Artwork by the brilliant artist Mike Magnan
| Anand, Viswanathan | g | India | 2787 | 0 | 1 | ½ | 1 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 0 | . | . | . | . | 4 | |
| Topalov, Veselin | g | Bulgaria | 2805 | 1 | 0 | ½ | 0 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 1 | . | . | . | . | 4 |
Anand – Topalov g8 LIVE commentary
What is your game prediction? Will Anand continue with 1. d4 or will he try 1. e4, especially after Topalov held twice in a row with Black. It will be interesting to see how Anand plays after the game 8 debacle.
Game 9 will take place today at 7 am (U.S. central time).
My commentary is meant for the chess fans to enjoy. Feel free to share it or re-post on your blogs / websites. Please also feel free to let others know about my live commentary. I am often multi-tasking while doing the LIVE commentary and I do not have have my database on hand. Therefore, you are welcome to share your comments and analysis with others. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful event.
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Vishy Anand – Veselin Topalov
World Championship (game 9)
Hi everyone! We are ready to roll 🙂
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 Finally we have the Nimzo, something different!
4. e3 0-0 5. Bd3 c5 6. Nf3 d5 7. 0-0 We are in book so far.
7…cxd4 8. exd4 dxc4 9. Bxc4 b6 10. Bg5 The most popular reply here is 10…Bb7
10…Bb7
11. Re1 White has many other options such as: 11. Rc1, 11. Qe2, 11. Ne5, etc.
11…Nbd7 12. Rc1 Rc8 So far, Black has a comfortable game. Both sides have their pieces developed. += / =
13. Bd3 I believe Kramnik played 13. Qb3 against Kasparov in one of the games in their match. I do not have my database but you may want to look it up. I also believe Kramnik won that game.
This is the first time in this game which Topalov spends time to think about his next move. There could be a few reasons for that:
a) He is trying to recall his home preparation.
b) He is trying to make a decision on which type of position he would like to have for the rest of the game. The dynamics of the game would be so different with 13…Bxc3, 13…Be7, or 13…Re8, etc. Even though he may have prepared a number of lines at home, he will pick the one he feels most comfortable with today.
13…Re8 This is a popular choice. So far, neither player has deviated yet from book lines. One idea for this move is to create space for the Knight to potentially play Nf8 then Ng6.
14. Qe2 From the way Anand plays today, it does not seem that he has any urgency to take chances to win. He is playing “normal” chess for 2 results. I am sure he is not nervous if this match is tied at 6-6 and they have to go to a rapid playoff since he excels at faster time. The ironic part about this match so far is Topalov has spent far less time than Anand overall.
One idea here for Black to get his Queen out is to play 14…Bxc3 15. bxc3 then it is safe to play Qc7 without worrying about the discovery.
14…Bxc3 15. bxc3 Qc7 White has a few options here such as 16. Bh4 to bring the Bishop back to g3 to occupy that diagonal while creating havoc for the Black Queen, or 16. c4 to create play in the center.
16. Bh4 Black may want to consider 16…Nh5 to stop the Bishop from going to g3 while threatening Nf4 himself.
One of our bloggers Septimus just raised an interesting point. He does not believe that Anand is better than Topalov is rapid chess if they get to that phase of the match. Anand may or may not be better than Topalov in rapid chess and of course a lot of things can happen in fast games. But that is the perception in general and I know for sure that Anand is very comfortable with faster time control. This will automatically give him extra confidence. I am always amazed by his ability to calculate at lightning speed, especially when we were kids (younger) which is like 3 centuries ago 🙂
I am not sure why Topalov is taking so much time here. This is not a new position and no novelty has been introduced yet by either side. In addition, in my opinion, 16…Nh5 is most logical. Topalov is down by over 20 minutes so far.
16…Nh5 OK, so it is played 🙂 But will Anand go wild with this: 17. Bxh7+ Kxh7 18. Ng5+ Kg6 19. g4 Qf4 which is a must move or White wins 20. gxh5+ Kh6 21. c4 Qxh4 22. Nxf7+ Kh7 23. Qd3+ Kg8 24. Nd6 🙂 He may have some home cooking here 🙂
Here is another possible line: 17. Bxh7+ Kxh7 18. Ng5+ Kg6 19. g4 Qf4 20. c4 instead of 20. gxh5 above e5 21. gxh5+ Kh6 22. Qd3 Qg4+ 23. Qg3 Kxh5 24. Nxf7 Qxh4 25. Qxh4+ Kxh4 26. Nd6.
I guess maybe this is why Topalov took his time with 16…Nh5. He wanted to make sure he remembers the above crazy possibilities.
17. Ng5 Obviously a much safer line 🙂 Anand for sure is not the wild and crazy type. Now Black can simply play 17…g6 blocking the attack on h7. Amazingly we have no novelty so far.
17…g6 My evaluation in this position is +/= / =
18. Nh3 Here is the home preparation. I do not recall ever seeing this before and Anand played it quite quickly. The idea is simple. It defends the f4 square to block out the other Knight. Anand’s plan is also clear. He will make a play for Black’s holes (g7, h6, etc) on the Kingside since Black no longer has a dark color Bishop. He is clearly playing for 2 results.
As Black, Topalov must try to open up the center with e5 to give his pieces more action. He simply cannot sit and wait for Anand to exploit his weaknesses.
18…e5 I expect Anand to block the e4 threat with 19. f3. White cannot play 19. dxe5 because it will help the Black Knight after 19…Nxe5 and Black would have a good position.
19. f3 This is interesting: 19…exd4 20. Qxe8+ Rxe8 21. Rxe8+ Kg7= I think Black is fine in this position.
19…Qd6 A good choice as well. I am curious to see the idea Anand and his team came up with for the new move 18. Nh3.
I was just asked what it means playing for 2 results. This simple means that playing safe (not taking risk) where a player aims for a win or at the worst case scenario draw.
20. Bf2 exd4 21. Qxe8+ Rxe8 22. Rxe8+ Nf8 It is interesting that Topalov chose to play exd4 after 20. Bf2. Taking the d4 pawn with the Bishop or pawn are both fine. But this is a critical move. The dynamics of the game would change very quickly depend of how White chooses to proceed right here. I think White is slightly better but I do not think Topalov will have a hard time at all holding this position.
23. cxd4 This is interesting. Anand chose to take back with the pawn. The pluses are he created a passed pawn for himself while opening up the c file. The minus is his dark color square Bishop would be much more active on d4.
In this position, Topalov has a number of serious choices:
a) Go pawn hunting with 23…Qa3
b) Chase the Rook away from the 8th rank with 23…Bc6
c) Or getting his Knight on the rim back in play with 23…Nf6
All decent choices and one difficult decision.
23…Nf6 He chose to get his Knight back in play. A smart solid choice!
24. Ree1 Ne6 All of a sudden, Topalov’s pieces are on good solid posts. Perhaps 25. Bc4 for White to put pressure on the e6 Knight. Anand must also find a way to get his h3 Knight some action.
25. Bc4 Topalov cannot allow this trade as it will weaken his Kingside pawn structure. Therefore, 25…Bd5 makes sense here. It also attempts to eliminate White’s Bishop pair. 25…Nxd4 obviously does not work because the Knight will be pinned and lost.
25…Bd5 So far both sides have made logical moves. Anand can get his Knight into play with Bg3 then Nf2. I still think this position is += / =
26. Bg3 Qb4 This is a riskier option. 26…Qd7 is more solid. Now White can play Be5 and some fireworks may come. This is one of the many possible lines: 27. Be5 Nd7 28. Bxd5 Nxe5 29. Bxe6 Qxd4+ 30. Kh1 fxe6 += / =
27. Be5 Nd7 There are so many possibilities in this position. Here is another one: 28. a3 Qb2 29. Bxd5 Nxe5 30. dxe5 Qd4+ 31. Nf2 Qxd5 =
28. a3 Another logical move by Anand to chase Topalov’s Queen. So far both players have played very well. Now 28…Qb2 and 28…Qa4 are both playable although I prefer Qb2 a little more.
28…Qa4 29. Bxd5 Nxe5 Here is a possible line: 30. Bxe6 Nd3 31. Rc4 Qxa3 32. Bxf7+ Kxf7 = or a little worse is 30. Bxe6 Qxd4+ 31. Kh1 fxe6 32. Ng5 Qb2+=
30. Bxe6 Qxd4+ 31. Kh1 If 31…Nd3 then 32. Re4 += Therefore, 31…fxe6 is a little better.
31…fxe6 Now 32. Ng5 is most logical to go after Black’s weak e6 pawn.
32. Ng5 It would be a blunder to play 32…Nd3 as 33. Rc8+ Kg7 34. Nxe6+ and White wins. 32…Qb2 is the best option for Black here. 32…Qd6 is also OK but not as strong as Qb2.
32…Qd6 The reason why I do not like this move as much as 32…Qb2 is because of 33. Nxe6 Qxe6 34. f4 +=. If 33. Nxe6 Qxa3 34. f4 Nd7 35. Rc8+ Kf7 36. Ng5+ Kf6 37. Nxh7+ Kg7 38. Ng5 +=
33. Ne4 I do not like this move at all. Anand had a chance to gain a small advantage and he did not take advantage of it. Now Topalov will have a much easier time holding this. Topalov should take the a3 pawn and this may be possible: 33…Qxa3 34. Rc8+ Kg7 35. Rc7+ Kh6 36. Nf6 Qa5 37. Rxh7+ Kg5 38. Ne4+ Kf5 =
33…Qxa3 If 34. Rc7 then Nd3 =
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34. Rc3 Black should keep his Queen active with 34…Qb4
34…Qb2 Anand has about 12 minutes for 6 moves while Topalov has about 18-19 or so minutes. Both are OK with time, not that urgent at the moment.
35. h4 Getting his Kingside going. In addition, in some lines, this pawn may block the escape route of the Black King from the 7th and 8th rank attack.
35…b5 36. Rc8+ Anand can take a repetition but he will not do that. He is trying to win.
36…Kg7 37. Rc7+ King should move to f8 to avoid giving White a tempo with Nf6+
37…Kf8 Anand should play 37. Ng5 += Black is still not out of the wood yet. White still has a good position.
38. Ng5 Topalov must be accurate here or else he will lose this. I think Black has to play 37…Ke8 here. It is not an easy move to spot. If he plays 38… b4 39. Nxe6+ Ke8 40. Ng5 Qd4 41. f4 Qxf4 42. Re4 Qg3 43. Rc5 +-
38…Ke8 If 39. Nxe6Nxf3 40. gxf3 Qf2 and Topalov may hold.
39. Rxh7 Qc3 Anand is trying hard and Topalov is defending well.
40. Rh8+ I prefer 40. Re2 and keep the Black King on the 8th rank. Anand’s 40th move allows the Black King to escape with 40…Kd7
40…Kd7 Black seems to be OK for the moment.
I apologize but I have to take a brief break. I have a quick meeting with the Chancellor of Texas Tech University. He is one of the biggest supporters of SPICE. I will be back momentarily and will continue / catch up with the analysis. Thank you for joining me today. Please feel free to offer your comments and analysis for others to see. You take over the commentary now 🙂
Be back very soon….
I am back 🙂
41. Rh7+ Kc6 42. Re4 b4 43. Nxe6 Black’s position looks fine here. This is certainly much better than having the King stuck on the 8th rank. 43…Kb6 seems OK here.
43…Kb6 The position is even. White has the Rook pair but Black’s b pawn is further long. If 44. Nf4 Qc1+ or Qa1+ 45. Kh2 Nc6 =
44. Nf4 Qa1+ 45. Kh2 a5 This is an extremely difficult and complicated endgame for both sides as mistakes can easily happen. However, Anand is still in the driver seat. To maintain some initiatives, I think h5 is needed. Anand needs to create passed pawns for himself.
46. h5 Topalov cannot take here because 46….gxh5 47. Rxh5 Nc6 48. Nd5+ Kb7 49. Rh7+ Ka6 50. Re6 and White has a dangerous attack. Better is 46…g5.
46…gxh5 Yikes! He took it. Here we go.
47. Rxh5 Nc6 This is looking bad for Topalov. 48. Re6 +-
48. Nd5+ This is not the most accurate move. I like 48. Re6 a lot better. But White is still better here.
48…Kb7 Anand is down to only about 13-14 minutes for a series of critical moves.
49. Rh7+ Only move for Black is Ka6.
49…Ka6 50. Re6 Again, the only move for Black is Kb5. Then White has 51. Rh5 with a strong advantage.
I am asked why Anand is taking a lot of time. He feels it. He knows he has a win in his hands and this can mean the match for him. This is why he is extra cautious.
50…Kb5 Only 1 move for Anand to keep is advantage which is 51. Rh5
51. Rh5 Topalov has a very difficult position here. His only hope is for Anand not to find the most accurate continuation under time pressure. 51…Nd8 the best move among many poor choices 52. Rb6+ Kc4 53. Rd6 Nb7 54. Nb6+ Kb3 55. Rd7 +/- The Black Knight is stuck.
51…Nd4 White has this now 52. Nb6+ Ka6 53. Rd6 +/-
52. Nb6+ Ka6 Topalov needs a miracle to hold on to this game. 46…gxh5 caused him a lot of problems. The Black King is in serious trouble with the constant threat of getting checkmated by the Rook pair.
53. Rd6
This is why I had to pause before. The Chancellor of Texas Tech University wanted to meet members of SPICE and the Knight Raiders Chess Team. Chancellor Kent Hance is a big supporter of chess.
53…Kb7 54. Nc4 Not the most accurate move but not bad under time pressure.
54…Nxf3+ Topalov is trying everything possible to hang on.
55. gxf3 Qa2+ 56. Nd2 Kc7 57. Rhd5 This is not accurate. 57. Rhh6 is stronger.
57…b3 58. Rd7+ Kc8 59. Rd8+ Kc7 60. R8d7+ Kc8 Anand wisely repeated moves to save time. Now he can take a little time for come up with a closing out plan.
61. Rg7 A very good move. White should not pay attention to Black’s passed pawns. He must try to mate the Black King since it is stuck on the 8th rank. Topalov has to try 61…Qc2. Even with Qc2 Black still has a position with slim hope to survive.
61…a4 OK. Topalov is saying to Anand mate me if you can 🙂 Until you do, let me make a couple Queens.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the players can have 3 life lines? a) Check with Rybka or other engines b) Phone a friend who is running Rybka or other engines at home c) Ask the audience who also has Rybka and other engines running 🙂
It is not easy to find the plan starting with 62. Rdd7.
62. Rc5 As I just said, it is NOT easy to find 62. Rdd7.
62…Kb8 63. Rd5 Kc8 Anand is not repeating moves. He is trying to gain extra time.
64. Kg3 Anand completely missed the Rdd7 plan.
64…Qa1 The best move with chances to draw. Once again, Rdd7 still gives White a small chance.
65. Rg4 Now after 65…b2, it is draw.
65…b2 Any chance of a win for Anand has evaporated. This is a huge mis-opportunity for Anand. If Topalov is successful in holding this, he will have the advantage as he will have 2 White in the final 3 games.
66. Rc4+ Kb7 67. Kf2 Topalov is thinking about this 67…. b1=Q 68. Nxb1 Qxb1 69. Rdd4 Qa2+ 70. Kg3 a3 =
67…b1=Q 68. Nxb1 Qxb1 69. Rdd4 Qa2+ 70. Kg3 a3 71. Rc3 If Black plays correctly, this should be a draw.
71….Qa1 This is inaccurate. Now Black has to fight hard to draw again.
72. Rb4+ Ka6 73. Ra4+ Kb5 74. Rcxa3 Topalov still has some work to do but he “should” be able to draw with a series of checks. Anand cannot stop this.
74…Qc1+ 76. Kf5 Qc5+ 77. Ke4 Qc2+ 78. Ke3 Qc1+ 79. Kf2 Qd2+ 80. Kg3 Qe1+ 81. Kf4 Qc1+ 82. Kg3 Qg1+ 83. Kf4 1/2-1/2
More than 132,000 are following this game LIVE right here. This is a new record. It surpassed 130K on the last game of the Kramnik – Topalov match in 2006.
This is a real tragedy for Anand not to win this game. He had it under control. Topalov can now breathe after escaping this one.
I will be back at 7 am (U.S. central time) to cover game 10. Thank you everyone for joining me right here.
Click here to replay the game.
Mike, draw a picture of Topa eating Vishy’s wig.
I spoke with both players today and they agreed that Anand plays 1 e4 and enter a Najdorf 6 Be3. Don’t forget at Linares, when Topalov after 6 Be3 Ng4 went 7 Bc8 to play h3 on the next move…
This clearly means he has something there he didn’t want to show.
Trivia question:
Who said:”1 e4 best by test”?
Poll question: Do you believe Anand should play 1 e4?
1.d4 definitely, though I would love to see a Sicilian! Anand knows Vesko is always-on-the-win and would prefer not to present him with that opportunity from the start 🙂
Still 1.d4 ?
1.e4 will show lack of preparations in Anand’s camp..
I hope that Anand will open with e4. Come on, Anand, try something new in this match! But I doubt it. I think he will open with another d4 🙁 And then another Catalan.
Definitely another Catalan! He won’t risk with 1.e4, playing Sicilian! But if he does … there will be storm on the board!!!
An even bolder move by Anand would be opening up with 1. f4! The Bird’s Opening system can be lethal and I doubt Topalov’s team will expect this.
A different option could be the Tromp. 1.d4 and Topalov plays Nf6 and suddenly Anand surrpises him with 2. Bg5 and bam! entirely new ballgame.
Anand’s match strategy has not been the best. The Gruenfeld hasn’t fared well in WC play, so that was a poor choice in Game 1. Can’t argue with his success in Games 2-5; he made the right choices.
Going into Games 6 and 7, he had momentum and back-to-back Whites. Instead of varying his opening and playing slightly more enteprisingly with the goal of winning either 6 or 7, putting Topalov in serious trouble, he stayed with the Catalan for two draws. And then stayed with the Slav, which previously had given him no chance for an advantage, again in Game 8.
He apparently and foolishly thought the WC-caliber Topalov would not be able to adjust his play to hold Anand’s Catalan. Now Topalov, known as a strong finisher, has the momentum.
I think Anand will still open with d4 – as a psychological ploy. I don’t think he will want to go for anything else especially after losing the previous game in a series where all openings were d4
My guess is that Anand will continue to play 1.d4. Him and his seconds have probably something upp their sleeves for this game. It would be great for Anand, if he could strike back vith a win in this game to take the lead again. Come on Anand!! 🙂
Hello Anand, I wish you will win today and make us happy. All the genius and we 1 billion plus stand behind you.
“Who said:”1 e4 best by test”?”
Fischer
“Poll question: Do you believe Anand should play 1 e4?”
Yes
A Nimzo!
Interesting lines played. First time both players shifted to Nimzo. It is very interesting now. Lets see whats going to happen
I have a good feeling about Anand’s moves so far from a time perspective. He seems to be faster.
This looks like comfortable draw for black, if topa is satified with draw
13..Qe7 good move here? I feel so
If Black plays correctly here he’ll have no problems! He should now keep his dark squared bishop and focus on a blockade of the d4 pawn. Karpov would love Black here, although White has active pieces and a good dynamic setup!
I guess: 13. .. Nc5
So we have an isolated queen pawn situation. This should be an instructive game.
Anand disappointed everyone in the previous game.
Right now I wish every official chess game had the Sofia rule so the players would have to adapt to playing the games to the end rather than settling for nothing more than the opening moves. This would give both the youngsters a harder time getting half points and the oldsters some incentive to beat up less experienced folks.
Topalov has shown how it works at the highest level, let FIDE make it more common-place. 🙂
14. Ne5 with the idea of f4 a good idea? I think white will gain more space? what do you say?
Susan,
I don’t think Anand is better than Topalov in the rapid version of the game. Not anymore at least! If it goes to tie-breaks, anything can happen. Topalov has an advantage though. Remember Anand-Karpov? Who would have thought Karpov would have pulled that one out by playing very fast yet accurate?
Dear Susan, Vesko is following many of your advices, let’s hope Martin Breutigam and Chessbase will not accuse both of you outstanding grandmasters of collusion !!
What if Anand plays 15 Rc3 – is it better than taking out the pawn to restrict the queen movement? Thanks HH
Timothée, I have been accused of worse things 🙂
Septimus, Anand may not be better than Topalov in rapid chess. But that is the perception in general and I know for sure that Anand is very comfortable with faster time control. I am always amazed by his ability to calculate at lightning speed, even when we were kids 🙂
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Not related but this is interesting –
http://blogs.abcnews.com/theworldnewser/2010/05/russian-governor-tells-tale-of-alien-abduction-president-asked-to-investigate.html
What about 15.Ba6, exchanging the light square bishops? Black has the best long diagonal possible for his bishop.
Thanks for the clarification Susan.
On a slightly different note, what can you tell us about the respective seconds? These guys seem to get no credit or praise beyond the cursory mention. After the super-sharp attack with black by Toaplov, I would love to know more about these guys. They certainly deserve a lot of credit!
Keep up the great work!
Best wishes!
Finally 16. .. Nh5
I think, Topalov wants to be sure at this point, he dont misses a chance to attack .. so he takes time.
Oh Boy… looks like Topalov is in some sort of trouble here….
Will Ng5 be parried by g6?
17. Ng5, So far, Anand is following Psakhis 2611-Persson 2549, 2000, 1/2
Yes,17.Bxh7+ is a possibility, but 17.Ng5 also looks interesting. Anyway, some action is going to take place now!
susan, what is your evaluation of the position now?
can white play for a win here?
If 17. …g6 is 18.Nxh7 not possible because of 18. …Nf4 ?
Susan, your lines for 17. would fit to Topalov .. ;-), and even he will not play all or nothing at this point of the world championship.
@Susan, In the online chessbase database, I see that the crazy Bh7 line was played in Knaack-Sturua 1980, 0-1, in case someone wants to check it out!
Anand had forced Topalov to weaken the dark squares around his King! Anand having the only dark squared Bishop will try to exploit this. Black’s position is still quite solid, but I think White has an edge!
17. e5 came so fast! Topalov want to empty the board a little ..
Anand will convincingly defend his title. There is very little doubt on that. Topalov is a great player but however he is not capable of beating Anand in a 12 game series. Topalov can at best win a game here and there against Anand but not a World Championship Series. Anand is the Dean of the university in which Topalov is just a student…!!
Hmm…19.f3 does´nt look optimal. But what do I know – I´m not a Anand 😉
Susan:
What does 2 result mean?
At favourable time black can play exd4!!!
Susan, since Anand is a better rapid player (or at least that’s the perception as you said), why is it that he is taking far more time in this match so far?
I’m not convinced of Anands novelity. I would prefer Black. For me Whites pieces start to look a bit uncoordinated
Does Topalov wants to go ??. .. Qd4+ after changing the pawns?
Looks like an incoming sharp open battle which could end either way.
19…. exd4+ 20. Qxe8+ Rxe8 21. Rxe8+ Kg7 and Anand would probably play Bf2 to reactivate it via Bd4+
Anon 8:29:00 AM, it is not actually a humble suggestion. It is kind of obnoxious to be honest. Grandmasters may not remember every line but many do recall seeing various opening lines. While we may not be experts in every opening, we do know quite a bit.
And if you bother to read one the first things I posted at the top, I said that I do not have access to my database. I am not at my main computer to be able to look things up. Therefore, I strictly rely on my memory and what I see on the board.
As for having more followers, if people want to come and join us for the LIVE commentary, they are welcome to. Unlike many other sites, I do not use google or other means of advertising for my site. I created this blog with no banner ad and I do not accept payments for any advertising by anyone.
This is a completely free blog which is maintained through out the day every single day since May 2005. This is my way of showing my appreciation to the chess fans.
I left my home at 6:30 am to get to my office early enough to do this free live commentary for the fans. It makes absolutely no difference one way or another if another 50,000 come or if we are staying at the same level as in the past few games at 92,000 – 93,000.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Susan,
May I ask how fast do Grandmasters calculate lines and how many they calculate at a time?
I’m a normal player and I don’t mean to compare myself to great grandmasters like yourself but it took me a good 30 seconds just to see Bf2 (in the line I gave in the previous post) to make sure the pawn could be regained. And Topalov just whips up Qd6 and 30 seconds just gone to waste. It would be scary to think if this was a blitz match.
Susan: Vesko is playing for all 3 results?
Two rooks for the queen possibly.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the great work you are doing by your live commentary. I now understand the games much better due to this.
What are your thoughts on just having 12 games in deciding a world champion. Is this enough ?
Rajesh
Once again black is giving the choise of exd. 20.-,exd 21,Qxe8,Rxe8 22.Rxe8,Nf8 looks fine for black. I don´t understand Anands way of plying here. 20.Qb2 was probably better.
How about 20.. Re6 ?
And later double the rook ..
(na, Susan ignore the spamer, enjoy and keep on comment this wonderful game .. 🙂
sorry Susan, I still didn’t understand what “playing for 2 results” means – is it playing to win or to remis?
Rajesh, I think 12 games are too short. I prefer 14-16 games.
Hao, most GMs can calculate quite fast. Obviously some are much faster then others. It is not always important how deep or how fast one calculates. It is more important to understand the position and having a feel for it. This way, it can help a player accurately eliminate non-practical variations.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
I would trade my Queen for both his rooks
Susan,
Your efforts are very much appreciated ! I am logging on to four other sites and no one comes near you for accuracy of predictions of moves. So, keep it up please and just ignore the naysayers. Thanks again
Susan, what do you think of the 6 wins format as suggested by Fischer I think?
“I left my home at 6:30 am to get to my office early enough to do this free live commentary for the fans.”
… and I don’t think we can thank you enough for this. Honestly, without your commentary, following this WC would not have been half the fun it is now..
23. .. Does not look good for White, in my opinion. If Black excanges the knight, and brings the one on the 8 line in front, what can Anand do?
The 6 wins format is OK but it depends on who the players are. If you have solid players like Kramnik or Leko, it may take a long long time 🙂
If it is Topalov, why not? 🙂
It does not mean that one player is better than the other. It just comes down to playing styles and risk taking.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
A player get 3 types of outcome. Win, draw, loose. Nobody playes for losing the game.
Sometimes a player play for draw. In in unclear position, he make a choice where it is not possible for him to loose. Most often in unclear position this will lead to draw.
In unclear position, the player may take a risk for winning, he may win with possibility he may loose.
Playing for 2 results, as I understand avoid clear draw lines (trying to keep complications) and avoid unnecessary risks while trying to win the game.
Notice of a few idiots who have nothing better to do than trashing the work Susan does? These same cowards go to sites like ChessNinja to whine, complaint, and attack her. In the mean time, they’re probably 1200 players who think they know everything because they have Rybka.
Don’t pay attention to these cowards and jerks Susan. Keep on doing the great work. You have many fans from all over the world.
Anand is better. Any small inaccuracy & Topalov shall be Losing this game.
I think that if the organizers think that 6 wins format may take too long, then they can always change it to a 4 or 5 wins format. Nothing magical about the number 6.
I like this game from Anand where he has excahnged Queen for two rook and a pawn.Creating unbalane and hence creating equal chances for Winning and loosing.This is definetely much better than boring catalan again and again.
I figure whenever there is an unbalance in the game, the players are committed to finding out who gets the most out of it.
The time is ticking.
What’s on the table is a forced repetition of moves to escape a sure loss.
I am a 1700 player and I think that Susan is doing a great job on this WCC.
Susan, you are very friendly with a very pleasant personality. You are one of my favorite GMs. I appreciate your efforts here on this blog.
Onething for sure, If a 6 wins kind of format is suggested, it should go along with sofia like rules. Other-wise there is a possibility that short draws will dominate for many games!!
Now after 23.cxd white is left with a bad bishop at f2. After 23.-,Nf6 black must be better.
Two rooks vs Queen. Any of us amateurs would fear such a contest (I would for sure!), but it seems that these guys are going to give us a master-class on how to handle such positions!
Do you think exchanging pieces would favor White or would it favor Black? How do you evaluate such choices?
Susan, would you have gone with the exchange given the double bishop threat of white?
Susan, do you consider yourself to be a solid player like Kramnik or Leko, or more like Topalov?
Susan says 18.Nh3 looks like a home preparation.
But I still don’t see the follow-up ideas of Anand?
To answer one of the questions above, unlike most women players, I am more of an all around / positional player.
2 Rooks are usually stronger than a Queen but it definitely depends on the position. Topalov is fine here.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Susan,
I am learning more from this game and from your commentary than simply playing against somebody! The things I am looking forward to are:
1) 2XR vs Q
2) Q-side pawn majority vs center passed pawn.
Do you think if Black shifts operations to liquidate white’s a-pawn, Anand will be in deep trouble? Very interesting and thanks for the commentary!
So why did Anand give up his Queen for a rook?
Am I wrong if I see Black in a more vital position? The white knight on the edge is ineffective. I am not a fan of Topalov, but I’m pretty sure he will win this game, no draw. 🙂
I read somewhere that, generally, the queen is slightly stronger in the middle game while the rooks are slightly stronger in the end game.
Perhaps the position (after 25.Bc4) is in balance. But is must be black who can play for a win. White is more or less forced to defend. His piese does´nt stand well. (Bf2 and Kh3)
Susan guessed the right move again! Why doesnt _she_ play for the title?!
Anand needs to get that h-knight into play pretty soon. It is dead on that corner of the board. Exchanging it for one of Black’s active knights won’t be a bad idea.
Susan,
Thank you very much for your insightful comments. But I think it would be lot more better if you gave analysis from both Anand and Topalov points of view. Personally I find your commentary and comments biased towards Topalov. An objective view would improve the quality of the blog.
Thanks,
KramerKelso
Agreed.
Susan’s brilliant reading of the game could be better if she gave objective views instead of Topalov biased views.
26. .. Qb4 was logical. I’m sure Anand also see it. Has he a trap?
But 26.-,Qb4 is inaccurate. Better probably 26.-,Qd7
Phew, Topa played Qb4 rather fast. Is Be5 any good for Anand here?
Fritz 11 is showing me -4.00 in favour of topalov in the position after 26 moves. whats happening here??
I guess Topalov’s moves are more unpredictable than Anand’s. And maybe Susan is inclined and excited when she predicts topa’s move
It is funny that Topalov’s fans think I am for Anand and Kramnik while Kramnik and Anand’s fans thinnk I favor Topalov.
I consider all three my friends and I know all of them for a very long time. I cannot root for or against any of them. It is like asking which one of my son I love more.
I root for interesting and exciting games and may the best player win.
The reason why I sometimes offer more explanations for Topalov’s moves is because he is the more aggressive and unpredictable player. This requires more explanation. It has nothing to do with personal preference of either player.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
If the black king cant hide at g7 it gets critical for Topalov
(guys [and girls?], why not concentrate on this game, and leave what Susan should do or not ..)
Another diagram please
My personal experience with Susan Polgar’s comments is that she is absolutely unbiased when it comes to matches like this one.
I recall the ill-fated Kramnik-Topalov match with the toilet-gate when it was hard for everybody not to pick a side, but still she kept saying that she did not think either of them cheated and just wanted the match to be fairly played.
I don’t think Susan Polgar would let her comments show if indeed she had got a preference. I definately don’t think her comments are biased at all.
That is not to say that she cannot be surprised or even amazed at some player’s skill or ability.
I would plea for zealots to forget about “hooliganism” or, at least, to leave it aside for soccer, where it is more due.
I think Topalov’s Qb4 is the correct one. If he starts gunning for Anand’s a2 pawn, it is going to be very difficult for white to ignore. It will tie up Anand’s remaining pieces and Topalov can try to liquidate the center.
Okay, I admit I am a bit of a cheater… A few moves back, I asked Stokfish what it thought of the position… After making my MacBook fans way louder than usual, it came up with a line with a +0.28 score… What is scary is that this is the exact line that is played right now…
Oh boy, how I wish I was a Grand Master! :-p
NNP
Susan, is there any issue if Anand plays B*d5 now ??
Susan was definitely biased towards Topalov in 2006.
When one player makes wild accusations of cheating with no evidence, it’s not fair to be “even-handed” as Susan was.
One needed to call out Topalov’s appalling behavior.
I think getting white’s dark-squared bishop off the board will make the position safer for black. Black has weaknesses on dark-squares and also the d-pawn queens on a dark square.
Wow, by far the most exiting game I remember.
28. a3 is a trap or a least something which should bring White some relief ..
Can somebody explain why Anand should prefer a3 over BxD5? If in doubt read my name 🙂
What are you people talking about? Susan’s views ARE objective. I see no bias towards one player or another.
corenovice, I explained that line in my analysis at move 26.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Susan, I don’t understand how lower rated GM’s (lower than 2700) can find the lines that SuperGM’s play, yet when they play against each other SuperGM wins.
Thanks, I’m really enjoying your blog 🙂
I am objective too, I equally like the best guy in chess Topalov and this other fella from India.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan, can you explain (for the low level player), why not 23. .. Qxa3
The a3 pawn is not protected.
[Some people would talk about can squirrels dance while aliens would land on earth .. are you not interestest in THIS game?]
Perhaps the ones who see Polgar biased against Anand now are the ones who also saw Polgar biased against Kramnik then.
I wonder where the real bias is.
Hi Susan,
It is not clear to me who’s little worse? The suggestion starts with white’s move, but black first deviates from the sequence. Please clarify me.
Black is a little worse. 2 Rooks are a little stronger than a Queen in endgames.
Anand is slightly better here.
Best wishes,
Susan Polgar
Should black watch for the back rank check dance? Any tactical possibilities with that?
Does the idea 32.Red1 follwed by 33.RRc7 lead to anything for White?
wow after Anand’s Ng5 isn’t it Nd3 and mate with Nf2, Nh3, Qg1, Nf2?
The black king is more save at h6. then the rooks cant work. or not?
(my pulse must be at 150 😉
If he desires it, Anand can try a long squeeze in this game. I would much rather have his position after 32 moves than Topalov’s.
Susan,
Isn’t 33. Ne6 answered better by Qa3? White has back rank problems.
I’m amazed to see so many Indians following a game of chess instead of being glued to the television watching Twenty20 cricket! I’m sure 99.99% of India haven’t even realized that this match is being held and that an Indian is defending the world title!
Great job Susan with the live commentary. Chess fans can’t thank you enough for this.
Maybe Anand want to go to g4 with his knight (with f6+ before). then the h6 protection for the black king is gone.
hi susan
what is the problem with the line 34. Ra1?
I agree, 33. Ne4 was not optimal. Now Qa3 can be played and I think Anand will have to work towards a draw. Maybe his heart just isn’t in this.
33. Rc8+ I was even better.
Anand will LOSE this game… he’s growing old ! Time to retire… his Ne4 was horrendous ! It gave a pawn free !
Susan, what do you think about this line?
33. Rc8+ Kg7 34. Rh8
Thanks
Dear Milwac,
I would disagree. Most of India is aware and following the Chess WC. Too much of Twenty20 cricket is definitely helping its cause 🙂
Anand has only 12 min. left.
And Topalov attacks even in defense.
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Looks like Anand can force a draw by perpetual after 36. Rc8+. I need to work it out, but the king is only defended by the knight right now. Maybe this was Anand’s plan with Ne4. It helps prevent black from playing a move like Nf7 interposing a check on the seventh rank.
I am an Indian in US and I follow both this Chess WC & T20 Cricket World Cup with same passion. Today in T20 WC, Poms are all set for a win against Pakistan 🙂
Hi Susan, Italy s following the game too! thanks a lot!
Hm, now time to attack: 38. .. Nd3
It is interesting that on the list of 28 countries following the game, there is no mention of Russia. I know that there could be many reasons for this,,, but with countries like Cyprus, Greece, Qatar, and Belgium being named, it simply raises an eyebrow as to why Russia does not make the list.
what happens if Anand plays Rd1 in step 38? If ke8 then NF6+ and gives winning right?
Topalov’s Qb2 is looking worse and worse to me. For those with chess engines, what was the evaluation difference between Qb2 and Qb4? At b2, the lady is out of the action, and is passively defending the knight.
Anand is going for a win. I don’t think he has enough in this position right now, but it is looking dicey for black.
Something wrong in this list of countries. Can’t believe Russians don’t have Internet…
Wrong move number on 37.
what about 38. Rd1…
Keep going on with this job susan, you’re definitly so far away from other website…ur uderstanding and the ability you explain complex things to standard people like me is juste amazing. I was a 16xx elo player 10 years ago..so I dont have enough knowledge to understand each subtillities of that kind of high level game…but with your blog…everything seems obvious and clear
[x] fan mode ON
Love u
[x] fan mode OFF
40. Re2 looks like the move to my eye, not 40. Rh8.
QC3, not c6…
Rooks have enough play in the endgame….looks like the rook is slowly munching away the the black pawns…Anand can win this!! Go Anand go….
Sorry for the question-i don’t know the time limits:
The hour added after move 40 is for the rest of the game? or will another hour be added at move 60?
Thanks in advance
Now, both have a lot time after move 40.
Kd7 should make Anand do 41. Rd1,
and the 41. .. Nd3 looks like defence.
But Topalov wants to go there since 5 moves ..
please correct 39)…. QC3 ( you mentioned Qc6)
I think Anand blew it with move 40. Black’s king has escaped. Now
41. Rd1 Nd3
42. Ra8 Qa3
43. Ne4 Kc7 and what does black have other than a draw, at best in this position?
It was critical to keep the black king isolated, now he is defended by both pieces and is in contact with the queenside pawns. Maybe Anand was feeling a bit of time pressure just before the control.
Susan, very bad timing .. 😉
Your Chancellor sure doesnt like Chess, right?
according to
http://www.chessvibes.com/reports/anand-topalov-all-the-info/
120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting after move 61.
I feel white’s gonna win here. Black’s pawn islands do not look good.
As for the Russians not being in the list, they might be following some local commentary in Russian 🙂
3.5.1 The time control for each game shall be: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30 seconds per move starting after move 61 has been made.
42. .. Kb6
Is there another good move?
15 minutes added after move 60, and 30 additional seconds per move starting from move 61
15 minutes added after move 60, and 30 additional seconds per move starting from move 61
It seems, Topalov will have no time to start the attack with the knight to d3.
42. .. b4
43. Ra7+ ?
After 28. … Ke8 wouldn’t
39. Nxe6 Nxf3?
40. Rf1! be better for Anand?
The knight is gone due to 41. Rf8# menace. Of course, 39 … Nxf3?would not be the probable response by Topalov.
hs
You can view the time control here:
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/regulations.html
The time control for each game shall be: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutesfor the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30seconds per move starting after move 61 has been made
If Anand is on the move, I always have the feeling, he is not. Looks more like he is waiting.
Very exiting to watch them: Anand often touches his nose, his hair, is he chewing a gum?.
Topalov has his fingers in his ears, he looks more uncalm. Anand looks calmer, but on his hand you see how much tension is in him.
Does he take the pawn on e6 with the knight? Or the one on a7 with the rook?
How to hinder the black king join with the pawn and Queen?
Next move by Topalov should be
43. .. Kb7
He cant give away the pawn on a7,
then the rook has free way to everywhere. And then, 44. ?
Anonymous: see time rules at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Chess_Championship_2010
After 43. Ne6, white has made some progress, but with help, in my opinion, of a couple of slightly inaccuracies by black.
Right now, I see
43. …..Kb6 (hard to see else?)
44. Nf4 and it looks like white might have a bit of an advantage. the g-pawn is looking weak, giving white chances to create his own passed h-pawn, the king is still exposed, due, in my opinion, to the advance of the b-pawn to b4, and the knight is looking somewhat lonely being protected only by the queen.
All in all, I still expect a draw, but white should press this a bit and see if he can’t squeeze out a win. If the players were reversed, you can be sure Topalov would do so.
Susan, what hinders Topalov to put his black knight to d4 in your opinion? then there is Nf2+ and big problems for white, right?
Is this not much more dangerous than the white position?
Oh, the idea of 44. Nf4 is to threaten Rb4.
Topa is going to win. The two connected passed pawns will march on. One of them is going to become a queen.
Can white now play 46.h5, getting at the king?
46. OK, d3 now is poisoned area, for both. But the knights cant stay there forever.
Ah, 46. h5, to connect white king and rook.
LOL, Anand just played it.
Now 46. .. g5 would be cool.
correction
44. … Nxf2
What about 46: NxG6 instead of h5 ?
Andrei
So, now what does Anand after 46. .. g5 ?
Move the knight to where? Attack?
Ups, Topalov takes the pawn! After some hours of concentration …
Topalov just blundered, I think. I hope the tranmitted move gh5 was a mistake and he played g5.
46 pxp is a losing move.
Anand now has a change to win this game
Yikes? Is that a “!?” sort of comment? 😉
Please post another diagram.
I must be a worst player than I think….since I don’t see how can black loose here.
Tapalov seems to have blundered in 46…gxh5. Is it so?
Isn’t 48. Re6 first even better than 48. Nd5!?
Anand better move a little faster, or he’ll be in some time trouble.
After 48. Re6, does black have defense any longer? Black is threatening 49. Rhh6, and I see a quick win for Anand.
48. Nd5 not best in my opinion, but might still be winning. Not clear to me any longer what white’s plan is.
i guess Anand is tired. and he may not figure out the attack Susan just showed.
(wud like it if i am wrong)
Now Topalov can give up.
For a world champion you need more than be aggressiv .. 😉
auch, Anand didn´t see it…played 48. Nd5, very difficult I suppose
49. Re7+ looks better to me than Rh7+
no. only with rook and knight you cant make a chessmate. But the black queen is in outaspace ..
The five top players in the world today, in my opinion, in order:
1. Susan Polgar
2. Anand
3. Topalov
4. Carlsen
5. Kramnik
Doesn’t Anand have a little bit of a problem with time?
anand running out of time
Nd5 let black off the hook temporarily:
49. Rh7 Ka6!
50. Re6 Kb5!
51. Nc7 Ka4, I think black might escape with a draw, but I need to look more deeply at the position that arises. White will have a difficult time holding up those pawns long enough.
Anand is under a bit of time pressure!
I sure hope Anand has this all worked out, because he is running short of time. A pity, a real pity that he missed Re6.
Can somebody please tell me what the time-rule is? Anand has only 9 minutes on his clock and has made 48 moves… is he in some time-danger?
but what anand is thinking so much…i think he will blunder in time pressure
come on anand…. clock is ticking…. Re6 pleaseee
If Topalov wins on time, I will laugh so hard. 😀
Oh, wth, has Anand forgotten about the time control??
And then he played, but Topalov answered so fast that it’s all the same again… 🙁
The black queen still waits on Qe5.
50. .. Kb5 seems to be save.
50…Qe5+ ?
Susan,
Anand is continuously under time pressure. Is age telling on the ‘lightning kid(?)’
why not 50…Qc1
51. Rc7 Kb5
52. RxKt QxR
53.Rxq KxR
black’s pawns are well advanced…
I didn’t see Rh5 after Kb5 (why I am a patzer). Hmmm…interesting move.
why not 50…Qc1
51. Rc7 Kb5
52. RxKt QxR
53.Rxq KxR
black’s pawns are well advanced…
why not 50…Qc1
51. Rc7 Kb5
52. RxKt QxR
53.Rxq KxR
black’s pawns are well advanced…
Very difficult psychological situation for Anand, if he doesn´t win this game now, he may well loose the match…if not also this game!
50. .. Qd4, i guess …
Anand looks super confident. Though under time pressure, he has the game under control. 5-4.. 3 games to go ..
Topalov might be considering resigning here.
I think Topalov is uncanny enough to find a way to draw the game… it’s not yet all lost for him, though he’s somewhat down and fighting… he’s quite good with the queen, I’ve seen in the past games.
As i said before, the Dean (Anand) is giving a lesson in chess to the student (Topalov). Now its time for a check mate..!!
Topalov is lost
Susan can we have a nice diagram of black king’s trail — should have been a real workout for him
really enjoying the way game today.. with twists and turns, some times feels like a river, some times like a snake.
Topalov should speed up his play because Anand is thinking on his time!
When is the next time control?
I hope anand has enough time.
Here are the official rules regarding time
Arbiter of the match.
3.5 Time control.
3.5.1 The time control for each game shall be: 120 minutes for the first 40 moves, 60 minutes
for the next 20 moves and then 15 minutes for the rest of the game with an increment of 30
seconds per move starting after move 61 has been made.
source http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/regulations.html
He found Rh5.
All I see for black is, maybe
51. ….Nd8
52. Nb6 Ka6
53. Rg6 Qb1 or Ka7, but it looks like the end for black. 52. Nb6 keeps the king from escaping, a nice motif.
Nd4 shortens it, in my opinion, black looks like he is in a mating net now.
52. .. Nd4
A try to confuse Anand?
Why did Anand not move 52. Nf3+
only one line of defense left for Black..
switch off all the lights 😉
Anand was pushed last game in to making the error. So far as I gather from commentary and comments Topalov has played in to Anand’s hands. Only time will tell
Topalov is thinking, thinking and thinking…is he contemplating to resign…just checking before the decision?
How about a desperate
53. .. Nxf3+
😀
Maybe with the queen Topalov can give him a endless chess ..
oh no, 54. Nc4?
57. .. b5, i guess ..
wrong direction 😉 … 😀
Better 57…a4 than …b3 says Fritz, what a finish!
This is chess!
Anand seems to be very low on time here!
58. .. Kc6. What else?
dont u find Nc4 the best move for white?
Does not 52. Ne3+ means a win for Anand?
Nc4 wasn’t the quickest way to win, but I think Anand just wants to get to the next time control with a decisive edge, and the route he chose looks like the easiest to not screw up.
Did Anand Miss a Mate at 53: NC3+
Should we get ready for the countdown? T – 4 moves.. Go Anand!
I’d LOVE to see Anand bounce back with this fine win!! He played great chess, you have to give him that.
What are you guys talking about a Nc4 move?!! The black queen is in line with the white King! Ananda can’t move the knight unless he moves his king first.
After almost 6 hours of continuous play, its time to say goodbye.
Did Anand miss the wining move?
A draw would keep the game open.
I think, I need a day free after this .. 😉
61. .. a4 ?
Another move to confuse Anand?
What IS this?
I hope Anand can close out this game soon. Go Vishy Go!!!
lol @ “mate me if you can” comment
Hard fought win for anand – score 5,4
Smelling a WC win already here for vishy
62. Rdd7 followed by unpinning the knight with Kg3 should win this for white. Blacks pawns are too late.
anand again in time trouble….
Susan – “Wouldn’t it be cool if the players can have 3 life lines? a) Check with Rybka b) Phone a friend who is running Rybka at home c) Ask the audience who also has Rybka running :)”
I think one of these players have been accused of using (b) and (c) in the past 🙂 🙂
Susan dont like Rybka.
I can understand this.
Is 62. Rf5 not winning?
Anand will most likely blunder under severe time pressure, so i presume a topalov win or a draw at best.
I think Anand sees Rdd7, just working it all out before he commits to it.
unpin the King Kg3 and Rh5 next
this is too much for me.
I should look something not so exiting, maybe Twenty20 .. 😉
how can Anand miss Rdd7? It is obvious to even a novice like me. It is forced mate,isn’t it?
Amazing. The pressure of the situation is just amazing. So many obvious wins, and yet Anand keeps missing them.
anand play Rc4+
Excellent comments, Susan !
Thx
“If Topalov is successful in holding this”
What? I think Anand will be the one who is lucky to hold this now.
anand shld play Rb5+
Why didn’t Anand move Rdd7? That was obvious mate. I can’t believe it. It is obvious even to a total novice like me.
Time (again) is running for Anand ..
ok Forget my last comment. Anand has the perpetual in hand.
This is getting TOO MUCH!!!!
.. and Topalov has a LOT of time ..
Promote your pawn Ananad !
Rybka sait: 62.: -, Qxd2+ Kg3 Qd6+ f4 Qxc5 Rg8+ Qc8 Rg6 b2 => 1-0, or not?
What a triller!
If I remember correctly, Anand lost this ending to Karpov, but he was in the wrong side (he had the queen, and Karpov rooks and a pawn). Am I right? FM Gabriel Curi (Uruguay)
quote:
The five top players in the world today, in my opinion, in order:
1. Susan Polgar
2. Anand
3. Topalov
4. Carlsen
5. Kramnik
/quote
sign.
and remember, this ranking list is valid while multitasking:
meet and greet, checking the blog, baking a cake etc…
just every now and then a short glance at the board reveals all the hidden gems!
Anand circles around the pawn.
Is there a solution against this, Susan?
Draw by perpetual can’t be stopped now.
The student(Topalov)may know about a few chapters, but the Dean (Anand) knows the entire book. This game may end in a draw, but the title will be with the Dean. Topalov, come again next year..!!
A Draw! Congratulations, Vesko!
Blame Anand who missed a win…he is growing old…he had the game in hand but squandered… sad day for chess that Topalov “escapes” with a draw… it’s a shameful for chess in my opinion when a grandmaster cannot finish a good game…I’m disappointed.
I hate to say it, but neither of these players deserves to win this match. It is one blunder after another by both players. This game takes the cake- Topalov blunders into a lost position with hg5, and then Anand misses one winning line after another the rest of the way, and after giving it away, Topalov hands it right back to Anand who then proceeds to give it away again.
Friendly shakehands, signing the others scripts.
Anand has lost, even it is a draw.
6 and a half hours.
Time to eat 🙂
how much time left for the players?
drinking alcohol and commentary doesnot go tohether
The position did not repeat three times, and the next move would not have been a three-fold repetition, so Topolov must have violated his “no draw offered or accepted” rule.
Cant remember a movie, which exited me as much as this game.
For God’s sake the boring times of Kasparov and Karpov are over! (if they were so good, they would be in this championship).
No risk no fun.
Only who risks can win.
“As i said before, the Dean (Anand) is giving a lesson in chess to the student (Topalov). Now its time for a check mate..!!”
I guess it is time for Anand to retire, gracefully, from competitive chess whatever the outcome of this match. Topalov is playing sharper than him, defending better, and is handling his nerves much better! The favorite is Topalov from hereon.
I have bad news for Indians: Topalov is better than Anand!
I wonder who people make these comments about “how terribly they play”:
Hey geniuses!! It is definitely easy to sit and watch Fritz TELLING you that white(e.g.) HAS a won position.It’s A LITTLE different having to evaluate the position YOURSELF,playing for THE WORLD TITLE,in the NINTH game of the match,against THESE opponents,and after FIVE hours of play…
I am thrilled of the match-I wish I was there…
Any world cahmpion i can think of….Steinitz, Lasker, Capablanca,Alekhine, Euwe, Botvinnik, Smyslov,Tal, Petrosian,Spassky,Fischer,Karpov,Kasparov …..would have won this game.
Its unreal that a world champion let this slip. Something is wrong with either him or something else…….it was sad to look at.
Watching Topalov is like watching a bull in a china shop.
Even an amateur sees the lack of style.. the choice to always complicate rather than play good moves.
His approach has great practical results, but it’s a complete turn-off to fans who actually love to see beautiful games.
Quite a beautiful draw… Topalov is in awe!
A new champion on the rise… for he will catch the prize!!! 🙂
Not Steinitz, Lasker, Capablanca,Alekhine, Euwe, Botvinnik, Tal, Petrosian,Spassky, Fischer, Karpov or Kasparov would have missed this win.
Something is seriously wrong with Anand.
Perhaps he has cracked mentally.
Fantastic game! Susan, thank you very much for your annotation and the great comment.
Following the comments at the same time on chessdom.com and on this blog and meanwhile having stockfish’s analyses on chessbomb give me many different interesting insights. (This is especially interestingas you’re not always the same opinion. 48. Nd5 was chessdom’s (and stockfish’s) first choice while you critizised it for example.)
Thanks (all) for this great coverage of this event.
The result of this game was not that surprising for me. Without computer lines giving concrete “amount of advantage” (if you are a cool soulless calculator!) I wouldn’t have even known how good white’s position in fact was… (I am not a pro, sorry. ;)).
While the whole endgame was going on I felt that I would not be very pleased to play this with white (!). You always have the feeling that you must be better here (probably Anand not just had the feeling but _knew_ it) but it is very hard to convert this to a full point as you have to be careful about the black pawns or perpetual checks. Meanwhile black’s plan seems rather easy: trying not to get mated and move the pawns as soon as you have some time to do so.
White is under enormous pressure while black has nothing to lose.
Though it is a play on (almost only) two results this is really back-breaking. Anyone who has experienced similar feelings in an own game (after hours of playing!) shouldn’t blame Anand here. (As so many people seem only critisice Anand and so many cry “blunder, blunder” it seems to me that not too many of them have experienced it…).
But though I never was fully convinced white would win this I have to say “congratulation” to Topalov for holding this. Very important draw for him.
This is probably the most exciting WCC matches I have followed in my life. I really hope for 3 other fantastic games with all the good annotations.
Thanks again for the good work here! Best wishes to the whole chessworld
Jochen from Germany
Clearly Anand is making more mistakes than a champ should make.
Looks like with this level of play Topalov will win the match.
What happens if they had played the possible line:
16…Nh5 17. Bxh7+ Kxh7 18. Ng5+ Kg6 19. Qc2+!
How Topalov defends here? instead of 19. g4
What happens if they had played the possible line:
16…Nh5 17. Bxh7+ Kxh7 18. Ng5+ Kg6 19. Qc2+!
How Topalov defends here? instead of 19. g4