ninevah, I hate GMs agreeing to a draw at move 11...early draws are ridiculous. What I am criticizing has nothing to do with fighting-on...Topalov knew the position was a drawn one, but rather than just offer/accept the draw, he goes to the official to bring him to the table, so now he can play his 3 moves and force a draw...this to me is not in keeping with the spirit of the games...he would have done better by simply verbally offering one...but remember he wishes not to speak with Anand directly.
No Handshake between Anand and Topalov
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jesterville wrote:
ninevah, I hate GMs agreeing to a draw at move 11...early draws are ridiculous. What I am criticizing has nothing to do with fighting-on...Topalov knew the position was a drawn one, but rather than just offer'accept the draw, he goes to the official to bring him to the table, so now he can play his 3 moves and force a draw...this to me is not in keeping with the spirit of the games...he would have done better by simply verbally offering one...but remember he wishes not to speak with Anand directly.
Well, chessplayers are a weird breed and this particular weirdness doesn't really harm anybody when you think about it. But how would the public react if he offered a draw after he said he won't offer draws? He have to keep his promises.
jesterville wrote:
ninevah, I hate GMs agreeing to a draw at move 11...early draws are ridiculous. What I am criticizing has nothing to do with fighting-on...Topalov knew the position was a drawn one, but rather than just offer'accept the draw, he goes to the official to bring him to the table, so now he can play his 3 moves and force a draw...this to me is not in keeping with the spirit of the games...he would have done better by simply verbally offering one...but remember he wishes not to speak with Anand directly.
exactly.
nobody watching wants to "hate on" any player. its just when someone decides to be a poor sport everyones going to dislike the player. other than the Sofia homers I think most would agree on that.
all I can say is this: if this is what Topalov is like while challenger, I cant wait to see him as (official) champion.. or can I? 
wonder if another Catalan will surface next game
Apr 27, 2010
0
#46
ninevah, I'm not trying to insult you, but I think that if you don't admit that you have at least some bias in this matter, you're kidding yourself. Topalov is making an ass of himself, and destroying the sportsmanship of the game. I mean honestly, what kind of person makes it so that his opponent can't even OFFER him a draw? Now only that, but no communication whatsoever, on or off the board?
Topalov is being a jerk, plain and simple. He's trying to use cheap psycological tricks which are, needless to say, not working. He has no respect for his opponent, the world champion, no respect for the game, and no respect for common decency. You shake hands at the end of every match. Period.
Topalov, I don't care if you're a whiny little 35 year old spoiled brat who's parents didn't hit you enough when you were little, grow the hell up.
Cry_Wolf wrote:
ninevah, I'm not trying to insult you, but I think that if you don't admit that you have at least some bias in this matter, you're kidding yourself. Topalov is making an ass of himself, and destroying the sportsmanship of the game. I mean honestly, what kind of person makes it so that his opponent can't even OFFER him a draw? Now only that, but no communication whatsoever, on or off the board?
Topalov is being a jerk, plain and simple. He's trying to use cheap psycological tricks which are, needless to say, not working. He has no respect for his opponent, the world champion, no respect for the game, and no respect for common decency. You shake hands at the end of every match. Period.
Topalov, I don't care if you're a whiny little 35 year old spoiled brat who's parents didn't hit you enough when you were little, grow the hell up.
well said.
In one of my blogs I wrote that chess is missing "that strong player, full of charisma, who was not camera shy...I think we have found him...Topalov. I certainly support Anand winning these games...but Topalov winning these games, might be just what the doctor ordered to shake -up the chess world...the head lines might read..."The Dark Side Prevails!"...of course, I am only looking at the marketing potential for such a result.
Apr 27, 2010
0
#49
this thread should be locked.
i think i'll post more WGMs i'd chest bump in order to get the job done.
ilikeflags wrote:
this thread should be locked.
i think i'll post more WGMs i'd chest bump in order to get the job done.
With them getting younger all the time you'll probably get youself arrested....
Cry_Wolf wrote:
ninevah, I'm not trying to insult you, but I think that if you don't admit that you have at least some bias in this matter, you're kidding yourself. Topalov is making an ass of himself, and destroying the sportsmanship of the game. I mean honestly, what kind of person makes it so that his opponent can't even OFFER him a draw? Now only that, but no communication whatsoever, on or off the board?
Topalov is being a jerk, plain and simple. He's trying to use cheap psycological tricks which are, needless to say, not working. He has no respect for his opponent, the world champion, no respect for the game, and no respect for common decency. You shake hands at the end of every match. Period.
Topalov, I don't care if you're a whiny little 35 year old spoiled brat who's parents didn't hit you enough when you were little, grow the hell up.
The fact that I'm supporting Topalov in this match doesn't make any of my arguements weaker. As long as you challenge my arguments than my personality, you can lead a civilized discussion.
As you might have read, Topalov said he won't talk to Anand ONLY and ONLY during the game. The choice to turn a small weirdness into a big scandal instead of concentrating on chess does, indeed, increases the publcity of the sport, though.
OK, I'm out of here.
"ilikeflags"...you have me confusing you for "afaf"...the picture of course.
yes...maybe it was your "riveting syntax"
Well, they simply forgot the handshake (or maybe both were unwilling to shake hands.)
That being said, some of the announcements Topalov made - like not wishing to talk to his opponent at all - once again seem to aim at unnerving his opponent. I had been hoping to see a clean match with an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, so lets hope this will not continue to decend until it reaches toiletgate level.
Its a shame really - Topalov plays good chess but I simply cannot get myself to become a fan of someone with his manners. Even worse, imagine him becoming world champion. He could never be such a well-mannered and gentlemanly sportsman as Anand is, and would not be a very good representative for the game.
Nixda, that is exactly why it may be good for chess...everyone hates the bad guy...but he keeps us "revitted" to the show. Without him...the movie would be boring.
Apr 27, 2010
0
#58
Topalov "All handshakes must go thru the arbiter first."
OK, Anand said it.
anand should just go and verbally offer the draw by announcing out loud "i'm offering a draw" just to piss topa off
Well...I'll say this for Topalov, he sure knows how to attract attention. He must have a good marketing manager...because all the stuff he is saying and doing, is in fact translating into increasing viewer-ship for these games. Two prim and proper opponents make for boring chess...but a good guy/bad guy "a la wrestling" combo, equals increasing interest. Looking forward for Game 4.
I hope the match finally gives chess the much desired popularity and at least few more bucks from sponsors.