The game is about to start and so far no Press Releases or Protest letters for game 8. Let’s hope for some good chess!
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Be2 (This is the Meran, a switch from the Catalan. This is actually one of my favorite viariations and I won some nice games with this line.)
8…Bb7 9.O-O (One of the ideas is as Yasser said: “The idea is that in numerous variations, White can play for Nf3-e5 and Be2-f3, when the Bishop is more useful on f3 than on d3.” If Black does not play b4 then e4 is the plan.)
9…b4 10.Na4 c5 (Be7 is another line here.)
11.dxc5 Nxc5 (This is the kind of position that is perfect for Kramnik with little chances to lose. I am very surprised of Topalov’s opening choice today and actually in this match.)
12.Bb5+ (Another choice is 12.Nxc5 Bxc5 13.Qa4+ and White has a good position.)
12…Ncd7 13.Ne5 Qc7 14.Qd4 (Kramnik is spending a lot of time for this move. A common question is doesn’t Kramnik know this opening line? Yes, of course. However, this is the type of position where he needs to decide to continue in a more aggressive manner or more positional. This is why sometimes you see a GM spend significant time in the opening. In fact, the same player sometimes would choose a different continuation depending on who his / her opponent is. – Thanks DK for the correction!)
14…Rd8 (Topalov instantly responded with this move. If White takes the pawn on a7 with 15.Qxa7 Black can play Bd6 and he has compensation for the pawn. I can’t imagine Kramnik playing a sharp line like this.)
15.Bd2 (A questionable choice by Kramnik. 15.Nxd7 would be another choice, perhaps a better choice.)
15…Qa5 (Topalov once again responded instantly. This seems to be a new move. 15…a6 has been played by Cvetkovic – Bagirov.)
16.Bc6 (The amazing thing is other lines would give Black a very good position. 16.Bc6 is the strongest continuation. Here 16…Be7 is the strongest reply and White would have to continue with 17.b3 O-O. Black is OK with this position.)
16…Be7 (It seems to me that Topalov has this line all prepared at home. This is dangerous territory for Kramnik as he has to find the best lines on the board. But he seems to do find so far in this match.)
17.Rfc1 (Kramnik spent quite a bit of time for this move. Black has a few decent options: O-O or Bxc6. We may actually have an exciting and imbalance game today.)
17…Bxc6 18.Nxc6 Qxa4 (So basically we will see a Rook for 2 minor pieces – 2 knights type of game once Vladimir captures the Rook on d8. In my opinion, this is the most exciting game to date. The position will be sharp and we will see if Kramnik can play tactical chess or not. Some people tend to have the wrong impression that Vladimir is not good with this style. He is! He just prefers to play more positionally.)
19.Nd8 Bxd8 20.Qxb4 (This is the safest way to continue with Queens off the board. Vladimir is comfortable with Rook+Pawn for 2 Knights. 20…Qxb4 21.Bxb4 Nb6 to stop Rc8. Black is fine with this endgame.)
20…Qxb4 21.Bxb4 Nd5 22.Bd6 f5 (Yasser Seirawan says: “I’m not sure what Vladimir thought was “attractive” about this ending. With Kf7 and Bb6 in the offing… Black looks very good.” I agree with Yasser. I like Black too but I would not say Black’s position is very good. I think Black is slightly better. However, this is exactly what Topalov is hoping for, a chance to win with Black, even if it is a small chance.)
23.Rc8 (Now I am expecting Black to play 23…N5b6 to stop Ra8.)
23…N5b6 (By the way, for those of you who do not have access to ICC, PlayChess or another server, you can see the LIVE game here.)
24.Rc6 Be7 (Around half of the viewers like Black’s position. The other half like White’s position. This is why this game will be exciting. Unbalance positions are very hard to play. If I need a win, I would take Black. If I need a draw, I would take White. What does that mean? It means that even though Black may not be better but Black has chances. What it also means is Black’s position is more difficult to play and White’s position is easier to play. Therefore, if you want a draw, you would want to choose the easier side to play which is White.)
25.Rd1 Kf7 (Both of these moves are expected.)
26.Rc7 (It does not matter which side you like better, the bottom line is we will see an exciting endgame.)
26…Ra8 (Fritz suggested trading Rooks for Black but I think Topalov made the right decision by keeping his Rook on the board if he wants chances to win.)
27.Rb7 (I like a5 here as Black.)
27…Ke8 (I do not like this move very much. It just wastes a tempo if White captures the Bishop. White has a few options now play 28.f3, 28.Bxe7 or just retreating the Bishop to g3.)
28.Bxe7 Kxe7 (Black just wasted a tempo with Ke8 last move. That is why I prefer 27…a5.)
29.Rc1 a5 (Finally! Who is actually playing for the win here? Topalov is definitely not going for the draw but I do not think Kramnik minds his position either.)
30.Rc6 Nd5 (This pair of Knights is giving Kramnik a nightmare. Hard to break them up.)
31.h4 (The big debate on all servers is which side is better. GM Boris Avrukh said: “Zagrebelnyi is commenting on 64.ru writes: I am sure he is Topalov is playing for a win here , I think he is wrong, I would prefer White here.” Karjakin likes White. Radjabov likes Black. John Fedorowicz likes White, I like Black…and the debate continues…)
31…h6 32.a4 g5 33.hxg5 hxg5 (The players cranked out these moves very fast. Now GM Nataf joins the list who likes Black but it is still a 50-50 split.)
34.Kf1 g4 (This is the kind of position that you cannot rely on computers to evaluate. As you can see, many of the GMs like White and many like Black. It is a matter of preference. Some play minor pieces better, some play Rooks better, some like balanced endgames and some like unbalanced positions. If you want to get better, this is the kind of position you have to learn to play out on your own.)
35.Ke2 Nf6 36.b3 (I am sure Kramnik is confident of his position right now. It’s quite solid. I also think that Topalov does not mind his position.)
36…Ne8 37.f3 (White wants to trade. The less pieces on the board, the closer to a draw. So Topalov needs to decide on 37…g3 or gxf3.)
37…g3 38.Rc1 Nf6 39.f4? (Gata Kamsky said: “Once black setups rook somewhere on d2 and Nd7, Nf6, Black is better.” I believe this move is the beginning of Kramnik’s downfall. To allow the Knight to get in the e4 and g4 squares defy positional chess logic.)
39…Kd6 (All of a sudden, many observers started to shift their opinion to liking Black better. As I said earlier, Black has chances to win and it is the side you would want to have if you need to go for the win. This kind of endgames is hard to evaluate, even for GMs.)
40.Kf3 Nd5 (Kramnik has to be very careful now. His position requires extra care. I wish I can see Kramnik’s face now in this position. Or better yet, I wish we can scan his brain to see his pattern of thinking in such position. He is one of the most solid players in history.)
41.Kg3? (This is a horrible move and it seals Kramnik’s fate in this game. As I said many moves ago, Black had chances. You just have to have a feel for this kind of position. You only the feel for it by playing out positions like this hundreds / thousands of times. That was part of my training when I was younger.)
41…Nc5 (The best move. White now has an extremely difficult position. Even if White did not blunder with 41.Kg3, he would have had a very bad position. The funny thing is only about 7-8 moves ago, some were questioning my sanity when I said I would pick Black if I need to go for the in. Now, everyone seems to change their minds. If White plays 42.Rb5 then Ne4+ then Rg8 and White’s position collapses.)
42.Rg7 Rb8 (42…Nxe3 would have been better.)
43.Ra7 (If Kramnik loses this game, I am afraid this match will become an even bigger circus. Topalov is usually a slow starter. What if Topalov can bounce back with a couple of wins? Will the match be called off due to the game 5 fiasco? What a mess!)
43…Rg8+ 44.Kf3 (Not the best response but everything loses.)
44…Ne4 45.Ra6+ Ke7 (All the White pawns are about to fall. The position is looking extremely bad for Kramnik now. Unless there is a complete collapse by Topalov like in the first 2 games, Topalov should score his first on the board victory today.)
46.Rxa5 (Now 46…Rg3+ 47.Ke2 Rxe3+ 48.Kd1 Nxf4 -+. Basically, just about everything wins.)
46…Rg3+ 47.Ke2 Rxe3+ 48.Kf1 Rxb3 (Black is completely winning here. All he has to do is pick up all the pawns and there is not much White can do about it.)
49.Ra7+ Kf6 50.Ra8 Nxf4 (White has no defensive plan here. He can only hope for Black to blunder.)
51.Ra1 Rb2 (Mate threats are coming.)
52.a5 (Here comes a checkmate for Black starting with Rf2+ 53.Ke1 Nd3+ 54.Kd1 Nc3#)
52…Rf2+ and White resigns giving Topalov the first win on the board. This sets up for a very interesting scenario. Can Topalov pull off a string of wins now that the momentum has switched? Will this now be just a legal battle because of game 5? Would we even have this discussion if Topalov did not have a melt down in game 1 and 2? We shall see! I just hope the match will not stop now. The excitement has just begun on the board! You can read full analysis here.
Good Morning Susan & Chess Fans
Game 8, lets hope we witness some chess brilliance today from whomever is able to employ it.
Let the moves be the News
It seems like with 11…Nxc5, Topa is traying to have Kramnik play for a win after 12.Nxc5 Bxc5 13.Qa4+ Kf8.
Will Kramnik follow this variation?
I think psychologically the opening is more comfortable for Kramnik! We have another symmetrical pawn structure.
Dang, I really thought that Topalov would play the winning 1…d6!? this time.
Rybka is suggesting f4 and giving it a += evaluation … However I have a hunch that Kramnik will play 14. Nxd7 Nxd7 15. Bd2 (the evaluation is still += but with fewer pieces – I wuld go for this line)
D.K.
Who is Rybka?
“I am very surprised of Topalov’s opening choice today and actually in this match.”
We are all surprised by everything Topalov has done in this match.
Looks like Topalov came to this match without a plan!
How else does one explain his chess so far?
where have you been lately? rybka is a new chest engine, very sophisticated. Different than Fritz.
Rybka is the best chess engine at he moment …
D.K.
Hiarcs 9 is giving Qd4 (eval. 0.81), which has been played a few times according to the online Chessbase database. f4 is second choice (eval. 0.48) and Nxd7 comes in third (eval. 0.25). And it’s Qd4!
If Kramnik plays 14.Nxd7, I think Topalov will go all out with 14…Nxd7 15.Bd2 Rd8 16.Rc1 Qe5 17.Qe2 g5!?
Are we still in the Opening Book , so far ?
Looks like Topalov came to this match without a plan!
That’s a little too glib. Had it not been for blunders in the first two games, he’d be ahead in the match at this point. Obviously the blunders count, but no GM plans on blundering. From a planning point of view, Topalov’s strategy produced the opportunities he needed. He has failed to capitalize on them.
What we may be seeing is a failure to adjust plans after the match goes much differently than he expected.
I don’t think so – I can only find one game that matches this now, from 1974. Hiarcs is eyeing up the a7 pawn…
I’m sorry but I can’t help myself (please don’t get angry at me …)
The phrase is wrong:
“This is why sometimes you see a GM spend significant time in the opening. In fact, the same player sometimes would choose a different continuation depend on who his / her opponent.”
This is why sometimes you see a GM spend significant time in the opening. In fact, the same player sometimes would choose a different continuation depending on who his / her opponent is. -> I think this is correct.
D.K.
Topalov will get huge compensation for the sacrificed pawn. (If Kramnik takes it)
the same works without GM
“I would spend a lot of time for this move. A common question is doesn’t I know this opening line? No, of course. However, this is the type of position where he needs to decide to continue in a more aggressive manner or more positional. This is why sometimes you see a me spend significant time in the opening.
JG
I think Bd2 might be even more dangerous for white then Qxa7, the line is:
14… Rd8 15. Bd2 Qa5 16. Bc6 Bxc6 17. Nxc6 Qxa4 18. Nxd8 Kxd8 *
Once (or if) black develops after this white is doomed.
D.K.
“My engine is still showing it as an advantage for White, with Qxa7 as the best move.”
Don’t use engines, use your brains instead.
Bd2? what the hey is that?
Waw Kramnik went for the most aggressive line, my assessment of the line might be wrong … Today I think we are going to see a great game!
D.K.
Ask the engines…:}
Yes! Chess prevailed over gossip!
Do you think Kramnik had a chess micro-chip implanted in his head during his semi-retirement in the past few months ?
Don’t use engines, use your brains instead.
It ought to be needless to say that I used it too. I didn’t see huge compensation for Black after Qxa7. Why don’t you respond to the actual comment, instead of presuming what people are thinking about?
No I don’t beleive.
Now I see Be7, not very hard to find you only have to consider the line with the exchanges Bxc6 17. Nxc6 Qxa4 18 Nxd8 Kxd8 … and then you see that capturing with the king is bad … hence Be7 and no more problems in later development – or at least I think so …
D.K.
“Why don’t you respond to the actual comment, instead of presuming what people are thinking about?”
Hey, never any offense meant!! I can’t see the board, difficult to comment.
Interesting Rybka switched back to Bxc6 (after 2 min of “thinking” – depth 18). I am still of the opinion that Be7 solves all blacks problems…
D.K.
Program Rybka is stronger than the latest version of Fritz?
DK . . .
how fast is the CPU that you are using to run your chess engine on ?
Interesting Rybka switched back to Bxc6
Rybka’s not aware of match strategy, psychology, etc.
Hi, Just a suggestion. Would you be able to place the commentary on its own page? (Or maybe it is, and I just don’t know how to get there.) When I refresh my page, it has to reload all the items on this huge page with all its pictures. It would be better if I was just refreshing the commentary only. Thanks for the insights. Peter
Rfc1!, I think that Rac1 is prettier! 😀
D.K.
http://susanpolgar.blogspot.com/2006/10/game-8-live-commentary.html
Why not Nxe7 Kxe7,Qxb4+ Qxb4,Bxb4
The line with b3 isn’t the best continuation because black is able to castle for one pond …
18… Qxa4 19. b3 Qa6 20. Nxd8 Bxd8 21. Bxb4 Nd5 22. Bd2 O-O 23. Qc4 Qb6 24. e4 N5f6 25. Be3 Qb7 *
D.K.
To Howard:
P4 2,6Ghz 1gb ddr2 ram.
D.K.
is it possible to somehow have a board, too? I am not good at blindfold commentary. Thank you.
Howard, Thanks for the internet address of the live commentary page. Peter
“Most people tend to have the wrong impression that Vladimir is not good with this style. He is! He just prefers to play more positionally.”
I think Kramnik is weaker in tactics than Topalov. But how will we ever know?
Watch it here, anonymous.
To Marc Shepherd,
I know that Rybka isn’t aware, but the point was that “it?” saw that black was fine and culd “unwind” and then simply have material advantage … (but there is still the posibility that Rybka is wrong :D)
D.K.
What is Kramnik waiting for?
D.K.
Murr, THANK YOU! Now it’s much better!!!
Chessboard here . . .
http://www.worldchess2006.com/main.asp?id=1063
I think Kramnik is weaker in tactics than Topalov.
The games in this match so far certainly do not suggest that.
To Marc Shepherd:
I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions, Kramnik plays his share of sharp openings … therefore he can’t be that bad + he has a few spectacular wins in less then 30 moves -> which proves he is capable of tactical play. I think that the difference is only that Topalov is more well-known for his sacrifices …
D.K.
Sory mate haven’t read your entire comment.
D.K.
It wasn’t me who said Topalov was stronger in tactics, but somebody else.
Kudos to Murr for posting the Link 1st
Kramnik is considering 19.b3 Qb5 20.Nxe7!? kxe7 21. Bxb4+ im sure. but at the end of the day (as kasparov likes to say) he may just take on d8.
22. Bd6?
Kramnik can certainly do better than that!
“I think that the difference is only that Topalov is more well-known for his sacrifices …”
Its a myth about Topa.He is under the gun in this match,and he is taking conservative route.
How do programs evaluate this endgame?
“The position will be sharp and we will see if Kramnik can play tactical chess or not. Most people tend to have the wrong impression that Vladimir is not good with this style. He is!
19.Nd8 Bxd8 20.Qxb4 This is the safest way to continue ….”
:))))) So Kramnik prefer to play sharp chess or not??!!
Note that Topalov still has 0-0.
The crucial is the moment when he will use it.
my suggestion is 20…Qxb4 21. bxb4 Nd5 22. Bd6 f5! and black can sort his position out
the reason i like my variation is the knight will remain on d7 to guard some key dark squares and black will simply not castle but move king to f7 and Bishop to good diagonal on f6…….white rc8 always met by n5b6! i think black is good to go here and id rather play black!!
23…Nb6 should be a response I guess.
ah topalov chose my idea ! 🙂 i am happy . ill be back later to see how it turned out. have fun people
16.Bc6 (The amazing thing is other lines would give Black a very good position. 16.Bc6 is the strongest continuation….
Oh-oh! He must have gone to the bathroom again! 😀
oh …..excellent opening preparation by Topalov today! black cannot lose and has longshot chances to seize the initiative.
Nice work JimmD! I have to rely on my engine – my brain is really not up to this – plus I am supposed to be working 😉
Rybka’s evaluation of the current position is -0,06 depth 18.
D.K.
Amazing !
Topalov seemed not to intend to use 0-0 at all.
It was a trick to puzzle Kramnik.
Probably the trail of Topalov’s home preparation follows.
Fire on the board follows folks!
Im getting 0.03, but it is one of those unbalanced sort of positions that a chess engine is unmoved by, but as human players, we know how hard it is to maintain the equilibrium. Now should Vlad swap off the Bishops here? I’m not sure that would be a good idea…
“If I need a win, I would take Black. If I need a draw, I would take White.” So, Black can create winning chances but White can draw easily? This does not make much sense to me
Good game by Topalov so far.
I admire the game, not the (cry baby) man.
Yeah, Kf7 looks more likely than 0-0 now. Bring on those fireworks, we need them!
blacks good should win from here
Rybka is suggesting Rd1 so at leat my engine thinks exchanging bishops isn’t that bad, I thnik Kramnik has no other choise, if he doesn’t exchange then Topalov gets dominance over the board …
D.K.
Not only do we have a material imbalance , there is a time imbalance as well.
Any thoughts ?
don’t understand the Polgar comment:
if win needed – prefer black position
if draw needed – prefer white position
is this suggesting that a black win attemt is risky ?!
Amazing !
Topalov seemed not to intend to use 0-0 at all.
It was a trick to puzzle Kramnik.
I don’t think Kramnik was fazed by that. In a position with White’s queen and light-squared bishop off the board, castling is unimportant.
“Howard said…
Not only do we have a material imbalance , there is a time imbalance as well.
Any thoughts ?”
I wonder what was Kramnik doing during game 8 preperation. He is down in time and risk to get into time trouble as yesterday.
Here is one posible line that favours Kramnik:
25… Kf7 26. Rc7 Rc8 27. Rxc8 Nxc8 28. Bxe7 Kxe7 29. Rc1 Ncb6 *
D.K.
ok what now plan-wise? should topalov exchange down to R vs N+N or keep as many pieces on board as possible?
Good point Howard, though Vlad managed yesterday with some time difficulties. What about Rc8, RxR, BxB, KxB – after the simplification, does this make it easier for Vlad or Topa? (Eval. in favour of black, -0.27)
Actually after the exchanges Rybka thinks white is doing better: +0,09 depth 19.
D.K.
David, you’re way ahead of me! I don’t have much of a feel for these types of positions – I think of a pair Knights as being difficult to coordinate in an endgame, but against as single active piece, hmmm…
Don’t forget about the pawn Kramnik has!
D.K.
Engine evaluations in endgames are notoriously unreliable, but it appears to me that a trade-down simplifies the defense, and is therefore in Kramnik’s interest.
Dear Susan,
I do appreciate your quick and insightful comments. What I believe to be a blunder is your remark “If I need a win, I would take Black. If I need a draw, I would take White.” Mathematically, the probability that White reaches a draw is equal to the probability that Black reaches a draw. Likewise, the probability that Black wins equals the probability that White loses. If you like Black if you have to win, there is no reason to strictly prefer White if you need a draw.
Cheers,
Björn
If hypothetically speaking Kramnik could make one night occupied by his passed pawn he could then use the rook to create weakneses on the king side and maybe win another pawn (or at least that is what I think).
D.K.
For sure Marc – and the extra pawn does make things interesting. Seems to me that Topa’s king is more usefully positioned at the moment. Any thoughts on what it behing Rb7 – can’t quite see it myself?
What I believe to be a blunder is your remark “If I need a win, I would take Black. If I need a draw, I would take White.”
Susan can speak for herself, but I think she is referring to the overall psychology of the game, which is a factor that mathematics cannot calculate.
Yes a4 did seem to have some promise, although after a5 is there any significant change? I does make the b pawn rather awkward too.
Thanks for the program evaluations everybody!
No problem Murr, I’m just not sure how long I can keep it up before having to do some work…!
I know the feeling…
If after 29. … a5 30. Rcc7 then I thnik Kd6 solves black problems because if Ra7 black can simply play Rd8 and blacks a pawn is in no danger …
D.K.
is there anywhere some info about what topalov said at the press conference?
what about 30.Rc6?
29… a5, 30. Rc6 looks OK, although Nd5 seems safe enough
Rybka is looking at Rcc7 as the only move but isn’t his a loss of tempo? I don’t undersand it … Can someone explain why Rcc7 is a good move when after Kd7 b3 Rd8 it has to go back to c2 -> Rc2?!
D.K.
78% of the moves in this game have been predicted in the comments.
… and I haven’t found anything on Topa’s press conference, just Vlad’s
Magyar says
Bjorn, your Math is not exact
There are many variables you are overlooking.
White could have a position where 10 different moves would lead to a draw
Black could hava positon where only 3 moves would lead to a draw
Therefore, White can draw easier.
Likewise, There could be 2 moves that are winning for black and only one that is winning for white.
Susan, thanks for providing an additonal view to the great broadcast on Chess.fm (they even have real music today!)
Magyar
Rc6?! Ok now I don’t have the slightest idea of what is Kramnik thinking?!
D.K.
… and I haven’t found anything on Topa’s press conference, just Vlad’s
they only allowed game questions, and those were incorporated in the game analysis on the official site. that was mentioned somewhere…
78 % of the Comments have been Predicated by the Moves
Not using a computer but I liked 30 Rc7 instead of c6. Certainly stops Nd5
Nice one Murr! David, I am not so sure either. The engine is starting to come out with rather meaningless (to me at least) moves, like h3 or h4, so it is out of ideas to! I was just about to post this, when I saw that Vlad has played h4 – oops!
What’s the time control? Is it 40 moves in 2 hours?
To pwjw:
My engine was suggesting h4 too, I think there must be a logic behind it I just can’t see it … anyway I think taht rc6 was a small mistake (then again Kramnik might surprise us …)
D.K.
Winning plans for black and white, please! Especially for black, who has three pieces (R+2K) to coordinate and a pawn less. I’d rather prefer white here, two rooks are easier to coordinate and at least he can try to mobilize his extra pawn on the queen side. Trading rooks might also be a good idea for white.
I wuld have played:
30… Nd5 31. a3 a4 32. Kf1 *
This makes much more sense to me …
D.K.
I believe it is 40 in 2hrs, but I would like someone else to confirm that. Client just phoned me – looks like I better do some work! I’ll drop by again later. Current eval. -0.23 favouring a5, Rb8 or g6… But now they have moved again!
Now that I see this position h4 is starting to make sense (jup I knew there was some logic in it :D)
D.K.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Hi D.K.
From http://www.e3e5.com/eng/petersburg/competitions/article.html?250
31.h4! Also very good – white has no direct play, thus he prevents possible capturing space on the kingside that otherwise could be started with 31…g7-g5!
I believe it is 40 in 2hrs, but I would like someone else to confirm that.
Yes, 40/2; 20/1; G/20’+30″
After 31 h4 if Topalov had played Nb4 threatening the Rook and capturing the a2 pawn he could have cleared up some territory for his advancing a pawn.
His move 31 h6 was weak I think.
King walks to B5 white has very good winning chances.
Rybka thinks that they are equal(ish) -0.25 depth 21, but I think that is is easier to see a plan for white thaen for black (black is a bit tied up at the moment) …
D.K.
To vishy,
the open h fle gives white an additional + I think. (that is the first think I considered, but you are absolutely right about the contoling of space, I sometimes tend to focus on one side and ignore the other …)
D.K.
Now I understand Rc6 too (it is all about the contol of space and about hindering your opponents moves). (well better late then never :D)
D.K.
Hi D.K,
whats the point behind Nf6?
well, two knights can play and defend each other without much risk agains a rook. The only winning chance for white is a5 pawn. I think Topa is better, even that I wanna his lost!
36. …Ne8
THIS i do not understandat all
Hi Susan, do you think white should try to isolate the g pawn or not?
Is Topalov preparin Kd8 with the idea of exchanging some pieces?!
D.K.
White could create a pass pawn with the help of her king.
I tnik that Ne8 was to prepare Kd8 because after Kd8 white can no longer capture the pawn on e6 because after Nc5 he doesnt have a check on d6 anymore … but probably it is somethng else … 😀
D.K.
It’s difficult to evaluate this position.
On the one hand black might have better chances to creat a (small) advantage, on the other, it looks easier for white to draw (black can go wrong easier!).
The exchanging of pawns might definetly be in Kramniks favour and so it should be his plan
dear susy i had some problems so im just hooking, seems an exciting game, by the way u dont necessarily have to say his/her opponent with his opponent y can understand its plural. anyway your english is better than mine.
seems an exiting game but do u think it will outpass the second game!
ok see u.
I don’t really see a winning plan for Black. With his pieces tied down to defending against White’s rooks, how could he bring in any more artillery against the White position?
Kd6 and black pieces can move!
D.K.
37.f3
as expectet. In my opinion 37…g3 or 37…Sd6 38.Rxx g3 is the only way for black if he wants to reach more then a draw.
Here is a wining plan for black:
39… Kd6 40. Kf3 Nd5 41. Rb5 Ra7 42. Rd1 N7f6 43. Rc1 (43. Kxg3 Ne4+ 44. Kf3 Nec3) 43… Ra8 44. Rcc5 Rh8 45. Rc1 Ne4 46. Rxa5 Ndc3 47. Ra6+ Kd7 48. Ra7+ Kc6 49. b4 Kd6 50. Rxc3 Nxc3 51. Kxg3 Rh1 52. b5 Ne4+ 53. Kf3 Rb1 54. Ke2 Rb4 {And black wins.} *
(White might not have played the best moves but now that black has finaly played Kd6 I think Topalov is better!)
D.K.
What an amazing move 36. b3 was. Almost … computerlike.
Consider the following variation on move 40:
40 … Nc5 41. Rb6+ Kd5 42. Rd1 mate. But it’s only mate because of the pawn on b3. If the pawn were still on b2 this variation would be good for Black! And it’s far from obvious at move 36 (to this human at least) that the pawn is safer on b3 than b2.
I think that 36. b3 is computer-like.
I think that 36. b3 is computer-like.
Computers have a tendency to find good moves. So do GMs. It would take an awful lot more than just one “computer-like” move to conclude that Kramnik is relying on a computer.
41.e4 and a draw!
Kramnik is not known to blunder in this series, I think he will hold out for a draw but as Ms Polgar said, he should tread carefully.
Topalov isnt in great form either, so a blunder from him is quite possible.
To artichoke:
I will have to disagree the computer likes 36. Rcc7 depth 21, I think is is a human like move 😀 (the computer always plays the move that is statisticaly the best in his pool of variations, if it is not a forced mate the computers evaluation wont be that high, but it helps the human player to see a mate posibility it gives him confidence!)
D.K.
is 41 e4 playable? allows the king to go after the g pawn .. if the black rook coomes to defend it the whote rook swings to the open h file to attack it.
Is the pawn at g3 poisioned? 🙂
41. Kxg3?
Dipping back in, and it looks slightly better for Topa (eval. -0.51 for Rb5, over -1 for anything else). I worry for Vlad’s rook stuck out on the b-file – how can he get it back into the game? That was why I was a bit perplexed by b3, as it seemed to trap this rook…
Kramnik is not known to blunder in this series….
Have you looked at Game 2?
Kxg3, Nc5 and the b file and e pawns are struggling perhaps? e4 could open things up a bit…
To Anonymous:
e4 is not posible because of:
41. e4 fxe4+ 42. Kxe4 Nc5+ *
And white looses a rook.
D.K.
Hello everyone! My opinion is today’s game is more interesting than the last two. If you don’t know by now, I support Topalov the player (I don’t like what his manager does). It’s this kind of unbalanced positions that makes the game exciting. (I personally use IM Silman’s seven. they’re easy to remember). I say Topalov should win because he is ahead in the imbalances + Space + Material = everything else.
Quite right David – missed that – similar theme to Kxg3
The computer now says black is winning: -+ (-1.50) depth 18 (and likes Nc5 a lot)
D.K.
Why is Kxg3 such a horrible move?
(I am not disagreeing — I simply don’t know why.)
ALSO — what does it mean when the rectangle at the lower left of the board on
http://www.worldchess2006.com/main.asp?id=1063
turns some color (e.g., red or turquoise) ?
Kxg3 it is – could be trouble ahead – what has Vlad planned for Nc5, or do you think he has missed it – a pivotal moment in the match perhaps, or am I being melodramatic!
40…..Nc5! 41.Kxg3,Nc5 42.Rb5,Ne4+ 43.Kf3,Rg8 44.Rxa5,Rg3+ 45.Ke2,Rxe3+ 46.Kf1,Rxb3 (-+)
Matteo
41.e4 fxe4 42. Kxg3 draw
Is Rb5 dangerous for white?
White is in big truble:
41. Kxg3 Nc5 42. Rb5 Ne4+ 43. Kf3 Rg8 44. Rxa5 Rg3+ 45. Ke2 Rxe3+ 46. Kd1 Nxf4
*
And white can resign. ( if Kramnik can defend this then he is truly unbeatable!)
D.K.
My eval is -2.09 ! 41… Nd5, 42 Rh7 Nxe3, 43 Rb1 Nd5, 44 Kf4 Rb8, and the b pawn is lost. Nc5 has been played – what now for big Vlad…?
Nice coverage, thank you.
Miguel, after exf4+, Kxg3, then Nc5, and with the threat of Rg8 and Nxb3 and Nd3, I think it would be hard for black to draw…
.. or white even 🙂
Rg7 preventing Rg8+ but I don’t see how Kramnik might draw now …
D.K.
Hello Susan
Thank you for all the commentary.Is it possible to get your site to refresh automatically,say every 2 minutes, so that we are updated with the latest comments.
I’m sure MOROZEVICH would greatly prefer black, even before Kxg3!!! A dream position, 2 knights….
Is it possible to get your site to refresh automatically,say every 2 minutes, so that we are updated with the latest comments.
That would be highly inefficient, as Susn isn’t updating every two minutes. You have a refresh button yourself. Use it.
Hiarcs is suggesting RxNc5 – ouch! David in the last variation, and in this position, you are right – Rg7 is the probably the best option, but it still looks dire. Vlad is taking his time – I think his difficulties are dawning on him now…
Ooops ,sorry.Disregard my previous comment.I didn’t see black has two knights,not one…
No material advantage for white.
41. Nc5. This position verges on resignable. My lowly Fritz Lite is also suggesting 42.Rxc5 as the best of a bad situation.
Thanks for the response March Shepherd. sorry I have a slow connection and refreshing the site is a bit of a problem. During the world cup the BBC site was refreshing site every 2 minutes but I take your point. Thanks again
Yes, the position looks like it will disintegrate quickly with so many threats – and from such a stable looking position just a few moves ago. Hiarcs continues to find more promise for Black. Eval. -2.33 now.
I am a pro-Kramnik,but once again I admit Topalov confirmed what we already knew:He is a deadly dangerous black pieces player!
I’m affraid Vlady can’t save this game.
Anonymous said…
I have just joined after viewing the position after 41st white move.
At first glance I thought white was winning…But Susan said black’s clearly better!?
What is going on?
White is up in material,why is black better??
It has to do with the imbalances on the board. You are right that white is up on material over all…only slightly and black is threatening to get it back. You are missing this: black has taking over critical squares by centralizing his knights. Also he now occupies a critical half open file. This give him an advantage…in imbalance! Let us see if he can convert it.
Rg7 for Vlad. Hiarcs prefers Nxe3, but I think Topo’s direct Rb8 should do the job just as well in the end. How long do we think Vlad will wait before calling it a day?
I would continue playig and hope black bluners (higly unlikely … but anyway). (I kind of feel sory for Kramnik I’m feeling the pain of his position … it must be realy horible for him right now …)
D.K.
black is better but if all the pawns are exchanged its a draw ,right susan?
I’m agree entirely David, it must be torture to watch it slipping away – but he must play on to make Topo prove that he can finish him this time. The eval. has dropped a bit (-1.88), but still the b and e pawns look destined for a trip off the board, and the a pawn does not look like much compensation for white.
And Vlady is a bad on clock once again.All is against him in this game.
If I were him I would better resign and save my energy and health for incoming games.
Maybe he hopes Topalov will blunder again..
luca, I think you are right in principle, but I don’t think it is like to happen.
So, Susan, according to your comment on move number 43, do you prefer Kramnik to win, so we dont need to care about game 5?
Cheers,
Beco.
44… Ne4 looks odd to me, as it allows both the b and e file pawns to stick around, but I guess the threat of Rg3+ means this is the most forceful approach?
Rybka was suggestin 44. Kh2 … Kf3 gives black too many tempi … Rybka is now evaluating the position as completly lost for white. (-2.01 depth 18)
D.K.
Kramnik should start worrying about his time.
I hope he wins the match. I feel disgust for Topalov and his crew.
0-1 (now I wuld resign there is nothing that Topalow can do to loose)
D.K.
David, your PC obviously runs a lot quicker than mine! But Hiarcs also had Kh2, though I can understand the instinct to defend the e pawn. Current eval is -2.67 (depth only 13 though!) after 46. Ra7+ Kf6, 47. Ke2, Rxg2+
It’s horrible to watch now – just carnage! I am fairly neutral by the way – just want to see some good chess – but this is brutal… Hiarcs just hit -4
thats it…
somehow 37.f3 was the first step on the wrong path, wasn’t it?
48. Kf2 … is listed In S. Polgar’s blog as having *happened*, but it is mysteriously not listed on
http://www.worldchess2006.com/main.asp?id=1063 (at least not for 2 minutes later)
mate in 5!
All that’s left for Black is to ,op up the last pockets of resistance.
I wonder if Team Kramnik will raise the issue of the game 5 forfeit, now that the match is tied?
Mate in 4
Topalov’s first win. Yes.
Finally the match is interesting to watch because of the chess.
I agree with you daniel.
Topalov team is disguisting,but it is not Topalov’s fault to have such snake in his camp (Danielov).
Probably he didn’t know what was at snake prepeared to do just destabilize Vlady.
He is a magnificent player .Just like Vlady I admire his chess skills.
The mate (and it is a nice one!)
52… Rf2+ {Black wins 0-1} 53. Kg1 Rxg2+ 54. Kf1 Rf2+ 55. Ke1 Nd3+ 56. Kd1 Nc3# 0-1
D.K.
I’d imagine that Topalov’s fast play kept Kramnik riveted at the board toward the end of the game. Good show, Topalov!
Yippie!!!!! Topalov finally wins one…let the three ring circus begin…bring in the clowns(FIDE, Team Kramnik, and Danailov)!
Topolav’s first win and with black pieces….woooow! Masterful use of his knights!
Topalov team is disguisting,but it is not Topalov’s fault to have such snake in his camp (Danielov).
Unless you’re saying Danailov was forced on Topalov, it most certainly Topalov’s responsibility. You’re responsible for whomever you hire.
Dear Susan.
It is really great that you share your analysis with us.
Thank you very much
Well, I never expected Topalov to win a point at the board itself, just as his manager evidently hasn’t.
Hopefully this will prompt Kramnik to do what he should have done at game five: quit the match and pursue damages immediately. After all, he won it 3-1 ages ago and this no longer matters or counts.
Topa shows who the real chess champion is… he had forced draw game one… mate in 3 game 2… and finally has been able to force the point on advantage… whereas Kramnik does nothing more than bore the position and look for draws every single game
Utter disgust that the Topalov team antics might end up winning the day.
Big advantage for the FIDE-Champion now. He needed only one win to equalize a 0-2. Unbelievable play! Great tactics from a great master! May the better man win now!
LOL
finally the brain chip from houston got recalibrated by the alien commander’s specialist…
way to go Vladimir, whilst your naive manager maunders about installing bugs right into your private restroom, a rybka 4.2 GM-breaker engine was implemented to that brain chip in Topalovs head …
but let’s play it safe – no restroom visits anymore from saturday on!
i’m sure, the circus will go on and on and on … sad days for chess…
sincerly, Vohaul
Viva Topalov! And if he hadn’t blown the earlier game….
On purely chess terms Topalov is a magnificent player compared to the drawmaster, dont forget his crushing win in Argentina, or have people forgotten?
Comon, Fischer was eccentric , how come the heretofore calm composed Topalov is suddenly a whiner and a coward and eccentric?
His manager is the devil, be that as it may Topalov should never have accepted the forfeiture.
Topalov has a good chance to offer an extended match for the forfeited point and lost goodwill.
Also now that the pressure is off what will Topalov play next? 1.e4 (a change of strategy)
I have great admiration for Topalov’s enterprising and dynamic play which i have followed for some years now. With him you can count on fireworks on the 64 squares.However, I am not impressed by Danailov his manager and I would agree that you cannot separate the manager from the player.
The match now hangs in the balance.It would be great to have one champion in chess.However, should this match be abandoned, which is now my biggest fear, then it would be another checkmate for chess itself. its such a beautiful game which could be applied to so many things in life and pull sponsors by the dozen. But alas! I rest my case
Well, I never expected Topalov to win a point at the board itself, just as his manager evidently hasn’t.
This is precisely the kind of unbalanced commentary one encounters on message boards. Topalov has generated winning chances in several of the games so far. Even a Kramnik fan has to expect Toaplov to convert some of those chances.
Hopefully this will prompt Kramnik to do what he should have done at game five: quit the match and pursue damages immediately.
I find that highly unlikely. In the first place, it looks terrible to walk away the first time you lose a game. If he was going to walk away, the time to do it was right after the forfeit was declared.
In the second place, Kramnik still has a lifetime plus score against Topalov. With four games to go, he could very well win it at the board, making the forfeit irrelevant. If the forfeit gives Topalov the margin of victory, Kramnik can sue later on.
HI SUSAN,
I would like to post a comment about theWCC and the debate about Topalov and so on.
It is about chess isnt it. And Topalov is clearly the better player. he won the eight’ game. Kramnik didnt win one. The first to games weren´t won by Kramnik the was blundered and lost by topalov so after my counting it is 1-o for Topa
Nice site
Bye a german (not bulgarian) chess friend
and remember this top is play nice chess he and only he makes the games a pleasure to watch. ALL OF YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL, TOP is the best CHESSPROMOTION EVER.
Interesting game. I’m afraid it will lead to more of a mess off the board though.
Say, Susan, I appreciate this blog and your prescence at ICC. There’s been some comments made that are inappropriate. So I think a thank you is overdue. So . . . thank you!
Danailov is with Topalov for such a long time… Not easy to get rid of such a person.
The first to games weren´t won by Kramnik the was blundered and lost by topalov so after my counting it is 1-o for Topa
Ludicrous.
Even if you count the first 2 as Topalove LOSES more than Kramnik wins, that STILL puts the score at 1-2.
Look at it this way, if Topalov can blunder so frequently in imporant games then HE IS NOT THE BETTER PLAYER. Just like if a basketball team or golfer alwasy choked during the final rounds of a competition. They are the worse teams.
End of story.
I just want to say that Topalov’s game is much more exciting than Drawnik’s. The reason these games are so good is because Topalov makes them so.
Do not forget this.
“The first to games weren´t won by Kramnik the was blundered and lost by topalov so after my counting it is 1-o for Topa.”
Nice to see that every fanboy has his own rating system. On the other hand I like your system. A game blundered away doesn’t count? Great! That suddenly makes me a very decent chess player.
cato elder – you said
“Comon, Fischer was eccentric , how come the heretofore calm composed Topalov is suddenly a whiner and a coward and eccentric?”
Did Fischer believe the initial position was a win for him – if his opponent had been to the toilet an unusual number of times in a previous game?
There is a huge gulf between Fischer’s creeping madness, and Topalov’s total corruption.
“The first to games weren´t won by Kramnik the was blundered and lost by topalov so after my counting it is 1-o for Topa.”
Nice to see that every fanboy has his own rating system. On the other hand I like your system. A game blundered away doesn’t count? Great! That suddenly makes me a very decent chess player.
It makes everyone amazing chess players.
EVERY game is lost to a blunder. If you played perfectly you would never lose. If both sides played perfectly, it would be infinite draws.
Exciting game! Here’s Susan’s commentary in PGN format.
[Event “WCC Match 2006”]
[Date “2006.09.27”]
[Round “8”]
[White “Kramnik, Vladimir”]
[Black “Topalov, Veselin”]
[Result “0-1”]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Be2
{This is the Meran, a switch from the Catalan. This is actually one of my
favorite viariations and I won some nice games with this line.} Bb7 9. O-O {
One of the ideas is as Yasser said: “The idea is that in numerous variations,
White can play for Nf3-e5 and Be2-f3, when the Bishop is more useful on f3
than on d3.” If Black does not play b4 then e4 is the plan.} b4 10. Na4 c5 {
Be7 is another line here.} 11. dxc5 Nxc5 {This is the kind of position that is
perfect for Kramnik with little chances to lose. I am very surprised of
Topalov’s opening choice today and actually in this match.} 12. Bb5+ ({
Another choice is} 12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. Qa4+ {and White has a good position.})
12… Ncd7 13. Ne5 Qc7 14. Qd4 {Kramnik is spending a lot of time for this
move. A common question is doesn’t Kramnik know this opening line? Yes, of
course. However, this is the type of position where he needs to decide to
continue in a more aggressive manner or more positional. This is why sometimes
you see a GM spend significant time in the opening. In fact, the same player
sometimes would choose a different continuation depending on who his / her
opponent is.} Rd8 {Topalov instantly responded with this move.} 15. Bd2 {
A questionable choice by Kramnik.} (15. Nxd7 {
would be another choice, perhaps a better choice.}) ({
If White takes the pawn with} 15. Qxa7 {Black can play} Bd6 {and has compensati
on for the pawn. I can’t imagine Kramnik playing a sharp line like this.})
15… Qa5 {Topalov once again responded instantly. This seems to be a new move.
} (15… a6 {has been played by Cvetkovic – Bagirov.}) 16. Bc6 {The amazing
thing is other lines would give Black a very good position. 16.Bc6 is the
strongest continuation. Here 16…Be7 is the strongest reply and White would
have to continue with 17. b3 O-O. Black is OK with this position.} Be7 {
It seems to me that Topalov has this line all prepared at home. This is
dangerous territory for Kramnik as he has to find the best lines on the board.
But he seems to do find so far in this match.} 17. Rfc1 {Kramnik spent quite a
bit of time for this move. Black has a few decent options: O-O or Bxc6. We may
actually have an exciting and imbalance game today.} Bxc6 18. Nxc6 Qxa4 {
So basically we will see a Rook for 2 minor pieces – 2 knights type of game
once Vladimir captures the Rook on d8. In my opinion, this is the most
exciting game to date. The position will be sharp and we will see if Kramnik
can play tactical chess or not. Some people tend to have the wrong impression
that Vladimir is not good with this style. He is! He just prefers to play more
positionally.} 19. Nxd8 Bxd8 20. Qxb4 {This is the safest way to continue with
Queens off the board. Vladimir is comfortable with Rook+Pawn for 2 Knights. 20.
..Qxb4 21.Bxb4 Nb6 to stop Rc8. Black is fine with this endgame.} Qxb4 21. Bxb4
Nd5 22. Bd6 f5 {Yasser Seirawan says: “I’m not sure what Vladimir thought was
‘attractive’ about this ending. With Kf7 and Bb6 in the offing… Black looks
very good.” I agree with Yasser. I like Black too but I would not say Black’s
position is very good. I think Black is slightly better. However, this is
exactly what Topalov is hoping for, a chance to win with Black, even if it is
a small chance.} 23. Rc8 {
Now I am expecting Black to play 23…N5b6 to stop Ra8.} N5b6 24. Rc6 Be7 {
Around half of the viewers like Black’s position. The other half like White’s
position. This is why this game will be exciting. Unbalanced positions are
very hard to play. If I need a win, I would take Black. If I need a draw, I
would take White. What does that mean? It means that even though Black may not
be better but Black has chances. What it also means is Black’s position is
more difficult to play and White’s position is easier to play. Therefore, if
you want a draw, you would want to choose the easier side to play which is
White.} 25. Rd1 Kf7 {Both of these moves are expected.} 26. Rc7 {It does not
matter which side you like better, the bottom line is we will see an exciting
endgame.} Ra8 {Fritz suggested trading Rooks for Black but I think Topalov
made the right decision by keeping his Rook on the board if he wants chances
to win.} 27. Rb7 {I like a5 here as Black.} Ke8 {I do not like this move very
much. It just wastes a tempo if White captures the Bishop. White has a few
options now play 28.f3, 28.Bxe7 or just retreating the Bishop to g3.} ({I like
} 27… a5 {here.}) 28. Bxe7 Kxe7 {
Black just wasted a tempo with Ke8 last move. That is why I prefer 27…a5.}
29. Rc1 a5 {Finally! Who is actually playing for the win here? Topalov is
definitely not going for the draw but I do not think Kramnik minds his
position either.} 30. Rc6 Nd5 {
This pair of Knights is giving Kramnik a nightmare. Hard to break them up.} 31.
h4 {The big debate on all servers is which side is better. GM Boris Avrukh
said: “Zagrebelnyi is commenting on 64.ru writes: I am sure he is Topalov is
playing for a win here, I think he is wrong, I would prefer White here.”
Karjakin likes White. Radjabov likes Black. John Fedorowicz likes White, I
like Black…and the debate continues…} h6 32. a4 g5 33. hxg5 hxg5 {
The players cranked out these moves very fast. Now GM Nataf joins the list who
likes Black but it is still a 50-50 split.} 34. Kf1 g4 {This is the kind of
position that you cannot rely on computers to evaluate. As you can see, many
of the GMs like White and many like Black. It is a matter of preference. Some
play minor pieces better, some play Rooks better, some like balanced endgames
and some like unbalanced positions. If you want to get better, this is the
kind of position you have to learn to play out on your own.} 35. Ke2 N5f6 36.
b3 {I am sure Kramnik is confident of his position right now. It’s quite solid.
I also think that Topalov does not mind his position.} Ne8 37. f3 {White wants
to trade. The less pieces on the board, the closer to a draw. So Topalov needs
to decide on 37…g3 or gxf3.} g3 38. Rc1 Nef6 39. f4 {Gata Kamsky said: “Once
black setups rook somewhere on d2 and Nd7, Nf6, Black is better.”} Kd6 {
All of a sudden, many observers started to shift their opinion to liking Black
better. As I said earlier, Black has chances to win and it is the side you
would want to have if you need to go for the win. This kind of endgames is
hard to evaluate, even for GMs.} 40. Kf3 Nd5 {Kramnik has to be very careful
now. His position requires extra care. I wish I can see Kramnik’s face now in
this position. Or better yet, I wish we can scan his brain to see his pattern
of thinking in such position. He is one of the most solid players in history.}
41. Kxg3 $2 {This is a horrible move and it may cost Kramnik this game. As I
said many moves ago, Black had chances. You just have to have a feel for this
kind of position. You only the feel for it by playing out positions like this
hundreds / thousands of times. That was part of my training when I was younger.
} Nc5 {The best move. White now has an extremely difficult position. Even if
White did not blunder with 41.Kg3, he would have had a very bad position. The
funny thing is only about 7-8 moves ago, some were questioning my sanity when
I said I would pick Black if I need to go for the win. Now, everyone seems to
change their minds. If White plays 42.Rb5 then Ne4+ then Rg8 and White’s
position collapses.} 42. Rg7 Rb8 (42… Nxe3 {would have been better.}) 43. Ra7
{If Kramnik loses this game, I am afraid this match will become an even bigger
circus. Topalov is usually a slow starter. What if Topalov can bounce back
with a couple of wins? Will the match be called off due to the game 5 fiasco?
What a mess!} Rg8+ 44. Kf3 {Not the best response but everything loses.} Ne4
45. Ra6+ Ke7 {All the White pawns are about to fall. The position is looking
extremely bad for Kramnik now. Unless there is a complete collapse by Topalov
like in the first 2 games, Topalov should score his first on the board victory
today.} 46. Rxa5 {Now 46…Rg3+ 47.Ke2 Rxe3+ 48.Kd1 Nxf4 -+} Rg3+ 47. Ke2 Rxe3+
48. Kf1 Rxb3 {Black is completely winning here. All he has to do is pick up
all the pawns and there is not much White can do about it.} 49. Ra7+ Kf6 50.
Ra8 Nxf4 {
White has no defensive plan here. He can only hope for Black to blunder.} 51.
Ra1 Rb2 {mate threats are coming.} 52. a5 {
Here comes a checkmate for Black starting with Rf2+ 53.Ke1 Nd3+ 54.Kd1 Nc3#}
Rf2+ {and White resigns giving Topalov the first win on the board. This sets
up for a very interesting scenario. Can Topalov pull off a string of wins now
that the momentum has switched? Will this now be just a legal battle? We shall
see!} 0-1
Don’t know whether this link was posted here before, but here it is:
http://www.chesspro.ru/match/main/
The commentary (in Russian) is done by GM Sergei Shipov. A simple registration (login name, password & e-mail) is needed to access the live commentary (it’s absolutely free). This can be done here:
http://www.chesspro.ru/guestnew/registred/
However if you don’t want to register, you can simply wait till the end of a respective game after which the commentary becomes available for everybody.
There is also an English version by IM Andrey Deviatkin: click on the relevant “live” button here:
http://www.chesspro.ru/match/main/
and in the pop-up window you will find a link to it (something like Nth day. Topalov – Kramnik). Deviatkin keeps an eye on Shipov’s commentaries as well.
No one seems to like Dainalov but consider this: he has generated more publicity for the game than all the GM shinaneegans from the last ten years! (not since Deeper Yellow match against Kasparov have we seen so much interest in chess). The chessworld owes him a great deal.
No one seems to like Dainalov but consider this: he has generated more publicity for the game than all the GM shinaneegans from the last ten years! (not since Deeper Yellow match against Kasparov have we seen so much interest in chess). The chessworld owes him a great deal.
No. Scandalous negative publicity is often good for indivduals (makes people buy books or CDs or whatever) but it is rarely good for a sport on the whole.
Recent high profile scandals in track and cycling (with their champions being caught doping) might have generated intrerest, but it turned tons of people off to those sports.
If a clear winner doesn’t emerge here, more damage is done to the chess world.
spectacular play from Topalov, I dont care how much whining by Kramnik fans this will generate – it is clear that Topa in action is far more exciting to watch than the drawmaster, he should wake up now like he always does late in tournaments in wipe off Kramnik for the rest of the match, sweet!
I reluctantly agree with anonymous on the last post. To get this kind of publicity FIDE would have to spend around a 100 million dollars (!). Since there is no such thing as bad publicity in sports (just look how popular they are even after all the doping scandals) Dainalov is the single greates hero of chess (literally worth a cool 100 million) in the last ten years! (no one since Kasparov has contributed so much to chess popularity). Dainalov should be the next FIDE president!!!
It appeared to me that Kramnik was lost when he was forced to retreat his rook to c1 (because Nd6 wins an exchange) allowing Topalov to play Kd6 freeing his other knight.
Comments?
Nice to see that every fanboy has his own rating system. On the other hand I like your system. A game blundered away doesn’t count? Great! That suddenly makes me a very decent chess player.
Fanboy knows that blunders count. He is merely making the very same point Garry Kasparov made in his WSJ editorial — that Kramnik’s wins at the board were more due to Topalov’s errors than to Kramnik’s brilliancies.
From a scorekeeping standpoint, Kramnik’s wins count the same, no matter how he got them. But from an analytical viewpoint, one must acknowledge how the win was arrived at.
Dainalov is a shrewd businessman and a master at showmanship (just watch him play the “bad guy”, he is awesome at it, even grinning while receiving the forfeit document). Remember how popular the actor of Dallas became when he played the bad guy? (when he was acting in “I dream of Jeanie” he was considered mediocre). Bad guys draw crowds, publicity and money. It was high time chess got his “bad boy” for publicity’s sake!
Long live Dainalov!!!
We live in the “age of vulgarity”. Bodily functions are the common material of many “modern” jokes, TV programs, politics, etc. In this age of morons the “spirit of the age” can be symbolized by a toilet. Dainalov is a genius of the highest order for identifying (even unconsciously) the “ley motif” of the age and using it for creating an scandal. The “toiletgate” scandal worked so well that now chess displaced all other sports in the front news for the first time in a long, long time. He really outdid all the other propaganda masters with this sleight of hand.
Bravo Dainalov!
Thanks to Dainalov, in a hundred years this match will be remembered while Fisher-Spasky will be largely forgotten. I agree with the above posters that Dainalov is to be congratulated in his achievement.
Dear Chess Fans,
This debacle has undermined the entire World Chess Championship process!
Yet, I do hope that the title isn’t decided due to a lawsuit arising from charges of libel or other accusations.
Since GM Kasparov is no longer playing actively, either Topalov or Kramnik must, OVER THE BOARD, PROVE WHO IS BETTER!
Topalov won today. But, he could never defeat Kasparov in a match.
Kramnik did. Until you have beaten the one person (that is still alive and plays quality chess!) that is considered to be the greatest player in the history of chess, as GM Kasparov is considered, then you can be the considered the “world champion” but not “the best in the world.”
I hope that Kasparov would challenge the winner of this match and regain (or prove that he’s not the “best” any longer) the “unified” title.
I ask you, hypothetically, do you think Kasparov could defeat either Kramnik or Topalov in a future match for the unified world title?
Just want your opinion. Objectivity would be nice.
Great game by Topalov. As usual he is not afraid to take risks & play in unbalance positions. In my opinion, it is in such positions that we can accurately evaluate the playing strengths of a chess player.
I ask you, hypothetically, do you think Kasparov could defeat either Kramnik or Topalov in a future match for the unified world title?
For my money, Kasparov was a clearly superior player to either during his height. However, I suspect by now he is enough past his prime that his numbers would have slipped and i’d probably give the edge to the younger challangers…. although I think Kasparov would certanly hvae a strong chance.
Fanboy knows that blunders count. He is merely making the very same point Garry Kasparov made in his WSJ editorial — that Kramnik’s wins at the board were more due to Topalov’s errors than to Kramnik’s brilliancies.
No Marc. Fanboy’s claim was that SINCE Topalov blunders gave Kramnik the win THEN Topalov is the superior player. Kasparov didn’t make any claim close to that and I doubt he would.
Topalov might indeed be a superior player, but hte fact that he has lost twice due to his own blunders is hardly proof of that…
Timothy Harrys,
Kramnik won against Kasparov by using a portable chess set in the bathroom. Now that Kramnik has pressure not to cheat so much he lost his game (proving that he did cheat). If Topalov wins then he will prove that he is better than Kramnik. But Kasparov will remain the best by far for a long long time!
“Fanboy knows that blunders count. He is merely making the very same point Garry Kasparov made in his WSJ editorial — that Kramnik’s wins at the board were more due to Topalov’s errors than to Kramnik’s brilliancies.”
In todays game, Kxg3 was the loosing singular blunder commited by Kramnik, albeit not quite as dumb as Topalov’s in game one. Apart from that, I only spotted in today’s game that Topalov has obviously home-prepared this R vs. 2N trade and finally converted the resulting position. Quite normal GM business and not an heroic deed. I find it much more striking that Topalov got two points for only one win. That is really unequaled!
Topalov showed supremacy in the last 20 moves today — although it is only one game and the match could still go either way. Look how fast he played them! As a result, I would guess that Kramnik’s clock kept him at the board (wish there were live video!), which I think may itself be important in this particular match.
I never saw Kasparov show that sort of supremacy over Kramnik. But then Kramnik seemed to play better against Kasparov than in this match. Or maybe Topalov’s positional play is better than Kasparov’s and causes more problems.
“Until you have beaten the one person (that is still alive and plays quality chess!) that is considered to be the greatest player in the history of chess, as GM Kasparov is considered, then you can be the considered the “world champion” but not “the best in the world.”
I hope that Kasparov would challenge the winner of this match and regain (or prove that he’s not the “best” any longer) the “unified” title.”
This brings up the whole thing about Fischer. We had a break down in 1975, 1993, and 2000. I won’t get into what FIDE tries to sell as a Championship, only to say FIDE needs to clean it up…somehow? It would be great if Kasparov and Fischer would play (Kasparov should win) and then the winner (whiner) of that match plays the winner of this one; then we could finally put to rest who is the greatest and who is the legitimate World Champion! Only problem is that the super big egos involved and Fischer is insane…and wanted by G.W. Bush!
“From a scorekeeping standpoint, Kramnik’s wins count the same, no matter how he got them. But from an analytical viewpoint, one must acknowledge how the win was arrived at.”
You are surely thinking of Topalov’s win in game five, aren’t you?
To Susan Polgar:
Why do you think the match might be stopped by Kramnik’s part now?
Sorry,It just doesn’t make sense what you wrote in the conclusion of your blog analysis after game 8.
The real battle on the board has just begun.
The worst case scenario is if Topalov actually manage to win next game!
IMHO,that can force Kramnik’s team to abandon the match based on questions about legallity of the game 5 outcome.
I hope next game will be a fighting draw ‘couse I wanna see a good chess activity in next few games.
Best,
GK
I do not know if the match will be stopped. I do not know. The point is anything can happen as we have seen in the past week. I just hope that both sides will just continue to play.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
http://www.SusanPolgar.com
Apart from all the political blah-blah, the fact is that Topalov is playing real chess. Every game in a creative way, always for a win and a draw is his last choice.
With all of Danailov’s non-sense all you Kramnik fans seem to forgot that Topalov is simply a superior player to Kramnik. He lost two games in the beginning of the match just because of himself trying too hard to win, not because of Kramnik.
So get yourself together and pray that Kramnik keeps it to 6-6. In that case he can abandon the match and continue to claim that he is Morphy’s, Steinitz’s and George Washington’s successor… 🙂
Wonderful game by Topalov!
Kramnik and Topalov simply have different styles. Topalov’s style does not make him the “superior” player.
Go Topalov! You won a game! Woohoo! 😉
Hopefully, Veselin, having won his first game in the match and actually having played better than Kramnik so far, will understand the situation and agree to play the forfeited 5th game with Kramnik. If Topalov agrees to do this, I’m sure everyone involved will agree to let the game be played. Anyway, that’s my hope, but it’s up to Topalov to suggest it.
SusanPolgar said…
I just hope that both sides will just continue to play.
Why?
Topalov played a flawless game today, but after yesterday press release, this point is very much dirty.
The off-the-board noice has a prize for Mr. Kramnik, and it showed today.
Accusing your opponet of computer assistance, is just as bad as using it yourself.
I’m so sad the dirty tactics is working…
to:Tor Rustad
If it was working, this should have been Kramnik’s 3 loss.
It is quite simple Topalov is the better player of the two.
this web site reads like a fanatical topalov site. have the pro kramnik postings been edited out.
I am almost ashamed to read what is posted here now.
This web site does not appear to be a neutral place at all.
I thought no posts were edited out.
It seems the fanboys cheer the most recent otb winner. Today it’s Topalov, and Kramnik is a suspect. But before this game, Topalov was just a weasel and Kramnik unjustly accused.
There are a lot of people posting here who go with the wind like that. But where’s youre evidence that Susan is editing out posts? She says she doesn’t, and your accusation is the first I’ve seen.
its all staged…ho hum
The Kramnik fanatics are so vile that they accuse Susan of taking out pro-Kramnik posts when 90% of the posts here are pro-Kramnik!!! I guess if your not fanatically anti-Topalov and a Kramnik cheerleader your anti-Kramnik.
And so after all the fiery comments by a lot of would be world champions this posting comes to rest… as the dust settles waiting for a new heat wave to roll on in a couple of days…another job well done by all..you can all now have a Dunny Break..We all thank Susan for letting us be here