Game 7 of 12Decisive
Vladimir Kramnik — Viswanathan Anand
28 October 2008 · Semi-Slav Defence · 39 moves
White
Vladimir Kramnik
1
vs
Black
Viswanathan Anand
0
Summary
Kramnik's pride responds. He launches a brilliant kingside attack in the Semi-Slav that Anand mishandles under time pressure. A masterful win that shows the defending champion is not finished — the score is 5–2, but Kramnik must now win every remaining game.
Commentary
Kramnik unveils his own deep preparation in the Semi-Slav, catching Anand in a position where the usual defensive ideas do not work.
The pawn sacrifice on move 22 opens the kingside and Anand cannot find an adequate defence under increasing time pressure.
Kramnik converts with the precision of a champion fighting for survival — one of his finest games of the year, even if the match is beyond saving.