Jaan Ehlvest vs Zappa (Computer) (2005)

Jaan Ehlvest vs Zappa (Computer)
Zappa - Ehlvest Exhibition Match 2005 · Spanish Game: Closed. Bogoljubow Variation (C91) · 1/2-1/2

[Event "Zappa - Ehlvest Exhibition Match"]
[Site "New York"]
[Date "2005.07.09"]
[EventDate "?"]
[Round "4"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[White "Jaan Ehlvest"]
[Black "Zappa (Computer)"]
[ECO "C91"]
[WhiteElo "?"]
[BlackElo "?"]
[PlyCount "78"]

1. e4 {Comments by GM Ehlvest. In the last game I decided to
continue to play open chess and started with 1.e2-e4, as in
game two I played slow chess with 1.d2-d4 and did not get much
from the opening. Computers play the same regardless of their
opponent, so it means that to make a draw as white against a
computer is not so difficult.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4
Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. d4 d6 9. c3 Bg4 10. Be3
Bh5 11. h3 Na5 12. Bc2 Nc4 13. Bc1 Nd7 14. b3 Ncb6 15. Nbd2 c5
16. g4 Bg6 17. Nf1 {Yes 17.d4-d5 was the right move against
computer keeping the position as closed as possible. I of
course saw this move but instead went for dynamic play where
once again the computer proved that in open positions it
calculates very well. } cxd4 18. cxd4 Rc8 19. Re2 exd4
20. Nxd4 d5 21. e5 Bxc2 22. Nxc2 Re8 23. Nd4 Bc5 24. e6 fxe6
25. Nxe6 Qe7! {! A strong move as after nearly every move Bxf2
is coming. Still white has enough compensation for the pawn.}
26. Bb2 Bxf2+ 27. Rxf2 Qxe6 28. Qd4 Qe5 29. Rd1 Qxd4 30. Bxd4
Rf8 31. Rxf8+ {? The draw was imminent and I just made this
move too carelessly, losing a few tempi in the endgame.} Kxf8
32. Ne3 g6 33. Re1 Rc6 34. Kf2 Kf7 35. Kf3 Nc8 36. Ke2 Ne7
37. Kd3 Nc5+ {This move got some critical remarks from some
internet onlookers, but it is nearly impossible to make the
extra pawn worth of something. Computers are not good
practical players; they don't use methods like keeping the
tension in equal positions and using psychological pressure
against your opponent.} 38. Bxc5 Rxc5 39. Kd4 Rc6 { And a draw
was agreed. Anthony: A bit of an explanation is perhaps in
order here. Zappa needs a minute or so to find the drawing
line for White: 1. Ne3xd5 Ne7xd5 2. Kd4xd5 Rc6-c2 3. a2-a4!
Rc2-c3 4. Re1-e6! Rc3xb3 5. Re6xa6 b5xa4 6. Ra6xa4 Rb3xh3 =
(-0.23) Depth: 17/35 00:01:14.98 283066kN (3775 KN/s, 18467
splits, 1617 aborts) After this Black has 2v1 on the the
kingside in a rook endgame, which is drawn with perfect
play. I didn't feel like grinding out another 50 moves, so I
offered the draw.} 1/2-1/2

To move:

Last move:

Annotations by Jaan Ehlvest. [1 more game annotated by Ehlvest]

explore this opening	find similar games	3 more Zappa/Ehlvest games
	PGN: download \| view	Help: general \| java-troubleshooting

TIP: If we are missing an important game, you can submit it (in PGN format) at our PGN Upload Utility.

For help with this chess viewer, please see the Pgn4web Quickstart Guide.

Sep-24-05		aw1988: !!! Check it out, notes by Ehlvest!

Oct-12-05		ahmadov: <so it means that to make a draw as white against a computer is not so difficult> I think Ehlvest is wrong in his comment on the first move. If his comment was true then the match Adams vs Hydra would not end with a disastrous 0.5:4.5 score.

Oct-12-05		csmath: A comment to offset the arrogance in Ehlvest's comments: (a) this is the only game he earned a draw, and there is absolutely nothing he could do to win here, grinding or not since he would be the one proving the draw. Personally, if my machine was playing here, he would have been forced to play another 50 moves to show that he knows how to manage this. (b) the other draw he got was given to him in a position computer, with a good reason, considered advantageous to itself. The draw was given to Ehlvest by the operator for whatever reason. (c) In the other two games Ehlvest was demolished right out of the opening. For some reason only this game is available in this database which is really funny. I would suggest Ehlvest to avoid playing with computers in the future because I don't think he'll get this lucky the second time around.

Oct-12-05		thomaspaine: <csmath> Where can I see the other Ehlvest-Zappa games?

Oct-12-05		csmath: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/acozzie2/...

Oct-26-05		OhioChessFan: Whew, Ehlvest has absorbed the self promotional spirit of Nimzo. I'd love to see how easily he could draw with White against Hydra.

Nov-10-05		TigerPawns: he didn't sound that arrogant!

Feb-28-09		WhiteRook48: no joke with Ehlvest!

Feb-28-09		Marmot PFL: Elvis & Zappa - both great and both died before their time.

NOTE: You need to pick a username and password to post a reply. Getting your account takes less than a minute, totally anonymous, and 100% free--plus, it entitles you to features otherwise unavailable. Pick your username now and join the chessgames community!

If you already have an account, you should login now.

Please observe our posting guidelines:

No obscene, racist, sexist, or profane language.
No spamming, advertising, or duplicating posts.
No personal attacks against other users.
Nothing in violation of United States law.

See something which violates our rules? Blow the whistle and inform an administrator.

NOTE: Keep all discussion on the topic of this page. This forum is for this specific game and nothing else. If you want to discuss chess in general, or this site, you might try the Kibitzer's Café.

Messages posted by Chessgames members do not necessarily represent the views of Chessgames.com, its employees, or sponsors.

Spot an error? Please submit a correction slip and help us eliminate database mistakes!
This game is type: EXHIBITION (Disagree? Please submit a correction slip.)

Featured in the Following Game Collections [what is this?]

Computer - GM games 2003-2007
by biglo

Spanish Game: Closed. Bogoljubow Variation
from SPANISH DEFENSE CLOSED by gambitfan

Spanish Game: Closed. Bogoljubow Variation
from ANNOTATED GAMES by gambitfan