Great test position for Humans - Topalov vs. Aronian

[M ANSARI]

[d]3r4/pp4k1/1n4Pp/Q2Pq3/B3pp2/8/PP3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 34

Can you see the win without using an engine. Topalov missed it even after a long think and it looks like a totally drawn endgame. Engines don't seem to have a problem here, but it is very difficult for a human to see.

[yanquis1972]

thought this was very funny after you mentioned aronian eeking out drawn endgames in bad positions. he blundered here and i almost replied, 'not today!' -- then topa missed this shot and aronian escapes with a draw once again.

[Terry McCracken]

[d]3r4/pp4k1/1n4Pp/Q2Pq3/B3pp2/8/PP3PP1/4R1K1 w - - 0 34

Can you see the win without using an engine. Topalov missed it even after a long think and it looks like a totally drawn endgame. Engines don't seem to have a problem here, but it is very difficult for a human to see.

Could you post the PGN?

Yeah this is a clever position. Easy to miss.

[M ANSARI]

Yes Aronian has been doing Houdini acts in the latest tournament. Actually it is very difficult to visualize the win, but most people will be able to find it if they are given a hint that there is a winning shot in the position ... or maybe not!

[Robert Flesher]

Topalov should have seen this move. Kasparov or Tal would have never missed this shot. It can be played almost on principal. Look at ALL captures and ALL checks. I saw it, but didn't think it won outright so clearly. It's quite easy to see you can get the piece back due to the mate threat. However, back has two defences, both of which leave him lost badly. That clarity is something Topalov should and would normally always spot. Very strange! I imagine some would miss this and think the g6 pawn could be captured by the king, missing the pin.

[Albert Silver]

Topalov should have seen this move.

I have to agree. It is the sort of thing Topalov should have spotted in seconds at most, and is a sign of distraction or iffy playing shape.

[M ANSARI]

Topalov should have seen this move. Kasparov or Tal would have never missed this shot. It can be played almost on principal. Look at ALL captures and ALL checks. I saw it, but didn't think it won outright so clearly. It's quite easy to see you can get the piece back due to the mate threat. However, back has two defences, both of which leave him lost badly. That clarity is something Topalov should and would normally always spot. Very strange! I imagine some would miss this and think the g6 pawn could be captured by the king, missing the pin.

Actually I am not so sure Kasparov or many other players would have seen it. It simply did not look like a tactically "loaded" position. I mean of course if you put this position to someone and tell them "white to play and win" it will be easy. I think it was easy to see the check and that white King cannot take the pawn due to a bishop queen pin. But to play the cool and quiet Qc7 while leaving the Queen to run amock is a pretty scary proposition and has to be calculated to an absolute end. Still an interesting position and I think that we will see it many times in various tactical quizzes.

[yanquis1972]

yes, Kxg6 Bc2 is very easy. it is the Kg8 Qc7 idea which makes this much more difficult than some people seemo think, imo.

[Terry McCracken]

Topalov should have seen this move. Kasparov or Tal would have never missed this shot. It can be played almost on principal. Look at ALL captures and ALL checks. I saw it, but didn't think it won outright so clearly. It's quite easy to see you can get the piece back due to the mate threat. However, back has two defences, both of which leave him lost badly. That clarity is something Topalov should and would normally always spot. Very strange! I imagine some would miss this and think the g6 pawn could be captured by the king, missing the pin.

Actually I am not so sure Kasparov or many other players would have seen it. It simply did not look like a tactically "loaded" position. I mean of course if you put this position to someone and tell them "white to play and win" it will be easy. I think it was easy to see the check and that white King cannot take the pawn due to a bishop queen pin. But to play the cool and quiet Qc7 while leaving the Queen to run amock is a pretty scary proposition and has to be calculated to an absolute end. Still an interesting position and I think that we will see it many times in various tactical quizzes.

Yes, it's nice...could you post the game score?

[Terry McCracken]

Topalov should have seen this move.

I have to agree. It is the sort of thing Topalov should have spotted in seconds at most, and is a sign of distraction or iffy playing shape.

Or he was under stress...that can stunt your calculative ability.