chessgames.com
Members · Prefs · Laboratory · Collections · Openings · Endgames · Sacrifices · History · Search Kibitzing · Kibitzer's Café · Chessforums · Tournament Index · Players · Kibitzing
Jan Smeets vs Viswanathan Anand
Corus Group A (2010), Wijk aan Zee NED, rd 11, Jan-29
Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation. Keres Attack (B81)  ·  1/2-1/2

ANALYSIS [x]

FEN COPIED

explore this opening
find similar games 1 more Smeets/Anand game
PGN: download | view | print Help: general | java-troubleshooting

TIP: If you find a mistake in the database, use the correction form. There is a link at the bottom that reads "Spot an error? Please suggest your correction..." Avoid posting corrections in the kibitzing area.

PGN Viewer:  What is this?
For help with this chess viewer, please see the Olga Chess Viewer Quickstart Guide.
PREMIUM MEMBERS CAN REQUEST COMPUTER ANALYSIS [more info]

Kibitzer's Corner
Jan-29-10  Marmot PFL: No sign of ambition from the world champ, even against the last place player.
Jan-29-10  fromoort: Wow...this is ridiculous!
Jan-29-10  cade: Pathetic "game"

As mad as Fischer was often he was right about chess, this game is a total fix. It would not be acceptable in any other sport to "play" like this. Embarrassing.

Jan-29-10  kevinatcausa: <Cade: It would not be acceptable in any other sport to "play" like this.>

In American football this year there's been some instances of teams who had already made the playoffs benching their best players for the remaining games of the season. Bad news for the fans, but the teams wanted to conserve energy and avoid injuries.

In Anand's case, this seems to be the chess equivalent, minus the injury risk. Smeets probably can't really complain about getting a draw against Anand.

Jan-29-10  euripides: Allowing the Keres attack is widely considered too risky at the top level. So I don't think Anand can have started out with the intention of playing a quick draw. At the end, I wonder if he can avoid the repetition without damaging his position.
Jan-29-10  yalie: <euripedes> Qa5 is perfectly decent alternative to Qc4. So i agree Anand was a wimp in not playing it out.
Jan-29-10  euripides: After <15...Qa5> Black risks weakened queenside pawns and dark squares. I'm not sure but it looks like a positional concession to me. I wonder how many grandmasters would choose an inferior move to avoid the repetition.
Feb-01-10  Raisin Death Ray: Gee, I hope the World Champ didn't strain himself!
Dec-15-10  Fezzik: After 6.g4, I don't know that Black can hope for anything better than a draw anyway.

White scores very well with the Keres Attack in general. So Anand's early draw was probably due to Smeets' choice of opening as much as any tactical tournament decision.

NOTE: Create an account today to post replies and access other powerful features which are available only to registered users. Becoming a member is free, anonymous, and takes less than 1 minute! If you already have a username, then simply login login under your username now to join the discussion.

Please observe our posting guidelines:

  1. No obscene, racist, sexist, or profane language.
  2. No spamming, advertising, duplicate, or gibberish posts.
  3. No vitriolic or systematic personal attacks against other members.
  4. Nothing in violation of United States law.
  5. No cyberstalking or malicious posting of negative or private information (doxing/doxxing) of members.
  6. No trolling.
  7. The use of "sock puppet" accounts to circumvent disciplinary action taken by moderators, create a false impression of consensus or support, or stage conversations, is prohibited.
  8. Do not degrade Chessgames or any of it's staff/volunteers.

Please try to maintain a semblance of civility at all times.

Blow the Whistle

See something that violates our rules? Blow the whistle and inform a moderator.


NOTE: Please keep all discussion on-topic. This forum is for this specific game only. To discuss chess or this site in general, visit the Kibitzer's Café.

Messages posted by Chessgames members do not necessarily represent the views of Chessgames.com, its employees, or sponsors.
All moderator actions taken are ultimately at the sole discretion of the administration.

This game is type: CLASSICAL. Please report incorrect or missing information by submitting a correction slip to help us improve the quality of our content.

Home | About | Login | Logout | F.A.Q. | Profile | Preferences | Premium Membership | Kibitzer's Café | Biographer's Bistro | New Kibitzing | Chessforums | Tournament Index | Player Directory | Notable Games | World Chess Championships | Opening Explorer | Guess the Move | Game Collections | ChessBookie Game | Chessgames Challenge | Store | Privacy Notice | Contact Us

Copyright 2001-2025, Chessgames Services LLC