Tata Steel (Wijk aan Zee) 2012

[Ian Kingston]

And after lauding Aronian a couple of days ago it looks like he's going down to tail-ender Navara. The last two rounds will be interesting.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

And after lauding Aronian a couple of days ago it looks like he's going down to tail-ender Navara. The last two rounds will be interesting.

Yeah. 6/7 decisive results in the B-group as well (five wins with White). The C-group is sedate by comparison.

Back in the A-group, Aronian-Radjabov in the final round could be the key game. Radjabov is currently joint second with Carlsen, a half point behind Aronian.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Aronian won today, so he only needs a draw tomorrow to take outright first. I think Carlsen's number one spot is safe, though it could be close if Carlsen loses tomorrow and Aronian goes for a win. Wonder if Radjabov will be happy with a draw or want more? You have to feel sorry for Anish Giri - he lost today making it five losses in a row! Oh, and Sadler lost as well.

[Matt Mackenzie]

Sadler has, so far, dropped 27 rating points - which will get worse tomorrow if he doesn't win. Ouch!

[Richard Bates]

Sadler has, so far, dropped 27 rating points - which will get worse tomorrow if he doesn't win. Ouch!

Oops, looks like another 7pts could be going west...

[Carl Hibbard]

Sadler has, so far, dropped 27 rating points - which will get worse tomorrow if he doesn't win. Ouch!

Oops, looks like another 7pts could be going west...

Looks like real beginner stuff that one?

[Carl Hibbard]

14. Qxg7 is piece lost 1-0 isn't it?

[Richard Bates]

Sadler has, so far, dropped 27 rating points - which will get worse tomorrow if he doesn't win. Ouch!

Oops, looks like another 7pts could be going west...

Looks like real beginner stuff that one?

I must admit i find these "Houdini" assessments more than irritating, when sometimes they seem somewhat incomprehnsible to the lay observer. I must admit i can't offhand see why 14. Qxg7 O-O-O should be +6 for white. If one could access the computer directly and input moves it would be much more useful.

[John Moore]

Presumably Grover is analysing 14 Qg7 o-o-o 15 f6 Rdg8

[Carl Hibbard]

Blimey you just castle what a muppet I am just shows what a nonsense my new grade is

[Paul Cooksey]

I must admit i find these "Houdini" assessments more than irritating, when sometimes they seem somewhat incomprehnsible to the lay observer. I must admit i can't offhand see why 14. Qxg7 O-O-O should be +6 for white. If one could access the computer directly and input moves it would be much more useful.

I don't see it either, and neither does Rybka. I suspect they are having some sort of technology issue.

[AustinElliott]

A few 'grandmaster draws' appearing in the top section, inc a predictable one to secure 1st place for Aronian.

Am I right that if Carlsen beats Van Wely then he would get 2nd on his own? Here's hoping that will mean that game is actually 'live' right to the end.

[Sebastian Stone]

A few 'grandmaster draws' appearing in the top section, inc a predictable one to secure 1st place for Aronian.

Am I right that if Carlsen beats Van Wely then he would get 2nd on his own? Here's hoping that will mean that game is actually 'live' right to the end.

Yeah, a win would put Carlsen 2nd on his own.

[AustinElliott]

Any endgame gurus care to offer a view on Van Wely vs Carlsen (move 35?). The traditional patzer view of opposite coloured Bs would say a draw, despite Carlsen's two extra (doubled a-) pawns.. but interested to hear what the cognoscenti think.

MEANWHILE - in Gp C, Grover has finally taken Sadler's g-pawn (at the 4th time of asking). Game hotting up, with Sadler offering to trade both his Rs for Grover's Q & QB.

...which Grover has declined - so now Sadler has the g-file (hopefully) to attack down..

[IM Jack Rudd]

Any endgame gurus care to offer a view on Van Wely vs Carlsen (move 35?). The traditional patzer view of opposite coloured Bs would say a draw, despite Carlsen's two extra (doubled a-) pawns.. but interested to hear what the cognoscenti think.

Not much of an endgame guru here, but I'd bet on a black win. The fact that the doubled a-pawns are passed makes it much harder to defend.