Anand vs Topalov Game 4

[AdminX]

Another Catalan
[d]rnbqk2r/5ppp/2p1pn2/pp6/P1pP4/N4NP1/1P1QPPBP/R3K2R b KQkq - 0 10

[AdminX]

This appears to be a Novelty (Na3) by Anand. The reply chosen by Topalov Bd7 is also the move Stockfish 1.7.1 prefers. Deep Junior 11.1a preferred Ba6. Below is the current position.

[d]rn1qk2r/3b1ppp/2p1pn2/pp2N3/P1pP4/N5P1/1P1QPPBP/R3K2R b KQkq - 0 11

[yanquis1972]

all 5 engines i checked preferred Bd7. looks like a nice opening for anand so far.

[AdminX]

Who do you perfer here? White controls the center, but black has play on the queenside. I get the feeling Anand is still in home prep. The move 13. 0-0 came very quickly.

[d]rn1q1rk1/3b1ppp/2p1p3/pp2N3/PnpPP3/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R4RK1 w - - 0 14

[gerold]

Who do you perfer here? White controls the center, but black has play on the queenside. I get the feeling Anand is still in home prep. The move 13. 0-0 came very quickly.

[d]rn1q1rk1/3b1ppp/2p1p3/pp2N3/PnpPP3/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R4RK1 w - - 0 14

Looks like white wins. However most time when its close
game it may be another draw.

Best,
Gerold.

[AdminX]

[d]rn1qbrk1/5ppp/2p1p3/pp1PN3/Pnp1P3/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R2R2K1 b - - 0 15

So now we have the break in the center! Again played very quickly by Anand.

[JuLieN]

Now that Topalov answered with 15. ... Qd6, will Anand have the nerves to play dxc6?

[AdminX]

Topalov had a long think here (15 Minutes) and chose 15. ... Qd6

[d]rn2brk1/5ppp/2pqp3/pp1PN3/Pnp1P3/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 16

[kingliveson]

[d]rn2brk1/5ppp/2pqp3/pp1P4/Pnp1P1N1/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R2R2K1 b - - 0 16

I suspect the game will end up in draw or Topalov wins based on current pawn structure, Topalov has the advantage unless there is a major blunder on his part.

[AdminX]

[d]rn2brk1/5ppp/2p1p3/ppqP4/Pnp1P1N1/N5P1/1P1Q1PBP/R2R2K1 w - - 0 17