Chess

[Federberg]

Just can't see anything but a draw now. I really thought Magnus was going to find a way to the h pawn, but f4 shut the door on that. Now I'll be amazed if he gets anything out of this

 

[Federberg]

Please not a Berlin. Please....

 

[Federberg]

Wow! a6. What a relief. Been a long time since we've seen a more normal spanish

 

[DarthFed]

A couple quick, easy draws to start. Karjakin will definitely take that.

 

[Federberg]

Magnus is doing his best to make Sergey's seconds redundant. Interesting stuff!

 

[Federberg]

A bit concerned by Magnus's inability to grind slight edges into serious positional advantages so far

 

[brokenshoelace]

I actually think Magnus will convert this. It's not a huge advantage or anything but white is much more comfortable and I feel Sergey needs to play perfect, which is tough especially given time trouble.

 

[Federberg]

Yes the tables have definitely turned now. One of those Magnus type positions. Little risk, and some structural advantages. This could be huge. If Sergey escapes he'll feel like a million bucks

 

[Federberg]

Sergey still has counterplay. Is it slipping?

 

[DarthFed]

This is still going to be difficult to convert but obviously black is in trouble. Sergey badly mishandled the endgame. Ra2 and c5 opened the door

 

[DarthFed]

Well defended by Karjakin here. Looks like a draw now

 

[brokenshoelace]

Impressed by Karjakin. Recovered well after he went wrong in the endgame. Not an easy position to hold at all.

 

[Federberg]

Sergey is an awesome defender. To my mind he's the best defender in top level chees at the moment. Too many people say Magnus is, but I think often when he goes wrong it falls apart badly. Mainly because he tries too bluff.

I get the sense so far that Magnus's tendency to snuff out counterplay has worked against him with Karjakin. If you don't press your attack, Sergey looks wily enough to do enough to gradually neutralise his disadvantage.

I'm liking this game so far. Always love the richness of a mainline Spanish (thank goodness these guys look like they don't want anything to do with the Berlin!)

 

[Federberg]

Giddy up folks! Bxh6. This is going to be interesting

 

[brokenshoelace]

Yes! Sergey goes with the Bxh6 line. In modern chess, these exciting sharp middle games often end with a pretty drawish endgames curiously enough, but if that's the case, at least the path will be exciting.

 

[Federberg]

That's true. But I do get the feeling that Magnus has been trying to tempt him into this. Now let's see how it plays out. Might still fizzle out after fireworks but I get the impression that will be due to on the board work from Sergey

 

[Federberg]

Oh my lord! He's given up his white square bishop. What am I missing here?

 

[DarthFed]

This Is very ugly after 25 moves. Looks like 0-1 for sure, not enough counterplay

 

[DarthFed]

Didn't like the opening choice, and Be3 was flat out bad. Started getting away there

 

[Federberg]

Love this tweet from Lawrence Trent....

"Magnus just has so many trumps in this position. So many he'll build a wall, deport some illegal pieces and maybe grab Sergey by the #####"