I have beat the computer at chess again. I am the big boss bitch. That is all.
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Victory. Again.
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Lets Play..the Indian way !
When was the last time you actually sat down with your family for on a relaxed weekend and spent som
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Can an Old Tiger Change His Stripes?
Another year, another World Championship match for Anand. At this point, he’s played World Champions
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Choosing the Right Size and Style of Chess Sets – Part 4
Well, you’ve got your favorite chess pieces, you have selected the perfect board to go with them, and you’ve picked out a bag or box to store them in. What now? There are plenty of other accessories you might want to add to your chess set, ranging from clocks to scorebooks. Here at Wholesale Chess, we offer a large selection of different type, style, and color or chess clock, so we’ll devote a whole blog post to that in a few weeks. For now, we’ll cover some of them briefly here.
Scorebooks
It’s always good to record your games both so you can see areas for improvement and so you can remember what you did well. It’s also good to learn from your opponent’s moves. Scorebooks are a great way to do that. Save a copy of your game for your opponent or chess coach easily with the Carbonless Copy Score Sheets. This pack of 100 sheets lets you record up to 60 moves per game. Alternatively, save a little money with the Wholesale Chess Score Pad, which also contains 100 sheets and lets you record 50 moves per game. Softcover Scorebooks hold 50 games, 100 moves per game, and even feature a diagram for special or adjourned positions. If you’re interested in keeping your moves for a longer period of time, you might want a hardcover score book. This quality book lets you record 100 games and up to 80 moves per game.
Accessories
Every good chess player should want to show off their chess pride. We carry wristbands, dog tags, pins, stickers, and keychains to help you do just that. Keychains come in a mini chess set or in sets of pieces with 4” chains attached to them. They can be put on a keychain, a backpack, purse, and more. They are fun and colorful. The stickers are available with four different slogans on them. You might also be interested in chess-themed pencils or pens.
Other things you might want to carry with you are chess books and chess software. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, we have something that can help you improve your tactics and strategy. If you are just learning to play, you might want a Buddy Board, which has helpful tips on basic game play.
This has been a very brief rundown of scorebooks and other accessories available at Wholesale Chess. We do also carry many Chess Shirts you might want to add to your chess collection. And, of course, if you’re a coach or teacher, you might want to consider demo sets for help with group instruction as well as trophies and medals for prizes after tournaments.
This is Part 4 of Choosing the Right Size and Style of Chess Sets. The next installment, Choosing Your Chess Clock, will be published in a few weeks, so stay tuned for a brief overview of the different clocks available here at Wholesale Chess!
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Antonio Fernandes first in Leiria
The Individual Portuguese Rapid Chess Championship took place on 15th November 2014 in Leiria, a city in the Centro Region of Portugal. The event was organized by one of the latest and most dynamic clubs, Corvos dos Lis, in collaboration with the Leiria Municipality. 119 players, including 17 with international titles took part in the tournament [...]
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The tension rises in Remco Invitational 2014 – Press Release
Press Release by Peter Boel, Photos by Harry Gielen Three draws in the penultimate round. Two endgames, where one defender smoothly cruised to the draw and the other had to withdraw further and further, but in the end escaped by the skin of his teeth. And on the other end, an epic fight between who [...]
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Carlsen – Anand 2014 LIVE! (game 7)
Live with computer and Grandmaster commentary
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Possible to come back in Sochi
World Chess Championship 2014 Anand vs Carlsen: Susan Polgar Says Playing White Has Huge Advantage
By Naveen Ullal
November 16, 2014 14:13 GMT
Former Women's World Champion Susan Polgar says playing white has a "huge advantage" in the 2014 World Chess Championship clash between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen.
So far in this season, six games have been completed of which three have ended in a draw. The games which have been won – two by Carlsen and one by Anand – have come while playing white.
Carlsen leads 3.5-2.5 after he registered his second win with white in Game 6 and he will play white when the World Chess Championship resumes after a day's rest on Monday.
"Playing white has a huge advantage because you will have a better chance to dictate the type of positions which favour you," Polgar told IBTimes UK.
Anand's blunder in the 26th move saw him lose Game 6 and Polgar believes the outcome on Saturday has made the five-time world champion's situation more difficult in the ongoing tournament.
"Unfortunately for Anand, the loss in game 6 is devastating. It is not only that he lost, the way he lost made it harder. The momentum has shifted to Anand, while it was on Anand's side after game 3," the former Women's World Champion said.
Despite claiming it will be harder for Anand, the four-time women's world champion says the Indian can capitalise on Carlsen's weak openings in his bid to win the title this year in Sochi.
"He is weak in the openings. He will not change much in this aspect. He also over pushes from time to time," she added.
When asked what is Carlsen's strength, Polgar said: "Stamina and he will push to win every game in every position. Magnus is Magnus and he will stick with what he does best."
Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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WCCM Game 7: Draw
Game 7
The seventh game of the Carlsen-Anand Match ended in a draw.
The overall score after the seventh game is Carlsen 4 - Anand 3.
Game 6: Carlsen — Anand 1 - 0
The overall score after the sixth game is Anand 2.5 - Carlsen 3.5
The sixth game of the World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and Viswanathan Anand (India) was played on November 15th in the Main Media Center in Sochi. The World Champion had White.
Carlsen was true to himself and opened the game with е2-е4. Anand went for the Sicilian defense with 2…е6, like in the game four. This time Carlsen did not deviate from the main theory, and soon the players arrived at the fashionable position of the Kan Sicilian. White can handle it in many different ways – either launch a direct attack, or use a more positional approach. The World Champion opted for the latter, allowing Black to develop his minor pieces quickly and create some pressure against White's center.
As it often happens in games with early tension, it continued with multiple exchanges, and transposed to an ending with a small advantage to White. Anand maneuvered skilfully and created a tricky defensive setup: White could win a pawn on almost every move, but Black would gain sufficient counterplay every time.
Carlsen continued to strengthen his position, but suddenly committed a blunder on the move 26, giving Anand a chance to deliver a simple tactical blow, collecting two pawns. Anand, however, did not notice this chance and made an indifferent move fairly quickly. The World Champion lifted his head, found that his blunder was forgiven, and lowered his head again for about 10 seconds. At this very moment Anand realized their mutual errors, and it was a tough mental blow for him.
The rest of the game was played very accurately by Magnus, while Anand did not defend perfectly, and his position was ruined even before the time control. The World Champion won the game and took the lead in the match.
Vishy Anand: “When you don't expect a gift, you don't look for it”.
According to Magnus Carlsen, if 26…Nxe5 was played, the World Championship match might have been lost for him. After the blunder Anand started to play less confidently – the missed chance clearly affected his morale. The ex-World Champion agreed with this assessment.
Thus, the score in Carlsen-Anand match is now 3.5-2.5 in Carlsen's favor. Sunday, November 16th is a day off. The seventh game is played on November 17th at 15.00. According to the regulations, the players don't change color of their pieces in the 7th game, so Magnus Carlsen once again plays White. Admission is free of charge. The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary in Russian and English.
www.sochi2014.fide.com/
Game 5
The Fifth Game of the Carlsen-Anand Match Ended in a Draw.
The Match Score Remains Tied – 2.5-2.5
The fifth game of the World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen (Norway) and Viswanathan Anand (India) was played on November 14th in the Main Media Center in Sochi. The Indian grandmaster had White. 
Arkady Dvorkovich, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister and the chairman of the organizing committee made a symbolic first move. Later during the press conference Mr. Dvorkovich expressed his gratitude towards those who prepared and carried out the match. “We are grateful to the Russian Chess Federation, the leadership of Krasnodar Krai, and our business partners – Summa Group, Gazprom, Fosagro company, Togliattiazot and others. We also thank our information sponsors and all media covering the match”, underscored the Deputy Prime Minister.
For the third time in this match Vishy Anand started the game with a queen's pawn advance. Magnus Carlsen changed his opening again, this time opting for the Queen's Indian defense. Interestingly, we are yet to see the same opening twice in this match.
The opening moves were played quickly – obviously, both players paid close attention to this line during the preparation. The first critical moment arose on the move 17, when Anand had a choice: to push his passed pawn forward or to exchange it. The former is riskier, because an advanced pawn can also turn into a weakness. The ex-World Champion decided to exchange it, aiming only at a minimal advantage. He indeed obtained a slight plus, because his bishop was superior to the opponent's knight. However, the material was very limited, so a draw looked very likely.
On the move 27 Anand could avoid further simplifications, maintaining slight pressure. However, after serious thought he decided that his winning chances are negligible in any case, and went for a quick draw.
The score of the Carlsen-Anand match remains tied – 2.5-2.5. The sixth game is played on Saturday, November 15th at 15:00 local time. Magnus Carlsen has White. Admission is free of charge. The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary in Russian and English.
Game 4
Magnus Carlsen 0.5 - 0.5 Viswanathan Anand
The match score is still even – 2-2
The fourth game of the FIDE World Chess Championship match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand was played in the Main Media Center in Sochi on November, 12th. The World Champion had White.
Carlsen started the game with 1.e4, same as in the second game of the Match. Anand deviated from the Ruy Lopez and went for an opening considered more aggressive – the Sicilian. Judging by the speed of White's play, Magnus was prepared for this course of events. On the move 3 he opted for a modest, but poisonous plan with the kingside fianchetto. With this move White does not claim an opening advantage, putting more emphasize on the middlegame. Such strategy often brought success to the World Champion, who is justly considered one of the best technicians of modern chess.
The opening choice of his opponent did not surprise Anand. Black had a wide choice of plans, but the former champion quickly made up his mind. A standard situation with an isolated pawn on d5 arose, in return Black obtained good piece play. In a few moves in a dynamically equal position Anand faced a choice: a more active move, trying to seize the initiative, or a more passive one, leading to a slightly worse position. He went for the latter.
After multiple exchanges Black was left with weak pawns on the queenside, but utilizing it was difficult for White, because his own king needed protection. As usual, the World Champion kept playing as long as he had the slightest chance, but Anand was accurate, and the players agreed to a draw on the move 47. 
At the press-conference Magnus Carlsen said that the last two games have been pretty bad and he has to improve. Answering about differences between this match and their first match in Chennai, he joked: “In Chennai after four games the score was 2-2, here also the score is 2-2, so there is no difference”.
Vishy Anand: “The position was very complex, but I was not worried at any particular moment, except when I had to find 41...Qd2”.
The match score remains even – 2-2. Thursday, November 13th is a day off. The fifth game is played on Friday, November 14th, Anand plays White. Admission is free of charge. The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary in Russian and English.
The World Chess Championship match consists of 12 games with a classical time control: 120 minutes for 40 moves, then 60 minutes for 20 moves, and then 15 minutes plus 30 second per move until the end of the game. If the match is tied, a tie-break will be played on November 27th.
Tomorrow the V. Dvorkovich Saloon in the Main Media Center in Sochi hosts the Tal Memorial blitz tournament. It is a two-day double round round-robin with $100,000 prize fund, attended by 12 super grandmasters: Vladimir Kramnik, Sergey Karjakin, Peter Svidler, Alexander Grischuk, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Evgeny Tomashevsky, Alexander Morozevich, Ernesto Inarkiev, Alexandra Kosteniuk (all – Russia), Boris Gelfand (Israel), Peter Leko (Hungary), and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (Azerbaijan). The live broadcasting can be found at the official site http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/.
Game 3
The score is now tied 1.5-1.5
The third game of the World Chess Championship match between the World Champion Magnus Carlsen and former World Champion Vishwanathan Anand was played in the Main Media Center in Sochi on November, 11th. The Indian grandmaster had White.
Magnus Carlsen decided not to continue the opening discussion in the Gruenfeld defense and went for the classic Queen's Gambit. The players entered a fashionable line, in which White develops his bishop to f4 and advances a pawn to c5 rather early. The former World Champion Alexander Khalifman commented the opening stage as follows:
– The 7…Nh5 is considered a safer continuation, planning to get rid of the dark-squared bishops. 7…с6, as Magnus played, allows a dangerous forced line: White sacrifices a pawn and creates a strong passed pawn on c7. I analyzed this variation extensively, and concluded that Black barely holds, often on various tactical tricks.
The first 16 or 17 moves were played very fast, but then the champion slowed down considerably. Clearly, he mixed up something and could not demonstrate his home analysis properly. The time on his clock was running out, and his position kept deteriorating. Anand played very precisely and obtained a significant advantage. His 26.Rc6! was particularly strong. After this move Carlsen started to worry about losing the game. He tried to complicate things, but Anand avoided all the traps and converted his advantage into a full point. This is a first victory of Anand against Carlsen in a classical game in the last four years.
Peter Svidler shared his thoughts about this game:
– Vishy got an advantage and very accurately turned it into a victory. It was noticeable that he tried hard not to rush things and not to look at the clock at all. A very important victory by Anand! The match basically starts over.
The match score is now tied – 1.5-1.5. The fourth game is played on Wednesday, November 12th, the World Champion has White. Admission is free of charge; spectators have an opportunity to follow a live grandmaster commentary or to play speed chess with a unique chess robot, developed by Konstantin Kosteniuk. The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary in Russian and English.
Official website
Game 2
Magnus Carlsen 1 - 0 Viswanathan Anand
The second game of the World Chess Championship match between the champion Magnus Carlsen and the former champion Vishwanathan Anand took place in the Main Media Center in Sochi on November 9th. The Norwegian grandmaster played White.
In the opening Magnus Carlsen showed a new idea aimed against the Berlin variation, which is currently the most dreadful line for those who like to start the game with е2-е4. Vishy Anand successfully rearranged his pieces and obtained a solid and safe position. However, such course of events apparently made Anand too relaxed, as later the Indian started making superficial and inaccurate moves. The World Champion found a very energetic plan – he transferred the queenside rook on the kingside and created a direct attack against the king.
White's strategy looked very straightforward and obvious, but it turned out difficult for Black to parry the threats. At the press-conference Anand blamed his 18th move and suggested 18…Qf7 instead, pushing the opponent's queen away from its strong position. Carlsen agreed with him, saying he did not obtain much out of the opening apart from slight initiative. However, after 19.Rg3 he already was quite optimistic.
The computer considers Black's 20th move a nearly decisive error, as after it Anand was forced to defend a hopeless position. However, the only defense (20…Kh8) looks very unnatural for a human player. During the subsequent game Anand could defend more tenaciously, but the problems he had to solve were severe in any case. The World Champion converted his advantage in a calm manner, without forcing the events.
The match score is currently 1.5-0.5 in Carlsen's favor. Monday, November 10th is a day off. Both players said they will relax and do some sport. 
The third game is played on Tuesday, November 11th. Vishy Anand has White. Admission is free of charge; spectators have an opportunity to follow a live grandmaster commentary or to play speed chess with a unique chess robot, developed by Konstantin Kosteniuk. The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary in Russian and English.
The World Chess Championship match consists of 12 games with a classical time control: 120 minutes for 40 moves, then 60 minutes for 20 moves, and then 15 minutes plus 30 second per move until the end of the game. If the match is tied, a tie-break will be played on November 27th.
Official website
Game 1
Magnus Carlsen 1/2 - 1/2 Viswanathan Anand
The first game of the World Chess Championship between the World Champion Magnus Carlsen and the contender and former World Champion Viswanathan Anand was played in the Main Media Center in Sochi on November 8th, 2014. The Indian grandmaster played White. Igor Levitin, the adviser of the Russian President, made a symbolic first move.
Facing the queen's pawn advance, Magnus Carlsen opted for the double-edged Gruenfeld defense, which often leads to very sharp positions with active piece play. Vishy Anand, however, preferred a quieter plan, playing a modest, but rather poisonous continuation, where he prepared a new idea. The World Champion consumed a lot of time, but was unable to completely equalize in the opening.
As usual, Carlsen defended very tenaciously and successfully rearranged his pieces. Trying to maintain the evaporating initiative, Anand rejected trading the queens with an equal ending, but overestimated his chances. Black managed to trade White's strong bishop and got an advantage – Carlsen had a better pawn structure, and his king was safer.
As Anand confessed at the press conference after the game, he even started to worry about losing. White's position was getting worse, and on the 42nd move Carlsen had a strong maneuver that could create White serious problems. However, the World Champion missed it. Anand secured his king, transferred the queen to the center and forced a draw with a perpetual check.
The second game is played on Sunday, November 9th. Magnus Carlsen has White. The admission is free of charge; spectators have an opportunity to follow a live grandmaster commentary or to play speed chess with a unique chess robot, developed by Konstantin Kosteniuk. The V. Dvorkovich Saloon is already open, too; today it hosted the first round of the junior Tournament of champion and a simul of the Olympiad champion Olga Girya.
The official website of the championship http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/ broadcasts live grandmaster commentary by Sergey Shipov and Alexandra Kosteniuk (in Russian) and Peter Svidler and Sopiko Guramishvili (in English).
The World Chess Championship match consists of 12 games with a classical time control: 120 minutes for 40 moves, then 60 minutes for 20 moves, and then 15 minutes plus 30 second per move until the end of the game. If the match is tied, a tie-break will be played on November 27th. 
The 2014 FIDE World Championship Match between Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand started today at the Olympic Media Center in Sochi.
The ceremonial first move was made by the adviser of the Russian President Igor Levitin, in the presence of FIDE President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov.
Official website
The official opening ceremony of the World Chess Championship match between the reigning champion Magnus Calsen (Norway) and the challenger and former World Champion Viswanathan Anand (India) took place at the Congress Hall of the Radisson Blu hotel in Sochi on November 7th, 2014.
The ceremony was attended by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) President Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, the Russian Chess Federation President Andrey Filatov, the adviser of the Russian President Igor Levitin, former World Champions Boris Spassky, Nona Gaprindashvili, Anatoly Karpov, Alexander Khalifman, Zhu Chen, Antoaneta Stefanova, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Russian deputy minister of sports Pavel Kolobkov, and other officials and famous chess players. Russian People's Artist Sergey Makovetsky and Alexandra Kosteniuk were hosts of the ceremony. 
Igor Levitin read out the welcome address of the Russian President Vladimir Putin:
“Russia deserves the honour of holding this important and prestigious event. Our country has won wide recognition for its chess school and has extensive experience at holding events of this level, all the more so as this championship match is taking place in Sochi, which hosted the Winter Olympics earlier this year.
I am confident that Sochi’s developed sports, transport and tourism infrastructure and the traditional hospitality of its residents will ensure that this event takes place at the highest standard and will enable the competitors – Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand – to demonstrate the full measure of their skill and ability to find original solutions to the most complex tasks and show that they are worthy rivals in this battle for the chess world’s crown.”
Read full welcome address of the Russian President Vladimir Putin (RUS)
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov on behalf of the FIDE Presidential Board (the International Chess Federation unites 181 countries) sent greetings to the guests of the championship. He revealed a rich competitive and cultural agenda during the championship – the Tal Memorial grandmaster blitz tournament, junior Tournament of champions, master-classes, simultaneous displays, etc. In the end Mr. Ilyumzhinov wished good luck to the match participants and expressed hope for brilliant and exciting games.
Igor Levitin awarded the Russian players with state decorations. The order “For Merit to the Fatherland” of the 1st class was given to Alexandra Kosteniuk, Natalia Pogonina received this order of the 2nd class. Olga Girya and Sergey Rublevsky received Honorary Mentions of the Russian President. These players and the Russian women's team coach got their awards for winning the 2014 Chess Olympiad in Tromso, Norway as well as for their contribution to chess development in our country.
After the mime show “Dance of chess queens” the Chief Arbiter of the match Andrzej Filipowicz (Poland) called for the drawing of lots. Vishy Anand will have the white pieces in the first game. The first move of the World Chess Championship match will be played tomorrow, November 8th, at 3 pm local time. 
The grandmasters will play 12 games with classical time control: 120 minutes for 40 moves, then 60 minutes for 20 moves, and then 15 minutes plus 30 seconds per move for the rest of the game. If the match is tied, the tie-break with quick time controls will take place on November 27th.
The ceremony was concluded with the concert of a singer Tina Kuznetsova and the Jazz Quartet of People's Artist of Russia Igor Butman.
More photos from the opening ceremony
Official website
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Sochi ISEs: Game 6
Black to play
Carlsen - Anand, World Championship (6) 2014
It’s not going to be the thing that most people remember about game 6 from Sochi, I admit, but along with all the drama, there was an ISE possibility late on Saturday afternoon. Talking of which, the exchange of blunders on move 26 inspired one of the best bits of chess commentary that I’ve ever seen.
Look at this video from Chess24’s coverage of game 6. Yes, it’s in Spanish. That’s kind of the point. It doesn’t matter if you speak the language. It doesn’t even matter if you understand chess Watch this clip and you know that something monumental has happened. Just look at his face, as Barry Davies would say.
Black to play
I watched game 6 with Angus in Streatham's Cafe Barcelona. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, that. Watching World Championship chess, slurping tea and scoffing a nata or two.
When we got to this point I actually laughed at the suggestion that Black could do an ISE. It just seemed rather preposterous. As it happens the exchange sac was later suggested as Anand’s best chance by both Gustafsson and Anand.
It was my erstwhile Chess180 opponent Matt Fletcher who suggested the term A Desperate Sacrifice of the Exchange. That was certainly Gusti’s motivation to give up material here. 32 ... Bc6 is going to lose to 33 Bxg6 so why not punt an ISE? Not exactly interesting ... very interesting (to borrow another Barry Davies-ism), but if nothing else it would mix things up a bit.
Well, it didn’t happen and Vishy went meekly to his doom. Which is not particularly surprising. Watch that video again and just look at their faces when ... a4 comes in response to Kd2. If that’s the reaction just watching, imagine what it must have been like to realise you missed ... Nxe5 whilst you were actually playing.
2014 ISE Count: 71
TISE Index
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Ukrainian Championship LIVE!
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Carlsen – Anand 2014 game 7 LIVE!
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Welcome to Anand - Carlsen Sochi World Championship Game 7 LIVE Commentary
Welcome to Anand - Carlsen Sochi World Championship game 7 (LIVE commentary by me).
Thanks for joining me. After 6 games, the score is 3.5 - 2.5 in favor of Magnus. Two days ago, we saw a horrendous blunder by the young champion when he played 26. Kd2. Had Anand found 26... Nxe5 27. Rxg8 Nxc4+ 28. Kd3 Nb2+ 29. Ke2 Rxg8 30. Rxh6, the outcome of the match may be different.
After Anand realized that he missed the opportunity shortly after, it affected his play for the rest of the game. Now he has to forget about this mishap and focuses on the last 6 games of this match. If he can play the way he did in game 3, 4, and 5, he still has a chance. If he cannot, the young champ will retain his title.
Here are the rules of the match:
The Match is played over a maximum of twelve games and the winner of the match shall be the first player to score 6.5 points or more. If the scores are level after the twelve games, after a new drawing of colors, four tie-break games shall be played. The games shall be played using the electronic clock starting with 25 minutes for each player with an increment of 10 seconds after each move. In case the match is still drawn, a match of 2 games shall be played with a time control of 5 minutes plus 3 seconds increment after each move. In case of a level score, another 2-game match will be played to determine a winner. If still there is no winner after 5 such matches (total 10 games), one sudden-death game will be played.
I am also doing interactive commentary on www.twitter.com/susanpolgar and www.facebook.com/polgarchess.
Good morning/afternoon to everyone! It's 5:45 am in St Louis, less than 15 min before Carlsen - Anand game 7! Are you excited?
This is a very important game for Anand. He must get over the heartbreaking loss in game 6 while Magnus has to continue to maintain the pressure not to allow an Anand comeback.
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 And we have a Ruy Lopez, not Sicilian.
3...Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 Anand chose the Berlin, a safe opening, instead of the sharper Sicilian.
9. h3 Ke8 Anand chose toplay something less intense. Basically he is content with a draw in game 7 with black. That would leave him with 3 white games in the last 5. Magnus is happy to have a position he can squeeze.
10. Nc3 h5 11. Bf4 Be7 The Berlin is somewhat deceiving. Black gave up the ability to castle early on. Black also has the double c pawns. Therefore, some think that white has a big edge. However, Black has the compensation of a pair of bishops. And when players who play white overpush, they sometimes pay the heavy price. So it is not a "dead draw" opening.
12. Rad1 Be6 13. Ng5 Rh6 Magnus is absolutely prepared against the Berlin. It is an opening in Anand's repertoire.
14. g3 When I made my comeback to chess in 2004 after not playing since 1996, re-added the Berlin to my repertoire. It is a very solid opening and is suitable for players who are patient with strong endgame skill. The downside is the Berlin offers the type of position Magnus likes, something where he can squeeze all day long.
14...Bxg5 15. Bxg5 Rg616. h4 f6 17. exf6 gxf6 18. Bf4 Nxh4 Both players are playing fast. It seems that both players are content with their position.
19. f3 Rd8 I think Anand will draw game 7 with ease. Then he'll have 3 white games in the next 5. That's a strategic move on his part.
20. Kf2 Rxd121. Nxd1 Nf5 22. Rh1 Bxa2 23. Rxh5 Be6 24. g4 This is heading for the quickest draw of the match. Anand can save energy to focus on the last 5 games.
24...Nd6 The traditional theory in WC matches is the player who suffered a loss should try to stop the bleeding if they have black next game.
25. Rh7 The players made around 25 moves in 20 minutes. They're well prepared. Magnus will squeeze, Anand should hold comfortably. Anand spent the most time on this move so far. He has many different options with little risks. Anand has 25...Nf7, 25...Bf7, 25...Bd7 etc. Many options.
25...Nf7 26. Ne3 The best option for Anand here is 26...Kd8 to protect the c7 pawn.
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26...Kd8 Magnus is temporarily down a pawn. But he has initiatives for it. White is still slightly better. 27. Nf5 is the best option here.
27. Nf5 Black cannot take the knight as 27...Bxf5 28. gxf5 and both rook on g6 and knight on f7 are under attack.
27...c5 to prevent 28. Nd4 attacking the bishop which protects the knight on f7. Now, Magnus can bring his knight to g3 then e4 to attack both the unprotected c5 pawn and put pressure on the f6 pawn as the black rook is stuck defending it.
28. Ng3 As expected. White is still slightly better. He has more than enough compensation for the pawn. White is pushing to win. I like 28...Bd5 then b6 and c6. Make white push. I am curious to know why Anand is taking so much time here. He has to know this line well.
28...Ne5 Not sure about the idea of this move. I don't like it. 29.Bxe5 fxe5 30.Rh8+ Rg8 31.Rh5 Rf8 32.Ke3 Bd5 33.Ne4. This allows Magnus with strong play with kingside passed pawns. I thought the game was heading for draw. Now Anand just opened a small door for Magnus to have chances.
29. Rh8+ Magnus is heading to the line I suggested in reversed order 29. Rh8+ Rg8 then 30. Bxe5 If 29...Kd7 30. Rh5 and white has a good position. Once again, Anand is creating problems for himself in a dry position. I still do not like Ne5 at all.
29...Rg8 This is not a lost position. But Anand is making things more difficult for himself.
30. Bxe5 fxe5 31. Rh5 Just as expected. Anand did not have to allow this. Very strange and curious decision by him with 28...Ne5.
31...Bxg4 Black has 2 pawns for the knight, and he got rid of the kingside pawns.
32. fxg4 Rxg4 33. Rxe5 Black has no chance to win. It is not a "clear win" for white but of course white has chances. Basically, Anand is hoping to get to a R+N vs R endgame. If he can get this, then it is not difficult to draw. As for Magnus, he wants to keep pawns on the board.
33...b6 34. Ne4 Rh4 35. Ke2 Rh6 The ideas are simply. If rooks are off the board, white wins. If R+N vs R the draw.
36. b3 Kd7 37. Kd2 Kc6 Anand is banking on the idea that white cannot advance his pawns without being exchanged. And again if R+N vs R then draw.
38. Nc3 a6 39. Re4 Rh2+ 40. Kc1 Rh1+41. Kb2 Rh6 Players made the time control. This is the fortress Anand wants to set up and he seems to be confident with his fortress. He is challenging Magnus to make progress.
42. Nd1 Rg6 43. Ne3 Rh6 An idea for Magnus is to put knight on d5, protected by c4, then Re7. Black can't protect c7 without changing rooks. Only Magnus has chances to win.
44. Re7 Rh2 45. Re6+ And 45...Kb7 is obvious.
45...Kb7 If 46. Nd5 then black must play Rd2 to chase the knight away. The key is If rooks are off the board then Magnus wins this endgame. So Anand has to avoid trading rooks.
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46. Kc3 Rh4 47. Kb2 Rh2 I think this is a mind game by Magnus to make Anand thinks he will repeat :)
48. Nd5 Now a simple 48...Rd2 to chase the knight away.
48...Rd2 49. Nf6 The idea is to eventually get c4, Nd5, then Re7 in.
49...Rf2 50. Kc3 Rf4 51. Ne4 For the fans sitting at home with engines, forget what they say. Better to try to understand the ideas behind this endgame. These are key things to remember: If R+N v R then draw. If Rooks off the board, white has chances to win.
51...Rh4 52. Nf2 Rh2 53. Rf6 Rh7 54. Nd3 Magnus is just shuffling his pieces trying to get to the setup he wants.
54...Rh3 55. Kd2 Rh2+ 56. Rf2 Rh4 57. c4 Rh3 58. Kc2 Rh7 59. Nb2 Magnus is on his way of getting his knight to d5.
59...Rh5 60. Re2 Not much is happening. Magnus is still shuffling pieces to get them to the ideal position.
60...Rg5 61. Nd1 b5 62. Nc3 c6 Anand is moving up his fortress.
63. Ne4 Rh5 64. Nf6 The only idea I can see is to put knight on d3 then Re5 to go after c5 pawn. After 57. c4, the 50 move rule is reset. Anand has to defend the position. I think he new weakness now is the c5 pawn.
64...Rg5 It is not an easy position for white to make progress. Anand is defending well.
65. Re7+ Kb6 Magnus has to be careful as Anand's king can move up.
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66. Nd7+ Ka5 67. Re4 White changed the dynamic of the game. However, I am not sure if this is enough to win with accurate play from Anand
67...Rg2+ 68. Kc1 Rg1+ 69. Kd2 Rg2+ 70. Ke1 Anand can play 70...bxc4 with a chance to draw.
70...bxc4 71. Rxc4 Rg3 I prefer 71...Kb5
72. Nxc5 Kb5 73. Rc2 a5 Things are looking up for Anand. He should be able to hold now
74. Kf2 Rh3 75. Rc1 Kb4 76. Ke2 Rc3 Now it should be a draw. White has to change rooks and cannot make progress.
77. Nd3+ Kxb3 78. Ra1 Now the position is more or less a technical draw. But Anand has to make sure no blunder.
78...Kc4 79. Nf2 Kb5 80. Rb1+ This is a draw. But Magnus will still push a la Magnus style.
80...Kc4 81. Ne4 Ra3 82. Nd2+ Kd5 83. Rh1 a4 84. Rh5+ Kd4 Nothing changed. This is still a drawn game.
85. Rh4+ Kc5 86. Kd1 Kb5 87. Kc2 Rg3 88. Ne4 Rg2+89. Kd3 a3 90. Nc3+ Kb6 91. Ra4 a2 92. Nxa2 Rg3+93. Kc2 Rg2+ 94. Kb3 Rg3+ 95. Nc3 Rh3 96. Rb4+ Kc797. Rg4 Rh7 98. Kc4 Rf7 99. Rg5 Kb6 100. Na4+ Kc7 101. Kc5 Kd7 Still a technical draw.
102. Kb6 Rf1 103. Nc5+ Ke7 104. Kxc6 Rd1105. Rg6 Kf7 106. Rh6 Rg1 107. Kd5 Rg5+ 108. Kd4 Rg6109. Rh1 Rg2 110. Ne4 Ra2 111. Rf1+ Ke7 112. Nc3 Rh2113. Nd5+ Kd6 114. Rf6+ Kd7 115. Nf4 Rh1 116. Rg6 Rd1+117. Nd3 Ke7 118. Ra6 Kd7 119. Ke4 Ke7 Magnus is still pushing. Draw can happen 50 moves after 104. Kxc6.
120. Rc6 Kd7121. Rc1 Rxc1 122. Nxc1 ½-½ It is a tiring but good hold by Anand. He needed to hold this game and he did it.
9. h3 Ke8 Anand chose toplay something less intense. Basically he is content with a draw in game 7 with black. That would leave him with 3 white games in the last 5. Magnus is happy to have a position he can squeeze.
10. Nc3 h5 11. Bf4 Be7 The Berlin is somewhat deceiving. Black gave up the ability to castle early on. Black also has the double c pawns. Therefore, some think that white has a big edge. However, Black has the compensation of a pair of bishops. And when players who play white overpush, they sometimes pay the heavy price. So it is not a "dead draw" opening.
12. Rad1 Be6 13. Ng5 Rh6 Magnus is absolutely prepared against the Berlin. It is an opening in Anand's repertoire.
14. g3 When I made my comeback to chess in 2004 after not playing since 1996, re-added the Berlin to my repertoire. It is a very solid opening and is suitable for players who are patient with strong endgame skill. The downside is the Berlin offers the type of position Magnus likes, something where he can squeeze all day long.
14...Bxg5 15. Bxg5 Rg616. h4 f6 17. exf6 gxf6 18. Bf4 Nxh4 Both players are playing fast. It seems that both players are content with their position.
19. f3 Rd8 I think Anand will draw game 7 with ease. Then he'll have 3 white games in the next 5. That's a strategic move on his part.
20. Kf2 Rxd121. Nxd1 Nf5 22. Rh1 Bxa2 23. Rxh5 Be6 24. g4 This is heading for the quickest draw of the match. Anand can save energy to focus on the last 5 games.
24...Nd6 The traditional theory in WC matches is the player who suffered a loss should try to stop the bleeding if they have black next game.
25. Rh7 The players made around 25 moves in 20 minutes. They're well prepared. Magnus will squeeze, Anand should hold comfortably. Anand spent the most time on this move so far. He has many different options with little risks. Anand has 25...Nf7, 25...Bf7, 25...Bd7 etc. Many options.
25...Nf7 26. Ne3 The best option for Anand here is 26...Kd8 to protect the c7 pawn.
26...Kd8 Magnus is temporarily down a pawn. But he has initiatives for it. White is still slightly better. 27. Nf5 is the best option here.
27. Nf5 Black cannot take the knight as 27...Bxf5 28. gxf5 and both rook on g6 and knight on f7 are under attack.
27...c5 to prevent 28. Nd4 attacking the bishop which protects the knight on f7. Now, Magnus can bring his knight to g3 then e4 to attack both the unprotected c5 pawn and put pressure on the f6 pawn as the black rook is stuck defending it.
28. Ng3 As expected. White is still slightly better. He has more than enough compensation for the pawn. White is pushing to win. I like 28...Bd5 then b6 and c6. Make white push. I am curious to know why Anand is taking so much time here. He has to know this line well.
28...Ne5 Not sure about the idea of this move. I don't like it. 29.Bxe5 fxe5 30.Rh8+ Rg8 31.Rh5 Rf8 32.Ke3 Bd5 33.Ne4. This allows Magnus with strong play with kingside passed pawns. I thought the game was heading for draw. Now Anand just opened a small door for Magnus to have chances.
29. Rh8+ Magnus is heading to the line I suggested in reversed order 29. Rh8+ Rg8 then 30. Bxe5 If 29...Kd7 30. Rh5 and white has a good position. Once again, Anand is creating problems for himself in a dry position. I still do not like Ne5 at all.
29...Rg8 This is not a lost position. But Anand is making things more difficult for himself.
30. Bxe5 fxe5 31. Rh5 Just as expected. Anand did not have to allow this. Very strange and curious decision by him with 28...Ne5.
31...Bxg4 Black has 2 pawns for the knight, and he got rid of the kingside pawns.
32. fxg4 Rxg4 33. Rxe5 Black has no chance to win. It is not a "clear win" for white but of course white has chances. Basically, Anand is hoping to get to a R+N vs R endgame. If he can get this, then it is not difficult to draw. As for Magnus, he wants to keep pawns on the board.
33...b6 34. Ne4 Rh4 35. Ke2 Rh6 The ideas are simply. If rooks are off the board, white wins. If R+N vs R the draw.
36. b3 Kd7 37. Kd2 Kc6 Anand is banking on the idea that white cannot advance his pawns without being exchanged. And again if R+N vs R then draw.
38. Nc3 a6 39. Re4 Rh2+ 40. Kc1 Rh1+41. Kb2 Rh6 Players made the time control. This is the fortress Anand wants to set up and he seems to be confident with his fortress. He is challenging Magnus to make progress.
42. Nd1 Rg6 43. Ne3 Rh6 An idea for Magnus is to put knight on d5, protected by c4, then Re7. Black can't protect c7 without changing rooks. Only Magnus has chances to win.
44. Re7 Rh2 45. Re6+ And 45...Kb7 is obvious.
45...Kb7 If 46. Nd5 then black must play Rd2 to chase the knight away. The key is If rooks are off the board then Magnus wins this endgame. So Anand has to avoid trading rooks.
46. Kc3 Rh4 47. Kb2 Rh2 I think this is a mind game by Magnus to make Anand thinks he will repeat :)
48. Nd5 Now a simple 48...Rd2 to chase the knight away.
48...Rd2 49. Nf6 The idea is to eventually get c4, Nd5, then Re7 in.
49...Rf2 50. Kc3 Rf4 51. Ne4 For the fans sitting at home with engines, forget what they say. Better to try to understand the ideas behind this endgame. These are key things to remember: If R+N v R then draw. If Rooks off the board, white has chances to win.
51...Rh4 52. Nf2 Rh2 53. Rf6 Rh7 54. Nd3 Magnus is just shuffling his pieces trying to get to the setup he wants.
54...Rh3 55. Kd2 Rh2+ 56. Rf2 Rh4 57. c4 Rh3 58. Kc2 Rh7 59. Nb2 Magnus is on his way of getting his knight to d5.
59...Rh5 60. Re2 Not much is happening. Magnus is still shuffling pieces to get them to the ideal position.
60...Rg5 61. Nd1 b5 62. Nc3 c6 Anand is moving up his fortress.
63. Ne4 Rh5 64. Nf6 The only idea I can see is to put knight on d3 then Re5 to go after c5 pawn. After 57. c4, the 50 move rule is reset. Anand has to defend the position. I think he new weakness now is the c5 pawn.
64...Rg5 It is not an easy position for white to make progress. Anand is defending well.
65. Re7+ Kb6 Magnus has to be careful as Anand's king can move up.
66. Nd7+ Ka5 67. Re4 White changed the dynamic of the game. However, I am not sure if this is enough to win with accurate play from Anand
67...Rg2+ 68. Kc1 Rg1+ 69. Kd2 Rg2+ 70. Ke1 Anand can play 70...bxc4 with a chance to draw.
70...bxc4 71. Rxc4 Rg3 I prefer 71...Kb5
72. Nxc5 Kb5 73. Rc2 a5 Things are looking up for Anand. He should be able to hold now
74. Kf2 Rh3 75. Rc1 Kb4 76. Ke2 Rc3 Now it should be a draw. White has to change rooks and cannot make progress.
77. Nd3+ Kxb3 78. Ra1 Now the position is more or less a technical draw. But Anand has to make sure no blunder.
78...Kc4 79. Nf2 Kb5 80. Rb1+ This is a draw. But Magnus will still push a la Magnus style.
80...Kc4 81. Ne4 Ra3 82. Nd2+ Kd5 83. Rh1 a4 84. Rh5+ Kd4 Nothing changed. This is still a drawn game.
85. Rh4+ Kc5 86. Kd1 Kb5 87. Kc2 Rg3 88. Ne4 Rg2+89. Kd3 a3 90. Nc3+ Kb6 91. Ra4 a2 92. Nxa2 Rg3+93. Kc2 Rg2+ 94. Kb3 Rg3+ 95. Nc3 Rh3 96. Rb4+ Kc797. Rg4 Rh7 98. Kc4 Rf7 99. Rg5 Kb6 100. Na4+ Kc7 101. Kc5 Kd7 Still a technical draw.
102. Kb6 Rf1 103. Nc5+ Ke7 104. Kxc6 Rd1105. Rg6 Kf7 106. Rh6 Rg1 107. Kd5 Rg5+ 108. Kd4 Rg6109. Rh1 Rg2 110. Ne4 Ra2 111. Rf1+ Ke7 112. Nc3 Rh2113. Nd5+ Kd6 114. Rf6+ Kd7 115. Nf4 Rh1 116. Rg6 Rd1+117. Nd3 Ke7 118. Ra6 Kd7 119. Ke4 Ke7 Magnus is still pushing. Draw can happen 50 moves after 104. Kxc6.
120. Rc6 Kd7121. Rc1 Rxc1 122. Nxc1 ½-½ It is a tiring but good hold by Anand. He needed to hold this game and he did it.
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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Marshall Sunday Game/45 11/16/2014
On Sunday, I finished with a score of 1-0-3 in the tournament at the Marshall Chess Club.
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Round Two: Ruy Lopez, Exchange Variation
Jim West (USCF 2202) - Ed Kopiecki (USCF 2013), Marshall Chess Club 11/16/2014
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.O-O Bg4 6.h3 h5 7.d3 Qf6 8.Nbd2 Ne7 9.Nc4 Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Qxf3 11.gxf3 Ng6 12.Rd1 O-O-O 13.Be3 Be7 14.Kf1 Bf6 15.Ke2 Rhe8
16.a4 Nf4+ 17.Bxf4 exf4 18.c3 c5 19.a5 g6 20.Rd2 Rd7 21.Rad1 Red8 22.Kf1 Bg7 23.e5 Rd5 24.d4 cxd4 25.Rxd4 Rxd4 26.Rxd4 Rxd4 27.cxd4 Kd7 28.d5 Bf8 29.Ke2 Bc5 30.Kd3 Bxf2 31.Ke4 Bg3 32.Nd2 Be1 33.Nb3 Bb4 34.Kxf4 c6
35.Ke4 cxd5+ 36.Kxd5 Bf8 37.Nd2 Bb4 38.Nc4 Ke7 39.b3 Kd7 40.Nb6+ Ke7 41.Nc4 Kd7 42.f4 Ke7 43.Nd6 Bxa5 44.Nxb7 Bd2 45.Nc5 a5 46.Ke4 Bb4 47.Nd3 Ke6 48.Nxb4 axb4 49.h4 f6 50.exf6 Kxf6 51.Ke3 Kf5 52.Kf3 Kf6 53.Ke3 Kf5 54.Kf3 Kf6, draw.
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Anand Holds Strong in 122 Move Draw
Today, Magnus Carlsen pressed hard but challenger Vishy Anand held strong in a marathon 122-move draw.
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Sly Spike does it again – Press Release from Remco Invitational 2014
Press Release by Peter Boel, Photos by Harry Gielen Also in the final round of a Remco Heite Chess Tournament, anything can happen. And that’s what happened. Whereas everyone thought Daniel Fridman had the best chances, as he had White against the tormented Gawain Jones, there wasn’t even a playoff in it for the Latvian [...]
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Carlsen and Anand come close to breaking the record for longest World Championship game
Amazing show in Sochi
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Play Chess: Benjamin Franklin's Lessons for Success in Life and Business
Born a candle-makers son in Boston, Benjamin Franklin was many things in his life. Inventor of the F
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Ferdinand and Miranda Playing Chess, 1871
Lucy Madox Brown
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nuts and bolts!
You know how chess pieces have that old design? Well, i thought it was time to make a little change
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