Game 1 of 16Decisive
Veselin Topalov — Vladimir Kramnik
23 September 2006 · Catalan Opening · 42 moves
White
Veselin Topalov
1
vs
Black
Vladimir Kramnik
0
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Game 2decisive
Summary
Topalov opens with a sharp Catalan and launches a brilliant piece sacrifice on move 23, immediately asserting his attacking ambitions. Kramnik defends resourcefully but cannot withstand the sustained pressure, and Topalov converts cleanly in 42 moves. An aggressive opening statement that sets the tone for the entire match.
Commentary
Sharp Catalan with a pawn sacrifice on g4 — Topalov grabs space and launches an immediate attack from the first game.
Kramnik tries to unwind with ...c5 but gets tangled in the resulting complications, never finding a clear path to equality.
Topalov's technique converts the attacking advantage without difficulty; the Bulgarian world number one shows why he is the match favourite.
← This is the first game
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Game 2decisive