ycbaywtb: <<<Well, the old match vs. Topalov had a lot of circumstances beyond chess that affected me. This time, it's going to be different and it's going to be in a neutral place, so I'm quite looking forward to this re-match...>>>Ok, many of us have noticed Gata's recent victory at the US Championship and the Rapid event he just won. Congrats.
I think Gata's own words about his attitude toward playing traditional chess vs Topalov again is very good. Gata should know his feelings and have his mind ready to win. Sure, chess is won and lost at the board by the specific moves, but the mind thinking about those moves must also be sharp, relaxed and as he mentioned in the last event 'focused'.
Gata, i hope you expect to win. In fact, not just vs Topalov, but the entire Candidate selection for the next Challenger to Anand.
Recalling the recent game vs Aronian, it was interesting how he checked you with his Knight, capturing a pawn, and your K moved g7, then his Q captured your Knight on his first rank to defend his piece on the diagonal, but immediately your Q was posted in the center after that, and you went on to win the game.
that is interesting chess, the decisions that can go either way, but the person in tune a bit more, or displaying the mo-jo seems to come out on top.
May you continue so confidently after the recent strong results at rapid, that you even catch FIRE.
Run off more wins, because you can. You have just as much right to win the Candidates as Topalov or any of the other 6 participants
some followers here may not give you the rational type per centage chances based on ratings, or favorites, like Carlsen being #1 rated etc. but chess isn't ruled by only fact
use your Kamsky karma and give these guys something to FEAR
take it to them
expect to win
Recall Anand vs Topalov in the WC. even though he got dusted in the first game, and later lost one game in the ending when his King went the wrong way from defending a pawn from Topalov's Bishop, when he thought he could have drawn instead of losing, Anand never lost faith in himself
to me that is the great lesson, be yourself, be Gata Kamsky in the Candidates and see what happens
what do you expect? you may not have to go around telling those guys "I will beat you" even as Anand is respectful of his opponents always saying the nice thing, but EXPECT to win
by all means, don't just show up, show them what it means to play Gata Kamsky on FIRE
tell yourself every day in the mirror you're better than these guys and you can beat Topalov or any other round opponent from Carlsen, or Kramnik on down
so, yes, the moves go on the board, but your FIRE must be inside you
and we will be following your every move, looking for how you can confuse them at the board, or overwork them or lead their position to a weakness, or simply take advantage of a sub-par move of theirs
remember, even super-GM's make sub par moves that can be pounced on
again, look at the final WC game where Anand waited for Topalov to significantly weaken his center with the pawn push, after his Q was a bit off side then Anand's Q took over the game, perhaps Topalov missed a move of Anand's Q for a mate or check threat in the variation
that's where you must find your wins, as Anand play strong, true to yourself, and observe your opponent's, know them inside and out, get in their head, become the FIRE they FEAR
Carlsen has captured some of that excitement lately in chess by his strong play and ratings rise
he let himself reach amazing potential at his young age
so, we've all seen and known your talent for years, get out their and put the entire game together one at a time and WIN
if you win once, don't be overconfident, be true to yourself, be SOLID, give them nothing, but lead them astray at the board
chess is interesting and you play interesting chess, we hope for your success, but go make your success
don't give these guys an inch, a move, a pawn or anything, don't back down 1 second
fight to the death! even if facing an uphill battle, trusting you can't be overcome
be the BEST!
get the result you want, Victory, don't settle for less. It won't be just for you, but for all Americans too. Why not? You're an American and we follow your chess, same as Nakamura.
And, if by some chance, the cards don't fall right, we can cry a river, and move on in life, knowing it had to take one unbelievable performance from any of those guys to get by you, Gata Kamsky
Good luck......!!!!
Kibitzing
