World Cup

The recently concluded Fide (World Chess Federation) World Cup held at Tromso in Norway resulted in a triumph for Vladimir Kramnik. The ex-world champion’s form has been variable this year, including shared first place in the London Candidates’ tournament, with Carlsen, but a disastrous last place finish in the Tal Memorial in Moscow. Kramnik missed out on the qualifying slot in London, when he crashed to defeat against the ever mercurial Ivanchuck in a tense final round. However, Kramnik gained his revenge in a crucial game against the same opponent in Tromso.
 
Ivanchuk-Kramnik; FIDE World Cup, Tromso 2013
 
(Diagram 1) Here Ivanchuk, who stands only marginally worse, due to Black’s outside passed pawn on the queen’s flank, committed suicide by opening up his king’s position and blowing safety to the winds… 40 f4 h5 41 h4 Kg7 42 Qb4 Qc6+ 43 Kf2 Rb5 44 Qd4 Qc2+ 45 Kf3 Rb2 White resigns
 
It is precisely in major piece situations, with queens and rooks prowling the board, that it is vital to keep one’s king as secure as possible.