Thursday 19 February 2009

Kamsky v Topalov - Game 2

So much for my fearless predictions. Having plumbed for a win by Kamsky in this game, Topalov cleans him up in 32 moves. Topalov chose the Bc5 variation of the Berlin Defence, which has been played by Szabo, Pachman and Spassky in the 1950's and 60's.
The middlegame contained a lot of attack and counterattack, with both players preferring to meat a threat with a counter threat. However calculating the tactics cost Kamsky a lot of time on his clock and he lost on time just as his position had finally collapsed.



3 comments:

OzChess.com said...

Although self evident to some, after 33. Ng5 Black plays 33...Rxf2 34. Kxf2 Rc2+ picking up the free bishop. That is why White resigned here.

Best Regards,

Alex Toolsie

Kevin Bonham said...

Resignable as Kamsky's final position is, there are varying reports as to whether Kamsky actually resigned as opposed to losing on time - most sources are indicating the latter but I have not yet seen firm proof either way.

TrueFiendish said...

Whatever the case, he mishandled his time very badly, pondering greatly to get something out of the opening and leaving himself mere minutes to play the main meat of the game. A triumphant opening surprise for Topalov.