Anand's lead could serve him well

Game five of the world championship headed down the same exciting path as game three. Vladimir Kramnik, who lost that game in violent complications during a time scramble, was prepared to repeat the same opening system of the Semi-Slav, Meran Variation with white. Anand appeared to be confident enough of his preparation to try the same unusual 8.-a6 variation.

Once again, it was Anand who made the first deviation from theory, with a new move, 15. -Rg8 instead of the 15. -- Bd6 he played in game III. After two more natural moves from both players, Kramnik fell into deep thought and spent more than 50 minutes before he played 18. Rfc1.

This was surprising since it was a position that had been analysed even during game 3 by commentators. In fact, the programs suggested 18. Rfc1 as one of the best options so, it must have been deeply analysed at home by both. Anand also slowed down before pushing ahead with his f-pawn 18.- f4.

By move 20, another incalculably complex middle game has been reached. Black has a shattered pawn structure and his king is stuck in the centre. In return, he has huge pressure down the g-file, which he used effectively in game 3. Kramnik will rely on his pair of passed pawns in the queenside and his open c-file to generate a dangerous counter-attack if he can coordinate the pieces.

The programs assess this as equal but it is a very dynamic equality with both players possessing winning chances. A decision looks likely. In practical terms, Anand’s lead in time could serve him well since both sides will have to make deep concrete calculations in a very unclear situation.

Anand leads the 12-game match 1-0, and he has a sequence of two successive whites coming in games 6 and 7 as the colour sequence will change around, going into the second half of the match. This could be the world champion’s best chance of widening his lead to daunting proportions if he can breakthrough in this game or one of those whites.