Game 3 of 12Decisive
Vladimir Kramnik — Viswanathan Anand
19 October 2008 · Nimzo-Indian Defence · 41 moves
White
Vladimir Kramnik
0
vs
Black
Viswanathan Anand
1
Summary
Anand wins again — this time with the black pieces. In the Nimzo-Indian, Anand finds a remarkable queenside counterattack that disrupts Kramnik's kingside ambitions entirely. Score 2½–½ after just three games — the match is already looking one-sided.
Commentary
Winning with black in a world championship match is a rare achievement; winning two games in the first three is extraordinary.
Kramnik's plan to build a kingside attack with f3-e4 is undermined by Anand's precise timing on the queenside.
Anand's preparation was clearly aimed at the Nimzo-Indian — Kramnik has no safe route to equality and is outplayed in every phase.