Why I’m not a Grandmaster
OK, so it’s time for a post to ensure this blog is at least 8% chess-related.
India’s had a bit of good news to celebrate recently. They recently launched their first moon mission (although the poor and those who think about the poor are wondering why India should spend the money for that). And the World Chess Championship is being won by India’s champion handily. Through 6 games, Viswanathan Anand is up on Russian Vladimir Kramnik 4.5-1.5, with only 6 games remaining. Kramnik needs to go 5-1 (5 wins, 1 loss or 4 wins, 2 draws) in order to win. It’s not happening.
This position arose from an unusual opening (the GMs said it was unusual, so that sentiment’s not just a symptom of me not knowing any openings). It’s Anand (White) to play.
What do you get out of this position? What’s your move?
Here’s what Anand says: “I spent time looking for something direct but in the end could not find anything better than the queen exchange [which follows],” said Anand. “The endgame is a little awkward for Black as the c-pawn is a bit weak.” He played Rc1.
My reaction: “Eh?”
Since it’s been pointed out to me, I can see why the c-Pawn will be fragile. Nothing I’d think of OTB. I’d probably have done Bg2 (yummy diagonal, although it’s not like Black can’t fight for it), O-O.
I too would have done Bg2, that or a mindless a3 just to force him to do commit to exchanging the bishop or retreat it.
Reply to l3rucewayneI don’t like a3. It doesn’t seem like White needs to force Black to exchange immediately, and it leaves a hole on b3.
For what the opinion of a 1600 is worth.
Reply to DonnieMe neither, its just one of those types of moves I tend to do when I don’t feel like thinking and am just waiting for my opponent to provide me with an easy goal.
Reply to l3rucewayneYou have a nice blog here! I like visiting it!
I offering you a link exchange…
My blog:
http://www.chessgambiter.blogspot.com/
Chessgambiter
Reply to ChessgambiterI probably would have played Bg2 followed by 0-0, but what do I know?
Reply to Polly@l3rucewayne: Yep, me too! That’s why we’re not good.
@Chessgambiter: I’m tepid about doing link exchanges. But I’ll visit your site; if it makes a novel contribution to the chess blog world, I’ll sure link you.
@Polly: As much as me, apparently. Which is to make mindless moves to “develop” without enough understanding of the position.
Reply to Donnie