Chess thread

[McGlashan]

We've got a proper game on today. Magnus is playing a well prepared Caro Kann and Vishny is looking to play for an advantage.

[The Baron]

Why no Qg4?

[McGlashan]

Dunnno but timewise that was another quick draw. It can only get better when play resumes on Tuesday.

[Tal]

I tried to take up this line as Black a couple of years ago but just coukdnt get into it. It is a real Carlsen type of opening, the Bf5 Caro-Kann. Slow and steady.

Although I don't recognise e6, I would expect the first 15 moves have been analysed by both players in their preparation and the computer on the world championship website suggests both players played optimally for the entire game. That final position is not going anywhere.

Early to say this sort of stuff, but, the longer it goes on without any progress, the more pressure there will be on Carlsen and the more hope will become belief with the crowd in Anand.

[The Baron]

Couldn't agree more. If its even after 6 you have to say Anand shifts to marginal favourite.

Carlsen with white Tuesday will be aggressive.

[MintTrav]

Come off the fence Tal. Anything other than a crushing win for Carlsen would be a major shock - no?

The best Anand can hope for is that nerves affect Carlsen's first World Championship and narrow the scale of the result.

[Tal]

Come off the fence Tal. Anything other than a crushing win for Carlsen would be a major shock - no?

The best Anand can hope for is that nerves affect Carlsen's first World Championship and narrow the scale of the result.

I'm not sure those two statements can both be true.

On paper, on mathematical simulations based on rating, Carlsen should win over twelve games reasonably comfortably.

But I just don't see it. Anand is wily, experienced, has a game naturally suited to Carlsen's and is a superb match player, playing at home, knowing his opponent wasn't happy about the venue choice.

I was really close yesterday to taking Anand against the handicap.

However, I do really hope Carlsen wins. It would be such a big thing for chess.

[The Baron]

Anand got humped by Carlsen not too long ago and it's nailed on he's thought even more about how not to lose in match play than ever before. Whatever happens, a crushing victory is unlikely.

I expect Carlsen to win. But I'd say the next few games are important for him.

[Tal]

Round two ended earlier than round one. There were threats to get into a game, but neither fancied taking the final risk in going fir the throat, so the queens came off and the players shook hands.

http://www.chessbase.com/post/chennai-wc-g2-more-moves-but-quicker-draw

Andrew Martin is an international master who does good video analysis of games.

[Tal]

Click to see full-size image.

From round one. I read a report last week on a betting site where the analyst said home advatbage was irrelevant. Look at this picture and tell me that.

[McGlashan]

There's no home... Nah I can't do it.

Isn't there a 5 minute window for photos at the start of the match before it all calms down?

[Tal]

There's no home... Nah I can't do it.

Isn't there a 5 minute window for photos at the start of the match before it all calms down?

I think that will be right - something between 5 and fifteen normally - but I'm not certain.

Kasparov pointed out that drawing comfortably is a moral victory for Black, so says it's one moral point each. Anand tends to start his matches with quiet lines and then looks to use that information about his opponent's opening prep to work on sharper lines in response for next time.

[Tal]

Rest day today for the players. Here's yesterday's analysis, report and photos:

http://www.chessbase.com/post/chennai-02-two-minor-victories-



No talking in class

[curnow]

starts about 9.20 UK time (GMT)

[Tal]

Thanks, curnow.

A *rollzeyez* article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-24904517