English Chess Forum

Caruana may also have been a little disappointed.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:12 am

One thing can definitely be said - the supposed "anti-draw" measures at this event have been an unequivocal failure.

It true that there have been many more draws than the same players in Zagreb. I suppose I could argue faffing around with time controls were partly responsible for Aronian losing to Caruana.

Bluntly you don't invite half of this field if you want to maximise wins. But that is not my top priority so in some ways I hope they don't address it.

My theory is that is about form, players both in and out of form have more decisive results, as they did in Zagreb. If everyone is playing to their rating there is not enough difference in strength for many games to be won or loss

It might also show that if the WC doesn't step up to the plate, it isn't that likely that one of his rivals will.....

Anand seems to have missed one cruncher tonight already

I'm watching the GCT commentary today. If I hit the mute button quickly enough when I hear the words "we have a caller from..." or it seems like someone might be about to try to sell me some jewellery or a hoodie, it is bearable

Player interviews always interesting. Magnus said after today's draw that he was doing what he had done with success in previous events but it was not working. Specifically he talked about about playing sharp forcing lines with white.

I'm a bit sceptical though, particularly after Ian showed he basically had to just avoid one trap, and otherwise very equal. I think Magnus might now be in ultra-safe mode because of his poor form in the preceding event.

I have to admit that I am getting frustrated with the GCT commentary. When Ding-Anand had the position below, they were complaining about the number of draws. Grrr!

1b2r1k1/1p3pp1/5n2/1N4N1/P1pP3P/4pPB1/1P2P1KP/8 w - - 0 31

EDIT: ;posted just before Giri took them to task with a similar point.

Anand still has a won position, despite missing several chances to finish Ding off. Surely this time......

Ding-Anand draw in 60 moves.That completes the set of 6 draws out of 6 games in the round.

JustinHorton wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:30 pm

Anand seems to have missed one cruncher tonight already

He missed several.

Can't help feeling Carlsen would have finished off these chances Anand keeps getting.

But to rehash what Spielmann said about himself and Alekhine, he is struggling to achieve the necessary positions at present.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 25, 2019 12:00 am

JustinHorton wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:30 pm

Anand seems to have missed one cruncher tonight already

He missed several.

Can't help feeling Carlsen would have finished off these chances Anand keeps getting.

But to rehash what Spielmann said about himself and Alekhine, he is struggling to achieve the necessary positions at present.

I suspect that there's been plenty of envious glances from the other players at the positions that Anand has had against So, Giri and now Ding.

Decisive game alert:

Nepomniachtchi 1 Aronian 0

Karjakin 1 MVL 0

Nepo had just blown most of a huge advantage on move 40 but then saw Aronian play a series of red moves.

LawrenceCooper wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:49 pm

Decisive game alert:

Nepomniachtchi 1 Aronian 0

Karjakin 1 MVL 0

Two in one round? And here's me thinking Stokes and Leach putting on 76 for the last wicket to beat Australia was the most unexpected result of the day.

Alex Holowczak wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:57 pm

LawrenceCooper wrote: ↑

Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:49 pm

Decisive game alert:

Nepomniachtchi 1 Aronian 0

Karjakin 1 MVL 0

Two in one round? And here's me thinking Stokes and Leach putting on 76 for the last wicket to beat Australia was the most unexpected result of the day.

Maybe this tournament will be like the Stokes innings, a very slow start but then an explosion at the end

With all kinds of grotesque errors at the death