English Chess Forum

Round 1 of the six player top section of the Biel International, headed by Carlsen, kicked off at 1pm UK:

1 GM Carlsen, M. (0) 2843 - GM Navara, David (0) 2727
2 GM Mamedyarov (0) 2808 - GM Georgiadis (0) 2527
3 GM Vachier-Lagr. (0) 2789 - GM Svidler, P. (0) 2760

The Masters tournament below it looks wickedly strong as well!

Mamedyarov duly beat the tournament "bunny".

Carlsen has an ending that "looks" good but which the computer thinks will be difficult to actually convert.

Matt Mackenzie wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 22, 2018 5:15 pm

Carlsen has an ending that "looks" good but which the computer thinks will be difficult to actually convert

Pfft! Computer, he kno nuttin'. Carlsen converted without breaking into a trot. He is ridiculously good

Typical Magnus grind. There has never been a more accurate player. Not sure what Navara was doing chucking his 'h' pawn.

Nick Ivell wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 22, 2018 6:26 pm

Typical Magnus grind. There has never been a more accurate player. Not sure what Navara was doing chucking his 'h' pawn.

Definitely his sort of grind, create an imbalance and let your opponent mess up. Brilliant. Peter Doggers report if anyone wants to play through it.

Round 2 (1pm UK)

1 GM Vachier-Lagr. (½) 2789 - GM Carlsen, M. (1) 2843
2 GM Navara, David (0) 2727 - GM Mamedyarov (1) 2808
3 GM Svidler, P. (½) 2760 - GM Georgiadis (0) 2527

1 GM Vachier-Lagr. (½) 2789 0 - 1 GM Carlsen, M. (1) 2843
2 GM Navara, David (0) 2727 ½ - ½ GM Mamedyarov (1) 2808
3 GM Svidler, P. (½) 2760 1 - 0 GM Georgiadis (0) 2527

I've just got to say that, having watched Carlsen - Vachier-LaGrave today, whatever my grade tomorrow, I'm glad I won't be facing Magnus in a QPF this coming season in the local leagues

David Robertson wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:18 pm

I've just got to say that, having watched Carlsen - Vachier-LaGrave today, whatever my grade tomorrow, I'm glad I won't be facing Magnus in a QPF this coming season in the local leagues

Do you have the option to opt for an adjournment?

David Robertson wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:18 pm

I'm glad I won't be facing Magnus in a QPF this coming season in the local leagues

A bit like opening the batting in the Lancashire League and facing Charlie Griffith.

Another storming start from Magnus in a tournament - who knows, maybe he might not mess this one up?

Played through the MVL-Carlsen game again this morning in combination with Peter Doggers report and Bojkov's notes. Utterly sensational four rook endgame, a classic. Carlsen looks right back to his best and the thought of a match for the World Chess Championship, in London, with the number 1 & 2 players in the world, both in peak form is truly mouth watering.

Round 3 (1pm UK)
1 GM Carlsen, M. (2) 2843 — GM Svidler, P. (1½) 2760
2 GM Mamedyarov (1½) 2808 — GM Vachier-Lagr. (½) 2789
3 GM Georgiadis (0) 2527 — GM Navara, David (½) 2727

NickFaulks wrote: ↑

Mon Jul 23, 2018 8:55 pm

A bit like opening the batting in the Lancashire League and facing Charlie Griffith

I think I'd prefer my chances against Sir Charles Christopher Griffith than against Magnus Carlsen. Griffith is pushing 80 these days - years, that is (though mph is possible ). In any case, he's likely lost a yard or so of pace

But Sir Charles was never clear how to play the black side of the QGD - and Magnus always looks uncertain when it's pitched short. I think you may have a chance.

Reminds me of the apocryphal story when Sir Robert Charlton was asked how he thought the 1966 team would fare against the 1996 Euro team ... he thought it would be around even - but of course the members of the 1966 team "would be in their late 50s and 60s now"

That gag has been done several times (and not just regarding football)

Sorry - thought it was original