25 Jan 12
33 edits
Originally posted by hunterknox
OK, who's going to spot the death blow from Aronian's masterpiece vs Giri in round 10?
Black to play...
[fen]4r1k1/pp1Q2p1/5qb1/3p2p1/PP1P4/2p2n2/R3NP2/2K4R b - - 0 41[/fen]
Unbelievable tekkers.
For some reason the pgn viewer doesn't like this position. I even put the rook on b2 and started with 1.Ra2 with the same result. Anyway it seems to me that 1... Ne1 works 2.Rxe1 Qf4+ 3.Kd1 Qe4
26 Jan 12
Ivanchuk is always in with a good chance in any tourn. Has been for the last 30 years.
For some reason though, he never plays even near his best in a match. Gets caught up in the mindgame thing I guess.
About 2 years ago i was in the Philippines when Ivanchuk in some tourn(cant remember which), lost to Wesley So. After the game Chucky said he was retiring. The local boys went mental that a local player retired the great Ivanchuk.
He has never been the best, but for a long, long time, has been one of the best.
26 Jan 12
Originally posted by hunterknoxAronian analyses the game himself on this page [http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=7868] but glosses over the brilliancy in that position.
OK, who's going to spot the death blow from Aronian's masterpiece vs Giri in round 10?
Black to play...
[fen]4r1k1/pp1Q2p1/5qb1/3p2p1/PP1P4/2p2n2/R3NP2/2K4R b - - 0 41[/fen]
Unbelievable tekkers.
30 Jan 12
2 edits
Originally posted by watchyourbackrankWhats so strange? Most chess professionals would do the same. Playing Black (which is very important in top GM level) against stronger opponent and trying to play for win (when loss would cost you place in top 3) is impractical.
i also find it kinda strange radja didn't go for it.
30 Jan 12
Originally posted by Pacifiqueif impractical equals unambitious then i agree.
Whats so strange? Most chess professionals would do the same. Playing Black (which is very important in top GM level) against stronger opponent and trying to play for win (when loss would cost you place in top 3) is impractical.
radja played a very good tournament and he faced an opponent (aronian) who played an even better tournament. Under normal circumstances radja would be happy to make a draw, but I think the fact that he knew aronian would be more than happy with a draw is what should have made him have a go.
The key to radja's (lack of) attitude towards the game is surely to be found in his long period out of form. this was his best result for a while and he didn't want to mess it all up in the final game.