WC Match 2016 - New York 10-30 November

[Christopher Kreuzer]

The Norwegian press going into meltdown, apparently. I hope he (Carlsen) isn't reading that. Imagine what the reaction will be if he loses the match. Days or weeks of mourning? Though I'm now trying to imagine the reaction in Russia if Karjakin wins.

Nice documentary on Karjakin, with an article on it on Chessbase.

[IanCalvert]

The Norwegian press going into meltdown

Chris it must be the Karjakin threat.

Does anyone know any Karjakin jokes which might cheer Magnus up?

[Paolo Casaschi]

Presumably Krsan's non-appearance in New York means that he is, in fact, banned from travel to the USA.

Yes, that, or he might be afraid he might not be allowed to leave from the USA once there... endless speculation is possible in all directions...

We know he tried to board a plane to the US once and was turned back because he was on their blacklist. As legions of Bermudians know, once you get onto that, even by mistake, it's next to impossible to get off it.

Yeah, right.

[Roger de Coverly]

Back to the chess, a line tonight that has a slightly risky reputation for Black.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. a4 Rb8

The forcing lines with 8. Nxe5 are possible, but depend on the evaluation of the resulting position when the dust settles.

Instead Karjakin just develops and Carlsen offers a pawn sacrifice. I believe it's a normal idea in the position.

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 7. a4 Rb8 8. c3 d6 9. d4 Bb6 10. axb5 axb5 11. Na3 O-O *

[Joshua Gibbs]

Back to the chess, a line tonight that has a slightly risky reputation for Black.

up until the time of posting it followed this game....

http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1768978

Not good for black methinks.

Its shocking i should have this much opening knowledge and such a low OTB grade.

[NickFaulks]

Yeah, right.

Sorry, are you making some point?

[Christopher Kreuzer]

I get a horrible feeling Carlsen may overpress again. Karjakin is looking really solid. Move 25.Rg4 at the moment, and Carlsen about 10 minutes behind on the clock.

[NickFaulks]

I doubt there's any good reason for Black to lose this, but you do get the impression that Karjakin is playing very well.

[Nick Grey]

Carlsen ought to have gone 1...c5. Probably best chance of a win. Ian would have gone 1...b6.

As for a joke - ... why did the Karjakin cross the road?

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Carlsen now half an hour behind on the clock. Will probably end up with half an hour for the last ten moves before move 40.

[Paolo Casaschi]

Yeah, right.

Sorry, are you making some point?

Just replying with the same tone you used to my comment about the US government following their own due process with sanctions and wondering if Kirsan really tried to board that plane or he just went to the airport after making sure he would not be allowed on board and make a big fuss about it.

Do you really think the US would place on the sanctions list someone whose wrongdoing is based on no other evidence than "some press cuttings"? Why on earth would the US government pick on Kirsan? What kind of secret conspiracy are you afraid of now?

[MartinCarpenter]

The online Stockfish is dreaming some utterly outlandishly computery thoughts round moves 32/3.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Thankfully Carlsen didn't miss the 'obvious' 33...Nb4 34.Qxg6+!!

Carlsen will have to play well to keep the draw in hand. Has presumably seen the perpetual after 33...Ra8 34.Ba4 Rxa4.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

More crazy computer lines. Carlsen is not going to be able to calculate everything over the next 7 moves in 10 minutes. He is is big trouble here.

[LawrenceCooper]

More crazy computer lines. Carlsen is not going to be able to calculate everything over the next 7 moves in 10 minutes. He is is big trouble here.

I wouldn't go that far, it's a double edged position where white has an extra pawn but his structure is ragged enough that any win will be far from easy.