World Championship game 2 LIVE commentary

Vishy Anand (2787 – IND) – Veselin Topalov (2817 – BUL)
Game 2 – LIVE commentary

After losing game 1, Anand is looking to regroup. What will he choose? 1. e4, 1. d4, 1. c4 or 1. Nf3?

31,236 people joined us right here for game 1 LIVE commentary. Game 2 LIVE commentary will begin promptly at 7 am U.S. central time and 8 am NY time.

Here are the 5 questions I asked a number of Grandmasters and International Masters:

1. Who do you think will win the match?
2. What is your final score prediction?
3. How would you describe the strengths and weaknesses of each player?
4. Does playing in Sofia give Topalov an advantage (home crowd) or disadvantage (too much distraction with the national media, family and friends)?
5. Do you think the age difference between Topalov (35) and Anand (40) is significant? What do you think is an optimal age in a professional chess player’s career

Here are the answers from GM Robert Hess:

1) I think Topalov will have much trouble defeating Anand in this match. When you look at Topalov’s match against Gata Kamsky, you can easily recognize that Topalov is always playing to win. This will either allow him to force a rare loss by Anand, or end up being self-destructive. I think Anand is the favorite in this match — his experience and strength have proven him a top player time and time again.

2) I will take a guess and say 6.5-5.5 in favor of Anand (I do think that a 12 game match is far too short, but what can be done). More likely it will be a 6-6 tie, though!

3) Topalov is a fantastic psychological player and tenacious attacker. Anand is incredibly solid and plays almost perfectly when finishing an opponent off. I feel that Topalov is slightly more prone to making mistakes, but also more likely to win a game, simply due to his aggressive nature.

If you look at recent history for both players, Topalov seems to be high on the rise, having hit around 2813 on the rating list and winning Linares. Anand played “normally” in Corus, but it was indeed obvious he was not playing his best chess nor using his best openings (secret for the match). Both parties have fantastic coaches, with perhaps a slight nod toward Anand in my opinion. Should be a great match.

4) Playing in Sofia is a definite advantage for Topalov as he did not have to go through huge travel, especially at a time like this with problems from the volcanic eruptions. Also, it is his hometown, which, while putting some pressure on him, makes it far more comfortable.

5) The age difference is just five years and probably will not be a huge factor in the match. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think they will both be extremely well prepared, especially with their strong seconds joining them in Sofia. As for an optimal age, it is hard to tell. I’d guess in the 30s.

Here is the view from GM Boris Gulko:

1) Chances are equal.
2) 6-6
3) Topalov can be better in openings and he can have more ideas. Anand can be stronger in the middlegame. All will depend of the form of players and some luck.
4) Sofia will be disadvantage for Anand. He will feel that the fans will want him to lose.
5) It’s better to be 35 than 40. 40 is a critical age. Kasparov retired at 40.

I will continue to bring you more comments and assessments from more than 20 GMs and IMs for the next 11 games.