Banter Blitz Cup Final - Carlsen v Firouzja 6pm Wed 15 Apr

[Paul Cooksey]

Threadnapping Leonard's preview:

The final of the Banter Blitz Cup is what matters. Magnus got there by defeating six opponents in a 132-player knock-out. It is tomorrow evening (Wednesday, 6pm) between Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja, best of 16 3-minute games, and is expected to attract one of the largest audiences ever for an online event. Don't miss it!
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/ ... za-firouja

I'm really looking forward to the final. Seemed worth a dedicated thread, if only to remind those like me who tend to find out about these things when they see the result.

The full event a bit mixed in my view, a lot of commentary consisted of mumbling "Re4" occasionally and the axiomatic "must play faster". But when it is good, it is very good.

It also featured this memorable meltdown from Kamsky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6aPahddJQA (18+ language warning!).

My money is on Magnus in 3 minute chess, but Ali Reza is unbelievably fast and tricky. So if I had to pick an underdog with the best chance to win, it would be him. Of course not a very serious event. But still, I suppose if Ali Reza wins and does go on to dethrone Magnus in the future, this match will be seen as historic.

[NickFaulks]

It also featured this memorable meltdown from Kamsky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6aPahddJQA (18+ language warning!).

Kamsky is of course quite right. The only reason you would organise online blitz events without a one second increment is for the fun of players getting flagged in K+R v K+R. Some think that is what the game is all about, some think it isn't.

[benedgell]

Bit of a surprise winner, but well deserved. I watched the video with Alireza commentating, and was surprised how badly Magnus seemed to play (relative to his usual playing standard). I think there was only a couple of games where his play was impressive to me. Having said all that, the fact that he took Alireza to the final game without playing consistently well is a testament to how scarily strong he is when he's truly on form.

Anyway, an entertaining hour and half video, well worth watching.