Topalov, Veselin (2813) – Kramnik, Vladimir (2743)
WCC Match 2006 – Game 4, 09-27-2006
1.(So what will it be? 1.e4 or d4? The Moment of Truth will happen soon!) d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.a3 (The two players are cranking out these moves in seconds. Must be the Nakamura bullet style. All kidding aside, this is usually the psychological game. They want to show each other that they are ready to fight)
9…b4 10.Ne4 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 bxa3 12.0-0 (All of this within the first few minutes. Topalov is itching to sacrifice already.)
12…Bd6 (Kramnik of course says no thanks to the pawn sacrifice)
13.b3 (So what does Topalov want to achieve? Well, for one thing, favorable pawn structure. White also has a slightly better piece placement and development. One of his goals is to try to stop Black from playing c5 trading pawns and Bishops.)
13..Nf6 14.Nd2 (White is willing to give up a Bishop for a Knight and allow Black to have the Bishop pair. But I think he does have more than enough compensation for this on the board.)
14…Qc7 15.Bf3 (Topalov is ready to play. He is telling Kramnik take my pawn if you dare.)
15…Bxh2+ (Finally, Kramnik is calling Topalov’s bluff. He says show me what you got.)
16.Kh1 Bd6 17.Nc4 Be7 (Finally, Kramnik is taking his time with this move. O-O is obviously not possible due to Nxd6 followed by Bxa3. Therefore, 17…Be7 makes the most sense.)
18.Bxa3 (Topalov immediately played this. He is giving Kramnik a message that I am still full of confidence even though I am down 0-2. He is not hesitating to move FAST with his home preparation. I think O-O is a must. Everything else is too dangerous.)
18…O-O (And Kramnik did play the most sensible move. Now, as a human, my first choice would be 19.Bc5 blocking that weak c6 pawn, keeping it a target. However, Fritz seems to like 19.Bxe7 Qxe7 20.Kg1)
19.Bxe7 (Topalov sided with Fritz instead of playing 19.Bc5. I realize that the computer is OK with this position as White. But computer does not have to deal with nerve and psychological issues. Topalov finally spent a little time with this move.)
19…Qxe7 20.Ra5 (This is the move that Yasser Seirawan recommended and I agree with him. It is the most logical move. The idea is to stop c5 and eventually doubling up the Rooks on the a file. An interesting side not is Topalov spent the most time on this move so far, probably as much as the other 19 moves combine.)
20…Rfd8 (Somewhat surprising. Some suggested giving back the Pawn with c5 to exchange the Bishop.)
21.Kg1 (This is a move that Fritz was drooling for.)
21…c5 (Another unexpected move. I was expecting something like 21…Nd5. But it does make some sense to give back the pawn and opening up that diagonal.)
22.Rxc5 Ne4 (Back to back surprising move! I do not like this move. Kramnik wants to head into a Bishop vs. Knight endgame. He is confident that he can hold it. The question is will Topalov take or play 23.Re5)
23.Bxe4 (Topalov seeems not to mind having Knight versus Bishop. I would not either. I think White is doing OK and Topalov will certainly push in this position. However, I do not think that he has enough to score his first win against Kramnik.)
23…Bxe4 24.Qg4 (I see this as a small advantage for White. However, Fritz is giving it +.78. Topalov also does not seem to mind this position as well. I just do not think that White has enough against someone like Kramnik who is rock solid in endgame.)
24…Bd3 (This is a questionable move. Kramnik wants to simplify everything to Rooks and Queens endgame. He is confident that his position will hold. However, this will be one of those grinding endgame that Kamsky usually likes.)
25.Ra1 (I must say I am a little surprised by this move. I was expecting Rc1. But either move is fine. White still has a good position.)
25…Rac8 (Another offer to trade. I do not think White can trade as the more pieces off the board, the less chances to win. Actually, White does have a few interesting choices. One obviously is to move the Rook on the c file to a5 26…Bxc4 27.bxc4 Rxc4 28.Rxa7 += The other option is 26.Raa5)
26.Raa5 (And Topalov chose this line. It does make sense and I think it is the strongest choice. If 26…Rxc5 then 27.Rxc5 Qb7 28.Na5 and White maintains a small advantage due to better piece placement and space advantage. Yasser Seirawan does not think White has much. He also thinks Kramnik can hold without much effort.)
26…Rb8 (Another surprising move by Kramnik! I do not like this move. Yasser Seirawan is also surprised by this move and he thinks Topalov is very happy to see this move. I agree. This move gives Topalov some hopes. I would play 27.Ne5 here immediately! 27…Rxb3 28.Nc6 Rb1+ 29.Kh2 Qd6+ 30.Qg3 Qxg3 31.Kxg3 and White has a good advantage. Yasser Seirawan also likes 27.Ne5.)
27.Qd1 (Wow! Topalov sure shocked everyone. I did not see anyone even suggesting this move. He is inviting Kramnik to trade his Bishop for the Knight. White still has a small advantage but I still like 27.Ne5 better.)
27…Be4 (Kramnik does not like the trade so he moves his Bishop away. I guess 28.Qa1 would make sense since Topalov played 27.Qd1)
28.Qa1 (As expected! Today is a real test for Kramnik. Can Kramnik hold the fort against the constant “Kamsky” style grinding by Topalov? If anyone can, it would be Kramnik, the Minister of Defense.)
28…Rb7 (Defending the a pawn)
29.Nd2 (Topalov played this move instantly. The idea is to protect the b3 pawn, chasing the Bishop away.)
29…Bg6 (Kramnik thinks keeping the Bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal is too dangerous so he moved it back to g6.)
30.Qc3 (Topalov played this move very quickly. His pieces are in good positions. He has an advantage that is annoying for Black. This type of position really tests Black’s patience.)
30…h6 (Kramnik also responded very quickly with this move. The battle is not only on the board. It is also a big mind game for both sides. Neither wants to think too long. They both want to show each other that they are confident of their positions.)
31.Ra6 Kh7 (This move shows that Kramnik is not so concerned with any threat. It is like one of those Fritz move Kg8 – Kh8 – Kg8. Now what can White do? How can White break through? Is there a solid plan? Kramnik does not think so. Let’s see if Topalov can pull out a Houdini. The only thing I can see is 32.Nc4, 33.Ne5, 34.Nc6.)
32.Nc4 (Now, in order to stop the Knight plan, I think 32…Be4 is in order)
32…Be4 (Just as expected!)
33.f3 (The other plan is to play 33.b4 and keep moving pieces up.)
33…Bd5 34.Nd2 Rdb8? (A bad move! This move allows 35.Qd3+ to force 35…f5. I don’t like this position for Kramnik at all. I think 34…Qh4 was in order.)
35.Qd3+ (Topalov found it. Now 35…f5 is the only response. Everything else is bad.)
35…f5 (Now, will Topalov go for 36.e4? My guess is yes. He wants to open up the position. People are going wild with this e4 suggestion! They want to see real actions, not that they don’t already have in the past 3 games.)
36.Rc3 (Boooooooooo! 🙂 Just kidding! His fans are disappointed. They wanted to see blood with 36.e4. But I can’t blame Topalov for being a little gun shy due to what happened in the first 2 games. Kramnik hopefully will not miss this move this time. He cannot just sit back and do nothing.)
36…Qh4 (Now, I do not see anything for Topalov. I see his advantage vanished. As I said above, I think 36.e4 is better!)
37.Ra1 (Defending the back rank.)
37…Qg3 (I am very surprised by this move. It is not a terrible move but I was expecting 37…Rf7 and the game would be about even, perhaps a very small advantage for White.)
38.Qc2 (Once again, Topalov opted for a more conservative move instead of e4.)
38…Rf7 (Now e4 is a must. Topalov cannot afford to sit back because Kramnik will have a counter play on the Kingside.)
39.Rf1 (Topalov is not himself today. He is playing too conservative, unlike the typical Topalov!)
39…Qg6 (An ususual move! I am not sure what he wants to achieve with this. Perhaps he wants to play safe to make time control.)
40.Qd3 (Topalov waited too long. He did not play e4. I see nothing for White now. Kramnik should have no problem defending this. I see this position as equal to +.01)
40…Qg3 (Both players made the time control with ease.)
41.Rfc1 (I see nothing for White. I cannot find a decent plan for White for any real advantage. I think Topalov will continue to push pieces hoping that Kramnik will commit a whopper.)
41…Rfb7 (I am not sure if I like this move. This allows e4 again. 42.e4 fxe4 43.Qc2 and Topalov has more life than now.)
42.Qc2 (The same idea but not as efficient. This allows Qg5 putting pressure on the c1 Rook.)
42…Qg5 (I see absolutely nothing for White now. For some reason, Topalov waited too long to push e4. This leads me to believe that he is being cautious, perhaps over cautious.)
43.Ra1 (OK. Can I say piece shuffling? This is a position where Topalov cannot afford to take a draw but he also does not want to overpush. So he is being cautious. I never thought I would use this C word with Topalov but this seems to be the case to me.)
43…Qf6 44.Qd3 Rd7 (Putting pressure on the d4 pawn to stop e4. This game is similar to the way Topalov played some games in San Luis, soundly and slowly grinding his opponents. The difference is his opponent this time is Kramnik, the Minister of Defense.)
45.Ra4 (This move completely stuns me. I did not consider this move at all. I do not like Black’s possible 45…e5 response. Black is at least equal after this.)
45…Rbd8 (Pounding on the d file)
46.Rc5 (Again, I do not like this move. I was expecting 46.Nc4 stopping e5. Now, Black should break with e5 unless Kramnik just wants to sit and draw.)
46…Kg8 (Kramnik is happy with the way things are. He sees nothing for White. However, Topalov may consider 47.b4 now, trying to make some progress on the Queenside. Yasser Seirawan says: “I can tell you one thing, that guy Karpov was unnerving in such “waiting” games… He had serious sitz-fleish.” Kramnik is the same way. He has tons of patience.
I asked Yasser Seirawan: ” Yasser, do you think Topalov would be taking more chances with a move like e4 before if he did not lose the first 2 games?” His response was: ” I can tell you one thing, that guy Karpov was unnerving in such “waiting” games… He had serious sitz-fleish. Good question Susan! I’m SURE that your confidance get’s zapped by the two losses…. Without those losses, Topalov would have probably gotten in e4 by now.
GM Aagaard also said: ” Topalov will obviously wait as long time as possible to advance the e-pawn, as Kramnik’s (perceived maybe) weakness is his fitness – this is also why Topalov played on and on in the first game…)
47.Nc4 (Finally! Something is moving!)
47…Bxc4 48.Raxc4? (This is not precise. This gives Black an almost instant draw with f4. 48.Qxc4 would have been the only shot for White to do something damaging to Black.
IM Ken Regan said: Wow—Fritz sez White had to play 48 Qxc4 to keep an edge, with 48 bxc4 failing to …f4! Now again, 48…f4 is fine, even some excitement with 49 Qe4!? fxe3 50 Re5)
48…f4 (Now White has almost nothing. The only thing he may want to try is 49.Qe4 fxe3 50.Re5 +=)
49.Rc6 fxe3 50.Qxe3 Rxd4 (They can call it a day soon. This is a dead draw. Topalov played too cautiously and spoiled any chances that he had.)
51.Rxe6 Qh4 52.Rxd4 Qxd4 53.Re8+ Kh7 (Topalov has no chance to anything here. This is an easy draw for Black.)
54.Qxd4 (I am sure they will shake hands soon. Nothing to play for here.) 1/2 Official Draw! Full Analysis in about 10-15 minutes!
it is 1.d4 but I find it strange that Kramnik prefers the double edged semi slav.
This can only be good for Topalov. I was expecting some drawish defense from Kramnik.
I play this opening with black (probably because I’m to laizy to study other posibilities) and I think Topalov has a good chance to shorten the 2.5-0.5 margin … (I’m still cheering for Kramnik though … it is probably just my poor understanding of the line that makes me doubt it :D)
D.K.
He has masses of experience with the Semi-Slav so perhaps he chose it because he feels so at home with it.
Surprised by Nd2 by White…looks like he’s aiming for a very long-term advantage, playing against the Black Q-side pawns.
Strange to give up the Bishop though.
14…Bxh2+ 15 Kxh2 Nxe4 16 Nxe4 Qh4+ and …Qxe4…?
Isn’t Bxh2 Kh1 a free pawn and weaker white king? Why is Bf3 good?!
I mean Topalov’s 15 Bf3? (I don’t understand it and my book says they are out of opening theory…)
I don’t understand it either.
It’s getting almost impossible to guess the moves of Topalov…it’s almost a different form of chess.
I can hradly believe it was worth giving up the h-pawn but he’s moving very quickly so it must all be prep. Perhaps we’ll find out over the next 10-15 moves as his plan starts to unfold.
If the clocks on the official site are correct, Topalov has used less than two minutes for 18 moves.
Nice job Susan, I’m watching you on Chessb.
Greetz
Konrad from Poland 🙂
The only thing I don’t like about blacks position is the c6 pawn, ok probably the pieces aren’t as well placed as whites but whites structure is not that great either. (I think that with some exchanges Kramnik can make a draw without too many problems, however I think things have to happen quickly now for Topalov or he will suffer)
D.K.
I can never understand why Topalov has to exchange these pieces.
You would think he would want to avoid the endgame like a plague.
The bishop pair would have been nice to retain considering the match situation.
-VV
Wonder what his plan is? Perhaps he can win the c6 pawn and stand better due to his extra central pawn, which can create a passed pawn deep into the endgame?
Sean:
“Wonder what his plan is? Perhaps he can win the c6 pawn and stand better due to his extra central pawn, which can create a passed pawn deep into the endgame?”
In my opinion there are many whays to atack whites pawns, g2 is weak in the endgame you can infiltrate via the h file, black pawns simply seem more stable and I can imagine that a blocade on the central files wouldn’t be that dificult for black while white must wach his sides as well – he simply has more weakneses. (ok the fact that Topalov exchanged his bishop for whites does question my asumptions, he might be aiming for an endgame but I dubt it)
D.K.
Susan your comments on your blog are great! and i love to read all you words on chessbase!
Moreover you are very very cute!!!
Ciao!
Kg1 is a real computer move, but was it necessary right now?
Topalov’s play shows how much I have to learn!! His g4 attack last game was amazing! In today’s game, I would have not even thought of 12. Nd2, offering the bishop, and then 13. Bf3, preserving it while giving away the h-pawn. I finally guessed Ra5 clamping down on c5 and e5 and perhaps getting ready for a future rook swing to the k-side and preparing pressure on the a file, but now don’t understand Kg1…
Looks like Topalov is playing a frustration strategy alla Kramnik! Ra4 is an interesting use of the rook. Black could be inactive for sometime. Based on pawn structure, Black’s counterplay seems mostly on the K side, but his B is shut out and thus can’t support any actions there. I’d say Topalov has won the opening.
Was the h2 pawn traded for a central secured knight and developing game? 15 Bf3 frees it…
In reply, Kramnik refuses to be frustrated, and sacs a P alla Topalov. Rather than simply exchange Bs, he establishes his own blockading strategy, with a plan to support his Kt by f5, and to make the W R at c5 (soon to vacate) appear silly and disconnected. Nice defense!
OK. So Topalov didn’t like Kramnik’s plan, and will exchange B’s potentially powerful B. After that the R at c5 isn’t so silly, but neither side seems to have much opportunity to win. DRAW
I’ve known several economists who were good chessplayers. This game illustrates why. It featured some interesting trade-offs. An essential part of chess evaluation is estimating the gains and losses of each move. Quite different from tactical problems in which forced moves feature prominently, and a single forcing thread tends to be the solution.
So, Ra1…
Looks like Whit eis hoping for …Bxc4 bxc4, not trying to ontrol the c-file, but instead uniting the pawns and hoping to play against the a-pawn.
Edge to White, but I’m not sure if it’s enough to win.
Black faces a tough choice here. If he takes the Knight it helps White, but if he doesn’t snap it off now it might end up better than the Bishop.
26 Raa5!? sems reasonable to keep the plan in place.
26…Rb8…but how will he meet 27 Ne5 and 28 Nc6?
Yes, I don’t understand Rb8 at all. Looks terrible! Did he overlook Ne5 ? With all those blunders in game 2, one wouldn’t be surprised.
Here’s a non-computer attempt:
27 Ne5 Rxb3
28 Nc6 Rb1+
29 Kh2 Qd6+
Now it is less clear. Computer would help
30 g3 f5!? (maybe)
31 Qh3 (maybe) Be4 threatening Rh1+ and the Kt, so W has to do better at move 30 or 31
Anonymous Frank
Qd1 = another unexpected move. Looks like he’s trying to force Bxc4 once and for all, otherwise Ne5 is even stronger.
Qd1…I don’t understand it at all. I perferred Ne5, as it looked to be an advantage. Sometimes I wonder….maybe I’m playing the wrong game or is everyone else daft.
As we saw in Game 2, sometimes moves that appear to be inaccurate are just that. We’ll know in a few hours.
Interesting line (unplayed)
28 … Rxb3
29 Rxa7 Rb1!?
(30 Kh2? Qh4+)
30 Qxb1 Qxa7
seems OK for black
Anonymous Frank
Rybka is sugesting 29. … Bf5 30.Qd1 Bg6 31.Qf3 and I simpy have no idea what this manover is about (Rybka likes it but it evaluates the position as = 0.15)
D.K.
Wow similar moves were actualy played (I still don’t understand it …)
D.K.
After 31…h6, the position has dried out, which is exactly what Kramnik wanted. He’s going to force Topalov to sacrifice if he wants to break through.
Nc4…is Topalov going for Na5 then Nc6 or is he going to play Ne5 then the same. I like Na5 which moves the rook and he get a chance at the fork, but as we’ve seen…
32. nc4! with threats of Ne5 and Na5 seems annoying. i like the white knight better than the bishop counterpart because its flexible on both color complexes. simply put +/=.
33.na5?? rb6
34.rxb6 axb6 -+
Dear Susan,
What a great job you are doing here commenting this game!
Thank you for this kind explanation.
Congratulations,
Beco.
I miss Kasparov!
first 33. Ra1 to keep flexibility of rook and to protect bank rank in some cases. but this move somewhat loses a tempo after ra6 earlier. Ra1 then plan of Na5,push the b-pawn to b5. and start the stranglehold on the queenside. still there needs to be two weaknesses in a chess position. White will need to create a second weakness (first being a7) black’s pieces are surely bottled up especially on 7th rank. a cute line is 33. Ra1 Rc7? 34. Nd6!
THX you SUSAN for you free commentary!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
36.e4 fxe
37.fxe rxb3
38.nxb3 rxb3 looks pretty dangerous
Great job Susan!
Live comments and evaluations from mr. Seirawan and Nigel Short on Playchess plus this blog.
Too bad it is only a 12-game match…
Finally, I got my bloody Fritz working…Kramnik just played Qg6 and looks as if there will be no time issues. Topalov needs to play 40. e5!
Susan, great commentary. I woke up at 3:45am to watch Topalov-Kramnik and on FICS we’ve been eagerly reading over your analysis. I hear you are chatting on ICC. You should stop by FICS for the next game so you can sit with your other fans for awhile. 🙂
topi is trying to quench any sign of a counter attack in the position . then E$ comes in ….try and create a passed pawn on the D -file and B-file
ehhh after
36.e4 the bishop can not move to b7 (with or without “!”), because of a black rook almost residing there …????
E4 soon
Finally, I got my bloody Fritz working…Kramnik just played Qg6 and looks as if there will be no time issues. Topalov needs to play 40. e4!…BUT it’s not to be
after 36. e4 fxe4 37. gxe4 bxb3 38. Qg3 Bd1 39. Qd5 Bg4 40. Qg3 h5 41. Nf3 Rb1+
the situation looks very bad for white
42. Kf2 (42. Kh2? Bxf3 43. Rc6 h4! 44. Qg6+ Kxg6 45. Rxe6 R8b2! white say good night)
42. … R8b2+
43. Ke3 Rb3+
44. Kd2 Qb7+
45. Rac6 Qb4+
abd white is helpless
I think Tops has the right idea.
To win a game without taking much risk.
But trying to win the endgame against Kramnik is highly risky.
Its like trying to win an equal endgame against Capablanca.
I think a better strategy is to go for a risky opening (but that’s just my opinion).
-VV
Very well writen and nice comments
yep i had inputed a wrong move. my apologies im back on track now. instead of playing rdb8 i played rbb8 lol. i erased it so i dont get people confused. i think 39…rb4 with some very interesting idea of playing …f5-f4 after say …g6 to block the diagonal to the king.
40. … Qg3 nice move preventing e4!
Rybka says 0.00
D.K.
The problem for Topalov psychologically is that he has abandoned his own game and is really playing Kramnik’s style. Topalov can’t beat Kramnik unless he’s Topalov. Of course, the problem has been that Topalov hasn’t been able so far to make Kramnik really flinch. But I still think that Topalov is not playing smart in abandoning his own game style. It shows lack of confidence.
21.Kg1 (This is a move that Fritz was drooling for.)
I think you need a graphic of a drooling computer. 🙂
after E4 knight takes instaed of f3 x E4, topi keeps both rooks on the board and its home sailing …queens have to be exchanged….i give white a +-
Don’t feel too bad, I did the same thing. I felt like an idiot typing the wrong move.
40….Qg3 looks fine white cannot play 41.e4 because black has at least a perpetual after 41..fxe 42. fxe rxf1 43. kxf1 rf8 44.kg1 qf2-h4 etc
With 41.Rfc1 Topalov wants Qe2 and e4.
i found a very creative…….although maybe not completely correct idea. 41…rb4 with idea 42…e5 and then if 43. dxe5 rg4! lol
Come on…42. e4 now!
42. for Topalov? Fritz likes e4 and advantage white.
aha ! susan on mark again 42. e4 fxe4 43. Qc2! keeping pins on. then maybe 43…Qg5 44. Re1! ( but not immediately 44.fxe4 because of 44…Bxb3!!) threatening to trap d5 bishop by fxe4
funny that people wonder if topalov will play E4 on move 1 and move 42.
after 36. e4 xe4 37. Nxe4 Kg8 (avoid discover check) 38. Nd2 (cover c3) Qf7 39. Rc3 Qf4 40. Kf1 Rf7 41. Kg1 Qg3 42. Nf1 Qg5 43. Kh1 Qh4+ 44. Kg1 Rbf8 45. Ne3 Bxf3!
the situation looks very bad for white
46. gxf3 Qg3+
47. Kh1 Rxf3
48. Ra2 Qe1+
winning white queen and game
Qc2 is winning
“Qc2 is winning”
What do you see there?
36. e4 fxe4
previous post should read
42.Qc2 ….now black has no more good moves apart for Qg6
It looks like Kramnik has done an excellent job of coordinating his pieces since I last saw the moves (around move 26). The Bishop in particular has turned out much better than I thought it would…and the Knight, quite worse!
inscrib on 42.Qc2 Qg5 is a tricky defense with idea of 43.e4? Bxb3! so i recommend 42. e4 fxe4 43. qc2! like susan suggested. after all there is no rush to take on e4 43…qg5 44.re1! avoiding the bxb3 stuff
if …Rf7 again then 43.E4 fxe 44 Nxe4 …..then you sown me a draw by black
What in blue blazes is Topalov doing? The position is more = than ever…he isn’t hoping to confuse Kramnik, is he?
I think the rest of the match will be draws,draws and draws
It’s over.
The big question is the timing of the e4 push. Right now it seems that it will favour Black as his pieces will become even more active. If Topalov pushes too hard to win this position he will risk another loss.
draw
36. e4 fxe4 37. Qc2 (forces black perpetual) Qh4 38. fxe4 Bxb3 39. Nxb3 Qe1+ 40. Kh2 Qh4+ 41. Kg1 Qe1+ 42. Kh2 Qh4+ 43. Kg1=
Looks like Kramnik is going to push the e pawn…Topalov has waited too long. Shame.
45 Nc4!? I think the Knight must get more active if White wants more than a draw.
unfortunately the pressure on b3 prohibits the knight from activity temporarily . i like 45.Rc5!? keeping black guessing what the white rooks are up to
trivia: on which move of this game Topalov turned on his 2 million $ brain chip from Houston?
I had the same idea 45.Nc4 folowed by — Rc1 and try to do something (not shure what :D)
Ra4 – he might be prepraing for Nc4 but I don’t see why he culd’t have joust played it without “preparation”. It is getting harder and harder to understand what is Topalov up to.
D.K.
Topalov plays for pleasure maybe
more than for winning title.
PS http://www.myopathe.ch
Vote for this site !
after Ra4?! kramnik should play e5…and white will no longer has a central pawn preponderance. black has totally equalized.
If 47 Nc4 now then I think 47 …Bxc4 48 bxc4 f4! might well be Black’s idea.
Yet without Knight activation White is going nowhere.
“… unless Kramnik just wants to sit and draw.”
Reminds me of the Russians saying that when Petrosian wanted to draw, no force in the world could make him win.
Hey, he has finally turned on that chip. lol
Nc4 anyway…but I still like the look of …f4 for Black after the swap
Seriously, I really admire these guys. I sit in my home just watching and I feel the tension. I wouldn’t want to be at the board trying to make a decision. Yeah, we all can make our comments, but could we play it!
Why the devil did he not take with the queen?
I don’t get this? Now it’s forced draw, right? f4 and over…
In a few minutes, there’ll be only kings left on the board.
Well, at least it was an intense game until about move 40.
Looks like a clear draw now.
Topalov now needs to win an 8-game match by +2 to get even!
The line after 50. … Rxd4 is forced and looks fine for black. (I saw I mate if white doesnt take :D)
D.K.
remove all pieces and put the white b pawn to c4 – (after trading rooks) the pawn endgame is won for black!
with the pawn on the b file it is a draw…
Why did’t black play 51…Rd1+?
SUSAN:
Thanks for the annotations…you’re great!!:)
PGN version below. Thanks Susan for the great work.
[Event “WCC Match 2006”]
[Date “2006.09.27”]
[Round “4”]
[White “Topalov, Veselin”]
[Black “Kramnik, Vladimir”]
[Result “1/2-1/2”]
{(Live commentary by GM Susan Polgar.) So what will it be? 1.e4 or d4?} 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3
Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 Bb7 9. a3 {The two players are cranking out
these moves in seconds. Must be the Nakamura bullet style. All kidding aside,
this is usually the psychological game. They want to show each other that they
are ready to fight} b4 10. Ne4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 bxa3 12. O-O {All of this within
the first few minutes. Topalov is itching to sacrifice already.} Bd6 {
Kramnik of course says no thanks to the pawn sacrifice} 13. b3 {So what does
Topalov want to achieve? Well, for one thing, favorable pawn structure. White
also has a slightly better piece placement and development. One of his goals
is to try to stop Black from playing c5 trading pawns and Bishops.} Nf6 14. Nd2
{White is willing to give up a Bishop for a Knight and allow Black to have the
Bishop pair. But I think he does have more than enough compensation for this
on the board.} Qc7 15. Bf3 {
Topalov is ready to play. He is telling Kramnik take my pawn if you dare.}
Bxh2+ {
Finally, Kramnik is calling Topalov’s bluff. He says show me what you got.} 16.
Kh1 Bd6 17. Nc4 Be7 {Finally, Kramnik is taking his time with this move.} (
17… O-O {is obviously not posible due to} 18. Nxd6 {
followed by Bxa3. Therefore, 17…Be7 makes the most sense.}) 18. Bxa3 {
Topalov immediately played this. He is giving Kramnik a message that I am
still full of confidence even though I am down 0-2. He is not hesitating to
move FAST with his home preparation. I think O-O is a must. Everything else is
too dangerous.} O-O {And Kramnik did play the most sensible move. Now, as a
human, my first choice would be 19.Bc5 blocking that weak c6 pawn, keeping it
a target. However, Fritz seems to like 19.Bxe7 Qxe7 20.Kg1} 19. Bxe7 {
Topalov sided with Fritz instead of playing 19.Bc5. I realize that the
computer is OK with this position as White. But computer does not have to deal
with nerve and psychological issues. Topalov finally spent a little time with
this move.} Qxe7 20. Ra5 {This is the move that Yasser Seirawan recommended
and I agree with him. It is the most logical move. The idea is to stop c5 and
eventually doubling up the Rooks on the a file. An interesting side not is
Topalov spent the most time on this move so far, probably as much as the other
19 moves combined.} Rfd8 {Somewhat surprising. Some suggested giving back the
Pawn with c5 to exchange the Bishop.} 21. Kg1 {
This is a move that Fritz was drooling for.} c5 {Another unexpected move. I
was expecting something like 21…Nd5. But it does make some sense to give
back the pawn and opening up that diagonal.} 22. Rxc5 Ne4 {Back to back
surprising move! I do not like this move. Kramnik wants to head into a Bishop
vs. Knight endgame. He is confident that he can hold it. The question is will
Topalov take or play 23.Re5} 23. Bxe4 {Topalov seeems not to mind having
Knight versus Bishop. I would not either. I think White is doing OK and
Topalov will certainly push in this position. However, I do not think that he
has enough to score his first win against Kramnik.} Bxe4 24. Qg4 {I see this
a small advantage for White. However, Fritz is giving it +.78. Topalov also
does not seem to mind this position as well. I just do not think that White
has enough against someone like Kramnik who is rock solid in endgame.} Bd3 {
This is a questionable move. Kramnik wants to simplify everything to Rooks and
Queens endgame. He is confident that his position will hold. However, this
will be one of those grinding endgame that Kamsky usually likes.} 25. Ra1 {
I must say I am a little surprised by this move. I was expecting Rc1. But
either move is fine. White still has a good position.} Rac8 {Another offer to
trade. I do not think White can trade as the more pieces off the board, the
less chances to win. Actually, White does have a few interesting choices. One
obviously is to move the Rook on the c file to a5. The other option is 26.Raa5.
} 26. Raa5 {And Topalov chose this line. It does make sense and I think it is
the strongest choice. If 26…Rxc5 then 27.Rxc5 Qb7 28.Na5 and White maintains
a small advantage due to better piece placement and space advantage. Yasser
Seirawan does not think White has much. He also thinks Kramnik can hold
without much effort.} (26. Rca5 Bxc4 27. bxc4 Rxc4 28. Rxa7 $14) 26… Rb8 {
Another surprising move by Kramnik! I do not like this move. Yasser Seirawan
is also surprised by this move and he thinks Topalov is very happy to see this
move. I agree. This move gives Topalov some hopes. I would play 27.Ne5 here
immediately! Yasser Seirawan also likes 27.Ne5.} ({If} 26… Rxc5 {then} 27.
Rxc5 Qb7 28. Na5 {and White maintains a small advantage due to better piece
placement and space advantage.}) 27. Qd1 {Wow! Topalov sure shocked everyone.
I did not see anyone even suggesting this move. He is inviting Kramnik to
trade his Bishop for the Knight. White still has a small advantage but I still
like 27.Ne5 better.} (27. Ne5 Rxb3 28. Nc6 Rb1+ 29. Kh2 Qd6+ 30. Qg3 Qxg3+ 31.
Kxg3 {and White has a good advantage.}) 27… Be4 {Kramnik does not like the
trade so he moves his Bishop away. I guess 28.Qa1 would make sense since
Topalov played 27.Qd1} 28. Qa1 {As expected! Today is a real test for Kramnik.
Can Kramnik hold the fort against the constant “Kamsky” style grinding by
Topalov? If anyone can, it would be Kramnik, the Minister of Defense.} Rb7 {
Defending the a pawn} 29. Nd2 {Topalov played this move instantly. The idea is
to protect the b3 pawn, chasing the Bishop away.} Bg6 {Kramnik thinks keeping
the Bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal is too dangerous so he moved it back to g6.}
30. Qc3 {Topalov played this move very quickly. His pieces are in good
positions. He has an advantage that is annoying for Black. This type of
position really tests Black’s patience.} h6 {Kramnik also responded very
quickly with this move. The battle is not only on the board. It is also a big
mind game for both sides. Neither wants to think too long. They both want to
show each other that they are confident of their positions.} 31. Ra6 Kh7 {
This move shows that Kramnik is not so concerned with any threat. It is like
one of those Fritz move Kg8 – Kh8 – Kg8. Now what can White do? How can White
break through? Is there a solid plan? Kramnik does not think so. Let’s see if
Topalov can pull out a Houdini. The only thing I can see is 32.Nc4, 33.Ne5, 34.
Nc6.} 32. Nc4 {
Now, in order to stop the Knight plan, I think 32…Be4 is in order} Be4 {
Just as expected!} 33. f3 {
The other plan is to play 33.b4 and keep moving pieces up.} Bd5 34. Nd2 Rdb8 $2
{A bad move! This move allows 35.Qd3+ to force 35…f5. I don’t like this
position for Kramnik at all.} ({I think} 34… Qh4 {was in order.}) 35. Qd3+ {
Topalov found it. Now 35…f5 is the only response. Everything else is bad.} f5
{Now, will Topalov go for 36.e4? My guess is yes. He wants to open up the
position. People are going wild with this e4 suggestion! They want to see real
actions, not that they don’t already have in the past 3 games.} 36. Rc3 {
Boooooooooo! 🙂 Just kidding! His fans are disappointed. They wanted to see
blood with e4. But I can’t blame Topalov for being a little gun shy due to
what happened in the first games. Kramnik hopefully will not miss this move
this time. He cannot just sit back and do nothing.} Qh4 {Now, I do not see
anything for Topalov. I see his advantage vanished. As I said above, I think
36.e4 is better!} 37. Ra1 {Defending the back rank.} Qg3 {I am very surprised
by this move. It is not a terrible move but I was expecting 37…Rf7 and the
game would be about even, perhaps a very small advantage for White.} 38. Qc2 {
Once again, Topalov opted for a more conservative move instead of e4.} Rf7 {
Now e4 is a must. Topalov cannot afford to sit back because Kramnik will have
a counter play on the Kingside.} 39. Rf1 {Topalov is not himself today. He is
playing too conservative, unlike the typical Topalov!} Qg6 {An ususual move! I
am not sure what he wants to achieve with this. Perhaps he wants to play safe
to make time control.} 40. Qd3 {Topalov waited too long. He did not play e4. I
see nothing for White now. Kramnik should have no problem defending this. I
see this position as equal to +.01} Qg3 {
Both players made the time control with ease.} 41. Rfc1 {I see nothing for
White. I cannot find a decent plan for White for any real advantage. I think
Topalov will continue to push pieces hoping that Kramnik will commit a whopper.
} Rfb7 {I am not sure if I like this move. This allows e4 again. 42.e4 fxe4 43.
Qc2 and Topalov has more life than now.} 42. Qc2 {The same idea but not as
efficient. This allows Qg5 putting pressure on the c1 Rook.} Qg5 {I see absolut
ely nothing for White now. For some reason, Topalov waited too long to push e4.
This leads me to believe that he is being cautious, perhaps over cautious.} 43.
Ra1 {OK. Can I say piece shuffling? This is a position where Topalov cannot
afford to take a draw but he also does not want to overpush. So he is being
cautious. I never thought I would use this C word with Topalov but this seems
to be the case to me.} Qf6 44. Qd3 Rd7 {Putting pressure on the d4 pawn to
stop e4. This game is similar to the way Topalov played some games in San Luis,
soundly and slowly grinding his opponents. The difference is his opponent this
time is Kramnik, the Minister of Defense.} 45. Ra4 {This move completely stuns
me. I did not consider this move at all. I do not like Black’s possible 45…
e5 response. Black is at least equal after this.} Rbd8 {Pounding on the d file}
46. Rc5 {Again, I do not like this move. I was expecting 46.Nc4 stopping e5.
Now, Black should break with e5 unless Kramnik just wants to sit and draw.} Kg8
{Kramnik is happy with the way things are. He sees nothing for White. However,
Topalov may consider 47.b4 now, trying to make some progress on the Queenside.
Yasser Seirawan says: “I can tell you one thing, that guy Karpov was unnerving
in such ‘waiting’ games… He had serious sitz-fleish.” Kramnik is the same
way. He has tons of patience. I asked Yasser Seirawan: “Yasser, do you think
Topalov would be taking more chances with a move like e4 before if he did not
lose the first 2 games?” His response was: “Good question Susan! I’m SURE that
your confidance get’s zapped by the two losses…. Without those losses,
Topalov would have probably gotten in e4 by now.” GM Aagaard also said:
“Topalov will obviously wait as long time as possible to advance the e-pawn,
as Kramnik’s (perceived maybe) weakness is his fitness – this is also why
Topalov played on and on in the first game.} 47. Nc4 {
Finally! Something is moving!} Bxc4 48. Raxc4 $2 {This is not precise. This
gives Black an almost instant draw with f4. 48.Qxc4 would have been the only
shot for White to do something damaging to Black. IM Ken Regan said:
“Wow—Fritz sez White had to play 48 Qxc4 to keep an edge, with 48 bxc4
failing to …f4! Now again, 48…f4 is fine, even some excitement with 49
Qe4!? fxe3 50 Re5.”} f4 {Now White has almost nothing. The only thing he may
want to try is 49.Qe4 fxe3 50.Re5 +=} 49. Rc6 fxe3 50. Qxe3 Rxd4 {They can call
it a day soon. This is a dead draw. Topalov played too cautiously and spoiled
any chances that he had.} 51. Rxe6 Qh4 52. Rxd4 Qxd4 53. Re8+ Kh7 {
Topalov has no chance to anything here. This is an easy draw for Black.} 54.
Qxd4 {I am sure they will shake hands soon. Nothing to play for here.} 1/2-1/2
Thanks Suzan Great analysis. You make this fun to read.
DP
http://www.infiniachess.com
could you please decipher what does stand behind this article title: “The Moment of Truth”?
does that mean this 4th game is a key moment of truth which decides a whole match?
I think we can forgive Susan a bit of hyperbole. There will probably be several moments of truth before this match is over.
This was Topalov’s first White since the Sunday debacle. How was he going to handle it? We now have our answer: he played, by his standards, rather timidly. At -2 with four Whites left, I don’t think he can take this approach for long.
In contrast, I don’t think there’s much mystery about what Kramnik will be trying to do on Friday.
Marc, the moment of truth has to do with 1.e4 or 1.d4. There were a lot of rumors that Topalov may try 1.e4 because of desperation. I said he will not try 1.e4 until there are only a few games left and he is still at -2.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com