Just got back from todays matches at the Olympia Conference Centre. Well worth a visit, only £10 for 6 hours of top chess. You can move around betwwen the live games in the, very comfortable, Auditorium and the Commentory room where GM's explain what is going on.
Nakamura played his first 23 moves in 10 minutes, Howell took !hr 50 mins and only just made the time control with seconds to spare. Anand missed a mating chance just before the time control which meant the game went the full distance.
Early draws are not allowed in the competition so there are no quick finishes.
With 3 points for a win and 1 for a draw the players have to go for the win to be in the top money.
Originally posted by greenerpawn [b]Well, Kramnik has just failed to win with B + R vs R against McShane.
Would anyone here fancy their chances. I guess many of us have looked at it from time to time, but having to play it would you remember the process? Would you be able to defend it.
...I was surprised that Kramnik played on for so long in a dead drawn position?....this is just torture for turture sake!...Well done Luke.
Originally posted by vipiu in the same time there is Russian super final...very strong players also there...
but how pathetic they can be...almost all games draws...
The important difference is that at the London Classic players cannot agree to a draw directly without the consent of the Chief Arbiter. Draws are only allowed in the end game when there is no chance of a result. Also 3 points for a win means that players have to fight for the wins. So there are no quick 12 move draws after a few minutes play. This in turn attracts large audiences who know they are not going to be short changed by a quick handshake.
London Chess Classic
10 Dec '10 23:52
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