Chess World Championship: Carlsen-Caruana

[DarthFed]

Magnus thinking a long time. Black actually has potential perpetual lines with Ne5

 

[DarthFed]

Why is Carlson taking so much time. Bxe6 can be seen by me

It's actually a pretty big decision. Doubling up the rooks leaves Ne5 which could cause a perpetual check. Taking on e6 gives a better position but may lead to a rook vs rook ending

 

[DarthFed]

Yep, Fabi might draw this thing after all

 

[Federberg]

I'm not sure Magnus deserves to win this thing. He is set on eliminating all downside risks before prosecuting his attack. Seems to have zero confidence he can equalise if things go wrong

 

[DarthFed]

Should be a draw but they are down to a couple minutes and crazy shit can happen

 

[DarthFed]

Magnus got the two passers but it shouldn't matter. We are talking extreme time trouble though

 

[Federberg]

hmmmm... I would have thought this was a draw but engines going crazy

 

[DarthFed]

I think I'm wrong. Looks over

 

[Federberg]

ha! Guess the engines were right. Jeepers Carlsen is an endgame beast

 

[DarthFed]

Yep. Wow. I wonder where Caruana screwed up. But that's the title. You got a vastly superior rapid player who only needs to draw.

 

[DarthFed]

Ke5 looks like the big blunder

 

[Federberg]

according to the engines it's the next move Kxe4

 

[DarthFed]

according to the engines it's the next move Kxe4

Interesting, I assume it wanted Ra5 instead?

 

[Federberg]

Interesting, I assume it wanted Ra5 instead?

no Ra2+

 

[DarthFed]

Man I really don't like Black's position already but he has held on very well the last couple times in this opening. Game 8 was the one Fabi will kick himself over assuming he loses the match.

 

[DarthFed]

no Ra2+

Ah, guess the thought being Kh3 and Rf1. Clearly Black needed to prevent white getting two passers. Without that it's an easy draw.

 

[Federberg]

Ah, guess the thought being Kh3 and Rf1. Clearly Black needed to prevent white getting two passers. Without that it's an easy draw.

yes exactly. I must confess I recall a blitz or rapid game Magnus played against someone last year with a similar motif. Only occurred to me after

 

[DarthFed]

And yet after Magnus castles it suddenly looks harmless enough.

 

[Federberg]

Yes. You get the sense that he knew what he was doing here. It's Fabi who's gone into deep thought

 

[DarthFed]

After Qc4...again from human eyes a very dangerous position for Black. Magnus will have to be precise here.