Commentary on game 7 is brought to you by GM Neil McDonald, IM Malcolm Pein and FM Chris Duncan

So far in the match Kasparov has made little impression in the openings as White- when are we going to see one of his trademark deadly novelties? Of course, so far Kramnik has given him little chance to strike a decisive early blow with his solid defences. I imagine today Kasparov will unleash an aggressive line from his repertoire, maybe starting 1.d4.

1.c4

So Kasparov perseveres with his positional approach.

1... c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4

This diverges from 3.g3 in Game Five. The World Champion adopts a more direct plan seizing space immediately in the centre.

3... cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6

An unusual move. The idea is to prevent Nb5, which may indicate Kramnik is going to play ...e5. Or perhaps he is simply planning to set up a hedgehog with b6, Bb7, e6, etc.
Kasparov is thinking hard here.

5.Nc3 e6

The Challenger avoids the sharp 5...e5. Therefore White is guaranteed a space advantage.

6.g3 Qc7

7.Qd3

So the World Champion is older and wiser now, at least in a World Championship match! He defends c4. 7... Nc6 8.Nxc6 dxc6

This is a secure position for Black, but he has to solve the problem of what to do with the passive bishop on c8.

9.Bg2 e5

This frees the bishop but loosens his centre somewhat.

10.0-0

After his defensive seventh move, White hasn't gained much from the opening.

10... Be6

Threatening to win the c pawn with 11...Rd8. The only danger I can forsee for Black is if White succeeded after a future Rc1 in playing a spectacular Nd5 to exploit the black queen on c7.

Kasparov's play in this game is puzzling. A much more energetic winning attempt had been expected.