Some people think that chess is chess and if a player is good, he or she would do well in any format, whether if it is Swiss, round robin or match play.
In my opinion, it is not the case. Match play requires the most amount of psychology. If Judit would have lost the first game, it may haunt her the rest of the way, especially in a short match.
However, to be able to pull out a draw in such a position, it may turn the match in her favor. To have such a good position like Bareev did and not being able to convert may harm his confidence.
It will be interesting to see how this first game will affect their next 5 games. My money is on Judit after this draw.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
I agree. History is replete with examples where the player did not win a won game and played poorly afterwards. If they are even after game 4, then in becomes, as Korchnoi said at the end of his first match with Karpov, “a lottery.”
“To have such a good position like Bareev did…”
Please don’t believe the computers! Chess is a very practical game! Being behind only 1 pawn doesn’t mean you’re losing!
I never thought Bareev his position was “such a good position”
Judit prove it!
But wasn’t Bareev even winning in the final position when he gave a draw?
Susan, are you in contact with Judit in between her games form the candidate matches and does she have a second there to help her with the openings?
She is psyching them out..
These players had better look out.
The rest will totally understimate her, and then she just lashes out at them.
Susan
I was thinking to ask you next question regardless of the result of the game POLGAR-BAREEV.
You are speculating on psychology but you shoud comment on QUALITY of play.
Please comment on the fact that Judit Polgar ,a player of 2700 rank is playing opening with white like ”little girl”.
her position was losing after the opening (it is hardly surprising that bareev would play CARO-KANN.)
I would like to warn you that she made the same approach against Anands Caro-kann in San luis,but Anand punished her
loose play.
I cannot understand how player of 2700 caliber,with 1 year time to prepare can play opening (a well known variation of CARRO KAN which is on Bareev repertoire!)
like 2000 player.
It seems to me that JUDIT POLGAR’s opening play is on the level of average FIDE MASTER.
She can win the match but her approach and her shallow play against the same opening is great disappointment for me.
In addition to the psychological advantage garnered from today’s game, Judit has the added edge of a lifetime 9/15 (6 wins, 3 losses, and 6 draws) vs Bareev (according to chessgames.com).
In this regard, Carlsen has even a bigger handicap to overcome. He’s never beaten Aronian in their previous dozen matches, scoring but 4/12 (0 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws).
Results speak for themselves–way to make it count Judit.
According to chessbase.com, Bareev also had a 70 minute time advantage after move 30. As indicated therein:
“Strenuous resistance in the ending eventually saved her the game, and the Russian was most likely quite frustrated by the missed point he would have loved to score against one of his principal angstgegners.”
According to my German-English dictionary, ‘angstgegner’ means “most feared opponent”. Tangentially, I wonder if Judit is now feeling a touch of schadenfreude.
That’s a very good save by Judit.
Well, as 2100 player, I cannot critically evaluate Judit’s over-all opening strength. But almost all great attacking players have well-honed opening arsenals. Morphy was ahead of his time, Alekhine had his prepared variations, and Kasparov had his opening preparation team. Judit is a similar type of player. Bareev is trying to increase his chances by playing quiet positions. That is what you are supposed to do match play. BTW, you don’t get to be a world-class grandmaster by being rated FM strength in the opening. Exploitation of weaknesses is brutal 2 classes below that level. She has to be a strong GM in even the weakest parts of her game. Just my humble opinion.
At least somebody is doing something about the russians!
Now, if only the USCF could…
I think that Judit had luck rescuing wiht fighting spirit her game.
I doesn´t mean that she proved to play better this time, big disadvantage from the beginning in position and in time.
She needs a good secont to better prepare.
I also think thak the outfit of players was very poor; jeans and t-shirts for this kind of event?? Shame, chess is still a informal sport even for FIDE authorities… they are not playing for fun in Central Park or in their club….
I think that Judit had luck rescuing wiht fighting spirit her game.
I doesn´t mean that she proved to play better this time, big disadvantage from the beginning in position and in time.
She needs a good secont to better prepare.
I also think thak the outfit of players was very poor; jeans and t-shirts for this kind of event?? Shame, chess is still a informal sport even for FIDE authorities… they are not playing for fun in Central Park or in their club….
Jeans and T-shirts? Yes, there should be a dress code installed for all players of both gender.