Chess World Championship

[BobJoeJim]

The match consists of exactly 12 games, so a draw is certainly possible, though I couldn't say exactly how likely. Also, Topalov is currently the highest rated player in the world, but Kramnik has been rated almost as high in the past as he is now, Kramnik dropped off, then came back up, and is currently fourth in the world, and catching up rapidly.

[almostbusto]

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The outcome of the match should provide a winner and a loser. That is unless health reasons or some other act of God put a stop to the match.

If that is correct, how is betting on the higher rated not +EV??

(Thanks for the info. Stupid betting noob here [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img])

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at this high of a level ratings are still a very good measure but not a perfect measure. there a lot of stylistic things that could come into play. meaning if A>B and B>C then A is not always > C. anyway, kramnik's rating has been depressed by health problems that he is apparently overcoming so his true rating could arguably be higher.


just an example, Kasparov has an insane record against Shirov, even though shirov is rated lower than kasparov he 'shouldn't' have done so poorly against him. Shirov, was/is one of the top players in the world, i think he got to as high as 3 or 4 in the world, but the fact of the matter than he just matched up poorly against kasparov.

furthermore, many would argue anand was better than kramnik 4 or 5 years ago but that kramnik was much better at playing at kasparov.

[checkmate36]

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just an example, Kasparov has an insane record against Shirov, even though shirov is rated lower than kasparov he 'shouldn't' have done so poorly against him. Shirov, was/is one of the top players in the world, i think he got to as high as 3 or 4 in the world, but the fact of the matter than he just matched up poorly against kasparov.

furthermore, many would argue anand was better than kramnik 4 or 5 years ago but that kramnik was much better at playing at kasparov.



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Boy it has been a while since my chess playing days. It took me a min to get the cobwebs out.

When players are rated this high, they look to see what openings each other prefer to play. If player A knows that player B specializes in a certain opening, they can get a team of players together to come up with a deeply laid plan to get them off the beaten path that they are familiar with. Its hard to do, these guys have seen it all but it does happen. Kasparov had one of the best teams of specialists helping him last I remember. That explains why one player, even though highly rated, may struggle vs another.

May the best labratory win. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[checkmate36]

Does anyone have a link to the match?? (english I hope)

[David Ottosen]

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Topalov isn't the most talented World Champ or the most exciting but the guy may be the most TENACIOUS. I see these tournament games he plays with the smallest of edges and he drags them out for a million moves still trying to break his opponent down

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This is an absolutely backwards assessment of Topalov's style, IMO. He's a flashy attacking tactical player - small edges and technical grinds are not his strong suit.

[David Ottosen]

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If you know anything about the top players, isn't betting on this stuff almost impossible to lose? The ball doesn't take funny bounces in this game. I see nothing to randomize the outcome. Shouldn't the favorite win just about every single time?

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The problem is that right now, Kramnik's rating is quite deceptive - he has struggled with serious health problems for an extended period, which have seriously depressed his rating. Meanwhile, Topalov has been having some exceptional results and without Kasparov or Kramnik around to deliver him some beatdowns, his rating has perhaps soared a bit higher than expected.

As well, at this level, there is a great deal of behind the scenes work that decides usually a game or two in the match - opening preparation that supercedes either player's individual talents. One just gets a superior position and either wins or draws very comfortably. As such, my belief in Kramnik is partially based on his more experienced team and his experience in doing a world championship match level of preparation.

[DougOzzzz]

King Loek?

[Ortho]

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King Loek?

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[NajdorfDefense]

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Topalov isn't the most talented World Champ or the most exciting but the guy may be the most TENACIOUS. I see these tournament games he plays with the smallest of edges and he drags them out for a million moves still trying to break his opponent down

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This is an absolutely backwards assessment of Topalov's style, IMO. He's a flashy attacking tactical player - small edges and technical grinds are not his strong suit.

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[BobJoeJim]

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Topalov isn't the most talented World Champ or the most exciting but the guy may be the most TENACIOUS. I see these tournament games he plays with the smallest of edges and he drags them out for a million moves still trying to break his opponent down

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I was wondering how long it would take you to chime in on this, NajdorfDefense [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
This is an absolutely backwards assessment of Topalov's style, IMO. He's a flashy attacking tactical player - small edges and technical grinds are not his strong suit.

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