Picture courtesy of Andreas Schwartmann

GM Kramnik – Deep Fritz(C) [E51]
12.03.2006

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.e3 0-0 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 c5 8.Bb2 Nc6 9.Rc1 Re8 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.dxe5 Qxd1+ 13.Rxd1 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Rxe5 15.Be2 Bd7 16.c4 Re7 17.h4 Ne4 += This is a good position for Kramnik as he has the Bishop pair and control of the d file. Kramnik will have a good chance to grind down the computer with a Kingside attack. Kramnik is testing the computer again in strategic positions. So far, the computer has responded well. Let’s see if the computer can continue mounting strong defenses.

18.h5 Ba4 (I do not sense any danger for Fritz. But I suspect that Kramnik will continue to exploit his Bishop pair by opening up the Kingside.)

19.Rd3 (Fritz is doing what it supposed to. I am not sure how Kramnik will make any dent in this position. The plan is Black will push b5 eventually.)

19…b5 (Just as I expected. Fritz has to open up the Queenside for counter play. Otherwise, White will just pound the Kingside. Now, I think Kramnik has to play 20.Rd5 and try to maintain the Bishop pair. Fritz has definitely more than equalized.)

20.cxb5 Bxb5 21.Rd1 (This seems to me that Kramnik has no desire to try to play for a win in this game. Giving up one of the Bishop is a sign that he is OK with a draw in this game. Black should have no problem to get at least a draw here.)

21…Bxe2 22.Kxe2 Rb8 23.Ba1 = (I see no chance for Kramnik to win in this game. Now he has to be careful not to lose.)

23…f5 (This is a computer move. Logically speaking, if Black does not want White to play h6 then why not stop it with h6 first?)

24.Rd5 (Perhaps the computer can try 24…Rb3 now. Maybe we finally can get some excitement.)

24…Rb3 (Black gives up the f pawn for the a pawn and exploit the White King. It is still somewhat equal but certainly more exciting than a few moves earlier.)

25.Rxf5 Rxa3 26.Rb1 Re8 (The position is looking quite dangerous for Kramnik. The best equalizer for him would be to get 1 Rook off the board with 27.Re5.)

27.Rf4 (This is a more defensive move. Now Black is better and in control.)

27…Ra2+ 28.Ke1 (After 28…h6, White has not much and Black can focus on squeezing White. Kramnik will now have to earn his 1/2 point. The idea for Black now is to march up the a pawn.)

28…h6 29.Rg4 g5 30.hxg6 (Now 30…Nxf2 and Fritz maintains an edge. The problem is this game is getting tactical and humans are always at a disadvantage in tactical positions.)

30…Nxf2 31.Rh4 (This following line would lead to an even game 31…Rf8 32. Kf1 Ng4+ 33.Kg1 Ra4 =)

31…Rf8 32.Kf1 Nh3+ 33.Ke1 Nf2 34.Kf1 (I expect handshakes shortly.) 1/2

Score: Fritz 3 – Kramnik 2 with 1 game to go. Fritz will have White in the last game.
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