1. d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Bd3 dxc4 6.Bxc4 c5 7.O-O a6 8.Bb3 cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6 10.Nc3 Be7 (Moves have been played once again very quickly)
11. Re1 O-O 12.a4 This seems to be a new move. More popular would be 12.a3 or 12.Bf4 or 12.Bg5. White has isolated pawn on d4. However, he has a little more space advantage and activity. Black has a bad Bishop on c8. White needs to play energetically in this position. Otherwise, the d4 pawn could potentially be a weakness in the endgame. I asked Yasser if he has ever seen this move. He said: “Hi Susan! No, in THIS position 12.a4 seems highly suspect.“)
12…Bd7 (Kramnik took a while for this move. It’s understandable since 12.a4 is a new move.)
13.Ne5 Be8 14.Be3 (Topalov on the other hand played these moves fast. That shows that he is well prepared for this.)
14…Rc8 (This is a very logical move. It is very unusual to see the pair of Bishop on e7 and e8. I expect the logical 15.Rc1. The problem Black has is how to develop his position. For those of you who did not have a chance to read the post above, Danailov just made another stunning accusation. He said that Kramnik’s moves match Fritz 78% on average. This is getting just absolutely ridiculous! I am very disappointed with this latest press release. This is no longer a World Championship. It has become a circus, a total embarrassment to the World Championship crown. Nigel Short made this comment: “It is like playing a match with a Rottweiler by your side. The player, in all affected innocence, claims he is just concentrating on the chess and yet the Rottweiler is snapping away at his opponent’s heals“.)
15.Rc1 Nb4 16.Qf3 (The idea for White is to launch a Kingside attack with perhaps Qg3 or Qh3.)
16…Bc6 17.Qh3 (As expected, Topalov is trying to create an attack on the Kingside. The question is how?)
17…Bd5 (One rule in chess is exchange pieces when you have a cramped position. This is what Vladimir is doing.)
18.Nxd5 Nbxd5 19.Rcd1 (White has a very very small advantage. The only thing White can do is try to keep pieces on the board. Otherwise, Black can easily handle this position. I am somewhat surprised that Topalov with 3 Whites consecutively played 1.d4 all 3 games, especially when Kramnik held quite comfortably. I thought he may try to mix in 1.e4)
19…Rc7 20.Bg5 (Now, White’s pieces are lined up optimally. It seems 19…Rc7 is not so good. I prefer 19…Qb6.)
20…Qc8 21.Qf3 Rd8 22.h4 (The attack is coming. White is a little better due to space advantage and Topalov will continue to launch a Kingside attack. Frederic Friedel said about the accusation of Danailov when asked: “Actually we are disappointed: Fritz 9 plays just 78% of Kramnik’s moves? We have to reach 85% with Fritz 10!”
22…h6 23.Bc1 (I prefer 23.Bd2. 23.Bc1 now faces 23…Bb4 24.Rf1 Nc3 25.bxc3 Rxc3 and Black wins a pawn. If White does not play 24.Rf1 then 25.Bd2 and pieces are exchanged, which favors Black by giving Black more space.)
23…Bb4 24.Rf1 (This means that Topalov IS sacrificing a pawn. What else is new? If 24…Nc3 another amazing idea would be 25.Bxh6 and a complicated and dangerous attack, which fits Topalov’s style very nicely.)
24…Bd6 (How many times have we seen this? Topalov chooses the most agressive line and willing to sacrifice materials while Kramnik will choose the most cautious response, avoiding complications if possible. This is why this match is so interesting. It would be even more interesting if they stop all silly press releases / open letters and just play chess. Now I like 25.g4 for White. White may have something here, a chance to create play. Yasser said: “Hi Everyone, predicting 25.g4(!) along with Susan. In the parlance of the old “Soviet” method of annotating game, 25.g4 suits the needs of the position.“)
25.g3 (I just do not get this move. This is a move I would joke as a “mouseslip” if they were playing online. I have no explanation for this move. Perhaps he was not sure of what to do and just wants to confuse Kramnik.)
25…b6 26.Qe2 (Once again, I have absolutely no explanation for this. I just do not get it. The only thing I can think of is he is toying with Kramnik’s mind on the board.)
26…Ne7 (Mr. Ali Nihat Yazici, President of Turkey Chess Federation just told me: “We have just started new chess in school program and making prime time TV advertising for chess. Approximately 1 million students chosen chess in turkey!” This is very impressive. This is precisely what chess needs and not silly behavior and comments in the World Championship. Bravo to Mr. Yazici!)
27.Rfe1 Bxe5 28.dxe5 Rxd1 29.Qd1 (Very fast pace by both players!)
29…Nfd5 30.Bd2 Rc5 31.Qg4 (Again, incredible fast pace. I like White here because of the Bishop pair.)
31…Nf5 32.Qe4 (White is still trying to maneuver his pieces. Eventually, he may still try to play g4 which I expected earlier. This is the difficult part in chess, to come up with the best plan. There is no definitive plan for White in this position. Players will most likely come up with plans that is more liking and suitable to their styles.)
32…b5 33.h5 (This is a surprising move. I was expecting 33.a5 for White. This is the right plan. However, it allows the trade of pawns on the Queenside. That is why I prefer a5 first.)
33…bxa4 34.Qx4 (The position is somewhat equal. But if I have to choose a side, it would be a toss up because of White’s Bishop pair and the weakness of the a6 pawn. However, White has a weak b2 pawn. I must state that it is probably easier to play as Black.)
34…Rb5 35.Rc1 (Now, I am expecting 35…Qb7. 33. h5 was really a bad move. This move threw away any chance that Topalov had.)
35…Qb7 (I expect 36.Bc2 Black cannot take the b2 pawn because 37.Bxf5 exf5 38.Qe8+ Kh7 39.Rc8 and Black is in trouble.)
36.Bc2 Nb6 (I think this position is perfect for Kramnik. It is safe and Black has chances to win if White does not play properly.)
37.Qg4 Rxb2 (I am very surprised with the play of Topalov. He seems to be playing like a Zombie, too cautious in the last few games. He needed to be a lot more aggressive, especially with 3 White games consecutively. If he does not score at least a +1 with these 3 games, he is in trouble. Time is running out.)
38.Be4 (He is playing for win. He could have won back the pawn but chose to give it up. But this is not what I mean by aggressive. This is risky, not aggressive.)
38…Qd7 (This is the best move. Gata Kamsky suggested this move as well. Now Black has very good play.)
39.Be1 (Another surprising move! I expected 39.Bc3 and so did Gata Kamsky. This move is too cautious.)
39…Nd5 (A good move, centralizing the Knight.)
40.Bd3 (The idea is probably to play Qe4, followed by g4. But it also attacks the a6 pawn.)
40…Nb4 (I expect White to play 41.Be4 and Kramnik may just repeat moves with Nd5. Black would be overpushing with 41…Nd3 because of 42.Qd1 Nxe5 43.Qxd7 Nxd7 44.Rc8+ Nf8 45.Bc3 Rb5 46.Bxf5 exf5 47.Bd4 and Black’s knight on f8 is in trouble. Black has a comfortable position. Kramnik has played well to neutralize Topalov’s White games.)
41.Bf1 (Again, I am not sure if anyone can understand Topalov’s moves. One blogger asked how come I talk more about Topalov’s moves. 2 reasons: 1. He is trying hard to win, more possibilities, more to explain. 2. Topalov is moving too fast right after Kramnik’s moves. Therefore, I have less time to type in comments for Kramnik’s move because I have to type in the moves manually and comment quickly. This is not a conspiracy 🙂 )
41…Nd3 (This is a forcing variation. Black is better but I think Topalov can hold with precised play. Kramnik is in his best element.)
42.Qd1 Nxe5 43.Qxd7 Nxd7 (This is exactly what I expected. Kramnik will have a pawn up endgame but White will probably hold due to the Bishop pair. I fully expect White to play 44.Rc8+ Kh7 then 45.Rc7 or if 44…Nf8 45.Bxa6. Super GM Gata Kamsky made a very interesting comment: “Actually I think shirov is a better endgame player than kramnik!”)
44.Rc8+ Kh7 (Interesting choice. That was what I predicted. Some thought Nf8 would have been a better choice. I personally do not like the Knight back there. Now White has two options. Gata Kamsky and Gregory Kaidanov like 45.g4. I like 45.Rc7 better.)
45.Rc7 (As I said above, I like this option better. I think Topalov will be able to hold this game.)
45…Rb1 (Even though White is temporarily down 2 pawns, White should be able to hold this game. White has a choice between 46.Rxd7 Rxe1 47.Kg2 with the idea of Bd3 followed by g4 or 46.Bc3 with similar ideas.)
46.Rxd7 Rxe1 47.Rxf7 (This move is weaker than Kg2.)
47…a5 (I think the White needs to play 48.Kg2 and he can hold this position. 48.Ra7 is also possible 48…Ra1 49.Kg2 and it would also be equal.)
48.Kg2 Kg8 49.Ra7 Re5 50.g4 (White should not have a very difficult time drawing this game. Black is up a pawn but he has 2 weak isolated pawns and bad King.)
50…Nd6 51.Bd3 (This is the correct plan to position the Bishop on g6.)
51…Kf8 52.Bg6 Rd5 (I do not see how Black can make serious progress. The pawn advantage is not enough with a backward King and weak pawns.)
53.f3 e5 54. Kf2 Rd2+ 55.Ke1 (I expect a repetition here. Not much to play for.)
55…Rd5 56.Ke2 Rb5 (A lot of talks on most servers revolve around Danailov’s latest letter. It’s really too bad! It is another black eye for Danailov and chess. Even if he believes that it is true, he should complain to the committee and not through a press release. This is unprofessional and unacceptable.)
57.Rd7 Rd5 (After this game, Kramnik will have 3 games with White in the last 5 games. He is also leading. Topalov is running out of time.)
58.Ra7 Rb5 (Repeating moves. It could have been a draw some moves ago. Black cannot make any progress.)
59.Bd3 Rd5 60.Bg6 (OK. The same position has been repeated a number of times. It should be officially done now.)
60… 1/2
Additional analysis can be read here.
Hi Susan,
I enjoy your blog a lot.And, thks for analysis of games between topa-kram.I have one request to you,could you please be more elaborate in analysis like type of plans available,little theory,refrences to any other games etc,
thks
vishal
Amazing that Danajlov takes another poke at Kramnic on Chessbase 🙁
Hi Susan,
Could you put in a few words about the IQP please (i.e. what’s White’s/Black’s strategy going to be from this point on)?
Thanks
So Fritz9 is 78% as good as Kramnik. I wonder if Danailov has done the same exercise for Topalov?
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the commentary, it is very good for us who do not know as much about chess as a GM 🙂
Just a side note – shouldn’t this entry be called “game 7 live”? 🙂
howard,
It’s a typical Queen’s Gambit Accepted set-up with White having an Isolated Queen Pawn.
Dear Susan,
I enjoy when I find your blog a week before.I have one request to you,could you please give some information – what is current behaviour of Kramnik along the game? If he still go to toilet room often or alredy stay at the scene? Do you have some eyewitness in Elista?
Black’s 3rd move was Nf6, not Nf5. Just trying to help Susan.
Just a quick note to say thankyou for providing this service out of the goodness of your heart. For a mediocre player like myself, these entries are gold dust.
typical ideas in the isolated queen pawn for white:
A)to use the spacial advantage to initiate an attack on the wing (most usually the kingside of course).
B) use the half-open e-file and easier development and activity of the pieces to make life difficult for black.
C) always keep eye open for tactics like d4-d5! or the potential weakness of the f7-e6 pawn chain….in relevance to a knight outpost on e5…..because usually the capture nxe5 is good for white.
For Black:
A) to blockade and occupy the d5 square. usually ncb4 and nb4-d5 or nf6-d5 bd7-c6….although when bishop leaves protection of e6 you must be very careful.
B)promote exchanges, because the isolated pawn is weaker in the endgame.
C) blunt white’s initiative and tactical resources.
New move, now we can see the whole picture : new moves by Topalov are thought like playing against a computer. So, to fit Topalov’s strategy, Kramnik has to play like a computer. If not, there’s was no point for Topalov to come to Elista. So, it has to be. Kramnik is probably using a computer, blablabla…
I’m half-kiding, by the way.
Can Topalov just bring Kramnik in a kind of ‘zugzwang’ cause the placement of the black pieces?
There is live radio on now at
http://www.chess-live-radio.com/
for the game. A bit overloaded
at times, but a nice complement
to Susan’s commentaries.
i think 16….Bc6?! 17. Qg3 and the idea of 18.Bh6 is quite annoying for example 17…Re8 18. Bh6 Bf8 19.Bg5! but if not 16…Bc6 then what else black is losing the battle for d5 square.
Susan: are there any possible lines with Nxf7 and/or Bxe6?!
Kramnik is a CHEATER
It’s obvious now
No doubt about that
hmmm well there was my prediction …..the bishop left the defense of e6 . i think Qg3 was better than Qh3 (per my previous note) but e6 is under the watchful eye.
Re SethMould – as is Bd3 in that sense. Sometimes the most useful move costs a tempo, and to ‘waste’ a move (eg a3, h3) a bigger compromise.
Also when black played c6, he had a pawn on d5. It was on c6 so that if white played cxd5, black could reply cxd5. But after dxc4 that c6 pawn no longer has that role, so it can be freed for another purpose (clarification of the centre.)
Btw. These issues of tempo are generally less important in QP than KP openings too. After 1. e4, it is far easier for white to soundly achieve d4 against any reply than it is to achieve e4 after 1. d4. So these openings are less aggressive, time less an issue, is the centre is negotiated a bit more quietly usually. Therefore, you can spend a tempo or two more comfortably after 1.d4 to get the kind of pawn structure you want than after 1.e4. Probably the opening where you can lose most tempi is the hedgehog, if you’re particularly curious.
Danailov’s statement seems to be recommending that a GM is not supposed to be as good as a computer. GMs have proved since a long time ago that humans can beat a computer; in doing so, humans need to be accurate in the moves – if not more accurate, than the computer.
I think Danailov is too naive to understand the language of chess.
17….nfd5 18.Bd2! ive seen this sort of idea before (pattern recognition clearing the way for the rook on e1 exposure to e6 and also the transfer of the c3-knight to action on the kingside via e4
Tom Chivers: Thanks. I see.
Is this also the reason for 8. Bb3?
Kramnik is not a cheater, is the Minister of Defense. I liked so much this sentence by Susan.
Ministry of Defense Rules!
Shouldn’t Black play now 19…Nxe3 to simplify and to deprive White of its attcking chances on the Kingside with Queen and the black-squared bishop?
“GMs have proved since a long time ago that humans can beat a computer; in doing so, humans need to be accurate in the moves – if not more accurate, than the computer….”
I’m not saying Kramnik is cheating, BUT…. Recent GM-comp matches show otherwise. Kramnik-Fritz was a draw. Kasparov-Deep Blue played two matches, one a draw, the other won by the computer. Adams-Hydra was won overwhelmingly by the computer.
Danailov needs to get a life. He’s clearly bored. Maybe he needs to visit the red light district. I’m looking forward to the percentages of Topalov against various chess programs that people will now be finding. GMs make good moves, so do computers. If I was accused of cheating every time the computer didn’t think my move sucked, I’d have to play inferior moves and lose even more than I already do.
Excellent Commentary Susan! But your chat on playchess.com is even more fun. “Outrageous” you say about Vlad cheating with a prog. Right on! I have checked out some of your best games and analysed them. You are as logical as any prog, but your creativity is why you were a World Champion. The FIDE debacle must not surprise you judging from the fiasco that they put you through in China. (Source: Wikipedia) You just have too much class to get down in the dirt with those that do not honor the game. Just saying…I still think you would be the best FIDE President and you could clean up the mess faster than any other one being human. Plus, with your linguistic skills we would not have any language barrier for the rhetoric to hide behind. Sorry for the long commentary, but my rants have been getting raves! Namaste, especially and as usual.
Kramnik is save; he will play Td7…
I’m confused! Why is Topalov playing white today??
parrot9 . . .
Pre arranged.
Halfway point of the match the W/B order was inverted.
Still will end with equal times with each color for each Player after 12 games.
Susan, Can this still be home preparation from Topalov or is he just playing fast?
home preparation until 22. h4?
Kedves Zsuzsa!
Budapestről is figyeljük az esemenyeket – nagyon jól csinálja, köszönöm szépen!
It’s got to be home preparation. He has played 22 moves in 19 minutes. Kramnik could actually be in minor time trouble later on, unless he simplifies.
22. …Bb4 (almost !)
OPEN LETTER TO SILVIO DANAILOV
In the name of the chess-programming computer world we would like to thank Mr. Danailov for his important contribution. His analysis proves clearly that Fritz 9 is already 78% as good as reigning classical world champion Vladimir Kramnik! In fact, Kramnik’s play in Elista – i.e. the remaining 22% of moves that Kramnik played and Fritz 9 was not capable to consider – teaches us what still has to be improved in our computer programmes to make them as good as possible to come at least close to Mr. Kramnik’s strength.
Mr. Danailovs worries that go along with his analysis also make us especially proud of Fritz 9, since they imply that a player of Topalov’s kind can be defeated by Fritz 9. Mr. Danailov, as soon as you think that Veselin Topalov has improved his play to be able to compete with Fritz 9, let us know, so we can arrange a match! As long as Mr. Vladimir Kramnik plays that strong, it is him who will be considered as the worthy candidate to play a match man-machine as he will do in the million-dollar-match in the fall of 2006 in Germany.
Regards
Maelzel
Danailov is silly. Everyone knows that Kramnik uses Crafty!
Finally Topalov is thinking… Is he out of home prep or just checking it?
ANNOUNCEMENT from FIDE:
Topalov will have white pieces for the remainder of the match!
Hi Seth Mould
re:
‘Is this also the reason for 8. Bb3?’
I don’t play this opening for either side and don’t know. Bb3 is a logical move though, it removes the bishop from a number of potential attacks (Nc6-a5, Rc8, b7-b5) and if it wants to withdraw to the attacking b1-h7 diaganol, on c2 it would probably less in the way than d3.
If I had to say something concrete though (ie guess!) then maybe the main thing is that if black plays b5 hitting the bishop on c4, the bishop must move and black can then choose what to do with his c5 and b5 pawns (eg, play b4, c4, or cxd4, in whatever order.) But with the bishop on b3 rather than c4, white can instead react to b5 however he likes. For instance, maybe dxc5, or a4 probing them, or a3 keeping them at bay.
Perhaps someone who plays this stuff could say for sure. It looks like a nice little nuanced detail.
Danailov is clearly a moron…..enough said. nothing against Topalov of course. Kramnik was not using computer assistance….maybe the computer needs his assistance. its funny susan said 19…qb6 instead of 19…rc7. i can hear Danailov now….19…rc7 is fritz’s first choice!…which in fact it is !! 🙂 lol. maybe the programmed fritz to think like kramnik. anyway, i studied kramnik’s life and games after he use to give audio lessons on kasparovchess.com. his series on the bishop pair was invaluable to me. instead of commenting on how many moves he plays like fritz we should write an article about the moves that differ between him and fritz….im sure that would be much more interesting. anyway here i think after h6 white should play bd2 of course and prepare for g4-g5.
Good morning all! Maybe it’s just me, but I believe this must be bluff on Topalov’s part. He wants Kramnik to THINK he has found something in this line. I think he lost his edge on 21. Qf3 instead of 21. Bxf6. Who knows…maybe I the patzer will learn something today. BTW, Human GM’s v. computers…interesting debate. Nobody can out calculate a top of the line chess playing program. However, humans recognize patterns that repeat, which no computer can. Humans can recognize a win before the computer can calculate the win. Advantage human, but only if go against our nature and not make a human like error.
Peter Lego is a nice guy not saying anthing at all (I think)
What Danailov said about Kramnik using Fritz 9 is so unprofessional. It does not prove anything, anything at all. Danailov is trying to win this war so hard but he is just making a fool of himself with all these accusations.
Susan…we all love your comments and analyses. Keep up the good work and thank you.
24. …b6
and it looks like Topalov loses his advantage
check that
24. …b5
Rybka is suggesting draw with: 24. … Bd6 25. Bd2 Bb4 26. Bc1 (it is the first time I see Rybka do this?!)
D.K.
After losing first two games, Topalov needed to win 2 out of his five ganes with white.
After failing the first one (game 4), he decided to go the bathroom affair (and eventually won one point with all the confusion that surrounded), after failing in the game 6 comes this nonsense story about Fritz 9. Let’s see what Danailov will think up after game 7!
no…i like 24. … b6 better
i think 23.Bc1?! was unnecessary and Topalov underestimated the value of 23. Bd2 Bb4 24. Bxb4 Nxb4 25. Nxf7 Rxf7 26. Bxe6. Be nice to have a GM output on this??!!
what about 24….Bc3!? instead of 24…Bd6 ?
Waw I noticed that Kramnik is in (“serious”) time truble 31min?! (hmm this kind of reminds me of the game plyed monday …)
D.K.
24…Bd6 look at those fritz moves ! LOL or rather look at those GM moves which fritz seems to like 🙂 this is all to0 hilarious.
maybe Topalov is considering g2-g4-g5. it is quite risky if black can blunt the initiative the endgame would be winning for black im sure.
there is nothing more annoying than playing in a tournament and having your opponent disseapering from the table constantly…please give Topalov a break !!!!!!
Oh no, we are in the “manuvering phase” of the game. Rats, I never understand this part!
Here is my analysis of the move g4 done withrRybka (so it is not realy mine but anyway …)
25. g4 b6 26. g5 hxg5 27. hxg5 Bxe5 28. dxe5 Nd7 29. Bf4 Nxf4 30. Qxf4 Rc5 {
If Kg2 then Qd6+ and black isdoing ok!} 31. g6 Nxe5 32. Rxd8+ Qxd8 33. gxf7+
Nxf7 34. Bxe6 Rg5+ 35. Kh2 Rh5+ 36. Kg2 Rg5+ {And draw!!} *
D.K.
Doc, what would be the benefit of 24…Bb3? White would have no obligation to capture.
Actually, when Kramnik leaves the table, Topalov doesn’t have to worry about the much taller Kramnik peering down upon him. Thus, Kramnik is very polite to leave Topalov in peace to ponder his next move.
It’s good for wood pusher (like me) watching great player obviously as puzzled as I (g3 just played where g4 was expected) about the play of these two !! Thanks for this great site I didn’t know !
lol @ 25.g3. Kramnik definitely has the psychological edge here……there is no doubt. and what an edge it must be for a player of Topalov’s caliber…and attacking forte to reject a move like 25.g4.
Fritz seems to like 27. Bxh6 here.
Does any-one think that Topalov actually saw a draw after g4?!
D.K.
maybe Nc4 then Nxd6 Rxd6 Bf4…
27 Nc4 isn’t bad
Kramnik is very very well-reknowned as a player who loves to have two bishops. here it is Topalov who has the bishop pair. i think Topalov is playing psychological warfare here with Kramnik and is simply provoking a mistake on Vlad’s part. I like Ne7 with the idea of putting f6 on d5
27. Nc4 Nd5
oh it just came to me that a huge factor is that Kramnik only has 27 mins to make 14 moves to reach the time control here. another psychological advantage to Topalov
Quick clarification, 19th White move is 19. Rcd1.
There is no reason whatsoever to think anyone cheated in this tournament.
At the same time, I would like to see a foolproof systemt built in to the rules of the tournament so that it is not even conceivable that under any circumstances a player could either use a computer or in any way receive communications in any way.
maybe 25.g4 was risky. here 27. g4 is met by a crushing series of moves 27…Bxe5! 28. dxe5 Rxd1 29.Bxd1 Rxc1 30.Qe3 e5 threatening Rxd1
oh my we got fireworks!
bah, its all simplified again, seems will head into a draw…
wow what a position two knights vs two bishops. a symmetrical pawn structure though. Can Topalov force some weaknesses on the kingside?
31.Qg4
Junior: +1.0
Looks almost like Kramnik is doomed in this game.
hmmm 31.Qg4 i would have preferred Re4-g4 and left h5 avail to the queen. i wonder what’s wrong with my idea??
the match seems pretty tight now (move 32), maybe old Kramnik might pull it off again and get a draw unless Topalov finds a way to get advantage of the bis over kngts, but being the position close it cant be done.
another draw???
nice comments susan… i blog an an , at your puzzle if u want to read it also
RE5..
ok bye and to all chess fans also.
hmmm 31.Qg4 i would have preferred Re4-g4 and left h5 avail to the queen. i wonder what’s wrong with my idea?? ahhhh to answer myself Re4 … Rg4 then Qh5 is met by …Nf6!! ingenius move RC5!!! by Kramnik. and i must say this out of pleasure Fritz did not recommend Rc5!! LOL
Kramnik must play “blitzy” .
Take a look at his clock.
(There’s simply no time for him to go the toilet now:-)
Hi there Susan!
Thank you very much for doing this job with your blog. I guess we’re a lot of chess fans and players following it 🙂
I have a question for the game 7 of Topalov – Kramnik: On move 27. Could Topalov play Nxf7? The black king obviously can’t take the knight because of the fork by the bishop of Bxe6. The knight is treating the rook so I guess Kramnik would have had to move it..? In that case maybe Bxe6 could be played or what about an sacrifice og the knight or the other bishop on h6? Three pawns for a knight or bishop should be sufficient when it makes the king so vulnerable to attack? Or is it something I’m missing?
Yours sincerely,
Einar B. Gilberg
Norway
Does it follow that if Kramnik is one of the best players of the bishop pair, that he will also be one of the best defenders against it?
susan correction needed on ur post u got 32.Qe5 its 32 Qe4.
maybe he can jinx his clock to go slower from the toilet by some gadget hidden in the water tank. 🙂
in the toilet the times always goes slower
Here is a nice analysis of the position and it shows how black shuld achieve a forced!! draw, by sacrifice!!
32… b5 33. Ra1 Nb6 34. axb5 Rxb5 35. Qd3 Qb7 36. Ra5 Rxb3 $3 {Ensures a draw!!} 37. Qxb3 Nd4 38. Qb4 Nf3+ 39. Kf1 Nh2+ 40. Kg1 Nf3+ {White must draw or he looses!} 41. Kf1 Nh2+ 42. Ke1 Qh1+ 43. Ke2 Qf3+ 44. Ke1 Nc4 45. Ra1 (45. Qxc4 Qh1+ 46. Ke2 Qf1+ 47. Ke3 Qxc4) 45… Qh1+ 46. Ke2 Qxa1 *
D.K.
to Einar> your missing Kxf7; Bxe6?? – Qxe6
Einar in case Susan does not have chance to answer your question……27.Nxf7? would be a blunder black just takes Kxf7 two pieces defending d5 and next move put a knight on d5 and simply remain a piece to the good. hope that is helpful.
I see it now… the final score of this tournament after the watermelon scandal in game 35, investigation regarding the missing half-point in the final results and Danailov hiding Fritz in Kramnik’s restroom:
Kramnik 21,5
Topalov 20
Fritz 2
Let’s stop joking .
Vladimir is in serious time trouble and seems that Veselin transports his material to a queen side trying to make a breakthrough there.
Very interesting game.
Junior:+0.5 white
lol @anonymous……..u can continue to amaze me with ur creative humor 🙂
To arjo: Of course.. Thanks!.. I was really missing something 🙂 Thanks for filling me in. I thought I was a genius for a moment 🙂
no 32. Qe5 but 32. Qe4
To jimmd: Thank you for your time answering my question. Indeed it is a blunder. I hope this does not reflect my shape tomorrow when I have a chessmatch coming up 🙂 Thanks to you and arjo for answering me.
How much time do the players have left?
ok, if i was playing the game, patzer that i am, i wouldnt like to know the following:
if bishops are better than knights, do i want to get the Qs and Rs off the board to increase the advantage or would that hurt?
Anon,
Kramnik has 15 min. Topalov, 50.
You can keep updated at:
http://www.worldchess2006.com/main.asp?id=1052
It depends on the position, but generally Bishops coordinate well with rooks and knights with a queen. Topalov would want to exchange the queens, but not the rooks.
Anyway, in this closed (only the Q-side is open) position I like the knight’s better. Kramnik has a slight plus right now.
Kramnik has 14 minutes to make 4 moves… No problem there! Problem for Topalov: black is better!
Kramnik is now playing bullet 😀
D.K.
The knights are getting really active now. Nd4 next (after the Q moves)?
I disagree with Susan after 35…Qb7 i think black is maybe already forcing white to relinquish the bishop pair (Bxd5) and the resulting position actually favors the knight over the dark bishop because of some potential threats to the exposed white king. for example 35…Qb7 36. Bxd5 Qxd5! 37.Rc8+ (not Qxa6 Nd4! typical of my previous comment) Kh7 38. Bc3 Qd3! 39 Qxa6 Rd5! threatening …rd3 and Qf3 Rd1 mating net forces white to defend 40.Qf1 (what else) 40…Qc2! (threatening ne3+) and white is in trouble
Junior:0.00
Topalov’s h5 was indeed a bad move.
Quite probably another draw.
Is b4 good?
…Hmm,no more b4.
Kramnik took it.
This is how black can win this:
37. Qg4 Nd7 38. Qa4 Rxe5 39. Bc3 Nxg3 40. fxg3 Re2 41. Be4 Rxe4 42. Qc2 Re3 43.
Be1 Qf3 44. Qc8+ Kh7 45. Qc2+ f5 46. Qg2 Qxh5 {and black wins!!!} *
(White might not have played the best moves in mycontinuation but everything is posible…)
BTW.: Black is full of interesting and good sacrifices in many lines! (it is like giving Topalov a taste of his own medicine!)
D.K.
I just can’t wait for the unhinged press release Danailov will write after Topalov loses this game.
I think that the pawn on a6 gives black winning chances in the long run…
(it is a pity they didn’t play my line 😀 – I thought it was quite nice :D)
D.K.
39. Be1. I don’t see any way for Kramnik to lose this game now — barring a monumental blunder.
I see plenty of ways for Topalov to lose it.
Topo playing in same style as Corus, but against a much tougher opponent, so it is doomed to fail. His risky moves will meet with precise defense and he may find himself on the short side of a 1-0 result.
Why on earth Topalov didn’t play 39.Bc3??
Nice small tactic now Nb4! 😀
D.K.
Now Kramnik has enough time to crush Topalov 😀
I bet you havent noticed this on the report about Danailov’s findings Susan! -> ChessBase made a smal joke – on the main page the last sentence in the intoduction of the article is: “What’s going on?” -> that is what fritz9 says when he is loosing 😀 (the guys of ChessBase are hilarious :D)
D.K.
Double posting is also hilarious:-)
Susan,
Why do you reserve most of your analysis for Topalov’s moves?
Surely Kramnik has made slight errors too.
Why not 41 BxN . . . ?
*my internet lagged …*
D.K.
Good point my brother anonymous.
I have noticed that earlier too.
I mean,
41 BxNb
Hi Susan
Albeit honest, your comment
“I really wish everyone would just stop with these open letters and press releases and play chess.”
sounds incredably naive. Don’t tell me you don’t realise what Danaliov is trying to achieve.
Why do you reserve most of your analysis for Topalov’s moves?
Surely Kramnik has made slight errors too.
In this particular game, Kramnik has defended rather well. Read Susan’s live commentary on the other games. When she thinks Kramnik has erred, she says so.
” Anonymous said…
Susan,
Why do you reserve most of your analysis for Topalov’s moves?
Surely Kramnik has made slight errors too.”
Me too noticed that. Some explaination from Susan would be much appreaciated.
now it is a draw … (I was hoping for a win)
D.K.
When does Kramnik get more time, or is 53, 52, 51, sec. all he gets?
Never mind — I see he just got another hour
now it is a draw … (I was hoping for a win)
Three straight draws for Kramnik would be a terrific outcome for him. Topalov has gotten nothing out of his White games.
By the way, I’m not convinced this one’s a draw yet.
That’s it. It was the idea behind g3. the bishop goes to g2 ;-)))
Topalovseems to have squandered a big sapce advantage by being unable to coordinate his pieces
Topalov is forced to make strange moves, so that nobody can accuse HIM of using good old Fritzy 😉
“41.Bf1 (Again, I am not sure if anyone can understand Topalov’s moves.)”
Well, I’m sort of handicaped here, both by not beeing a GM and by only having access to crafty on a slow machine (Athlon @700MHz), but 41. … Be4 (what you suggest) is rated -1.00 and 41. … Bf1 only -0.71.
Sort of Fischer’s rules play isn’t it ? Unfortunatly pawns don’t move backward …
Really it seems difficult for White no ?
Black might still have something to play with:
41… Nd3 42. Qd1 (42. Rd1 Nxe5 43. Rxd7 Nxg4) 42… Nxe5 43. Qxd7 Nxd7 44.
Bxa6 Ra2 *
I thnik that the extra pawn shuldn’t ba a big problem for Topalow but a blunder is still posible :D!
D.K.
Notice for a moment Topalov’s first rank.
Now it almost looks like a one of the positions from Fischer random.
Susan, Was 41. Bb1 a good move?
I am not running an engine and it seems interesting. Thanks
Kh7 then g5 wins
Susan,
Thanks for your very kind explaination.
This looks like a forced line
44. Rc8+ Nf8 45. Bxa6 Rb1 46. Kf1 Ne7 47. Re8 Nd5 *
Rybka evaluation is =0.00
D.K.
Just wondering why Topalov did not play the intermezzo 43. Bc3 after 42. …Nxe5? It looks as though it may win a piece for white?
hey susan,
just wanted to let you know im loving the blog and live commentary. its very nice to get an insight from a GM and also to read some of the comments or convo’s you have (nigel and others).
also i wanted to say that its quite understandable there is more about the topalov moves, it’s simply in the way they play. kramnik as you stated is an excellent defender, he kept off kasparov and he is in general hard to beat. topalov on the other hand, plays a different game each game, he comes with novelties, sacrifices, etc, etc. in other words, topalov makes the play and kramnik fends him off, its lovely to see on the board 🙂
thx again and keep it up, give my regards to your sister (go judith! => im somewhat of a fan 😉
tell her to play corus again so i can come see her play 😛
Another continuation is:
44. Rc8+ Kh7 45. Rc7 Nf6 46. Rxf7 Nxh5 47. g4 Rb1 48. Ba5 Kg8 49. Rd7 Ne3 50.
fxe3 Ng3 51. Rd8+ Kf7 52. Rd7+ Kg8 53. Rd8+ Kf7 54. Rd7+ Kg8 55. Rd8+ 1/2-1/2
So it is a draw …
D.K.
I’m surprised by Susza Kh7 proposal. It seems dangerous to me. I prefer Nf8 (but I’m surely wrong !)
WTF he is waiting for?
Nf8 is nonsense,only Kh7 can be.
on 44Nf8 then 45g5 if rook C1 then 46Bc3 black knight is hanging if Nh4 then 47 f4 king walks clear thru f2 and realeases the white bishop……..toilet analysis
Reading these 2 comments (mine and anonyme) might sum up the general feeling when watching Topalov’s games !
45. Bc3 is choking
Is g4 that stupid now ?
Sadly Susan too has taken sides and all her comments are fervently against Topalov.
Let me remind all and sundry about Kramniks cowardice and gamesmanship when he hid behind his tail on Kasparov’s rematch request, and utter inability to show consistency in tournament victories.
In anycase Toplalov’s inept manager is to blame for this not Topalov.
This will be a battle between knights and bishops. I think Whites has a better structure after taking the a-pawn.
OTOH,black is pawn up..
This may just be my ignorance, but I think this game still has a lot of juice in it (i.e., anything can happen).
“Gata Kaidanov and Gregory Kaidanov …”
Are those the famous chess-playing Kaidanov brothers?
LOL
(No offence meant, Susan – it’s just in good fun!)
Hey guys,I have just realized that white can easiliy activate his king in advanced walk!
I wonder if Topalov and Kramnik spoted this option for white.
I appreciate Susan’s making her comments publicly available.
Yet they are often uninformative (“there is no obvious plan. The plane depends on the taste of the player “)
We’d rather hear what YOU think are some possible plans than obvious truisms.
But thanks, though.
I hope someone will check out how often Topalov coincidences with Fritz 9. Could be amusing…
In Susan’s comment after move 40, she says that Black must avoid this variation. Now she says that Black is better. It’s the same position. Isn’t Black losing a piece?
Hi Susan Thx for your commentaries Topalov’s position seemed crushing; suddenly it is no more, and I don’t get why. When did he let his initiative disappear?
Another way to achieve a draw is :
45. Rc7 Nf6 46. Rxf7 Nxh5 47. g4 Rb1 48. Bc3 Nd6 49. Re7 Ne4 50. Be5 Nhf6 51. f3 Nd2 52. Bxf6 Rxf1+ 53. Kg2 Rxf3 54. Rxg7+ Kh8 55. Rg6+ Kh7 56. Rg7+ Kh8 57. Rg6+ Kh7 58. Rg7+ 1/2-1/2
I think that if Kramnik finds it it will be a spectacular game!
D.K.
Oops my apologies it’s not the same position.
amazingly, kramnik may be in time trouble again if this game isn’t drawn quickly…
We can allocate fault to a manager, and that’s fine but if we like but take note that when there is Chess on Susan types about Chess – and that is after all why we watchers are here
Dumb question:
Does “Topalov should be able to ‘hold this game”” mean avoid losing, or win ????
I think I see a win for Topalov in just a few moves
As someone asked early in the game: is Kramnik making lots of bathroom visits in this game too?
I would be so much happier if he didn’t.
Is there anything left? 1/2-1/2
Zsuzsa,
Your paying so much attention to Danailov doesn’t help, either.
Let’s all keep focused on the game!
Te amo Zsusa, salu2 a Judith
Viva Mexico!! : )