Comments on: Anand, Aronian and Kramnik win in third round Tal Memorial

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:14:29 +0000

@Onischuk fan: What do you mean with “drawish”? The fact that the game is likely to end in a draw or – not quite the same – that a draw becomes rather obvious immediately after or during the opening phase?

The second is IMO not the case for Slav and/or Semi-Slav, at least white can deviate with more promising (but also more risky) lines. It is not as easy against several 1.e4 e5 lines:
- the Marshall, where anti-Marshall lines also lead to slow and relatively draw-prone play
- the Berlin, where the “anti-Berlin” (4.d3) is not really promising
- the Petroff. What would an anti-Petroff be? A four knights or deviating on move 2 already (2.Bc4, 2.f4!?/?!) ?

By: gg

gg — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:30:19 +0000

“Actually it is impossible to point out any serious blunder in Leko’s game (who is actually not a bad defender), still he did not have any cahnce against Aronian. Therefore I would say, that Aronian’s game made the day for me”

Kramnik played really well but Morozevich had a lost position with white before the 20th move and then you haven’t played well. Both made a few mistakes after that and even if I thought it was the most fun game I think Aronian-Leko was better.

By: Onischuk fan

Onischuk fan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:33:06 +0000

“Yes, it seems like the days of 1.e4 are over, too many drawing lines.”

d4 lines like the Slav and the Semi-Slav are more drawish than the most popular e4 defense the Sicilian.

By: WGIFM

WGIFM — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:09:32 +0000

It is hard to decide, which game was the best from the three. Certainly not the Anand-Svidler one, which depended upon a single error. Personally I found Aronian’s game most instructive, it was a real gem! The only serious chance Leko had was to take on b2, still it might have been a pretty dubious decision.
Actually it is impossible to point out any serious blunder in Leko’s game (who is actually not a bad defender), still he did not have any cahnce against Aronian. Therefore I would say, that Aronian’s game made the day for me.

By: Jo

Jo — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:56:49 +0000

Chucky’s had a frustrating run recently- many middle games where he is the only one playing for the win and the full point continuously evaporating.

Still my dark horse bet for this tourney. Gotta get that first win under his belt

By: Castro

Castro — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:30:47 +0000

Very VERY good technic from Kramnik!! Excelent.
Nothing to do, Moro, after going wrong…
But… Go Go Moro!!!

By: Buri

Buri — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:12:13 +0000

All I want to say is that you guys at Chess Vibes are doing an AMAZING job!! Amazing coverage and I love the live commentary. Just AMAZING! Thanks a lot!!

By: test

test — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:32:57 +0000

Yes, it seems like the days of 1.e4 are over, too many drawing lines.
Hopefully this won’t happen to 1.d4 as well. Looking at Kramnik’s Nimzo from round one this does not seem entirely impossible…

By: Onischuk fan

Onischuk fan — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:18:38 +0000

The cream is rising to the top. Carlsen will win soon.

By: Arne Moll

Arne Moll — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:46:37 +0000

Wow, 1.d4 leading 12-3 so far …