14 Oct 06
Originally posted by WulebgrWhy do you say this? I found the following figures a few months ago, but can't remember where. In all the world championship matches from 1886 to 1990, the most common opening first move was d4 (364 times), the next most common was e4 (275 times), and all others totalled only 105.
Inasmuch as 1.d4 has been the rare move in world championship matches, I'd say we got our diversity.[/b]
14 Oct 06
Originally posted by Essex 3Perhaps I should have said "recent".
Why do you say this? I found the following figures a few months ago, but can't remember where. In all the world championship matches from 1886 to 1990, the most common opening first move was d4 (364 times), the next most common was e4 (275 times), and all others totalled only 105.
14 Oct 06
Originally posted by TommyCthe petroff is played to limit play by each side and end in a draw it is not played if you want to win the game.
Kramnik neutralises 1. e4 with the Berlin (ask Kasparov) and Petroff. And now the elite are scared of the Marshall too. Whilst Kramnik himself would have been bonkers to risk facing Topalov's Najdorf.
So, no, probably not. The only feasible exception I can think of that might have lead to a rich battle would have been a 5. Nc3 Petroff. I actually expected to see that in this match.
16 Oct 06
Originally posted by WulebgrI meant diversity within this match. There should be a "rule" that says, within the 12 games, there must be 4 different oppenings. 🙂
For me, eating pasta in a restaurant would represent variety, but that is beside the point. Inasmuch as 1.d4 has been the rare move in world championship matches, I'd say we got our diversity.
I might be asking a lot, but it would be cool.
16 Oct 06
Originally posted by climb2highThere were:
I meant diversity within this match. There should be a "rule" that says, within the 12 games, there must be 4 different oppenings. 🙂
I might be asking a lot, but it would be cool.
1. Slav Defense
2. Semi-Slav
3. Catalan
4. Queen's Gambit Accepted
Nevertheless, it is a stupid rule. Traditionally in World Championship matches, the contestants explore deeply a small range of openings. I think that accounts for a significant aspect of their appeal. This event was remarkable because the reversal of colors did not dramatically alter the choice of openings. Rather, it was a rich exploration of the best choices for white and black.