I thought the second round game between Radjabov and Ivanchuk looked interesting. Black lost a queen for a rook and bishop. I enjoy playing the Dutch Defence, so I'd be appreciative if one of the more experienced members on this site would be willing to analyse this game. Was the final position entirely lost for black? Thanks!
Obviously these guys play at a slightly higher level than us, but I'd have played on for a while if I'd been Black (I believe Ivanchuk actually lost on time). If White had played 35.Qxc6 I'd have tried something like this:
Obviously this isn't forced and if White grabs Black's g3 pawn on move 35 I think Black might as well resign as White will start throwing his queenside pawns forward very quickly. Of course none of them is protected, but even so you could imagine White setting up a position with pawns on c6 and e6 and then marching his king up, with Black always having to prevent Qd7 tricks.
I'm looking forward to round 5 when Ivanchuk is White against Carlsen. Ivanchuk is capable of playing amazing chess and he might want to prove that he's still one of the best players in the world by going for it against Carlsen. I'm expecting Ivanchuk and Gelfand to draw quickly in round 4 as they'll both still be in shell shock.
Originally posted by michael liddleThe final position is a symmetrical endgame with no chance for a win for either side in the Aronian vs Carlsen game. I haven't looked at the final position for the Grischuk vs Ivanchuk game yet. That is because it has not been played. The ist round game was Ivanchuk vs Grischuk - the 2 Chukies.
Not much action!
I'm astounded that Grischuk-Ivanchuk was a draw when it seemed to me a clear win for black.
I can't believe that Carlsen would accept half a point as black in the final position.
P.S. Yep. That is a clear draw too.
Originally posted by Fat LadyAs long as Aronian continues to play well, Carlsen will have to keep up. I don't see Ivanchuk having much chance against a Carlsen who needs to win.
I'm looking forward to round 5 when Ivanchuk is White against Carlsen. Ivanchuk is capable of playing amazing chess and he might want to prove that he's still one of the best players in the world by going for it against Carlsen. I'm expecting Ivanchuk and Gelfand to draw quickly in round 4 as they'll both still be in shell shock.
Originally posted by RJHindsYes, the game was between the two 'chuks'
The final position is a symmetrical endgame with no chance for a win for either side in the Aronian vs Carlsen game. I haven't looked at the final position for the Grischuk vs Ivanchuk game yet. That is because it has not been played. The ist round game was Ivanchuk vs Grischuk - the 2 Chukies.
P.S. Yep. That is a clear draw too.
The computer candidate moves suggested a black win in about 15 moves. Considering they are playing for the right to challenge Anand, I would have expected black to queen a pawn and continue.