Kasparov on the candidates, Kramnik on Anand-Carlsen
Published on Friday, April 19, 2013 00:00
Written by Zaldy Dandan
FORMER world champ Gary Kasparov, who turned 50 on April13th, has weighed in on the recently held London candidates, and his comments, as usual, are very interesting:
“The tournament showed that rumors of the death of classical chess were somewhat exaggerated. It was a vivid spectacle, there was a high number of decisive games… Yes, it ended up being a wonderful tournament, but I’m not sure it was the best ever.”
His former student, Carlsen, won but according to Gary, the tournament showed Magnus’s “weaknesses in terms of the opening and his ability to play deciding games. For example, the final round was the game of [his] life, and he lost it. He got lucky that his rival [Kramnki] also succumbed.
Who did Carlsen beat in this tournament? The bottom half of the table. Against his strongest rivals he didn’t play convincingly. His style also isn’t fully developed. For instance, in the final game against Svidler he had to choose 30.Bh8! instead of 30.Bh4. That’s a different kind of chess, however, and Magnus doesn’t yet play that way. Anand is an experienced fighter and is capable of playing a strong match. Nevertheless, if Carlsen does some work and eliminates his flaws he’ll undoubtedly win, because at the moment he plays chess better than Anand. Incidentally, Kramnik also plays better than Anand.”
As for the only man who managed to beat him in a match, here’s what Gary has to say: “It’s hard to call me a big Kramnik fan, but he really did play brilliantly. That was one of the best tournaments of his career.”
Overall, Gary says, “the tournament showed who’s who.”
In an interview, former world champ Kramnik admitted that he was “a bit unlucky” in London but says Carlsen’s strengths are “overestimated”: “I believe that both Aronian and I can match his skills. Well, he has certain qualities: young age, lots of energy, a good nervous system, incredible motivation, killer instinct…but in the chess sense I don’t see why he should be a lot stronger, if at all, (than me or Levon).”
Asked about the upcoming world championship match, Kramnik says: “I believe [Anand] definitely has his chances. It is absolutely realistic. The only problem that I think Anand is facing is that he — this is just my opinion — is somewhat intimidated by Carlsen. He is playing unconfidently against him — he’s scared of him, I would say…. He should relax and not be afraid of Magnus. One can face Carlsen and actually beat him. If Anand manages to prepare himself this way, then I think the chances will be equal. If not, then his chances will be very low.
Psychology matters a lot in world championship matches. This is probably the first plot of the match. I would say that if he manages to hold the pressure of Magnus for at least 6 games (i.e., tie at 3-3), then Anand will become a favorite in my eyes…. . In the opening Anand is clearly superior to Magnus. [Anand] is a very difficult match opponent, because he is extremely well-prepared. It is so hard to obtain a promising position against him even with white. During our match I had to take immense risks to somehow lure him out of his armor coat, but I didn’t succeed.”
Kramnik describes Carlsen as “an improved version of Karpov….. Cold-blooded, rather pragmatic, somewhat melancholic even. His chess is also swampy, laidback, choky/boa constrictor type…. His skills are remarkable.”
More here: http://www.mvariety.com
As long as Carlsen doesn’t underestimate Anand, their match in November 2013 will further raise chess to a higher level.
Hi Susan Polgar,
Well,With due respect to all legendary top placed players.
Ooops,everybody portrait to have “Magnus” mania – Which seems to be way beyond the actual fact.
Why so much of inappropriate face lift to “Magnus”,is it because he is young ? Why show blind eye to other legendary players ? I really don’t understand !
As a fond amateur passionate chess player & analist,I will say that I can win “Magnus” in ease,I really mean it,wait,by these words, mistake me not that I am rude & dislike “Magnus” – I adore all legendary chess players which includes “Magnus” – My words are just reflection of my analysis – I am for the chess game not for any individuals.
One of the lovely community without downside politics is chess community,I feel that I am one among the chess playing community.
Eager to watch the title game.
yours ever friendly,
Venky [ Chennai – India ]
Hi Susan Polgar,
Well,With due respect to all legendary top placed players.
Ooops,everybody portrait to have “Magnus” mania – Which seems to be way beyond the actual fact.
Why so much of inappropriate face lift to “Magnus”,is it because he is young ? Why show blind eye to other legendary players ? I really don’t understand !
As a fond amateur passionate chess player & analist,I will say that I can win “Magnus” in ease,I really mean it,wait,by these words, mistake me not that I am rude & dislike “Magnus” – I adore all legendary chess players which includes “Magnus” – My words are just reflection of my analysis – I am for the chess game not for any individuals.
One of the lovely community without downside politics is chess community,I feel that I am one among the chess playing community.
Eager to watch the title game.
yours ever friendly,
Venky [ Chennai – India ]
Hi Susan Polgar,
Well,With due respect to all legendary top placed players.
Ooops,everybody portrait to have “Magnus” mania – Which seems to be way beyond the actual fact.
Why so much of inappropriate face lift to “Magnus”,is it because he is young ? Why show blind eye to other legendary players ? I really don’t understand !
As a fond amateur passionate chess player & analist,I will say that I can win “Magnus” in ease,I really mean it,wait,by these words, mistake me not that I am rude & dislike “Magnus” – I adore all legendary chess players which includes “Magnus” – My words are just reflection of my analysis – I am for the chess game not for any individuals.
One among the many communities that distance from downside politics is chess playing community,I feel that I am one among the chess playing community.
Eager to watch the title game.
yours ever friendly,
Venky [ Chennai – India ]
Anand should get over his “fear” of, and the bete noir feeling for Carlsen– and that very soon! Anand should see that Carlsen has weaknesses which he can exploit if he keeps his cool and shows courage. I fully agree with what Kramnik has said about Anand’s strength and chances against Carlsen. Chess is 50 percent skill and 50 pc psychology (cf Alekhine vs Capablanca). I do wish Anand could read my comments. Go Anand!!
Mathur
I hope the match will be interesting. I prefer games with full of errors like the last candidates tournament than a “perfect” games full of dull draws (like many match games).