Originally posted by no1marauderIt was Ne4 *after* Be7. There was some analysis on playchess claiming it won outright, not sure about that. Wait for NiC. But it looked very strong.
There's been three games: two have had decisive results and one was a rather interesting and well played draw. If anything it seems to me Kramnik had a slight advantage with a protected passed d-pawn opposed by Black's doubled a-pawns but under extreme time pressure decided to take the perpetual IF Topalov allowed it. I'm getting a little sick of this "K ...[text shortened]... onnecting the rooks and forcing the exchange of Black's well placed dark squared bishop.
Btw, I am pretty sure Kramnik played for a draw today (Bxc4 w f5-f4 obliged mass simplification) and yesterday too, and I think it's an excellent strategy for the match, and don't blame him at all. Actually let me put it this way. I think his approach to these two games has been: maintain pressure if its safetly available, but don't take risks, and remember that a draw is a good result for Kramnik and not for Topalov.
Just to be clear, I am a Kramnik fan, and don't really like Topalov. And if Kramnik draws his way to the title, then good on him. My comment was tongue in cheek, anyhow - no need for you to vomit a little - & I don't expect Kramnik to remain undefeated in this one.
7 more draws to go!
Originally posted by YugaThat's hilarious. Great article. 450 Spassky draws under 20 moves?? I bet there was tennis court near those tournaments.
Regarding Kramnik's drawing reputation, which appears to be justified to some extent:
"World Champions and Draws"
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2096
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Originally posted by TommyCSmyslov, Petrosian, and surprisingly (at least to some), Tal all had almost 400 draws under 20 moves in their careers too against GM's, although Spassky has played less games against GM's than Smyslov and Tal.
That's hilarious. Great article. 450 Spassky draws under 20 moves?? I bet there was tennis court near those tournaments.
I wonder how many of those draws were prearranged!?
Originally posted by no1marauderhe did tho!! he was up .89 for a while with fritz, i know thats not huge, and kramnik is great at defending slightly inferior postions, but he just missed a couple moves tho, anyhow, hes gotta get a couple wins here
An interesting game but Topalov never seemed in a position to have decent winning chances.
Originally posted by alexstclaireStop looking at Fritz evaluations and listen to what the Grandmasters are saying. Or better still, look at the games yourself.
he did tho!! he was up .89 for a while with fritz, i know thats not huge, and kramnik is great at defending slightly inferior postions, but he just missed a couple moves tho, anyhow, hes gotta get a couple wins here
Originally posted by YugaI knew it! Kramnik = Drawmnik.
Regarding Kramnik's drawing reputation, which appears to be justified to some extent:
"World Champions and Draws"
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2096
Kramnik provides insightful analysis of his greatest predecessors.
http://www.kramnik.com/eng/interviews/getinterview.aspx?id=61
No wonder Leko was on the phone with Kramnik getting drawing advice for one of his games after he was in a tough situtation.
Just a saying I heard on ICC but I like it.
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Originally posted by omulcusobolaniO, I thought they played all 12 games regardless of the results and then if there was a tie then they would go on to tie breaks.
There are 12 games but it's the first to 6 1/2 so kramnik only needs 7 more draws.
But in this case, rest up boys and girls and be ready for 7 draws starting friday.
Edit: Both are great players and I'm not on their case. Just having some fun that's all.