KRAMNIK WINS GAME 1

Kramnik Wins Game 1
After drawing White in a unique opening ceremony, Kramnik started out with 1.d4. The game quickly became a complex strategical struggle, with Topalov pressing hard for the win. It is unusual for the player with the Black pieces in top-level chess to push so hard against another strong opponent, but Topalov gained a clear advantage in the middlegame.

Around move 40, most observers thought the game would end in a draw. However, the FIDE World Champion—a pawn down, no less!—decided to play for more. His position was so good that it was a good practical decision. But the Classical World Champion Kramnik has a reputation for his tough defensive skill, in the same vein as the 9th World Champion Tigran Petrosian. He was able to hold the balance just enough, and was in no danger of losing.

Topalov finally pushed too hard, bludering with 57...f5??, a move which would later cost him Game 1. Nevertheless, he had made a strong statement by giving Kramik so much trouble with the Black pieces.

To see Game 1 with commentary by GM Mihail Marin from the ChessBase website, click here.