Game 11... yet another 1.d4!

Well... this is gonna be interesting!

Hmmm... it seems that Kramnik is being very stubborn. This game looks very much like game 9, huh?

Originally posted by ckoh1965
Hmmm... it seems that Kramnik is being very stubborn. This game looks very much like game 9, huh?

Yes, only the first 8 moves are the same... now very different. Looks like Topalov has done a lot of home preparations.

The strange thing is that both haven't castled and yet it seems that Kramnik is already trying to open up the position. Now both the a and h files are opened, well h file half opened. and wonder what would happen if the central files also open.

sorry guys. how can I see this game?

Originally posted by onyx2006
sorry guys. how can I see this game?

thanks a million!

so much for all i've learned about only making 1 - 2 pawn moves in the opening!

13.f4? What on earth is that all about? I just don't understand Topalov's games.

I don't know much, but I think I prefer black's position by move 14.
Looks like it could end up being a tactical shootout today.

Well... now the e file is really opened!.. so I guess castling soon.... or is it safer in the middle?... can't be?

Originally posted by onyx2006
so much for all i've learned about only making 1 - 2 pawn moves in the opening!

I hate Topalov's position. His bishop on c1 is rubbish. If he castles Kramnik will use the open h-file, if he stays in the centre Kramnik will use the open e-file. I think Kramnik may play Kf8 rather than castling to keep the lovely open h-file whilst trying to get his king into a safer place. I think Topalov may try to move his king to g2 without castling.

Topalov took a bit longer time to make move 15. I wonder if he was considering pinning the e7 bishop. I looks like an invitation, almost! But in the end, he decided for king's safety first it seems. Interesting.