Library / Games / Garry Kasparov vs Vladimir Kramnik
Botvinnik Memorial Blitz · Moscow · 09 December 2001

Garry Kasparov vs Vladimir Kramnik, Botvinnik Memorial Blitz, R10

Garry Kasparov ½–½ Vladimir Kramnik
Garry Kasparov vs Vladimir Kramnik
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Botvinnik Memorial Blitz, 09 December 2001

Round 10 of the 2001 Botvinnik Memorial blitz match (December 9) was a draw between Kasparov and Kramnik. The blitz section’s compressed time controls (5+0) produced quick decisive games when preparation was strong and quick draws when neither side could find concrete advantages.

The draw was a Closed Spanish (Ruy Lopez), the classical theoretical battleground for elite chess of the period. Both players had been studying Spanish theory continuously since their 2000 World Championship match; the 1998 Kosmos blitz match; their 1996 encounter; their many tournament games across the previous decade. The result was a balanced game that ended in technical equality.

The cumulative blitz score across the 2001 Botvinnik Memorial favoured Kramnik narrowly. He won approximately 7 blitz games to Kasparov’s 5, with 4 draws. The pattern showed Kramnik’s specific preparation against Kasparov was now reaching its peak — a peak that had begun in 1998 and culminated in the 2000 World Championship victory.

The Botvinnik Memorial’s overall score across all four sections was roughly even. Kramnik retained a small overall lead, consistent with his world-champion status of the period. Kasparov’s performance was strong enough to confirm that he remained one of the world’s top players at any time control, even after losing the title.

Opening context

The opening sequence runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 b6 4. Nc3 Bb7, after which the players entered the middlegame proper.

See also

For more on this game’s protagonists and theory, see Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik.