09 May 10
Originally posted by enrico20But he won his previous 2 games with the catalan, so why not try it again? And he has clearly learned from the games 6 and 7, he is playing other variations now.
Yes but what happened in game 6 and game 7? Why was Anand behind on the clock while Topalov used his home preparation? Was the Catalan really good in those games for Anand? If anything he is more tired for the remainder of the match and Topalov intends to press him very hard.
This game is a clear draw I think, I dont see any side winning this...
09 May 10
Originally posted by GatussoAlso here the opening has not been a success for Anand. Barring blunders, the game looks drawn but one wonders other than the Catalan what else Anand had prepared.
But he won his previous 2 games with the catalan, so why not try it again? And he has clearly learned from the games 6 and 7, he is playing other variations now.
This game is a clear draw I think, I dont see any side winning this...
09 May 10
Originally posted by enrico20I guess he decided before the match that he wasn't going to play 1. e4 at all - probably expecting some serious Toppy preparation against King's pawn openings.
Did Anand stop playing 1. e4 completely? This is his last white and he should have attempted e4 rather than too many catalans I would think.
As for today's opening ... I assume you do know that this *isn't* a Catalan? I actually thought it was quite a clever choice.
Seemed to fit his match strategy of obtaining quietish positions where he could hope to grind away in += positions. I liked White's position around about moves 20-25 but admittedly coudln't see how to improve it. I suppose Anand couldn't either.
Games 6 and 7 were definitely a key turning point in the match though. Anand had had everything pretty much his own way in games 2-5 and I was expecting him to win at least one more game with those Whites. Topalov obviously had other ideas.
09 May 10
Originally posted by JonathanB of LondonI would assume you have attempted to read my posts before jumping in with "this isn't a Catalan"? Did I say it was? Perhaps read my posts twice.
As for today's opening ... I assume you do know that this *isn't* a Catalan? I actually thought it was quite a clever choice.
09 May 10
So tentatively it looks like this:-
01 Topalov-Anand 1-0 (Grunfeld)
02 Anand-Topalov 1-0 (Catalan)
03 Topalov-Anand 0,5 (Slav)
04 Anand-Topalov 1-0 (Catalan)
05 Topalov-Anand 0,5 (Slav)
06 Anand-Topalov 0,5 (Catalan)
07 Anand-Topalov 0,5 (Catalan)
08 Topalov-Anand 1-0 (Slav)
09 Anand-Topalov 0,5 (Nimzo)
10 Topalov-Anand 0,5 (Grunfeld)
11 Anand-Topalov 0,5 (English)
What will Topalov open with in the last game?
09 May 10
Originally posted by enrico20My guess would be 1. d4
What will Topalov open with in the last game?
I don't see Anand wanting to defend a slightly worse Slav ending for hours and the Grunfeld seems a bit risky for a do or die game.
Topalov's had much the better of his White games so no reason to switch. Of course by that logic changing to 1. e4 would be the last thing Anand would expect and therefore a good idea! I don't think it will happen though.