At the end of the Kramnik-Leko match I made the same shallow comparison -only with regard to the result. Iakov Murey lunged out at me "How dare you compare Bronstein with Leko?! Who is Leko?? He is nobody!!"

Though I voted Kramnik, I hope Topalov will win game 5 or 6. Else the match will peter out, I am afraid. Like everybody else I think 12 games way too little.
Alas the nickname Drawnik is a bit deserved. Kramnik draws 53% of his games, which is a lot compared to Topalov's 43% and Kasparov's 41%. Still it is far less than Spassky's and Leko's 58%. Of course Ulfje holds the record with a proud 63% - the man should abandon OTB and focus on corr chess.

castlerock wrote on 09/28/06 at 04:54:12:


Well, Kramnik-Leko ended 7-7 so Kramnik didn't really 'win' that match. And the present match is not even half way thru so it seems a bit early to sing his praise just yet...

I agree its curious why Topa is avoiding 6. Ne5 against the main Slav, since that is the move to expect from such a theoretical monster. Now in round 4 he even avoided the Slav altogether with 4. e3. Is the Slav so scary? From the perspective of a white 1. d4 player I feel comfortable with 6. Ne5, and doubt that Black has a completely equalising line (probably best is 11.... f6 where there is still room for some refinements, the other lines are just += at least). 

Perhaps Topalov (as Black in the next round) should check 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 move order. Playing reversed colours with Kramnik will allow him to find out the weaknesses in Kramnik's repertoire, there is some precedent in KK matches. Of course this match is rather short for such a strategy but still...

We won't see the KID since Kramnik could and probably would play dxe5 swap Queens and draw. It really is a pity that Topa blew those first 2 games, as I was longing to see how Kramnik's style would change when needing to win. Perhaps Topa will need to resort to the Dutch or Modern Benoni/Benko if things become even more desperate.

Does anyone know what happens in the unlikely event of a drawn match? 

Tops

I'd be surprised if Kramnik deviated from the Catalan in his next few whites--it seems like a safe way to play for an edge without too much risk, which is perfect considering his match position.  The interesting story with Kramnik/white-Topalov/black is how long Topa will stick with the Catalan before deciding to switch to more desperate measures--Modern Benoni, KID, etc..  I would very much like to see that soon so we can have more fireworks!

Topalov/white-Kramnik/black is an interesting duel.  I'm wondering what Kramnik would have vs. the Ne5 main line in the Classical Slav...has he found a drawing line he likes in the Bishop sac variation, or has he patched up the Morozevich or found something in Nb6 that suits him? I hope Topalov gives this a punt soon! On the other hand, I can't help feeling that Topalov could find some positions that suit him in the Classical Slav e3 and Meran lines to pose fresh problems for Kramnik!

1.e4 seems less and less probable as the match develops, but we shall see...maybe a bomb is waiting to be dropped there!

They are still playing but it looks drawish to me - assuming a draw Kramnik can be happy with a good defence, likewise Toppy must not panic, there is still time....

Well, the dust is beginning to clear and it is clear Toppy has obviously analysed this positional pawn sac deeply at home 21. Kg1! is a great psychological move - as much as saying to Kramnik - "I have all the time in the world"