Chess...anyone?

Does anyone avidly follow chess?

Well, if you do, you should know that the much anticipated Chess Unification Match is on. There are only two combatants. One is the cerebral Russian Vladmir Kramnik - he beat Gary Kasparov to become the "Classical World Chess Champion". The other is the charismatic Bulgarian - Veselin Topalov. He beat the other seven best most highly ranked chess players in the world in 2005 to win the right to be called the legitimate chess champion of the world. The two men are now in a small town called Kalamyka in a remote part of Russia doing battle. Hopefully, the schism that has pervaded the title of chess world champion will end after this tournament.

The first game was played today. However, as much as I enjoy chess, I am unable to provide you with any indepth opinions on the situation. They are playing at a much higher level than I can comprehend. Neverthelss, I can tell you this: Kramnik has won the first game (out of 12). Topalov had the traditionally disadvantaged "black" pieces. However, he achieved a drawn situation - even I could see that - yet, he pushed for more. Invariably, he lost everything.

For those who know Kramnik, it will be no surprise if the next 11 games tend towards draws. Kramnik's games are notoriously draw-ish. He "drew" Kasparov to death...almost literally. His ability to do this simply shows that he is one of the most intelligent chess players alive. He plays chess like a science. Sadly, he sometimes takes the beauty out of the game. Yet, Topalov does not care too much for draws. He is filled with novelties and is never afraid of the exchange sacrifice - two qualities that mark him out from other chess grandmasters. His chess is more artful. We shall see whether art prevails over science in the next coming weeks.

If you wish to follow the games and analyses, you may go here. It's a very nice site with a lot of chess information and helpful links to chess news.

Enjoy the battle. Chess is at an epoch; and you are here while it's happening.