Carlsen Caruana World Championship Archives - Chessentials

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship 2018

Mistreaver — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 21:58:56 +0000

Already in 2014, after the second Carlsen – Anand match, FIDE decided to hold the World Chess Championship as two-year cycles. After Carlsen defended his title against Karjakin, FIDE stuck to the same format. The regulations for the 2016-2018 cycle ¹ envisioned staging of the Candidates Tournament in the first quarter of 2018 and the match itself in the last quarter of 2018.

The participants of the Candidates tournament were determined during 2017, as follows²:

The loser of the World Chess CChampionship2016 (Sergey Karjakin)
Top two finishers of the World Cup 2017 (Levon Aronian and Ding Liren)
Top two finishers of the FIDE Grand Prix 2017 (Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Wesley So)
One wildcard nominated by Agon – the company who signed a contract with FIDE to organize official FIDE events, World Chess Championship included (Vladimir Kramnik) ³

The Candidates tournament was held in March 2018. Italian American ⁴ Fabiano Caruana seized the lead early and never let it slip. With an impressive performance, he won the tournament a clear point ahead of the Mamedyarov and Karjakin (9/14). The stage was set for the Carlsen – Caruana encounter.

The match was widely anticipated. In contrast to Carlsen’s previous matches where he was a clear favourite, this time everyone predicted a much closer fight. In the past, Caruana was one of the players who managed to pose Carlsen problems in the past. Indirect evidence was also provided by the players’ ratings before the match: 2835 for Carlsen and 2832 for Caruana. For the first time in a while, the participants in the World Championship Match were clear numbers one and two in the world.

The match was held in London, from 9-28 November 2018. The time control was 100 minutes for the first 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves and 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1. Colors alternated between games except after game 6, so the same player played with White in games 6 and 7. Draw agreements were not allowed before Black’s 30th move.

Already the first game was dramatic. After surprising his opponent with the Sveshnikov, Carlsen quickly obtained a superior position with the Black pieces. As he kept building the pressure, Caruana ran into time trouble and made several inaccuracies. Just as he was ready to reap the fruit of his instructive player, Carlsen missed several winning opportunities and had to settle for a draw.

After the initial excitement, the players managed to steady the waters. Good preparation with the Black pieces became a theme. In the games 2-5, neither player managed to achieve anything with the White pieces. Then in the game 6, Caruana even outplayed Magnus in a queenless middlegame, but missed a study-like win deep in the endgame.

The second half of the match saw players applying different strategies. Fully aware he would have an advantage in tiebreaks due to his superiority in rapid and blitz chess, Magnus decided not to risk to much with White. He tried to achieve a safe advantage, but failed to do so.

In contrast, due to his inferiority in speed chess, and due to the fact Magnus chose the Sicilian for this match, Caruana’s subsequent White games were fighting and complicated. In the game eight, he managed to surprise Magnus with the rare 7 Nd5!? in the Sveshnikov. For the first time in the match, Caruana obtained a serious advantage, but one inaccurate move blew it away at once.

Game ten featured the same Nd5 variation. Once again Caruana was the first to employ a novelty. Magnus reacted well and obtained a double-edged position in which both sides had their chances. Although exhaustive analysis of this game will be featured in many books, at first glance it seems that the evaluation was always within the dynamic equilibrium.

Finally, in the 12th game, Carlsen was the first to deviate and gained an overwhelming position. However, due to his nervous state and eagerness to reach tiebreak⁵, he avoided the critical continuation and then, to the surprise of the whole chess world – offered a draw. Thus, the players set a negative record – for the first time in history, all games of a World Championship match were drawn. ⁶

Although Carlsen was severely criticized for his decision in the final game, the course of the tiebreak shown it was justified. Just like against Karjakin, he completely dominated and swept the challenger with a clear 3-0 victory. Almost three weeks of struggle in classical chess were resolved in the span of a few hours.

Even though the result led to endless debates about the tiebreak format, ⁷ there was no denying that Carlsen’s victory was well-deserved. For the fourth time in five years, he defended his crown and extended his legacy for at least two additional years.

Check our coverage of Candidates tournament 2018 here

Check our coverage of the Carlsen – Caruana match here

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship 2018 appeared first on Chessentials.

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Tiebreak

Mistreaver — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 13:52:14 +0000

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

One King To Rule Them All

After 12 games of the Carlsen and Caruana made history by drawing all games of the classical portion of the match, a rapid tiebreak was held on November 28. Just as most of the commentators predicted, the gap between Carlsen and Caruana in speed chess was gargantuan.

With the 3 convincing victories in 3 rapid games, Magnus Carlsen managed to defend his title. Since Nakamura compared him with Sauron some time ago, it is appropriate to say he once again became One King To Rule Them All.

(Lord Of The Rings Fan will get it)

Tiebreak report follows.

The Tiebreaks System

After Kramnik – Topalov, Anand – Gelfand and Carlsen – Karjakin matches, for the fourth time in the history the World Championship was resolved in the “extra time”.

The format of the tiebreak hasn’t changed since the previous match:

Four rapid games with 25 minutes and 10 seconds increment per move
If the result after rapid is drawn, then additional ten games with 5 minutes and 3 seconds increment per move are played
Finally, if the result is still drawn, a final Armaggedon game. White has 5 minutes and Black has 4 minutes. If the game is drawn, then Black becomes the World Champion.

In the introduction to the Carlsen – Karjakin tiebreaks report, I expressed my opinion about the tiebreak in great detail. Since the format hasn’t changed, I stand by everything I have written there. Allow me to repeat the main points:

– The current tiebreak definitely has its drawbacks, but it is hard to suggest the alternative

– It is much more viable than an unlimited match. Or the clause that allows the Champion to retain the title if the match ends in a tie.

– Several alternatives were proposed during the last couple of days. One was to play 1 Armageddon Classical game. A second was to play several Fischer960 games. A third was to play the tiebreak BEFORE the match. They all sound too artificial.

– Rapid part of the tiebreak allows the players to play a decent game. It also reduces the importance of opening preparation, allowing the objectively stronger player to win. As one user below chess24 report on the tiebreaks stated:

[…] in a 25 min game + 10 only chess skills are required. Usually prevails the deep understanding of positions, above pure calculation.

– Blitz shouldn’t be a part of the tiebreak system – less time increases the „randomness“ of the game. Increasing the number of rapid games, if required, seems more sensible.

– Rapid games should be held over several days. In the current format, if you have a „day off“ when tiebreaks are played, you are basically busted. This is exactly what happened to both Karjakin and Caruana.

(You might also recall Hikaru Nakamura suggested this 2 years ago)

Okay, now that we have gotten that out of the way, let us take a look at the actual games.

Tiebreaks – Game 1

Game Course

The drawing of lots, held after game twelve, awarded Magnus with the White pieces in the first rapid game. Just as in games four and nine, he chose to open with 1 c4, avoiding both the Petroff and the Queen’s Gambit that bothered him during the match.

He then opted to avoid Caruana’s 5…Bc5 variation of the English as well. Instead of the „automatic“ 3 Nf3, he surprised Caruana with 3 g3 and then 4 e4!?, offering to play a reversed Rossolimo. Caruana didn’t react precisely and soon found himself in a very dubious position.

Still, the champion didn’t punish him immediately and let him off the hook. However, Caruana didn’t go for the most resolute continuation, involving the return of the pawn on c3 and again fell under pressure.

At the critical moment, Carlsen failed to spot a beautiful resource (Kh1) and entered a rook endgame where he was a pawn up, but where his king was cut off on the first rank.

It was probably drawn with the best play, but after Caruana missed a beautiful resource – 38 Re7+ !, his game was beyond salvation. Carlsen confidently converted his advantage and reminded us all of the importance of studying rook endgames.

Game Analysis

   [Event "World Chess Championship 2018: Tiebreak"]  [Site "https://lichess.org/study/xV6"]  [Date "????.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Carlsen, Magnus"]  [Black "Caruana, Fabiano"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "A22"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "109"]   1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 (3. Nf3 {In classical games Carlsen went for 4  Knights position after 1.c4. He decided to switch and surprise Caruana in not  so well known position.} Nc6) 3... Bb4 {We've entered in reversed Rossolimo  where white is move up.} 4. e4 {Surprisingly extremely rare move. Carlen is  trying to play the same structure as in games 1 and 3.} O-O {Bg2 can seem like  a no-thinker but Nge2 is much more precise. Any exchanges on c3 will be taken  with night without ruining the structure.} (4... Bxc3 5. dxc3 Nxe4 6. Qd5 Ng5  7. Qxe5+ Ne6 8. Bg2 O-O {White would be slightly better.}) 5. Nge2 c6 6. Bg2 a6  (6... d5 {Was more critical line.} 7. exd5 cxd5 8. cxd5 Bf5 9. d4 (9. O-O Bd3 {  Playing imprecisely would allow black to equalize and play this double-edged  position.}) 9... exd4 10. Qxd4 {White is better.}) 7. O-O b5 8. d4 d6 (8...  exd4 {Would just activate white pieces.} 9. Nxd4 Re8 10. e5 Rxe5 11. Bf4 Re8  12. cxb5 axb5 13. Ndxb5 $16) 9. a3 Bxc3 (9... Ba5 10. b4 Bc7 $16 {Was also  possible but Caruana didn't want to play passively.}) 10. Nxc3 bxc4 11. dxe5  dxe5 12. Na4 {Keeping queens on board was also possible, but it's well known  Magnus prefers positions where he can play on one goal without any risks.} (12.  Be3 {Was probably more logical}) 12... Be6 13. Qxd8 (13. f4 {Is engines  suggestion, a player should see a ton of lines to play it. Also it's really  risky. exchanging queens was better practical decision.}) 13... Rxd8 14. Be3  Nbd7 15. f3 {Preventing Ng4 and defending an e4 pawn.} Rab8 16. Rac1 Rb3 17.  Rfe1 (17. Kf2 Rdb8 18. Rfd1 c3 19. Nxc3 Rxb2+ $15 {If someone played this most  logical line he'd quickly find himself in some truble.}) 17... Ne8 (17... Rdb8  {Was still an idea} 18. Bf1 c3 19. Rxc3 Rxc3 20. bxc3 {And Black is slightly  worse here, but this should be defensible}) 18. Bf1 Nd6 19. Rcd1 Nb5 $2 {  Crucial mistake. After this point Carlsen didn't let advantage out of his hand.  In Caruana's defense it was second best move in the position.} (19... Nb7 20.  Rd2 Kf8 21. Kf2 Ke8 22. Red1 Rb8 23. Rc2 Na5 $14 {White is slightly better but  there is no clear way how he will improve.}) 20. Nc5 Rxb2 (20... Nxc5 21. Rxd8#  ) 21. Nxe6 fxe6 22. Bxc4 (22. Bg5 {Wouldn't be possible.} Nd4 {With Nf3  checkmate threat.} 23. Rxd4 exd4 24. Bxd8 Ne5 {Again the same threat.} 25. Be2  d3 $19 {2 past pawns and mate threat are simply too strong. Black is winning.}  26. Bd1 (26. Bc7 Rxe2 27. Rxe2 Nxf3+ 28. Kf2 dxe2 29. Kxe2 Nxh2) 26... c3)  22... Nd4 23. Bxd4 exd4 {Carlsen felt this was critical moment spent about 6  minutes to find the best move. Unfortunately it's not easy to see most  important move.} 24. Bxe6+ (24. Rxd4 Kf7 {Black's position is falling apart.  Only threat he has is Ne5 with perpetual.} 25. Kh1 {Counter intuitive since in  the endgame you want your king to be closer to center.} (25. Red1 $4 Ne5 $10 {  And white would have to draw a game.} 26. Rxd8 Nxf3+ 27. Kh1 (27. Kf1 Nxh2+ 28.  Ke1 Nf3+ 29. Kf1 Nh2+) 27... Rxh2#) 25... c5 26. Rd6 Rb6 27. Red1 Ke7 28. e5  $16) 24... Kf8 25. Rxd4 Ke7 26. Rxd7+ Rxd7 27. Bxd7 Kxd7 {White is a pawn up  but the endgame is not the easiest one to win since there is no easy way for  white to activate his king.} 28. Rd1+ Ke6 29. f4 c5 30. Rd5 Rc2 31. h4 c4 32.  f5+ {Not sure if this was required} (32. Rd4 g6 {Would have posed some problems  } (32... Rc1+ 33. Kf2 Rc2+ 34. Kf3 Rc3+ 35. Kg4 g6 36. h5 gxh5+ 37. Kxh5 Rxg3  38. Rxc4 Rxa3) 33. a4 a5 34. Kf1 Rc3 35. Ke2 Rxg3 36. Rxc4 {And Black should  still be able to hold, though}) 32... Kf6 33. Rc5 h5 34. Kf1 Rc3 35. Kg2 Rxa3  36. Rxc4 Ke5 37. Rc7 {Last mistake Caruana did. At this point he could have  saved the game. Although this was rapid Caruana him self said he didn't play  even close to his best.} Kxe4 (37... Ra2+ 38. Kf3 Ra3+ 39. Kg2 Ra2+ 40. Kh3  Kxe4 41. Rxg7 Rf2 (41... Ra1 {Is also sufficient} 42. f6 Kf3 43. Kh2 Ra2+ 44.  Kh3 Ra1 {The f-pawn serves as a shield}) 42. Ra7 Rxf5 43. Rxa6 $10 {White is a  pawn up but the position is easily holdable even on faster time controls.} Ke5  44. Ra5+ Kf6 45. Rxf5+ Kxf5 46. g4+ hxg4+ 47. Kg3 Kg6 48. Kxg4 Kh7) 38. Re7+ {  An important move. White has to stop black from protecting his h5 pawn.} Kxf5  39. Rxg7 Kf6 40. Rg5 a5 41. Rxh5 a4 42. Ra5 Ra1 43. Kf3 a3 44. Ra6+ Kg7 45. Kg2  Ra2+ 46. Kh3 Ra1 47. h5 (47. Kg4 {A possible mistake many players would have  made resulting in a draw. The point is white cannot push his g-pawn any more.}  a2 48. h5 Kh7 49. h6 (49. Kg5 Rg1 50. Ra7+ Kg8 51. Rxa2 Rxg3+ $10) 49... Rh1)  47... Kh7 48. g4 Kg7 (48... a2 49. Kg2 Kg7 50. Kh2 {It's important to free g2  square for rook.} Kh7 51. g5 Rb1 (51... Kg7 52. h6+ Kh7 53. Ra7+ Kh8 (53... Kg6  54. h7) 54. g6 {Passive resist can't save black either.}) 52. Rxa2 Rb5 53. Rg2)  49. Kh4 a2 50. Kg5 Kf7 51. h6 Rb1 52. Ra7+ Kg8 53. Rxa2 Rb5+ 54. Kg6 Rb6+ 55.  Kh5 {Impressive endgame precision by Carlsen.} 1-0

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Video analysis of the game

Coming soon.

Tiebreaks – Game 2

Game Course

The psychological importance of the first game was enormous. Caruana must have felt terrible since he came so close to holding a game where he was suffering from the start.

On the other hand, the win removed the burden from Carlsen’s shoulders. In the post-game conference, he admitted game 1 was crucial for the outcome of the tiebreaks. It allowed him to play the remainder of the tiebreaks calmly and confidently:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNb4ZkNEVW0

Game 2 of the tiebreaks was the best evidence that Carlsen was „in the zone“. Caruana once again opted for 7 Nd5!? against the Sveshnikov, a move that caused his opponent some problems in games eight and ten. Carlsen responded with the 8…Ne7 line he employed with great success in game twelve. Once again he surprised his opponent by going 11 … Qb8 (instead of 11… Bd7 as in game twelve).

After 20 moves, a complicated and double-edged position has arisen. White probably had a slight edge, but the cost of every move was very high. Instead of taking things slowly, Caruana went for the immediate 21 c5!?. Carlsen answered with a series of strong moves: 21… 0-0, 23 … Rfc8, 24… Bd8, 25…e4. In the critical position, Caruana blundered with 26 c7?? and was immediately punished.

After just 28 moves, Carlsen destroyed his opponent and took the commanding 2-0 lead.

Game Analysis

   [Event "World Chess Championship 2018: Tiebreak"]  [Site "https://lichess.org/study/xV6"]  [Date "????.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Caruana, Fabiano"]  [Black "Carlsen, Magnus"]  [Result "0-1"]  [ECO "B33"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "56"]   1. e4 {After Caruana lost game 1 of tiebreaker it makes sense to go for a win,  also e4 was probably only move prepared for the match.} c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4  cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 Ne7 {Continuing with  the variation he played in game 12. Caruana had a rest day to look up the  variation.} 9. c4 Ng6 (9... a6 {Would lose instantly.} 10. Qa4 Bd7 (10... Qd7  11. Nxd6+ Kd8 12. Nxf7+) 11. Nxd6#) 10. Qa4 Bd7 11. Qb4 Qb8 {Although this  move can look a bit weird, b8 square is common place for queen in Sicilian.}  12. h4 h5 (12... Be7 13. h5 Nf8 14. h6 g6 $16 {White would have an advantage.})  13. Be3 a6 14. Nc3 a5 15. Qb3 (15. Qa3 {Was also possible with an idea of  putting pressure on d6 pawn.}) 15... a4 16. Qd1 Be7 17. g3 Qc8 18. Be2 Bg4 19.  Rc1 (19. Bxg4 hxg4 20. c5 dxc5 21. h5 Nf8 22. h6 {Was a better option for  white.}) 19... Bxe2 20. Qxe2 Qf5 {White could have prepared c5 idea, before  playing it.} 21. c5 {c5 is common motive in this type of positions. White is  happy to sacrifice c-pawn for getting passed d-pawn.} (21. Nb5 O-O 22. O-O Rfc8  23. Rfd1 Nf8 24. c5 $16) 21... O-O {White is in an awkward place now. Black  threatens to take on c5.} (21... dxc5 22. Bxc5 Bxc5 23. Qb5+ Qd7 24. Qxc5 $16 {  White's pieces are better placed. White would be better.}) 22. c6 (22. cxd6  Bxd6 23. O-O Nf4 24. Qf3 (24. gxf4 exf4 25. Qf3 (25. Bd4 f3 26. Qe4 Qh3 $19)  25... Qg6+ 26. Kh1 fxe3) 24... Qg6 $15) 22... bxc6 23. dxc6 {White has passed  c-pawn but black got full control of center and he can control c-pawn  relatively easy.} Rfc8 24. Qc4 Bd8 25. Nd5 e4 26. c7 $4 {Unfortunate blunder  that decided game instantly.} Bxc7 27. Nxc7 Ne5 28. Nd5 (28. Qd5 Rab8 29. O-O  Rxc7 30. Rxc7 (30. Qxd6 Rxc1 31. Qxb8+ Rc8 32. Qb7 Qg4 33. Kg2 Nf3 34. Rh1 Rc2  $19) 30... Nf3+) 28... Kh7 {White has no move.} 0-1

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Video analysis of the game

Coming soon.

Tiebreaks – Game 3

Game Course

After two games, the fate of the championship was essentially decided. It was very hard to expect Fabiano can make an actual comeback.

Still, he had to try. After Carlsen played 1 e4 (a somewhat surprising choice), he avoided his beloved Petroff and went for the Sicilian. Carlsen chose to go for the Maroczy bind set-up with 3 c4, limiting his opponent’s options. Caruana tried to complicate the situation, but after 15 moves, White was already slightly better.

Then, after further maneouvers, Carlsen gained the opportunity to go for advantage with 26 g5. He chose 26 e5!? instead, going for exchanges and simplifying the position. Objectively, it was enough „only“ for a draw, but this result suited Magnus perfectly. Caruana, naturally, avoided going for the perpetual and tried pushing until the end. Alas, his counterplay led nowhere and he succumbed rather simply when Magnus escorted his passed c-pawn toward the queening square.

Game Analysis

   [Event "World Chess Championship 2018: Tiebreak"]  [Site "https://lichess.org/study/xV6"]  [Date "????.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Carlsen , Magnus"]  [Black "Caruana, Fabiano"]  [Result "1-0"]  [ECO "B44"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "101"]   1. e4 {Unusual choice to go 1.e4 when opponent is in a must win situation but  here it makes sense. Caruana only prepared Petrov in which Carlsen can quickly  change queens and simplify position. This forces Caruana to go for opening he  doesn't know as well as Carlsen.} c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 Nc6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Bc5  6. Nc2 {In move 6 we are already out of the book.} Nf6 (6... Qb6 {Was an  interasting option. White would have to play unnaturally.} 7. Qd2 Nf6 8. Nc3  Ng4 9. Nd1 (9. Na4 Bxf2+) 9... O-O 10. h3 Nge5 11. f4 Ng6 12. Nc3 $13 {White  has slight advantage but position is extremely double-edged.}) 7. Nc3 O-O 8.  Be3 {Black's dark squares are weak. White goal should be to exchange dark  color bishops and attack d-pawn.} b6 9. Be2 Bb7 10. O-O Qe7 11. Qd2 Rfd8 12.  Rfd1 Ne5 13. Bxc5 bxc5 (13... Qxc5 {Was also possible to put pressure on  white's c and e pawns.} 14. Qd4 d6 15. f3 Rac8 16. b3 {White has enough  resources to defend pawns and simplify position without too much trouble.} d5  17. Qxc5 bxc5 18. cxd5 exd5 19. exd5 c4 20. Rab1 cxb3 21. Rxb3 Nxd5 22. Rxb7  Nxc3 23. Rxd8+ Rxd8 24. Bf1 Nxa2 25. Rxa7 $10) 14. f4 {Courageous decision. f4  is the best move in position but f3 is also good move, making it harder for  him to push d5.} (14. f3 d6 (14... d5 15. Qg5 Qc7 16. cxd5 exd5 17. exd5 Nxd5  18. Nxd5 Bxd5 19. Ne3 $14 {Position is equal, but white is slightly more  comfortable.}) 15. b3 Rac8 16. Qe3 Nc6 17. Rd2 $10 {Keeping the tension in air,  forcing black to find a good way to break through with d5.}) 14... Ng6 15. Qe3  d6 (15... d5 {Would just lead to simplification. Black wouldn't be able to get  any advantage.} 16. exd5 exd5 17. Qxe7 Nxe7 18. cxd5 Nexd5 19. Nxd5 Bxd5 20.  Ne3 $14) 16. Rd2 a6 {Caruana is trying to improve his position as much as  possible before pushing d5. Unfortunately for him, there are not too many  moves that will make a significant improvment.} 17. Rad1 Qc7 18. b3 h6 19. g3  Rd7 20. Bf3 Re8 21. Qf2 Ne7 22. h3 Red8 23. Bg2 Nc6 24. g4 Qa5 25. Na4 Qc7 26.  e5 {Carlsen saw the chance to change rooks and went for it. There were options  for him to play for advantage, but he would be satisfied with a draw.} (26. g5  hxg5 27. fxg5 Nh5 28. Nb2 {After knight left f6 square, black can't play d5  any more.} Ne7 {With an idea of d5.} (28... Re7 29. Nd3 e5 30. Ne3 Nd4 31. Rf1)  29. Qh4 g6 30. Ne3 d5 {Doesn't work.} 31. exd5 exd5 32. cxd5) 26... dxe5 27.  Nxc5 Rxd2 28. Rxd2 Rxd2 29. Qxd2 Ba8 (29... exf4 30. Nxb7 Qxb7 31. Qxf4) 30.  fxe5 Qxe5 31. Nd7 (31. Nxa6 {Is also possible but white's goal was to draw in  simplest manner.}) 31... Qb2 32. Qd6 {Forcing further exchanges.} Nxd7 33. Qxd7  Qxc2 34. Qe8+ Kh7 35. Qxa8 Qd1+ 36. Kh2 Qd6+ 37. Kh1 Nd4 (37... Qd1+ {Would  have led to a draw, but of course, Caruana didn't want to have any of it}) 38.  Qe4+ f5 39. gxf5 exf5 40. Qe3 Ne6 {Objectively this position is a draw but win  is only what works for Caruana. From this point on he started to despertly try  and trick Carlsen} 41. b4 Ng5 42. c5 Qf6 43. c6 Ne6 44. a4 Nc7 45. Qf4 Ne6 46.  Qd6 Qa1+ 47. Kh2 Nd4 48. c7 Qc3 49. Qc5 Qe3 50. c8=Q f4 51. Qg4 1-0

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Video analysis of the game

Coming soon.

The Aftermath/Match Summary?

In the end, Carlsen managed to justify his decision to offer a draw in a better position in game 12. He completely outclassed his opponent in the somewhat anti-climatic tiebreaks. The course of the match can be best described using the immortal words of Alexander Grischuk:

“There is a famous saying about No Limit Hold’em that it’s hours of boredom followed by moments of terror – you can say the same about this match: it was 3 weeks of boredom & now 2 hours of terror”

(Source: Chess24 tiebreak report)

Before I finally say goodbye, I would like to share some of my own after-match musings about the course of the match, about the final result and about the reception of the match in the broader chess community:

The classical part of the match was an even struggle

There is already a lot of debate about who was the better player during the classical part of the match.

Fabiano fans say he was the better player. Magnus fans say otherwise.

Although I am a part of #teamMagnus, I think the struggle in the match was fairly even.

For the larger part of the match, the main theme was: Black is OK.

In the majority of the games, the player with the Black pieces managed to neutralize the White pieces fairly easily. That is valid for almost all games where Magnus was White (except perhaps for game 9) and first three Rossolimo Sicilians.

In the “less balanced” games, both sides got an equal share of chances.

Magnus had a forced win in game 1, Caruana had a forced win in game 6 (even though the latter was way more difficult, if not impossible to find over the board).

Similarly, Caruana had a vastly superior position in game 8, Magnus in game 12.

Game 10 was a grandiose battle where both sides kept throwing punches left and right. It was too wild and complicated and neither player managed to establish a clear edge.

Therefore, in a way, a draw in the classical portion of the match was the fair result.

You can’t say that one side dominated as in Magnus – Karjakin match.

Sure, you can make arguments for one player or another, but objectively, I think we watched an equal battle between two best players in the world.

I think that in the next two years, Magnus’ main goal will be re-establishing his former dominance in classical chess.

Magnus victory was well-deserved and in a way – more logical

With that being said, I still think Magnus victory was well deserved. And in a way – more logical.

In my opinion, I think he IS the better player. I think there are several reasons he was unable to demonstrate it in the classical portion.

He is not THAT MUCH better as he used to be. And he has been struggling with nerves and confidence lately.

But also, I think it had a lot to do with the quality of Caruana’s preparation.

I would say that in general, Caruana played better openings, and Carlsen played better chess.

Allow me to back up this statement with some sample games:

Game 1 – Caruana gets surprised by the Sicilian and quickly gets outplayed

Game 3 – Caruana gets a good position but one of the first moves he made on his own – taking on a5 instead of Bd2 – is already inferior

Game 8 – Caruana gets a fantastic position out of the opening, plays the most critical continuation and then goes for the completely meek h3 move, allowing Carlsen to equalize instantly

Game 10 – Caruana once again out prepares Magnus, but still gets outplayed to an extent (Magnus was the one pressing until his silly Kd4 move)

Game 12 – Caruana gets surprised in the opening. He displays character by avoiding the repetition, but he landed into a clearly inferior, if not lost position, rather quickly. He avoided defeat only because Magnus wasn’t searching for a victory.

Rapid tiebreaks are another piece of evidence that supports my statement.

I may be biased, but I agree to an extent with Hikaru Nakamura, who said that it is more logical to have a World Champion who is good at all time controls.

Current World Championship Match format is not ideal, but it is not 100% clear how to improve it

It is clear that players weren’t willing to take risks in this match.

But can you blame them? In a short, 12 game match format, the cost of a single game increases. Every move might be a crucial mistake. The very format itself prevents the players from “lowering their guard”. The first goal becomes to defend yourself and to “win on points”, not to “go for the knockout”.

Of course, this could be easily solved by prolonging the match. But the question is – how long should it be? I don’t think something like 24 game match is viable any longer (to say nothing of an unlimited match).

As it is, the players spend almost a month in November. At the current rate, a 24 game match would take almost two months. You could argue about the number of free days, though, but there is no denying time would be a crucial factor here.

The world has changed. It is much harder to keep everyone engaged – the audience, the sponsors, the fans, the media in a longer match.

Also, top players have a much tighter calendar. If you prolong the World Championship Match, you take away from the tournament organizers (and spectators).

I agree that something like 16 or 18 games format could be possible. But the change of the match format is not as straightforward as many people present it.

As for rapid tiebreaks, I have already stated I think they are the best solution we have for the moment.

Besides, even if they were abolished, I am sure many people would complain about whatever the alternative would be.

Which leads me to my final point of this post.

Broader chess community is spoiled and impossible to please

The course of this match convinced me that chess players excel at one thing.

Complaining.

They complained that the match is not interesting (Games 1, 5, 6, 8 and 10 anyone?)

They complained that all games end in a draw? (Yeah, it is much better to have a decisive game decided by a horrible oversight)

They complained that rapids shouldn’t be a part of World Championship match.

They complained in the past about unlimited match.

They complained Champion’s privileges are too big in case he retains the title if the score is tied.

They complain players are too well prepared.

They complain chess is dead.

They complain when players don’t play the first line of the engine.

They complain when players play “too computerish”.

I think the main reason for this attitude is the era of instant gratification we live in. And the main culprits in the chess world are the chess engines.

Chess players want to be entertained without putting too much effort themselves.

Which is okay. You have the right to expect things.

But what is not okay is not realizing how realistic these expectations are projecting them on the players. Avoiding responsibility for them.

Oh, this endgame is too complex for me I don’t understand it. But my tablebase says Black mates in 36. BOOORING.

Oh, there is 20 move of theory I see in my computer database. Even though I don’t understand a point of a single move I will not try to understand, because the players just memorized it. BORING

No, I will not follow the games on my board. I will watch them on chessbomb and let the engine think for me while I troll and write nasty comments about other chat participants and top players.

And so on. And so on.

I think we should all start appreciating how good these guys are.

The incredible level of chess they displayed in this match.

We should embrace that our game has changed and that modern chess is incredibly concrete, detailed – and yes – sometimes boring.

And we should stop fucking complaining.

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Tiebreak appeared first on Chessentials.

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game 12

Mistreaver — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 13:55:45 +0000

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

The Final CountDrawn

Game 12 of the World Chess Championship 2018 was supposed to be a bloodthirsty struggle.

And indeed, things initially looked rather promising. After the third Sveshnikov, another unbalanced and double-edged position has been reached. The challenger, in particular, showed character – after being surprised in the opening, he avoided the repetition of the moves. He then also avoided a safer continuation with short castling and decided to go for it.

However, his aggressive attitude could have backfired. By move 25, he was completely outplayed. Most commentators predicted Caruana losing the game. Everybody was just wondering from which angle will Carlsen deliver the knock-out blow.

But then, something unbelievable started happening. Carlsen first avoided the most principled and logical continuation in favour of one that gave his opponent fewer counter chances.

Then he avoided a very strong tactical blow on move 29. And on move 31, something unbelievable happened. Magnus Carlsen, one of the most combative and fighting players among elite chess players, decided to offer a draw in a superior position.

After some thought, Caruana, naturally, accepted the offer. Thus, the players have managed to set a rather infamous record.

For the first time in the World Chess Championship History, not a single (classical) game of the match ended in a decisive result.

Round 12 report follows.

Game Course

As in preceding 5 games, Caruana once again opened with 1 e4. There was no reason not to do so, since he posed Carlsen serious problems in game 8 and obtained a double-edged fight in game 10.

Carlsen, as expected, answered with 1 …c5 – going for his beloved 1…e5 would only risk running into Caruana’s pre-match preparation. The same Sveshnikov variation with 7 Nd5!? was repeated, but this time, Magnus was first to deviate with 8… Ne7 (instead of 8…Nb8).

On move 12, he was also the first to surprise his opponent with 12..h5!? – a move seen in the recent game between two engines. Caruana started thinking, hinted at the repetition of moves with 13 Qa4!?, avoided it with 15 Be3!? and landed… in a worse position.

Carlsen was convincingly outplaying his opponent, both on the board and on the clock. As Caruana himself said, he was very much worried about his position. His 25th move –25 f4? was a serious mistake Magnus could have immediately exploited with 25…b5. However, he preferred the combination of 25… a5 and 26…e4, limiting his opponent’s options and maintaining complete control of the position.

As he himself said after the game, he wasn’t mentally prepared to find the „most testing option“. It would have appeared he was content with a draw and didn’t even try to push further. It was apparent from his avoidance of the „sacrificial“ move 29.. Ba4!?, but more importantly, by his draw offer on move 31, when he still retained a vastly superior position.

And where Caruana had only 8 minutes left on the clock.

Everybody was shocked by Magnus’ decision. Several commentators couldn’t really believe and thought it was some sort of a transmission error.

Nobody even tried to hide their disappointment or withhold the criticism. Most top players were pretty harsh and direct with their evaluation:

Game Analysis

   [Event "Carlsen - Caruana World Championship Ma"]  [Site "0:08:33-0:38:33"]  [Date "2018.11.26"]  [Round "12"]  [White "Fabiano Caruana"]  [Black "Magnus Carlsen"]  [Result "1/2-1/2"]  [ECO "B33"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "62"]  [EventDate "2018.??.??"]   1. e4 {Of course - there is no reason to deviate from this move and face the  unknown} c5 {There was an argument for 1....e5, but it would be risky to test  Caruana's pre-match preparation} (1... e5) 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 {Of course - no  Rossolimo. The Open Sicilian landed Carlsen in some problems} cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6  5. Nc3 e5 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 Nxd5 8. exd5 {10 So far everything as in games 8  and} Ne7 {A wise choice by Magnus - he is the first to deviate. This move was  employed several times by Kramnik ... back in 1994} (8... Nb8) 9. c4 Ng6 {  Black has to move the knight and uncover the defence of the d6 pawn} (9... Nf5  10. Bd3 Be7 11. O-O {Is regarded as better for White}) (9... a6 10. Qa4 {Is  losing} Bd7 (10... Qd7 11. Nxd6+ Kd8 12. Nxf7+) 11. Nxd6#) 10. Qa4 Bd7 {Now d6  is defended} 11. Qb4 Bf5 12. h4 h5 {A real surprise. This was played by top  engines in the TCEC competition. Grischuk once again was harsh and called  Caruana's preparation bad. It is Grischuk being Grischuk, but the things is -  you can't afford to avoid looking at correspondence and engine games these days  } (12... Be7) (12... a6 13. h5 axb5 14. hxg6 bxc4 15. Rxh7 (15. gxf7+ {Was  Grischuk's recommendation} Kxf7 16. Qxb7+ Be7 17. Bxc4 h5 {But in both  positions only White can be better}) 15... Rxh7 16. gxh7 Bxh7 17. Qxb7 Be7 18.  Bxc4 {Was mentioned in chess24 stream as defensible for BLack}) 13. Qa4 {  Caruana was in deep thinking and hinted at the move repetition. Considering  the situation and the position he obtained in the game, going for the draw  wasn't the worst idea ever.} Bd7 (13... Qd7 14. Nc7+) 14. Qb4 Bf5 15. Be3 {  Displaying his fighting spirit... and risking it a bit} (15. Bg5 {IS more  sensible, since Black doesn't really want to play f6} f6 (15... Qb8 16. g3 a6  17. Nc3 Be7 18. Be2 {And White is somewhat better} (18. Be3)) (15... Be7 16.  Bxe7 Kxe7 {Is also bad due to} 17. c5 dxc5 18. Qxc5+ Kf6 {And White should be  close to winning here}) 16. Be3 {Is better for White}) 15... a6 16. Nc3 Qc7 17.  g3 {The problem with this position is that it is incredibly hard to play it  with White. There are a lot of possibilities. On the other hand, Black has a  very clear plan} Be7 18. f3 (18. Be2 Nf8 19. Rc1 Bg6 20. O-O Nd7 21. Na4 O-O {  Something along these lines is perhaps safer}) (18. O-O-O Bg4 {Is a bit  uncomfortable} 19. Re1 f5) 18... Nf8 {Magnus played this quickly, indicating  he was still within his preparation} 19. Ne4 Nd7 20. Bd3 O-O 21. Rh2 $6 {  Probably the source of all White's issues. Caruana wants to transfer his rook  to c2 and castle long, but this is highly artificial} (21. O-O {The most  sensible plan, greatly reducing the effect of f5-e4 break.} Bg6 22. Qd2 f5 23.  Ng5 Bxg5 24. Bxg5 e4 25. Be2 Ne5 {And White is slightly better}) (21. Qd2 b5 (  21... Bg6 22. O-O f5 23. Ng5 Bxg5 24. Bxg5 f4 (24... e4) 25. Bxg6) 22. O-O bxc4  23. Rac1 Nb6 24. b3) (21. O-O-O {Svidler said this is stronger} b5 22. Kb1 {  And here he said things are unclear, but I think it can quickly get ugly for  White, e.g.} Rfb8 (22... bxc4 23. Rc1 Rfb8 24. Qxc4 Qb7) 23. Rc1 bxc4 24. Qxc4  Qb7 25. Rc2 Nb6 {And I believe Black's attack is faster. More importantly, it  is easier to play}) 21... Rac8 22. O-O-O Bg6 23. Rc2 {An interesting concept,  but Black is not forced to play b5 and now f5-e4 plan gains in strength} (23.  Kb1 f5 {Is also strong} 24. Nd2 e4 25. Bc2 b5) 23... f5 24. Nf2 (24. Ng5 Bxg5  25. hxg5 (25. Bxg5 Nc5 26. f4 (26. Bf1 f4 {And wins}) 26... b5 {And Black is  crushing}) 25... e4 {Is highly unpleasant now} (25... Nc5 26. f4) 26. Bf1 f4  27. Bxf4 Nc5 28. fxe4 Bxe4 {And it is clear Black has fantastic compensation})  24... Nc5 25. f4 $2 {The losing move} (25. Bxc5 dxc5 26. Qd2 {Is recommended  by the computer which hopes to hold}) (25. Qa3 {Also seems more resilient}  Nxd3+ 26. Qxd3 {Although it is clear only Black can win}) 25... a5 $2 {  Indicating Magnus' mood} (25... b5 {Was very strong} 26. Qd2 (26. Bxc5 dxc5 27.  Qd2 e4 28. Be2 {And this is a dream for Black}) (26. cxb5 Nxd3+ {You obviously  can't take} 27. Rxd3 Qxc2#) 26... exf4 27. Bxf4 (27. gxf4 Bxh4 (27... Bf6))  27... Bf6) (25... exf4 26. Bxf4 b5 27. Qd2 {Is probably even more precise, to  reduce White's options}) 26. Qd2 e4 {Magnus played this in order to reduce  White's options and to play on one goal. It proves how nervous how he lacked  confidence perhaps in critical moments} 27. Be2 Be8 28. Kb1 (28. Nh3 Ba4 {Wins  on the spot} 29. b3 Bxb3 30. axb3 Nxb3+) 28... Bf6 (28... Ba4 {Even without  the bishop on f6, this move is dangerous} 29. b3 Bxb3 30. axb3 Nxb3 31. Qe1 Bf6  32. Bxh5 Na1 33. Ra2 (33. Rcc1) 33... Qxc4) 29. Re1 $2 {Another losing move} (  29. Nh3 {Was the best move} Ba4 (29... g6) 30. b3 Bxb3 31. axb3 Nxb3 32. Qe1 b5  33. c5 Nxc5 34. Rdc1 {And here once again the engine shows 0.0 evaluation})  29... a4 $2 {Another mistake} (29... Ba4 {Was very strong. After} 30. b3 (30.  Rcc1 b5 (30... g6 31. Nh3 b5 (31... Rb8)) 31. cxb5 Qb6 32. Bd4 Bxd4 33. Qxd4  Bxb5 34. Bxh5 {It is true that White has some counterplay, but Black should be  significantly better here}) 30... Bxb3 31. axb3 Nxb3 32. Qd1 a4 {Black has a  very primitive threat of bringing the queen to a3 via dark squares} 33. Nh3 Qa5  34. Nf2 Qb4) 30. Qb4 g6 31. Rd1 Ra8 {1/2-1/2 The game is a draw. And here  Magnus made a very shocking decision - he offered a draw. His position is  still way more pleasant} 1/2-1/2

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The Aftermath?

So, instead of a decisive 12th game, we got ourselves a tiebreak – 4 rapid games with the 25+10 time control. Magnus will have White in the very first game.

I think there are three reasons why Carlsen didn’t push in the final position:

Wish to enter tiebreaks where he is a heavy favourite
Nerves
Lack of self-confidence

In my opinion, he collapsed psychologically.

I think he was incredibly nervous before game 12, considering he encountered serious problems with the Black pieces in game 8 and that game 10 was an open fight where every move was critical.

I think such a double-edged position didn’t appeal to him. He definitely wanted to avoid giving Caruana any chances whatsoever.

Moreover, you might remember his overambition cost him before in World Championship matches. In game 10 he made this Kd4 move, after which he was kinda lucky to still have enough to hold a draw.

Also, in the previous match against Karjakin, he played too violently and got punished for it.

I think these moments were etched somewhere in his nervous system and influenced his decision making yesterday.

He himself admitted it in the press conference. He said that he regarded the draw as a good result before the game. He also stated he wasn’t “quite looking for the best continuation, but the one that limited his opponent’s chances”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_CUqLegTco

Obviously, he failed to shift his attitude when a favourable position appeared on the board – he was not mentally prepared for a fight. And he lacked confidence and feared botching it and potentially losing the crown.

From a competitive point of view, it is still nothing terrible for him. He is still a favourite.

But I remember how Kasparov once wrote his blunder in game 23 of Seville match was a direct consequence of him betraying his nature during the second half of the match. He made one draw after another, didn’t win a single game and was mentally unprepared for a fight. As he himself stated:

“Caissa, the goddess of chess, had punished me for my conservative play, for betraying my nature.”

Caissa usually doesn’t forgive betraying your own nature. Kasparov almost got punished there. He managed to escape only by a heroic effort – winning the last game against a tough to beat opponent.

Will Magnus regret his decision and his draw offer?

I guess we will find out tomorrow!

Video Analysis Of The Game

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game 12 appeared first on Chessentials.

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Eleven

Mistreaver — Sat, 24 Nov 2018 22:21:04 +0000

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

The Calm Before The Storm?

Regular readers of this blog know I have been a fervent defender of the draws between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana in their 2018 World Chess Championship Match. After their fantastic battle in game 10, I even went to an extreme and wrote a highly sarcastic introduction in my report.

Of course, as usually happens, in game 11 players did their best to refute my claims and make me look like a fool. Because game 11 was the driest and most „boring“ games of them all.

But alas, as they say: Mr. Murpyh likes challenges.

(For the uninitiated – Murphy’s law states everything that can go wrong WILL go wrong)

The game essentially ended even before it started. By move 20, a dead equal opposite coloured bishop endgame has arisen. Even though the players decided to satisfy the formalities and play for another 30 moves, the evaluation never budged. After less than 3 hours of play, a draw was agreed.

Round 11 report follows.

Game Course

For the first time since game 6, Carlsen opted for 1 e4. As expected, Caruana answered with his beloved Petroff. Instead of the „silly“ 4 Nd3!?, Carlsen went for the popular mainline with 4 Nf3 and 5 Nc3. Caruana was once again the better prepared player and managed to surprise his opponent.

On move 12 Magnus decided to avoid the most critical 12 Bg5!? and chose the meek 12 Kb1!?. After Caruana’s 12… Qa5, queen exchange became inevitable. Carlsen tried to pose some problems with the knight maneouvre to g6, but Caruana’s Ng4-Ne5 idea neutralized that idea. By move 20, an opposite coloured bishop endgame was reached. Magnus managed to win a pawn, but Black was never in danger and the game soon ended in a draw, much to the disappointment of broad chess public.

And Norwegian superstar supporters.

Game Analysis

   [Event "WCh 2018"]  [Site "London ENG"]  [Date "2018.11.24"]  [Round "11"]  [White "Carlsen, M."]  [Black "Caruana, F."]  [Result "1/2-1/2"]  [ECO "C42"]  [WhiteElo "2835"]  [BlackElo "2832"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "110"]  [EventDate "2018.??.??"]   1. e4 {So, in his last White game, Carlsen decided to go with 1 e4 and face  the Petroff.} e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 {The main line} (4. Nd3 {Was  played in game 6, without particular success}) 4... Nxe4 5. Nc3 {The main line  against the Petroff nowadays} (5. d4 {Is still probably the main line, but it  has been supplemented with 5 Nc3 at the top level instead}) 5... Nxc3 6. dxc3 {  This looks like a beginner mistake - why would White allow the doubling of his  c-pawns? There are two main benefits: - the diagonal of the dark-squared  bishop is open - pawn on c3 controls d4 - the pawns act as bullwarks against  Black's queenside attack} Be7 7. Be3 O-O {Caruana goes for a different set-up  this time} (7... Nc6 {Was played by Caruana in the game between these  opponents in Saint Louis. Hints at the queenside castling} 8. Qd2 Be6 9. O-O-O  Qd7 {For instance} 10. a3 h6 11. Nd4 Nxd4 12. Bxd4 Rg8 13. Be2 c5 14. Be3 d5  15. f4 O-O-O 16. Bf3 Bg4 17. Bxd5 Bxd1 18. Rxd1 {Karjakin, Sergey - Caruana, F.  , 1-0, FIDE Candidates 2018, https://lichess.org/MJrl1AMY As in this famous  game, which brought Karjakin an important victory in the 2018 Candidates}) 8.  Qd2 Nd7 {In the leaked Caruana video, Nd7-Nf6 idea was featured, so it  shouldn't have come as a surprise for Carlsen.} (8... Nc6 {In this position is  less common. It doesn't guarantee Black immediate equality} 9. O-O-O Bf5 (9...  Ne5 10. Nxe5 (10. Kb1) (10. h4 Nxf3 11. gxf3) 10... dxe5 11. Qxd8) 10. Bd3 Qd7  11. Rhe1 Ne5 12. Bxf5 Qxf5 13. Nxe5 dxe5) (8... Bf5) 9. O-O-O Nf6 10. Bd3 (10.  h3 {Is also logical here, but it might be a bit too slow} Be6 11. Kb1 c5 12. c4  Qb6 (12... d5 {And Black has equalized})) 10... c5 {Somewhat surprising, but  thematic nevertheless. Black opens the path for his queen to queenside and  controls the d4 square} (10... Be6 11. Kb1 c6 12. Nd4) (10... c6 11. c4 {Is  not worse} d5 12. cxd5 (12. Rhe1) 12... Nxd5) 11. Rhe1 Be6 12. Kb1 {The  novelty of this game} (12. Bg5 {Was played by several strong players, like  Karjakin and Giri and in both instances their opponents replied poorly.  Karjakin, Sergey - Harikrishna, P., 1-0, Vugar Gashimov Mem 2016, https://  lichess.org/RxOfakrN Giri, A. - Motylev, A., 1/2-1/2, FIDE World Cup 2017,  https://lichess.org/EdtFKo2U} d5 {Is probably most logical} (12... Qa5 {Was  played by Motylev Alexander and he ran into trouble} 13. a3 c4 14. Bxc4 Bxc4  15. Rxe7) (12... Re8 {Is also sensible}) (12... h6 {Was played by Harikrishna,  but after} 13. Bxh6 {He was almost immediately losing}) 13. Qf4 Re8) 12... Qa5  {Another point of c5 is revealed. Black intends to follow things up with d5}  13. c4 {White has to play this, but after the exchange of queens, Black's game  is eased. It is curious why team Carlsen allowed this. Did they judge this  might be advantageous for them or were they already aiming for tiebreaks?} (13.  a3 c4 14. Bxc4 Bxc4 {Now doesn't work - the rook is not attacking on e7}) 13...  Qxd2 14. Bxd2 h6 15. Nh4 {This allows Black to equalize almost on the spot} (  15. h3 {Preventing Ng4 was more circumspect, but even then it is debatable  whether White has any advantage} Rfe8 16. Nh4 Ng4 {Is actually still possible}  17. Ng6) 15... Rfe8 (15... Ng4 {Was possible immediately} 16. Nf5 (16. Ng6 fxg6  17. Rxe6 Nxf2 18. Rde1 Nxd3 19. cxd3 Bf6 20. Rxd6 {With equality} Rae8) 16...  Rfe8 17. Nxe7+ Rxe7 18. Re2 Ne5 {Is still good enough probably}) 16. Ng6 (16.  h3 Ng4 {Was already mentioned as an equalizer}) 16... Ng4 (16... fxg6 17. Rxe6)  17. Nxe7+ Rxe7 18. Re2 Ne5 (18... Nxh2 {Would be pretty stupid way of losing a  World Championship match} 19. f3 {And Rh1 is coming}) 19. Bf4 Nxd3 20. Rxd3 Rd7  {And the game was practically over even before it began. White doesn't have  any chances in the resulting opposite coloured bishops endgame} 21. Rxd6 (21.  Bxd6 Bxc4) (21. b3 d5 {Is immediate equalizer} 22. Red2 d4 23. c3 Bf5) 21...  Rxd6 22. Bxd6 Rd8 (22... Rc8 23. b3) 23. Rd2 Bxc4 24. Kc1 (24. b3 Bf1) (24.  Bxc5 Rxd2) 24... b6 25. Bf4 Rxd2 26. Kxd2 a6 (26... Bxa2 27. b3 c4 28. Kc3 cxb3  29. Kb2 bxc2 30. Kxa2) 27. a3 {Black will lose a pawn on the queenside, but  just one extra pawn is not enough for White in this position} Kf8 28. Bc7 b5  29. Bd6+ Ke8 30. Bxc5 h5 (30... Kd7 31. Bf8) 31. Ke3 Kd7 32. Kd4 g6 33. g3 Be2  34. Bf8 Kc6 35. b3 Bd1 36. Kd3 Bg4 37. c4 Be6 38. Kd4 bxc4 39. bxc4 Bg4 40. c5  Be6 41. Bh6 Bd5 42. Be3 Be6 43. Ke5 Bd5 44. Kf4 Be6 45. Kg5 Bd5 46. g4 hxg4 47.  Kxg4 Ba2 48. Kg5 Bb3 49. Kf6 Ba2 50. h4 Bb3 51. f4 {White's idea is to create  a passer on the h-file, but he is unable to do so:} Ba2 (51... Be6 52. f5 {Is  the only mistake Black can make} gxf5 (52... Bxf5 53. h5 {And wins} gxh5 (53...  Bb1 54. h6 g5 55. Bxg5 (55. Kxg5)) 54. Kxf5) 53. h5) 52. Ke7 (52. f5 Bb1 {And  all is good} 53. Kxf7 (53. fxg6 fxg6) 53... Bxf5) 52... Bb3 53. Kf6 Ba2 54. f5  Bb1 55. Bf2 Bc2 {1/2-1/2 The game is a draw. And this rather uninspiring  encounter ended in a draw. It is a bit surprising to see Magnus playing like  this, considering he has to undergo a serious test in game 12. But perhaps he  is confident in his abilities and his preparation with the Black pieces} (55...  Bxf5 56. h5) 1/2-1/2

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The Aftermath?

Although this result is not a catastrophe for Magnus, he is playing with fire here, since he will have Black tomorrow. With only one game remaining, matters are pretty clear – we will get another Sicilian and it will be a huge fight.

I don’t believe Carlsen will risk employing 1 … e5 for the first time in the match and check Caruana’s preparation. I also don’t believe Caruana will shy away from confrontation; despite his confidence, we all know he is not favourite in the tiebreaks.

In any case, I have no doubt tomorrow’s game will be much more interesting. I hope for a true spectacle and a worthy pinnacle to this extremely tough and close match.

Video Analysis Of The Game

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Eleven appeared first on Chessentials.

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Ten

Mistreaver — Fri, 23 Nov 2018 23:06:28 +0000

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

Draws are so boring!

I hate it!

I hate that Carlsen and Caruana set the new record for the most consecutive draws at the beginning of a World Championship match after game 9.

I hate that they are so incredibly well prepared, that they are creating new frontiers of the opening theory and unable to gain a serious advantage with the White pieces.

I hate that we have the opportunity to observe two fantastic players at the height of their powers playing a World Championship match at a completely new level.

I hate that there wasn’t a single big blunder in the match so far.

But most of all I hate when they decide to go for each other’s throat in the game 10 and play such a fighting, exciting and fascinating encounter, full of incredible variations. And STILL manage to draw.

Because draws are so boring, right?

Round 10 report follows.

Game Course

For the fifth time in the match, Caruana opened with 1 e4 and Carlsen answered with 1…c5. Despite Anish Giri’s prediction that he will go for the main line Sveshnikov because „Openings are not repeated in 2018“, Caruana decided to employ the same 7 Nd5!? line he played in game 8.

However, instead of the rare but existing 12 Bd2!?, this time he went for a completely new move – 12 b4!?. Carlsen didn’t seem completely surprised, as he replied relatively quickly with the advance of his pawn. In turn, Caruana employed a completely new idea – 14 bxa5!?, breaking up his pawn structure on the queenside and creating active piece play.

After Carlsen advanced his f-pawn, it was clear we would get a fighting and exciting game, as both players had trumps on opposite sides of the board. The game became extremely complicated – chess24 commentators Giri, Svidler and Grischuk had trouble navigating through the forest of the complications. Grischuk even condemned the players for playing low-quality chess but changed his mind later during the broadcast.

In the maelstrom of possibilities, players did commit some inaccuracies, which were perfectly understandable from the human point of view. In general, they played excellently and maintained the position within the state of dynamic equilibrium. After exciting 30 moves, a heavy piece endgame was reached where Magnus seemed to be pushing, but which was equal all the way.

In the end, he even blundered with 44… Kd4?!. After Caruana’s reply – 45 Rb5!, it appeared Magnus position is dangerous, but after the precise 45… Rd6 it became clear the best Caruana can obtain is 3v2 rook endgame with the pawns on the same side of the board. He did indeed reach the theoretically drawn position and offered the draw immediately, ending a grandiose struggle, which will be analyzed by generations to come.

Game Analysis

   [Event "World Chess Championship 2018: Game 10"]  [Site "https://lichess.org/study/xV6"]  [Date "????.??.??"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Caruana, Fabiano"]  [Black "Carlsen, Magnus"]  [Result "*"]  [ECO "B33"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "107"]   1. e4 c5 {Both players continued with their standard openings for this match.}  2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 {Same as in game 8, Caruana went for open Sicilian rather  than Rossolimo, Carlsen refuted in games 2, 4 and 6.} (3. Bb5) 3... cxd4 4.  Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e5 {Carlsen went for Lakser (Sveshnikov) variation. We have  already seen all of this already in game 8.} 6. Ndb5 d6 7. Nd5 {Much less  common than the main line 7.Bg5.} (7. Bg5) 7... Nxd5 8. exd5 Nb8 {20 years ago  they would call you crazy and throw you out of club for making a move likes  this. Today this is the main theory.} (8... Ne7 9. c4 Nf5 (9... a6 10. Qa4 Bd7  11. Nxd6#) 10. Bd3 Be7 11. O-O O-O 12. f4 a6 13. Nc3) 9. a4 {The idea of 9.a4  is to leave c4 square for the knight with Na3, Nc4 maneuver, also white will  try to take advantage of b6 square after a6 is played by black.} (9. c4 {Was  more popular back in the day.} a6 10. Qa4 Nd7) 9... Be7 10. Be2 O-O 11. O-O Nd7  12. b4 {Team Caruana prepared idea never seen before. In post game interview  Carlsen said he didn't see this line before but that he wasn't too  uncomfortable. The idea behind 12. b4 is that if black plays in same way as  Carlsen did in game 8, white will be a tempi up.} (12. Bd2) 12... a6 (12... f5  13. a5 a6 14. Na3 {We would have reached same position as in game 8 except  white would has pawn on b4 rather than bishop on d2. That's better for white  since bishop on d2 is even weaker than on c1 and white would have to spent  another tempo to get him on more active square.}) (12... a5 {Black now has the  option of playing a5 right away. It's arguable is the knight better on b5 or  a3.} 13. c3 (13. bxa5 Rxa5 14. Ba3 {Black would be in weird spot. His d6 pawn  is hanging and there is no good square for knight. If you go with knight on f6,  you wont be able to play f5 for a long time.})) 13. Na3 a5 14. bxa5 {Fabiano  instantly played this move showing that he's still in his preparation and that  his game plan is different than the one in game 8. Playing this move white  won't be able to play c2-c4-c5 in future to make past pawn on d file.} (14. c3  f5 15. Nc4 b6 $13 16. f4 Ba6 {The position we get is double edged but more  peaceful than the one we got in game.}) 14... Rxa5 (14... Qxa5 {Was also  possible but after Nc4 black would have to go back to d8 with queen.} 15. Nc4  Qd8 (15... Qc7 16. a5 b5 {b6 or b5 is not really good for black.} (16... f5 17.  Be3 f4 18. Bb6 Nxb6 19. Nxb6 {Black's queen is wrongly placed on queen side  but she'd rather be on g file to attack whites king.}) 17. Nb6 Nxb6 18. axb6  Qb7 19. Rxa8 Qxa8 20. Qd3 $16 {White would be much better.})) 15. Nc4 Ra8 16.  Be3 (16. a5 {Would be met with now possible b6.} b6) 16... f5 {16. f5 is most  human and best practical move for black. He has clear ideas of attack white on  king side as fast as possible.} (16... b6 {Black has the option of playing b6  now, but his pawn will be attack very quickly by white pieces.} 17. Rb1 Rb8 (  17... Rxa4 18. Nxb6 Ra3 19. Qc1 Rc3 20. Qd2 Rc7 21. Nxd7 Qxd7 22. c4 {Black's  attack didn't even start and white has clear ideas of pushing c5 in near  future.}) 18. Qd2 Ba6 19. Nxe5 Bxe2 20. Nc6 Qe8 21. Qxe2) 17. a5 f4 18. Bb6 Qe8  {Again best practical decision.} (18... Nxb6 19. Nxb6 Rb8 20. Bg4 {White would  be very happy to play this position. He has significant advantage on light  squares after forcing the exchange.} Bxg4 21. Qxg4 $16) 19. Ra3 {This position  is so complicated that even with strong engines on high depth it's not really  clear what is the best move. What is for sure is that 19.Ra3 is not the best  move. While not being the best move it is an understandable move and human  move. White wants to activate his rook mostly in defensive tasks on 3rd rank.}  (19. Bh5 {Idea of the move is pretty simple. Force black to play g6 and take  6th rank from black pieces.} g6 20. Be2 (20. Bf3 Nf6 21. Bc7 Ra6 $13) 20... Nf6  {Would work in this line.} (20... Nxb6 21. Nxb6 Ra7 22. Bg4 Bf5 {In difference  from other lines, if white changes light square bishops, black will opened g  file and strong attack.} 23. Bxf5 gxf5) 21. Bc7 Ra6 (21... Qd7 22. Nb6 Qxc7 23.  Nxa8 Qc5 {And the machine says}) 22. Nb6 Ra7 23. Bb8 $18) (19. Re1 {Was  pointed out by chat in chess24. This is incredibly strong - e4 is prevented  and White prepares to get the bishop to e4} Nxb6 (19... Qg6 20. Bc7 (20. Bd3  Qg5 21. f3 Rf6 22. Bf2 Rh6 23. Rb1 Qh5 24. h3) 20... Rf6 21. Bf3) 20. Nxb6 Ra7  21. Bg4 Bxg4 22. Qxg4 Bd8) (19. Kh1 Qg6 20. Bc7 Rf6) (19. Bc7 Rf6 {Important  thing now is that f8 square is free for queen.} (19... Nf6) (19... Qg6 20. Bh5  (20. Kh1 e4) (20. Re1 e4 (20... Qh6) (20... Rf6 21. Bh5 Qh6) 21. Bh5) 20... Qh6  ) 20. Bh5 Qf8 {Black would play Rh6 and Qf6 in moves to come to attack white.}  (20... g6 {20...g6 would be bad for black in this position. White's dark  square bishop has moved to c7 and can't be taken anymore. Black pieces are  very awkwardly placed and it's not obvious how he will untangle.} 21. Bf3 Qf8  22. Qe2 Nc5 23. Nb6 Ra6 24. Nxc8 Qxc8 25. Bb6 $16 {White has bishop pair and  would be better in this position.})) 19... Qg6 20. Bc7 (20. Re1 {Now comes a  bit too late} Nf6 21. Bc7 e4 22. Nb6 (22. Bxd6 Bxd6 23. Nxd6 f3 (23... Bh3) 24.  Bf1 Bh3 25. g3 Bxf1 26. Rxf1 Qg4) (22. Nxd6 f3 23. Bf1 Ng4) 22... Ra7) (20. Kh1  Nf6 21. Bc7 e4) 20... e4 21. Kh1 (21. f3 e3) (21. g3 f3) 21... b5 $1 {The idea  is to get rid of the rook on a3 that defends the third rank} (21... Qh6 {Was  suggested by the engine, but it is not something a human wants to play} 22. Rg1  (22. Re1 f3 23. gxf3 b5 24. Nb6 Bg5) (22. Rh3 Qf6 23. Ra3 Ne5) (22. c3 Rf5))  22. Nb6 {The only move} (22. axb6 {Leads to trouble} Rxa3 23. Nxa3 f3 24. gxf3  Ne5 25. Rg1 Qh6) 22... Nxb6 23. Bxb6 Qg5 {The only clear "mistake" of this game  } (23... b4 {Was the way to hold} 24. Rb3 Bf6 25. Rxb4 Bc3 26. Ra4 Be5 (26...  Bd7) 27. Ra3 (27. Re1 f3) (27. Bb5 Rf6 (27... f3 28. g3)) 27... f3 28. gxf3  exf3 29. Bxf3 Qh6) 24. g3 (24. Bxb5 {Caruana couldn't evaluate the  consequences of this pawn grab. And indeed, it is difficult to defend as White,  but the machine does it without a problem} Rf6 25. Re1 Rg6 26. Bf1 Bf5 27. f3 (  27. g3 Rh6 (27... Bf6) 28. gxf4 Qxf4 29. Rg3) (27. Ra4 Bg4 28. f3 exf3 29. gxf3  Bd7) 27... e3) 24... b4 (24... f3 25. Bxb5 Qg4 26. Re1 Rf6 27. Rxe4 Qxe4 28.  Re3 Qb4 29. c4 Bf8 30. Rb3) 25. Rb3 (25. gxf4 Qxf4 26. Rb3 Bf6 27. Rg1 Be5 28.  Rg2) 25... Bh3 26. Rg1 (26. Re1 {Is almost losing} Bf6 27. Rxb4 Bc3 28. Rxe4  Bxe1 29. Qxe1 Rae8 30. Bf3) 26... f3 27. Bf1 (27. Bb5 {Would be losing} Rf6 (  27... Bg2+ {This version of the exchange sack is actually quite decend for  White} 28. Rxg2 fxg2+ 29. Kxg2) 28. Be3 Qh5 29. Rxb4 (29. Qd2 Rxa5 30. Qxb4 Ra8  ) 29... Bg2+ 30. Rxg2 fxg2+) 27... Bxf1 28. Qxf1 (28. Rxf1 {Would be losing}  Qg4 29. Rxb4 Rf5 (29... Rf6 30. Be3 (30. Rxe4 Qh3 (30... Qxe4 31. Re1) 31. Rg1  Rh6) 30... Rf5 31. a6 Qh3) 30. Rg1 Rh5 31. Qf1 Bg5 (31... Rh6 32. Be3 g5) 32.  c3) 28... Qxd5 (28... Qg4 {Is now bad - you can never play Qh3} 29. Rxb4 Rf6 (  29... Rf5 30. a6 Rh5 31. a7 Rxh2+ 32. Kxh2 Qh5+ 33. Qh3) 30. Be3 g5 (30... Rf5  31. a6)) 29. Rxb4 Qe6 {Objectively speaking, this should now be an equal  endgame. On the first glance, the pawn on h3 guarantees Black advantage. But  the computer never leaves out of "dynamic equilibrium"} 30. Rb5 (30. Qb5 d5 31.  Rd4 Rf5 32. c4 {Leads to an immediate draw, but you have to find a very nice  finesse} Rh5 33. Rxd5 g5 34. Rgd1 {The point} Qh3 35. Rd8+ $1 Rxd8 36. Rxd8+  Bxd8 37. Qe8+ Kg7 38. Bd4+ Bf6 (38... Kh6 39. Qf8+) 39. Qe7+ Kg8 40. Qe8+ {  With perpetual check, lol}) 30... Bd8 {People were rather critical of this  move, but it is not so bad. The idea is to take on b6 and play e3} (30... Rfc8  31. Qb1 Bd8 32. Qb2 Bxb6 33. axb6 e3 34. b7) 31. Qe1 {Preventing e3} Bxb6 32.  axb6 Rab8 33. Qe3 (33. Qd2 {Defending c2. After} d5 34. Qxd5 Qxd5 (34... Rxb6  35. Qxe6+ Rxe6 {Is probably also draw}) 35. Rxd5 Rxb6) 33... Qc4 34. Rb2 (34.  Rgb1 Qxc2 35. b7 d5 36. h4 (36. Qd4 Rfd8 37. h4) 36... Rfd8 37. Qd4 {And the  machine says Black can't make progress here}) 34... Rb7 35. Rd1 (35. h4 {  Making luft for the king was more precise.}) 35... Qe2 $5 {The tricky move and  the only chance for playing for a win} (35... d5) 36. Re1 (36. Qxe2 fxe2 37.  Re1 Rxf2 38. Kg1 Rbf7 {Is beautiful. After} 39. Rbb1 (39. b7 Rf1+ 40. Kg2 Rxb7)  39... d5 40. b7 Rf1+ 41. Rxf1 exf1=Q+ 42. Rxf1 Rxb7 {Black is close to winning}  ) (36. Qb3+ Kh8 37. c4 {Loses due to} Rxb6 38. Rxe2 fxe2 39. Qa4 exd1=Q+ 40.  Qxd1 Rxf2) 36... Qxe3 37. Rxe3 d5 {This seemed a bit unpleasant for White at  first, but he is actually fine.} 38. h4 Rc8 39. Ra3 Kf7 40. Kh2 (40. Ra7 {  Would draw immediately} Rcb8 41. c4 dxc4 42. Rb4 Kg8 43. Rxc4 Rxb6 44. Rxe4)  40... Ke6 41. g4 Rc6 42. Ra6 Ke5 43. Kg3 h6 44. h5 {White can't allow g5.  There aren't any ohter moves anyway} Kd4 $6 {An attempt to play for the win  which leads to problems... for Black} (44... g5 45. hxg6 Rxg6 46. Rb5 h5 47.  Raa5 {Leads to a draw} Rxg4+ 48. Kh3 Kf6 49. Rxd5 Rxb6 50. Rxh5 Rg6) 45. Rb5 {  Missed/underestimated by Magnus} Rd6 {A practical way of making a draw. Magnus  admits his mistake and goes for a rook endgame 3v2 on the kingside} (45... Rc5  46. Ra4+ {Loses} Rc4 47. Ra7 (47. Raa5)) (45... Kc4 46. Raa5 Rbxb6 47. Rxd5 Rb1  48. Re5 Rg1+ 49. Kf4 {And Black has to fight for a draw}) (45... Rxc2 46. Raa5  {Is also horrible}) 46. Ra4+ Ke5 47. Rab4 {C4 is coming} Ke6 48. c4 dxc4 (48...  d4 49. c5 Rc6 50. Rxd4) 49. Rxc4 Rdxb6 50. Rxe4+ Kf7 51. Rf5+ Rf6 52. Rxf6+  Kxf6 53. Kxf3 Kf7 54. Kg3 {And the players shook hands here, because this is a  theoretical draw. What a fascinating encounter, one of the best games we have  ever seen in the World Chess Championship.} *

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The Aftermath?

Match couldn’t be more exciting at this point. It was apparent the players were quite nervous – hence some decisions (Caruana not taking on b5, for instance). At least one grandiose battle will happen in game 12 (we don’t think Carlsen will risk playing 1…e5). It will be also interesting to see if team Carlsen will manage to pose Caruana some serious problems in game 11.

In any case, two exciting games are in front of us.

Video Analysis Of The Game

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Ten appeared first on Chessentials.

Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Nine

Bruno Pavčević — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 13:11:13 +0000

Featured image credit: Niki Riga

A NEW RECORD

After Fabiano Caruana obtained a serious edge with the White pieces in game 8 of the World Chess Championship 2018, it was Magnus’ time to demonstrate he can do the same. Despite a football injury he suffered during the rest day, he (or his team) managed to do exactly so.

Source: Carlsen’s Instagram profile

In the same variation of the English opening already featured in game 4, Carlsen went for a beginner-like idea of 9 Bg5 followed by 11 Bc1, which team Caruana had not anticipated. Magnus obtained vintage Carlsen position where he could play for the advantage without any risk.

However, an early advance of his h-pawn turned out to be premature. After taking it, Caruana managed to liquidate to a drawn endgame. Although Magnus’ continued to play for a while, the evaluation never changed. On move 56, the player shook their hands. The 9th draw in the row meant the players broke the record from the Kasparov – Anand World Chess Championship 1995, which saw „only“ 8 of them.

GAME COURSE

Before the game, on chess24 live broadcast, the new-commentator Anish Giri said it is hard to predict Magnus’ first move, since – in contrast to Caruana – his team doesn’t have a clear target.

In a way, he was right. After trying 1 e4 in game six and 1 d4 in game seven, Magnus decided to get back to the English opening with 1 c4. However, in contrast to Giri’s expectations, he didn’t do it out of despair. Caruana repeated the same variation with 6…Bc5 he played in game four (which is usually a risky business). When Carlsen played a very rare move  9 Bg5!?, it became clear his team actually HAD a clear target.

It became especially apparent when he retreated his bishop with 11 Bc1!? and followed it up with 12 Bb2!?. For the first time in a while, Caruana started thinking early in the opening and fell seriously behind on the clock.

In an unpleasant situation, he decided to take a practical decision. On move 17, he went for an exchange of the light square bishop for a knight, followed by an exchange of White’s d-pawn for Black’s b-pawn. The position with the heavy pieces and opposite coloured bishops was correctly evaluated by all the commentators as better for White. More importantly, Magnus’ made a career of converting such positions where his opponents don’t have a hint of a counterplay.

However, Black’s position was very solid. Magnus decided to go for the immediate advance of the h-pawn. When Caruana simply took it, it transpired this was premature. White’s king was also weakened. Subsequently, all the rooks got exchanged on the g-file and there was essentially nothing left to play for. Carlsen did push for a while (probably out of inertia), but the evaluation never budged.

On move 56, the players agreed to a draw.

GAME ANALYSIS

   [Event "World Chess Championship 2018: Game 9"]  [Site "https://lichess.org/study/xV6"]  [Date "2018.11.22"]  [Round "?"]  [White "Carlsen, Magnus"]  [Black "Caruana, Fabiano"]  [Result "1/2-1/2"]  [ECO "A29"]  [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/chessentialsBLOG"]  [PlyCount "112"]   1. c4 {We have entered in a last third of match (at least for classical  portion) it's expected players won't be taking huge risks in games to come. My  trainer used to say 1.c4 positions are always better for white with small and  long lasting advantage. It's well known Carlsen likes that type of position  and has win them countless number of times.} e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. g3 d5  5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. Bg2 Bc5 {Same as in game 4, we have entered in this variation.  In moves to come, Carlsen showed better preparation for the first time in match  } 7. O-O (7. Nxe5 Nxc3 8. Nxc6 {Just doesn't work.} Qf6 $19) 7... O-O 8. d3 (8.  Nxe5 Nxc3 9. Nxc6 {Doesn't work again.} Bxf2+ 10. Rxf2 Nxd1 11. Nxd8 Nxf2 12.  Nxb7 Nh3+ 13. Kf1 Bg4 $17) 8... Re8 9. Bg5 {In game 4 Carlsen went for more  peaceful Bd2.} Nxc3 {Nc3 is the most natural continuation, extremely common in  this type of postions.} 10. bxc3 (10. Bxd8 Nxd1 11. Bxc7 Nxb2 {And black would  be a piece up}) 10... f6 (10... Qd6 {Black could have played without weakening  his king side structure but that would result in his pieces being very  awkwardly placed.} 11. Bc1 Bb6 12. Qc2 Bf5 13. Nd2 Qe6 14. e4 Bh3 15. Nc4 Bxg2  16. Kxg2 Rad8 $13 {Engine likes blacks position but from a practical stand  point, white has much easier position to play. Black has to play precisely and  not let white to consolidate and fully develop otherwise pawn force in the  center will bring white advantage.}) 11. Bc1 {White spent 2 tempos to make a  weakness on f6. a2-g8 diagonal and weaker king will be a motiv for white until  the end of the game. Also it's important to notice that Carlsen will focus his  play in center rather than on queen side like he did in game 4.} Be6 12. Bb2  Bb6 (12... Bf8 13. d4 Bf7 {Black could have played this type of fortress.  Engine likes it, but in practical play black will have hard time playing due  to the lack of space.}) 13. d4 Bd5 {Caruana spent a lot of time here. There  are many good options here but Bd5 is probably the most natural one. The idea  of the move is to stop e4, weaken white's light square bishop and maybe push  e4 your self.} (13... e4 14. Nd2 f5 15. Qc2 Na5 16. Rfd1 {Was also possible,  leading into a double edged position. Caruana probably wanted to simplify as  much as possible since Carlsen was better prepared. If Caruana wanted to enter  this type of position he's bishop would be better on f8 rather than on b6.} Nc4  17. Nxc4 Bxc4 18. e3 $14) 14. Qc2 exd4 (14... e4 {Wouldn't be so good for  black because of not so obvious maneuver with knight.} 15. Nh4 Na5 16. Nf5 Nc4  17. Ne3 Nxe3 18. fxe3 c6 19. c4 Bf7 $16) 15. cxd4 Be4 16. Qb3+ Bd5 17. Qd1 Bxf3  $6 {This is the first critical position in the game. Objectively speaking,  Caruana had better options. He knowingly decided to enter in a weaker position  in hope ( or confidence ) he will be able to hold it. It should be mentioned  till this point Carlsen blitzed out all of his moves and Caruana had only  about 50 minutes left on clock.} (17... Qd7 18. e3 Na5 19. Nd2 Bxg2 20. Kxg2  $14) 18. Qb3+ Kh8 19. Bxf3 Nxd4 20. Bxd4 Qxd4 (20... Bxd4 21. Rad1 $18) 21. e3  Qe5 22. Bxb7 Rad8 (22... Rab8 23. Bc6 {Black doesn't have any good bishop  discoveries.}) 23. Rad1 Qe7 {At first this move can seem weird. The idea of it  is to cover f7 square and to start with the plan g6 Kg7.} (23... g6 24. Qf7 Rf8  25. Rxd8 Rxd8 26. Rc1 Qd6 27. Rc6 Qf8 28. Rxf6 Qxf7 29. Rxf7 $16 Rd1+ 30. Kg2  Rd2 31. Kf3 Rxa2 32. g4) 24. h4 {With idea h5 and h6 to waken blacks structure.  } g6 {Second critical moment in game. Carlsen went for immediate h5 what  wasn't really the best plan. Engine suggest to let black push h5 and enter in  not so dynamic position where white is better and can try to make slow proress.  } 25. h5 (25. Bc6 Rf8 26. Kg2 h5 27. Qc2 f5 28. Bf3 Kg7 29. Qc6 Rxd1 30. Rxd1  Rd8 31. Rd5 Rxd5 32. Bxd5 $16 {Carlsen believed that he won't be able to win  this against Caruana. While white is undoubtedly better, black can draw with  good play.}) 25... gxh5 {Players entered in almost forced sequence of moves.}  26. Qc4 f5 27. Bf3 h4 28. Rxd8 Rxd8 29. gxh4 Rg8+ 30. Kh1 Qf6 31. Qf4 Bc5 32.  Rg1 Rxg1+ 33. Kxg1 Bd6 34. Qa4 f4 35. Qxa7 fxe3 36. Qxe3 Qxh4 {The position is  objectively equal but Caruana is close to time trouble and has a weaker king  so Carlsen tried to push for a win.} 37. a4 {Very tricky move. Black can  safely take on a4 but has to see a lot of moves forward and play precisely.}  Qf6 {The idea is if white plays a5 now, black can play Qa1 and take on a5  without white having a check on c3.} (37... Qxa4 38. Qc3+ Kg8 39. Bd5+ Kf8 40.  Qh8+ Ke7 41. Qxh7+ Kf6 42. Qf7+ Kg5 (42... Ke5 {Would lose a game.} 43. Qe6+  Kd4 44. Qe4+)) 38. Bd1 Qe5 39. Qxe5+ Bxe5 40. a5 Kg7 41. a6 Bd4 42. Kg2 Kf6 43.  f4 Bb6 44. Kf3 h6 45. Ke4 Ba7 46. Bg4 Bg1 47. Kd5 Bb6 48. Kc6 Be3 49. Kb7 (49.  Kxc7 Bxf4+ 50. Kb7 Be3 51. a7 Bxa7 52. Kxa7 h5 53. Bxh5) 49... Bb6 50. Bh3 Be3  51. Kc6 (51. a7 Bxa7 52. Kxa7 c5 53. Kb6 c4 54. Bf1 Kf5 $10 (54... c3 55. Bd3  h5 56. Kb5 h4 57. Kc4 h3 58. Kxc3 h2 59. Be4 h1=Q 60. Bxh1 Kf5 $10)) 51... Bb6  52. Kd5 Ba7 53. Ke4 Bb6 54. Bf1 Ke6 55. Bc4+ Kf6 56. Bd3 Ke6 {The easiest way  to draw. If black let's white king to go back to b7 he can be in a trouble  since white's bishop is better positioned right now.} (56... Ba7 57. Kd5 Bb6  58. Kc6 Be3 (58... h5 {Black can still save a game by pushing h4 pawn now.} 59.  Kd5 h4 60. Ke4 h3 61. Kf3 Bg1 62. Be4 h2) 59. Be4 Bb6 60. Kb7 Be3 61. a7 Bxa7  62. Kxa7 $18 {And white is winning !} c5 63. Kb6 c4 64. Kc5 c3 65. Kd4) 1/2-1/2

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THE AFTERMATH?

As the caption below Magnus’ photo suggests – the match is heating up. Or more precisely – the tension is at its peak. Magnus’ haste in this game can probably be explained by his nerves. Had it been a regular tournament game, it is doubtful whether he would go for the immediate h5 push so soon.

In any case, there are only three games left. Team Magnus should have its reason for concern. He has two Black games left, and the Sicilian is an obvious target for team Caruana. The price of every game, the price of every move is critical and one good piece of opening preparation can basically win the match.

Three exciting chess days are in front of us, chess lover.

VIDEO ANALYSIS OF THE GAME

The post Carlsen – Caruana World Chess Championship – Game Nine appeared first on Chessentials.