English Chess Forum

I'm out of touch. Does White not allow the Marshall these days?

Nick Ivell wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:49 am

I'm out of touch. Does White not allow the Marshall these days?

At the top level, when they do, it's invariably d3 lines and white gives the pawn back to reach a queenless middle game/ending with a nominal advantage.

I'm guessing the d4 lines have been analysed to a drawn ending after 40 moves!

One thing that struck me was the noise levels generated by the stage itself.

I assume that the microphones were very sensitive but the players and officials footsteps going back and forth were highly audible.

Anyone else notice this?

TWIC round 1 report

Chess Mind

I take you point but it does seem rather unnecessary as the noise is usually minimal at such events. It looks like the audience are being shut out, which in turn must surely impact on the spectacle of watching such a match -which is a shame if you ask me. When I saw the whole set up, it made me wonder why anyone would bother going as how can you feel part of the experience if you are watching people behind a glass plate. I know its all very modern but for me it would be more fitting if they were playing on the stage of a theatre -old style!

Nepo defending the Catalan, because he's identified that Magnus' weakness is prosecuting a small but nagging advantage

Surprising line played.

Exchange given up by Carlsen, looks a bit iffy to me (and the computer) but its all rather messy.

It's being claimed he has over-extended in the position. Something looks wrong to me.

I would take White here but this should be put in the context of my preference for one minute bullet against players (probably) around my strength.

Occasionally magnus does find himself in these uncharacteristic situations and produces something - his first round win at Wijk v Firouzja, for example. So iwe should not hurry to call the game by engine evaluations - yet. (And indeed SF is not so impressed by Nepo's 24...c3).

One thing about the catalan - how does Black avoid such positions, unless he plays KID or Grunfeld only? Nepo did at least choose a sharpish line with an early ...b5. And we might wonder why carlsen did not cut it all out with 7 Qa4 instead of 7 Qc2? unless, as suggested by game one, he is very happy to have the initiative v Nepo, even if it involves slightly - slightly - dubious sacrifices?

I would take black here.

Carlsen now (probably in vain) trying to squeeze out a win in a R+P ending.

EDIT: and draw duly agreed.

Jonathan Rogers wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 27, 2021 3:22 pm

. And we might wonder why carlsen did not cut it all out with 7 Qa4 instead of 7 Qc2?

Because you lose the option of 7...a6 8 a4

Good game to follow. Hope tomorrow's game is as good. Both players missed chances.