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Search There are 0 results for Vladimir in the games. There are 62 results for Vladimir in the forum. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-07-04 20:15:35) 8-game matches John... ??? :) Vladimir Kramnik - Peter Leko (match for WCH classical title) Vladimir Kramnik - Deep Fritz... Of course it is desired... Who will remember the names of the players in the last ICCF final tournament ? Even if ICCF doesn't use this format, and (as you say) serious CC players didn't have the opportunity to play such tournament, knockout format is still desired. My first idea was a pure enormous knockout tournament, but it's obviously not possible (too much rounds, a time problem), that's why I thought about this combined system. Now look at the chess world : Many players don't understand why FIDE progressively reduces the number of games and time controls in WCH matches. It is the main reason why FIDE world champion title looses value. Not hard / accurate, not spectacular enough !! .. What many players (me, at least :)) expect is a classical world championship with a big final match. You may have noticed that FICGS champion will have the opportunity to defend his title in a... 24 games match against his challenger... (!!) That's real fight, that's real challenge and that's what I expect to see from a championship, a big opposition between 2 players, and not a round-robin more or less aleatory, with too much names, not understandable for the most. Now, as we said on TCCMB : FICGS is not "official" matter, chess is for fun here, but chess must be a show and I'm convinced it is relevant in correspondence chess too. We'll see that ;) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-06 15:43:12) FIDE WCH : Kramnik vs. Topalov Do you believe it ? .. now it's most probably almost sure :-) We'll have a new FIDE-Classical world champion in a few weeks ! A reminder : This will be a 12-games match, taking place from September 21 to October 13 in the capital of Kalmykia (whose president is FIDE president : Kirsan Ilyumzhinov himself), Elista. In case of equality, four rapid games will be played, if equality again two blitz games will be played and finally a sudden death blitz game. The prize fund of one million US dollars will be equally divided between Vladimir Kramnik and Veselin Topalov, whatever the result. The looser won't play the next world championship tournament (quite strange). Anyway, that's a great thing for chess, even if I'm not very optimistic for the next FIDE world championship cycles, particularly if the world champion has to play a knockout tournament, instead of a classical 12 or 24 games match... My favourite in this match is still Kramnik because of his style, but Topalov is really getting stronger IMO... It will be a hard match ! Any predictions about the result & games ? .. Will Vladimir Kramnik play his Berlin defense in the Ruy Lopez again... Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-06 23:44:33) Vladimir Kramnik vs. Peter Leko Hi Dinesh. I still can't explain myself this incredible outcome in Brissago. First, this "extraordinary" Marshall gambit, Leko leading the whole match... At last Kramnik winning the very last game. Then Peter Leko smiling, just saying (~) : "I'm glad about my play." .. and that's finished. It just reminded me the second match Kasparov vs. Deep Blue ... Anyway, it's always time to be paranoid :-) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-23 21:19:51) Kramnik wins Game 1 Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 Bb4+ 6.Bd2 a5 7.Qc2 Bxd2+ 8.Qxd2 c6 9.a4 b5 10.axb5 cxb5 11.Qg5 0-0 12.Qxb5 Ba6 13.Qa4 Qb6 14.0-0 Qxb2 15.Nbd2 Bb5 16.Nxc4 Bxa4 17.Nxb2 Bb5 18.Ne5 Ra7 19.Bf3 Nbd7 20.Nec4 Rb8 21.Rfb1 g5 22.e3 g4 23.Bd1 Bc6 24.Rc1 Be4 25.Na4 Rb4 26.Nd6 Bf3 27.Bxf3 gxf3 28.Nc8 Ra8 29.Ne7+ Kg7 30.Nc6 Rb3 31.Nc5 Rb5 32.h3 Nxc5 33.Rxc5 Rb2 34.Rg5+ Kh6 35.Rgxa5 Rxa5 36.Nxa5 Ne4 37.Rf1 Nd2 38.Rc1 Ne4 39.Rf1 f6 40.Nc6 Nd2 41.Rd1 Ne4 42.Rf1 Kg6 43.Nd8 Rb6 44.Rc1 h5 45.Ra1 h4 46.gxh4 Kh5 47.Ra2 Kxh4 48.Kh2 Kh5 49.Rc2 Kh6 50.Ra2 Kg6 51.Rc2 Kf5 52.Ra2 Rb5 53.Nc6 Rb7 54.Ra5+ Kg6 55.Ra2 Kh5 56.d5 e5 57.Ra4 f5 58.Nxe5 Rb2 59.Nd3 Rb7 60.Rd4 Rb6 61.d6 Nxd6 62.Kg3 Ne4+ 63.Kxf3 Kg5 64.h4+ Kf6 65.Rd5 Nc3 66.Rd8 Rb1 67.Rf8+ Ke6 68.Nf4+ Ke5 69.Re8+ Kf6 70.Nh5+ Kg6 71.Ng3 Rb2 72.h5+ Kf7 73.Re5 Nd1 74.Ne2 Kf6 75.Rd5 1-0 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-24 20:53:32) Kramnik wins Game 2 Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 2) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0-0 Nbd7 9.Qe2 Bg6 10.e4 0-0 11.Bd3 Bh5 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 cxd5 14.Qe3 Bg6 15.Ng5 Re8 16.f4 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 f5 18.Be3 Nf8 19.Kh1 Rc8 20.g4 Qd7 21.Rg1 Be7 22.Nf3 Rc4 23.Rg2 fxg4 24.Rxg4 Rxa4 25.Rag1 g6 26.h4 Rb4 27.h5 Qb5 28.Qc2 Rxb2 29.hxg6 h5 30.g7 hxg4 31.gxf8Q+ Bxf8 32.Qg6+ Bg7 33.f5 Re7 34.f6 Qe2 35.Qxg4 Rf7 36.Rc1 Rc2 37.Rxc2 Qd1+ 38.Kg2 Qxc2+ 39.Kg3 Qe4 40.Bf4 Qf5 41.Qxf5 exf5 42.Bg5 a5 43.Kf4 a4 44.Kxf5 a3 45.Bc1 Bf8 46.e6 Rc7 47.Bxa3 Bxa3 48.Ke5 Rc1 49.Ng5 Rf1 50.e7 Re1+ 51.Kxd5 Bxe7 52.fxe7 Rxe7 53.Kd6 Re1 54.d5 Kf8 55.Ne6+ Ke8 56.Nc7+ Kd8 57.Ne6+ Kc8 58.Ke7 Rh1 59.Ng5 b5 60.d6 Rd1 61.Ne6 b4 62.Nc5 Re1+ 63.Kf6 Re3 0-1 Great game, great match, real chess ! Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-26 17:11:57) Kramnik vs. Topalov (Elista) Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 Nc6 6.Qa4 Bd7 7.Qxc4 Na5 8.Qd3 c5 9.0-0 Bc6 10.Nc3 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Bc5 12.Rd1 Bxg2 13.Qb5+ Nd7 14.Kxg2 a6 15.Qd3 Rc8 16.Bg5 Be7 17.Bxe7 Qxe7 18.Rac1 Nc4 19.Na4 b5 20.b3 0-0 21.bxc4 bxa4 22.Nc6 Rxc6 23.Qxd7 Qc5 24.Rc3 g6 25.Rb1 h5 26.Rb7 e5 27.e4 Rf6 28.Rc2 Qa3 29.Qd1 Rd6 30.Rd2 Rfd8 31.Rd5 Rxd5 32.cxd5 Qxa2 33.Qf3 Rf8 34.Qd3 a3 35.Rb3 f5 36.Qxa6 Qxb3 37.Qxg6+ Kh8 38.Qh6+ Kg8 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-27 18:31:56) Topalov vs. Kramnik Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 4) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3 e6 5.Nf3 Nbd7 6.Bd3 dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5 8.Bd3 Bb7 9.a3 b4 10.Ne4 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 bxa3 12.0-0 Bd6 13.b3 Nf6 14.Nd2 Qc7 15.Bf3 Bxh2+ 16.Kh1 Bd6 17.Nc4 Be7 18.Bxa3 0-0 19.Bxe7 Qxe7 20.Ra5 Rfd8 21.Kg1 c5 22.Rxc5 Ne4 23.Bxe4 Bxe4 24.Qg4 Bd3 25.Ra1 Rac8 26.Raa5 Rb8 27.Qd1 Be4 28.Qa1 Rb7 29.Nd2 Bg6 30.Qc3 h6 31.Ra6 Kh7 32.Nc4 Be4 33.f3 Bd5 34.Nd2 Rdb8 35.Qd3+ f5 36.Rc3 Qh4 37.Ra1 Qg3 38.Qc2 Rf7 39.Rf1 Qg6 40.Qd3 Qg3 41.Rfc1 Rfb7 42.Qc2 Qg5 43.Ra1 Qf6 44.Qd3 Rd7 45.Ra4 Rbd8 46.Rc5 Kg8 47.Nc4 Bxc4 48.Raxc4 f4 49.Rc6 fxe3 50.Qxe3 Rxd4 51.Rxe6 Qh4 52.Rxd4 Qxd4 53.Re8+ Kh7 54.Qxd4 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-29 14:09:34) Chess & psychology... Game 5 : The start of the game had been delayed, now Topalov is sitting at the board and Kramnik's clock is running while Vladimir Kramnik is waiting in the rest room for his toilet to open. A press conference by Georgios Makropoulos is about to start. The game couldn't start unless the toilet is opened... :-) Dinesh De Silva    (2006-09-29 13:09:10) Psycho(logical) games?........... Silvio Danailov., Manager of the Bulgarian team says: To all mass media Ladies and Gentlemen, After we got acquainted with the ruling of the Appeals Committee of the Topalov vs. Kramnik world championship match we deem it necessary to point out the following: The ruling in its present form is not satisfactory to us since it practically does not result in any change. Mr. Kramnik will be able to visit the new bathroom an unlimited number of times without being subject to further control. We would accept the current relaxation rooms to continue to be used provided that the presence of controllers in both rooms is ensured. When the two players need to go to the bathroom, they should be accompanied by an assistant arbiter. The checks carried out in the relaxation rooms were made only by experts of the Organizing Committee, whereas our experts were present as observers and only after the second game. We find it difficult to understand why is it that the accredited journalists are denied access to the video tapes from the relaxation rooms. The World Champion Veselin Topalov is outraged by the suspicious behavior of his opponent Mr. Vladimir Kramnik who in actual fact takes his most significant decisions in the bathroom. Despite the above, in the name of the chess game and out of respect to FIDE, to Kalmikia and the millions of chess lovers, Veselin Topalov is willing to continue his participation in the match provided that measures to guarantee fair play are taken. If the match were to continue, the World Champion would refrain from shaking hands with Mr. Kramnik before the games and would not take part in joint press conferences with him. Veselin Topalov will make statements for the media separately. We look forward to receiving your response by 14.30 h hoping that it will give concrete answers to the questions that we pose. 28.09.2006 Elista Sincerely: Silvio Danailov Manager of the Bulgarian team Dinesh De Silva    (2006-09-29 13:14:25) Kramnik's team says........... Kramnik threatens to stop playing the match...... 29.09.2006 Statement from the team of Vladimir Kramnik, rejecting the decision of the Appeals Committee of FIDE : "The protests of the Topalov team and the suspicions in the press release of Mr. Topalov are utterly disgraceful and are touching Mr. Kramnik’s privacy." Elista, 29 September 2006 Open Letter to FIDE President H.E. Kirsan Iljumshinov Copied to Executive Committee of Kalmykia Mr. Valery Bovaev, Chief Arbiter Mr. Geurt Gijssen, Russian Chess Federation Dear Mr. President, The Appeals Committee of the World Championship Match between Veselin Topalov and Vladimir Kramnik made the following decision on the protest of the Topalov Team: “to close both the toilets in the players rest rooms and to open another toilet that will be available only to the two players” The Kramnik team received the mentioned decision a few hours before the start of game 5 and was officially informed about the protest of Mr. Topalov only yesterday evening, 10 p.m., 28 September 2006. With such a decision the WCC Committee is clearly violating both the rules and regulations of the WCC match and the rights of Mr. Kramnik. The relevant clause in contract of Mr. Kramnik expels: “FIDE shall provide a rest room and toilette for the players during the WCC match in the playing hall and close to the stage (if possible backstage) to be equipped with a live monitor furnished with coffee and tea as well as with light refreshments.” The reasons that Mr. Kramnik is entering his own bathroom often is simple: The restroom is small and Mr. Kramnik likes to walk and therefore uses the space of the bathroom as well. The Appeals Committee has been informed about the issue before they decided. It should also be mentioned that Mr. Kramnik has to drink a lot of water during the games. On the request of Mr. Topalov the agreed live monitors have been removed as well as the shower cabines in the bath rooms. The moves are provided on demonstration boards only. The substance of Mr. Topalov protests (dated 22, 24 and 28 September 2006) were basically always met by the approval of the Appeals Committee. Everything has been done here to satisfy Mr. Topalov’s requests. On a regulary basis the restrooms and toiletts are heavily checked by specialists, obviously local police forces. This goes together with the arrival of the players. The arbiters are observing all the measures. One representative of each team has the right of being present in order to observe the activities. The playing area is banned from signals and the glas wall protects from any kind of view contact and/or body language. There is not a single reason or evidence to believe that a player would have any kind of cheating possibilities. It is and was no problem for the organization to assure all necessary measures in order to avoid any kind of cheating. By starting the match both participants agreed all the playing conditions de facto and de jure and the conditions are therefore legally binding. Any change of the playing conditions without a good reason would in our understanding request the approval of both players which is not the case here. Mr. Kramnik believes that the latest decision should increasingly concern the world of chess as it shows very clearly and once again the biased stand of the Appeals Committee members involved. In person: Mr. Makropolous, Mr. Azmaiparashivili (well known as a close friend to Mr. Danailov), Mr. Gelfer (now replaced by Mr. Vega). Therefore Mr. Kramnik requests to exchange the mentioned persons immediately. Enough is enough. We would like to add that the recent decision not only insults Mr. Kramnik but is clearly critizing both the excellent work of the local organisation at Elista and the nominated arbiters. Yesterday evening the chief arbiter and the head of the excutive committee once again confirmed that the indirect accusations of cheating are nonsense. The protests of the Topalov team into the direction of Mr. Kramnik and the suspicions in the press release of Mr. Topalov are utterly disgraceful and are touching Mr. Kramnik’s privacy. We do not think that the Topalov team has any right of getting access to the recordings. This shall be job of the nominated arbiters only. The Topalov team includes a parapsychologist and more people which are obviously having no other tasks as to distract and to insult Mr. Kramnik especially since their team is realizing that Mr. Topalov finds himself in a difficult situation. This is what we call an utterly unfair behaviour which is not in accordance with the FIDE Code of Ethics. The decision taken by the Appeals Committee can only be seen as another attempt to disturb Mr. Kramniks concentration since it is difficult to understand what kind of improvement it shall be to have one toilet instead of two. Our team does not trust the objectivity of the Appeals Committee anymore. Therefore it makes no sense for us to bring a protest to this table and Mr. Kramnik strongly insists once again that the members of the Appeals Committee will be changed immediately and that the heads of the Organizing Committee are taking their responsibilities. In the meanwhile Mr. Kramnik will stop playing this match as long as FIDE is not ready to respect Mr. Kramnik’s rights, in this case to use the toilet of his own restroom whenever he wishes to do so. Further and more detailed legal investigations are already in process. On behalf of Vladimir Kramnik Yours sincerely, Carsten Hensel (Manager to Vladimir Kramnik, Classical World Chess Champion) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-29 15:57:14) Fischer vs. Spassky ? Vladimir Kramnik did not play game 5 ! All this reminds me the first match Fischer vs. Spassky... In a documentary, Boris Spassky said he lost the match when he accepted Fischer's new conditions (ie. playing in another room) in order to continue to play... Seems to be quite the same situation here... Now who made the mistake : Kramnik, Topalov or FIDE... I hope game 5 will be replayed. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-09-30 03:39:05) Vladimir Kramnik - Open letter Open Letter To FIDE President Kirsan Iljumshinov Russian Chess Federation Elista, 29. September 2006 Requests of Vladimir Kramnik • To proceed with GAME 5 Clause 3.17.1., Schedule 2 of the contract: “All protests must be submitted in writing to the Appeals Committee not more than 2 hours after the relevant playing session.” The protest made by the Topalov Team were not made within this window after game 4 (27 September 2006) but only hit the FIDE Office and the Appeals Committee on the rest day (28 September 2006). Therefore the protests are not even relevant and should have been rejected by the Appeals Committee immediately. Clause 3.18.3., Schedule 2 of the contract: “After the World Chess Championship Committee agrees with the Organizers on the arrangements in respect of the tournament hall, facilities etc. etc. etc……., no objections from the participants shall be acceptable as long as the conditions are in accordance with the rights of the players granted in their agreements.” This clause clearly underlines the statement made in today’s Open letter: “By starting the match both participants agreed all the playing conditions de facto and de jure and the conditions are therefore legally binding. Any change of the playing conditions without a good reason would in our understanding request the approval of both players which is not the case here.” Therefore it is clear that the Appeals Committee took a completely wrong decision and was obviously not even aware of the Rules and Regulations. The decision of Chief Arbiter Mr. Gijssen to forfeit game 5 was clearly based on a wrong decision of the Appeals Committee and shall be nullified. Mr. Kramnik is ready to continue the match and to play the 5th game (with a leading score of 3:1) on the conditions that were accepted prior to the start of the match. • Toilet issue The toilets connected to the restrooms shall be opened again. This request is in accordance with clauses 3.17.1. and 3.18.3 (see above) and in the general understanding that by starting of the match both participants agreed to all the playing conditions. Any change of the playing conditions without a good reason would require the approval of both players which is not the case here. Mr. Kramnik is ready to accept even stricter controls by sealing the toilets before and after inspections. Inspections shall be done before and after each game. • Exchange of members of the Appeals Committee We repeat that the Kramnik team does not trust the objectivity of the Appeals Committee anymore. It is evident from this letter and our first Open Letter today that the existing Appeals Committee is biased and incompetent. Mr. Kramnik strongly insists once again that the members of the Appeals Committee will be exchanged immediately. • Access to Recordings As Mr. Kramnik in the press conference stated he did not sign a contract for acting in a reality show. The recordings shall be observed by the arbiters. Neither Team Topalov nor Team Kramnik shall have access to the recordings. Investigations shall be in the sole responsibility of the Arbiters. • Requested Apology Last but not least Mr. Kramnik believes that Mr. Danailov should apologize to Mr. Kramnik in writing. Remarks such as: “If the match were to continue, the World Champion will refrain from shaking hands with Mr. Kramnik before the games and will not take part in joint press conferences with him.” and “Veselin Topalov is disturbed by the suspicious behavior of his opponent Mr. Vladimir Kramnik who takes his most significant decisions in the bathroom.” are clearly insulting. On behalf of Vladimir Kramnik Yours sincerely, Carsten Hensel (Manager to Vladimir Kramnik, Classical World Chess Champion) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-02 15:11:16) Kramnik plays under protest Official statement and protest by V. Kramnik To FIDE President H.E. Kirsan Iljumshinov To the WCC Appeals Committee On 2 October 2006 my manager received the following decision from FIDE: “Tomorrow, 2 October 2006, at 15.00, the 6th Game of the World Chess Championship Match a Topalov-Kramnik with the score 3:2 in favour of Kramnik, will take place.” Based on this decision I make the following statement: I inform that I am ready to proceed playing the match by reserving all my rights. My further participation will be subject to the condition to clarify my rights regarding game five at later stage. I do not agree with the decision made by FIDE and I formally protest against it. The decisions made on my requests, especially the resignation of the Appeals Committee, opening the toilets to the restrooms again, are chrystal clear admissions of FIDE of having taken a false decision. Logically FIDE admits herewith that it was a mistake to start game five by violating the rules and regulations of the competition and by changing the agreed playing rules and conditions during the match without my approval. I deeply regret the unsportsmanlike and unequaled behaviour of my opponent whom FIDE donated a victory outside of the board by using dirty tricks. High level functionaries inside FIDE once again were making the professional part of the chess world a disgraceful playground of their own interests. I strongly believe and hope that the course of these events made it obvious to everyone that drastic changes with regard to the professional management structures inside FIDE are evident. By deciding just a couple of hours ago I had to assess between my personal interests and the interests of the entire chess world. It is very difficult to play under these circumstances. But I came to the conclusion to proceed under protest because I do not want to disappoint the overwhelming majority of the chess fans which are hoping for the unification since so many years. I also had in mind the people of Kalmykia which are doing their utmost to organize this match on the highest level possible. Last but not least I would like to thank very much for all the support I experienced during these days. Elista, 2 October 2006 Vladimir Kramnik Classical World Chess Champion Rodrigo Jaroszewski    (2006-10-02 15:17:48) Argh! "Question to Topalov: Veselin, with what feeling will you come to play tomorrow? With great enthusiasm. I am tired of rest!" On the other front: "unfortunately, Vladimir could not appear here – he is not feeling well" Disgusting! It's a good thing they opened the toilets, because I need one to puke right now! So they give in on everything, except on the 3:2 score, just to get Kramnik less advantage and to wear him out. Argh! Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-02 16:03:25) FIDE vs. Kramnik Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 5) 0-1 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-02 16:06:15) After toilet gate... Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 6) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 c5 8.e4 Bg6 9.Be3 cxd4 10.Qxd4 Qxd4 11.Bxd4 Nfd7 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Bxc4 a6 14.Ke2 Rg8 15.Rhd1 Rc8 16.b3 Bc5 17.a5 Ke7 18.Na4 Bb4 19.Nb6 Nxb6 20.Bxb6 f6 21.Rd3 Rc6 22.h4 Rgc8 23.g4 Bc5 24.Rad1 Bxb6 25.Rd7+ Kf8 26.axb6 Rxb6 27.R1d6 Rxd6 28.Rxd6 Rc6 29.Rxc6 bxc6 30.b4 e5 31.Bxa6 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-03 19:18:18) Open letter Another letter of support to Vladimir Kramnik, written by famous chess grandmasters... (source www.chessbase.com) Monday 2nd of October 2006 Dear Vladimir, Through absolutely no fault of your own, you have suffered the consequences of an unprecedented combination of unethical behaviour from your opponent and glaring incompetence, for lack of a stronger word, on the part of the Appeals Committee. In spite of evidently unfair treatment, which has not only resulted in your being forfeited one game, but also being subjected to petty attacks and ridiculous accusations from the opposing camp, you have agreed to continue the match for the sake of reunifying the chess world. This is a very impressive decision. It testifies to your remarkable sense of honour and is worthy of your true status of World Champion. Regardless of the final result of this match you have earned the deepest respect of your fellow Grandmasters and colleagues as well as countless chess fans around the world. Thank you for being a model sportsman in a time and place where so many circumstances turned against you. You deserve to win. With unfailing support, GM Joel Lautier IM Almira Skripchenko GM Viktor Korchnoi GM Laurent Fressinet GM Nigel Short GM Alexandra Kosteniuk GM Pavel Tregubov GM Pentala Harikrishna GM Yannick Pelletier WGM Sophie Milliet GM Lev Alburt WIM Anna Hahn GM Rustam Dautov GM Yasser Seirawan GM Emanuel Berg GM Helmut Pfleger WIM Olena Boytsun GM Vladimir Barksij GM Bartlomiej Macieja IM Maxim Notkin GM Alexander Baburin GM Tony Kosten GM Alexander Khalifman Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-04 16:21:00) Danailov accuses Kramnik of using Fritz9 The manager of Topalov (Silvio Danailov) now accuses Kramnik of cheating, using Fritz 9. Here are his statistics : Game 1 : From 75 moves: After move 12, from 65 remaining moves 41 moves match with the first line of Fritz 9. (63% of matches) Game 2 : From 63 moves: After move 17, from 46 remaining moves 40 moves match with the first line of Fritz 9. (87% of matches) Game 3 : From 38 moves: After move 10, from 46 remaining moves 40 moves match with the first line of Fritz 9. (87% of matches) Game 4 : From 54 moves: After move 14, from 40 remaining moves 30 moves match with the first line of Fritz 9. (75% of matches) Game 6 : From 31 moves: After move 13, from 18 remaining moves 14 moves match with the first line of Fritz 9. (78% of matches) Out of 5 games, 78% of Vladimir Kramnik’s moves would match with the first line of Fritz 9. Seems to be a lot but is it enough ? (no IMO, and it simply doesn't mean anything at all...) Furthermore, it seems to be very hard to prove, as the "first line" of Fritz 9 depends on many parameters... It's probably easy to obtain this result on demand, or to say at a 2800 level, if it doesn't match with Fritz moves, that it matches with Shredder, Junior or Hydra or... :( The only conclusion is Kramnik's style is closer to Fritz than other engines.. (what a scoop...) Topalov's team has probably no other choice now than to attack & attack until death... This is clearly psychological attack, this match could end really dirty :/ I think these statistics are really too conclusive so that it's realistic ! .. Kramnik is not stupid : There's no need to play Fritz first line to win against Topalov (and finally be accused of using Fritz 9), and it's certainly not the best way to win either... Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-06 11:57:32) Game 7 : Draw Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 7) 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bd3 dxc4 6. Bxc4 c5 7. O-O a6 8. Bb3 cxd4 9. exd4 Nc6 10. Nc3 Be7 11. Re1 O-O 12. a4 Bd7 13. Ne5 Be8 14. Be3 Rc8 15. Rc1 Nb4 16. Qf3 Bc6 17. Qh3 Bd5 18. Nxd5 Nbxd5 19. Rcd1 Rc7 20. Bg5 Qc8 21. Qf3 Rd8 22. h4 h6 23. Bc1 Bb4 24. Rf1 Bd6 25. g3 b6 26. Qe2 Ne7 27. Rfe1 Bxe5 28. dxe5 Rxd1 29. Qxd1 Nfd5 30. Bd2 Rc5 31. Qg4 Nf5 32. Qe4 b5 33. h5 bxa4 34. Qxa4 Rb5 35. Rc1 Qb7 36. Bc2 Nb6 37. Qg4 Rxb2 38. Be4 Qd7 39. Be1 Nd5 40. Bd3 Nb4 41. Bf1 Nd3 42. Qd1 Nxe5 43. Qxd7 Nxd7 44. Rc8+ Kh7 45. Rc7 Rb1 46. Rxd7 Rxe1 47. Rxf7 a5 48. Kg2 Kg8 49. Ra7 Re5 50. g4 Nd6 51. Bd3 Kf8 52. Bg6 Rd5 53. f3 e5 54. Kf2 Rd2+ 55. Ke1 Rd5 56. Ke2 Rb5 57. Rd7 Rd5 58. Ra7 Rb5 59. Bd3 Rd5 60. Bg6 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-06 11:59:22) Topalov wins game 8 Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 8) 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 e6 5. e3 Nbd7 6. Bd3 dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Be2 Bb7 9. O-O b4 10. Na4 c5 11. dxc5 Nxc5 12. Bb5+ Ncd7 13. Ne5 Qc7 14. Qd4 Rd8 15. Bd2 Qa5 16. Bc6 Be7 17. Rfc1 Bxc6 18. Nxc6 Qxa4 19. Nxd8 Bxd8 20. Qxb4 Qxb4 21. Bxb4 Nd5 22. Bd6 f5 23. Rc8 N5b6 24. Rc6 Be7 25. Rd1 Kf7 26. Rc7 Ra8 27. Rb7 Ke8 28. Bxe7 Kxe7 29. Rc1 a5 30. Rc6 Nd5 31. h4 h6 32. a4 g5 33. hxg5 hxg5 34. Kf1 g4 35. Ke2 N5f6 36. b3 Ne8 37. f3 g3 38. Rc1 Nef6 39. f4 Kd6 40. Kf3 Nd5 41. Kxg3 Nc5 42. Rg7 Rb8 43. Ra7 Rg8+ 44. Kf3 Ne4 45. Ra6+ Ke7 46. Rxa5 Rg3+ 47. Ke2 Rxe3+ 48. Kf1 Rxb3 49. Ra7+ Kf6 50. Ra8 Nxf4 51. Ra1 Rb2 52. a5 Rf2+ 0-1 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-07 20:20:04) Topalov takes the lead Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 9) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Bg6 7.Nxg6 hxg6 8.a3 Nbd7 9.g3 Be7 10.f4 dxc4 11.Bxc4 0-0 12.e4 b5 13.Be2 b4 14.axb4 Bxb4 15.Bf3 Qb6 16.0-0 e5 17.Be3 Rad8 18.Na4 Qb8 19.Qc2 exf4 20.Bxf4 Qb7 21.Rad1 Rfe8 22.Bg5 Be7 23.Kh1 Nh7 24.Be3 Bg5 25.Bg1 Nhf8 26.h4 Be7 27.e5 Nb8 28.Nc3 Bb4 29.Qg2 Qc8 30.Rc1 Bxc3 31.bxc3 Ne6 32.Bg4 Qc7 33.Rcd1 Nd7 34.Qa2 Nb6 35.Rf3 Nf8 36.Rdf1 Re7 37.Be3 Nh7 38.Rxf7 Nd5 39.R7f3 1-0 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-08 17:36:39) Kramnik wins Game 10 Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 10) 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Be7 6.Bg2 0-0 7.0-0 c6 8.Bf4 Nbd7 9.Qc2 a5 10.Rd1 Nh5 11.Bc1 b5 12.cxd5 cxd5 13.e4 dxe4 14.Qxe4 Rb8 15.Qe2 Nhf6 16.Bf4 Rb6 17.Ne5 Nd5 18.Bxd5 exd5 19.Nc3 Nf6 20.Nxb5 Ba6 21.a4 Ne4 22.Rdc1 Qe8 23.Rc7 Bd8 24.Ra7 f6 25.Nd7 Rf7 26.Nxb6 Rxa7 27.Nxd5 Rd7 28.Ndc3 Rxd4 29.Re1 f5 30.Qc2 Rb4 31.Nd5 Rxb5 32.axb5 Qxb5 33.Nc7 Qc4 34.Qd1 Bxc7 35.Qd7 h6 36.Qxc7 Qb4 37.Qb8+ Qxb8 38.Bxb8 Nd2 39.Ra1 g5 40.f4 Nb3 41.Ra3 Bc4 42.Bc7 g4 43.Bxa5 1-0 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-10 16:16:37) To be continued... Open Letter To FIDE President H.E. Kirsan Illyumzhinov To Head of the 2006 Executive Committee Mr. Valery Bovaev Dear Mr President, Gentlemen, Having received innumerable published and unpublished inquiries I would like to clarify, in the name of Vladimir Kramnik and his team, our position in the decision taken by FIDE regarding the fifth game of the current World Championship match. As you know Vladimir Kramnik is playing the current match under protest. Nothing has changed in our attitude, which is documented by Kramnik’s actions around the fifth game and our statements, protests and letters: 29.09.2006: http://www.kramnik.com/eng/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=104 02.10.2006: http://www.kramnik.com/eng/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=106 04.10.2006: http://www.kramnik.com/eng/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=107 Consistent with this standpoint Vladimir Kramnik will be playing this match, including a possible tiebreak, up to the last move under protest. Should the decision of FIDE regarding the fifth game have any influence on the awarding of the World Championship title, with Mr Topalov receiving the title after being granted a free point for the unplayed game, Mr Kramnik declares unequivocally: “I will not recognize Mr Topalov as World Champion under these conditions, and I will take legal action against FIDE at the end of the World Championship.” The damage done to Mr Kramnik in public opinion (e.g. the slander campaign) after the illegal release of private video images by the then FIDE Appeals Committee or the WCC 2006 Executive Committee to the Topalov team, and the subsequent release of these video images and private information of Mr Kramnik in his restroom to the mass media, as well as the interruption of the match, which broke Mr Kramnik’s concentration and playing rhythm, will all be part of the legal action which will be initiated. As a sign of good will Mr Kramnik once again requests FIDE to arrange for game five to be played out on the board immediately after game 12. This in our opinion is the only way to alleviate the personal, sporting, judicial and ethical injuries that have been incurred by Mr Kramnik. Elista, October 10, 2006 On behalf of Vladimir Kramnik Yours sincerely Carsten Hensel (Manager to Vladimir Kramnik, Classical World Chess Champion) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-10 18:39:24) Game 11 : Draw Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (game 11) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Bg6 7.Nxg6 hxg6 8.Rb1 Nbd7 9.c5 a5 10.a3 e5 11.b4 axb4 12.axb4 Qc7 13.f4 exf4 14.exf4 Be7 15.Be2 Nf8 16.0-0 Ne6 17.g3 Qd7 18.Qd3 Ne4 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Qxe4 Qxd4+ 21.Qxd4 Nxd4 22.Bc4 0-0 23.Kg2 Ra4 24.Rd1 Rd8 25.Be3 Bf6 26.g4 Kf8 27.Bf2 Ne6 28.Rxd8+ Bxd8 29.f5 gxf5 30.gxf5 Nf4+ 31.Kf3 Nh5 32.Rb3 Bc7 33.h4 Nf6 34.Bd3 Nd7 35.Be4 Ne5+ 36.Kg2 Ra2 37.Bb1 Rd2 38.Kf1 Ng4 39.Bg1 Bh2 40.Ke1 Rd5 41.Bf2 Ke7 42.h5 Nxf2 43.Kxf2 Kf6 44.Kf3 Rd4 45.b5 Rc4 46.bxc6 bxc6 47.Rb6 Rxc5 48.Be4 Kg5 49.Rxc6 Ra5 50.Rb6 Ra3+ 51.Kg2 Bc7 52.Rb7 Rc3 53.Kf2 Kxh5 54.Bd5 f6 55.Ke2 Kg4 56.Be4 Kf4 57.Bd3 Rc5 58.Rb4+ Kg3 59.Rc4 Re5+ 60.Re4 Ra5 61.Re3+ Kg2 62.Be4+ Kh2 63.Rb3 Ra2+ 64.Kd3 Bf4 65.Kc4 Re2 66.Kd5 1/2-1/2 It is still possible Kramnik walks out the match if next (and last) game is a draw too... :/ Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-12 18:24:22) Game 12 : Draw Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (game 12) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 Bf5 5.Nc3 e6 6.Nh4 Bg6 7.Nxg6 hxg6 8.g3 Nbd7 9.Bd2 Bb4 10.Qb3 Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Ne4 12.Bg2 Nxc3 13.Qxc3 f5 14.0-0 Qe7 15.cxd5 exd5 16.b4 Nf6 17.Rfc1 Ne4 18.Qb2 0-0 19.b5 Rac8 20.bxc6 bxc6 21.Qe2 g5 22.Rab1 Qd7 23.Rc2 Rf6 24.Rbc1 g4 25.Rb2 Rh6 26.Qa6 Rc7 27.Rb8+ Kh7 28.Qa3 Rb7 29.Qf8 Rxb8 30.Qxb8 Qf7 31.Qc8 Qh5 32.Kf1 Nd2+ 33.Ke1 Nc4 34.Bf1 Rf6 35.Bxc4 dxc4 36.Rxc4 Qxh2 37.Ke2 Qh1 38.Rc5 Qb1 39.Qa6 Qb2+ 40.Kf1 Qb1+ 41.Ke2 Qb2+ 42.Kf1 Rh6 43.Qd3 g6 44.Qb3 Rh1+ 45.Kg2 Rh2+ 46.Kxh2 Qxf2+ 47.Kh1 Qf1+ 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-13 14:59:59) Rapid games : Kramnik leads... Veselin Topalov - Vladimir Kramnik (rapid 1) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.e3 e6 7.Bxc4 Bb4 8.0-0 Nbd7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.e4 Bg6 11.Bd3 Bh5 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nxd5 cxd5 14.Qe3 Re8 15.Ne1 Rc8 16.f4 Bxe1 17.Rxe1 Bg6 18.Bf1 Rc2 19.b3 Qa5 20.Bb5 Rd8 21.Re2 Rcc8 22.Bd2 Qb6 23.Rf2 a6 24.Bf1 Rc6 25.b4 Rc2 26.b5 a5 27.Bc3 Rxf2 28.Qxf2 Qa7 29.Qd2 Ra8 30.Rc1 Nb6 31.Bb2 Nxa4 32.Ba3 h6 33.h3 Be4 34.Kh2 Nb6 35.Bc5 a4 36.Ra1 Nc4 37.Bxc4 b6 38.Qe3 Rc8 39.Bf1 bxc5 40.dxc5 Qxc5 41.Qxc5 Rxc5 42.b6 Rc6 43.b7 Rb6 44.Ba6 d4 45.Rxa4 Bxb7 46.Bxb7 Rxb7 47.Rxd4 1/2-1/2 Vladimir Kramnik - Veselin Topalov (rapid 2) 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.e3 Nbd7 6.Qc2 Bd6 7.b3 0-0 8.Be2 b6 9.0-0 Bb7 10.Bb2 Re8 11.Rad1 Qe7 12.Rfe1 Rac8 13.Bd3 e5 14.e4 dxc4 15.Bxc4 b5 16.Bf1 g6 17.Qd2 Rcd8 18.Qg5 a6 19.h3 exd4 20.Nxd4 Qe5 21.Qxe5 Nxe5 22.Nc2 g5 23.Bc1 h6 24.Be3 c5 25.f3 Bf8 26.Bf2 Bc8 27.Ne3 Be6 28.Ned5 Bxd5 29.exd5 Ned7 30.Rxe8 Rxe8 31.a4 b4 32.Ne4 Nxe4 33.fxe4 Nf6 34.d6 Nxe4 35.d7 Rd8 36.Bxa6 f5 37.a5 Bg7 38.Bc4+ Kf8 39.a6 Nxf2 40.Kxf2 Bd4+ 41.Rxd4 cxd4 42.a7 Ke7 43.Bd5 Kxd7 44.a8Q Rxa8 45.Bxa8 1-0 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-13 17:57:26) Kramnik world champion ! Congratulations to Vladimir Kramnik ! .. I was to say "this is a great day for chess" but I think I'll wait to see how FIDE will manage it... At least this is a great day for Kramnik :) The story "ends well" at first sight, but can Topalov sue Fide as I read it already... To be continued. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-14 18:33:37) Chess and Go diagrams / Forum update A major update for FICGS forums (& blogs) ! Now you can insert Chess & Go diagrams in messages... (useful to submit chess problems, analysis and so on...) See the FAQ in help section - http://www.ficgs.com/help.html - for details, in example here is the position of the last game in the FIDE world chess championship between Veselin Topalov & Vladimir Kramnik, just before Topalov blunder 44. ...Rxc5 ?? ChessPosition (see diagram) Diagrams format is quite simple (see Help), please note only one diagram / position will be displayed per message. Also minor bugs (links, search functions) corrected... Thibault de Vassal    (2006-10-30 08:54:15) Re: JUDIT POLGAR Hi Dinesh. Seems to be a question a money ?! .. If I remember correctly, Sergey Karjakin was to play Topalov with a 1 M$ prize fund (?), so why not a Judit Polgar vs. Vladimir Kramnik match... She (probably) only needs a good sponsor and a serious preparation to create such an interesting event... I'm sure Kramnik would play it. I don't remember Judit playing a 6+ game match, but I feel it would be hard for her, first because of Kramnik style (& Judit's). Anyway, great performance at Essent with a 2-0 mini-match against V. Topalov and I. Sokolov ! Thibault de Vassal    (2006-11-14 16:47:18) Kramnik vs. Deep Fritz, 2006 In less than 2 weeks from now, classical & FIDE world champion Vladimir Kramnik will play the best (at least most famous) chess program Deep Fritz 10 ! From november 25 to december 5, 2006 at the Federal Art Hall in Bonn. One million US dollars for Kramnik if he defeats Deep Fritz, half this amount otherwise... We did not forget the previous match in Bahrain (2002), that ended with a 3-3 score. Do you feel Fritz improved enough to beat a player like Kramnik, who most probably improved his play too... Will Kramnik play rather different openings than in his match against Topalov ? .. Anyway it should be an interesting match to follow. A few links : http://www.kramnik.com/eng/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=95 http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2947 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-11-26 12:51:03) Game 1 Vladimir Kramnik - Deep Fritz 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qd3 c5 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.Nf3 0-0 10.0-0 Qe7 11.Nc3 b6 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.Qxe4 Nf6 14.Qh4 Bb7 15.Bg5 Rfd8 16.Bxf6 Qxf6 17.Qxf6 gxf6 18.Rfd1 Kf8 19.Ne1 Bxg2 20.Kxg2 f5 21.Rxd8+ Rxd8 22.Nd3 Bd4 23.Rc1 e5 24.Rc2 Rd5 25.Nb4 Rb5 26.Nxa6 Rxb2 27.Rxb2 Bxb2 28.Nb4 Kg7 29.Nd5 Bd4 30.a4 Bc5 31.h3 f6 32.f3 Kg6 33.e4 h5 34.g4 hxg4 35.hxg4 fxe4 36.fxe4 Kg5 37.Kf3 Kg6 38.Ke2 Kg5 39.Kd3 Bg1 40.Kc4 Bf2 41.Kb5 Kxg4 42.Nxf6+ Kf3 43.Kc6 Bh4 44.Nd7 Kxe4 45.Kxb6 Bf2+ 46.Kc6 Be1 47.Nxe5 ½-½ Does Kramnik really hope to win the match in a struggle, just wait for a bug or only manage a draw more... Waiting for the 2nd game. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-11-27 18:13:06) Game 1 : Kramnik misses a win GM Yasser Seirawan posted an article on Chessbase, explaining how Vladimir Kramnik missed the win against Deep Fritz in game 1 : http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3508 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-11-27 20:46:06) Game 2 ... Deep Fritz - Vladimir Kramnik 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.e4 b5 4.a4 c6 5.Nc3 b4 6.Na2 Nf6 7.e5 Nd5 8.Bxc4 e6 9.Nf3 a5 10.Bg5 Qb6 11.Nc1 Ba6 12.Qe2 h6 13.Be3 Bxc4 14.Qxc4 Nd7 15.Nb3 Be7 16.Rc1 0-0 17.0-0 Rfc8 18.Qe2 c5 19.Nfd2 Qc6 20.Qh5 Qxa4 21.Nxc5 Nxc5 22.dxc5 Nxe3 23.fxe3 Bxc5 24.Qxf7+ Kh8 25.Qf3 Rf8 26.Qe4 Qd7 27.Nb3 Bb6 28.Rfd1 Qf7 29.Rf1 Qa7 30.Rxf8+ Rxf8 31.Nd4 a4 32.Nxe6 Bxe3+ 33.Kh1 Bxc1 34.Nxf8 Qe3 35.Qh7# 1-0 ... I have no word. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-11-29 19:38:21) Another draw with White :/ Vladimir Kramnik - Deep Fritz 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 dxc4 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 a6 7. Qc2 c5 8. Nf3 b6 9. Ne5 Nd5 10. Nc3 Bb7 11. Nxd5 Bxd5 12. Bxd5 exd5 13. O-O Nxe5 14. dxe5 Qc8 15. Rd1 Qe6 16. Qd3 Be7 17. Qxd5 Rd8 18. Qb3 Rxd1+ 19. Qxd1 O-O 20. Qb3 c4 21. Qc3 f6 22. b3 Rc8 23. Bb2 b5 24. Qe3 fxe5 25. bxc4 Rxc4 26. Bxe5 h6 27. Rd1 Rc2 28. Qb3 Qxb3 29. axb3 Rxe2 30. Bd6 Bf6 31. Bc5 a5 32. Bd4 Be7 33. Bc3 a4 34. bxa4 bxa4 35. Rd7 Bf8 36. Rd8 Kf7 37. Ra8 a3 38. Rxf8+ Kxf8 39. Bb4+ Kf7 40. Bxa3 Ra2 41. Bc5 g6 42. h4 Kf6 43. Be3 h5 44. Kg2 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-01 11:19:43) Deep Fritz, Rybka & future The Chess Challenge 2006 in Bonn between classical world champion Vladimir Kramnik and chess engine Deep Fritz 10 confirms (who ignored ?) the best chess programs can rivalize with the world champion in a match, but it first shows us these calculating monsters still have weaknesses. Question is : What are the real improvements in Fritz 10 compared to Fritz 9 (engine speaking only) ? Here is what I think about chess engines nowadays (Fritz 10, Shredder, 10, Junior 10, Hiarcs 10 and particularly Rybka 2.2) : The way of think to play correspondence chess is (or should be) mostly human one combined with a chess engine algorithm. We follow the tree of moves like a program with our selective algorithm (much better than chess engines), applying our judgement of the position when necessary only. The point is we evaluate moves and we almost never evaluate a position twice. Chess engines are very good analysis tools but are surprisingly not designed to be very good chess players. I think a major improvement in chess engines should be recognition of 'sufficient moves' : ie. it is no worth to always find the best move at a particular point of the tree, this reflection time could be used later... It depends on the evaluation of the position, on the clocks... Iterative model is quite basic (in a game at least !). Another point is recognition of traps. This is the start of psychology in chess engines, and basics of the art of war. It first depends on who your opponent is, and on the clocks too. Finally, at the end of the tree, chess engines evaluate positions, but how many evaluate moves ? .. Speculative moves were a step, but it first shew chess engines were not able yet to see what move is worth to be analysed really deeper, consequently creating a 'human' weakness, particularly against some other chess engines. I don't know how Rybka works, but as far as I read about this one that calculates much less positions (about 10 times) than Fritz, I wouldn't be surprised that Vasik Rajlich had implemented a better approach of human way of think, which is undoubtly the future of chess engines. A good 'centaur' in ie. Playchess rapid tournaments is first a good choice between Chessbase engines according to the position and clocks. Fritz qualities probably apply best in standard games, where clocks are really designed for him. Among Chessbase engines, Hiarcs is probably the best Blitz player and could be the best correspondence chess player (even if it isn't the best CC tool for humans). Rybka is probably a kind of centaur itself (sorry, herself ;)), knowing when to use (in the tree !) brute force and more selective approachs - not to be compared to Hydra or Deep Blue which, on contrary, use most brute force. My conclusion is chess engines have much to learn from humans yet, we'll see a Rybka 5 and Fritz 13, with much better results against other chess engines, but their results shouldn't increase a lot against the best humans in future. Finally, it will never be a good correspondence chess player :) My two cents. If I find time, I'll continue to implement my own chess engine..... but it's a lot of work :/ Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-02 04:30:34) Game 4 Deep Fritz - Vladimir Kramnik 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 Nxe4 4. Bd3 d5 5. Nxe5 Nd7 6. Nxd7 Bxd7 7. O-O Bd6 8. Qh5 Qf6 9. Nc3 Qxd4 10. Nxd5 Bc6 11. Ne3 g6 12. Qh3 Ng5 13. Qg4 Qf4 14. Qxf4 Bxf4 15. Nc4 Ne6 16. Bxf4 Nxf4 17. Rfe1+ Kf8 18. Bf1 Bb5 19. a4 Ba6 20. b4 Bxc4 21. Bxc4 Rd8 22. Re4 Nh5 23. Rae1 Rd7 24. h3 Ng7 25. Re5 Nf5 26. Bb5 c6 27. Bd3 Nd6 28. g4 Kg7 29. f4 Rhd8 30. Kg2 Nc8 31. a5 Rd4 32. R5e4 Kf8 33. Kf3 h6 34. Rxd4 Rxd4 35. Re4 Rd6 36. Ke3 g5 37. Rd4 Ke7 38. c4 Rxd4 39. Kxd4 gxf4 40. Ke4 Kf6 41. Kxf4 Ne7 42. Be4 b6 43. c5 bxc5 44. bxc5 Ng6+ 45. Ke3 Ne7 46. Kd4 Ke6 47. Bf3 f5 48. Bd1 Kf6 49. Bc2 fxg4 50. hxg4 Ke6 51. Bb1 Kf6 52. Be4 Ke6 53.Bh1 Kf6 54. Bf3 Ke6 1/2-1/2 ... I really wonder if Kramnik played this Petroff defense with any hope to win. Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-03 20:55:29) Game 5 Vladimir Kramnik - Deep Fritz 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Bb4 5.e3 0-0 6.a3 Bxc3+ 7.bxc3 c5 8.Bb2 Nc6 9.Rc1 Re8 10.Bd3 dxc4 11.Bxc4 e5 12.dxe5 Qxd1+ 13.Rxd1 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Rxe5 15.Be2 Bd7 16.c4 Re7 17.h4 Ne4 18.h5 Ba4 19.Rd3 b5 20.cxb5 Bxb5 21.Rd1 Bxe2 22.Kxe2 Rb8 23.Ba1 f5 24.Rd5 Rb3 25.Rxf5 Rxa3 26.Rb1 Re8 27.Rf4 Ra2+ 28.Ke1 h6 29.Rg4 g5 30.hxg6 Nxf2 31.Rh4 Rf8 32.Kf1 Nh3+ 33.Ke1 Nf2 34.Kf1 Nh3+ 35.Ke1 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-04 01:27:44) Reminds me something... Ok, now I'm afraid conditions are 'ok' so that Kramnik looses this match... Let's say game 6 is a draw, Deep Fritz 10 wins the match by score 3,5-2,5 first program on a normal computer to beat a world champion. Great... However Vladimir Kramnik can be satisfied of his performance, he obtained a completely winning position and didn't really loose any game. He just gave his opponent a full point in a draw position. Honor is safe, everyone wins. Like the song, what a wonderful world :) Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-06 00:05:33) Deep Fritz 10 ... wins the match 4-2 It's a shock (even if Kramnik said it and repeated - deeeep fritz is favorite). It's hard to explain such a result. Deep Fritz - Vladimir Kramnik 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bc4 e6 7.0-0 Be7 8.Bb3 Qc7 9.Re1 Nc6 10.Re3 0-0 11.Rg3 Kh8 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Qe2 a5 14.Bg5 Ba6 15.Qf3 Rab8 16.Re1 c5 17.Bf4 Qb7 18.Bc1 Ng8 19.Nb1 Bf6 20.c3 g6 21.Na3 Qc6 22.Rh3 Bg7 23.Qg3 a4 24.Bc2 Rb6 25.e5 dxe5 26.Rxe5 Nf6 27.Qh4 Qb7 28.Re1 h5 29.Rf3 Nh7 30.Qxa4 Qc6 31.Qxc6 Rxc6 32.Ba4 Rb6 33.b3 Kg8 34.c4 Rd8 35.Nb5 Bb7 36.Rfe3 Bh6 37.Re5 Bxc1 38.Rxc1 Rc6 39.Nc3 Rc7 40.Bb5 Nf8 41.Na4 Rdc8 42.Rd1 Kg7 43.Rd6 f6 44.Re2 e5 45.Red2 g5 46.Nb6 Rb8 47.a4 1-0 It seems to me it was allowed to Kramnik to consult Fritz opening book, so first why to play 8. ...Qc7 !? Thibault de Vassal    (2006-12-26 15:43:07) Topalov disqualified for three years ? Carsten Hensel (Vladimir Kramnik's manager) has submitted a complaint to FIDE, Veselin Topalov would have broken the ethical code of FIDE in a ABC interview. More in Chessbase news : http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3562 Thibault de Vassal    (2007-01-28 19:34:00) Rybka 2.2 vs. Fritz 10 Harry Schnapp organized a 6 games match between Rybka 2.2 and Fritz 10 on DUAL XEON 5160 (4x3000Mhz), the same computer Fritz 10 played and won against Vladimir Kramnik. Rybka : 5,5 - Fritz : 0,5 http://perso.orange.fr/lefouduroi/tournois/tournois66.htm All details and article in German / French. Now look at the games... What do you think ? Thibault de Vassal    (2007-02-11 16:42:09) Topalov suspected Investigations to come. FIDE & ACP, Pavel Tregubov accusations... Is Silvio Danailov the 'teddy bear' of Topalov ? :) The whole story : http://www.kommersant.com/page.asp?id=741182 Really strange to see Veselin Topalov under attack the same way Vladimir Kramnik was.. by him. To be continued. Dinesh De Silva    (2007-02-23 13:28:31) Re: Nicola, I bet Kasparov will see your comments and will be mighty pleased! Who knows, he just might even give you some free chess lessons. One thing is certain., Kasparov will NOT give Vladimir Putin of Russia any free chess lessons. Haha! Thibault de Vassal    (2007-03-26 18:59:43) How Politics Imitates Chess Garry Kasparov is probably not a philosopher, however it is not obvious to me that Chess Imitates Life, as (you said it) there's nothing bigger than life... Chess is a part of life. On the contrary, we could say life imitates chess because some decisions, sometimes, can be reduced (as far as possible) to chess strategies like reality can be reduced to science. The same, How Reality Imitates Science makes sense to me, whereas How Science Imitates Reality doesn't. "How politics finally does not imitate Chess" by Garry Kasparov should be much more interesting :-) .. with a preface by Vladimir Putin : "How life doesn't imitate politics" :> In France, the election sometimes makes me think to a.. more than chess, a Go game... I think Nicolas Sarkozy uses some chess(Go)-like strategies and knows openings/Joseki & tactics best. At least he may know very well the work of Arthur Schopenhauer : "The world as will and representation" & "L'art d'avoir toujours raison". In comparison, Ségolène Royal and other candidates seem to use faith and "religion". Anyway, the result should be quite the same as life doesn't imitate politics much nowadays :/ Thibault de Vassal    (2007-04-02 21:52:55) Anand number 1 ! Here is the FIDE elo, 2007 april list. http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3771 1 Anand, Viswanathan g IND 2786 2 Topalov, Veselin g BUL 2772 3 Kramnik, Vladimir g RUS 2772 4 Morozevich, Alexander g RUS 2762 5 Aronian, Levon g ARM 2759 6 Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar g AZE 2757 7 Radjabov, Teimour g AZE 2747 8 Leko, Peter g HUN 2738 9 Svidler, Peter g RUS 2736 10 Adams, Michael g ENG 2734 11 Gelfand, Boris g ISR 2733 12 Ivanchuk, Vassily g UKR 2729 13 Polgar, Judit g HUN 2727 14 Navara, David g CZE 2720 15 Ponomariov, Ruslan g UKR 2717 16 Grischuk, Alexander g RUS 2717 17 Bacrot, Etienne g FRA 2709 18 Jakovenko, Dmitry g RUS 2708 19 Kamsky, Gata g USA 2705 20 Shirov, Alexei g ESP 2699 21 Akopian, Vladimir g ARM 2698 22 Carlsen, Magnus g NOR 2693 23 Nisipeanu, Liviu-Dieter g ROM 2693 24 Short, Nigel D g ENG 2691 25 Sasikiran, Krishnan g IND 2690 Nice to see a player like Morozevich at this level... Nick Burrows    (2007-04-30 16:31:33) T vs K - Cochrane Gambit Heres the game Thibault!? [Event "XVI Ciudad de Linares 99"] [Site "Linares ESP"] [Date "1999.??.??"] [EventDate "?"] [Round "8"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [White "Veselin Topalov"] [Black "Vladimir Kramnik"] [ECO "C42"] [WhiteElo "2700"] [BlackElo "2751"] [PlyCount "62"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nxf7 Kxf7 5. Nc3 c5 6. Bc4+ Be6 7. Bxe6+ Kxe6 8. d4 Kf7 9. dxc5 Nc6 10. Qe2 Qd7 11. Be3 dxc5 12. f4 Re8 13. e5 Ng4 14. Rd1 Qf5 15. O-O h5 16. Bc1 Nd4 17. Qc4+ Kg6 18. h3 Nh6 19. Nb5 a6 20. Nxd4 cxd4 21. Qxd4 Rc8 22. Qb6+ Kh7 23. Qxb7 Rxc2 24. Be3 Qg6 25. Rc1 Rxc1 26. Rxc1 Nf5 27. Bf2 h4 28. Rc7 Ng3 29. Kh2 Nf1+ 30. Kg1 Qb1 31. Bxh4 Bc5+ 1/2-1/2 Thibault de Vassal    (2007-05-27 19:13:09) Candidates Matches 2007 I just read the Chessbase news : http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3886 I was first surprised to learn that Etienne Bacrot (after Grischuk) turned to poker also... Levon Aronian (ARM) - Magnus Carlsen (NOR) Alexei Shirov (ESP) - Michael Adams (GBR) Ruslan Ponomariov (UKR) - Sergei Rublevsky (RUS) Alexander Grischuk (RUS) - Vladimir Malakhov (RUS) Peter Leko (HUN) - Mikhail Gurevich (TUR) Judith Polgar (HUN) - Evgeny Bareev (RUS) Boris Gelfand (ISR) - Rustam Kasimjanov (UZB) Etienne Bacrot (FRA) - Gata Kamsky (USA) In this round my favourites are : Carlsen, Shirov, Ponomariov, Grischuk, Leko, Polgar, Kasimjanov, Kamsky. Hard to say who will win this knockout tournament... Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-01 18:05:21) Vladimir Kramnik interview An interesting interview with Vladimir Kramnik on the current world of chess in Chessbase news, speaking of the chess world championship in Mexico, the current format, the place of Topalov in it, also his illness and married life... Very clear, looks like his chess :) http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3894 http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3899 Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-07 18:52:46) Kramnik on cheating Vladimir Kramnik on cheating accusations in Elista, the next part of his interview by Chessbase : http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3911 Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-13 14:55:34) The battle of Elista The last part of the interview, Vladimir Kramnik on game 5 in his match against Veselin Topalov, when he didn't appear at the board : http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=3912 Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-23 19:46:32) Dortmund 2007 The Dortmund 2007 tournament just started, a category 20 event with Vladimir Kramnik (recovering from illness), Viswanathan Anand, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Peter Leko, Boris Gelfand and Magnus Carlsen... Who is the man of the moment, able to win such a tourney in your opinion ? ... well, and where is Veselin Topalov ?! Sergey Pligin    (2007-06-27 19:24:46) Our team Here is our squad, in accordance of boards: 1. Sumets Andrey, Member # 2137, GM 2. Pljusnin Ivan, Member # 2147 3. Pligin Sergey, Member # 2189 4. Doinikov Owl, Member # 2191 5. Romitsin Nikolay Sergeevich, Member # 2159 6. Vovk Andrey, Member # 2144, IM 7. Yunusov Adkham, Member # 2124 8. Pavlikov Andrey Nikolayevich, Member # 2182 9. Leskiv Miroslav, Member # 2133 10. Domanov Dmitry, Member # 2130 11. Kragujevcanin Stole, Member # 2148 12. Silkin Aleksey, Member # 2198 13. Orlov Sergei, Member # 2207 14. Kim Vladimir, Member # 2139 15. Gerasimov Vladimir, Member # 2190 16. Larin Igor, Member # 2193 17. Zarullin Ivan, Member # 2203 18. Filimonov Evgeny, Member # 2176 19. Pezikov Evgeny, Member # 2174 20. Stork Denis, Member # 2180 21. Mancubov Boris, Member # 2156 22. Ilyuschenko Yury, Member # 2168 23. Prokopenko Alex, Member # 2182 24. Basiliev Iouri, Member # 2205 25. Shpakovsky Alexander, Member # 2185 The following players will play using their real names: Sumets Andrey GM Pligin Sergey Romitsin Nikolay Sergeevich Vovk Andrey IM Yunusov Adkham Pavlikov Andrey Nikolayevich Leskiv Miroslav Domanov Dmitry Silkin Aleksey Orlov Sergei Gerasimov Vladimir Larin Igor Pezikov Evgeny Ilyuschenko Yury Prokopenko Alex Shpakovsky Alexander Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-27 21:18:36) FICGS vs. IGAME.RU, the games Hello to all. The friendly match between FICGS & IGAME.RU teams just started :) http://www.ficgs.com/tournament_FICGS__CHESS__FICGS_VS_IGAME_RU_MATCH.html I'd like to thank Sergey Pligin for organizing this match and all players who registered to play. I apologize to the players who couldn't play :/ .. 25 boards was not enough this time. To build FICGS team I selected players with the highest ratings but one cause his rating should be clearly >2000 already. Also IM Mark Noble plays at table 6 because his opponent is another FIDE IM. I wish good games to everyone, this is a great opportunity for us to meet russian chessfriends. Amici Sumus ! ... quote of the day : "Top boards make the show, last ones win matches." :-) Here are the complete teams : FICGS : 1. Thibault de Vassal # 1 2. Michael Aigner # 139 3. Peter Schuster SM # 323 4. Janos Helmer # 47 5. Miguel Pires # 83 6. Mark Noble IM # 1991 7. Leszek Tymcio # 2151 8. Heinz-Georg Lehnhoff # 142 9. Silviu Nenciulescu # 1319 10. William Taylor # 1232 11. Poulerik Jorgensen # 940 12. Wayne Lowrance # 135 13. Edward Kotlyansky # 1140 14. Christophe Czekaj # 1193 15. Konstantin Dudulec # 1329 16. Robert Mueller # 1233 17. Josef Riha # 157 18. Dan Rotaru # 1394 19. Garvin Gray # 1363 20. Nick Burrows # 1643 21. Vadim Khachaturov # 1078 22. Daniel Khayman # 1032 23. Gaetano Laghetti # 138 24. Alexander Nent # 1411 25. Ilmars Cirulis # 533 IGAME.RU : 1. Sumets Andrey, Member # 2137, GM 2. Pljusnin Ivan, Member # 2147 3. Pligin Sergey, Member # 2189 4. Doinikov Owl, Member # 2191 5. Romitsin Nikolay Sergeevich, Member # 2159 6. Vovk Andrey, Member # 2144, IM 7. Yunusov Adkham, Member # 2124 8. Pavlikov Andrey Nikolayevich, Member # 2157 9. Leskiv Miroslav, Member # 2133 10. Domanov Dmitry, Member # 2130 11. Kragujevcanin Stole, Member # 2148 12. Silkin Aleksey, Member # 2198 13. Orlov Sergei, Member # 2207 14. Kim Vladimir, Member # 2139 15. Gerasimov Vladimir, Member # 2190 16. Larin Igor, Member # 2193 17. Zarullin Ivan, Member # 2203 18. Filimonov Evgeny, Member # 2176 19. Pezikov Evgeny, Member # 2174 20. Stork Denis, Member # 2180 21. Mancubov Boris, Member # 2156 22. Ilyuschenko Yury, Member # 2168 23. Prokopenko Alex, Member # 2182 24. Basiliev Iouri, Member # 2205 25. Shpakovsky Alexander, Member # 2185 Edit : There was a mistake while building the games, I had to make a replacement at board 23. Thibault de Vassal    (2007-06-28 03:22:02) Round 4 Beautiful game (so clear) by Vladimir Kramnik, who beats Magnus Carlsen to take the lead in the tournament... Kramnik,V (2772) - Carlsen,M (2693) [E06] Sparkassen Chess Meeting, Dortmund GER (4), 27.06.2007 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.d4 Be7 5.Bg2 0–0 6.0–0 dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2 Nc6 11.e3 Nb4 12.Bxb4 Bxb4 13.a3 Be7 14.Nbd2 Rc8 15.b4 a5 16.Ne5 Nd5 17.Nb3 axb4 18.Na5 Ba8 19.Nac6 Bxc6 20.Nxc6 Qd7 21.Bxd5 exd5 22.axb4 Rfe8 23.Ra5 Bf8 24.Ne5 Qe6 25.Rxb5 Rb8 26.Rxb8 Rxb8 27.Qxc7 Bd6 28.Qa5 Bxb4 29.Rb1 Qd6 30.Qa4 1–0 Ivan Pljusnin    (2007-08-10 16:21:13) IGAME ratings Polina is not published in IGAME rating-list because she has finished her last game more than three months ago. He