Anand v Gelfand

[Paul McKeown]

Seems to have worked for Boris. Surely the two bishops have value, now, even against the possibility of two connected passers.

[Paul Cooksey]

yep, I don't have the security of hearing VKs opinion yet. But at the risk of looking foolish, I find it hard to believe qf3 was critical.

I'm a bit worried we are falling into the interesting opening/ dull middlegame pattern again. Although a very interesting opening and much more life than usual in the game now. So I'm trying to see the glass as half full.

[Carl Hibbard]

All safe now, draw expected shortly

[Paul Cooksey]

All safe now, draw expected shortly

The oracle spake thusly.

I had some hope that Anand would try to press, he is a knight man. But Carl on the money so far, and however interesting the game looks, Anand and Gelfand have proved you are never more than 5 moves from a draw.

[Paul McKeown]

All safe now, draw expected shortly

Surely there's a bit of play left, yet?

[Paul Cooksey]

Definitely I choose Black, definitely

[Carl Hibbard]

All safe now, draw expected shortly

Surely there's a bit of play left, yet?

No, if Anand does try to press I think it is only Black with chances?

Also he "wants" rapid in my opinion

[Paul McKeown]

Definitely I choose Black, definitely

Two bishops?

[Paul McKeown]

Black should play to squeeze. Space, two bishops and silly pawn on h4.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Will Gelfand accept a draw offer? Will Anand make one?

[Paul Cooksey]

Definitely I choose Black, definitely

Two bishops?

Centre, good squares for rooks, easy play.

Kramink being very polite but lots of "I don't understand what Anand is thinking chosing this line", "decison is so strange"
"I could understand if safe, not even safe" "look for exit before is too late" "not sure a draw offer would work"

[Matthew Turner]

Svidler saying White might be a little bit better.

[Paul Cooksey]

Svidler saying White might be a little bit better.

Kramink heard him, they are near each other apparently. He was amused they differed and respected the opinion, but did not agree.

[Paul McKeown]

"Look up, Borya!" Clock running down a little.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

The computers give White a slight edge, should their opinion be respected here? Or are they simply saying that Black has sufficient compensation for the pawn?