It seems like Morozevich is in good form. He has played well so far and he missed good chances to beat Leko yesterday. Mr. Excitement Topalov once again thrilled the fans with his all out, fearless, in your face style. He likes living on the edge. He likes danger. He likes heart stopping positions. However, Topalov has to be very careful against Morozevich today. This will be a tough game for Topalov. This is the one opponent that can play the same type of game against him.
Svidler – Leko
Leko seems to be unsure of himself in the first two rounds. He wants to play sharp. He wants to play safe. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! He better makes up his mind swiftly or his tournament will head south for the winter soon. Svidler on the other hand seems to be content with early dinner in the first two nights. I predict that this will be a draw with some minor fireworks.
J. Polgar – Kasimdzhanov
My sister has to do better with the openings today. She did her best to brilliantly save the game yesterday against Adams. But you cannot win being behind the eight ball every game. This is a game that she could win if she can get something out of the opening. Kasim has played well so far in the first two rounds. He won’t win this tournament but he will prove to the world that he can hold his own against the big boys and girl.
Anand – Adams
He’s good! He’s tenacious! He’s brilliant! He’s lucky and he’s sharing the lead after two rounds. What else can we say about Anand? He was my pre-tournament pick as the winner by a hair of this tournament. I have not changed my mind. Vishy is tough. He can attack. He can defend. He is solid. Mickey had the best chance to become a World Champion in the last knockout in Tripoli. Unfortunately, Kasim played the chess of his life and Adams’ nerve got the best of him. Mickey is an incredible player but he lacks that little extra to win this tournament. This is a game that favors Anand. The question is does Vishy have anything left after last night or will he play safe and be happy with a shorter draw to recuperate?
After the excitement from round 2, can round 3 matches the intensity and exhilaration of round 2? I hope so but I don’t think so.
I agree. I think Anand will win as well. Great blog!
Peter
Hi Susan,
Wonderful blog! I am so tired after watching the 7 hour duel on PlayChess between Topa and Anand. What great players, what fantastic entertainment!
I have a question for you. Do you think that Anand blundered his rook or was that part of his plan or maybe it was unavoidable by that point in the game?
Cheers,
Pankaj
xargon, in my opinion, definitely blunder. He was very lucky to save the game. But his hard work defending a lost position paid off. 1/2 point may be the winning margin at the end.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.PolgarChess.com
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
Excellent previews…
I expect a great game from Judith today… May be its initial nerves or a bit under preparation for the tournament of this calibre.
GoodLuck to her.
What a preview! You’re multi-talented 🙂
Yosim
I love your comments! Keep up the great work! You rule!
Maca
my tips for todays games:
Alexander Morozevich vs. Veselin Topalov 1/2
Peter Svidler vs. Peter Leko 1/2
Judit Polgar vs. Rustam Kasimdzhanov 1-0
Vishwanathan Anand vs. Michael Adams 1/2
Dear Susan,
Quick question…did Susan prepare enough for this tournement? Against Mickey yesterday, the opening wasn’t ultra-sharp. She doesn’t seem like the type that would underprepare, especially because there is so much depending on her for woman in chess.
All right I’m getting more sleep tomorrow…I meant to say, “Did Judit prepare enough?”
starkl, that is a reasonable prediction.
luke, I think she’s over prepared.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.PolgarChess.com
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
OK. Here is mine prediction.
All games will be shorter and will be drawn again so they can have an early dinner 🙂
Jovan
😀 Good call Jovan. But Judit could use a full point and so could Leko. I certainly hope Judit gets the full point, it’d be very good if she at least makes the tournement close, or even wins it. More women playing chess would be nice.
Judit Polgar-Kasim game is crazy! She sacrificed a bishop AND a knight for an extremely well-developed and attacking position. She has to make the kill soon, otherwise Kasim will probably win.
Anand-Adams game is also quite interesting. Qd2 by Anand might be a novelty.
I need sleep!!
“can round 3 matches the intensity and exhilaration of round 2? I hope so but I don’t think so.”
Well, I think so now!
Hello GM Susan,
Terrific game by GM Judit Polgar today. a demolition derby from move 1. very entertaining for everyone.
my question, was 22.Nb5 entirely accurate?
what would white have done if black played 22..R x a2 ?
also, what did you think of Anand-Adams? did anand prepare everything at home as some have said?
thanks,
gr8 blog
Jaideep
PS: “Leko seems to be unsure of himself in the first two rounds. He wants to play sharp. He wants to play safe. It’s a bird! It’s a plane!”
Lol 🙂
great interview on chess.fm ! I never got this profound insight while reading chess magazines …