Game 3 of FIDE WCC: Topalov vs. Anand

Watch the game 3 live here (14:00 CET, Tuesday):
http://chessbomb.com/o/2010-wcc/03-Topalov_V-Anand_V/
http://chessok.com/broadcast/?key=sofia2010_03.pgn&game=0
http://live.chessdom.com/anand-topalov-2010-g3.html
http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.htm

Current Score: 1-1

Live Ratings before Game 3:
01 Carlsen 2813,0
02 TOPALOV: 2811,6
03 ANAND: 2791,8
04 Kramnik: 2790,0
05 Aronian: 2783,2


Topalov vs. Anand (Game 3)
1. d4 d5
[Game 1: 2. c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 3. g6 4. Nc3 d5 Grünfeld defense, Topalov-Anand 1-0]
[Game 2: 2. c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. g3 dxc4 5. Bg2 Catalan defense, Anand-Topalov 1-0]
2.c4 c6 (Queens Gambit Declined: Slav Defense)

Todays Novelty came from Anand:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5
6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 c5 8.e4 Bg6 9.Be3 cxd4 10.Qxd4 Qxd4
11.Bxd4 Nfd7 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Bxc4 a6 14.Rc1 Rg8!? [Diagram]

Originally posted by pulern
Todays Novelty came from Anand:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5
6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 c5 8.e4 Bg6 9.Be3 cxd4 10.Qxd4 Qxd4
11.Bxd4 Nfd7 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Bxc4 a6 14.Rc1 Rg8!? [Diagram]

[fen]r3kbr1/1p1n1ppp/p3p1b1/8/P1BBP3/2N2P2/1P4PP/2R1K2R w Kq - 2 15[/fen]

And why 14. ...Rg8 is not evaluated as "solid" and it is seen merely as "worth considering", given that Kramnik's Endgame causes no weaknesses in the Black camp? Sure thing, it 's a slow manouvre, but the White has nothing. This way Kramnik drawed easily at Topalov-Kramnik, Elista 6, 2006.

Oh I like Anand😵

Topalov stirs it up with 20.b4

Nigel Short is enjoying the role of commentator again 😀

"The position is a tad too dry for the Bulgarian's taste. He should apply a little vaseline..."

Not sure what is running through Nigel's mind here, especially since his previous comment was: "Black is very tight at the back". 😲

I can only hope he's riffing on Topalov's forename - Veselin 🙂

Originally posted by atticus2
Nigel Short is enjoying the role of commentator again 😀

LOL! What's the direct link to Nigel's analysis?

BTW, also found this live stream: http://www.chess.com/tv

reg, Paul

Originally posted by pulern
LOL! What's the direct link to Nigel's analysis?

BTW, also found this live stream: http://www.chess.com/tv

reg, Paul

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I see a draw in the current game.

Yes - looks like a draw, but remember that Topalov is playing by Sofia rules: i.e. not accepting or offering draws. So the game could go on for a while...

Originally posted by RPRHP
Please correct me if I'm wrong. I see a draw in the current game.

where?

Originally posted by pulern
Yes - looks like a draw, but remember that Topalov is playing by Sofia rules: i.e. not accepting or offering draws. So the game could go on for a while...

Not accepting or offering draws?! But for how long will they play? The first two hours?! Find that rule a bit strange but yes, from sponsors' perspective the rule looks fine (only if it is time-bound)

I suspect Anand has been in contact with Kramnik you know. Game 2 and 3 are following Kram's strategy to the letter...take all the edge out of the game and wait for Topa to over stretch. Anand is positionally superior in technique and his endings are just better (especially in slow manoeuvring positions). Topalov is going to have to really find some opening aces up those sleeves... he wants sharp positions, he'll lose if he can't achieve them.

Hmmmmmmmm, i'm watching he live video on the official site. Topalov has a plaster on his finger and this finger keeps going directly into his ear. If i was sitting opposite him, i'd be wondering if that plaster could possibly be hiding some sort of communication device. Kasparov hinted that Topalovs play resembled computers on a lot of occasions... though he always courted controversy.

Originally posted by Marinkatomb
...and his endings are just better (especially in slow manoeuvring positions). ...

benjamin and kamsky seem to disagree, they've been saying anand is not that good with his endings. not that I'd know, but that's the story anyway.

Originally posted by wormwood
where?

Where? In the game. It has ended as a draw.