Game 13: October 29    With hardly a whimper

There is a danger of spending more time on this summary than was spent on the game. Kasparov gave every indication that he has resigned this match, with a remarkably feeble and casual outing with the white pieces.

Kasparov seemed to have no idea of what to do against Kramnik's return to the rock-solid Berlin Defence to the Spanish/Ruy Lopez, and sank into deep thought after only 10 moves. What he produced looked neither the result of the formerly legendary team analysis nor threatening, and Kasparov offered his hand in peace after making his 14th move.

Only the most dramatically hopeful or gullible can hold out hope that this is a ploy to lull Kramnik and then strike while he is both nervous with anticipation and relaxed with overconfidence - right?

Still, this is a more pleasant dream than contemplating that we are seeing a brilliant reign end in a total lack of spirit or resistance.

White Gary Kasparov (2849) 1/2-1/2 Black Vladimir Kramnik (2770)

Current score: Kramnik 7-1/2 - Kasparov 5-1/2