Cracking chess player drawing by Mike Magnan
The score is now 4.5 – 4.5 with just 3 games left in the 2010 World Championship. Topalov will have White in game 10 and 12 while Anand has only 1 White game left in game 11.
Who will crack first under pressure? Can Anand put on a show in game 10 after missing multiple golden opportunities in game 9? Will Topalov be riding high in game 10 after escaping a big one in the previous game? What is your assessment of the match so far? Are the players saving their best novelties for the final few games? Will physical fitness come into play? Will Topalov continue with 1. d4?
| Anand, Viswanathan | g | India | 2787 | 0 | 1 | ½ | 1 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 0 | ½ | . | . | . | 4 | ½ |
| Topalov, Veselin | g | Bulgaria | 2805 | 1 | 0 | ½ | 0 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 1 | ½ | . | . | . | 4 | ½ |
Topalov – Anand game 10 LIVE commentary
Game 10 will take place today at 7 am (U.S. central time).
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Veselin Topalov – Vishy Anand
World Championship – Game 10
Hello everyone! We are about to start! This will be a very important game. Whoever wins this game will obviously have a major advantage with just 2 games left. There is almost no room left for error.
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 Anand is choosing the Gruenfeld again. He did not want to go back to the Slav.
5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Bg7 7. Bc4 c5 8. Ne2 Nc6 9. Be3 O-O 10. O-O b6 Topalov for the 1st time in this game spent a few minutes on his 11th move. Black is basically offering a pawn: 11. dxc5 bxc5 12. Qxd8 Rxd8 13. Bxc5. The problem is White’s c3 pawn is very weak. Once Black wins the pawn back, both sides will have a symmetrical pawn structure and it is almost impossible to win with that. Anand would not mind drawing with Black in this game. This is why Topalov did not take to keep an imbalance position as he does not want to waste 1 of his 2 remaining White game.
11. Qd2 Bb7 Many of you asked about the physical fitness factor in a World Championship match. From my own personal experience, I believe that it is very important. This was a big part of my training routine before my World Championship match in 1996, which included running and hitting the gym daily. I also paid attention to what kind of food I ate (I still do). My physical training started 6 months before my match. I started my training routine more than a year before making my come back at the 2004 Chess Olympiad in Calvia after nearly 9 years of retirement.
Years ago, this was not a very big issue. But if you look at the younger players today, many do focus on being fit. I do not know the specifics of Anand and Topalov’s physical training routine. But from what I have read, both said that they’re conscious about this issue. Topalov is also a very strong closer at the end of many big events. This means that he is fit.
12. Rac1 Rc8 No surprises so far. We are still in opening book. White has a number of logical moves here: 13. Rfd1; 13. f3; Even 13. h4 has been played.
13. Rfd1 Topalov is down by about 15 minutes on the clock. It is not that he does not know this opening. The reason for taking time is he is deciding on how to continue and what kind of position would give him the best chance to win. This is a very important thought process in the mind of grandmasters. At this level, you do not expect to win by your opponent hanging pieces or making monumental blunders. You have to win on the board with sound strategy and accurate attack. On top of that, the style of each opponent is different. Therefore, the player must make a logical decision based on a number of variables. It is a lot more than just making moves.
13…cxd4 14. cxd4 Qd6 Other choices such as 14…Na5 or 14….e6 are also playable. The move Anand chose is quite versatile. If there is danger in the center, his Queen can move back to b8 and then perhaps a8 behind the Bishop to target the h1-a8 diagonal. The Queen can also go to b4 aiming for a Queen trade.
15. d5 With this move, we can scrap both Queen move idea I mentioned above. The h1 – a8 diagonal is now solidified and the Knight is chased out from c6. If 15…Ne5 then 16. Bb3. If 15…Na5 then 16. Bb5. By the way, 15. e5 is also playable and perhaps a little stronger. Even 15. h4 is playable.
15…Na5 Now both 16. Bb5 and 16. Bd3 are OK. It seems that both players are feeling the pressure. They are taking their time. It is the right thing to do as a loss by either player here can mean the match.
16. Bb5 Anand can safe trade Rooks right here.
16…Rxc1 17. Rxc1 Now Anand has a few options: He can try to trade another pair of Rooks with 17…Rc8 or he can try 17…f5. I expect Anand to play as safe as possible by trading Rooks knowing that he will not have a problem drawing this endgame as Black. Both losses by Anand so far came as Black. This is why Anand will not want to take chances in this game. He wants to even up the odd with a tie score going into the final 2 games with 1 game of each color.
If we examine Anand’s mind even further, here are some things to consider. The score is tied. After holding this game, Anand will try to push hard (but not recklessly) to win game 11. If he wins or draws, he will again play super safe to hold game 12. What would be the worst case scenario for him? A rapid playoff. Anand is deadly in faster time control and this will give him extra confidence. This is why I do not see Anand taking too many chances.
Of course I do not know this for sure. But this is my take based on knowing both these players well for a very long time. The strategy in a match is very different than in a tournament. I once asked Kramnik what he would prefer, matches or tournament for a World Championship? He immediately replied matches because he only needs to win 1 more game than his opponent to win.
17…Rc8 18. h3 I don’t see anything deep about this move. The Rooks will be traded anyway. White’s pieces are already in good squares. So this is a waiting move while eliminating any potential future back rank problem.
18…Rxc1 19. Qxc1 As expected, Anand is more than happy getting the Rooks off the board. 19. Nxc1 is playable but not as good. Topalov wants his Queen to occupy the c file.
19…e6 Anand’s plan in this game is very simple. Trade everything to get to a “dead drawn” endgame. This is important for 2 reasons: a) He wastes 1 of Topalov’s White games b) After a mentally draining game yesterday, it would be nice to have an effortlessly easy game today and a day off tomorrow to refuel himself for game 11 where he will have White.
20. Nf4 If 20…exd5 21. Nxd5 Bxd5 22. Qd2 Be5 23. exd5 Nb7
20…exd5 More off the board. Now the best choice to recapture is with the Knight, not pawn. The tension is getting to the players. Both are playing “safely”.
21. Nxd5 Black may try 21…f5 22. Bf4 Be5 23. Bxe5 Qxe5 24. Qg5=
21…f5 It is hard to imagine either player losing this game. Both 22. Bf4 and 22. f3 are playable although I prefer 22. Bf4 a little better.
I will pause for a short break for a meeting with Texas Tech President Dr. Guy Bailey. I will be back momentarily to continue with the LIVE commentary. Please feel free to post your comments and analysis.
I am back 🙂
22. f3 I see that Topalov chose the 2nd option.
22…fxe4 23. fxe4 Qe5 24. Bd3 Nc6 I do not think that this is the most accurate move. This allows 25. Ba6 and it gives White a small edge.
25. Ba6Topalov took advantage of it immediately.
25…Nd4 This allows 26. Qc4 where White will get small initiatives.
26. Qc4 Bxd5 27. Qxd5+ Qxd5 28. exd5 White now has a Bishop pair and a passed pawn. += I do not think White has enough to win but he can drain more of his opponent’s energy. Black has to stay focus to hold.
28…Be5 White can start unleashing his King immediately. A good rule of thumb for all, get the King out ASAP in the endgame while you want to keep your King safe in the opening and middlegame.
29. Kf2 Kf7 Now White has to get his Bishop on e3 out of the way for his King to move there. He can either play 28. Bg5, 28. Bd2 or 28. Bc1.
30. Bg5 Nf5 31. g4 Black will put his Knight on d6 to build a fortress to block the White King from coming forward.
31…Nd6 32. Kf3 White has virtually no losing chances while Black has to defend carefully. Black is not losing but he has to spend more energy playing out this position. It is tough playing against an opponent knowing that there will not be any short game, even in “equal” position. In past World Championships, there have always been short draws as part of the players’ strategy to conserve energy. Not with Topalov. I am guessing that this will be one of the longest (if not the longest) World Championship matches in average moves per game. Like him or hate him, Topalov has changed the way how one prepares and approaches a match this magnitude.
32…Ne8 Now 33. Ke4 should be automatic in a typical endgame as the King needs to go forward. However, in this case, I think Anand is tricky. There are lines where once the King is on e4, he can move his Bishop away with the threat of Nf6+ forcing the exchange of Knight versus White’s light color Bishop. This will lead to a Bishop opposite color endgame and basically an automatic draw.
33. Bc1 Topalov is smart to move his Bishop away to maintain the Bishop pair.
33…Nc7 34. Bd3 Bd6 So what is Anand trying to do? Shuffling his pieces to build a fortress where the White King will have a hard time penetrating the enemy’s territory. I believe Anand will successfully hold this position with minimal level of stress.
35. Ke4 b5 36. Kd4 a6 It will not be easy to find a plan to give White practical chances to win this game.
37. Be2 +=
37…Ke7 Anand does not need to do anything here. If Topalov wants to win, he has to force the issue. Therefore, Anand can basically play Ke7, Kf7, Ke7, Kd7 to challenge Topalov to make a move.
38. Bg5+ Kd7 39. Bd2 Bg3 40. g5 Well, Topalov keeps on moving forward.
40…Bf2+ Both 41. Ke4 or 41. Ke5 are fine.
41. Ke5 Bg3+ 42. Ke4 Ne8 White can try 43. Bg4+ Ke7 then 44. Bb4+ but I still do not see a way for Topalov to break through. Anand is defending very well so far.
43. Bg4+ Ke7 44. Be6 Nd6+ This sounds like a broken record but I still do not see a way for White to make a dent.
45. Kf4 Nc4 If 46. Bb4+Bd6 47. Bc3 Be5 += / = Now for those of you who think that this is an automatic draw, would you offer a draw here if you are White? I would definitely not 🙂 It does not mean that White can win but the chances of losing is virtually none so White has nothing to lose, especially when the World Championship title is on the line. Would I accept a draw if I am black against another GM? Yes. So what does it mean? It means that White has a more comfortable position.
46. Bc1 Bd6 The problem with the plan Bg7 then Bxh7 is the Black King can trap the Bishop with Kf8 then Kg7.
47. Ke4 Just about any move for Black is OK. Black is in no danger at all. Anand is about 30+ minutes ahead of Topalov but neither side is in any time pressure.
47…a5 48. Bg4 Anand actually can force the exchange of 1 Bishop with 48…Ba3 49. Bf4 Bd6 if he really wants to.
48…Ba3 It is up to Topalov what to do. Trade Bishops or take a repetition and have an early night. The ball is on his court.
49. Bxa3 Topalov chose to play on and no repetition.
49…Nxa3 50. Ke5 Nc4+ 51. Kd4 Kd6 = 52. Be2 Now Anand has interesting choices: a) 52…Ne5 53. Bxb5 Nf3+ 54. Ke3 Nxg5 = or b) 52….Nd253. Ke3 Nc4+ 54. Kd4 Nd2 or c) He can simply go back to a3.
52…Na3 53. h4 Nc2+ The game is inching closer toward a draw by exchanging off more pawns.
54. Kc3 Nb4 55. Bxb5 Nxa2+ Still equal.
56. Kb3 Nb4 57. Be2 Nxd5 58. h5 Nf4 59. hxg6 hxg6 Dead drawn position.
60. Bc4 1/2 Black cannot stop White from winning the a pawn then sacrificing his Bishop for the other pawn. If Black defends the a pawn with Kc5 then Kb6 then White just parks his King on a4 and Bishop on f7 and e8. Black cannot move his King because he will lose the a pawn and cannot move the Knight because he will lose his g pawn. Therefore, this is draw.
Photo gallery by Chessdom: http://photo.chessdom.com/thumbnails.php?album=253
This is an important game for Anand to hold (with relative ease) because now each player will have one White and one Black in the final 2 games.
Click here to replay the game.
It has been painful watching Anand the last two games. It is difficult to understand the blunders, and it isn’t like some of these are that difficult to see. It is almost as if two different people played the games of the last 2 days vs the player that played games 2 and 4.
Today, Susan made a comment in the key position that was along the lines of Anand should ignore the black queenside pawns and mate black’s king. I think Anand was way too focused on the pawns- almost every move he made after move 60 or so seemed designed to exchange down to a two rook and pawn vs queen or queen and pawn endgame, which is usually a winning one, though tough to bring home in certain situations like having both of your rooks stuck on a file on the wrong side of the board from your king and pawn.
Susan,
I think Topalov has better chances now, as Anand seems to buckle under pressure as evident from the last 3-4 games..the second half of the match is taking a toll on his nerves….though I am rooting for Anand but Topalov seems more determined and if he wins he deserves the championship title!
Om.. Shanti.. Om… Shanti.. Om
Anand will do well to meditate now rather than prepare for the match. What he needs is a clear and anxiety free mind. Let his seconds do the preparation while Anand just go into deep meditation and tranquility. Hope Anand finds the inner strength to last three more games and a possible blitz tie.
I give my Child Anand the power over Death!
Hello Susan
I only want to congratulate you for your excellent Chess Home Page.
It is a pleasure to read your live comments during the games of the World Championship.
Thanks a lot and greetings from Switzerland!
I am a huge fan of Anand and want him to win against Topalov. Anand has shown real class, especially in games 2, 4 and 9. Its a pity he was not able to finish it off in the 9th game. However, I am unable to say the same about Topalov’s play, who has been more lucky than deserving.
A sense of déjà vu prevails. It is all looking very similar to 1995 when there were two different Anands – one till game9 and another after game9. Seems like we are witnessing the second Anand now.
He has lost 1/2 point in each of the two previous rounds. The score could very easily have been 5.5-3.5 at this time. I have a nasty feeling that Anand will easily cave in today, and may not even be able to take it to game 12.
However I am an eternal optimistic and hope that the unthinkable will happen today. Topalov lost to Anand with white in May 2006 in Sofia in MTel Masters. History is going to repeat at the same place and today he will lose with white. If this happens, it will indeed be poetic justice for the WCC.
I am a great fan of Vesko’s style of pursuing the win every game! That’s why I also like Sofia rules, especially in WCC matches that are being watched by so many people in the world. Even though 1.e4 would bring much more tension on the board from the start, I personally think now it is definitely the time for 1.d4 and slow squeezing game like the 8th one … it is obvious that call it fitness or pressure, something impedes Anand’s play. Another long and must-defend-accurately position and I think blunders are on the way!
Remember when we were teenagers, when all-nighters meant nothing? You could put in all nighters on a rolling basis, and not even bat an eye. Then, as we age, it gets harder… it takes a lot longer to recover after each all-nighter event.
That, in a sense, is what is happening here too. Topalov is making a number of small inaccuracies. Anand is generally impeccable at the beginning of each game, but after several hours, he is making blunders that are so uncharacteristic of him.
Which brings the question, are we ultimately testing endurance for our world chess champion, or should we seek out the best player? If the objective of a longer match is to make sure no one gets away with a fluke, surely it can be spread out over time, right? For example, a series of mini-matches (2-4 rounds each) every month for several months?
These days, given the presence of computers, this makes a lot of sense. For example, relative to matches in the previous century,
a) there can be no adjournment because of computers.
b) thanks to computers, it’s more grueling over the board for the player who is caught in the other person’s analysis… consider Game 7 for instance.
c) you cannot really relax on a rest-day because of the constant need to find new lines (which, thanks to computers and databases is really really gruelling).
i.e., the players are being challenged to produce new results (world class research) every day on a continuous basis, without sleep, during this match.
The point is, as you have more and more games in a match, the quality of games will deteriorate… and it will disproportionately affect older players. If people prefer good chess, the games need to be spread out more.
very nice picture…. good luck for anand
I hope Anand will have the Last laugh. If Anand Can hold 3 games or even win one then he will have the last laugh.
Well, to put it clear, the BEST will win, no matter who!
I spoke with both players before game 10 and Topalov said he would go for 1 e4. Anand has a surprise weapon for this WCH, he will reply with the Alekhine! A good psychological choice! Do you remember Topalov-Carlsen 0-1 in 2008?
http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1485919
The last time it was played in WCH match was Fischer-Spassky in 1972!
I think the struggles Anand is used to during the middlegame have not been enough to give Anand the upperhand. The complications later on make Anand waste even more time…
At the endgame when Anand could save a draw or win the game, it is something so unusual for Anand given his games perhaps are often settled in the opening and middlegame phases and having every game go to a hard fought endgame gives Anand no clues of whether the endgame is interesting beyond settling for a draw when possible.
To that end, Topalov’s strategy of making every endgame count has been successful in many ways. Of course, Topalov also suffers from all of the work needed to play all of those ours for a single game, but when the result of the game is in his favor he just focuses on the good parts of it. 🙂
Hello, you follow also from Italy, your comments are very important when tips how to play certain positions. When to change the pieces and why ‘, thanks again
After the 6.5 hours match yesterday, i would not be surprised, if both players are still tired, and the batteries not recharged.
Maybe this game both will play more safety? A draw after 1 hour would be a gift for them .. 🙂
Maybe Susan has some experience with days after long chess games, if it is easy to recover, and if near the end of a tournament it is harder to keep concentrated ?
I believe Topalov will play 1.d4, but it would be nice to see an advance of the king’s pawn.
The stars are aligned today for a Vishy victory…
is there a delay in transmission , shouldnt it have started already
when does it start ??
This could be the game that decides the whole match. A Topalov win virtually clinches the title for him. If Anand wins as black today, he is virtually certain of retaining the title. A draw? Then things continue to be exciting.
And thanks, Susan. Your real-time comments are the best I’ve come across. They certainly help me understand what is going on and certainly raise the sense of excitement.
This has been an even match so far with really good games, but I feel Anand has made some big mistakes! Topalov just seems sharper right now. It’ll be a very close finish!
What a fast start! 10 moves in 2 min?
Topalov does not seem tired (maybe he is, but dont want to show it).
How about 12. Rd1 ?
Is 12. Rac1 a move by the book?
(my last guess was also on the A-rook)
The black bishop on b7 will be a big problem for Topalov, I guess ..
Susan Polgar – Please jog your memory for this one.
Has Topalov lost match(es )in the recent playing overly aggressive with White and taking a risk too many ?
A question to Susan:
Topalov still goes by the book.
Why is he taking so much time?
Is he looking for a possible new variant?
Are there different book lines at 11., 12. and 13. ?
Kind regards 🙂
Susan – Can the players eat during a game?
Susan, you mentioned something about your physical preparation before your WC match. Does the training involve mostly cardio-type exercise, or weights are also involved (and how intense are these workouts usually?). Is there any specific diet that you also must follow, like emphasizing on carbs or protein, etc? Thanks.
A low level player like me sure has a simple thinking opposite to GMs and especially the ones on top.
My view (after 13. Rdf1): (dont blame me 😉
I see Topalov (still) as the attacker, he has white, choose the opening, and his pieces are slightly better developed.
14. .. Qd6 : now Anand is one who attacks ..
Even when a player still goes through the book lines, he should recollect the possible traps, he should recollect the best reply, he should recollect keeping the game balanced/imbalanced. I think player will go through the line in their mind. They may not calculate the moves like in middle game.
Of course that the physical preparation is important. Chess is a sports game after all…We are still in the book with possible continuation 14 cxd4 e6 15 f3 Qd6 16 Qb2 Na5
When the going get tough, the tough get going. Unni
To me Anands setup looks a bit dubious – with 13.-,cxd and 14.-,Qd6. I think white has a promising position here.
I got better feelings for Anand today. Better clock management today 🙂
But 15.d5 does´nt look the best. 15.e5 or 15.Bh6 seemed more appropiate.
15. ..
I think the Nc6 should not move to the edge at a5.
Is 15. .. Ne5 possible?
(Susan, big thanks for your comments from level A1 🙂
So, if I understand right,
the only good move is 15. .. Ne5
What I dont understand, why is Topalov take so much time?
I understand that it is not (only) about moves, but what is Topalov calculating now?
Interesting, 15…Ne5 looked better! Maybe I’m being superficial?
So now Topalov choose 15. .. Na5,
not Ne5.
What could be the reason for this decission? I always have the feeling, Topalov want to surprise Anand. But is Anand someone you can confuse easily?
A knight at the edge is always bad. So what is Topalov planning? Is Ne5 dangerous?
First,thanks Susan,your comments make watching great matches a real pleasure.As mere mortals its tough for us to get inside a super GMs mind.You make that possible.The current match is like watching irresistible force meeting immovable object:), and the struggle is facinating.Im rooting for an Anand win and I believe he will squeeze it out.
AAAHH, i mixed up the 2 players, thought Topalov plays black!
Sorry!!!
(seems to me I only see Topalov as actor ..)
Wow, I wake up a tad late and miss most of the excitement!
Speaking of strength, I think Anand has the edge…I saw him bench press about 250lbs the other day…the man is a beast. I heard his name on the NFL draft, but he declined. He would have made a wicked line-backer. 😉
So, with the next Rook trade at 18. there will be a more clear view.
Then the black knight is on c8.
This is not so powerful like on b7.
A question how to handle emotions to Susan:
My IQ is not low, but when I get exited, I make errors. How does a good or excellent chess player handle this? No emotions at all in a game?
If you want to view text only blog: http://www.yellowpipe.com/yis/tools/lynx/lynx_viewer.php
Hmmh…according to Rybka, Topalov went down from +0.40 to -0.08 and now White is not slightly better but have equal chances…He should have exchanged the rooks on the opposite end of the board…
Is the thinking behind 18. h3
“Why waste a move, let him do start the trade. I develop my castle.
And the knight at b7 is better.
And the Queen finally at c1 also.”
?
Please explain idea behind 18.h3.
It’s interesting how often Anand (temporarily) puts his Knight on the edge, in 6 of the 10 games. I was always taught that in general this is not such a good idea, and again I do not really like that knight on a5 now.
g1: 10 … Na5
g2: 7 Na3
g4: 10 Na3
g6: 7 Na3
g9 18 .. Nh3
g10: 15 .. Na5
Again I mixed something up:
the black bishop and the white Queen belong to 2 different players .. 😉
Susan: What has a good player to avoid most? confusion? exitment? too much focusing on one zone? Does a good player try to stay calm?
20. the pawn on a2 is not save. How about a4?
The situation with the black pawn on e6 is to solve first:
20. dxe6 : this is what Anand wants
20. Bf5 : put the bishop on a better place
Any ohter move?
Drawalov plays for a loss with white. Just look at Drawand’s queenside pawns!
You really feel the tension in the match. No one of the players want to take chances in this game. From a sharp opening the game has faded out.
Anand cant hold his hands calm.
Or is this a tactic to distract Topalov?
If you look at just the Chess it is clear that Anand has clearly dominated Topalov in this match.
Game 8: Should have been draw but Anand gave up.
Game 9: Should have been win 10 times over, but Anand let Topalov escape.
So, in each case, Topalov played the worst chess but the score does not reflect the reality, I am sorry. Anand should have at least an extra point here. In my mind, from viewing the quality of the chess, Anand is the world champion, not matters what the score is in the end.
Susan, you think Anand wants to trade pieces to enter a drawn endgame? You think that would waste one of Topalov’s Whites? I think you’re right, but doesn’t Anand waste his use of Black? Black can and should play to win! If people kept playing long hours for draws in other sports, NFL, NBA etc nobody would want to watch. You try to promote chess to young kids, shouldn’t kids be taught it’s correct to play and WIN and make entertaining games. Chess could attract bigger sponsors if players actually played to win! Topalov has tried to make the most of Black and push for wins! Whites advantage is not so big, there is no forced win for White in any of the major openings.
My guts tell me Anand is going for a win this game; if he cannot see a win only then he will resign for a draw.
The strategy seems to be to tire Topalov this game. As a defender & more experience he is looking at the big picture. Hope the strategy does not backfire on him.
I’m really disappointed with Topalov’s play today. My 2300 engine would draw with black I’m pretty sure of that. Carlsen should have played Anand IMO.
The black bishop at b7 is strong.
Unlikely Anand will exchange with the white knight on d5, right?
Even this knight sits perfect.
How about 22. Bc3 ?
Susan : Are talks about emotions in a game taboo? 😉
Anand cant sit anymore. Moves around all the time on the chair.
“So, in each case, Topalov played the worst chess but the score does not reflect the reality,…”
How you finish matters and it is reflected by the score. You can’t decide who is better based on what phase of the game is dominated by one player or the other. Anand is probably unlucky, but that is how it goes…
Roland or someone,
Please can you post the live match link ? I want to watch the players in action. Please someone !!!!!!
“Anand’s plan in this game is very simple. Trade everything to get to a dead drawn endgame.” (SP) I think that’s a little bit too superficial. Do you really play the Grunfeld to get a quick easy draw? It is one of the most complex openings. Anand’s …f5 is also not in line with the quote above.
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.html
oh my god! I always choose too fast and would make super dumb moves .. 😉
No patience at all 😐
Is it possible for White to win?
If Anand playes error free, no.
But he did some mistakes ..
What do you guys think of f3 by white? Getting a center passed pawn would be pretty nice for White, especially given the exposed state of Black’s king. Anand will have to expand on the queen-side soon!
@Mohitz..
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.html ..ONLY shows the live game CAN’T watch the players.
Can someone PLEASE post the link where you can see the players in action ?
22. f3 played by Topa
Topalov’s pawns are getting isolated. His e4 is weak. He would have to move his Bishop to guard it.
The game continues as
22. … fxe4
23. fxe4 Qe5
The position is dead equal, not much for any player to do.
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.html
Susan! Yesterday with the Chancellor, today with the President of Texas Tech. I know, VERY important, but NOW? 😉
and the comments stay unpublished .. 😉
23. ..
What is possible for Black?
Does Anand only play for a draw?
@anonymous: the above link works. Click on “Watch Video” at the right top
it seems to me that Anand is little better now (if Bxd5 exd5).
‘Anonymous’ you really want that chess become a sport like NFL or NBA? This is different, this is smarter and more reflected. There’s no need to hurry, anand consideres that it doesn’t worth being so risky. That could be too Dangerous…
The game looks rather drawish now – after 24.Bd3
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.html for game and visual.
I must be in an extreme minority.I vote for topalov as a prefered champion just as I mliked fischer over spassky,but of course we all know where that went.
Are they possibly still within home prep?
Simon: We don’t have NFL nor NBA here in Europe, though I prefer football (=soccer) to basketball and hockey to rugby 🙂 I only meant, ok, the bishop pair in an open position like that but look at Topa’s pawns. Anonymous
I am expecting another round of fierce exchange happening if Anand plays Kd4 – Topa should be very careful of that position.
Seems like most people prefer Anand to win. I wonder why.
I like your work. I guess that you are tip for Anand. I me too. 🙂
25. Ba6
Topalov want to get rid of the bishop on this excellent position b7.
Will take Anand this exchange?
I don’t agree that Anand’s play has been on a high level – in game 9 he had at least three separate opportunities to close out the win – opportunities that he would normally have taken.
Topalov is taking risks in every game – Anand’s plan is to take advantage of this – yet he failed, due to the strain that the match is putting on him.
well I didn’t like Danailov/Topalov accusing Kramnik of cheating. But that’s another story that probably doesn’t belong here. Must go to restroom meet some KGB agents:) No seriously both are top players and let’s hope that this time chess wins instead of intrigues.
25.. Very Good move by Topalov
Meh, this is ending in another draw.
No guys, I don’t want chess to be like NFL or NBA, my point was that I don’t understand the idea of playing for a draw with Black and thinking it’s great, it’s not, winning is great 🙂 Statistically, Black wins more and loses less with the Sicilian Najdorf or Sveshnikov that he does in the Ruy Lopez, Petrov or Caro Kann! Black wins more and loses less in the Grunfeld than he does the Slav or QGD! So, why do people have this idea that counter-attacking is not “solid”! It’s actually a very concrete way of playing!
I dont know Topalov personally, to me Anand seems more “sympathetic”.
But I like that Topalov almost always try to attack. Did he play for a draw in other games?
But now, at 28. exd5, the game is over, it’s a draw. No pawn will reach the end line.
OK, after 2 hours 40 min.
Susan, this would be a perfect time to speak about emotions in chess games! 😉
(see old comments)
So Anand has choosen an endgame where white is a bit better. It must be because he feel he can hold this. He probably wants to play for a win in game 11 and then go for a draw in game 12 – and win the match this way.
Os comentários da Susan estão sendo colocados em português no blog Fegatello, com a devida autorização dela para traduzir e divulgar. (Procure Fegatello no google)
But Topalov’s passed pawn does not have any pawn support. It has to rely on a minor piece. Is that good or bad?
Roland
very funny
This position right now, after Be5, looks tough to hold for black. Topalov is going to be squeezing this a long while, as he should. The match could be basically over today.
>>>>Seems like most people prefer Anand to win. I wonder why.
Look at Susan’s numbers. Lot of hits from India, that should lead you to the answer 🙂
Topalov will win this game. He will use his slight advantage to squeeze Anand into making blunders. He has the pair of bishops on an open board.
32… b5 to isolate the White Bishop… or am I missing something here
Wasn’t Ne7 a better choice for Anand? In any case the f5 would have been gone! even if Tpoa tried to exchange, Anand could have captured his Bishop (Bg5).
Why does Anand seem more popular? For me, I still haven’t forgotten the bathroomgate accusations from the Topalov party during his match with Kramnik. For that alone, I will never cheer for Topalov. I imagine I am not alone in that feeling.
After 32.Kf3 I don´t se any really winning chances for white. White can´t penetrate with the king.
Anonymous at 9:56,
You are missing Be3 winning the rooks pawn and most likely the game.
b5? by black
Be3 the Bxa7
Sorry, my last comment was meant as a reply to Kunal.
No chess purist can like Topalov’s game. He is too aggressive.
He has huge technical skills, but I find it very unpleasant to watch his games, because of the monotonously direct and aggressive play.
Topalov and his manager Danialov both have lost many friends on the chess circuit because of their crass gamesmanship. Did anyone see a beaming Topalov and Danialov after Kramnik forfeited that bathroomgate match and lost points ? It was as if plan to provoke has worked. Topalov still lost to Kramink. And then Anand beat Kramnik 2 times, both in Mexico as well as Bonn.
Anand is a greater champion and an even greater gentleman than Topalov.
Anand will triumph this championship.
Topalov managed to win that much less favourable opposite-colour-Bs ending on Tuesday.This fact has a significant role for both sides here… maybe we have another Topa win today…
Anyway,it’s for sure he’ll squeeze it to the end.
Giannis from Greece
@Roland(2), who is not me:
Why “very funny”?
I cant believe that chess players try to be like computers while playing.
But sure you have to avoid some emotions, like too much exitement. But maybe it is too dangerous to speak about it. It can show some woundable points. 😉
32. ..
Think, Topalov needs the bishop on a6. but how to get there?
And Anand now?
Move the king? or a pawn?
Topa’s chess is more appealing to me. Full of fight.
is b5 playable by Anand ? Please elaborate
To: Yancey Ward
For the 3 decades Anand showed one of highest manners off the board. He avoided the controversy. He put chess above everything else. During the merging of FIDE and PCA, he wanted to see only chess growing and nothing else.
The pure “…”, (I dont know the right word to use, single word may not be enough) makes him respectable
Yes, Topalov’s chess is “full of fight”—always.
It’s crass and tasteless.
Why not 32…Bg7? followed by h6
Hey guys! can u spot topa here!
http://picasaweb.google.com/SPICEChess/SusanPolgarOverTheYears#5454481011371320770
here’s the champ!
http://picasaweb.google.com/SPICEChess/SusanPolgarOverTheYears#5454481014759443522
Tastes vary. Topa’s chess is TASTY to me. I don’t care about the off the board stuff
Susan:
Why, in the most of matchs, Anand had to play in unfavorable positions? Did he choose wrong the openings?
I think Anand is trying the Nc7 spot and finally get the white d5. Am I right?
Won’t Ke4 prompt Anand to bring his knight back to Nd6 to check which will not force topaloc to pull his king back?
Anon @10:02:00, ohhh, how badly this ugly chess offends your puristic nature… probably they should bow, inquire about their wifes and do a small talk about the weather before each game to preserve the etiquete for the snob audience. hahahahaha
http://picasaweb.google.com/SPICEChess/SusanPolgarOverTheYears#5454481011371320770
What is the thinking of Anand behind 32. .. Ne8 ?
Make the fortress closer?
Unlikely he stays here with the knight.
Topalov can move later to Ke4.
Maybe now the bishop to c4?
33. Bc4
But now I think, should I watch this game til the draw? I also have to keep my energy .. 😉
Won’t Ke4 prompt Anand to bring his knight back to Nd6 to check which will not force topalov to pull his king back?
In a German live comment a GM and an IM see black better. The white squared bishop is bad because of the Pd5 and the black knight very good on d6.
In a club game I would play for a win with black and a draw with white against someone of equal strength.
I didn’t like Ne8, but I have a hard time seeing any other move for black. I don’t like it because after Ke4 there might be an exchange of the dark squared bishops, and I don’t see how that helps Anand. Could he have played Kg7 instead? The blockade with the knight at d6 and and bishop at e5 is quite effective, and white playing Be7 is no threat at all since taking at d6 gives Anand what he wants bishop of opposite color endgame.
Susan, thank you for your smart commentary! It is great when a battle like this is accompanied by the thoughts of another brilliant mind! 🙂
When you look at the games objectively, Anand is simply the better player than Topalov, never mind the score.
The only thing Topalov do is to wear Anand out physically, not play better chess. All this match prove is that Topalov is a better physical specimen than Anand.
Before there were time clocks chess players used to play boring chess until the opponent fell asleep. So they win because the opponent go to sleep. This is not chess!
No matter what the score, Anand is the better player here. They need a new system to show the true strength of the players.
Topalov is crushed in most of the games. Like mouse around a Tiger. Do we want the mouse as world champion?
“All this match prove is that Topalov is a better physical specimen than Anand.” – then play Hulk Hogan aganist Topalov, according to your logic he should win, LOL.
d5 is untouchable because of the pin
Nigel Short: Perhaps Vishy is trying the old rope-a-dope method, letting Toppy come at him. The problem is, though, even if you win, you tend to get brain-damage later…
Topalov will keep grinding this game out until Anand blunders, which he probably will (if the last 3 games are any indications). Hate to say it folks, but this match is over. Topolav will take this game and coast to draws the rest of the way. It’ll be a pity, since Anand has played better than Topalov most of the match.
@Ladies and Gentlemen:
I think the most of you are chess players, on what level ever.
How about commenting the game, make suggestions for moves, analyse (even Susan will sure laugh about some).
Cant you skip this “Anand!”, “No, Topalov!”, “No, Anand!!!”
It is childish. Who wins is the best chess player, at this moment.
Nothing more to say.
See, the black knight got moved, and attacks the bishop on a6.
Now 35. Bc4
Topa need not play Bc4. If black takes the pawn, the knight will be pinned and lost
It seems to me that a lot of people from India here cannot swallow it that Topalov plays better, more interesting chess and come up with silly excuses—long trip, fatigue, format, wrong shoes, not enough meditation, slept to the wrong side of the bed… he’s just not as good, wrap your minds around it.
Yep, he did play Nc7! 🙂
Topalov has no chances here.
This is not like the opposite-colored bishop ending, where he was up a pawn. He has an isolated, blocked pawn, and all of black’s pawns are safe.
35. Bf4 fails
35. Bf4 Bf4! and the white knight takes d5 with check.
Topalov is waiting for Anand to blunder in a “drawn” position just as he did 2 games ago. And Anand will indeed blunder again, as fatigue sets in. My prediction: a Topalov win!
>>>It seems to me that a lot of people from India here cannot swallow it that Topalov plays better,
Wrong, not all Indians are that way. Topalov has performed well in this tournament so far. Anand has been a tad little disappointing.
I hesitate, now, to predict an easy draw. I don’t see a real plan for white here, black is blockading the position effectively. However, I thought Tuesday was an even easier draw than this, so who knows. Topalov will defiinitely play this one out until it is bare kings or he has no choice but to accept draw by repetition. I predict 90+ moves today.
I am not Indian, I am Punjabi for your information. I have no bias, just see the chess and make objective assessment. All can see Anand is the better player, and if you must drive 40 hours through a volcano cloud maybe you will be tired too. Try it sometime before claiming Topalov is superior. It is the chess we are talking about. Put Topalov in Germany and have him drive you will see what happens, how unfair it all is! It was a big mistake to play in Bulgaria and now we see why!
37. Be2
I just thought about moving the white h pawn. Two times and the
fortress has a big hole.
But black can move to the other side.
Topalov tries everything, but he cant win. Susan thinks, this will be a very long game. Maybe. But it will cost Topalov more enegy to attack than Anand to defend.
It´s really a pleasure to watch these two players play this endgame. I guess we mortal players can learn from it 🙂
Susan, thanks to your permission I’m posting your comments translated to portuguese on my blog.
Thanks a lot!
“…and if you must drive 40 hours through a volcano cloud” – uuups, someone read too many books about dragons and knights. Trip like a trip, crystal clear air in the Alps and plenty of time to rest before submissing to a superior chess-knight.
“…will successfully hold this position with minimal level of stress.”
susan, r u relying on your computer too much? this is a very difficult endgame for black with significant levels of stress
Susan, who do you think is the greatest player of all time?
Anand plays like a computer with preprogrammed occsional blunders. If you like such chess, you can just play against a computer and simply adjust the level to your strenght.
I like more Topalov’s chess.
I Agree with Roland
The only plan to destroy the fortress is a pawn advance on the King side. Bishop’s pair should be stronger this way .
Susan, you made a typo: Kk7 is difficult to play 🙂
>>>It seems to me that a lot of people from India here cannot swallow it that Topalov plays better,
Wrong. Not at all. People from India have nothing to be afraid from a country which is still not able to understand that it needs to behave well with ethnic Turkish population. India has 16% of our people as Muslims, which also includeds India’s Vice President.
Bulgaria has still a couple of hundreds of years to travel to civilized democracy. With Moscova Party advice missing, it makes it quite difficult.
>>>I am not Indian, I am Punjabi for your information.
That is a very interesting comment, I see a good discussion under a different setting 🙂
Namaste
Sat sri akal
Aslam alaikam
I’ve never been a Topalov fan, but I think his will to win is very admirable! The fact that he pushes for the win has made the games in this WC very exciting!
Well Anand could arrive before and he deliberately decided not to inform the organization commitee. Of course he could not foresee the volcano cloud, but he could have been in sofia much before, it would just be called professionalism.
Well everybody says Anand is playing better and Anand lost game 1 because of strong opening preparation. But what was game 4 but opening preparation ! In Game 2, he played interestingly but 15.Qa3??!??!! is cheap bluff, not superior chess and sometimes it works because you play nicely i recognize ^^
And game 8 wasn’t uninteresting, and if Anand makes mistakes, it’s not because he drove 40 hours but only because Topalov makes him sweat by causing problems at the board !
Of course, it takes more energy to attack than to defend. The attacker has to have a plan.
Topalov: Ke5, right?
The Anonymous league et al. arrived finally at low level politics 😉
Back to Chess – my guess:
41. Ke4
But the pawn on d5 is lost soon.
SHHHHH! Guys stop ruining a good match where both players have tested each other.
Wait for a few days and decision will be out about who the better player is. Then we wont require your judgements.
Till then enjoy and let others enjoy good game of chess.
why the moves from this blog and chessdom are different..
i am confused which are the real moves that are being played 🙂
Topalov must be thinking about
41. Ke5, but I can’t make it work
41. Ke5 Bc5 (seems best)
42. Bf3 Ke7 and the white king can’t penetrate the kingside.
susan, did u go away? just when the game is gettig interesting…
There is no update from our dear Susan in a while. 🙂
Can someone wake up Susan?
I guess she felt asleep 😉
we should not forget, it is very unlikely (1000:1) that white will win here.
I truly believe that Anand is losing energy and getting weaker in this phase of the match (see the previous two games!). I would not be surprised to see him blunder or make inaccurate moves to lose this game and the match. 🙁
I guess all the energy will be spent around the passed pawn. Anand trying to take it out, and Topalov defending and moving it ahead. Good fight.
The black bishop on g3 is blocked,
to avoid h4 of the white pawn
(followed by h5)
44. Be6 !
I like that move 🙂
From chessgames.com
Overall Head to Head. The BIG 4.
Anand vs:
Anand beats Topalov 25 to 16
Anand beats Kramnik 25 to 16
Anand beats Carlsen 11 to 7.
Topalov vs:
Carlsen beats Topalov 7 to 3
Kramnik beats Topalov 26 to 14
Kramnik vs:
Kramnik beats Carlsen 9 to 4.
Therefore overall in the AMONG the BIG 4:
1) Vishy: 61W, 39L : 1.56 W/L
2) Kramnik: 51W,43L : 1.18 W/L
3) Carlsen: 18W, 23L : 0.78 W/L
4) Topalov: 33W, 58L : 0.56 W/L
SO where is VIshy Anand and where is Topalov ?
IS it any surprise that Vishy is the most respected player on the circuit ?
Are they waiting for the opponent to make a blunder?
45. Now Anand wants to exchange.
45. Kd4 Nf5
46. Bxf5 gxf5 ??
No ..
Anand is making sure he has time on his side today.
on ICC an FM is saying white has a move that makes it difficult for Black.
MMCMiranda(FM) kibitzes: Kf3 B move Bc8
MMCMiranda(FM) kibitzes: not easy to make a draw here..
Game 1: Ozgur-BJK moves: Be6
GuessTheMove(C DM) whispers: Correctly predicting 44.Be6: fravatel (Tell GuessTheMove your guess)
Indiana-Jones(GM) kibitzes: ok, someone really strong
MMCMiranda(FM) kibitzes: I think it is very difficult to make a draw here with black.
Indiana-Jones(GM) kibitzes: can tell if white wins or draw?
the kf3 , Bc8 idea looks tough to meet for black, at least to me. This is knightrunner on ICC
ha…Anand is going on the other side, trying to breach, eh?
hmm. a naive question.
what about Bg8 for topalov?? It looks, to me, that
h7 and g6 cannot be defended.
Isn’t that a straightfoward win for white?
4 hours 20 min. til now!
Susan, you’re right.
I want to leave, but I cant.
It is NOT boring chess, this is sure.
Even if it gets a draw, I learn a lot.
But my lawn needs to clear out.
I’m hungry and tired, and the
weekend is so short .. 🙁
thanks susan! ok, here is another one at you.
how about Bc8 for white. How does black defend the a and b pawns?
Is 48. Bg4 now the preparation for h4-h5?
Or is this a silly idea at all?
Anand can put the question to Topalov right now by playing
48. ….Ba3. Topalov either exchanges or retreats to Bf4.
I hope Anand doesn’t play 48… h6
From chessgames.com
Overall Head to Head.
Kasparov beats Anand 26 to 8
Kasparov beats Topalov 19 to 6
OVERALL Record against the BIG 2: 45 to 14 or or 321% or 3.21/1
IS it any surprise that Kasparov thinks this is a match between coffeehouse players? Maybe his next book will be “My Incompetent Successors” instead of “My Great Predecessors”?
Ba3 is losing move
You are right, Susan (of course! 😉
with: 48…Ba3 49. Bf4 Bd6
Anand know this and doesnt play this immediately. Does he want to show that he is not afraid? (he is “the Tiger”) …
How about H5 for Anand ?
Now Bxa3 and white is winning
why is ba3 a losing move? Looks like it is Anand who is trying to make things happen.
if 48. … Ba3 then
49. Ba3: Na3:
50. Kd4 Kd6
51. Be2
looks dangerous to me
White king will invade queenside and Anand must defend h7
Kd6 Be6
53. Bd3 then what?
Yes Anand’s h7 is weak. His b5 can become precarious as well. He can not move his K in either direction to prevent for that would leave d5 to romp ahead. Tough choices for Anand now.
I liked 53. Bd3, now why did Topalov allow Anand to mive his knight?
Now black has the pawn on d5 after
54. Ke4 Nb4
anands knite is far away from h7…hmmm looks dangerous
topo,lov is somehow gona eat h7 and g6, what can vishy do about it?
After 55 moves, this looks like it is headed to a bare kings position within 10 moves, or white is forced to give up the bishop and the passed pawn to liquidate the kingside. Neither side has good pawns on the king side- white’s are on the wrong colored square to be protected, and black’s are on the wrong colored squares so that they can be attacked. White must take the king and liquidate the a-pawn, and black will win the d-pawn, now. I see a draw, nothing more.
Those guys chickened out to a draw.
Sofia rules dont apply?
Anand moves knight to h3 for a draw?
Handshake?
A draw oh no! I was hoping for an Anand win.
Thanks Susan.
See you back here Saturday!
Topalov managed to blunder one pawn, but it’s still a dead draw…
Why Draw? Black can continue as ..Kc5,Kb6 will take care of a5 and knight is protecting g6. It is white who does not have much play because of threat of Nh3
a little bit unsatisfying.
But you cant have it like Game 9
every day … see ya, all.
Did anyone notice that in this match for all the games that were drawn it was Topalov who offered a draw. Anand never even worried about looking up or talking to his opponent. So much for the Sofia rules and imposing it upon Anand.
One must have offered a draw and the other must have accepted. Topolov again violated his “rule”.
Let’s face it – some games are naturally draws.
Even before the this game started, I had been hoping for Anand to win.
A draw. What a disappointment.
Thanks for the great coverage. Very easy and informative to follow when one is nominally at work!
A bit of an advantage to the guy having white in the final game.
I would say the pressure is on Topalov now, because a tied match will lead to rapid, where Anand will kill him.
3D replay
Just 3D-sickness on my own 😀