by Aviv Friedman

Anand - Kasparov:

Anand - Kasparov:   Once again, the two debated the English attack line of the Sicilian Najdorf. The expertise of the two in this line is second to none. Not only their analysis and homework, but also the practical experience with both colors (!) This line has quite a long 'evolution' to it. So much has been tried - after 9.g5 black always automatically moved his N until 10…b4 was concluded best. Then on move 11 taking on f6 and every possible N move was tried. Now 11.Ne2 is 'it'. 12.Ng3 at once was in fashion for a while, but 12…Nf4! was too good. Different moves were tried for black's 15th and white's 16th, none is new, even 17.exd5 was played, but 17…Qxd5 I could not find and so I assume it is the first new move of the game. Anand's thinking for the first time in this game might also tell us that. I must say some were quite surprised at Vishy's choice of this entire line, since its reputation for white is not very high. Maybe he prepared for something else along the way and was surprised? Hard to believe… Kasparov continued to move very fast for just a bit longer, his 18…Qb5 was played at once, but then after 19.Bh3 it was time for reflection. He made one good choice after another. 21…f5! was the moment many, me included, agreed black was taking over. 22.gxf6 Nxf6 leaves white placed poorly, and with the text white was suffering too. Bologan thought that while 22…b3 wasn't a bad move, it might have been worthwhile not to show black's hand yet - Anand in the post mortem thought it was fine, but his 23.a3 was a poor response, but what else to do? 23.Kb1 looks scary to play as white! Next, 23…bxc2!? was another very serious option to 23…Rc8, still, black looked very good. Anand admitted to missing 24…Nf8! a strong maneuver that held the seemingly fragile black position intact. Black was better without doubt, and on move 29 Bologan preferred 29…Rd8 to Kasparov's committal 29…f4, since after that move, too many exchanges made white's defending task easier. Despite his inferior position, Anand had just enough resources to make the draw. So maybe black's obvious edge was not enough to win? There is no doubt that when the two publish their analysis, a lot more light will be shed on this game.

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