The Slav: Move by Move 2. The d-pawn may eventually cost Black his rook. 3. I'm pretty sure Topalov knows how to deliver mate with bishop, knight and king against lone king! 40...WFS! linsist! Question: Can White avoid a queen trade? 4 Wy, we (EY Wa 2 WY ze too 8 'Y | UV, 41 Wixfs Answer: White must submit to the swap. If he dodges the trade with 41 Wh4? his attack fails miserably after 41...2xf6! 42 exf6 Bxf6 43 Aes a5! 44 2e3 a4 45 Aga Hg6 46 Wd8+ W8. Those two connected passers carry the day for Black. White can’t go on a pawn- grabbing adventure on the queenside since this would allow Black’s queen and rook to gun down White's king on the other wing. 41...exf5 42 2g5! Topalov finds the best practical chance in a bad situation. 42 2g5? should lose to 42...2c7 43 fxg7 a5 44 &d2 a4 45 Sb4 a3! 46 &xa3 Hc3+ 47 Sf4 Exa3 48 e6 &xg7 49 e7 Ha8 50 dxfs bS 51 Deb+ kF7 52 Dc7 Hg8 53 eBWi+ Exe8 54 DxeB Sxe8 and Black wins the king and pawn ending. This line is somewhat straightforward so Topa’s choice looks better because at least he continues to confuse the situation. 42...a5! Black endured the bullying for a long time. Finally, it’s his turn. 43 Sf4.a4 44 Sxfs a3 45 fc 2F8 46 e6 Hc7 47 &xa3 White must cough up another piece. 47 €7? loses to 47...&2xe7 48 fxe7 Exe7 49 &xa3 Be3!. 47..2Ka3 32