Magnus Carleson repeats at World Chess Championship

[GobbleDog 816]

 

After Sunday’s eleventh game of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship in Sochi, Russia—a repeat victory for title-holder Magnus Carlsen—the Norwegian looked worn, flashing both the mental fatigue of a two-week fight and emotional joy of victory.

 

“Today was one of the toughest days of all,” said a raspy Carlsen, “but I’m so happy I was able to push through.”

 

The critical move in the penultimate game of the match came when challenger Viswanathan Anand, in desperate need of a victory, sacrificed his rook (27 …Rb4) in a bold—yet ultimately ineffective—maneuver. Soon, and with a knowing glance, Anand offered his hand in resignation to Carlsen. “I played it quite forcefully and he didn’t have any chances,” said Carlsen, who won the match 6.5 – 4.5 (best-of-twelve).

 

Last year, playing in Anand’s native Chennai, India, Carlsen needed just 10 games to unseat his opponent, whose shaky play was uncharacteristic of the four-time defending champion.

 

But Anand played better in this year’s match. Carlsen struck first, in game 2, after an Anand blunder allowed Carlsen’s queen to seal a winning position. “My nerves were the first to crack,” said Anand.

 

Anand hit right back with a win in game 3 that showcased his ample preparation in the Queens Gambit Declined. It was Anand’s first victory against Carlsen in championship play.

 

After draws in games 4 and 5, Carlsen blundered on move 26 of game 6: Carlsen had opened the door, but Anand didn’t walk through it. “When you’re not expecting a gift,” Anand said (of missing 26 …Nxe5), “sometimes you just don’t take it.” Carlsen, who would later call it an “exchange of ridiculous blunders,” pushed on for a victory, gaining a one-point edge.

 

Carlsen’s strengths, which lie in his ability to maintain pressure and wring positions to their last strategic drop, were on near-record display in game 7. As it entered the endgame, Carlsen, playing white, had one knight, two pawns and a rook, to Anand’s four pawns and rook. The position appeared drawn as it progressed but Carlsen pushed for winning ideas—for a total of 6.5 hours. But Anand’s defense held up well, earning him a draw with black in the 122-move affair, the second-most in world chess championship history.

 

After three straight draws, Carlsen broke through yet again in the deciding game 11. “I have to admit in this match—all things taken into account—he played better,” said Anand.

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/dailyfix/2014/11/23/magnus-carlsen-repeats-at-world-chess-championship/

 

Little bastard. I was rooting for Vishy.

 

Some have wondered if Carleson has a touch of Asperger's syndrome... Bobby Fischer had that. But Magnus seems a bit more with it than nut-case Fischer. Oh well. There will be no Championship in 2015 (I'm not sure why), so Magnus will at least hold the title for the next 2 years.

 

Any chess players round here?

 

[Vikings4ever 496]

Any chess players round here?

 

It's been a while, but I've dabbled.

 

But I don't care about chess champions for the same reason I don't care about the World Cup. And it's not because I don't understand the game.

[titans&bucs&bearsohmy! 2,745]

Likewise, I used to play, but not much anymore. It just takes to much time to play well.

[Drizzay 645]

Is this the same Magnus guy that used to win the Strongman competition all the time?

[GobbleDog 816]

I play a lot since joining a chess website many years back and got addicted.

 

Ya know exactly where you stand with the rating system (I'm 1500ish), which basically means I can consistently beat people who rarely play, but I suck dong compared to actual decent chess players.

 

It's like being a smart retard.

[Cloaca du jour 2,064]

Is this the same Magnus guy that used to win the Strongman competition all the time?

Magnus von Magnusson?

[titans&bucs&bearsohmy! 2,745]

I play a lot since joining a chess website many years back and got addicted.

 

Ya know exactly where you stand with the rating system (I'm 1500ish), which basically means I can consistently beat people who rarely play, but I suck dong compared to actual decent chess players.

 

It's like being a smart retard.

Yeah, that's about where I am too.

 

I used to go to tournaments at the local chess club. I'd get schooled by the good players. Usually by the last round I was playing autistic kids.

[frank 2,144]

Is this the same Magnus guy that used to win the Strongman competition all the time?

He's been known to rip people's arms out of the socket when he loses.