Anand, Kramnik starts with a draw in World Chess Championship
Bonn (Germany), Oct 14 (PTI) World Champion Viswanathan Anand played out an easy draw with black against Vladimir Kramnik of Russia in the first game of the World Chess Championship here today.
Playing with white, it was a rather insipid approach by Kramnik that led to the dull draw. The Russian, well-known for his safety first approach, in fact did not trouble Anand at all.
However, this could also be termed as checking the scales. In the past many world championships, such approaches have been common to guage what the opponent has prepared and in all likelyhood, Kramnik will show his prepared ammunition against the Slav defense, the preferred choice by the Indian ace in the first game of the 12-games match.
It was a well-rehearsed opening theory in the Exchange variation. Something that gives the white player a surely level position with some chances in case black makes a mistake.
Source: PTI
Seems like Kramnik was pursuing a very “concrete” strategy: simplify the position and try to grind out an edge from there on. Of course, chances are slim he will succeed, on the other hand the likelihood of losing is close to nothing. Curious to see what he will play with the black pieces.
DV
“Curious to see what he will play with the black pieces.
DV”
Petrof?
Well, the Petroff used to be the weapon of Kramnik’s choice with black, however, not sure he will deploy it as it might seem just a tad too predictable. Probably Spanish game, possibly using some side-variation as he did against Kasparov. Anyway, we’ll see…
DV
I thought it was one of the wimpiest WCC games ever….though I know they’re getting their legs…..but its a waste of white for Kramnik.
Wonder if Anand will be so accomadating.
Kramnik simply wanted to find out one of the openings Anand has really prepared for 1.d4…nothing more.
Kramnik will win he is the best.
Mig lights up even this dull game with well researched context and edgy writing – original writing, for some reaon not ‘skimmed off’ here.
For the whole story, read Mig.
Blah, Blah, Blah,
For the whole story, read Mig.
If I wanted to read sensationalism, I would read McLame’s tripe.
Mig, be a mensch and post with your name.
Drawnik strikes again!
A 11 game tournament!
What is the tie-breaker for 11 draws?
Armageddon Chess?
Everyone knows Anand is the “Lightning Kid”.
He’ll launch his King into Kramniks forehead, thus accomplishing the first Chess fatality in history!
Kramnik with be “Krushed” by Vishy!
Watch out for flying Kings!
Kram is the best! All the moves match Crafty latest engine! No human can play better chess. Anand made no mistake, so draw of course.
Here comes the Berlin Defense on Wednesday!
what’s mig?
anyway, sometimes i wish Kramnik would stop playing this safe, wait-for-the-mistake-from -the-opposition type of play, and push more for the win, especially with white…
well, Vishy has white now, lets see what he does.
also, Susan, will u be having live commentary on this event? i’m not alone in saying u were missed yesterday.
No harm checking if Anand knew his theory in this line. It may have been a while since he was confronted with the Exchange Slav.
Can’t wait for Game 2. 🙂