Aronian – Anand LIVE commentary 0-1

Aronian – Anand

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bh4 dxc4 7.e4 g5 8.Bg3 b5 9.Ne5 h5 10.h4 g4 11.Be2 Bb7 12.0–0 Nbd7 13.Qc2 (So far, both sides are cranking out moves at rapid speed. We are still completely in opening book. This is a very popular lines with many games played before.)

13…Nxe5 14.Bxe5 Bg7 15.Rad1 0-0 16.Bg3 Nd7 17.f3 c5 (This is the first “probably” novelty as I have not seen it before. 17…Qb6 seems to be the more “normal” continuation. Aronian spent a considerable of time after 17…c5. This move by Anand seems to take him by surprise.)

18.dxc5 Qe7 (After Aronian took a long time for 18.dxe5, Anand responded with Qe7 right away. It is also the strongest continuation. Aronian recently defeated Anand in a very nice game. I am sure Anand has not forgotten about it. Aronian seems to have a very enterprising and versatile style. He is not afraid unbalanced positions. He reminds me of Morozevich but a little more steady.

I have known Anand for many years, even back in our junior days. He even stayed at our home in Budapest. He is a very difficult opponent to play against because he is very resourceful and FAST 🙂

Yes, I meant it the other way but as I am watching the games and typing, I mistyped it. Just wanted to see if you are paying attention 🙂 Thanks for letting me know.)

19.Kh1 a6 (I actually like Anand’s position a little better due to piece mobility. Aronian is now behind about 30 minutes on the clock. This is why home preparation is so important.)

20.a4 (After spending a lot of time, he finally made this move. I think 20.b4 is playable as well. Now, I expect Bc6 from Black and Black still maintains a healthy advantage.)

20…Bc6 (Now 21.Nd5 would be a very interesting sacrifice and he may do it since he likes positions like this.)

21.Nd5!? (Aronian is fearless. This is a very dangerous move and requires serious calculations. Bxd5 is the strongest reply. exd5 is not as strong.)

21…exd5 22.exd5 Be5 (This is the best move. Anything else and Aronian would have a comfortable position. White’s problem is King safety. 23.f4 would probably be the safest continuation.)

23.f4 (23..Bg7 24. dxc6 Nxc5 =+)

23…Bg7 24.dxc6 Nxc5 25. Rd5 Ne426. Be1 -/+ (Black pieces are better placed, especially the Knight. Anand is in very good shape here.)

26…Qe6 27.Rxh5 (White had an amazing shot here with axb5 and sacrificing the Rook. 27. axb5 Qxd5 28. Bxc4 Qd4 29. b6. It is not great but better than what Aronian has here.)

27…f5 -+ (Black is clearly better. White’s pieces are totally uncoordinated. I like Anand’s play so far. Very smooth.)

28.Kh2 Rac8 (Black slowly picks up the pawn. It is hard for White to make any progress. Black is clearly better. White’s Bishop pair is not doing well at all.)

29.Bb4 Rfe8 30.axb5 axb5 31.Re1 -+ Qf7 (It is just about over now. White has no where to move the Rook and the position is totally hopeless anyway.)

32.Rg5 Nxg5 33.fxg5 Rxc6 34.Bf1 Rxe1 35.Bxe1 (White’s position is hopeless. The rest is just to prolong the game. Very nice game by Anand!)

35…Re6 36. Bc3 Qc7+ 37. g3 Re3 38. Qg2 Bxc3 39. bxc3 (Even at the top level, a simple rule such as simplify when ahead in material applies.)

39…f4 (I expect resignation from White shortly. White has no chance even for a cheapo somewhere.)

40.Qa8+ Kg7 41.Qa6 fxg3 White resigns 0-1