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21... b7d7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6
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22. c6c1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7
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22... d7b7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1
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23. e4b7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7
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23... b8b7
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This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7
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24. d2e4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw.
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24... f6e7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4
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25. e4d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7
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25... b7d7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6
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26. d6c4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7
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26... d7d1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4
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27. c1d1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1
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27... b6b5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1
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28. c4e5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5
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28... e7f6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5
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29. e5d7
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Giri found an interesting attacking construction.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6
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29... a5a4
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Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction.
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30. d1c1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource
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30... a4b3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1
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31. a2b3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3
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31... f6e7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3
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32. c1c7
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The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7
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32... a8d8
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center.
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33. c7b7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8
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33... e7d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7
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34. g3g4
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Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6
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34... h7h5
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Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns.
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35. g4h5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense
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35... g8h7
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The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5
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36. b3b4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn.
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36... d6b4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4
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37. d7e5
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Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4
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37... d8d5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles.
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38. e5f7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5
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38... d5h5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7
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39. f2f4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5
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39... h7g6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4
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40. f7e5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6
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40... g6h7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5
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41. e5f7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7
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41... h7g6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7
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42. f7e5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6
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42... g6h7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5
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43. e5f3
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Wins the e6 pawn and the game.
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7
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43... h5f5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game.
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44. f3g5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5
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44... h7h6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5
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45. g2f3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6
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45... b4d2
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3
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46. e2e3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2
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46... b5b4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3
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47. g5e6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4
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47... f5h5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6
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48. e6g7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5
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48... h5h2
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7
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49. g7f5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2
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49... h6g6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5
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50. f5e7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6
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50... g6f6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7
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51. e7d5
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6
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51... f6e6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5
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52. f3e4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6
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52... h2h3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4
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53. b7b6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3
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53... e6d7
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6
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54. e4d3
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6 53... e6d7
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54... d2c1
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6 53... e6d7 54. e4d3
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55. b6b4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6 53... e6d7 54. e4d3 54... d2c1
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55... d7d6
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6 53... e6d7 54. e4d3 54... d2c1 55. b6b4
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56. d3d4
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1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g1f3 3... d7d5 4. g2g3 Topalov has a lot of experience in the Catalan. He had played it in two matches for the world championship. 4... f8b4 5. c1d2 5... b4e7 6. f1g2 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 10. b2b3 10... a7a5 11. d2c3 11... c8b7 12. b1d2 12... c6c5 The central clash frees Black's position. Two pairs of central pawns will soon leave the board, as well as some minor pieces. 13. f3e5 13... c5d4 14. c3d4 14... d7e5 15. d4e5 15... d8c8 Once again, the Bulgarian GM comes with a novelty. 16. a1c1 16... d5c4 17. e5f6 Giri is heading for slight advantage without any risk. 17... e7f6 18. c2c4 18... b7g2 19. g1g2 Very soon a famous Catalan endgame will arise in which the knight proves to be superior to the enemy bishop. The other problem for the second player is that he has no control of the open c- and d-files. 19... c8b7 20. c4e4 The point behind White's previous play. He wants to get the knight active on e4. 20... f8b8 The rook on a8 stands well to support the advance of the queenside pawns. 21. c1c6 21... b7d7 22. c6c1 22... d7b7 23. e4b7 23... b8b7 This is the endgame in question. The black bishop is rather driftless and cannnot attack anything, while the knight can go pretty much anywhere. On top of this, it seems that the arising positions are not to the liking of Topalov. His two main weapons, creativity and attacking skills, are taken away and he needs to suffer forever to held the game to a draw. 24. d2e4 24... f6e7 25. e4d6 25... b7d7 26. d6c4 26... d7d1 27. c1d1 27... b6b5 28. c4e5 28... e7f6 29. e5d7 Giri found an interesting attacking construction. 29... a5a4 Topalov is trying to trade all the pawns on the queenside. However, this is where Black missed the interesting resource 30. d1c1 30... a4b3 31. a2b3 31... f6e7 32. c1c7 The position that Giri had in mind. The knight on d7 is placed superbly, stopping the black king from getting to the center. 32... a8d8 33. c7b7 33... e7d6 34. g3g4 Since the knight is paralyzing Black's position, White can improve the position of his pawns. 34... h7h5 Being low on time Topalov decides to sacrifice a pawn, but this looks dubious. He had to stick to the passive defense 35. g4h5 35... g8h7 The king is getting active at last but a pawn is a pawn. 36. b3b4 36... d6b4 37. d7e5 Now the key pawn on f7 drops, and with it the black kingside crumbles. 37... d8d5 38. e5f7 38... d5h5 39. f2f4 39... h7g6 40. f7e5 40... g6h7 41. e5f7 41... h7g6 42. f7e5 42... g6h7 43. e5f3 Wins the e6 pawn and the game. 43... h5f5 44. f3g5 44... h7h6 45. g2f3 45... b4d2 46. e2e3 46... b5b4 47. g5e6 47... f5h5 48. e6g7 48... h5h2 49. g7f5 49... h6g6 50. f5e7 50... g6f6 51. e7d5 51... f6e6 52. f3e4 52... h2h3 53. b7b6 53... e6d7 54. e4d3 54... d2c1 55. b6b4 55... d7d6
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1. c2c4
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1... e7e5
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1. c2c4
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2. b1c3
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5
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2... b8c6
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3
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3. g2g3
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6
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3... f8c5
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3
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4. f1g2
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5
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4... d7d6
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2
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5. e2e3
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6
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5... a7a6
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Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop.
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3
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6. g1e2
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop.
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6... c5a7
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2
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7. a2a3
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7
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7... h7h5
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This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed.
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3
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8. d2d4
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed.
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8... h5h4
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4
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9. b2b4
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A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7.
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4
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9... g8e7
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7.
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10. c4c5
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7
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10... c8f5
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The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later.
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5
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11. c1b2
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later.
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11... d8d7
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1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2
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12. d1b3
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7
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|
12... h4h3
|
It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position.
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3
|
13. g2f3
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position.
|
|
13... e5d4
|
Dynamic play.
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position. 13. g2f3
|
14. e2d4
|
Black clears too many lines in case of
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position. 13. g2f3 13... e5d4 Dynamic play.
|
14... f5g4
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position. 13. g2f3 13... e5d4 Dynamic play. 14. e2d4 Black clears too many lines in case of
|
|
15. f3g4
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position. 13. g2f3 13... e5d4 Dynamic play. 14. e2d4 Black clears too many lines in case of 14... f5g4
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15... d7g4
|
1. c2c4 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... b8c6 3. g2g3 3... f8c5 4. f1g2 4... d7d6 5. e2e3 5... a7a6 Sooner or later Black will have to saveguard his bishop. 6. g1e2 6... c5a7 7. a2a3 7... h7h5 This is why Nakamura kept his knight on g8. He wants to create play along the h-file. This plan is possible because the center is closed. 8. d2d4 8... h5h4 9. b2b4 A novelty by Aronian. He plans to lock the bishop on a7. 9... g8e7 10. c4c5 10... c8f5 The first critical moment of the game, as the players mentioned later. 11. c1b2 11... d8d7 12. d1b3 12... h4h3 It is time to worry the white king before it escapes from the center. If this happens, the locked bishop on a7 might become the key factor in the position. 13. g2f3 13... e5d4 Dynamic play. 14. e2d4 Black clears too many lines in case of 14... f5g4 15. f3g4
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