London Chess Classic - games only

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:02 pm

Can't understand the thinking behind Nakamura's play so far.

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:38 pm

Howell and McShane's positions are both probably fine, but I'd be impressed if they both get to the time control with playable positions given their respective times left.

AustinElliott · Post by **AustinElliott** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:39 pm

benedgell wrote:Can't understand the thinking behind Nakamura's play so far.

Does seem a rather passive/static interpretation of a Reversed Closed Sicilian. You can only really see Short as having the chance of a breakthrough. I'm presuming the key is whether he can contrive a decisive minor-piece-for-2-pawns sac on either e4 or g4.

Howell and McShane's positions are both probably fine

Does McShane really have enough for the exchange if the Queens come off?

AustinElliott · Post by **AustinElliott** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:46 pm

Any views on why Nakamura played Nb5 to exchange Ns rather than keeping Nb5 as a threat? That Nc3 looked like his best-placed piece! It will take him 4 moves to get an N to c4, if that's the idea.

Also surprised Short exchanged Rs by ..Bg7 rather than doubling on the file w Rbh8 first.

Ben Purton · Post by **Ben Purton** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:54 pm

Luke McShanes play is so incredible . He can mix it with the best in the world. += here

AustinElliott · Post by **AustinElliott** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:58 pm

Short's Knight (...Nd7) heading for h4 via f8 and g6?

Howell seems to have made move 40 - but expected 40 Rf8+ Kg6 41 Re8 as an invitation to repeat moves.

Can McShane keep his Rook on? Presumably Kramnik is playing ..Rg8 next.

Ben Purton · Post by **Ben Purton** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 5:58 pm

Rg8 Rxa5

Ben Purton · Post by **Ben Purton** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:00 pm

Rxa5 Rxc2 Bxf6+ Kg8 is unclear

Ben Purton · Post by **Ben Purton** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:00 pm

Whats the increment

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:04 pm

Luke's let this slip in the time scramble:(

AustinElliott · Post by **AustinElliott** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:06 pm

benedgell wrote:Luke's let this slip in the time scramble:(

Yes, having to relinquish the g-file was bad news. Did he have better than 35 Rg2? And maybe 34 Rg5 looked better than it was..

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:06 pm

39...f2 was a killer.

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:07 pm

Its better now for black, but not winning.

AustinElliott · Post by **AustinElliott** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:10 pm

benedgell wrote:Its better now for black, but not winning.

41 Kf5 looks obvious. Get the f pawn (maybe) and push e5. But after ..Kf7...?

benedgell · Post by **benedgell** » Sun Dec 11, 2011 6:11 pm

As an aside, Howell's very close to getting a draw with Aronian now, which would be a great result.

English Chess Forum

London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only

Re: London Chess Classic - games only