While I've played over some Topalov games in the past year, one thing struck me: in general (that means, not always) his play revolves around 2-3 move combinations. When he couples that with something a little "offbeat" he ends up forming "double attacks," a particularly venomous form of winning chess.
For example, I am at the 29th move mark and while I am no master, I've seen the last 4-5 moves for both sides. That's a good thing. So has Anand and Topalov (naturally). The position has some clarity and Topalov has been interested in winning the a-pawn (Anand has black) for some time. It looks like he might not be able to do so. If that holds will the game be drawn? With these two it's hard to say. While the Sofia Rules (in effect playing to the end) have their detractors they are also making chess more "human" (i.e., error prone). So be comforted you guys.
If you want to know where I am watching this game (live), go to http://www.anand-topalov.com/en/live.html
I must get back to working on the final details of issue #105 of The Chess Reports. See ya later. (Oh, by the way, I've been reading more of Seirawan's Chess Duels even AFTER I reviewed it for TCR. Lots of admissions of bad or strange moves--so all of us have hope although some of those games he just plain lost. I couldn't resist mentionning, in the review, how Seirawan came within an "ace" of punching Kaasparov in the mouth (he says "jaw") because Garry's behavior was deplorable and one I've see other players do too!)
UPDATE to Match
After 50 moves it looks like Topalov has a lot to worry about.
The Game lasted 56 moves. Anand's move, 55… Qg7 was a brilliant retreat, but Topalov was in trouble before that as he had tied his R to the defense of his N and that couldn't last forever, because as Purdy always said, the "rules" of the game means players have to make alternating moves.
Congratulations to Vishwanathan Anand. He has made chess extremely popular in India.
bob@thinkerspressinc.com
...and the match is over. Anand gave Topolov a classic whoop-ass using the classical line of Queen's Gambit Declined that would have made Capablanca proud; Black generating the King side attack which led to a King hunt long before White was able to make a dent on the Queen-side.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Anand! I hope he'll defend next against Carlsen. He's now played and beaten both Kramnik and Topalov so he has played some tough opponents. He's the legitimate champ.
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