Anand v Gelfand

[JustinHorton]

The World Championship has popped up on the BBC News radar: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18074307.

As indeed it did two postings above your own....

[Mats Winther]

With the aid of computers, chess has been perfected. Perfection leads to the demise of the game. Likewise, in the fine arts, to strive after perfection kills the organic and living element. If something radical doesn't happen soon, this match will be remembered as the dullest match in World Championship history. Is this what the players want to be remembered for? There is a strong urge to achieve perfect control and perfection, but what is behind this drive?

If Gelfand had instead opened with 1.b3 (or even 1.a3 as championed by GM Erik Lundin, with the intent to play the Scandinavian in advance) then it would have developed into an interesting struggle. White should not go into charted territory with such a minute advantage, it only helps Black. When playing White it's better to go into uncharted territory with a minute advantage (1.b3, 1.g3, or whatever), or to play really critical variations. The opening choice that Gelfand makes is illogical.

M. Winther

[Ian Kingston]

The World Championship has popped up on the BBC News radar: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18074307.

As indeed it did two postings above your own....

So it did.

[Jonathan Rogers]

although it's quite possibly not worth the trouble, how does one follow the game today? chessbomb is not working today, at least not for me

[Angus French]

although it's quite possibly not worth the trouble, how does one follow the game today? chessbomb is not working today, at least not for me

http://moscow2012.fide.com/en/ provides the official coverage though there's currently an art interlude. http://moscow2012.fide.com/en/live?g=20120520 has Houdini analysis.

[Ray Sayers]

http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/886822-wat ... l-interest

[Paul Cooksey]

At the significant risk of looking stupid in an hours time, a lot of strategic complexity in today's opening. I'm optimistic about seeing a full game.

[Carl Hibbard]

At the significant risk of looking stupid in an hours time, a lot of strategic complexity in today's opening. I'm optimistic about seeing a full game.

Won't even reach move 30

[JustinHorton]

http://moscow2012.fide.com/en/live?g=20120520 has Houdini analysis.

Which is presently hopping back to move 7 all the time, and claiming that Anand is white.

[Jonathan Rogers]

Up to date now, so far as I can tell. There certainly is some real scope for one of them to outplay the other, at least.

[Paul McKeown]

Yes, 6. c5 is more of a fighting move. Full complement of pieces, some placed slightly awkwardly, isolated pawns, open files, game on.

[Paul McKeown]

Still odds on for a draw, though!

[James Coleman]

I can't see Gelfand outplaying Anand from here to be honest. I was hoping to see 16.Bxf6

[Paul McKeown]

To my untrained eye, Anand's position appears to suffer from all the traditional ills of a Queen's Gambit and none of the benefits of a Slav!

[Paul McKeown]

Gelfand must surely have serious chances for a squeeze from here?