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[ Editor's Note: GM Kamsky called Arbiter Hamid at 9:15 AM Elista Time (GMT+4; 1:15 AM New York Time) to offer the draw. GM Karpov accepted immediately. The sealed move was 60. Kd4. Game 18, very possibly the last game of the Championship, begins Wednesday at 4 PM Elista time (8 AM New York time, GMT-4) ]

By achieving a draw in Game Seventeen, at least some of the pressure is off the champion -- he knows that he has three games to make a half point (not an overwhelming task...).

For Gata, the next game will be the most important ... a win on Wednesday, and suddenly everything else will seem more possible ... As in all sporting activities, you take it one game at a time ... Every winning streak starts with that first game.

The challenger has White in the upcoming Game Eighteen ... What strategy should he use?

We recommend that he continue his policy of a long, protracted struggle, one that continues right into the ending ... (no Blackmar-Diemer Gambits, please!).

The same situation exists for Kamsky that existed for Kasparov in Seville in 1987 - he's in a must-win situation with White. In 1987, Kasparov needed one win to keep his title; in 1996, Kamsky needs one win to start a winning streak.

Perhaps a solid opening, like the Torre Attack, would do fine ... Karpov has a history of meeting that opening by trying to snatch the b2-pawn (with ... Qb6). Obviously this is not the safest line for Black - Karpov won't want to risk it under the present circumstances. And with his options limited...?

It's interesting to note that when Kasparov needed a win in 1987, he didn't choose the sharpest lines...he chose a solid Reti Opening with 1. Nf3 that put all the pressure (not to lose) on the other guy.

Gata is doing what he must, playing each game to a finish. This is certainly not New York!