6/21/2005 -
I arrived at times squares ABC Studies for another exciting man vs.
machine match. Many of the New York chess stars attend, namely Armand Rousso
(Accoona host), Paul Hoffman, Frank Brady, the chess playing Shahade family
of Mike, Greg, Jennifer, Pascal Charbonneau, Gata Kamsky, Lev Alburt, Mike
Khodarkovsky, Ron Henley, MIG, and Fred Freidel just to name a few.
Accoona hosted another great exciting chess event in New York City. New York
city sports commissioner Ken Potziba kicked off the festivities. This time
it was FIDE KO champion, Rustam "Rocky" Kasimdzhanov against Accoona Al
Toolbar chess program. It was an exciting one game match, with Kasimdzhanov
making the first move with white. However with only one hour and 10 second
increments per move for both side, this did not favor the human player. But
let us recall that Kasimdzhanov is one of the best rapid players in the
world today. He showed his quick playing skills at the 2004 FIDE KO
tournament in Libya. He ousted all of the top seeds, namely Ivanchuk,
Grischuk, Topalov, and Adams. Recently at Leon, Kasimdzhanov ousted
Alexi Shirov in a rapid match. Kasimdzhanov then gave Anand a close call
during their rapid match. Kasimdzhanov defeated Anand in one game and
had his chances to take a 2nd one, however Anand proved he is still the
greatest rapid player in the world and won the match by a 2.5-1.5 score.
Today's play began when Kasimdzhanov pushed e4. Both players
debated the closed Ruy Lopez. Both sides would castle kingside. By move 24,
Kasimdzhanov had grabbed space in the center and the silicon beast had
grabbed space on the queenside. Kasimdzhanov had wisely settled on a
blocked position without a single pawn leaving the board. Kasimdzhanov piece
were slowly massing for a kingside assault. On move 25, Kasimdzhanov jabbed
his bayonet with g5, attacking both a knight and an h-pawn. Al Toolbar
exchanged pawns with 25 ... hxg5. Kasimdzhanov responded by 26 Nxg5, this
opened up the g-file for Kasimdzhanov's g1-rook. On move 32, Kasimdzhanov
shocked the audience by going against conventional wisdom, that says you
don't sacrifice material against the silicon beast. Back in 2002, World
Champion Vladimir Kramnik learned that lesson the hard way against Deep
Fritz in Bahrain. On move 32. Kasimdzhanov sacrificed his knight by
playing Ne6. The silicon beast quickly gobbled up this gift with 32.. fxe6.
Kasimdzhanov responds with 33 gxe6. There was method to the madness.
Kasimdzhanov had closed off the open e-file and dissipated the beast's
queen-rook pressure along with it. This sacrifice also opened the
b1-h7 diagonal for whites bishop. Kasimdzhanov's e6 pawn also was a bone in
beasts throat. By move 36, Kasimdzhanov had the beast against the ropes.
Kasimdzhanov had doubled his rooks on the 1/2 open g-file. He also had a
dangerous bishop-queen battery bearing down the b1-h7 diagonal. No human
could defend against this tremendous build up. However due to the
short time controls, the silicon beast put up a very tough defense. Down to
only increments, Kasimdzhanov had to accept a draw by repetition, only the
bell could save the silicon beast. Had Kasimdzhanov had more time, he
certainly could have hogged tied this silicon monster. This was an exciting
but disappointing finish for this man vs. silicon beast encounter. It was an
honor and privilege to watch Kasimdzhanov at work. He stayed seated through
out the whole game, and occasionally looked away. Kasimdzhanov is very nice,
agreeable person, However when it comes to his chess he is very confident
and aggressive.
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