Game 2 of 12Decisive
Viswanathan Anand — Vladimir Kramnik
17 October 2008 · Semi-Slav Defence, Meran Variation · 36 moves
White
Viswanathan Anand
1
vs
Black
Vladimir Kramnik
0
Summary
Anand unleashes deep Meran preparation on move 14. Kramnik is taken out of known theory and makes a subtle misstep in a sharp position. By move 26, Anand has a winning attack; Kramnik resigns on move 36. A brilliant display of preparation from the challenger.
Commentary
Anand's novelty on move 14 was the product of months of preparation — Kramnik had clearly not anticipated this direction.
The resulting complications heavily favoured White once Kramnik slipped with a passive defensive move on move 21.
Anand converts with clinical efficiency: material up and attack ongoing, Black had no counterplay and no way back.