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In the previous installment of this video series, we explored the exciting playing style of Bulgarian grandmaster Veselin Topalov. Known for his aggressive approach, Topalov's dynamic attacking play, rooted in his exceptional combinational vision, made him a player whose games are highly worthy of study.
When asked in an interview what set him apart from other top players during his peak, Topalov remarked that he was never afraid to lose. This fearlessness enabled him to take bold risks and make daring sacrifices, leaving many opponents struggling in a complex web of variations. One of Topalov's signature tactical motifs was the exchange sacrifice, where he often demonstrated that in certain positions, a minor piece could be stronger than a rook. We examined a brilliant example of this in the previous lesson.
This time, I would like to showcase two more games in which Topalov, utilizing strong opening preparation, unveils an incredible knight sacrifice on f7. Objectively, the sacrifices in both games might only lead to unclear positions at best, but in practice, they hit like a bomb! In the first game, the future world champion Viswanathan Anand falls victim to Topalov’s brilliance, while in the second, the opponent is none other than Vladimir Kramnik.
There is an intriguing anecdote attached to the latter game. Topalov's second, GM Ivan Cheparinov, had discovered and analyzed this knight sacrifice in the Moscow Gambit of the Slav Defense's Botvinnik Variation. Since White has a myriad of tactical opportunities in this line and the engines at the time could not identify any real disadvantage for White, the team decided to keep this idea as a weapon for a crucial game. Cheparinov promised not to use it himself until Topalov got his chance to deploy it.
That opportunity finally came at Wijk aan Zee 2008, where, against his old rival Kramnik, Topalov unleashed the stunning knight sacrifice on f7. The audience was so enthralled that many stood on benches and chairs, while in the background, even the legendary Garry Kasparov could be seen watching the spectacle.
Now, with the latest version of Stockfish 17—the most advanced chess engine available—I am able to revisit this position and gain a clearer understanding of how accurate the evaluation really is!
In the diagram taken from the famous Topalov-Kramnik encounter, where Topalov surprised his opponent with 12. Nxf7!? in the Moscow Gambit, I stumbled upon a beautiful move amidst the chaotic variations that ensued. Thanks to Stockfish 17, the engine reveals a brilliant concept in this position. Can you find this move (and possibly the sequel)?
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