1. e4Kramnik continues his strategy. Soon we will all be surprised too see Kramnik start the game from 1. Nf3 or 1.d4!
1... e5 2. Nf3Nc6 3. Bb5a6 4. Ba4Nf6 5. O-OBe7 6. Re1b5 7. Bb3d6 8. c3O-O 9. h3Na5 10. Bc2c5 11. d4Nd7 12. Kh1!?A Very typical Computer-like move but unusual from the Human perspective. If this is not a move order mistake than perhaps Vlady is waiting for a pawn exchange in the center (cd), and then the Knight will reach the c3 square at once.
12... Bb7 13. d5The second point of Kh1 - white is preparing the King side attack after g4!? and Rg1 - and then the Bishop on b7 looks strange.
13... f5!?A risky but principle-based continuation. Ruslan attempts to destroy White's center, however, Black's King side and specifically the e6 square will be in serious danger.
14. exf5Nc4 15. Nbd2Nxd215... Ncb6 16. Ne4!Bxd5 17. Neg5Bxg5 18. Nxg5 Keeps some advantage for White.
16. Qxd2Nf6Black will soon capture the d5 pawn - White's resulting opportunities will be to open the center and to use black's weak d5 and e6 squares.
17. Ng5Bxd5 18. f4!Qc7Dubious18... exf4? 19. Qxf4Qc7 20. Ne6 and White has a huge advantage
19. Ne6Bxe6 20. fxe6Nh5!Black's only chance to create a counter attack. After...20... c4? 21. Qe2exf4 22. Bxf4 White's position is just winning!
21. Qd5!21. fxe5dxe5 22. Qd7Qxd7 23. exd7Bh4(23... Rad8!?)
24. Rd1Rf2 And Black has enough counterplay. 25. Bd2Rd8!
21... Rad8?Probably a stake. In a few moves black is reaching a position similar to that which arose on move 25, however the difference being additional trumps in White's favor. Better was immediately playing...21... Nxf4 22. Bxf4exf4 23. Rf1g6
22. f5Ng3+ 23. Kh2Nxf5 24. Rf1Nh4 25. Bg5!?Interesting as well25. Rf7!?Ng6 26. a4! opening a second front to assault!
25... Ng6 26. h426. g3Rxf1 27. Rxf1Rf8 And black only worse
26... Nf4 27. Bxf4exf4 28. g3f3 29. Rxf3?After this move Ruslan escapes from any serious problems. Much more dangerous seems to be...29. h5!Rf6 30. Rxf3Rdf8 31. Rxf6Rxf6 32. a4! With a clear edge - White's Bishop is much more active and he has a passed pawn on e6 spoiling the harmony amongst Black's pieces. Now losing is... 32... Rf2+? 33. Kg1Rxc2 34. Qf5
29... Rxf3 30. Qxf3Rf8 31. Qd3g6!Just at time! Now White must exchange the rooks - so his advantage has discipated!
32. Rf1Qc8 33. Rxf8+Game drawn1/2-1/2[GM Alterman and J.Doss]