy can cost either player the game and possibly the World Championship. If Anand wins this, everyone will remember 49. Rd2. If he loses, people will say he is crazy for taking such enormous risk in a critical game.
60…b3 Here is a very interesting line: 61. Rc3 Rc7 62. Rxb3 Nxb3 63. Ne6+ Kh8 64. Nxc7 Nd4 65. Ne8 a5 66. Nxf6 a4 67. Ne4 Nxf5 68. Kg5 Ne3 69. Nc3= Anand is wise to take a lot of time here. This is perhaps one of the most important moves of this game and perhaps even the match. He can lose if he is not careful. But if he plays accurately, he can hold.
61. Rc3 He found the right plan. 61…b2 would be a horrific blunder for Topalov as 62. Rxc5 b1=Q 63. Ne6+ Kg8 64. Rc8+ Rd8 65. Rxd8#. Here is another drawn line 61…Rd4 62. Rxc5 Rxf4 63. Rc7 =
61…Rd4 62. Rxc5 Rxf4 63. Rc7 Kg8 64. Rb7 A cute try. If Topalov plays Rxf5+ then 65. Kh6 +-
64. Rf3 65. Rb8+ Kg7 1/2 Dead draw!
Slow start but exciting finish! Game 12 will be on Tuesday with Topalov having White.
Click here to replay the game.
I think Topalov will win game 12.
With an even score at this stage, it will be a bummer for whoever loses. I wish there was a concept of a tie — joint world champions.
That what they are, or should be, if the match ends up as 6-6.
The next world-championship is a tournament, so there is no issue of which of them will play the next challenger.
This game is sure to be the most exciting of the match, so far. 🙂
Let’s hope Anand finds his way to victory.
If it is a tie there should be tie breaker. There should not be joint winners. About next world-championship nobody is sure what it will be. I think it should be like this. A challenger against the winner of this match. I hope Anand will be the deserving winner here. He played better chess than Topolov. But one should admire the fighting spirit of Topolov.
Both the upcoming games will be drawn.The championship will be decided in rapid and who knows topa may have a home elixir for that also.It is his life and death. Now or never.His stakes are high compared to Vishy.
I wish the gentleman Of chess win this match and the heart of millions. Good luck Vishy.
d4 again for sure. So far, never saw other openings in this championship. 🙁
the person winning this match wins the championship….and i think anand would go for E4….
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Will Topalov play aggressive, although with Black?
A lot to loose, maybe he does it in the last game ..
Will Anand attack?
Maybe I’m wrong, but til now he played more safely, and waited for a mistake of Topalov
Or are there games in this WC, where Anand started attacks?
It is going to be a draw, today. Anand will not go all out for a win taking undue risk.
I am positive it is going to go to a
rapid games tie break.
Victory to Anand in the end !
Todays game is of cource very decisive because of the matchscore. I think (and hope) Anand will play for a win, and will win this game. Then the pressure will be at Topalov in the last game, and that game I think Anand will win, too. Because Topalov will press to hard for a win.
d4 i think,
but i hope for a e4!
Now they sit on the chess board, Topalov looks around (of course not to Anand 😉
Photos …
.. let the show begin !
1. c4 .. new tactic of Anand?
10 moves in 5 minutes.
Both seem to be prepared very well.
How does Topalov “know” Anand starts with c4?
The English!
For the first time, I am hoping my flight remains delayed! ..so that I can catch more of this game live 🙂
Looks like a Sicilian Dragon in reverse to me. Am I right?
11. Ne4 …
Now Topalov takes time to think.
Anand used 3 min. for 11 moves.
Topalov already used 14 min, and thinks about move 11.
So maybe Anand want to bring Topalov into a time problem with this tactic.
go anand go.. win behenchod!
– I read, English is a flank opening
– This one is called Four Knights
So, I’m not an expert in openings, I just can tell, what I see:
– the black Knights are not on the Kings site (does that matter?)
Topalov defanately looses lots of time 😉
I hope win this game!
Go Anand,crush him!!!
14. ..
To me, it looks like Topalov now has a slightly better position:
– the knights almost in center
– the Ra8 easy to Rd8
– ok. White has a good castle, and the Bishop on g2 is strong.
This will be a long game, too, I think. Not much going on yet. Still hope Anand will win the game 🙂
13. Bb2
Now both white Bishops control the long diagonal lines. I think, this will get a big problem for Topalov.
Susan, is the black Queen to Qe7 not easy to attack the pawn on c5?
13. .. Rd8 (my guess, too 😉
Topalov’s pieces are better developed. He has remove to move around.
15. Qc2
Is this to protect the white c5 pawn?
And the white Queen now soon has an option to h7 (so Black should play g6?)
Susan, would you, please, enlighten us what may be the plan for Black in that position … because though I feel Black is OK here, I would not like to play it with black, since I cannot figure anything out for Black, except staying and waiting!
15. Qc2 Nde7
Easier to get this Knight to kings side. Later:
Ng6 or Nf5?
I think Nf5 is too agressive, even for Topalov.
I’m sure GM Mihail Marin is going to watch this game carefully. I have Volume 1 of his c4 opening books. There are still 2 volumes of this work yet to be published. I’m wondering if Anand had studied that book and decided to use it for this match?
I only can look 2 or 3 moves ahead.
(e.g. 15. Qc2 Nde7 16. Rab1 are 3 moves [THIS 3 moves i didnt assumed]
16. .. Ba2 : What is this?
now I get visitors .. 😐
Hope, this game is on in 1 hour ..
Susan,
You meant 16….Ba2, not Ba8
Topalov outsmarted Anand by playing Qe8! Now Anand is on his own. I think Anand will again face sever time trouble the way he is progressing. He has already committed blunders in game 8 and 9 under time trouble. Let’s hope he keeps his cool this time.
The commentators here are highly emotional and tense I think. Each wondering what would hapen for his/her idol?!
I wonder How could Anand open c4 a comparatively school game opening??!! May be his only idea is to keep Topa away from his preparations!
Bring back Bronstein!
any info about the seconds of both players?
I think Anand’s plan is to test Topalov’s patience… he seems to be happier playing dynamic aggressive chess rather than slow and positional… on top of that this is a “must-not-lose-game” for Topalov so he has to curb his natural aggression… that is also difficult for him I think…
I think the English was a fantastic choice… Anand has already shown he is the king of patiently waiting…
though my view could be biased as I want Anand to win 🙂
anadn is gonna pile up against b7
Susan what do you think about 21)…Rd5 for Topalov? Threatning the c5 pawn.
I think Anand will crush Topalov convincingly…..go Anand go…..win the WC for us.
Getting the rook to b2 is a four-move maneuver for anand
Can you please fix up the move numbers? They appear to be one move out.
Susan, you’ve repeated move numbers after the last diagram so you’re 1 move behind!!
White: Rb2 with the idea of Nd2-Nc4
who are the seconds for anand???????
topalov is walking about and anand is in think tank
At a quick glance, maybe Anand should let the dark squared bishop go and play 23Rb2…NxBc3 24Rxc3 with the idea of moving the Knight to d2 the to either c4 or e4! If this sucks it’s because I’m watching Chess and Formula 1 at the same time 🙂
What is the plan behind h6? Preparing f5?
if black g6, white d4
If allowed White will create an Alekine’s gun on the c file with the 2 rooks in front and the queen on c1. Maybe Anand will get to sac again on h6, this time with the bishop.
By the way, Susan. I was very sorry to hear about the death of your friend GM Andor Lilienthal. May he rest in peace…
After 25.-,Rd6 it seems that white has gradually improved his position and that Topalov has trouble finding a plan. 25.-,Rc8 was probably better.
Major queenside onslaught coming
a3-a4 coming soon
Topa has become patient for championship sake! THIS IS THE DECIDER.You will know who will be the champion of 2010 today!!
Shipov doesn’t like Rd6.
I thought that looked weird too.
I think the English was a good choice by Anand. It’s not so much about book theory but positional understanding. Karpov and Smyslov both have excellent records with the English! I think Anand has a better position here.
Why not Qb5 attacking c6 knight third time?
It is clear Anand is a better player. He missed many by narrow means. Alien place and journey also counts though finally score only counts!
Topa is simply defensive here. The match would go to rapid if they play safe like this!
If all that Topalov wanted was a draw, he could have simply played 29 … Nd5 instead of 29 … Bd5 which now has opened up the weak c7 square!
Now 31.. e4?
32. b5
So, I was away 1.5 hours, and the game looks almost the same .. 😉
Which pieces are off the board?
2 pawns on both sides,
1 white knight, 1 black bishop.
Is this true?
32. .. Rxc2
Does the battle begin now?
this looks favorable for topalev if they trade down to an endgame, the b5 pawn is on its own and topalov’s king can enter quickly via white squares
susan,
What do you think about the endgame that might arise after exchange of rook and queen and also maybe bishop.. What is evaluation of the knight ending?
To me black is better. white has weak b-pawn, if black can create a passed pawn on queenside, black will have edge.
34. d4 – movement in the very center
34. .. exd4 ? and then?
Both have now about 32 min. rest of time, for 5 moves. If one start an unusual move, the other could get into time problems ..
34… f5!
Roland, take a break, you never guess the correct move anyway.
Chess tactics and chess strategy
Dear Mrs. Polgar, are these “concepts” a good view to a game?
36. ..
So, which strategy you would follow or develop in this position as White?
For me, only the (short time) tactics are possible .. 🙂
It may not be a win for either player, but that pawn at b5 is going to be a pain to defend. I would not be surprised to find a position soon that is materially even, but black has a passed b-pawn. You know Topalov would chew on that edge a good long while.
Percentage of users following is good.
If you give the total number, it is possible to have an idea, how much from a country (like Germany, with 9% 🙂
I guess til now about 80.000 ?
37. Rxb2
So, now it is possible to speak about a strategy for each player.
Is there any win strategy?
Dont think so …
It is starting to look like this game is going to end in a draw as well. Unless Topalov makes a mistake or Anand makes a very clever move that Topalov fails to see through.
All the same, I’m supporting Anand. I really hope he wins!
Black has a slight edge
Another draw?
i think English wasn’t a good choice by anand…just gave a simple draw to toplav.. taking advantage of white pieces was crucial in last game as white for anand but English just wasn’t the right choice as the game indicate which in my opinion is a dead draw…
Is the idea behind 40.f4 to simply or to clear a square for the king if black checks on the back rank?
I think after a draw today….anand will manage another draw in next ….and then humiliate topalov in the tie breaks with shorter time control as he is very good at them !!!!!!!!!!!
Anand should have opened with e4.
@ anon at 10:01:00 AM CDT
(is it so difficult to type in a name. maybe Anonymous1 😉
Why not guess the next move?
Isn’t it a chance to learn from such a game? Is it annoying? then sorry.
I only get into a game, when I think about what would I do now. When there is a different move, I learn from it. More if I only watch. I would like to hear more form other posters. Not only “Anand wins!” Why do you think he wins?
42. …
So now it looks empty on the board.
the white rook cant go to kingside, has to protect the b pawn.
Anand is such a booooring player.
42. .. Nf5
In my view, Topalov tries at least to attack.
Anand is more and more boring to me.
Chess is a game about winning a military battle.
To play almost always for a draw, and attack only if the other makes a mistake is .. hmm ..
clever or lacking courage ?
In my view, Topalov has more ideas.
I don’t like white’s position after 42. ….Nf5. Black is more active, white’s king and minor pieces are under some pressure, and his b-pawn is liability. I am finding it hard to see useful moves for white. Topalov is going to squeeze and squeeze.
How disappointing that Anand didn’t try to do more with his last game with white pieces. He must be confident he can draw with black and go into tie breaks.
How disappointing that Anand didn’t try to do more with his last game with white pieces. He must be confident he can draw with black and go into tie breaks.
I think now Topalov has an edge. Anand played too cautiously and is now paying price for that.
GM Susan had a hard week. Did she fell asleep again? 😉
Just fun. You know when to save energy, and you have a tight schedule, if I see it right.
Once again, big thanks for this commitment.
Question: Do you use this games as basis for your teaching?
Or is it too high level to “learn” from it?
I think, Anand is really physically tired. If you look at the live stream, he has less body tension than Topalov.
Anand wiggles with the head back and forth, a sign of tiredness. he also moves slow (ok, he always moves slow 😉
If he cant refill his batteries, the 12th game will get a desaster.
Anand is happy with a draw in this game. He prefers to win the last game in which he has the black pieces.
A horrible choice of opening by Anand. Who choses English who is going for a win for the world championship with his last white? Gave Topalov a draw on the platter. I am afraid its not looking good for him for tomorrow. I think Topalov will show him how to go for a win with white. I just hope Topalov over extends tomorrow and gives the first win with Black to Anand and the world championship.
I’ve been an Anand fan all along. But now wonder whether he does deserve to win the championship?
Topalov has shown more champion-like instinct
ultimatel anand will win the match
Aha!
If Topalov feels fresh enough, he will soak out as much engergy from Anand as possible!
But not from me. 😉 I come back in one or two hours ..
No exchanges, just play as long as possible and keep Anand thinking.
Q: When Topalov has to accept a draw?
If 12 ends in a draw and we go to the rapid play, when does that happen, how many games, and will it be broadcasted live?
Go Topa Go!
Very interesting….good luck to anand
Is x amount of speed games of chess the most valid way to determine the World’s chess champion?????????????
cant stay away .. 😉
47. Kg3
The white pawn b5 is lost, if not
my guess: 47. .. Ra5
47. .. Ne4+ the real move.
Ah, of course, avoid exchanges,
like I wrote before.
see, I learned something.
NOW i leave for a while ..
Anand is toying with Topalov, making him think he has a chance in this match. In the final game 12 Anand will crush Topalov completely, showing that he is the best of these two!
After retreating the knight back to d6, maybe Topalov is offering a repetition draw? Hard to believe, I know.
And equally hard to believe :)… seems like Anand is turning down the repetition offer
Isn’t Anand’s 49. Rd2 a blunder? Any idea why he’s giving up the pawn at b5 free?
God, please tell me Anand didn’t just blunder this away?
grrr ..
Susan, I think Topalov doesnt want a draw by repitition.
How about
49. .. Nc4 ?
No, Topalov takes the pawn.
..
50. f5
How to stop the g pawn?
Can Anand trap the black king on the back rank? Clearly, Rd7+ is coming followed by Ke8, but then what? Rb7? The g-pawn is weak and under attack, so i don’t see how white can leave it. I sure hope Anand has all of this worked out, because I clearly don’t see what he is up to.
Topa is going to win. Anand is a pawn down and topa has two connected passed pawns.
ok…Anand goes nuts. Ladies and gentlemen, presenting to you the new World Chess Champion…Veselin Topalov!
Come on Susan, say it now…Anand is GONE… from 49th move he’s been blundering move after move… I was expecting him to draw; now he’s a pawn down and getting into a tight corner…
Maybe, just maybe, Anand is planning a knight fork on the a and b-pawns after an exchange of rooks in their present location, forcing b5, then Anand forks the king and the b-pawn reducing the game to a knight and pawn endgame where Topalov has a passed a-pawn, and white has a bit of initiative on the kingside. This is all I see at the moment.
susan — your commitment is really commendable that you provide us with such an interesting commentary ( i had enjoyed ur commentary even for WC 2008).. but if you go away at the vital moments then it becomes very depressing to refresh the page every single minute… now is the interesting time — when anand has given up a pawn, and where is your commentary????? 🙁 we know its a risky move, but where is your analysis?!
No need for analysis. Anand is gone.
Susan when Topalov plays to avoid draw you are very quick to harp about his fighting skills but when Anand does the same no mention of it. Why so much favor of Topalov ?
56 Rd8 by annad
So, that is the line I was looking at:
56. Ne7 Nd3
57. Nc8 b5
58. Nd6 Ke7
59. Nb5 regaining the pawn. Without the king, black will not be able make progress with the a-pawn. I think this is a draw.
Ok, I didn’t even look at Ra3. Jeez. Anand keeps surprising me to today. Is this move good or not? Back to the chessboard.
Topalov have pawn, but its dificult the game, i think he will win, ARRIBA MEXICO, jeje.
i see topa is slighty better, don t you think?
Susan, please send my wishes for a speedy and complete recovery to your wireless keyboard. I am keeping your keyboard in my prayers.
anonymous?
Just look how Anand is toying with Topa. Topa haven´t the faintes clou what is going on.
I see some hate Topalove because he complained about Kramnik’s 40 bathroom visits.
What if your opponent is visiting the bathroom that often?
It was a valid complain, anybody would have done. Why not insure your opponent that there will be fair play???
This certainly has been and continues to be a very interesting match!
b5 Here come the passed pawns. Anand is surely doomed. He will have to try to win with black in the last game.
if Anand calculated this far when he refused the repetition… in a high pressure WC match… he is not just a champion… he is God !!
WOW – this plan sacrificing the b-pawn was really impressive, all the engines didn´t get the clue in the beginning.
hands down for anands imagination, hopefully he doesn´t blunder!
Loser theis game is not draw and winner is the real world champion…GO TOPALOV
It would take more than a miracle for Anand to save this game.
Well, was writing out my line for fg5, but then Topalov plays b4 instead. LOL. I give up. These guys see stuff I can’t even imagine. Yes, I was convinced Anand’s 49th was a blunder. Took me 10 minutes and a few more of the over the board moves before I had a clue what he might be up to, then he surprised me again, and now Topalov is the one making moves I don’t even consider.
I don’t see any other move but 61. Rc3. What do the chess engines say about this position. I think white has just enough play on the king side to hold, but I would rather be black here.
the pussy cat from madras is about to go belly up.
It´s unlike Anand to create such tension in the endgame. But exciting it is :). I think it will be a draw in the end.
Ok, what about
61. Rc3 Rc7
62. Rb3 Nb3
63. Ne6 Kh8 (Kg8 allows a check)
64. Nc7 Nd4
65. Ne8 Nf5
66. Nf6 with a draw?
This is a draw
This is a very unsual endgame. Very spetacular. Credit to both players for the way they have play it.
why not 61…Rc7??? please enlighten me susan because it looks winning to me
49,Rd2 was a risk, I’m not sure if it’s paying off? It’s made things more dynamic! If Anand loses because of this, well at least he gave it a try. Even players of their level must get bored stupid playing for draws! Maybe Anand wanted to entertain himself, hehe! Fischer took risks, they didn’t always pay off, but usually they did! Of course Topalov has White in the next game so if Anand can’t hold this he’s got his hands full!
Topalov not willing to allow a forced draw just yet. Not surprised though, I really didn’t expect him to play Rc7, but Rd4 instead. I still think this is now drawn after
62. Rc5 Rf4
63. Rc7 and the a-pawn falls, and white gets behind the b-pawn and can check the black king at will.
LOL, 64. Rg7 Kg7 is also a draw.
Anand could have tried Rg7+ to force stalemate……what’s your opinion Susan?
So, 1 hour 1 min. later
5 pawns
2 rooks
2 kings .. 😉
I read, there was some exiting moves, but finally ..
DRAW
Finally a draw. It will be a VERY exciting last game, nr. 12.
What fun! Thanks for sharing your insights once again Susan. See you back here tomorrow!
Draw…Show must go on!Thank you for your comments,Susan!
To anyone out there- what did the chess engines say about Anand’s 49th move? Did Topalove miss a better continuation that preserved the advantage? If not, kudos to Anand, because he gave Topalov rope to hang himself by choosing the more complicated game, and kudos to Topalov for not hanging himself. Can’t wait to see the detailed analysis of this game.
No 66. Susan .. 😉
Who offered the draw? Anand?
5 hours 30 min.
Topalov can be satisfied:
– draw with black
– soak out Anand’s energy
Now we have to wait til Thuesday
A draw finally…..thanks a lot susan for your commentry…..its a pleasure to read your analysis.
hello , I think this was a good game. We saw different line of opening hope to see same in last game.
What about 60…a5?
Yancey:
The chess engines (Stockfish at Chessbomb and my Shredder) evaluated 49. Rd2 as a weak move (-1.53 and -1.21).
Both gave 49. Kg3 as equal.
I’m frankly amazed that Anand was able to draw after 49. Rd2 against 2 outside passed pawns.
Thanks, Andy. Me, too. Amazed. Someone later today will put together a very good analysis of that move and what followed. I would not be surprised to find that Topalov erred somewhere along the line. I thought one move that seemed weak to my eye was b4 instead of taking at g5- this allowed Anand to play g6, and after that, the black king was hemmed in. May have made no difference in the end, but we will see.
What about 61.NC6 FOR ANAND
Some suggested 50…Nc3 as a better winning try, although after 51. Kh5! Rf4 52.Nh4 Ne4 53. Rd7+ Ke8 54.R:a7 Ng3+ 55. Kg6 R:g3+ 56. K:f6 R:h3 57. Ke6 white should draw easily, IMHO.
All in all, a very fascinating endgame!
The English opening was a good try by Anand, but the draw gives Topalov the advantage in the final game. The English isn’t always quiet and positional is it Susan!!! I’ve played through your game against Mia Chiburdanidze many times! A fantastic game!