move
stringlengths 7
12
| comment
stringlengths 0
1.06k
| context
stringlengths 0
7.79k
|
|---|---|---|
8... e8g8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3
|
|
9. f1e2
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8
|
|
9... d5c4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2
|
|
10. e1g1
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4
|
|
10... c8d7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1
|
|
11. e2c4
|
The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7
|
11... b4c3
|
Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried:
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White.
|
12. b2c3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried:
|
|
12... f8d8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3
|
|
13. c4e2
|
A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below)
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8
|
13... d7e8
|
This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below)
|
14. a4a3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move.
|
|
14... f6e7
|
Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3
|
15. a3b2
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame.
|
|
15... c6a5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2
|
|
16. b2b4
|
Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5
|
16... e7b4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns.
|
|
17. c3b4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4
|
|
17... a5c6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4
|
|
18. a1b1
|
Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6
|
18... a7a5
|
Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment.
|
19. b4a5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks.
|
|
19... c6a5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5
|
|
20. f1c1
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5
|
|
20... d8c8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1
|
|
21. f3e1
|
Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8
|
21... a8a7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5.
|
|
22. e1d3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7
|
|
22... a5c6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3
|
|
23. e2f3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6
|
|
23... c6d8
|
Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3
|
24. d3b4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook.
|
|
24... a7a5
|
Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4
|
25. h2h4
|
Grabs space and opens air for the king.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is
|
25... g8f8
|
Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king.
|
26. c1c3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while.
|
|
26... c7c6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3
|
|
27. f3d1
|
Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6
|
27... f8e7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move.
|
|
28. d1b3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7
|
|
28... c6c5
|
Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3
|
29. b4d3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too.
|
|
29... b7b6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3
|
|
30. d4c5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6
|
|
30... b6c5
|
It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5
|
31. f2f3
|
Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with
|
31... c8c7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble.
|
|
32. e3e4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7
|
|
32... d8b7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4
|
|
33. b1c1
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7
|
|
33... e8a4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1
|
|
34. e4e5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4
|
|
34... c7c6
|
Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5
|
35. g1h2
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail.
|
|
35... c6b6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2
|
|
36. h4h5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6
|
|
36... a4b3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5
|
|
37. a2b3
|
The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks...
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3
|
37... e7d7
|
Blows the game away!
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks...
|
38. b3b4
|
Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away!
|
38... c5b4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board.
|
|
39. c3c8
|
Checkmate is threatened.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4
|
39... b7d8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened.
|
|
40. c1c7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8
|
|
40... d7e8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7
|
|
41. d3c5
|
The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8
|
41... a5c5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange.
|
|
42. c7c5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5
|
|
42... b4b3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5
|
|
43. c5c1
|
The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3
|
43... e8d7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM.
|
|
44. c8c7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7
|
|
44... d7e8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7
|
|
45. c7c8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8
|
|
45... e8d7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8
|
|
46. c8c3
|
White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs.
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7
|
46... d7e7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs.
|
|
47. c3d3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7
|
|
47... d8b7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3
|
|
48. d3c3
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7
|
|
48... b7d8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3
|
|
49. f3f4
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8
|
|
49... f7f6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4
|
|
50. c3c7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6
|
|
50... e7e8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7
|
|
51. c7g7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8
|
|
51... f6e5
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7
|
|
52. c1c7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5
|
|
52... e8f8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7
|
|
53. g7h7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8
|
|
53... f8g8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7
|
|
54. c7g7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8
|
|
54... g8f8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7
|
|
55. g7d7
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8
|
|
55... f8g8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7
|
|
56. h7h6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7 55... f8g8
|
|
56... d8f7
|
A nice finish is
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7 55... f8g8 56. h7h6
|
57. h6g6
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7 55... f8g8 56. h7h6 56... d8f7 A nice finish is
|
|
57... g8h8
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7 55... f8g8 56. h7h6 56... d8f7 A nice finish is 57. h6g6
|
|
58. g6f6
|
Black resigned. A possible finish would have been
|
1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. b1c3 4... f8b4 Aronian's passion for the Ragozin is not a top secret. 5. c1g5 5... h7h6 6. g5f6 6... d8f6 7. d1a4 Topalov is as usual very well prepared for the game and chooses a fashionable line. The Armenian GM was tested in the Carlsbad type of positions that arise after the capture on d5 in Wijk an Zee. By Magnus Carlsen himself. 7... b8c6 8. e2e3 8... e8g8 9. f1e2 9... d5c4 10. e1g1 10... c8d7 11. e2c4 The statistics of this line is quite favorable for White. 11... b4c3 Somewhat unexpected. Black parts with the bishop pair and is happy to trade a pair of light pieces. Still, his position looks rather passive. Black had also tried: 12. b2c3 12... f8d8 13. c4e2 A novelty which prevents the threat Nc6xd4. For the time being Topalov keeps the queen on a4 not letting the freeing operation that Aronian have used before (Nc6-a5 followed by c7-c5). (See the game below) 13... d7e8 This renews the threat Nc6xd4 and forces the white queen to move. 14. a4a3 14... f6e7 Black is happy to trade queens as the strong white center will not be as dangerous in the endgame. 15. a3b2 15... c6a5 16. b2b4 Now Topalov offers the trade himself! But in the process he changes the pawn structure in his favor. He opens the "c" file for his rooks and can later attack with his "a" and "b" pawns. 16... e7b4 17. c3b4 17... a5c6 18. a1b1 Topalov got slight but comfortable advantage from the opening. His plan is Rf1-c1, a2-a4 and b4-b5 in the proper moment. 18... a7a5 Aronian does not want to stay still and opens a file for his rooks. 19. b4a5 19... c6a5 20. f1c1 20... d8c8 21. f3e1 Nice regroupment. White plans Be2-f3 and Ne1-d3-c5. 21... a8a7 22. e1d3 22... a5c6 23. e2f3 23... c6d8 Nice regroupment by Aronian now. The knight gets back but opens the "a" file for the rook. 24. d3b4 24... a7a5 Black prepares the freeing c7-c5 advance. Another way to defend is 25. h2h4 Grabs space and opens air for the king. 25... g8f8 Black decided to postpone the freeing c7-c5 advance for a while. 26. c1c3 26... c7c6 27. f3d1 Another nice maneuver by the former world champion. Since the long diagonal was blocked, the bishop moves to a better position. From b3 it will pressurize the e6 pawn, but more importantly- will take the sting out of the black rook(s) on the a file. Nevertheless, Aronian is getting closer to the equality with each move. 27... f8e7 28. d1b3 28... c6c5 Finally, Aronian frees himself a bit, but some problems remain. For instance, he can never enter a pawn (knight) endgame as the distant passer on a2 will win the game. The knight on d8 remains passive too. 29. b4d3 29... b7b6 30. d4c5 30... b6c5 It made sense to trade a pair of bishops with 31. f2f3 Topalov does not want to let his opponent go. He expands in the center, earns space, limits the knight and creates some other trouble. 31... c8c7 32. e3e4 32... d8b7 33. b1c1 33... e8a4 34. e4e5 34... c7c6 Black plans to swap the bishops on b3, bring the rook on the "b" file and trade the freshly produced "b" pawn for his "c" one at last. This plan is very good, but there is one important detail. 35. g1h2 35... c6b6 36. h4h5 36... a4b3 37. a2b3 The culmination of the game. With patient and careful defense Aronian came very close to equlizing the game. But Topalov kept on posing problems all the time and under the pressure the Armenian GM cracks... 37... e7d7 Blows the game away! 38. b3b4 Topalov will rarely miss a tactical shot. It is remarkable that the computer understands the power of the move only once that it is played on the board. 38... c5b4 39. c3c8 Checkmate is threatened. 39... b7d8 40. c1c7 40... d7e8 41. d3c5 The threat Rc7-d7 forces Black to part with the exchange. 41... a5c5 42. c7c5 42... b4b3 43. c5c1 The rest is easy for the Bulgarian GM. 43... e8d7 44. c8c7 44... d7e8 45. c7c8 45... e8d7 46. c8c3 White combines the threats against the b3 passer with checkmate motifs. 46... d7e7 47. c3d3 47... d8b7 48. d3c3 48... b7d8 49. f3f4 49... f7f6 50. c3c7 50... e7e8 51. c7g7 51... f6e5 52. c1c7 52... e8f8 53. g7h7 53... f8g8 54. c7g7 54... g8f8 55. g7d7 55... f8g8 56. h7h6 56... d8f7 A nice finish is 57. h6g6 57... g8h8
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.