In retrospect, 18. ... h6 seems to have been a mistake because 19. Ne5 threatened 20. Ng6 (the f7 pawn being pinned) and hence Black had to take the knight straight away. After that White's position seemed much better.
39. ... Nxa4 was an excellent example of "a knight on rim is dim" - White rounded it up without any problems and the poor old knight had no way out.
Originally posted by Data FlyYes possibly you're right. I haven't really had time to look through it properly. It's good to see Anand start well, his reputation has taken a battering over the last few years. Maybe the Tiger has finally found his claws again? Hope so. 🙂
In retrospect, 18. ... h6 seems to have been a mistake because 19. Ne5 threatened 20. Ng6 (the f7 pawn being pinned) and hence Black had to take the knight straight away. After that White's position seemed much better.
39. ... Nxa4 was an excellent example of "a knight on rim is dim" - White rounded it up without any problems and the poor old knight had no way out.
Did you see Karjakin v Svidler? The final repetition is hilarious. 😀
Originally posted by Data FlyKramnik looked strong as black, i really liked his opening. It is still too early to see who's in contention, but all the games looked well fought which isn't always the case at the start. The double round robin format is just perfect to encourage fighting chess! 🙂
It will certainly make the tournament more interesting if there are _two_ ex-Champions fighting for a chance to regain their title (the other being Kramnik, not Topov).
Originally posted by MarinkatombYou have a link to the games?
Kramnik looked strong as black, i really liked his opening. It is still too early to see who's in contention, but all the games looked well fought which isn't always the case at the start. The double round robin format is just perfect to encourage fighting chess! 🙂
Originally posted by robbie carrobieYes I agree. His play has become far too cautious over the last 4 or 5 years. It seems to be quite a common problem which goes with the World title. Kramnik was the same when he was the champion.
after perusing a few of his games his play is much more aggressive and assertive than when he played Carlsen, its like a different player entirely. I am actually more interested in how Kramnik and Topalov are getting along.
Now Anand has nothing to lose. I'll be interested to see how different his match with Carlsen will be a year on. If my memory serves me correctly, there have been quite a few 'rematches' like this in the past. Botvinik v Tal for example. Who would have backed Botvinik before that rematch? I wonder if Anand can do what it takes to adapt to Carlsens style and really challenge him this time? It would be great to see. 🙂
Originally posted by Marinkatombclearly something was not right last world championship, Vishy looked worn out and tense now he seems simply content to enjoy himself again, really interesting, id like to see him retake the crown, it would simply be sensational.
Yes I agree. His play has become far too cautious over the last 4 or 5 years. It seems to be quite a common problem which goes with the World title. Kramnik was the same when he was the champion.
Now Anand has nothing to lose. I'll be interested to see how different his match with Carlsen will be a year on. If my memory serves me correctly, there hav ...[text shortened]... akes to adapt to Carlsens style and really challenge him this time? It would be great to see. 🙂
Originally posted by robbie carrobieSo Vishy has won, last round going on now I think. I am watching it but not sure if it has already finished, great commentary. Magnus analyzed some of the games also.
clearly something was not right last world championship, Vishy looked worn out and tense now he seems simply content to enjoy himself again, really interesting, id like to see him retake the crown, it would simply be sensational.
Originally posted by MarinkatombHe was interviewed by telephone, he talked with the commentator for maybe 30 minutes and answered tweet questions also. This was on the link provided here. Several hours of comment round by round, this was round 13 I think.
Really? Where did you see that?
Anyone know what the prize was for first place and the rest?