I make it Anand 6, Gelfand 5, with 26 draws. But Anand is ahead about 10-1 in Rapid/Blindfold games, and all 5 of Gelfand's classical wins were scored between 1990 and 1993. So, no cakewalk, but I do expect Anand to win.

Should it matter? OK, and so are you saying Anand is in the same class as PAC man?

OK would you like to take a bet? Bet, bet, I shouldn't have mentioned that word. It reminds me of my good old friend! I would love to introduce him to you but unfortunately he isn't here. Somehow I have this feeling you are NOT a betting person.

I always thought that this is a forum for serious and thoughtful discussion between knowledgeable friends. Instead, you are turning this into a cheap betting contest. I am guessing you are Klitchko fan and don't like the fact that the Klitchko's don't receive as much publicity in the US as Manny and Floyd. I am sorry for that - I respect the big guys a lot but unfortunately you have to come to grips with reality - America still loves Tyson and Anand has no chance against Manny.

I apologize for not being serious enough when thoughful discussion was going on about sport personalities, especially about Anand's chances against Manny!

My other friend might know but we never had any interaction before yet you correctly guessed about me being a Klitchko fan. Not really a fan but I supported him once or twice. You must be one intelligent poster here!

Does Manny open his bout with a right hand or a left hand punch...? Is he more of a match player or a tournament player...?

Left or right
I know not;
But guess what,
Nonpareil "knock out"
Would be my thought
About Anand's fight,
Whatever be Manny's opening bout.
Please don't doubt.

Considering that Manny is a southpaw and that more than 50% of all punches thrown are jabs, there is a very high chance that he will open with a left. Manny is like the opposite of Kramnik, you know that he will open with something interesting and that's why you would pay to see him fight. I would also pay to see Kramnik fight Manny but I don't want to hijack the thread with such discussions.

As to what Pirc was saying... I think Pirc went off the deep end. It happens to many chess people - they watch too many computer lines and semi-naked anime characters and next thing you know they go Bobby Fisher on you. Too bad because he said a nice thing or two about me being intelligent plus not a lot of people come here to begin with.

Sorry, PircAlert, my brother; but, as strong a player as Anand is, he has NOT YET reached the "top rung of the chess ladder" of the all-time strongest and greatest players that is currently occupied by Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov!


Chess Fan

Sorry Chess Fan, don't think it is just some shout from the rooftops. The evidences are mounting against you. Endorsements are increasing day by day in favor of Anand. Has anyone ever said anything anywhere close to like you need "perfect preparation" to beat a player, I mean about your favorite Kasparov or Karpov? Gelfand recently said that about Anand. Why then Kasparov, Karpov shut shop when Smyslov could play "top level chess" until 63?? It will be hard for you to accept but competition is universal and incredibly strong nowadays. Even youngsters like Radjabov, Giri will give run for money.

Uh, PircAlert, so anyway, what IS Anand's overall "won, loss, draw" record in head-to-head classical time control chess games against Garry Kasparov?!

**Case closed!!**


Chess Fan