Game 12 – Which player will hold his nerve better? Which one will score a critical victory? Will we see any shocking opening surprise? Both have shown that they can handle the pressure of the last game.
Kramnik defeated Leko in the final game of their match. Topalov is known for strong comebacks.
We will soon find out who can block out the pressure and perform at his best when the bell rings. 121,892 unique logins from all over the world followed game 11 LIVE right here! So in spite of all the shenanigans, chess fans still want to see exciting chess!
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Bg6 7.Nxg6 hxg6 (The players reversed colors in this position.)
8.g3 Nbd7 9.Bd2 Bb4 (This seems to be a new move. I cannot find any game with this move in my database.)
10.Qb3 Bxc3+ 11.Bxc3 Ne4 12.Bg2 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 f5 (Whether Topalov is Black or White, he still pushes his pawns. Black is doing fine here. Other more “normal” moves are 13…dxc4, 13…Nf6. I am not sure if I like this move all that much.)
14.O-O (I would have preferred to castle Queenside here as the h file is opened for Black. One of the possible moves now for Black is Nf6. It is a sensible move and Black can draw this game quite comfortably if he wants to. The Black Knight is better than the White Bishop in this position.)
14…Qe7 (Now, Black has the option can castle on either side but it would be safer to do it on the Kingside at some point. White’s only play is basically to attack on the Queenside. Black can try to attack on the Kingside or just wait and see as his position is solid.)
15.cxd5 (Now if Black takes back with exd5, White can try to do something on the Queenside with the eventual idea of b4-b5. If Black takes back with cxd5 then White would control the c file for now.)
15…exd5 (Black wants an unbalanced pawn structure. As I mentioned above, White’s idea is simple. White has to attack on the Queenside with the idea of b4-b5 and putting the Rooks behind the c and b files.)
16.b4 (Now Black has to be careful in defending this position. Some people may think that this position is boring. I think this is a perfect position for White as he has very little risk trying to squeeze out a win by grinding his opponent. This is a dangerous position for Topalov as it requires a lot of patience.)
16…Nf6 (A logical move to defend the d5 pawn.)
17.Rfc1 (17.a4 or even 17.b5 right away is possible. But as we know, Kramnik likes to be cautious. GM Luke McShane explains: 0-0 b5 cb5 Qb3 Qd7 Rc5 +/-)
17…Ne4 (If Black plays 17…a6, White will continue the minority attack with a4 with the idea of b5. My friend, the legendary IM Tony Saidy sent me this message: “…as one who played 1037 minority attacks and defended several, I point out a basic principle when facing the minority attack: play …a6 and force white to trade the “a” Ps, opening the “a” file. The c6 P may be defensible in long run, but the a7 Pawn is a second weakness. (White traded the wrong pieces in this game to have a strong minority attack.) Horowitz learned this the hard way vs. Geller in one of the US-USSR matches. Another good defense is checkmate.”)
18.Qb2 (To be honest, I would not be very comfortable to have this position as Black against players like Karpov, Kramnik, Kamsky or Topalov, etc. Black’s option is kind of limited right now. He must be able to hold the minority attack on the Queenside. There is no winning shot for White. The idea is to create weakness for Black’s pawn structure. GM Nigel Short adds: “It is better for White. Black is too slow in delivering checkmate on h2.“)
18…O-O (GM Jon Levitt explains: “He wants ..Rf6 to defend c6 and …g5…f4 xf2 for couterplay.” An important note to state is Topalov is using nearly as much time as Kramnik. He knows this game is important. He cannot fool around by playing fast. This is a very critical position to hold. Frederic Friedel of ChessBase offers his opinion: “The only result that will not lead to debate and litigation is 1-0. If the game is drawn then they will play rapid chess tiebreak games tomorrow and if they are drawn blitz. and if they are drawn armageddon.” Nigel Shorts adds his usual colorful statement: “World Championships used to have a little more gravitas. But now they are decided by rapid hand movements.”)
19.b5 (Now the 2 main options for Black is to play 19…Rac8 or cxb5 which would create a weakness in the d5 pawn. I prefer Rac8.)
19…Rac8 20.bxc6 bxc6 (Taking back with the Rook would be a big mistake as the d5 pawn is extremely weak.)
21.Qe2 (With the idea of Qa6. Then White would double up his Rooks on the c file and pound on the c pawn.)
21…g5 (Black HAS TO create counter play on the Kingside. Otherwise, he is lost.)
22.Rab1 (Logical move, putting the Rook on the b file.)
22…Qd7 (Eventually, the idea for Black is to put the Rook on f6 to protect the c6 pawn and then g4. Black has to try to create counter play on the Kingside.)
23.Rc2 (The obvious plan of doubling the Rooks on the c file to attack Black’s main weakness.)
23…Rf6 (Black is continuing the plan.)
24.Rbc1 g4 25.Rb2 (This position is somewhat equal. An interesting note about evaluation. Fritz gives this position equal. Fruit gives this position slightly better for White. Junior gives this a strong advantage for White.)
25…Rh6 26.Qa6 (White has to continue attacking the Queenside. Otherwise, Black can launch a dangerous attack on the Kingside. My thinking is 27…Nd6 now to stop Rb7. GM Larry Chritiansen ponders with 27…Ng5 but that would lose right away with Bxd5+. This is a position where Black cannot go crazy. Black must be very careful. Another alternative could be 27…Rc7 but I still prefer Nd6 a little better.)
26…Rc7 27.Rb8+ Kh7 28.Qa3 (Kramnik made this move instantly. Now, Black should play Rb7 to try to trade off one Rook. 29…Rb7 30.Ra8 Nd6 or 30…Rf6 and Black should hold.)
28…Rb7 (As expected.)
29.Qf8 (A natural move but I am not sure if it is the strongest. Another alternative is 30.Ra8. With 30.Qf8, Black would trade Rooks with 30…Rxb8 31.Qxb8 then 31…Qf7 and Black’s position is fine.)
29…Rxb8 30.Qxb8 Qf7 31.Qc8 Qh5 32.Kf1 (Now the tide has turned. Black is fine now and White needs to be extremely careful. There is no direct win but Black can create an attack which White should be able to hold with proper play.)
32…Nd2+ 33.Ke1 Nc4 (Now if 34.Bf1 then Rf6 to protect the f5 pawn so the Queen can take h2. A possibility is to sacrifice an exchange with 33.Rxc4.)
34.Bf1 (Black has a choice between 34…Rf6 which I prefer or 34…Nb6. IM Ken Regan offers: “The way to continue the attack is 34…Rf6 35 Rb1!? Nd6 when both Pawn chains burn…”)
34…Rf6 (As expected and the strongest move. IM Ken Regan says: “Now a real crossroads for White: take (either) on c4 or stoke the fire with 35.Rb1. The latter looks dangerous, so I predict 35.Bxc4. Here’s a fantasy finale: 35 Bxc4 dxc4 36 Rxc4 Qxh2 37 Rc5 Qh1+ 38 Ke2 Qa1 39 Re5 Qxa2+ 40 Kf1 Qb1+ 41 Kg2 Qd1 42 Re8 Qf3+ 43 Kg1 Rh6 44 Rh8+ Kg6 45 Qe8+ Kg5 and it’s a perpetual.” GM McShane on the other hand says: “I think after Bxc4 dc4 Qa6 Qxh2 Qxc4 White preserves a healthy edge. White plays Kd2, Qe2/d3 and Rc5.”
35.Bxc4 dxc4 (This looks like the game will head for a perpetual for Black. I expect Kramnik to be happy with a draw. This way, he can claim that he remains a World Champion no matter what happens in the playoff since he won 3 games to 2 over the board.)
36.Rxc4 Qch2 37.Ke2 Qh1 38.Rc5 (I see this as a draw soon by perpetual. Black can force a draw with 38…Qf3+ 39.Ke1 Qh1+ draw.)
38…Qb1 (Even though this is nothing, Topalov is trying to win instead of taking a perpetual. It will still be a draw.)
39.Qa6 Qb2+ 40.Kf1 (Topalov is trying but the position is still very much equal.)
40…Qb1+ 41.Ke2 Qb2+ 42.Kf1 (Repetition will be the likely scenario.)
42…Rh6 (What else can you expect from Topalov? He is trying even if it is a drawn position. Now White has ONLY one move 43.Qd3. Everything else loses for White almost instantly.)
43.Qd3 (Of course Kramnik would find this “only” move. Otherwise, it would be the blunder of the decade. Now I do not see how Black can win here. It is dead equal.)
43…g6 44.Qb3 Rh1+ 45.Kg2 Rh2+ 46.Kxh2 Qxf2+ (100% perpetual now if Topalov wants it.)
47.Kh1 Qf1+ 1/2 (Now Black can try 48.Kh2 Qh3+ 49.Kg1 Qxg3+ 50.Kf1 Qf3+ 51.Ke1 g3. I would have tried this. White’s only way to force a draw is with 51.Kg1)
The question now is will Kramnik show up tomorrow for the playoff or will he declare himself a Champion? What do you think?
Now I am being bombarded with email about the outcome. I have not tallied up the count but many said Kramnik wins the match 6-5 and just about as many said that too bad if Kramnik does not show up for game 5 since the rule in chess is clear about a player not showing up for the game.
Many of you also said that you would support Kramnik as a Champion IF he stopped after game 5. However, the sentiment from many of the fans is he should have either stopped the match at that time or play on but he cannot have it both ways (play on just in case if he wins and sue if he does not).
It seems that unification is out the window and the debate is back to square 1. What a mess!
1. e4!
Ya, I do hope we see an e4… but then I want Kramnik to win, so maybe not…
😀
I think Topalov will win this game and the match. It will be great fun to watch this match.
Different first moves sound like wishful thinking…He’ll go for d4, let’s say with 90% probability. If he’s feeling frisky he can play c4 or Nf3 and transpose to a QP system anyway. e4 would be suicide given his record with that, and his opponent.
I would like to see a re-match without the out of the board fight.
I think the game is exciting with 50% only draws.
Regarding the 12th game, i think Kramnik will not push for the win. Since he is going to use the courts of law, he can consider that he won the match if he does not lose the gametoday
If Topalov wins, he will have won 3 games. Kramnik will also have won 3 games. Topalov will have had the advantage of having white 6 times to Kramnik’s five times.
I don’t think this will be widely considered to be a match victory for Topalov.
A Champion must be the strongest playerunder all conditions and in any type of game. So i think it’s shame all games went 1. d2-d4…
Ok I am positive Topy will win….As for the 5th game
if Topy is the man I think he is he will offer to play that 5th game….as we all want a world Champion who wins outright..to win otherwise would be disapointing…Oh and by the way Kramnik is an amazing player you got to give him that…and forget all that potty stuff
The word “shenanigans” that all Kramnik fans like to use, is very apt in describing Kramnik’s actions. In its main meaning “deceit, trickery, mischeaf, prankishness” it pertains to the way Kramnik cheats listening in the bathroom to his GSM, the same way my students cheat on exams.
That said, I am impressed with Kramnik’s strong play when (and if) not cheating and though I am a strong supporter of Topalov, I wish both of them luck over the board.
1. c4 is my prediction. Volodya’s no doubt noticed how restless Topalov gets when the position isn’t flashy.
Come on, people, cut out the cheating accusations. If all chess matches and tournaments end up in cheating accusations, chess will only further lose in public appeal. Is there any actual proof that anybody cheated here?
Hello All,
You know, no matter who wins today, I will miss the excitement of this match. The controversy is saddening and, regardless of the outcome today OTB, we’ll probably be hearing about this match for a long time (if it goes to court).
The games have been fun. Thanks Susan for giving us fans an outlet to express our thoughts.
It’s hard to say who will win. I predict Kramnik. However, a draw wouldn’t surprise me. Neither would a win by Topalov.
This might be the most watched chess game of all! I don’t think Topalov will surrender his forfeit win.
Well, at least the match did continue and no one walked out! Hopefully, in addition to unification, many other good things will eventually come out of this match.
Respectfully,
Tim Harris
I just want to make one little comment before the game begins later today. It’s only to say:
Susan, you are beautiful! I mean that. And thank you in advance for the commentary which you will give.
1.g4 kramnik goes orangutan!
correction, b4! of course… ehm typo..
I bet on 1. Na3.
I wonder if we are going to see another open letter by either party before the game starts – just to disturb the opponent…
I’ve taken the day off from work to follow the game here!
For the sake of the game of chess, I hope Kramnik wins today and takes the title outright. That would put the whole controversy behind us and allow us to move on (except for the little issue of Kramnik not wanting to participate in Mexico — which is understandable). A draw might not be so bad (and I think Kramnik might not mind it either as he would back himself against Topalov in a rapid match). A Topalov win would be the worst result for chess overall (both because of the ugly precedent it sets and the lawsuit that’s sure to follow). If he wins however, I think Kramnik will not be able to claim he’s still the WC (despite the injustice against him) unless a court hands him back the title (which I don’t think it can – the best he can hope for is monetary damages). Life will go on with the 15th King of Chess – Veselin Topalov.
As a keen follower of chess history, I think that might be a disaster if Topalov does not adopt the traditional match format to defend his title. The last thing the chess world needs is a new champion every year from a Mickey Mouse tournament or (only slightly better) yet another Super-GM tournament.
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 += is probably the way it happens.
geez biggest game in i dont know how long and i have to spend the day out of the office, the football soccer) school i work for has set up 4 matches against one of the biggest teams in our state pernambuco, in brasil) for the junior divisions.. cant believe i miss it live and have to replay it later.. oh well, work to be done..
I supose, the game start with d4 and the game is similar to another days.
If Topalov really wants to win he would pull a Kings Indian.
It will be 1.d4. Topalov should go with the Slav. It is very difficult to understand his allowing another Catalan in game 10 – he has not been doing at all well against this; and if he allows it again, I predict a Kramnik win. But not otherwise.
Topalov will not give the forfeit point back, whatever the result.
Topalov is the better one of these two and probably the best of world. Hence today a Topalov victory wont be a surprise IMO.
freitag,
If Topalov really wants to lose, he would pull a Kings Indian. Kramnik made the greatest player there has ever been give up this opening.
good morning to all u chess fans, who will win??
Susy that trip to Budapest sounds fabolous, its a much nicer city than i thought it to be, i guess all europe is, you were born there, in budapest , the capital of y country, hungary??
weell im going back to the game now, ive only seen d4- and im wondering if maybe h5 can be considered a novelty , right from the beginning, jej!!
ok bye., p.d how much do u think it would cost, apart from the plane trip?, im not really that economically affordable,
jb.
The work you made during this world champ was marvellous for any chess fan!
Thank you very much SUSAN.
live game-relay and WM-Chat on http://www.deep-chess.de
Kramnik is going to play e4 today. It has been leaked in a press release.
Why would Kramnik release any information?
I thought it was supposed to start by now. Is there a delay?
should start in about 5 min
“Why would Kramnik release any information?”
Sorry, but you have to ask him that. I’m not Kramnik.
e4 released in the press.
it has started!
It is another Slav and looks like another draw.
It has potential for a dynamic game with Kramnik having the bishop pair and Topalov having the open h file for his rook. Topalov obviously has traded off his “bad” bishop.
What’s with all these Slavs?! Has this kind of opening repetition ever occurred in any other championship?
BOTH are playing quickly today….10 moves each in under 10 min. Must have both been expecting this opening.
Which do you prefer? Kramnik’s two bishops or Topalov’s two knights?
This is a freaking draw already
Meh. With moves 11 and 12, it is looking more like a draw (not a Slav player, was bxc3 playable for Kramnik?)
0-1.
Kramnik is dead here!
It seems we will have a quick draw here today…
Susan,
We miss your comments! Please…we need you now.
susan has left the building!
shhhhhh… topa is thinking 😉
Kramnik is clearly waiting for Toppy to beat himself with another blunder. As match strategy, you can’t really argue with it. And it will be a fittingly cruel punishment to have him spend the 2007 championship cycle sulking on the sidelines thinking “Why, oh why did I play that ?? move?”
I agree that this looks decidedly drawish already, but I wonder if Vlad will fancy his chances after Topa’s inaccuracies yesterday. Granted that position was more imbalanced than we can see here, but it might be in Vlad’s favour to grind this out and see if Topa slips up.
perhaps susan finds this game so boring it’s not worth commenting on…
hey…what’s happening on ICC right now…is there a lot of commentary????
is 9. .. Bb4 a novelty?
Topa loves to push pawns a lot.
It’s way too soon to claim it’s a draw: white has the Bishop and Black has most of his pawns placed on white squares.It will be decided in the endgame and White is favoured.
Well, this is bad. 60+ comments on this blog and no response from Susan.
Something must be wrong. Susan is never late on such things.
Susan are you there????????
Disappointed Susan fan.
13… f5 – that was a long think by Topa’s standards at least! It might open things up a bit, though I am not convinced that that will help him much here. Still, it looks as though he is trying to get something out of a fairly lifeless position…
hey, 13…f5 – now we really need your comments Suza, pleasssssse
Well she’s here now. Way to go Susan! What do you make of the psychological tricks going on?
yes Susan
Please do the commentary.
Please put some words in our Mouth (we don’t have out own!!)
who really understands a GM game! unless ofcourse we have Susan or Rybka tells us whats going on!
Susan,
Btw, just to let you know how much we appreciate your insight and commentary and the fact that this is an entirely voluntary effort on your part when you probably have a lot more going on in life (including sleep!)
Kensy
I hope VEselin is to win the game, even if the game is going to a draw by far. I dislike the style Kramnik plays chess, lengthy, boring games and his eternal excuses not to meet Kasparov once again.
Topa wants a draw so that he can win tiebreak fast games.
12…Nxc3 13.Qxc3. It looks like they’re both happy to go into tiebreaks.
Sorry people. Susan right now is on a children’s radio programme reciting nursery rhymes.
It’s for the kids.
Where is the f__kin comentary?
Maybe she is sick and tired to read foul-mouthed and demanding remarks, such as yours. I sure wouldn’t blame her.
Gabor
Susan is here! We love you!!!
Thanks for your truly wonderful efforts to keep your devoted fans informed as only you can.
Your a super special person.
14. 0-0!!
In response to Zabbura earlier, it does look like 9…Bb4 is a novelty. Bd7 has been played by both Vlad and Topa before in 2005. Interestingly Topa was playing Vallejo Pons, who I believe is one of his seconds.
Surely 0-0-0 would have been more interesting!
Welcome Back Susan,
Thank you for enhancing this Match with your Hospitality & Insights
well isn’t this the coolest thing!
If the tiebreak goes all the way to end, won’t Kramnik have to win as White in 6 minutes while Toppy only has to draw in 5? Polly don’t like that cracker.
wow, maybe he heard me. now 15….0-0-0 Topa!
Oh Susan is here!
*standing ovation*
0-0-0 cannot be played immediatelly since d5 pawn will be lost.
I think Topa was something else in his mind (e5 perhaps sometime)
I recommend that all of you use a fictitious name at least. You don’t have to register, just click on “other”, write in any name (don’t put down any poassword) and the system will accept it and label your post with that name. This way we wouldn’t be confused by all the “anonymous”.
Gabor
Topalov will win the game and match.
This game is going to be a sleeper. I guess Vlad will try to do some pressure on the queenside.
Topalov is hurting big time on the queen side now
15. cxd5!! With one hammer blow, Kramnik has gutted Toppy’s position!
If the tiebreak goes all the way to end, won’t Kramnik have to win as White in 6 minutes while Toppy only has to draw in 5? Polly don’t like that cracker.
If it gets that far, there is a new drawing of colors.
Susan, I am going to make a “wild guess” here – Black doesn’t want to draw this game…. Kalin from Bulgaria
Vlad is playing as a coward – he does not want to win!
ed5 and black knight will come into action with Kf6-g4
definitely a draw…
waiting for additional games 🙂
16. e4 (following by f3), instead of b4, was also interresting, but more risky
16. b4!! Cue “Ride of the Valkyries”! The gunships are swooping in! I love the smell of napalm in the morning! [OK, look. I had to get up at 5 AM for this. I’ve got to do something to keep myself awake through this snoozer.]
Kramnik has gained the initiative. One typical “Topalov blunder” and Kramnik will destroy him!
Kramnik will be the NEW and UNDISPUTED WORLD CHESS CHAMPION.
’bout time.
15. …exd5
15. b4 Nf6
16. b5 cxb5
17. Rfc1 Rd8
17. b5 cxb5
18. Qb3
forcing black to castle on king side
Could you put here a chess board sometimes? There are some chess fans that are not able to follow the game with use of flash or java programs.
17. Rac1 a6
Rfc1. Horrible move.
0-1.
“Rfc1. Horrible move.”
Why would anybody ever say this about any move made by a World Champion which wasn’t an obvious material losing blunder?
18.. Qg5 (!) is what the position and the style of play adopted in this match (karate style) needs
it ‘s an anonymous move … that’s why !
Dynasty said: “Why would anybody ever say this about any move made by a World Champion which wasn’t an obvious material losing blunder?”
Isn’t it obvious by now? All of us anonymous users are really super gm’s. We just don’t want to reveal our presence. You should just sit back and thank us for our illuminating commentary.
g5 is more stylish, I think Jonny
“Why would anybody ever say this about any move made by a World Champion which wasn’t an obvious material losing blunder?”
Hi. This RJ Fischer from Rekjavik.
well then, explain why it is a horrible move, mister super gm anonymove ! illuminate our life !!
18…Kf7 to include Ra8 in the king attack
Who is the number one female chess player in the world?
18… 0-0 this is more a Kramnik like move than Toppy’s!!!
I would like to suggest 17 .. g5 to attack on the kingside and maybe play Ne4?
your still at move 14, while the game is at move 18..??
fritz is the number one female player ! every super gm knows that !
I like Kramnik’s position. He’s ready for a queenside attack while Topalov has barely castled. I agree with Susan here — not that I’m anywhere close to her strength 🙂 –, it appears that Kramnik can play for a win without much risk and Topalov must defend cautiously and patiently.
Judit Polgar!!! Top 20 Male player as well. She used to be among top 10.
“Who is the number one female chess player in the world?”
Judith P. Younger sister of Susan P whom she left high and dry in Budapest.
white kings side lacks defence power black looks better ..maybe attack storm comming shortly by black Toby going for win
i think after 18 ..O-O black lost the option to attack on the half open h-file …
Kramnik isn’t very likely to win this game. But he’s even less likely to lose. This kind of play is meat-and-drink to him. The boa constrictor slowly but mercilessly crushing its victim to death. Everyone knows that Toppy lacks sitzfleisch. He’ll get bored, make an inaccurate move, and then wonder why his position suddenly doesn’t look so good any more…
black’s kingside attack looks a bit awkward. white seems more organised to me
IMHO it will be very tough for Topalov to achieve a draw in this game.
The minory attack is dangerous because the somewhat standard defensive method of putting the knight to c4 and back him with a pawn on b5 comes much to late here.
And counter attacking chances against white’s king ar rather vague. Thanks to the fianchetto White seems to be well prepared for this scenario
“well then, explain why it is a horrible move, mister super gm anonymove ! illuminate our life !!”
It was conservative move. RJ Fischer doesn’t like conservatives. Particularly neo-conservatives. Last time I said that, they send the FBI to my home. I’d to flee to Japan, you see. Now in Rekjavik which is very nice. But very cold. You see.
And did you pay for super-GM commentary? Or just another free-loader?
Now
19. b5!
utah ! you are so passionnate !!! i’m on your isde sugar daddy !!!
Imo the position is suitable to Kramnik’s syle: slight initiave and slight space advantage, and well placed pieces with the possibility of increasing the advantages through deep positional play until a winning endgame.
anonymove is an egyptian mummie
What’s ‘armageddon’ in chess?
They threatened to send my mummy to Egypt. Bastards!
armagedeon is a melody … can’t you hear it ??? KRAM KRAM – KRAM KRAM
CHAMP CHAMP
CHAMP CHAMP
“What’s ‘armageddon’ in chess?”
RJ Fischer v GW Bush.
Good v Evil
Toppy is playing Susan’s suggestions – good for him!
anonymove is an anonyswear
What doe Nigel’s comment mean? Is he yet again dogging another player/match?
Kramnik’s bishop on g2 can’t leave the kingside and probably will remain there for the rest of the game, or will be exchanged to the Black Knight on e4. In any case, I see it as a likely draw in 20-25 moves from now on.
1-0
Yeah…RJ Fischer took on the entire Soviet chess system, the system intended to prove communism’s superiority over all other governmental systems. Thus, the Soviets poured more resources into chess than all the other nations combined. And here came RJ Fischer, riding in from the west, all by himself and defeated the entire system!
Something no one else has ever done…and
is likely to do again!
How wrong some people were to suggest far too early on that the game already looked “drawish”, and therefore was, by implication, probably going to be a boring affair.
But I, for one, find it very interesting.
1 00 001 100010 0101 0010 0001 001101111 000 110 11011 01 0110001 0 10101 010111 1111011 100 0010 1101 001 0 110 001 0001 001101 0010100 10010111001010001 00100110001011 000 010 0 00 0010 1011010110 001 0011 00 0010 001000 010 00100 00 00 00 1000 0 00 100 00 0 0 0 0 00 00110100 00 01100 000 anonybinairestructure
20. bxc6 bxc6
21. Rab1 g5
22. Qb7 Rc7
23. Qa6 (feel the squeeze?)
I find it rather unfortunate that a title as important as World Chess Champion can be decided by a margin as small as one point . . . or some kind of rapid-play playoff, which isn’t even really the same sport.
Far better, in my opinion, would be to play a minimum number of games (say 12), but then to keep playing, if necessary, until one player is ahead of the other by at least 2 points.
Or — should the match last so long that both players would prefer to end it, by mutual agreement that the title will be shared until a rematch the following year (or 6 months later).
This way, we won’t have World Chess Champions decided by what could easily be a fluke.
Susan, don’t you think that by moving the Rooks between moves 22.and 25. 4 times instead of 2 White wasted two ‘tempo’?
Didn’t White lose 2 tempi with 22. Rab1, 23. Rc2, 24. Rbc1, 25. Rb2?
Toppy is playing Susan’s suggestions – good for him!
My God — Susan has a chip in her brain, too! 😉
They should go back to the original format that was used in Karpov-Kasparov where the first player to reach 6 won games is the WC.
I would only recommend changing it to 5 games won instead of 6. Yes it will take longer than 1 month to play.
And the site should also be neutral and perhaps change the site after the first 10 games, then again after the next 10 games, and finish off at a third site for the last x # of games.
Doc: Is that ‘great minds think alike’, or ‘fools never differ’.
39. Qa6
seth, doc — I wondered about that but decided that there are times in the game when no one is under immediate tactical pressure, and both sides are “jockeying for position” — during which tempi are not important, but finding the best place, e.g., to place your rooks and queen is what is important.
Ah, finally the blog is readable again.
I had to watch the moves somewhere else and I hat do notice, that without Susan’s comments, I’ve had no idea, which side is better.
Now I see. 😉
Thanks from here to Susan for all her work.
Greetings, Jochen
(again, I’m sorry for my bad English!?)
Why would Kramnik think that he won the match 3-2 in case of a draw ? The 5th game has to be replayed !
Anonymous wrote:
They should go back to the original format that was used in Karpov-Kasparov where the first player to reach 6 won games is the WC.
I’d agree that draws might be completely ignored.
But your proposal allows for the unsatisfying possibility of a WC decided by a 6-5 margin.
Definitely looks drawn now.
To tiebreaks then, I guess.
seth mould: I hope the first option is
the right one 🙂
What about 42…Rh6?
and if 43 Rxc6 then Qb1+ Ke2 Rh1?
Can someone tell my what a computer says about 42…Rh6?
I guess it goes 42…Rh6 43.Qd3 g6 but not sure what then. I’m not in front of my Fritz 🙁
Exactly the same position I’ve got on my little board, johny.
Rh6 looks good to me, too, but there must be something I oversee.
As a complete patzer I don’t know why B can’t invade with his R on the h file.
Or is it just that there is not enough time before W can put together a dangerous R/Q attack to B’s K ???
Kramnik winner 6.5 : 5.5!
New FIDE World Champion!
OPPPSSS.. forgot.. Topalove got a free FIDE point…
Never mind…
g6 played
I think now Qc2 – Qa2 Rxc6
Johnywh said…
42 . . . Rh6, and if 43 Rxc6 then Qb1+ Ke2 Rh1?
But what if 42 . . . Rh6, 43 Kg1 so that if 43 . . . Qb1+ then 44 Qf1
???
Seems safe for W.
Why does Qd3 prevent Rh1 Kf2 Qa1 leaving only one move before Qg1
Not 6.5 – 5.5 but 6-5 with 1 more game to play.
Rh6 43.Qd3 g6 44.Qb3 Rh1+ 45.Kg2 Rh2+ 46.Kxh2 Qxf2+ drawn. Match drawn. Official.
No, it’s not safe for W, because of
44 . . . Rh1!
I think . . .
daz said…
Johnywh said…
42 . . . Rh6, and if 43 Rxc6 then Qb1+ Ke2 Rh1?
But what if 42 . . . Rh6, 43 Kg1 so that if 43 . . . Qb1+ then 44 Qf1
Then Rh1+ and queen is lost
DRAW!
This is great!! Now Topalov is the undisputed World Champion!! Topalov will PWN in speed games…
BRING ON THE 5TH GAME
Susan, you’re keep writing Qe3.
Didn’t you mean Qd3 by any chance?
Gabor
Who besides me wants to see 1. e4! played in the rapid finals?
Thanks Susan.
(BTW 43. Qd3 not Qe3)
Johnywh said…
daz said…
Johnywh said…
42 . . . Rh6, and if 43 Rxc6 then Qb1+ Ke2 Rh1?
But what if 42 . . . Rh6, 43 Kg1 so that if 43 . . . Qb1+ then 44 Qf1
Then Rh1+ and queen is lost
DRAW!
In that scenario, only W loses Q. Not draw.
I have no love for either player, I don’t care who wins. However, in any other sporting event in the world, if two sides agree to the rules and then one side doesn’t show up for a game, its a forfeit for the other side. 6-6, bring on the blitz games.
Having said that, Danailov actions were petty and unsporting to an extreme.
Well, we’ll either see Game 5 tomorrow or a publicized court case. I don’t think Kramnik will play “tie-breakers” when there is no legitimate tie.
Question: Can someone please explain why the money will be equal no matter who wins?
This seems different from any other world championship I have ever heard of, chess or not chess.
Ah, but in any other sporting event (leaving aside the vexed question of whether chess is a sport), the rules don’t get changed in the middle at the behest of one side.
That said, Kramnik should not have continued playing the match unless he was prepared to accept the result.
If Kramnik still has complaints and claims to be WC after losing the Blitz games, NO ONE will listen to him….
What are you speculating here — Kramnik said already he will play the tie break…
If Real Madrid doesn’t come to the field to play Manchester United, its a win for Man Utd. What exactly is the problem here? As much as I dislike the way Top and Dan handled themselves here, Kramnik refused to show up for the 5th game. Theres no argument here, he simply didnt sit down at the appointed time.
Thats a loss, plain and simple.
Kramanik will most probably show up. He may very well win tommorow. If he loses, he will just bring up the game 5 issue and he will go for litigation. Besides, his open letter said that Mr. Krmanik will play till last tie breaker.
He has nothing to lose here really! And ya, I think he is the real champion! I don’t count toilet wins of topalov!
V. Kramnik cannot be the Champion at this stage!
Whether
1. one thinks he should have played his 5th game without his personal bathroom, then the score is equal,
or
2. one thinks the 5th game is not a loss for Kramnik, then this game should be played on board.
Pure logic. There is no Champion for the moment.
@Anonymous 11:10:01 AM:
However, in any other sporting event in the world, if two sides agree to the rules and then one side doesn’t show up for a game, its a forfeit for the other side. 6-6,….
As I understand it, Kramnik’s contention is that the former Appeals committee had already broken the contract with their decision regarding the bathrooms, and thus there was no match. I think he’s right in his analysis, but I would have played game 5 anyway, under protest.
bring on the blitz games.
Ugh. What a terrible way to decide a championship.
> If Real Madrid doesn’t come to the field to play Manchester United
Nonsense. If ManU breaks the agreement, e.g. changing the rule such that the home team has one more player , the Real MUST refuse to play. Otherwise it may be said that they agreed to the change.
Susan wrote:
I have not tallied up the count but many said Kramnik wins the match 6-5….
Well, Kramnik under no circumstances wins 6-5, because even if game 5 is debate, SOMEONE would have gotten point for it. So, it could be 7-5, 6-6, 6.5-5.5, but not 6-5. 6-5 handles the matter, as if game 5 wouldn’t even exist. It does, no matter how we look at this case, no matter who’s side we stand.
Gabor
V. Kramnik did not play a game because his bathroom was not close enough to his restroom?! Spoiled child! This seems crazy to me. You know, these VIPs, they only know 5 stars hotels. A 4 stars hotel would drive them crazy. BTW the big black car of Kramnik is nice… to destroy our Earth.
Topalov again is a magician. When he castled it looked like he was giving up on kingside mating attack and might have to settle into passive defense. But no! He put the king on h7 (safe but blocking the h file) and got a kingside attack anyway! A different way to use the doubled pawn, the one on g7 shielding the king, the one on g4 cramping white’s kingside. By the time control he was the one with winning chances.
So what about white’s move Rfc1 that was criticized by the guy claiming to be Fischer? Was it bad? If the rook were still on f1 would white have been able to break with f3 or something? Black is attacking on the kingside, but if white opens that side up it may be good for white because he has the bishop and black’s king starts looking unsafe! I’d like to hear other views about this.
I don’t want to defend the actions of Danailov, which
may have been done with the approval of Topalov — I don’t think we know this for sure.
But I do want to say that if you were in Topalov’s shoes, you would find the number of bathroom breaks taken by Kramnik to be very unusual.
Certainly this unusual number of breaks is no proof of any bad behavior. But it is sufficiently unusual that it would make anyone in Topalov’s shoes wonder what is going on, and whether everything is fair.
I feel that the negative comments about Topalov have been going way too far, even if you do not agree with Danailov’s actions. I don’t agree with them either, but I think Topalov is being criticized too much for a natural reaction to a highly unusual situation.
Kramnik error 24. Rbc1 – cost him tempi. Instead Fritz gives immediate 24. Qa6, then …g4 25. Rb7…
Fritz gives all moves other than 25…Rc7 as clear advantage to white…
Topalov is twice lucky. First, that Kramnik didn’t play game 5, for even a draw would mean the score would now be 6.5-5.5.
Second, that a drawn match goes to tiebreakers. Previously, drawn matches mean the current champion retains the title, so again Kramnik wins.
Thats the problem with chess now. There is so much whining over ‘I want such-and-such a bathroom’ and ‘my opponent moves his eyebrows too much.’ How do chess professionals ever expect to reach the levels of exposure they yearn for with this petty nonsense.
Sit down and play. (Or rather, if you dont sit down, accept your loss.) Topalov had no reason to complain about Kramnik’s behaviour, he had no facts. Kramnik had no reason to forfeit, he should have peed somewhere else.
Previously, drawn matches mean the current champion retains the title, so again Kramnik wins.
Previously and wins
You have a problem with your tense. Even with my poor English I can see that!
Finally the match’s over and I can go to the supermarket to get something for lunch (omg it’s 17.25 o’clock here).
It was just too exciting – nice one!
Imho the case is clear:
if Kramnik doesn’t apear to the Matches, in FIDE’s eyes Topalov would become worldmaster – if that’s right or not.
But if Kramnik wants to go to court because of that, I think he shouldn’t play – if he playd, lost and went to court afterwards (!) it would be like making the same mistake again.
Playing and accepting – or don’t play.
I do not want to have to take that decision.
Poor Kramnik, but of course that’s just an opinion.
Greetings!
This issue is that both Kramnik and Topalov came into the match as champions.
I doubt Kramnik will attempt to claim to be the rightful FIDE champion. But he may still claim to be the “Classical” champion. Then the question becomes: Who agrees with him?
Like Tinkerbell, the “Classical World Championship” exists only insofar as people believe in it.
Kramnik has already said that he would play the tiebreaks. You can forget about Game 5. If they were going to play it, it would have happened before Game 6.
Kramnik has nothing to lose at this point. He has a very good chance at winning tomorrow, as he has a historical plus against Topalov in rapid games. And should he lose, Topalov’s title is tainted.
Previously, drawn matches mean the current champion retains the title, so again Kramnik wins.
Kramnik himself obviously doesn’t think so, because he agreed to play tiebreaks if the score was even after 12 games. (Obviously that was before the forfeit.)
Why arent the contracts up for all to see (seeing that we are the ultimate patrons).
Look, Kramnik has nothing to cry about,rules are rules, primal one being appearing at the board. He didnt appear and the game was forfeited. Do a google search for England Pakistan 4 test Forfeit, and you’ll see a similar much more controversial issue, yet one deemed legal because the team failed to show up. You dont turn up you lose – simple.
You reap what you sow, Kramnik is reaping 6 years of sown seeds.
What Topalov did was cheesy BTW, but I’m sure there is some better explanation than what came out, in anycase toilet or no, Kramnik should have done what he did eventually, that being playing under protest in Game 5 itself.
Hi. This RJ Fischer from Rekjavik.
The megalomania in subsequent posts here makes you sound just like the real RJ Fischer.
But wouldn’t the real RJ Fischer know how to spell the name of the capital of Iceland? (The same spelling as above was used repeatedly.)
Anonymous said…
“Previously, drawn matches mean the current champion retains the title, so again Kramnik wins.”
Topalov is the FIDE world champion. He won the world championship in Argentina. Seems like your theory says that Topalov should win.
If we leave the toilets, it has been a really interesting match. I hope that it continues.
Susan wrote:
“However, he (Kramnik) should have either stopped the match at that time or play on but he cannot have it both ways (play on just in case if he wins and sue if he does not.)”
I agree with this statement completely. I am personally pulling for Kramnik, but feel that he just needs to go out and win the Blitz playoff tomorrow and stop worrying about the protest to Game 5.
Just win tomorrow and leave no doubt that he his the true World Champion. Simple as that.
I think the forfeit in game 5 was well justified and am still disturbed that apparently Kramnik continues to visit the unmonitored space an unreasonable number of times per game. At least I haven’t heard that it has stopped.
If the match were to “blow up” and not conclude, each player would retain his respective title. This does not mean that either player has the option to just quit; in that case the match organizers would declare the other player the winner and that would be the conclusion.
As for whether Kramnik “recognizes” Topalov’s title or vice versa … who cares? Each of us can have our own opinion, FIDE can have its opinion (but that one is subject to potential legal constraints), my pet piranha could have its opinion if I had such a pet … that’s freedom!
I’ll try not to take the bait any more and go back to discussing the chess game now.
…apparently Kramnik continues to visit the unmonitored space an unreasonable number of times per game.
That space is inspected by both sides prior to every games, and the players area also screened for electronic devices. The rules give both players 2 hours to make 40 moves. How they spend those 2 hours doesn’t concern me.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said…
Rfc1. Horrible move.
0-1.
Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:04:34 AM
———————–
Dynasty said…
“Rfc1. Horrible move.”
Why would anybody ever say this about any move made by a World Champion which wasn’t an obvious material losing blunder?
Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:06:40 AM
————————-
Anonymous said…
“Why would anybody ever say this about any move made by a World Champion which wasn’t an obvious material losing blunder?”
Hi. This RJ Fischer from Rekjavik.
Thursday, October 12, 2006 8:12:08 AM
Well I’m intrigued. He’s sure enough of himself, it’s a suggestion that nobody else made. Fischer did tend to play a very balanced game over the whole board; that’s why he was such a killer with bishops. I don’t care how he spelled the city name, maybe he’s a lousy speller.
But on the other hand white later wasted two moves with his rooks and still black never had a win. So did black miss the right way to play his kingside initiative?
I am really puzzled by Kramnik’s rook shuffling. Am I beating a dead horse if I say it looks computer-like?
I saw you mention twice that Kramnik might declare himself champion. That presumes that he would have won or drawn game five. I don’t think he could declare himself that until and unless game 5 is somehow played. If its not, its pretty clear that it was him who refused to play it in the first place, and so any point that might be awarded should go to Topalov…
Kramnik played on under protest, not as a back up to sue in case he loses. If Game 5 was not held under the conditions agreed to by all concerned before the match, it is an improperly held game and a nullity i.e. Game 5 did not take place and hence Topalov is not entitled to that point. If Game 5 was held validly then by all means not showing up is a forfeit.
Susan you said:
“However, he should have either stopped the match at that time or play on but he cannot have it both ways (play on just in case if he wins and sue if he does not.)
”
I think that is not correct. Kramnik did not play Game 5 because the conditions were not according to the regulations set for the match. Therefore it was the right descision not to play. With playing under changed conditions, he would have agreed to the change. No court will rule in favour for him in such case. They would say: “If the conditions were not legal, then why did you play?”.
Therefore Kramnik did exactly what was legally the right thing to do: play when the conditions of the contract are met.
FIDE President decided about Game 5, and all Kramnik did was not accepting the Presidents decision. But leaving the match would have been childish and also would have broken the contract.
Susan, in life it is like this: if you can’t change anything, then walk away. But if you can change a certain thing later on, then stay. That is what Kramnik did, and he had the right and the duty to do so.
Alex
“Real Madrid should no longer have the dimension 2.44m x 7.32m, but 1.22m x 3.66m”
I think that the comparison is not good because the organizers applied the changes to both players.
Otherwise, I don’t think that Topalov side should not have complained about the toilets if they wanted to. You can complain that there is no “HOT” sign on your coffee cup here in the States, and win, so I think that is nothing immoral in that.
However, FIDE handled the situation very bad, Kramnik also did not do the best, and Topalov accepted the victory, which is also controversial (maybe Kramnik would have done the same in his place despite all claims)…
So, in the end everyone is to be blamed – the only thing is who let this happen?
And the answer is FIDE.
This whole toilet-gate imbroglio wasn’t caused just by Topalov complaining that Kramnik was going to the bathroom too often. He had a perfect right to ask the arbitar to look into this. What caused the mess was the timing of the whole thing. If they had launched their protest during the rest-day and there had been an investigation there would be little controversy. They could have looked at the tapes, inspected Kramnik’s bathroom and concluded there was no cheating. Instead, Topalov’s camp brought up the protest just before the start of the game (in violation of the rules). Instead of disallowing the protest the arbitar/appeals board illegally turned over the video’s to Topalov’s team and then made changes to the conditions that were outside of the signed contract. IF they had done their job, the controversy would have been minimized and game 5 would have been played. While I deplore the timing of their protest, it was obviously timed to ensure it disrupted Kramnik, I find it the fault of FIDE and the tournament organizers that this situation has come the point.
“This RJ Fischer from Rekjavik.”
Yeah? Well I’m Captain Crunch! Get real. Bobby Fischer would never say it was he…he likes things anonymous, such as: Guest 69, Robert James, etc. I doubt seriously if Bobby Fischer would even grace the pages of this blog. He has given up on the Polgars and classical chess.
On to something else. Kramnik has zero grounds to claim he is the Champion…not until he wins it through match play. Topalov should have offered to replay game 5 on the spot. If he did, we wouldn’t be thinking about what a mess this could be. FIDE allowed this all to occur. Maybe we should now play game 5 as the tie break…Kramnik gets the color he would have had and if he wins…it’s over. If not…we play the play offs. Easy solution for FIDE, Kramnik, Topalov, and the chess world in general.
Kramnik has won 6-5 over 11 games played (with 6 Blacks!). This despite the dirty tricks when the score 3-1 Kramnik.
People arguing that legally game 5 was played and hence is really 6-6 is offensive to the spirit of good sportsmanship.
In looking for a unified world champion I think most people want this and want it to be achieved in a fair and honourable fashion.
Should Kramnik play a tiebreak?
NO!!!
Dirty tricks? Well, that depends on your point of view. The vp of FIDE’s press release way back from toiletgate suggests that they *did* investigate, saw many trips to the toilet, and asked Kramnik about it. The response was that he likes to pace. They discarded this as feasible because he was spending a minute or so in there at a time. So they took action. Again, they interpreted the contract, which clearly states a private rest area and a toilet (preferably backstage) as being completely different than a private rest area with a toilet or a private rest area and a private toilet. It was claimed earlier that Kramnik would have lost his rights if he had played. Thats simply wrong. He could have played under protest, much as he’s doing now. In fact, using that argument, by playing on, he lost all rights to game 5. But in fact, he chose to sit out, took a risk that he would lose a game because of it, and that has come to pass. tiebreak time!! bring on some more exciting chess 🙂
Get Smart! Kramnik is using a shoe-phone, or a shoe-computer.
He goes to the unmonitored area, removes a shoe, peels up the footbed, and either punches in the current position and waits for a response, or just receives his team’s recommendation on a tiny LCD.
The shoe is not x-rayed because shoes are expected to have metal lasts anyway. If it’s a receiver in there (which would fit much easier), the metal last is in fact the antenna for it. I doubt the jamming could stop a digital signal designed to penetrate it.
Kramnik might have a special device built by the Russian military for this purpose.
All this is speculation but I would like to hear, for the first time, why it is not realistic.
Take the shoes and give them slippers when they enter the playing site!! This is the way that top level events should be played from now on.
“The spirit of good sportsmanship” is to play the games when the time scheduled to play them has come.
Kramnik refused to play game 5: this was clearly a lack of sportsmanship.
Like the Russian players of the Cold War, Kramnik is using tricks to try to steal the WCC. Once more.
Someone spoke about it but I found no answer to this question, so again:
Has anybody understood the sense of Kramnik’s rook maneuvres Rab1, Rc2, Rbc1, Rb2?
After 4 moves his rooks have the b and the c file but they had them already after the first move – so why these other three?
Another question I get, reading the comments:
after 14. 0-0 it says “Black can draw this game quite comfortably if he wants to”.
After 14.-,Qe7 the black “position ist solid”.
But suddenly…. one move later it’s dangerous for black and he “has to be careful in defending this position”.
Why? Only reason can be exd5 was a mistake? Or why has the position and the advantage changed that quick?
greetings, Jochen
(I hope we’ll see great rapidchess games tomorrow; I wish you all much fun!)