The Drawfest Continues
Another game, another success for the Black pieces, another uninspiring draw. This is probably the best description of the events unfolding in game 7. The symmetrical pawn structure and the fact Carlsen once again avoided the most critical continuation in the opening.
Particularly annoyed chess24 co-commentator Alexander Grischuk in a brilliant monologue, compared opening preparation with a light at the end of a tunnel and called Carlsen’s opening preparation childish:
While we are at it, a whole book could be written entirely out of Grischuk’s quote. Since they were the most interesting thing happening today, here are some additional ones:
(All screenshots taken from chess24 official twitter page)
Round 7 report follows.
Game Course
In his fourth White game, Magnus Carlsen decided to go for the very same line of the Harrwitz Attack in the Queen’s Gambit Declined already seen in game two. This time, he was the one to „strike first“ on move ten with 10 Nd2 (instead of 10 Rd1). Caruana calmly retreated his queen back to d8, which caused Anish Giri to write the following „tweet of the day“:
Unfortunately, the game didn’t deviate far from „Giri waters“. After Caruana retreted his bishop to uncommon square with 11… Bb6, Carlsen refused to play 12 Rd1!? (the most critical try), but opted for more timid 12 Be2. It allowed Black to solve all his opening problems very quickly because it induced him to take on c4 a move later. On chess24 live broadcast, Alexander Grischuk later commented Carlsen’s preparation was childish.
In any case, by move 22, all rooks have been exchanged and the symmetrical pawn structure typical of Queen’s Gambit positions was established. Subsequent exchanges followed until a knight versus bishop endgame has been reached, in which neither side had any real chances of pushing. Even before the end of the first time control, on move 40, a draw was agreed.
Game Analysis
The Aftermath?
In two consecutive White games, Magnus Carlsen hasn’t obtained even a hint of an advantage. It is debatable why he didn’t even try – was his team condvinced he might get an edge in the 10 Nd2 line, or is Caruana just better prepared?
Some people say he is already going for tiebreaks. But they forget he played games like these in previous matches as well. In contrast to Anand and Karjakin, Caruana is not only capable of holding equal positions, he is also capable of outplaying Carlsen from them (game six is the best evidence).
Besides, it is probably too early for Carlsen to seriously count on tiebreaks, with so many Black games remaining. But it is obvious he is unwilling to go for unnecessary risks (in contrast to, say, game 8 of the previous match).
And why should he? Caruana is probably also aware he is inferior in rapid and blitz chess. If anyone should „go for it“ it is probably him. It is reasonable to expect him going for sharp and critical lines in the remaining three White games.
I mean, the fact that in the previous match game 8 was the first decisive one is definitely a good omen.
If you are superstitious.
Video Analysis Of The Game
Featured image credit: Niki Riga