World Championship: third win for Anand
21 October 2008, 14.32 CET | Last modified: 12:14 | By Peter Doggers | Filed under: Reports | Tags: Live games, Match, Videos
Update: video added.
After winning the 6th match game today, reigning world champion Viswanathan Anand increased his lead even further. Three points down, challenger Vladimir Kramnik finds himself in a hopeless situation half-way the match.
Before the game Anand was leading 3.5-1.5 and everybody wondered: would Kramnik go for a win, or would he follow the advice of Kasparov, who said “he should just worry about surviving [...] after such a blunder in game five, then decide on a game plan for the final six games”?
Following the opening of the sixth round, it appeared that Kramnik was having similar thoughts as Kasparov's, when he went for the Classical Nimzo-Indian with 4?¢‚Ǩ¬¶d5 and 6?¢‚Ǩ¬¶Qf5. However, it turned out that Anand himself was in the mood for more than just a quiet ending.
The Indian avoided the ending with 7.Qb3 and two moves later he brought an interesting novelty, again taking the initative as it comes to opening theory. This time Kramnik reacted quicker than in previous games, but still he found himself in a slightly worse ending around move 15.
And then Anand just outplayed Kramnik. His advantage got bigger, he won a pawn, he won another one and easily countered his opponent's threats that weren't really serious threats anyway. His pieces seemed to lack coordination, but Anand managed to untangle and convert his material quite elegantly.
And so we're suddenly left with the second half of the match still to be played, but nobody believes it will be a real fight anymore ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú the general consensus is that Anand has won the match today. For the first time he actually smiled several times during the press conference.
About half of the seats already filled at about around 14:50
Kramnik grabbing his bishop to go for a Nimzo-Indian again...
...and Anand playing 5.cxd5
There were a few more photographers than in game 2-5, because...
...former world champion Anatoly Karpov (left to UEP President J. Resch)
came up on stage today to play the first move
Here’s the sixth game of the match, co-commented by IM Merijn van Delft and by your editor-in-chief:
Match score:
| Name | Nat. | Rtg |
G01
14/10 |
G02
15/10 |
G03
17/10 |
G04
18/10 |
G05
20/10 |
G06
21/10 |
G07
23/10 |
G08
24/10 |
G09
26/10 |
G10
27/10 |
G11
29/10 |
G12
31/10 |
|
| Anand | IND | 2783 |
?Ǭ?
|
?Ǭ?
|
1
|
?Ǭ?
|
1
|
1
|
4?Ǭ?
|
||||||
| Kramnik | RUS | 2772 |
?Ǭ?
|
?Ǭ?
|
0
|
?Ǭ?
|
0
|
0
|
1?Ǭ?
|
Here's our playlist of videos. For IE users: the latest video might not show up – please try (Control-)F5.
Links:
- Official website
- Foidos
- Game commentary at TWIC, Crestbook, Chesspro and Chessdom
- Videos by Europe-Echecs
- Mig Greengard blogging
- GM Ian Rogers blogging
- Dennis Monokroussos blogging
- Games in PGN provided by TWIC
(Note that the comments below this article started during our live coverage of the game)
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hi.. what is the position
Kramnik is playing like they used to do in railway coaches. He is asking for trouble.
Looking at the game…kramnik looks quite solid, even tho I do not like the position of his queen.
I hope Anand wins again..
As Kremnicks ah Kramnik?Ǭ¥s strength is to squeeze his opponent in positional play, it was wise to get rid of the queens. He should try to avoid too sharp lines where Anand seems to play like a machine and where Anand is making less errors than him.
I expected K pawn opening which would suit Anand when he plays white.But did not do it since he would have thought that Kramnikscamp also would expect the same.Any how the depth of his opening preparation is visible.dispite the position seems to be equal when I have seen it after the first few moves. But I feel that the psychological state of K after those two losses would take its toll.
looks like its going to be a draw…
Ne7 is actually a good move….the trick for anand is to avoid blundering…if no bungles, this will be a draw
I predict N6d5 next
what about 18… c5 19. dxc5 Ned5 with the idea NxBb4 and than doubling the rooks on the c file and get back the pawn with or without the maneuver Nd7 Nc5? I dont have a computer program to analyze this idea. What do you think?
Prettie good idea
Strange how there is considerable tactical possibility even in this position!
it?Ǭ¥s again a game played only at one goal – Kramnik?Ǭ¥s goal… He can be satisfied if he achieves a draw. But I did not like Anands last maneuver to exchange the bishops because he loses the possibility to pin the black bishop after an eventual Nd5 by playing Ne5. Nontheless he has more time and is still one pawn up.
look’s like Anand play for a win. He still has a chances
Now maybe 21… a5 22 Bd2 Ne4 23 cxb6!? Nxd2 24 Rxc8 Nxc8 25 b7 Nb6 26 b8Q Rxb8 27 Kxd2 Na4 with equality? Oh, he has just played 21… bxc5.
I hate to say it…but Kramnik fans, he’s had it
Anand can try for a while without to much risk.
HE has a pion more and more time. so far the clock has not been Kramnik;s friend.
Oops, 26 Nc6 wins simply in the variation I gave.
…Rc8 and then Nd3
I cant understand what Kramnik is doing — I thought n3d4 instead of bxg2 led pretty much to a draw with bishops of opposite colors — instead it looks now like white has some winning chances and black has no immediate threats
Kd1 now
Bd2 looks even better than what I had in mind!
maybe Kramnik has health problems again like in 2006. He cannot mention it to not strengthen Anands self-confidence. It looks like Anand is probably winning this as well if he manages to get rid of Kramnik?Ǭ¥s counterplay.
I think anand is the best between both. Kramnik usually plays for a draw as black (just for not say “always”). He just can hope to win as white. But Anand can play agresivelly with both colors and the most important think, he can play for a win with both.
Bc1 is a mistake…
sorry take that back
Kd1 f3 and e4 will follow and after freeing the white rook, the b pawn will advance and queen -> 1:0
f3 now
“Bd2 looks even better than what I had in mind!”
Don’t mean to make fun, Ajay, but that comment is very funny. You mean one of the greatest players of all time came up with a better move than you? Wow!
sure f3!
What is going on? After Kd1 I think white is simply a pawn up
haha
take the pawn………..make a file! ——-black king in trouble! behind castle!
okay……….this is anand’s game again……….
i hope….. 4.5-1.5 …………………………… AND REMEMBER, KRAMNIK ISNT BOBBY FISCHER!!!
I am not sure anand is winning — but he cant lose from here
Hello Sutton…these guys spend all their time playing chess…I am a part-timer! That said that, this match has picked up quite a bit
If Kramnik had Anands position, he would win for sure
anand has like a fortress – he can now very slowly advance the position of his pieces – especially the rook and th bishop or exchange the bishop and play for a win. Without him making a blunder he should be able to win this in the next 20 moves
This is desperation from Kramnik — now he will lose
31. gxf5 1:0?????
Don’t know guys but according to me Anand is worse and should watch out. kram seems to have the initiative for the pawn and anyhow, he played bravely today.
Jos
very tricky…anand’s rook has to stay on row 2 to avoid being mated
Kd2 to f3 — what does Kramnik have up his sleeve?
I would go Bd2
Now Kd1
That is the winning move
Looks like Kramnik is toast
e4 nc6 bc3 and it looks bad for black
oops e4 nb6 bc3
Rg4. Looks like he’s gonna do it again and iI was too pessimistic.
Why not 36. e4
rg3 games over
From what I can see – Anand is very un-coordinated, Kramnik should regain a pawn with plenty of activity. He is not going to win though. Whats the clocks like?
dc3
How can I win this? let me count the ways
What a whipping!! Kramnik is completely lost.
Anand will certainly retain his crown
e5 may be better
38. bc3 1:0?
Bh6?
Please someone stop this massacre!
kramnik can still win the title
… if Anand falls dead from his chair
f6…go for it buddy
Shirov is relieved today like he attained Nirvana. He always believed that it his crown that Kramnik was roaming around with.
bc3 nd4+ nxd4 rxc3 wins slowly I think
these lines win faster
oh my Gawd, hes gonna loose again!
resigns now or in two moves
check mail Peter
Anything wins. Anand can even call his wife to finish the game for him!
fg7 is called for
I still think Kramnik has chances – provided he was playing down my club or if Anand was drunk. This is startling. Never would have expected 3-0 at half way stage.
On the bright side Kramnik is lasting more than the last game (35 moves).
A good result for him I presume!
It will be another point for Anand…
why 39… Kf7?? and not Rc7?
Jon, it’s even easier than this: maybe he should even call your retarded grandfather!
what about 38 Bc3……
Bb4 resigns
Yes, kamal, I think it wins quicker
I like this…Kramnik is fighting till the bitter end! There are still some bloackading possibilities
umm, if 38.Bc3, then 38…Nh5
oohh maybe not. there is Rg5. Sorry.
Maybe your retarded grandfather, but I am afraid you couldn’t.
Please, mind your language !
Anand is clearly winnign, i didn’t expect world championship to so one sided
so Kramnik has rheumatic problems maybe – that could explain his blunders, maybe?!?
Kramnik is so far from his best game….a shame, really. Although it is much because Anand is doing well on and off the board, obviously Kramnik is not at his best. In a sense, if Kramnik doesnt make a come back and this turns into a “match”, it sort of ruins the match, historicly speaking. The really great matches wont be the ones that are too one-sided.
Geez, Anand won again..
Kramnik should listen to Kasparov.. And should have thought in this game about surviving instead of taking risks.
I think there are several reasons why Anand won
1. He relies on the computer whereas Kramnik relies only on creativity and no help from outside
2. Anand is lucky
3. Kramnik is sick
4. The match is too short…if it was 100 games long Kramnik would win
5. Anand plays tactical games whereas real chess is about long term strategy
I can’t think of other reasons but I am sure Kramnik supporters would find some
what is the result?
see my earlier mail
3 points back is maybe to big
catalan won’t show up nor does russian defense
what’s up for Kramnik
he shouldn;t have disposed King Loek?
( second for complicated positions like this?)
Pieter
Kramnik is really not the Kramnik I know…
He is piece of cake for Anand?! That is not normal, certainly not in matches like this…
It’s all over now. Farewell, the big K!
looking forward to the press conference!! might be a major announcement from Kramnik
I like that Anand is winning, but I hate it that Kramnik blunders so much. I’d rather see him win after a long hard fight.
kramnik , in a sense plays like Botwinnik, prefers positional game. as the result, he gets into trouble in games which offer scope to tactical chess ; remember the positional wizard botwinnik’s debacle against the tactical/sacrificial genius of tal.
my conclusion is positional players are scared of games which turn tactical as they progress. ii) remember kramnik’s match defeat against shirov, another tactical player. iii) i think, anand is mixing his own brand of chess with the shirovian/tal-like play , playing unconventional/aggressive moves/openings to unsettle kramnik and so far he has succeeded enormously. SEE HIS MERAN SET UP GAMES AND TODAY’S 6TH ROUND GAME WHERE HE GOES FOR H3, G4, Bg2, Rg1 etc., this kind of play has demoralised kramnik.
@aya
Anand is just a much beter chess player!
Your reasons are just crazy, how about you?
Oh1 What a game! We saw Anand at his best. It is very difficult for Kramnik to come back now.
Yoo Hoo! Time to celebrate India!!
Dear Pieter
I was offering reasons on behalf of Kramnik supporters. I find it hypocritical that chess websites like chessbase.com no longer provide detailed analysis of the games…why? If Kramnik had won we would have had all and sundry trotting out detailed analysis and the depth of his play;
Instead we have Karpov stating something to the effect that Anand is mechanical! Similarly if you look at “experts” such as Malcolm Pein and others, they were busy forecasting Kramnik’s decisive victory. Among all the experts, only Kasparov (who actually understands chess) suggested that Anand might win
Topalov called me: he is verry happy.
(Who won this game???)
Anand will really deserve the crown now and the chessworld will accept him as the true World Champion!
I don’t know what is wrong with Kramnik at this moment.
Anand seems in great shape, while Kramnik isn’t.
Remember that Anand is much the older of the 2 also!!
Anand is a worthy champion! Let’s hope he crushes Kamsky next year!
@ajay, I didn’t notice anyone “busy forecasting Kramnik?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s decisive victory” before the match. Almost everyone thought it would be very close and come down to one game or tiebreaks. No one predicted this kind of match AFAIK.
It is totally ludicrous for patzers to offer comments such as “Kramnik plays like Botvinnik”, “Kramnik is not comfortable against sharp tactical play”, “Anand does not play positional chess” etc. These world champions likely have a depth of understanding that us patzers cannot possibly comprehend. Kramnik is losing simply because of his poor form and because of Anand’s superior preparation for this match. It is not because he cannot play against sharp, tactical opponents.
Dear Theo.
the reason is that Anand comes with his wife while Kramnik left his wife alone in Paris.
Dear Theo.
the reason is that Anand comes with his wife while Kramnik left his wife alone.
So it seems the match is over, what do you think?
Parece que el match ya esta decidido, estais de acuerdo?
yandr0s – http://www.unodecuatro.wordpress.com
Topalov is the best! He is number 1 in the rating list, and he outplayed Anand in the last tourney they ve played together.
And we will se the return of our Topa!!
Besides, i dont think Anand is playing that great at all, it just seem Kramnik is playing liker an average 2480 IM….
To Alesh Benko
got a feel that topolov may not beat kamsky in the first place
Anand-Kamsky would be great!
To Alesh Benko,
Kindly check the live official rating, Tapolov is no more Number 1, it is the Tiger from India and with regard to Anand’s play, i am sure if Anand was in the position as Kramnik is today, Kramnik would have been called “GENIUS”. It was one of the rare defeats in Bilbao, let us see whether Tapolov will be able to beat Kamsky. Topalov is not known for consistency.
Be humble and accept, Anand is playing at this best, his preparation has depth which is putting Kramnik under pressure and forcing to make mistakes.
Anand after winning this match will become world champion under three different formats – Knock Out(2000), Tournament(2007), Match(2008) and add to this World Rapid champion(2003)
Only Botvinnik won under two formats Tournament and Match.
Anand will be a very unique world champion among all World champions.
@Alesh Benko: Good thing Topalov didn’t get his seat in the forthcoming challenger match by being crushed by that same average IM Kramnik (2480) you were mentioning…
Anand is playing like Kramnik in Elista 2006 and Kramnik is playing now like Topalov in 2006.
Kramnik plays very nervousely.
ps. Rc7 by Kramnik would be ansewered by Bh6.
I won against Hiarcs in a Blitz game, look at the game belo. Can I beat Anand????
Katata-Hiarcs
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.d4 d5 3.c3 Bf5 4.Nbd2 Nbd7 5.e3 e6 6.c4 c6 7.Be2 Bd6 8.Nh4 Be4 9.f3 Ng4 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.g3 exf3 12.Nxf3 Qb8 13.O-O Bxg3 14.hxg3 Qxg3+ 15.Kh1 Ndf6 16.Qe1 Ne4 17.Qxg3 Nxg3+ 18.Kg2 Nxf1 19.Bxf1 Kd7 20.Nh2 Nxh2 21.Kxh2 f5 22.Bh3 g5 23.Bd2 h5 24.Rg1 g4 25.Bf1 h4 26.Be2 Rag8 27.b4 b6 28.a4 h3 29.Be1 Ra8 30.Bg3 Rhg8 31.Be5 a6 32.Kg3 Rac8 33.Kh4 c5 34.bxc5 bxc5 35.Kg3 Rg6 36.Rb1 Rg5 37.Rb6 Rh5 38.Kh2 a5 39.Rb5 Rg5 40.Rxa5 cxd4 41.exd4 Rg6 42.Ra7+ Ke8 43.a5 Kd8 44.a6 Rh6 45.Rb7 f4 46.Bxf4 1-0.
This game should have been draw ..but Kramnik is totally down and out…..3rd and 5th game loss have huge impact on him..thats now evident……
Anand’s Win is incredible…He is forcing Kramnik to play tactical lines and without preparation ……thus gaining time….and pressure is taking its toll on Kramnik….
This simple genius ANAND ……….. anyone at this level can not do that …it is not accidental……he is the current WC ……. people who are just saying he is playing like machine , kramnik is ill , match is short , kramnik is blundering and anand is lucky are all STUPID ………
Admit he is genius …by the way Rating is not everything ……it is the Title that matters …..Kramnik wont mind if he is 20 in the rating list but still world champion ……..Rating is useless…..
Paul Morphy never hard about rating
Let us not crown Anand yet. Anyone remember his catastrophic Sanghi Nagar collapse against Kamsky in 1994, when he was up by 2 games with only 3 games to go?
I’m engineless here. I’m still wondering what was wrong with 21?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ a5 22 Bd2 Ne4. Black seems to regain the pawn as 23 cxb6!? Nxd2 24 Rxc8 Nxc8 25 b7, as in my earlier comment, doesn’t seem to work after the simple 25… Ne7 26 Nd7 Nc6. Instead 22 Be3 Nxc5 23 Bxc5 bxc5 24 Rg3 may not be a party for black, but he can do better with 22… Nd5 (23 c6 Nxe3 24 fxe3 f6).
Where do I go wrong (or do worse than Kramnik)?
To Satish – The Live Rating is UNofficial !! It just show Elo points day by day. The official ELO Rating is on every 3 monts, so official N#1 now is Topalov.
I like the style of play of Anand and Topalov, so I hope that next year we will have a pleasure to wach the two best players fighting in the world chess match.
I guess with the two heavy losses, Kramnik was completely out of all his masterplans for the match. But without his usual cool and self-confidence it is very hard to handle such positions like today, and Anand makes the most out of it. I miss the old guys around him that helped him earlier (like Bareev or the crazy Loek). What do you think- can one poor some and have some trash talk with Peter Leko?
Hello
Anand excellent! It’s very bad for Kramnik party. Today, despite the 26th time (I saw at the time) a “better development” Kramnik failed back in the position of Anand. The match is not finished but ….
For info I made the video of Round 6 in 3D the game, it is available for all … for what interested … Good evening.
Man, I’d love to hear what Leko is telling Kramnik after each match lol
Hi 2 every 1 ind house. I would like 2 ask, how will Kasparov-Anad be,with anad’s current form .
They say – ‘COMETH THE MOMENT, COMETH THE MAN’.
Anand’s confidence is sky-high, and that’s 90% of the battle won. See his pre-match comments…he would like Kaspy to come back and challenge him. That’s many, many statements in one from Anand:
a) I have a score to settle with the best player of all time, and I want him back just for that
b) The current lot are not worthy enough to battle me…only Kaspy is worth enough
c) I am prepared enough to bash the hell out of ANY challenger (including Kaspy)
d) I am hungry to prove that I am the best player of my time, if not of all time
e) Do not doubt my match readiness
That says a lot about the context in which Anand sees this match.
Anand has often been accused of not having killer instinct. Well, the way he is playing now – a) I guess he’s taken his lessons from 1995 very strongly, and b) he’s been super flexible to challenge his own usual game , and c) worked hard to master a completely different playing style
I would say good luck to the other players in the years to come – this is a new Anand!
To those who say Kramnik’s blunders have given the game to Anand:
Sorry mate, nearly every chess game that has a winner has a blunder or a few weak moves from the loser. Check it out, and revert if you can find otherwise!!
The bit to focus on is why the blunders happen. You will find a recurring theme – novelty, sharp positions, series of good moves, relentless pressure – in those games; all of these in favour of the winner. Check it out. Need anything more be said.
Lastly, I have no intention of demeaning Kramnik. He is, to my mind, one of the absolute best. Period.
To Tyche:
Anand of 2008 is vastly superior to Anand of 1994…sorry to use the term, but it is silly to make this sort of comparison for any player.
All hail, World Chess Champion Anand!
Personally I think that the cause of this one-sided result is not because Kramnik is playing badly, but because Anand is playing very well. In fact, the only game in the match where he did not play close to flawlessly was game 2; in all other games, it is difficult to find many positions where Anand did not play a superior move.
If Anand wins the next two games in a row, does he overtake the 2800 barrier again on the unofficial ratings list?
Anyone who followed GM commentary or GM/IM out there can you please comment on:
After 29. Ke1 (which was possibly to avoid knight fork on e3), was it possible for Kramnik to try for repetition with 29. ….. Rc2 Kd1 Rc8 Rc2 etc…?
Or was it that — it is possible but Kramnik chose to try for a win?
Any1 out there, pls help me 2 send a big applause to chessvibes.com. But i would like this chess news 2 be heard and watch on networks like CNN Sports news, BBC etc 4 people out there 4 them 2 b aware of chess events.
Congratulations to Anand for the great and attractive chess he has brought so far, which combines lots of challenging novelties with outstanding play once the preparation phase is over. If he wins, he will have deserved it, and as the fifteenth world champion he will probably be the first one with such exceptional rapid skills. (As for tournament play, Anand is also excellent, but I wouldn’t say he has already equalled Karpov’s or Kasparov’s incredible achievements in their best years, which is no shame at all of course. By the way, Kasparov had already started to lose a little of his strength when he quit, so if he came back now he would probably no longer battle for the world title.)
It’s a pity Kramnik hasn’t played his best chess, losing control of three games well before move 40. This has happened to other world champions, though, and no one has made fun of them for that reason (I’m sure Anand himself would be upset with some of today’s comments on Chessvibes about his opponent !)
It seems Kramnik has taken a lot of risk today, pressured by the format of only 12 games in total, and it has turned out even worse for him. Still we shouldn’t count him out completely. Remember Korchnoi coming back against Karpov in Baguio. And even if he doesn’t make such a miracle happen, we may still witness some unforgettable games. I hope Kramnik will find back his best chess without trying to force matters, and offer us at least one elegant victory (and who knows, more). Good luck, Vladimir !
Is the match over?
If we look into the history of World Championship matches then we see that some players did manage to come back after being down by 3 games.
First one to do it was Steinitz in the first WCC match in 1886. He was 1-4 down after 5 games, but nevertheless won convincingly 10-5 in wins after 20 games.
The second one to do it was Max Euwe in 1935. He was 2-5 down after 7 games, but managed to win 15.5-14.5 at the end.
In 1954 Smyslov was 0.5-3.5 down after 4 games, but managed to equalise to 12-12 in the end (Botvinnik kept the title by virtue of being the defending champion).
In 1978 Karpov was already leading 4-1 and 5-2 in wins, but Korchnoi managed to equalise to 5-5 (Karpov won the next game to clinch the match with 6-5 in wins)
In 1984 Kasparov was 0-4 down after just 9 games, and 0-5 down after 27 games, but he nevertheless managed to hang on until the match was terminated without a result after 48 games (with Karpov leading 5-3 in wins).
In 1986 Karpov was already 6.5-9.5 down after 16 games, however by the end of game 19 the score was tied at 9.5-9.5 ! (Kasparov ended up winning 12.5-11.5)
So things are still not over. It happened in the past, it can happen again.
Anand clearly prepared very well and he successfully uses d4 opening which he almost didn’t use before. Kramnik is psychologically beaten thus blunders were made.
Good to see Anand’s victory. The Russian should learn a lesson: Don’t be proud of their chess glory too much!
Incomprehensible. We chess players must mourn for V.Kramnik, the best chess player of all times.His days are over.
@Sam:
“Man, I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢d love to hear what Leko is telling Kramnik after each match”
I can guess what he’s telling him now:
“To change your mood, let’s swap wives on the rest day.”
“If Anand wins the next two games in a row, does he overtake the 2800 barrier again on the unofficial ratings list?”
ONE more win with no losses should put him over. He’s already 2796.8.
@ajay
You’re right. Most chess media is very Eurocentric and many reasons are found for why Kramnik is losing as opposed to reasons Anand is winning. Anand was true World Champion before the match but was not accepted. This will silence all doubters. There was a lot of talk about Kramnik’s match play and that much was overstated. Kramnik has only the Kasparov victory to give him that claim. A draw with Leko and a draw with Topalov (in tiebreaks) certainly was not convincing enough to state his superiority in match play. Kramnik is losing because of preparation and because he has fallen off. Full stop.
The Russians are still the most powerful chess nation, but players around the world have narrowed the gap at the top. Asia represents the new power in terms of chess regions. It will create a wave of interest around the world and Anand represents this change.
Okay, got it: after my variation 21?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ a5 22 Bd2 Ne4 23 cxb6! Nxd2 24 Rxc8 Nxc8 25 b7 Ne7 white plays 26 Rg3! (GM Dimitrov at Chessdom) and regains his piece keeping an extra pawn. Amazing how that silly looking kings rook decides the game here!
I can only hope that Kramnik?Ǭ¥s side wont start talking about some weird illness or another excuse.
Go Vishy.
Anand is not allowing him to play like KRAMNIK. Kramnik is a Chess genius , so is Anand. He is doing everything right at this moment , you have to feel sorry for Kramnik. Kramnik should not have said he lend the title and Anand is not as good as him in match play. That was his biggest mistake. You dont wound a tiger , every game it happens. Respect your opponent , complacency is not good. that is what happened to Kramnik. there head to head was 6-4 in favor of Kramnik in classical game, that shows they dont have much diff. Then why it happened ??
1. Anand have prepared supremely well
2. Anand is playing to his strength , sharp line , you just calculate and calculate
there is no one who can calculate as fast as him except computer.
3. Not allowing Kramnik to be Kramnik
4. Playing for win , agressive , not afraid to take risk with Black
To Hektor,
Yes mate, i know. Topolov is offical No 1, as per the live rating Anand has dislodged Topolov already, it is just a matter of time ( May be a month or two ) he regains the title. The question here is why people can’t accept a non european as a world champion, if a guy like Anand claims the world title beating the best players in the world( Mexico 2007), he still needs to prove his ability by playing againist Kramnik. I am glad you like the way Anand plays, we will have a great fight IF AND ONLY IF TOPOLOV qualifies to challenge the current World Champion.
I lose game one: “I wasn’t comfortable in the playing hall.”
I lose game two: “I had a cold.”
I lose game three: “I was still recovering.”
I lose game four: “I was psychologically readjusting.”
I lose game five: “Okay, I have admit — my opponent is nearly my equal.”
Seriously, it’s a good thing that Kramnik is actually a very good sportsman — as is the victorious, glorious Vishy.
Topalov is just useless. Cannt beat Kramnik , then started saying he is using computers!!! Kramnik managed to defeat him even after forfeiting game 5!!
I like Kramnik , probabaly many people do like him. This two Anand and Kramnik is ambassador for this game. See how they accept defeat ……learn from them ……
God bless Anand and Kramnik…………. I am Anand’s fan though ………..
GO ANAND go……………
@Chessdrummer: Let me try to explain why people were not exactly ready to recognize Anand as the “true champion”, and why they might very well recognize him as such if he wins this match. Even if we disregard the difference between a match title and a tournament title, the value of a World Championship title is pretty much worth the legacy attached to it. Right now, the title owned by Anand belongs to this legacy:
1. Anatoly Karpov (1993 – 1999)
2. Alexander Khalifman (1999 – 2000)
3. Viswanathan Anand (2000 – 2002, 2008-?)
4. Ruslan Ponomariov (2002 – 2004)
5. Rustam Kasimdzhanov (2004 – 2005)
6. Veselin Topalov (2005 – 2006)
It’s a nice list of very good players, but you should compare it to the legacy attached to the present match:
1. Wilhelm Steinitz (1886 – 1894)
2. Emanuel Lasker (1894 – 1921)
3. Jos?ɬ© Ra?ɬ?l Capablanca (1921 – 1927)
4. Alexandre Alekhine I (1927 – 1935,1937 – 1946)
5. Max Euwe (1935 – 1937)
6. Mikha?ɬØl Botvinnik I (1948 – 1957,1958 – 1960,1961 -1963)
7. Vassily Smyslov (1957 – 1958)
8. Mikha?ɬØl Tal (1960 – 1961)
9. Tigran Petrossian (1963 – 1969)
10. Boris Spassky (1969 – 1972)
11. Bobby Fischer (1972 – 1975)
12. Anatoly Karpov (1975 – 1985)
13. Garry Kasparov (1985 – 2000)
14. Vladimir Kramnik (2000 – 2008)
Now that Anand is winning this match with such a maestria, I’m sure all Anand fans, including yourself, will understand the value of having Anand completing this list with a nice:
15. Viswanathan Anand (2008 – ?)
Also, you can be sure that if Anand wins this match in such a convincing way, what history will remember is not how Anand won two specific tournaments (in 2000 and 2007) out of all the tournaments he won in his carreer, but how he became the 15th World Champion by defeating (crushing?) the 14th World Champion.
kramnik this,kramnik this,maybe this,maybe this…why you cant see anand is best chess player in world,chess genius maybe only cant play aginst superb chess program.anand is lucky-hohoho good joke-anand is best player last few years not some topalov,carlsen bla bla
Kramnik fans are very similar to their hero…
that they need hundred words to explain why their master is the champ.
Keep it up, you guys amuse me.
Oh well, let me rephrase for the kids then:
Kramnik was the champ, Anand will be the champ, long live the champ.
Is that simple enough for you, or is it still too difficult?
Gayatri helps. Anand knows that
@Guillaume
Of course you can look at a list of players and state they are legendary because one is viewing through historic lens. However, few would put any player in legendary categories when they are in the present. You only have legends when they retire. Anand will be considered a true legend when that time comes… sooner than later. Kramnik’s fame is that he beat Kasparov and made 2800… full stop. He won a match against Kasparov, foiled a rematch and defended twice in seven years. He was not champion in 2008 by the way. Anand won the crown last year in 2007. Anand will be the only player to win the World Championship in three formats (as mentioned above). I’m sure Anand’s record holds up with those players in that second list.
I agree with the point about knockouts, but Kramnik has not been convincing as a “legend” or as the 14th World Champion. His road has been… crushed by Kamsky…beaten by Shirov… historic win over Kasparov… draw with Leko… win in tiebreak over Topalov. Currently getting crushed by Anand. What’s this about Kramnik being such a good match player??? His tournament play has been solid, but lately it has been unremarkable.
Congratulations to Anand for the great and attractive chess he has brought so far, which combines lots of challenging novelties with outstanding, precise play once the preparation phase is over ! If he wins, he will deservedly figure in chess history as the fifteenth world champion. By the way, when Kasparov quit he had already started to lose a little bit of his strength, so if he came back now he would probably no longer battle for the world title.
It’s a pity Kramnik hasn’t played his best chess, losing control of three games well before move 40. This has happened to other world champions, though, and no one has made fun of them for that reason (I’m sure Anand himself would be upset with some of today’s comments on Chessvibes about his opponent !)
According to GM Illescas?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ analysis on the official site, today Kramnik produced 3 dubious moves in a row (17-19), and this happened in a kind of position he normally excels at (queenless middlegame). Maybe he took extra risks because of the format of only 12 games, maybe he was down after games 3 and 5, maybe he was impressed by yet another novelty from Anand, or maybe he?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s just lost his form. What matters most is that Anand has played extremely well, of course ! Still we shouldn’t count Kramnik out completely. Remember the quick comebacks of Korchnoi in Baguio ?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢78 and Karpov in Leningrad ?¢‚ǨÀú86. And even if he doesn’t make such a miracle happen, we may still witness some unforgettable games. I hope Kramnik will find back his best chess without trying to force matters, and offer us at least one elegant victory (and who knows, more).
@Daaim Shabazz: Kramnik already beat Topalov before the tie-break (the forfeited game was largely provoked by Topalov?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s ridiculous accusations), and he also played on a very high level against Deep Fritz. Apart from a period of illness, he has had an exceptional rating as well, so what more can you expect from a world champion ? To equal Karpov or Kasparov ? I will be glad to welcome Anand as a great and historical world champion if he wins this match, but we may have to wait for Carlsen or even much longer before anyone ever equals the career of the two K?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s, both match- and tournamentwise. What does set Anand apart from anyone, though, are his unique rapid skills.
what a sad day for chess…
@Daaim Shabazz:
I disagree with a few points. I still think the crown that Anand got in 2007 is far less important than the one he’s about to seize now (or so it seems). I also consider that Kramnik won fair and square 6-5 over Topalov in their match, and that the tie-break is only the consequence of Topalov’s outrageous behavior. That said, I understand your point, but I think you’re a bit unfair to Kramnik, especially when you state that Kramnik’s tournament play has been unremarkable lately. What about Dortmund 2007 and Tal Memorial 2007 ? Admitedly, his results since Mexico 2008 were not good, but it was the same for Anand as far as I know, and understandably so.
Anyway, if you insist in comparing Anand’s record to Kramnik’s, I heard that Kramnik had stated in an interview that this match would determine who of Anand or himself would be considered the most important player of their generation. So, there you have it. If Anand wins this, he is the most important player of the two.
It seems that some of Anand’s fan never really accepted that many of us supporting Kramnik as a player were also, and most importantly, supporting through him the match format to decide of the world champion. We already have tournaments all year long no matter what. Why would anyone want to give up the tremendous clashes that only matches can offer?
I certainly hope that once Anand becomes the 15th world champion, he will demand to be beaten in a match by a challenger to lose his crown, and I will support him if he does.
As to now, I hope Kramnik pulls himself together. It’s no fun if the match is already over…
Im glad Leko is in Kramnik?Ǭ¥s side this match, pitty no one has played e4 yet.
I am/was rooting for Anand, but it is clear that Kramnik is in poor form. It is a shame. The match should be much closer, needless to say. Even Anand’s greatest supporters cannot believe that he is this much better than Kramnik.
Kramnik’s seconds share the blame for inadequately preparing him for this match. He has definitely been “out-seconded”….
I think it is true that Anand has successfully steered the games into sharp lines. Not that Kramnik cannot play them, just that he would be more at ease in positional positions. The point is, Anand has controlled the nature of the games, and that is helping him a great deal.
A match Anand-Topalov (assuming he beats kamsky) will be a great one, very sharp. I would normally be rooting for Topalov, but not after the nonsense he pulled against Kramnik in the last match. Utter nonsense. So I would again root for Anand.
Putting this match and his opponents into a historical context looks much too early, since it is simply not over. Especially Kramnik?Ǭ¥s career is not finished at all. It will be interesting to see if – in case of losing this match- he can make up for the WCC title in the future. For this match he seemed to have done everything wrong (preperation, team) and is therefore unable to turn the match?Ǭ¥s dynamics in his favour after game 5.
Media played hard on both, praising one at the cost of other. When Anand lost in critical games earlier with Kasparov or Karpov, he lacked the seconds & game preparation, unlike his competitors who were better prepared, further, Anand played a natural game, to a decisive play, than for draws, marked a sharp deviation. Anand’s overall records in all the chess format make him a consistent player – unlike ONE off wins of Kramnik. Kasparov was unprepared, when he lost to kramnik, had kramnik agreed to re-match, then surely Kasparov would beat & flog him on chess board. Arrogance of Kramnik is evident that he gifted Anand 2007 Championship. Yes all players have their bad & good times, to speak excessive of them is poor case of judgement. In previous cases, Kasparov choose tournaments to play, while Anand was playing all in a row, so had good preparation time. This time, both players did their home work and it is opportunistic move of kramnik to take Anand’s partner as his second….which is NOT ethical thing to do…. but today media is shy talking of ethics…. why Kramnik failed to win in previous games with Topalov {??} when the toilet controversy arised ?? Shows some dark play with Kramnik…. he plays good to the extent of his seconds advised him to play !! { bad humor !!}
@ Guillaume
If Kramnik said what you stated, then I respectfully disagree with Kramnik. This match does not make the determination of who was the most important player of that generation. Players make their history on their own merits and Anand has done much more for the popularization of chess than Kramnik could ever dream. Chess in India, throughout Asia and developing world is blossoming in large part because of Viswanathan Anand. Millions of people are playing now because of this one man. I’m not sure what Kramnik can claim. He can claim to have beaten Kasparov and that is a good accomplishment, but in terms of overall importance Anand has had an immeasurable impact on the broad appeal of chess.
Your notion that this title would be more important than the 2007 is irrelevant. The unification cycle agreed that last year’s tournament was a World Championship tournament. It doesn’t matter which one has more prestige. Anand was the World Champion BEFORE the match. You not accepting the result does not make it false.
If you want to be technical Kramnik NEVER held the World Championship since Kasparov bolted from FIDE and had no crown to defend. It would be the same if Bobby Fischer (after forfeiting his 1972 crown) played someone else other than Anatoly Karpov and claimed that was the World Championship match. When Kasparov bolted, choose Kramnik and didn’t give Shirov his match, we had this terrible problem. Kasparov admitted that he regretted this decision, but we are almost through it now. Kasparov did a lot of good, but also did tremendous damage to the game.
Chess will soon have a person who will not get bogged down in toilet politics, not shaking hands and other madness of the past 36 years. Anand is progress! Kramnik one of the strongest players, but has little broad appeal. If Kramnik wins it will be instant drama… not shaking hands with Topalov, more cheating accusations, more toilets, fighting with FIDE, arguing over conditions and venues, etc. We’ve had enough.
Who are the seconds and teams of Kramnik and Anand?
Yes, it is a welcome change in Chess….. hope the future chess tournaments will have a system to define who is the rightful Chess Champion of the Year !! In past, every crowned Chess Champion had tried to reset the rules of the game to suit his advantage…good to see a progressive end of it….better for all Chess lovers/players. Well, to me Anand is still champion of Year 2007, except that Kramnik did not accept it then !! At times, I do think that media assigning titles like the greatest / strategic / tactical or positional or innovative….to their respective “fond” Grand Masters…..is something that divided all in to FOR & AGAINST groups…. the ideal thing would be to state individual’s contribution to the chess game in all forms of its playing….. I feel that Kramnik preparations were fundamentally flawed in its approach as seen from the games (6 nos) played so far,…… Anand outwitted him….. though Kramnik fans say that he is not playing his natural game, but in the games that analysed {past & current } of Kramnik, only showed his good understanding of the game/positions rather than what we all call -bold or risk taking or innovation or variations … etc are not seen from a player whose ELO ratings touched or crossed 2800 one time….
Then again this wont last much… Carlsen will have his shot in the next couple of years.. and he will become the World champion… I think he has the potential of surpassing Kasparov as the best ever to play chess.
That 2851 record will soon be destroyed. Maybe Carlsen will reach 2875-2920. 
We shall witness this in the upcoming years! Carlsen has been the only player that havent stopped gaining since he started.. Karjakin did, radjabov did, Anand is almost going down in a few years, so is kramnik, topalov and every other 30+ year old that are in the top list. Another player to look up to is Lenier Dominguez the cuban. He is also been advancing slowly. I remember 2-3 years ago he was in the 90s in tha ranks now he is in the top 20 or 21…
But my bet goes to Carlsen…
Yes young minds, new & radical thinking to the game that is played…..good for all of us…entertaining…. Yes Anand has been moving up & down the ELO ratings ladder….probably he is curious to know who is down the ladder…!! I think it is going to be difficult to maintain such ELO ratings consistently… Carlsen is lucky or skilled enough on that till now…. as we see in other games like tennis, yes people loose interest or skills wane with time…. looking at Anand he had a long innings in Chess…… irrespective of his defending his title in 2009 {as it appears he has NO looking back in his title match with Kramnik now…in 2008 } he may exit chess world for doing other things at this top form…… atleast peak of his career or ELO ratings……. As someone commenting… Kramnik poor performance after his marriage is one offline remark {in lighter vein}…….think that does NOT happen to Carlsen & his ELO ratings……my best wishes to him…..
Will Kramnik cut Leko’s pay based upon Variable Performance Pay method ?
“…the only player that haven’t stopped gaining since he started…, radjabov did”
Indeed – ever since Radjabov achieved his highest ever live rating of 2758 it’s as if he’s been asleep.
I have to agree with Guillaume that this match is far more important than that of 2007. Following the consensus of chess world, the match has to be decided in a match play. By winning this match, there won’t be any doubt who the best chess player is. Sorry to say, but the problem with FIDE crowns was that they weren’t the “best”, they have to beat Kasparov or Kramnik. The easiest way to see it was the dominance of the world chess by the FIDE champions compared to the Classic champions? Who are more dominant? (Not to downplay their FIDE wins)
Despite the controversial nature of the status of Anand’s crown (as Kramnik and those old schools asserted), if Anand is considered as a reigning champion right now, why would the match be decided on the tiebreak, should the score be level? Compare it with Kramnik-Leko, Botvinnik-Smyslov, Botvinnik-Bronstein.
The dispute of the true World Champion will be quashed once and for all after this match!
Good coverage Peter & Co. Thanks.
Perhaps it’s worthwhile to mention that even Re3+ Kd2 Rxe5 fails to Qh6+ winning the knight on b6, which is the main point of Qxh7+ (aside from winning another pawn).
Keep up the good work.
the following statement is not correct because the possibility of 49…..Re3+ !
(47. Bg7+ Kf5 48. Qxh7+ Ke6 49. Bxe5 and Black cannot take the bishop because of Qh8+.) [Doggers/Van Delft]
willem, it is correct. after 50.Kf2 Rxe5 Whiet has 51.Qg6+ winning the knight on b6.
1/Are the seconds useful or useless ???? Bobby Fisher managed to prepare alone !!!
I am still asking if, and I mean IF Kramnik has really health problems with his rheumatism. IF it would be the case that would explain why he is not able to concentrate very well, maybe had problems to prepare so well etc.
AND he has not been able to admit his health problems before the match because it would have tremendously raised Anand?Ǭ¥s confidence.
AND IF he would admit probable health problems after the match than everybody would disregard him for that cheap accuse and will not accept it.
So maybe we will not know the real circumstances why Kramnik is in bad shape.
I surely must admit that Anand has done his homework very very well!!! Also his strategy playing d4 and “forcing” Kramnik to play sharp lines and challenge him to attack by not castling was just BRILLIANT!!
It is a pity that Kramnik is obviously not in his best shape so that we are not able to see a tight match…
I am still asking if, and I mean IF Kramnik has really health problems with his rheumatism. IF it would be the case that would explain why he is not able to concentrate very well, maybe had problems to prepare so well etc.
AND he has not been able to admit his health problems before the match because it would have tremendously raised Anand?Ǭ¥s confidence.
AND IF he would admit probable health problems after the match than everybody would disregard him for that cheap accuse and will not accept it.
So maybe we will not know the real circumstances why Kramnik is in bad shape.
I surely must admit that Anand has done his homework very very well!!! Also his strategy playing d4 and “forcing” Kramnik to play sharp lines and challenge him to attack by not castling was just BRILLIANT!!
It is a pity that Kramnik is obviously not in his best shape so that we are not able to see a tight match…
As for the comments on the usefulness of seconds, I doubt human seconds are of much use except in (psycho-) analysing the opponent. Fritz and company are more likely companions for Anand and Kramnik in their preparations in between games.
1954 Botvinnik – Smyslov match. In a similar situation Smyslov managed to stage a tremendous comeback. After 6 games he was down 3 points. After 11 games he was already leading 6 to 5. Could we still count on Kramnik working like miracles?
I would say dont right off anyone at this stage because nothing is built till the last brick is laid. So i would ask all the supporters of Vishy to keep the fingers cross and hope he can still make in roads into Russian wall.
It is a mistake to say that only Kramnik supporters think Anand needs to win this match in order to demonstrate his superiority. The point Guillaume made (elegantly, I thought) was that throughout history the current world champion is the player who has beaten the previous world champion. (Put simply, in order to show you are the best, you have to beat the best ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú and not just in tournament games).
I am a supporter of Anand in this match. I hope he wins. He is good for chess, good for chess in Asia and good for the kind of active chess that seeks to find winning chances with both colours. Although I am an admirer of Kramnik’s ability, I think even the most ardent of Kramnik supporters would have to admit that his approach (generally speaking) is to aim for a draw with the black pieces while playing for risk-free advantage with white. There is nothing wrong with that — Kramnik is a technically brilliant player, but he does play chess that is less likely to generate public enthusiasm than the chess of a Morozevich or Kasparov.
The key point is that it is because I am a supporter of Anand that I think it is important for him to win the title of world champion in a match against the person (i.e Kramnik) who won his title against the existing, undisputed, titleholder (Kasparov). I think it is far less important under which organisation the match is held (PCA, FIDE etc) than the identity of the players. The fact that FIDE held ?¢‚ǨÀúWorld Chess Championships?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ in 2002 and 2004 which went to Ruslan Ponomariov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov respectively does not mean those two were or have ever been considered by the general chess public to be the rightful chess world champions. (While they are both excellent players, they are clearly not in the same class as the two players currently duelling in Bonn).
As someone already noted, once a player has become world champion their attitude to potential challengers often changes. Players who talked ardently about openness before they became champion suddenly become much less keen to defend their title once they
…As someone already noted, once a player has become world champion their attitude to potential challengers often changes. Players who talked ardently about openness before they became champion suddenly become much less keen to defend their title once they have it. I think Anand is likely to be quite honourable in this respect ?¢‚Ǩ‚Äú but we?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ll have to wait and see (assuming he wins this match).
Lastly, I am posting the link to video (from June 07, before the Mexico tournament) in which Kramnik responded to questions about the world championship: (http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3899). In the video, Kramnik says that his personal opinion is that the value of the title of world champion is greater if the title is won in the match, than if it is won in a tournament. He also says – quite clearly – that he will accept whoever wins the tournament in Mexico as ‘world champion’. Maybe we can agree on this: Anand is already ?¢‚ǨÀúworld champion?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢, because he won the FIDE tournament in Mexico (where Kramnik also competed). However, by beating Kramnik in a match he will silence the critics and demonstrate he is actually the best in the world.
what great decimation of Kramnik!
Its total chaos for kramnik! Anand has beaten him at his openings… took the bull by horns and broke them.
Kramnik in his second loss had no clue what hit him…. he didnt realize his blunder, and thought he was winning… see the video and read his expressions…
Outplayed, outprepared, outstrategized, outclassed by marvevlous Anand!
I predicted +3 for Anand, but he reached here within 6 games…
I am sure there will be two more wins coming Anand’s way now in next six rounds… already shattered kramnik cant cope with this depression I am sure. so +5 en the end for the world champ!
Suneet
http://www.suneetsmausil.com/chess.htm
Will Anand keeps scorring? What do u think?
I think the match will stop when Anand reaches 6.5 points….
@ Tim
“I think it is far less important under which organisation the match is held (PCA, FIDE etc) than the identity of the players. The fact that FIDE held ?¢‚ǨÀúWorld Chess Championships?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ in 2002 and 2004 which went to Ruslan Ponomariov and Rustam Kasimdzhanov respectively does not mean those two were or have ever been considered by the general chess public to be the rightful chess world champions. (While they are both excellent players, they are clearly not in the same class as the two players currently duelling in Bonn).”
The organization DOES matter. Both players are superior, but had a chance to partipate in these FIDE tournaments to prove it. Anand did, Kramnik didn’t. In fact you forget that Anand won one of them!! They are superior players no doubt, but the organization DOES matter. Kramnik was not even the second best player when he played Kasparov. He had lost matches to Kamsky and Shirov and was cherry-picked. This split was shown to be disastrous for chess. You think it would be better for Kramnik to continue to hijack the title outside of FIDE? I think the blip in history of the Knockouts was a reaction to the terrible turbulence Kasparov created when he bolted. What was FIDE to do? There was a match between Karpov and Timman, but that was not accepted. The entire match cycle had been upset.
I believe given the circumstances we have come to a situation where the cycle is almost completed. However, a Kramnik victory would be disastrous for chess… not because he is no longer the strongest player, but because of the turmoil that would succeed it. With more rankling between Kramnik and Topalov and/or Kamsky, Kramnik is better removed from the equation… or at least the time being. We are in need of calm and stability instead of more of the same turmoil.
Daaim,
I agree completely, love your site, keep up the good work.
Daaim
but Fide is still messing around.
let’s say Anand wins and will be the 15th worldchampion.
normally all the other players should get a fresh and equal chance to become the new challenger. but we see that Anand still has to beat Kamsky or Topalov.
Kramnik, Leko, Ivanchuk and carlsen will have to work for 2 or 3 years and Topalov only needs to beat Kamsky (which he will) to get a new chance. this advantage is wrong.
Any sign of the video from the press conference yet ?
I think that human seconds are all the more valuable in this era of information overload. Two seconds, one for white-side and the other black-side preparation, can go through and sort out all the analytic mess spit out by Fritz/Junior, and present the gist of it to the players. It is best for the players to keep their minds fresh and free of all the clutter during the championship.
Dear Peter and Willem van Dalen,
I am somewhat disappointed that both of you didn’t bother to read my comment which immediately preceeded your comment and in fact rendered them totally useless.
Quote:
willem van dalen on 22 October 2008 9:36 AM the following statement is not correct because the possibility of 49?¢‚Ǩ¬¶..Re3+ !
(47. Bg7+ Kf5 48. Qxh7+ Ke6 49. Bxe5 and Black cannot take the bishop because of Qh8+.) [Doggers/Van Delft]
peter on 22 October 2008 10:14 AM willem, it is correct. after 50.Kf2 Rxe5 Whiet has 51.Qg6+ winning the knight on b6.
end Quote.
I agree with Andrej that FIDE is stil messing around with world championship. However, I don’t agree with Toplaov winning. Never underestimate Gata Kamsky. He is a real fighter. I am quite confident that he will beat Topalov and play Anand. When Anand beats him, it will be business as usual with the FIDE World Championship cycles. It will be wonderful to witnees an Anand-Carlsen championship duel in 2010.
Daaim,
You make some very good points about the problems in organisation that have damaged the chess world. It is a great shame that it has taken so long to pull things together.
But I think you misunderstood me a bit. I didn’t say that the orgaization doesn’t matter. What I said is that it matters less than who the players are completing in the match. And I’m talking about public perception here, not fairness. For example, suppose after this match, FIDE announced that they were going to hold an ‘official’ match between Adams and Radjabov for the “Chess World Championship”. They are the official body of chess and they can do what they like (they have shown this many times in the past). But no one would take such a match seriously because Adams and Radjabov are not the best players in the world at the moment.
There are two different issues here: 1) what is fair? 2) who do people think is the best player in the world?. You are right that it was unfair that Kramnik played Kasparov instead of Shirov. We will never know what would have happened had Shirov played. However, Kramnik did play Kasparov, and he won. I do not know of anyone who disputes that Kasparov was the best in the world or shouldn’t have been the world champion. By beating him, Kramnik demonstrated that he was – at that time and on that occasion- the better player. That’s the beauty of a match – you can’t argue with the result. Since playing Kasparov, Kramnik has played matches agains two outstanding players: Topalov and Leko, and neither could beat him. That is why so many people think that, until someone beats him in a match, he is still the wold champion. I hope Anand does beat him. I am not a Kramnik supporter and I agree with you that it will be much better for chess if Anand wins. But I just don’t belive that match play and tournament play are the same. On a good day anyone from the top 20 can beat anyone else in the top 20. You only find out who is the best by matchplay, IMHO.
Where’s the video from Game Six?
Round 6 video has been posted but there seems to be a bug with the video player & Internet Explorer. Hopefully it will appear soon; in Firefox everthing’s fine.
The wrong Video is available: if you lucha game 6 video then it is game 5 that appears … the operator needs some coffee.
Unfortunately, the latest video does not show up also in Opera, and neither F5 nor Ctrl+F5 helps.
“Here?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s our playlist of videos. For IE users: the latest video might not show up – please try (Control-)F5.”
Sorry guys, I’ve informed blip (the video hosting site) about these bugs but for now I can’t do anything about it. For now, please watch the video here.
There’s obviously a strong case for Kramnik as champion, but I do not consider him the world champion of much of anything. Defending the title against Leko, when there were far better candidates like Anand and Kasparov basically robbed his title of any legitimacy. During Kramnik’s supposed reign, Kasparov utterly dominated the tournament scene every year until his retirement. Kasparov is the world champion in my book, given the chaos of things, all the way until his retirement (except maybe for 2-3 years for Kramnik until it became obvious he would not give a rematch). After Kasparov’s retirement, things for me become murkier still. I might concede what I feel to be the World Champion title to Kramnik, but Topalov won the best of the FIDE knockouts and is the only player to do so with a convincing resume and pedigree to be called world champ, so I give certain credence to that argument as well. I consider the Mexico tournament to be a sufficiently clear unification to claim that Anand has the title since that time.
Given the lack of outdistancing from the field of any two players, instead of the next World Championship being a match, I would love to see a 6 player quadruple round robin between Anand, Kramnik, Topalov, Carlsen, Ivanchuk, and a wild card of either Morozevich, Aronian, Rabjadov, (or for contractual reasons possibly Kamsky). After seeing those six slugging away at each other for twenty games each, the world would get beautiful chess and a deserving champion.
And opening the article in Firefox (2.x) doesn’t make any difference. In both Opera and Firefox I use the latest version of Flash (10th, which was published a few days ago).
Big respect to Kramnik too! Many people forget what a great player he actually is!
At the moment Anand seems just unstoppable! Vishy is in GREAT form!!
Respect to the Vlad!
So where is the press conference of game 6?
Thank you for giving us a way to view the video (http://blip.tv/file/1385419) from game six Peter! I thought it very odd that the players are actually drug tested. For what drugs? I’m not aware of any specific drug that would significantly boost performance in a meaningful way. Kramnik and Anand both seem to exhibit the correct attitude towards play right now. Just play it game by game. Strategy works for both as Kramnik must simply try to find his form and win a single game at all, and Anand needs to ensure he does not become complacent. Too bad Kramnik is so clearly out of form.
Please… Upload the game six video
Thanks
The round 6 video was the other way around for me: it worked in MSIE and NOT in Mozilla Firefox.
Yes,
The round 6 video worked only in IE, not in Firefox!
I don’t have Mozilla… but I can’t yet see the round 6 video
Championship being a match, I would love to see a 6 player quadruple round robin between Anand, Kramnik, Topalov, Carlsen, Ivanchuk, and a wild card of either Morozevich, Aronian, Rabjadov, (or for contractual reasons possibly Kamsky).
Why Kramnik? I think he has his fair share of opportunities. I mean ,,, he has to be a top contender during the year to get into the mix of top players.
My top 4 choices for a Champ Tournament would be:
**Anand ( because he killing kramnik now)
**Carlsen (because he have shown top level of play during all tournaments during the year)
** Topalov ( must be included or it would be absurd
**Ivanchuk ( because he also been up there with the best )
Those 4 players deserve a Championship as of right now.
*Anand..
Future Champ: **Carlsen.
And fifth random pick I would said it be Moro..
who is with me?
Doesn’t work on firefox for me either.
The link given by peter works though:
blip.tv/flip/1385419
What drugs were they tested for? Can somebody tell me which are these drugs? I want to use them at least become the champion of my city?
That makes sense. Quadruple-RR event with Anand, Topalov, Carlsen, and Ivanchuk (assuming Anand wins this) would be fantastic and more practical. Twelve games each is easier to find sponsors for than twenty games, and you are right about Kramnik having had his chances and coming up well short in both tournament and match play recently.
Whatever the outcome of the match, I would just like to say that it is a joy to watch a world championship and enjoy chess with two professionals playing with such sportsmanship instead of shenanigans and drama like “Toiletgate”, etc. interrupting a world class event.
I think some people are forgetting how recently Kramnik was tied for #1 on the ratings list. He had a very good set of results last year, not to mention beating the fearsome if unethical Mr. Topalov the year before, 3-2 in classical chess (without the bogus forfeit) and 2-1 in rapids.
I would suggest a quadruple round robin of Kramnik, Carlsen, Topalov, Ivanchuk, and Morozevich…the winner gets to challenge Anand. Why should Topalov and Kamsky be in a candidate’s final? Kamsky won a gimmicky knockout event, and Topalov…well, let’s just say that he seems to have undue influence at FIDE headquarters. There’s no other reason for that match to even occur.
Joseph’s comments made me realize something. I wonder what in the world Topalov’s excuse is now?! Kramnik is leaving the stage and going to his private room or the restroom for almost every move in the match with Anand but Anand’s beating him handily. Guess Topalov really isn’t that good and just can’t accept it…
@noyb:
Kramnik also did that with Kasparov in 2000 , but in Elista went for his personal record of bathroom visits.Not to mention that in Elista spent most of the time in the actual bathroom (which was inside the restroom)where there werent any cameras.
Just saying that despite how unethical may sound , the complains were sound.
And talking about ethics , how about Kramniks path to the top?
How about running away from Kasparov, and never giving him the rematch?
Im sorry to say this but if Kramnik dont make a strong comeback in this match , he wont be having many oportunities for a comeback in the future.
Thanks for showing so much of the game itself in the video, Peter! Nice to see them react and just how it is played instead of just a foidos screen or whatever.
Vladimir Kramnik’s Sacrifice: A Silent Attacking Perspective.
Has anybody considered the idea that as a result of Kramnik’s
experience with Topalov in the 2006 WC match, Kramink is
intentionally sacrificing his winning chances with Anand. From my
perspective I see it as Kramnik handing the World Championship
to Anand on a gold platter hence a potential Anand vs Topalov
matchup. Thus sparring Vladimir the unpleasant experience of
meeting Topalov in a WC environment (see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIDE_World_Chess_Championship_2
006). Also it could be conjectured “Kramnik implicitly stated that
he would not be in competing past 40, that’s two years.” A chess
romanticist would like to think of the Anand vs Kramnik WC as an
opportunity to lure Garry Kasparov out of retirement and a Anand
vs Kasparov rematch then Kramnik jumping back into the picture
against the likes of Aronian, Carlsen, etc. I think it valiant of
Kramnik if he is sacrificing his chances against Anand.
last night in bed i cried cause of kramniks bad play. He is the best.
ANOTHER TIP FOR VIEWING THE GAME VIDEO:
Remove your temporary internet files, and then try Ctrl-F5 once more.
Compliments to Kramnik for his calmness and helpfullness at the press conference after such disastrous games. Would you imagine Fischer or Kasparov in the same situation? We all are good winners, but only great men are good looser.
Well, Kramnik was certainly gentlemanly at the press conference, although he looked absolutely crushed and depressed. I’ve never seen him so down. I found it kind of awful given how unflappable and sometimes even overbearingly self-confident he usually is. It’s probably helped him win, projecting that facade of invincibility — which he seemed to really believe in — intimidating his opponents just a little, making them doubt themselves. Topalov complained bitterly about it — specifically, about his comment about wanting to hurry from the game to watch football. But, let’s face it — if gamesmanship in world championship matches never went further than that, chess history would be a lot better — very much including Topalov’s portion of it!
Having separate press conferences probably made it easier on both players at this moment. Anand got to yuk it up a bit.
That is a distorted version of history, do you really believe Topalov spoiled something pure with his acusations?
It seems that Kramnik is better facing defeat than his fans.
Topalov is currently #1 and probably will have another shot for the title , deal with that!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLsb1rCiEMI
Sarah Palin Teaches Chess
BrianWallChess@Yahoogroups.com
Topalov never presented any remotely credible evidence for his accusations. The comparison his manager made between Kramnik’s moves and a computer’s was completely laughable — he didn’t specify any of the parameters needed to verify the claim. Anyway, even if you accept the claim without question, it was only that, if I recall correctly, about 77% of the moves in one single game coincided. This could EASILY happen by accident between any two strong players, human or machine.
Then, more than a month after Topalov gets back to Bulgaria, his manager suddenly brings out photos of cables in the ceiling (which are normal in a modern building), and claims that they didn’t present them at the time because Topalov’s life was threatened. So if his life was threatened, why didn’t he mention this as soon as he got back to Bulgaria? Duh, who’s going to believe such piffle?
Now here we have Kramnik, still going to the bathroom a lot, and Anand doesn’t care at all — he’s beating the crap out of him. What’s Topalov’s explanation for that?
People who believe Topalov and Danailov’s lies are never going to be convinced by any rational argument. Those who wish to believe, believe. Those who wish to be rational have to take a different course.
Like i said , Topalov and his liers (as you call them) ARE number one in the current rating list and WILL have another shot to the title.
Is that rational enough 4 u?
What does that have to do with the fact that they lied? Topalov’s a great player, and plays exciting chess. It’s just too bad he’s such a dishonest jerk.
I hope Kramnik come back with at least 2 wins……….. Anand is super tough…….. but Kramnik is much better than what he has shown……..
It is very disappointing to see the world championship match between the two best players so lopsided…….
this match so far has proved that so called TOURNAMENT PLAYER tag given to Anand before it and Anand’s will to prove himself in a MATCH has lot to do with the result. I think its harder to be TOURNAMENT PLAYER than a MATCH player…
Media pressure etc etc made Anand poke his nose in MATCH play and now the Genius is finding it easy to dismantle one opponent rather than prepare overall as in tournaments.
This is why CHESSWISE i regard Kasparov, Anand, Topalov and KARPOV(at his best), the best players ever.
I agree with you suneet ,only diference in my list Bobby and Capablanca are included .
Actually Topa – Kramnik was weird event in inappropriate place. Kramnik and Topa behavior were both strange. First Kramnik was absent too often, then Topalov developed paranoia about this and accused him. Topalov started to play immediately when Kramnik was going out of the table. Lets forget this and look forward!
Does anyone know why Kramink leaves the stage so often, allmost after every move? I was watching foidos and most of the time Anand was sitting alone.
I don’t understand this Kramnik behaviour, is it normal? Is it some kind of trick?
30 years ago, Arpad Elo in his book The Rating Of Chessplayers completely torpedoed the notion of Tournament Players vs Match Players.
He wrote “Only twice in history has a match been won by the lower rated player, an acceptable outcome, of course, for the rating system, albeit an infrequent one.”
He lists in evidence matches from Anderssen-Kolisch 1861 to Korchnoi-Spassky 1977.
His conclusion : “The old theory that some players are particularly good match players & others, weaker in matches, are good tournament players, appears without foundation. The statistical facts are that players are likely to perform equally in either match or tournament competitions “
Kramnik has a health problem, a rare kind of arthritis that can make his whole body hurt. It’s best for him not to sit still for too long. He’s not “absent too often,” he has a perfect right to walk around.
manu
it’s simply wrong topalov gets another chance for free.
he lost to kramnik and he was out for the 2007 cycle. he agreed to this rule back in Elista when he played Kramnik.
Fide should represent all players. it’s ethical wrong that they change rules for just one player.
and after his accusations Fide simply had to punish Topalov. now everybody knows you can call every opponent a cheater and you can do this as much as you want
Fide allows this kind of behaviour.