This evening we went over the following miniature, which reminds me of the lightness and brilliance of the American genius. It also reminds me how much ‘classical chess’ has changed over the years, and I continue to wonder how its original spirit might be reclaimed.

What would you say to playing a match against one of the competitors, Anand and Gelfand?

Kasparov’s Answer:

I think every professional understands that even a chess player of my class cannot just sit down and play at top level. It is not so much about your proficiency in opening; it is just that your head no longer works in the algorithm that is needed for battling successfully throughout a seven-hour game. I might still do relatively well at blitz, after a bit of preparation, but playing serious classical chess is out of the question.

My take on this is that it’s about having the eye of the tiger, the hunger for victory. And as Rocky III offers some great lessons in this, here’s a clip:

I do find it slightly strange that Anand abandoned his successful 3.f3, but maybe he’s playing it safe so as to reach the rapid play tie break, quite a forte of his.

Time is running out for Gelfand if he wishes to win the match before entering the rapid play tie break. Anand almost certainly has the better chances at faster rates of play.

There’s an interview with Ekaterina here.

This is really a tragedy for Gelfand after his fine win in game 7. It will take considerable fortitude on his part to come back from such a blow and the emotional roller coaster that he must be experiencing right now.

This should certainly bring the match to life as Anand must win one of the next 5 games.

Size matters not.

May the force be with you.

A Jedi’s strength flows from the Force.

Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.

Grave danger you are in. Impatient you are.

Told you did I, reckless is he! Now, matters are worse.

Mind what you have learned. Save you it can.

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Named must your fear be before banish it you can.

A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.

Clear your mind must be, if you are to find the villains behind this plot.

You must unlearn what you have learned.

I cannot teach him. The boy has no patience.

I don’t have any of Master Yoda’s chess games so here he is fighting Count Dooku:

I still think the match could come to life with a win for either player. Right now they seem worried about losing one, and in a match of just 12 games that is very understandable.