Chess thread

[Tal]

Great summary, Tighty.

Anand knew there was only one plan: attack. When he was making his name in the top echelon of chess, Vishy was known for his explosive tactical ability, although more controlled than the likes of Shirov. We knew he had it in him and it is also true that Carlsen has found ways to stifle the threat of attack in most of the games so far. Until now.

1.d4 is typically for slower, quieter games than its king's pawn equivalent, but we have seen that Carlsen's Berlin wall is impenetrable and an alternative opening like a 2Knights or Guico Pianissimo (where the bishop goes to c4, rather than b5) has plenty of fireworks but, for these guys, very few surprises. Carlsen chose to play the Nimzo-Indian and Anand chose the most aggressive continuation with the Sämisch variation (f3).

The game was one for the annals; a tactical monster. Grandmaster analysis for you:

http://en.chessbase.com/post/chennai-09-thrilling-fight-tarnished

It was a great shame that Anand couldn't find Bf1, but the world chess championship isn't written by Richard Curtis and now Magnus Carlsen is one handshake away from becoming Norway's first World Chess Champ.

There had been a lot of criticism of Anand, even amongst other Super-GMs. I can't help but think some of it is "It should have been me"-ism and there is no doubt that Anand has a different style to the likes of Nakamura, both on and off the board. I would certainly take some of the observations you read with a pinch of salt. Perhaps just my view.

Anyway, to tomorrow!

[Tal]

Wasn't all that long ago...

Click to see full-size image.

[The Baron]

Based on 's summary black probs wins/draws anyway.

Weirdly this game from Carlsen has impressed me the most.

[MintTrav]

Not the first time Anand has blundered in a WC match. Did it against Topolov and admitted that he forgot his preparation.

May as well concede now.

[McGlashan]

About that move. Vishy played 28: NF1 instantly and noticed his mistake just as quickly. Crucially he'd already spent 40+ minutes in the tank on move 23, suddenly finding himself under pressure on both the clock and board. In this circumstance the insta move is a sign of relief at having reached a calculated line and if you've already calculated the line you don't need to waste time looking at the board...

He did go as far as to give an explanation as to how he missed the thematic QE1 defence. Prior to looking at the game line he'd analysed another variation whereby the black Queen getting back to defend in time via and at this point he discounted the line without the need of going as far as to calculating any QE1 lines. In itself it's a coinflip whether he analysed or E1 first.

[Tal]

That's a very good point, McGlashan.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's action:

http://www.chessdom.com/carlsen-touches-the-world-chess-champion-2013-title-in-chennai/



"Let's try something a little different"

[Tal]

Game ten - and the World Championship Match - is over.

The draw Magnus Carlsen needed came in 65 moves. Long live the King.

[Tal]

"My mistakes didn't happen by themselves"

   - Anand

[McGlashan]

Spot the mistakes in this article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25057654 it will not be too testing.

[Tal]

Karpov was world champ 75-85 for starters.

[McGlashan]

Karpov was world champ 75-85 for starters.

And born in 51 meaning he wouldn't be the youngest world champ of all time. We might be quicker listing the parts of the article that are factually correct.

[curnow]

Karpov was world champ 75-85 for starters.

And born in 51 meaning he wouldn't be the youngest world champ of all time. We might be quicker listing the parts of the article that are factually correct.

some block called gary was the youngest , credit to Carlsen think he may bring players back to chess , alot of us started playing poker because there is no money in chess , only top GM can make it ,

[MintTrav]

Was it wise of Carlsen to turn down a draw offer earlier in the final game?

[The Baron]

Short says Fide ratings benefit modern players. How so?

[Tal]

Short says Fide ratings benefit modern players. How so?

I'm sure someone will have a better answer for this, but the rating you have is based on your performance against other people. In theory, as people are getting better, the ratings around you improve, so there is a natural increase in ratings.

Make no bones about it: Magnus Carlsen is the best player who ever lived.