Round 12. Candidates Tournament
The day
of miracles. Kramnik took the lead. Prestige goal by Ivanchuk.
This
are not the whole list of headlines after round 12 in Candidates
Tournament in London. Long Friday was really long Friday. For the
first time in the tournament absolutely all games finished after
first time control and 40 moves.
Today I
will continue with ecologically clean annotations (Totally without
computer analyzes) “online” comments by IM &FT
Vladimir Poley. Text of the games you can find on organisers home
page.
Pairs
of the day:
Magnus
Carlsen –Vasily Ivanchuk
Levon
Aroian – Vladimir Kramnik
Teimour
Radjabov – Alexander Grischuk
Boris
Gelfand-Peter Svidler
Magnus
avoid Rossolimo today and said straight no to Cheljabinsk
(Sveshnikov) variation by 3.Nc3. Vasily after 5 minutes thought
decided to transfer his Sicilian defense into Taimanov variation, old
and solid version. Alternative was 3...e5, but this can lead after
transformation into “The Spanish torture” where Magnus
feels like fish in the water.
Kramnik
chosen improved Tarrash defense against Aronian. The difference from
normal Tarrash- is no isolated pawn on d5.
Radjabov-Grischuk-
easy going with draw reputation Queens Gambit variation, probably
quickpeace agreement. Both players lost chances and not enough
motivated.
Gelfand
plays anti-Grunfeld variation. To go into the main lines against
biggest Grunfeld expert Svidler was not an option. Boris will look
for fishy on sides.
Grischuk
invites to some pawns capture for advantage in development in return
and started to shake the boat. I don’t believe that Teimour
will accept the gifts. Just normal Nf3 will be good neutral response.
Aronian
decided to get isolany himself. If black refuse Tarrash famous
isolany pawn d5, ok, I can have my own on d4. Position transformed
into famous standard standing, that can appear on the board after
Queens Gambit accepted, Caro-Canns Panov attack or even
Sveshnikov-Alapin c3 variation inSicilian. The question of taste.
Ivanchuk
tranfered to funny Paulsen system. Really, modern chess are lots of
nuances in transformation from one opening system into another. Pin
with Bishop on b4, half open c-file, especially against white long
castling. The game promising to be hot.
Boris
got the famous bishops pair and I think we will see good fight.
First
surprise, Kramnik did 10...f5, ideas coming from Slav, stop the
cannon , but in Slav is also to prevent e4 and secure strong hold on
d5. Now Bishop got brilliant square on f6and will start to disturb
isolany on d4. After Knights exchange on d5 Aronian got a symbolic
advantage, because Queen is the worth blockade . The plan can be very
simple ,to trade d4 pawn with e6 and try to use f5 pawn into own
advantage, pawns cannot go backwards.
Ivanchuk
managed with Sicilian dream and promoted d5. But Magnus close the
center with e5 and took the game on to French defense rals. D4-nice
blockade square for white pieces, specially bishop to neutralise Bxc3
with double pawns structure.
Radjabov
is still negative to take the pawn. No risk slogan goes first.
Svidler
made standard e5 pawn move to clean up long diagonala1-h8 for his
favorite Grunfeld-Kings Indian Bishop and hopes for endgame with 3
against 2 on Queenside.
Ivanchuk
looks out very happy after opening. French defense is one of his most
played variations for black during last 5 years, specially such pawn
structure in the center. Magnus spent half an hour more and he is
still thinking what to do.
13...b5?!
Kramnik avoiding Bc4 move with idea to remove his blockade Queeny as
well as solving the problem with his white square Bishop to place him
on b7 and build up the cannon on the long diagonal. But anyway,
position is very standard.
Gelfand
regroup his Queen to the center, finishing development and after
Kings safety (0-0), probably will start to promote his “Botvinniks”
pawns majority 4 against 3 on Kingside.
Aronian
14.Qe2, preparing c;file with c5 outpost for the Rook and aiming b5
pawn. Look like Kramnik plays to much aggressive, not his style, but
we can understand, he must only win,win,win.
Magnus
is still thinking, maybe Vasily creating sensation today.
Gelfand
placed f-Rook on d1, maybe he want to retreat Bishop on e1 as well
and slowly, slowly to give start for his Kingside pawn
acceleration.
Magnus
placed Bishop on d4, after 30 minutes of thinking. Was it thoughts
about this Bishop destiny?
Is this
good or bad Bishop, can I allow bishops pair after Nf5 or Nc6?
Long
thoughts also for Kramnik, he placed his Bishop on b7, saying yes to
pawns exchange b5 against d4, thanks to the cannon on a8-h1 diagonal
15.Bxb5 Nxd4 and Knight from f3 cannot move,because mate on g2. Oops,
one more funny idea 15...f4!16. Bc4 (16.Bxf4 not working because
16...Nxd4 fork) 16...Qe4 17.Bd3 Qd5 18. Bc4 Qe4 and draw by three
times repetition. I don’t think this will happened, both want
the war.
I was
right with Gelfand plan, slowly preparation for attack. It is exactly
what he is doing.
Teimour
refused to take the pawn on c7 and Alexander pushed it forward to c5,
protected it by the Rook.
Levon
got control on c-file, Kramnik facing difficulties. Of course,
Vladimir not willing to move back his Bishop to e7.
Svidler
advancing his “a” pawn, the next destination will be a3
and diagonal a1-h8 will be even longer. After b3,black Knight on b6
cut off, probably trade him on d5 and a3 pawn becomes reserve free
past pawn.
Kramnik
refused to back off his Bishop and gave full control over c-file to
Aronians Rook, but in another hand he can send his Knight to d5and
get control in center and c7
Boris
put his Rook on b1 and prepared to capture on a3 if pawn appear
there, getting b-file in his hands. I like his position.
Ivanchuk
takes his time now and return half an hour time handicap back to
Magnus. Maybe aggressive 13...g5 he is thinking about? 13...Nc5,
done. Vasily is pressing, Ne4 looks nasty, so he goes for pure two
bishops after Bd3, but Magnus can just move his Queen away from the
pin, but consequences will be blocking other pieces from coming out.
Dream
standing for Aronian.
Grischuk
starting manoeuvres, no expected easy draws, fight. Unpleasant x-ray
on c-file, Queen from b6 aiming b3 pawn. Black fighting for
advantage.
Boris
using good tactic – winning from behind. One Bishop on e1,
another on f1, so start stopwatch , go Boris ,go!
Kramniks
Rooks on their best places. If a8 Rook moves away, pawn on a6 can be
in trouble after a4, if f8 Rook moves away – than no support to
f-pawn promotion. Something to think about.16...f4, needs exact
calculation, but to make this move just by exclude all others
Peter
offers to trade the Rook to minimise Boris pressure on open files.
Beautiful black pieces on c5 and e5 looks dangerous. 21.g3 follows
own strategy and prepares f4. Bg7 , better to back off.
By the
way , Magnus in trouble, he is still thinking. 14.a3 this move
forcing lots of exchanges and look like Magnus took a decision to
simplify position and go to the endgame. Very strong Psychological
action, got in trouble –forget about ambitions as the player
with white and hold to safe waters.
Against
all my expectations, Boris started attack on Queen side, famous pawn
minority attack. Of course, to face black Knight o c5 is not the
pleasure .But after axb3 Rook on b1 did not get open space.
Alexander
evaluating his advantage on open c-file and plan to come in the
feet’s from the flanks. His position is slightly better.
Its
starts to be hot at Aronian-Kramnik game. Levon sacrificing the
Bishop, interesting idea. So far f5 pawn moved forward threatening
Bishop on e3, the cannon on b1-h7 diagonal builds up in just a
moment! No doubts, this is the central game of the day. Lets look at
straight capture.18...fxe3.19.Bxh7+ Kf7 (19...Kh8looks very scary
after Rook comes to h5 will be mate in the air) So far I was writing
this comment , Vladimir already took the piece. Levon answered
immediately capturing on h7 with the check. Kramnik in thoughts,
Actually 19...Kh8 is no straight mate construction, even no
perpetual checks mechanism with Bg6+. 19...Kh8, done .Very brave, but
this ,of course, based on concrete calculations. Probably, Vladimir
did not like19...Kf7, because 20.Ne5+ no capture on e5,to risky and
after 20...Ke7 21.Rxc6 looks very complicated. So ,open battle began.
Carlsen
accelerated his playing speed, centralising the King and press weak
pawn on b6, easy to play, this is pure technical position and I am
pretty sure, that worse for Magnus already in past. Now is typical
French endgame and white pieces are now in control over the board.
Levon
calmly captured the pawn on e3, getting two pawns against the piece
and views for attack the black King.
Gelfand
started one pawn attack against two on the Queenside.
Radjabov
move by move neutralising small advantage from Grischuk.
Vladimir
played Ne7 quick. Logical, bringing the Knight closer to the King and
get control on central squares. 21.e4 to eliminate this
possibilities. So ,two pawns in center are equals the Knight
(W.Steinitz), but here we have the Bishop.
Magnus
neutralised all Vasilys threats, blocked everything and probably
starting to think about getting something more. Knight can jump on
d6.24...g5!time to show activity , this is a typical plan against
e5,f4 pawns chain.
Peter
backed his Knight on d7 and plan to build up fortress after b5- c5.
In closed standings Knights can jump better, but Bishops like an open
space.26.Ne4, to keep an eye on c5. Clear advantage for Boris.
26....Ra1,
less pieces –less enemies, easy play.
Can
Magnus play 26.c4 with idea to open d-file and try to come in the
feet’s. Yes, he did.
Kramnik
is still thinking, the threat is nasty fork on e5. Time trouble can
be decisive. Levon have 20 minutes for 20 moves and Vladimir 10
minutes more, but he is trying to find best move. Kramnik find 21...
Rac8. Lots of tactics and calculations needed. Is it enough time for
Levon. Fight for open c-file as the joke comment to Rac8. 22.e5 Bxe5
direct answer. Very impressing. Only 10 minutes left for Aronian
23.Nxe5 Rxc5 24. Ng6+Nxg6 25.dxc5 and like a Thunder in the sunny
day25...Be4! 26.Rxd6 Bxc2 27.Bxg6 Bxg6 5 minutes for 13 moves against
36 minutes for Kramnik. Look like we got the hero. Vladimir will
win.
Magnus
got pleasant play now, he should try to beat Vasily . Endgame is his
strongest part in our days. Knight arrived on d6. Black opponent on
d5. White King more active, but c2 pawn is weaker.
Boris
got a draw against Peter. Svidler smiling on press conference
:`”Be6-Bg4 funny idea, but after 0-0, Boris can play h4 and we
got reverse from our first game. After 31.Nd3 white slightly better,
32.Qa7was not the best line, better to keep Queen on a2-g8 diagonal.”
Kramnik
move 41...Rf1+?? Simple 41...Rc8, probably will wins. 42.Re3 Bb1 43.
Rc3! Rxc3 44.bxc3 Looks lucky for Aronian . Good draw sing –wrong
colour Bishop-a1 corner. Kramnik in deep thoughts. Seems he missed
the victory. What a high level nerves battle.
Magnus
probably drawing against Ivanchuk, to little material left.
Grischuk
started complications against Radjabov. Everything based on Ne4+and
mate threats.
Magnus
instead of 45.Re4 has a funny variation 45.Rc8Rxe5 46.Nd6+Ka6??47.
Ra8 mate.
Grischuk
went over the line trying to play draw standing for win. This can end
with consequences after for example 44.Rxc3 Rxc3 45.Bxc8 Rxc8 46. Kd3
and then take on f3 with good chances in Rook endgame. Now all moves
done.
Kramnik
found the last chance to give trouble, but unfortunately for him it
leads only for a draw.48.Kc6 Ke7 49.Kxb5 Ke6 50.Kxa4 Kf5 51.Kb5 Kxg5
52.a4 Kxh6 53.a5=
Aronian
50.g6?? What he is doing? Loud voice in press center. Lucky Kramnik!
50...Kg5. Levon missed a draw 50 h6 bring the peace agreement.
Carlsen
can fell into a trap 49...Ke7 50. Rxh6??Nf7 with double attack.
Vasily played 49...Kd7, lets see if Magnus ready for the trap.
Grischuk
got theoretical chances for draw in Rook endgame with f and h pawns.
20 years ago GMs will shake hands for a draw, because all books
wrote, that this is a draw. But new computer era with Nalimov
endgame bases can give win for two pawns favour.
Magnus
discovered the trap, but now he will face pawn down endgame.
Kramnik
luckily won. What a day. “It was a miracle ”- V. Kramnik
. “When I got to endgame, I was sure, that its completely win,
but suddenly I realise –its a draw. 10...f5 I know that is anti
positional. Kh8 looks scary, but I calculated precisely.”
Aronian:”I
have feelings after17. Rc5 I am winning. 21.e4-mistake”
Kramnik:”Before
41.g4 I was thinking about nice zugzvang, but after 41.g4 I got a
horrible feelings –its a draw. Force draw 50.h6,simple draw.
(Q+B against Q+P). I was not looking for Magnus at all. Maybe in the
last round I should.”
Radjabov
is still trying to promote f and h pawns in the Rook endgame.
Ivanchuk
gave some draw chances to Carlsen in more or less technically
winning position. But this is only my thoughts, definitely Vasily
knows better.
Radjabov
–Grischuk-draw, nice pat idea in the end.
Grischuk:”I
under estimated in the endgame, my Knight was traped, but I still
thought why should I move my trapped Knight, it placed well. I did my
last move just having 3 seconds left. I was not sure in the endgame
can I make a draw or I am losing. I beat Eljanov in similar endgame,
but pawns were on another side a and c.”
Radjabov:-“I
thought I am winning everywhere, but did not see direct win.”
Magnus
got nearly similar endgame, but pawns on e5 and h5 and this is huge
difference. Shoulb be win with some technical difficulties for
Ivanchuk. Vasily demonstrating technique on 30 seconds plus time
control .After h1Q , I thought its became a draw, because Magnus can
use front attack on the king, but Kf2 after Re1+ killing the pray.
Rxe5 Rh8+ and mate.
Carlsen:”13.Bd4
was awful, 49.Nb5- extremely stupid, I can do whatever and not
losing, but I kept missing a lot of staff. 71 Rh6?Before this move I
was sure is a draw (71.c6 Ke6 72 Rb5) It was similar Endgame Kasparov
–Short and Garry blundered something.”
Ivanchuk:”I
played not very technical, probably I should not exchange Knight or
take with the pawn bxc5. I counting this tournament as preparation
for Russian Championship. I got very good sparring, them not lets me
to relax.(laughing) After 23...Rb8 I have understood if Magnus will
not risk it will be a draw.”
The
end.
Tomorrow,
oops, already today is the free day. Next round 13 on Sunday.
Savoy
Place,
London.
IM&FT
Vladimir Poley
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