Predict the World Cup results and become famous ...

[Jonathan Rogers]

But it reminds me of Korchnoi's self-diagnosis in the mid to late 1960s; at some point he realised, that if he coveted the world title rather than mere elite status, he had to do more to win games against the top players, to determine the coure of the game and take risks. I actually wonder whether Giri's team sees this, and yesterday's fiasco may be part of a general attempt to develop his play. And it might work, but in the longer run.

[Mick Norris]

Giri's loss yesterday was his first since 31 May I think

Not losing is a good quality to have obviously, and would be a great asset in a World championship match, but to win the Candidates he would have to win 4 games at least

However, he's 21 and number 6 on the live ratings, so he has ability as well as time to improve - and time to qualify for many more Candidates too

[JustinHorton]

Anybody else want to guess the opening in Svidler-Giri? I'll have a pop at the Sicilian with 2...d6 3. Bb5+.

[JustinHorton]

Nope

[MartinCarpenter]

I'd have been rather impressed had anyone got it right (Hardly an obvious winning effort with black this.).

[LawrenceCooper]

I'd have been rather impressed had anyone got it right (Hardly an obvious winning effort with black this.).

I guess after yesterday he decided to curb his wild side It will certainly be impressive if he manages to outplay Svidler sufficiently from here to win.

[Jonathan Rogers]

I haven't looked up svidler's recent repertoire v caro-kann (I last played it against him myself in 1991! and also ). But perhaps he sometimes plays the more critical 3 e5 and Giri was trying to dare him? In much the same way people sometimes play the French in must-win games, somehow daring the opponent to be so brazen as to play 3 exd5.

Wel, I dunno. Wouldn't have predicted it, no.

[Barry Sandercock]

Keith Arkell gets plenty of wins with the Caro-Kann !

[Jonathan Rogers]

So too did Speelman. But does this inspire?

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1518122

[JustinHorton]

SVI

[John McKenna]

Welcome the SVI club, Justin.
Anyone for the Kar klub?

[John McKenna]

Today's KIA I took as a sign and have undergone a damascene conversion to KAR.

Photo edit -

Karcrashian.jpg

[John McKenna]

Last night I was watching one of my favourite screen characters, Melvin Udall -

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Mel ... &FORM=IGRE

"What if this is as good as it gets?"

[JustinHorton]

So who won?

[Brian Towers]

So who won?

Soheil, is that you?