Karpov Grinds Kramnik With Impeccable Technique ( Karpovs Best Games Vol 3)

10 GM SECRETS: FULL VIDEO: ARTICLE : Karpov opens with 1. d4 and Kramnik responds with the Stoltz Variation of the SemiSlav Defense in the Queen s Gambit Declined, rapidly introducing complications by opening the center with 8. Although 14. Bh7+ may look weird, it has the very good point of pushing black s king away from the center which could become very relevant in a future endgame. Although many players would have simply agreed to a draw, Karpov understands his slight advantage and proceeds to inflict permanent damage on Kramnik s pawn structure with 21. Bxf6. Karpov s ensuing technique is absolutely brilliant, patiently massaging black s pawn weaknesses until he senses the critical moment to sacrifice his queenside