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Veselin Topalov

1990s – 2010sWorld Champion 2005 – 2006 FIDEPeak rating 2816210 games

Former FIDE World Champion and world No. 1, known for sharp preparation, initiative-driven middlegames and a highly combative style.

Veselin Topalov
Photo: Przemysław Jahr, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How Topalov plays

Topalov was FIDE World Champion in 2005 and world number one, famous for uncompromising, initiative-driven chess. He sacrificed material freely for activity and is remembered for a run of brilliant attacking games in the mid-2000s.

What to learn from Topalov

Topalov's games show how to play for the initiative at any cost: open lines, active pieces and constant pressure. His exchange sacrifices in the Sicilian are a particular speciality.

A game to play through

Topalov, Veselin vs Lukas, Sebastian - Frankfurt Classic sim 1997 1-0 — the final position. A Topalov win with White, in his sharp, initiative-first style.

Veselin Topalov: the final position
1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 e6 3.c4 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.exf6 Bb7 12.g3 c5 13.d5 Qb6 14.Bg2 O-O-O 15.O-O b4 16.Rb1 Bh6 17.Bxh6 Rxh6 18.dxe6 Nxf6 19.Bxb7+ Qxb7 20.exf7 Rf8 21.Qd6 Rxf7 22.Qe6+ Kb8 23.Rbd1 Rfh7 24.Rd8+ Kc7 25.Qd6#
Play through 210 Veselin Topalov games

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