Caruana-move by Move

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move by move

Caruana

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Cyrus Lakdawala is an

Cyrus Lakdawala is an International Master, a former National Open and International Master, a former National Open and American OpenAmerican Open Champion, and a six-time State Champion. He has been teaching chess for

Champion, and a six-time State Champion. He has been teaching chess for over 30 years,over 30 years, and coaches some of the top

and coaches some of the top junior players in the U.S.junior players in the U.S. Also by the Author:

Also by the Author:

Play the London System Play the London System

A Ferocious Opening Repertoire A Ferocious Opening Repertoire

The Slav: Move by Move The Slav: Move by Move 1...d6: Move by Move 1...d6: Move by Move

The Caro-Kann: Move by Move The Caro-Kann: Move by Move The Four Knights: Move by Move The Four Knights: Move by Move Capablanca: Move by Move Capablanca: Move by Move

The Modern Defence: Move by Move The Modern Defence: Move by Move Kramnik: Move by Move

Kramnik: Move by Move The Colle: Move by Move The Colle: Move by Move

The Scandinavian: Move by Move The Scandinavian: Move by Move Botvinnik: Move by Move

Botvinnik: Move by Move

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Move by Move The Nimzo-Larsen Attack: Move by Move Korchnoi: Move by Move

Korchnoi: Move by Move

The Alekhine Defence: Move by Move The Alekhine Defence: Move by Move The Trompowsky Attack: Move by Move The Trompowsky Attack: Move by Move Carlsen: Move by Move

Carlsen: Move by Move

The Classical French: Move by Move The Classical French: Move by Move Larsen: Move by Move

Larsen: Move by Move 1...b6: Move by Move 1...b6: Move by Move

Bird’s Opening: Move by Move Bird’s Opening: Move by Move Petroff Defence: Move by Move Petroff Defence: Move by Move Fischer: Move by Move

Fischer: Move by Move

Anti-Sicilians: Move by Move Anti-Sicilians: Move by Move

Opening Repertoire: ...c6 Opening Repertoire: ...c6 First Steps: the Modern First Steps: the Modern

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About the Author

About the Author 33 Bibliography

Bibliography 55 Introduction

Introduction 66 1

1 Caruana Caruana on on the the AttackAttack 1515 2

2 Caruana Caruana on on Defence Defence and and CounterattackCounterattack 8585 3

3 Caruana Caruana on on the the Dynamic Dynamic ElementElement 144144 4

4 Caruana Caruana on on Exploiting Exploiting ImbalancesImbalances 209209 5

5 Caruana Caruana on on Accumulating Accumulating AdvantagesAdvantages 249249 6

6 Caruana Caruana in in the the EndgameEndgame 320320 Index of Openings

Index of Openings 363363 Index of Complete Games

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When I was eight years old, I loathed the outdoors and preferred cloistered study of chess When I was eight years old, I loathed the outdoors and preferred cloistered study of chess greats, such as Morphy,

greats, such as Morphy, Lasker, Capablanca, et al. In doing so, Lasker, Capablanca, et al. In doing so, I ignored my mother’s plead-I ignored my mother’s plead-ings to “Go outside and play with your

ings to “Go outside and play with your friends; climb a tree.” Now there is friends; climb a tree.” Now there is a new genera-a new genera-tion of kids who don’t want to go outside and prefer the study of chess. Nostalgia is an tion of kids who don’t want to go outside and prefer the study of chess. Nostalgia is an alluring force which tricks us into thinking that everything in the past was better than alluring force which tricks us into thinking that everything in the past was better than everything is in the present. When we study the games of past great players and try to everything is in the present. When we study the games of past great players and try to imitate them, are we not echoes of the real thing?

imitate them, are we not echoes of the real thing? The games of the great players of

The games of the great players of the present generation are equally inspiring. Ameri-the present generation are equally inspiring. Ameri-can/Italian Grandmaster Fabio Caruana, today perhaps the hardest working top can/Italian Grandmaster Fabio Caruana, today perhaps the hardest working top grand-master in the world, was, I suspect, just such a child who wouldn’t go outside to play, master in the world, was, I suspect, just such a child who wouldn’t go outside to play, preferring to study chess. He was born in Miami, Florida, on July 30, 1992. At the age of preferring to study chess. He was born in Miami, Florida, on July 30, 1992. At the age of four, his family moved to Bobby

four, his family moved to Bobby Fischer’s home town of Brooklyn, New YFischer’s home town of Brooklyn, New York. At age five, heork. At age five, he learned how to play chess,

learned how to play chess, an event that radically altered his own life and the life an event that radically altered his own life and the life of hisof his parents, Lou and Santina Caruana, who recognized in their son a person

parents, Lou and Santina Caruana, who recognized in their son a person gifted extraordi-gifted extraordi-nary abilities and whose

nary abilities and whose future brimmed with inexpressible possibilities.future brimmed with inexpressible possibilities. His first coach was NM Bruce

His first coach was NM Bruce Pandolfini and then he switched to grandmaster MironPandolfini and then he switched to grandmaster Miron Sher from the age of 8

Sher from the age of 8 to 12. There is no to 12. There is no such thing as dynastic succession or inheritance insuch thing as dynastic succession or inheritance in chess. Otherwise we would be awaiting a World Championship match featuring the great chess. Otherwise we would be awaiting a World Championship match featuring the great grandchildren of Alekhine and Capablanca. Yet very few players who got

grandchildren of Alekhine and Capablanca. Yet very few players who got a shot at a titlea shot at a title match can claim sole responsibility for their success. Their

match can claim sole responsibility for their success. Their parents and coaches get at leastparents and coaches get at least a chunk of the credit.

a chunk of the credit. Fabiano’s parents are people who went well past what we considerFabiano’s parents are people who went well past what we consider parental responsibility for their child. They literally gave up on their own lives to make parental responsibility for their child. They literally gave up on their own lives to make Fabiano’s a success. At the age of 12, his parents made a decision that they would, as a Fabiano’s a success. At the age of 12, his parents made a decision that they would, as a family, work to devote their lives to

family, work to devote their lives to the nurturing of Fabiano’s chess ability. They haven’tthe nurturing of Fabiano’s chess ability. They haven’t done such a bad job

done such a bad job raising him either, since every time I hear Fabiano speak in an onlineraising him either, since every time I hear Fabiano speak in an online video he radiates sincere humility, which, as we all

video he radiates sincere humility, which, as we all understand, is an uncommon trait for aunderstand, is an uncommon trait for a genius living in a world of giant egos. That which appears exceptional to one person may genius living in a world of giant egos. That which appears exceptional to one person may appear completely ordinary to another. What strikes me about

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his astounding chess ability – is his humility, as

his astounding chess ability – is his humility, as if he were the guy next door if he were the guy next door and nothingand nothing special. If he wins the upcoming World Championship match against Carlsen, he will special. If he wins the upcoming World Championship match against Carlsen, he will cre-ate history by being an egoless

ate history by being an egoless world chess champion, the rarest of combinations.world chess champion, the rarest of combinations. They then moved to Madrid to

They then moved to Madrid to study with IM Boris Zlotnik. In 2007, they study with IM Boris Zlotnik. In 2007, they moved to Bu-moved to Bu-dapest to work with grandmaster Alex Chernin and, in 2010, moved yet

dapest to work with grandmaster Alex Chernin and, in 2010, moved yet again to Lugano,again to Lugano, Switzerland, to work with grandmaster Vladimir Chuchelov. Fabiano’s successes began to Switzerland, to work with grandmaster Vladimir Chuchelov. Fabiano’s successes began to mount. In 2007, at age 14, he

mount. In 2007, at age 14, he surpassed Hikaru Nakamura’s record to become the surpassed Hikaru Nakamura’s record to become the youngestyoungest ever U.S. Grandmaster. From the viewpoint of Italy, Caruana was now their greatest son ever U.S. Grandmaster. From the viewpoint of Italy, Caruana was now their greatest son since Gioachino Greco dominated the chess scene in the early

since Gioachino Greco dominated the chess scene in the early 17th Century. Caru won the17th Century. Caru won the elite Dortmund tournament in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

elite Dortmund tournament in 2012, 2014 and 2015. However, it was really in 2014 when the

However, it was really in 2014 when the chess world began to see Caruana as a chess world began to see Caruana as a potenpoten-tial challenger who had the potenpoten-tial to dethrone the

tial challenger who had the potential to dethrone the all-but-invincible World Champion,all-but-invincible World Champion, Magnus Carlsen. In the 2014 Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis Caruana won his first

Magnus Carlsen. In the 2014 Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis Caruana won his first two gamestwo games and then in round three defeated Magnus with Black. Caruana went on

and then in round three defeated Magnus with Black. Caruana went on to do the impossi-to do the impossi-ble by notching up seven wins in a

ble by notching up seven wins in a row, all against top ten players in the world. He row, all against top ten players in the world. He won thewon the tournament by a mile, with three rounds

tournament by a mile, with three rounds to spare. His performance rating was a typo-liketo spare. His performance rating was a typo-like 3103, a number we as chess

3103, a number we as chess players are just not used to players are just not used to seeing. Caru’s 7-0 start rivalsseeing. Caru’s 7-0 start rivals Fischer’s incredible 6-0, 6-0

Fischer’s incredible 6-0, 6-0 sweeps of Taimanov and Larsen in their sweeps of Taimanov and Larsen in their Candidates’ matches inCandidates’ matches in the early 1970s.

the early 1970s.

In 2016, Fabiano was on board

In 2016, Fabiano was on board one for the gold medal winning U.S. Olympiad team. Inone for the gold medal winning U.S. Olympiad team. In the same year, he won the U.S.

the same year, he won the U.S. Championship by a full point and then came the Championship by a full point and then came the WorldWorld Championship Candidates’ tournament. The Candidates is an event where a single player Championship Candidates’ tournament. The Candidates is an event where a single player is given the opportunity to show that

is given the opportunity to show that he is better than the rest, he is better than the rest, who are merely pretenderswho are merely pretenders to the throne. It

to the throne. It looked as if Caruana had a chance to looked as if Caruana had a chance to become Carlsen’s next challenger,become Carlsen’s next challenger, only for the opportunity to

only for the opportunity to be taken from him at the last minute through a trbe taken from him at the last minute through a tragic finalagic final round loss to Karjakin, who

round loss to Karjakin, who became the challenger.became the challenger.

2018 was Caruana’s year. He won the Candidates with a

2018 was Caruana’s year. He won the Candidates with a dominating performance, in-dominating performance, in-cluding two crucial wins at the end against Aronian and Grischuk, and earned the

cluding two crucial wins at the end against Aronian and Grischuk, and earned the right toright to play Carlsen for the world championship in November. He then won

play Carlsen for the world championship in November. He then won the Grenke Superthe Grenke Super Swiss, ahead of Magnus. Caruana played brilliantly at the 2018

Swiss, ahead of Magnus. Caruana played brilliantly at the 2018 U.S. Championship, scoringU.S. Championship, scoring a towering 8-3, way past his main rivals Nakamura and So. The only probl

a towering 8-3, way past his main rivals Nakamura and So. The only problem was Caruanaem was Caruana didn’t come in first, since he was outpaced by

didn’t come in first, since he was outpaced by the unlikely surprise winner grandmasterthe unlikely surprise winner grandmaster Sam Shankland, who scored a half point more and went undefeated in the

Sam Shankland, who scored a half point more and went undefeated in the tournament. (Intournament. (In an email my buddy

an email my buddy IM Tony Saidy compared Shankland’s U.S. IM Tony Saidy compared Shankland’s U.S. Championship performanceChampionship performance to Fischer’s 11-0 score against a far

to Fischer’s 11-0 score against a far weaker field.) Caru looked like he was going to weaker field.) Caru looked like he was going to have ahave a bad tournament at Altibox in Norway, since Magnus got his r

bad tournament at Altibox in Norway, since Magnus got his revenge to defeat Fabiano inevenge to defeat Fabiano in the very first round. This

the very first round. This looked like a gloomy harbinger of their coming match, except thatlooked like a gloomy harbinger of their coming match, except that Caru fought back from his first

Caru fought back from his first round debacle, eventually caught up with Magnus, andround debacle, eventually caught up with Magnus, and then won the tournament in dramatic fashion by beating Wesley So in the final round, then won the tournament in dramatic fashion by beating Wesley So in the final round, while Magnus could only draw his game. So harbinger evaded!

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Botvinnik 2.0: Caruana’s Style Botvinnik 2.0: Caruana’s Style Chess is a world where

Chess is a world where we are identified by our styles, as we are identified by our styles, as much as our playing strength. Asmuch as our playing strength. As chess players we are more than just

chess players we are more than just the sum of our study the sum of our study and experience. There is some-and experience. There is some-thing else there – a distinct, o

thing else there – a distinct, one-of-a-kind identity, which pops up from time to time. If wene-of-a-kind identity, which pops up from time to time. If we admire, let’s say, a movie star, we

admire, let’s say, a movie star, we may begin to dress like them, or may begin to dress like them, or have our hair done thehave our hair done the same way, or adopt their mannerisms of how they speak

same way, or adopt their mannerisms of how they speak or walk. In the same way, whenor walk. In the same way, when we admire a great player, like Botvinnik or Caruana, we (perhaps subconsciously) begin we admire a great player, like Botvinnik or Caruana, we (perhaps subconsciously) begin playing a bit like them, albeit a lot

playing a bit like them, albeit a lot worse! I remember desperately trying to emulate Bot-worse! I remember desperately trying to emulate Bot-vinnik’s iron logic and Capa and Fischer’s frictionless quality in my play, and maybe a tiny vinnik’s iron logic and Capa and Fischer’s frictionless quality in my play, and maybe a tiny bit of it rubbed off in the end.

bit of it rubbed off in the end. Here are some of the

Here are some of the features of Fabiano’s (early) Botvinnikian style. Caruana’s chessfeatures of Fabiano’s (early) Botvinnikian style. Caruana’s chess style is so vibrantly dynamic and alive that, after studying his

style is so vibrantly dynamic and alive that, after studying his games, my own games, bygames, my own games, by comparison, feel as if a zombie plays

comparison, feel as if a zombie plays my side.my side. Caruana is one of those rare

Caruana is one of those rare players blessed with the ability to switch from players blessed with the ability to switch from a slow posi-a slow posi-tional build-up to irraposi-tional tactics, without loss o

tional build-up to irrational tactics, without loss of efficiency in either mode. He is combat-f efficiency in either mode. He is combat-ive, a high risk

ive, a high risk taker, in every stage of taker, in every stage of the game, yet almost always from a the game, yet almost always from a strategic vantagestrategic vantage point. In this book, we find many examples of speculative pawn sacrifices for

point. In this book, we find many examples of speculative pawn sacrifices for vague com-vague com-pensation. He also seems to delight in playing positions with opposite castling, relishing pensation. He also seems to delight in playing positions with opposite castling, relishing the opposing wing attack war. Caruana’s opening preparation is the last word in the opposing wing attack war. Caruana’s opening preparation is the last word in sophisti-cation. He is supremely prepared in this phase of

cation. He is supremely prepared in this phase of the game and, along with Kramnik, isthe game and, along with Kramnik, is perhaps the best prepared player in the

perhaps the best prepared player in the world. In his game against Anand (Game 11), theworld. In his game against Anand (Game 11), the Indian former world champion hit Caruana with a theoretical novelty. Caruana responded Indian former world champion hit Caruana with a theoretical novelty. Caruana responded immediately and without thought. He had already foreseen Anand’s idea and had immediately and without thought. He had already foreseen Anand’s idea and had prepara-tion ready for an idea which

tion ready for an idea which had never been played before! I still had never been played before! I still remember the Cub Scoutsremember the Cub Scouts of Canada motto: “Be prepared.” But

of Canada motto: “Be prepared.” But I logically ask: How on earth was Caruana alreadyI logically ask: How on earth was Caruana already prepared for an event which was never supposed to

prepared for an event which was never supposed to happen? His home analysis work ethichappen? His home analysis work ethic takes the idea of opening preparation to a never-before-seen level. Caruana, perhaps along takes the idea of opening preparation to a never-before-seen level. Caruana, perhaps along with Aronian is in my opinion, is the deepest and most

with Aronian is in my opinion, is the deepest and most accurate pure calculator in theaccurate pure calculator in the world. Caruana is on par with Magnus Carlsen, when it

world. Caruana is on par with Magnus Carlsen, when it comes to strategic build-up, plan-comes to strategic build-up, plan-ning and slowly improving one’s position.

ning and slowly improving one’s position.

Conclusion: Caruana unique super-aggressive/strategic style makes him a modern Conclusion: Caruana unique super-aggressive/strategic style makes him a modern dayday youthful Botvinnik.

youthful Botvinnik.

Capablanca versus Botvinnik: Carlsen and Caruana at War Capablanca versus Botvinnik: Carlsen and Caruana at War Sometimes, I find it bizarre that for so

Sometimes, I find it bizarre that for some of us chess players our self-worth me of us chess players our self-worth is entirelyis entirely based upon our rating, or title.

based upon our rating, or title. For players like Caruana and Carlsen it’s a different story,For players like Caruana and Carlsen it’s a different story, since their burdens, when juxtaposed with ours,

since their burdens, when juxtaposed with ours, differ wildly in magnitude. What theydiffer wildly in magnitude. What they achieve or fail to achieve will be recorded in the history books, unlike the rest of us, where achieve or fail to achieve will be recorded in the history books, unlike the rest of us, where history doesn’t really give a damn if our

history doesn’t really give a damn if our rating goes over 1900 or remains frustratingly atrating goes over 1900 or remains frustratingly at 1895. When we play a chess

1895. When we play a chess game we realize – at least subconsciously – game we realize – at least subconsciously – that we are notthat we are not fighting the most important battle in the history of the

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feel like we are? Is it

feel like we are? Is it an illusion to believe that a single person can make a difference in thean illusion to believe that a single person can make a difference in the world?

world?

Each world champion influences an army of fans, altering their styles and beliefs of Each world champion influences an army of fans, altering their styles and beliefs of what is possible and what is not

what is possible and what is not on the chess board. on the chess board. It was Shakespeare’s Henry V whoIt was Shakespeare’s Henry V who said, “If it is a sin to

said, “If it is a sin to covet honour, I am the most covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive.” Caruana is now theoffending soul alive.” Caruana is now the boxing contender who is just one big

boxing contender who is just one big fight away from being crowned Heavyweight Cham-fight away from being crowned Heavyweight Cham-pion of the World. We

pion of the World. We all compare the chess player we are now to all compare the chess player we are now to the non-existent playerthe non-existent player we want to become, and my belief

we want to become, and my belief is that every chess player alive harbours is that every chess player alive harbours the secret fan-the secret fan-tasy of becoming world champion, if not in this life, then in the

tasy of becoming world champion, if not in this life, then in the next. How does it feel whennext. How does it feel when you are given the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream

you are given the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream? On top of it, the fulfilment lies? On top of it, the fulfilment lies solely in your own hands. When the

solely in your own hands. When the living give fond remembrance to the great players wholiving give fond remembrance to the great players who are now dead, do the dead rejoice? Maybe they do, wherever they are. Most top players run are now dead, do the dead rejoice? Maybe they do, wherever they are. Most top players run their course, grow old and

their course, grow old and then all but vanish from history’s sight. Every top then all but vanish from history’s sight. Every top ten player often player of every generation desperately craves the title of world champion with their name beside every generation desperately craves the title of world champion with their name beside it,it, enshrining themselves forever in history’s memory.

enshrining themselves forever in history’s memory.

There remains a single unanswered question; who is going to win the 2018 World There remains a single unanswered question; who is going to win the 2018 World Championship match between grandmaster Fabiano Caruana and world

Championship match between grandmaster Fabiano Caruana and world champion Mag-champion Mag-nus Carlsen? Well, I don’t know, since my

nus Carlsen? Well, I don’t know, since my deadline for this book is the deadline for this book is the end of July 2018 andend of July 2018 and the match is being played in November. Having now written books on

the match is being played in November. Having now written books on both challenger andboth challenger and champion, I feel that I am at least

champion, I feel that I am at least somewhat qualified to understand the two titans’somewhat qualified to understand the two titans’ strengths and weaknesses. I’m guessing that

strengths and weaknesses. I’m guessing that Carlsen is an approximate 55%-45% favouriteCarlsen is an approximate 55%-45% favourite to retain his title. Let’s now compare their strengths and

to retain his title. Let’s now compare their strengths and weaknesses.weaknesses. 1) Opening preparation

1) Opening preparation

Advantage Caruana. To have knowledge of what has come before

Advantage Caruana. To have knowledge of what has come before arms us for battle inarms us for battle in the present. Had a chess player spent the last four decades in a coma, he or she would be the present. Had a chess player spent the last four decades in a coma, he or she would be astounded by the fact that,

astounded by the fact that, in our new computer/database era, thinking at the board in our new computer/database era, thinking at the board isis now only optional in the opening stage of the game. Caruana and Carlsen are

now only optional in the opening stage of the game. Caruana and Carlsen are children ofchildren of this new age and both

this new age and both have mastered vastly divergent opening repertoires. Yet, in my opin-have mastered vastly divergent opening repertoires. Yet, in my opin-ion, Caruana is the greater master in this element of

ion, Caruana is the greater master in this element of the game. In the opening phase, Ca-the game. In the opening phase, Ca-ruana’s often astonishingly detailed pre-game preparation allows him a

ruana’s often astonishingly detailed pre-game preparation allows him a familiarity andfamiliarity and ease which his co

ease which his contemporaries find intimidating enough to dodge their normal ntemporaries find intimidating enough to dodge their normal openingopening favourite lines.

favourite lines.

2) Early middlegame 2) Early middlegame

Advantage Caruana, since the momentum of

Advantage Caruana, since the momentum of his opening preparation will allow him tohis opening preparation will allow him to coast, even in the early middlegame.

coast, even in the early middlegame. 3) Middlegame

3) Middlegame 50/50 chances. 50/50 chances.

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4) Late middlegame 4) Late middlegame

Advantage Carlsen. The more pieces are removed from the bo

Advantage Carlsen. The more pieces are removed from the board, the better Carlsen’sard, the better Carlsen’s chances become, since he is unrivalled in simplified positions.

chances become, since he is unrivalled in simplified positions. 5) Endings

5) Endings

Advantage Carlsen, who is clearly the king over his

Advantage Carlsen, who is clearly the king over his rivals in the ending . I rank his end-rivals in the ending . I rank his end-game play in the top three of all

game play in the top three of all time, in the company of Capablanca and Fischer. Silencestime, in the company of Capablanca and Fischer. Silences come with differences. One kind can be peaceful, while the o

come with differences. One kind can be peaceful, while the other is ominous. Carlsen’sther is ominous. Carlsen’s magic is that he can enter a completely placid ending against a world-class player and his magic is that he can enter a completely placid ending against a world-class player and his opponent’s gentle decline is all but imperceptible to everyone watching, except for one opponent’s gentle decline is all but imperceptible to everyone watching, except for one person, Magnus himself. Very few of us

person, Magnus himself. Very few of us look upon a coming dry technical ending andlook upon a coming dry technical ending and think, “Man, there will be some serious

think, “Man, there will be some serious fun ahead!” Carlsen thinks just that, and why fun ahead!” Carlsen thinks just that, and why not,not, since he is one of

since he is one of the greatest endgame technicians of all time.the greatest endgame technicians of all time. 6) Clear positions

6) Clear positions

50/50 chances. Caruana’s Botvinnikian logic matches Carlsen’s

50/50 chances. Caruana’s Botvinnikian logic matches Carlsen’s effortless Capablancaeffortless Capablanca insight in clear positions.

insight in clear positions. 7) Irrational positions 7) Irrational positions

Advantage Carlsen. His astonishing intuition somehow keeps him

Advantage Carlsen. His astonishing intuition somehow keeps him grounded in thegrounded in the most dizzying of complications. When he aims his second sight at even the

most dizzying of complications. When he aims his second sight at even the most irrationalmost irrational of positions, the answer usually returns to

of positions, the answer usually returns to him with a clarity only he is capable him with a clarity only he is capable of seeing.of seeing. Like a conjurer/magician, Magnus produces resources, seemingly out of nowhere, since his Like a conjurer/magician, Magnus produces resources, seemingly out of nowhere, since his subliminal pattern recognition is unrivalled in the

subliminal pattern recognition is unrivalled in the world.world. 8) Positional play

8) Positional play

50/50. Caruana and Carlsen are, in my opinion, the two deepest str

50/50. Caruana and Carlsen are, in my opinion, the two deepest strategists in the worldategists in the world today. Both are premier squeezers who make their

today. Both are premier squeezers who make their opponents feel the vice.opponents feel the vice. 9) Attack, Sacrifice and Risk-taking

9) Attack, Sacrifice and Risk-taking

When attacking it isn’t possible to possess an incalculable stock of

When attacking it isn’t possible to possess an incalculable stock of resources, mainlyresources, mainly since the chess board is

since the chess board is a finite place, with strict limits. But also keep in a finite place, with strict limits. But also keep in mind, as we havemind, as we have seen from Morphy’s famous opera box game, our opponent’s numerical superiority

seen from Morphy’s famous opera box game, our opponent’s numerical superiority doesn’t always translate to victory. The fact that b

doesn’t always translate to victory. The fact that both players are brilliant attackers isoth players are brilliant attackers is hardly a newsworthy item.

hardly a newsworthy item.

I feel that Carlsen’s attacks are more explosively imaginative than Caru’s, yet I still give I feel that Carlsen’s attacks are more explosively imaginative than Caru’s, yet I still give the edge to Caruana in this

the edge to Caruana in this category, whose attack-meter registers at a higher level. Carucategory, whose attack-meter registers at a higher level. Caru to my mind is the superior

to my mind is the superior natural attacker, backed up by his comp-like ability to natural attacker, backed up by his comp-like ability to crunchcrunch numbers. Just as his opponents relax, the

numbers. Just as his opponents relax, the second wave seems to follow. With Fabiano onsecond wave seems to follow. With Fabiano on the attack, his opponent’s position is the

the attack, his opponent’s position is the prosperous city skyline, moments before the alienprosperous city skyline, moments before the alien warship's death rays turn it into an instant graveyard. The scriptures tell

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loves to implant mischief in idle hands. Carlsen is the devil’s favourite, since he

loves to implant mischief in idle hands. Carlsen is the devil’s favourite, since he is in myis in my opinion the one more likely to take grave risks, so

opinion the one more likely to take grave risks, sometimes past Reason’s boundaries. Andmetimes past Reason’s boundaries. And why not? He gets away with it so

why not? He gets away with it so often. Yet sometimes it blows up ooften. Yet sometimes it blows up on him. Caruana is then him. Caruana is the more stable risk-taker of the two,

more stable risk-taker of the two, which may or may not be a virtue, which may or may not be a virtue, since Tal would takesince Tal would take Carlsen’s side.

Carlsen’s side. 10) Defence 10) Defence

Self-preservation is the most primordial of instincts and the rule, don’t get yourself Self-preservation is the most primordial of instincts and the rule, don’t get yourself mated, is the one inviolable law in chess we can

mated, is the one inviolable law in chess we can never break. It was the Buddha who never break. It was the Buddha who saidsaid that our present pain is the ripening effect of our

that our present pain is the ripening effect of our karma of past misdeeds. In chess, as karma of past misdeeds. In chess, as inin life, when we make mistakes, we sometimes get a second (and sometimes third!) chance. life, when we make mistakes, we sometimes get a second (and sometimes third!) chance. When there is no rational solution to our troubles, the next best plan is for us to try and When there is no rational solution to our troubles, the next best plan is for us to try and bluff or swindle our way out.

bluff or swindle our way out. Here I give the edge to C

Here I give the edge to Carlsen, whose defensive fancy footwork is worthy of arlsen, whose defensive fancy footwork is worthy of JackJack Dempsey. He is virtually impossible to beat when he

Dempsey. He is virtually impossible to beat when he doesn’t want to lose. He doesn’t want to lose. He also tends toalso tends to wiggle out of more wretched positions than Caruana is able

wiggle out of more wretched positions than Caruana is able to. I once saw a bto. I once saw a blitz match onlitz match on chess.com where Nakamura tortured Carlsen in a good knight versus

chess.com where Nakamura tortured Carlsen in a good knight versus bad bishop position.bad bishop position. There were only two results possible,

There were only two results possible, Carlsen would lose or the game would Carlsen would lose or the game would end in a draw.end in a draw. Carlsen hung on like grim death, taunted Nakamura to push too

Carlsen hung on like grim death, taunted Nakamura to push too hard and, as a result, Carl-hard and, as a result, Carl-sen won an impossible-to-win game against a world-class player. The thing is, he routinely sen won an impossible-to-win game against a world-class player. The thing is, he routinely achieves this kind of feat. Sometimes his philosophy is, “

achieves this kind of feat. Sometimes his philosophy is, “Why try and amass wealthWhy try and amass wealth through hard work, when we

through hard work, when we can achieve the same result through deceit and can achieve the same result through deceit and embezzle- embezzle-ment?” He is also the premier “finders-keepers” player in the world.

ment?” He is also the premier “finders-keepers” player in the world. We have seen himWe have seen him grab impossible-to-grab pawns and pieces (some of which would have made Morphy

grab impossible-to-grab pawns and pieces (some of which would have made Morphy blushblush with shame) in a sector of

with shame) in a sector of the board and in a fight where his opponent’s forces the board and in a fight where his opponent’s forces outnumberoutnumber his own, then miraculously he survives the ordeal

his own, then miraculously he survives the ordeal and converts smoothly, in completelyand converts smoothly, in completely inhuman, computer-like fashion.

inhuman, computer-like fashion. 11) Calculation

11) Calculation

Advantage Caruana, who I’m guessing holds a slight edge over Carlsen in this

Advantage Caruana, who I’m guessing holds a slight edge over Carlsen in this area. Wearea. We all know from experience that even a fractional error in our calculation can

all know from experience that even a fractional error in our calculation can leave us milesleave us miles from our intended destination.

from our intended destination. 12) Intuition

12) Intuition

Advantage Carlsen, whose supernaturally powerful intuition rivals

Advantage Carlsen, whose supernaturally powerful intuition rivals both Capablanca’sboth Capablanca’s and Fischer’s.

and Fischer’s. 13) Assessment 13) Assessment

Advantage Carlsen. My belief is the main reason Carlsen has held

Advantage Carlsen. My belief is the main reason Carlsen has held off all challenges (sooff all challenges (so far!) and remains world champion is his supernatural ability to correctly assess

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other-14) Rapid play 14) Rapid play

A massive advantage to Carlsen, who is absolutely dominant in the realm of

A massive advantage to Carlsen, who is absolutely dominant in the realm of rapid andrapid and blitz chess. Why does

blitz chess. Why does this matter? Because if the match is a this matter? Because if the match is a 6-6 tie, then I assess 6-6 tie, then I assess Caruana’sCaruana’s chances at no more than 10%

chances at no more than 10% to win the rapid section of the match. to win the rapid section of the match. This means that theThis means that the clock will be running for Caruana in the classical time control

clock will be running for Caruana in the classical time control games and if the score getsgames and if the score gets to say, 5-5, Caru

to say, 5-5, Caru will be forced into desperate measures to win, will be forced into desperate measures to win, since he needs to avoid asince he needs to avoid a rapid play-off at all costs.

rapid play-off at all costs. 15) Nerves

15) Nerves

50/50. I don’t know who has

50/50. I don’t know who has an edge here. Carlsen has proven he has an edge here. Carlsen has proven he has incredible nervesincredible nerves when, against Karjakin, he trailed by a point with only four

when, against Karjakin, he trailed by a point with only four games remaining in the classi-games remaining in the classi-cal section and managed to win a game to tie the

cal section and managed to win a game to tie the match at 6-6. He then went on match at 6-6. He then went on to dis-to dis-mantle Karjakin in the rapid section with ease.

mantle Karjakin in the rapid section with ease. In the 2018 Candidates’ Caruana lost

In the 2018 Candidates’ Caruana lost a crucial game to Karjakin, lost a crucial game to Karjakin, lost his lead and trailedhis lead and trailed with only two rounds to go.

with only two rounds to go. The world prepared for Carlsen-Karjakin II. Instead of going onThe world prepared for Carlsen-Karjakin II. Instead of going on tilt, Fabiano showed that he has

tilt, Fabiano showed that he has ice-cold nerves as he managed back-to-back wins againstice-cold nerves as he managed back-to-back wins against Aronian and Grischuk, to overtake Karjakin and become Carlsen’s new challenger. He also Aronian and Grischuk, to overtake Karjakin and become Carlsen’s new challenger. He also won dramatically in the final round at Altibox this year, while

won dramatically in the final round at Altibox this year, while Magnus as Black took aMagnus as Black took a quick draw against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, an outcome that cost him first place. quick draw against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, an outcome that cost him first place. 16) Natural ability

16) Natural ability

Advantage Carlsen. Both players were astounding chess Einsteins at birth. My intuition Advantage Carlsen. Both players were astounding chess Einsteins at birth. My intuition leans to giving the edge to Carlsen.

leans to giving the edge to Carlsen. 17) Creativity

17) Creativity This is the

This is the when-you-wish-upon-a-star segment. While creativity and imagination arewhen-you-wish-upon-a-star segment. While creativity and imagination are two of the most cherished

two of the most cherished traits in a great player, from the standpoint of results, traits in a great player, from the standpoint of results, in myin my opinion, it’s one of the least important. From what I have seen of the two players’ games, opinion, it’s one of the least important. From what I have seen of the two players’ games, I feel that Carlsen comes up with

I feel that Carlsen comes up with more original ideas, when it’s outside the realm of more original ideas, when it’s outside the realm of thethe opening. But now I ask the important question: is creativity a virtue in chess?

opening. But now I ask the important question: is creativity a virtue in chess? The answerThe answer is, “sometimes” and creativity, especially excess creativity, can be a curse

is, “sometimes” and creativity, especially excess creativity, can be a curse as much as aas much as a blessing, since Carlsen’s heart sometimes fills

blessing, since Carlsen’s heart sometimes fills with impossible to implement aspirations.with impossible to implement aspirations. I give Carlsen no points for winning this category, since unchecked creative power

I give Carlsen no points for winning this category, since unchecked creative power comescomes with the demerit of a belief

with the demerit of a belief that you are above the law. Carlsen that you are above the law. Carlsen also loses games when healso loses games when he allows his creativity to run amok, while Caruana is more

allows his creativity to run amok, while Caruana is more dispassionate and is less likely todispassionate and is less likely to allow a wild idea to run rampant. So this

allow a wild idea to run rampant. So this one is a wash. In essence, Caruana is one is a wash. In essence, Caruana is the mathe-the mathe-matician/scientist, who is only interested in the raw data, so he thinks,

matician/scientist, who is only interested in the raw data, so he thinks, “Why grasp for“Why grasp for something which we know empirically we have few chances of ever reaching?”; whereas something which we know empirically we have few chances of ever reaching?”; whereas Carlsen is the poet who witnessed a

Carlsen is the poet who witnessed a murder and gives a description to the police sketchmurder and gives a description to the police sketch artist: “She had soulful eyes and

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18) Consistency 18) Consistency

Advantage Carlsen. Magnus can be off form, yet rarely

Advantage Carlsen. Magnus can be off form, yet rarely plays unhinged and has a terri-plays unhinged and has a terri-ble tournament. A bad tournament for him is second

ble tournament. A bad tournament for him is second place! I also believe that Caru place! I also believe that Caru isis slightly more blunder-prone than Magnus, which can be a critical

slightly more blunder-prone than Magnus, which can be a critical factor in a short match,factor in a short match, since a single blunder can alter the final outcome.

since a single blunder can alter the final outcome.

19) Tactical prowess and the ability to find Combinations 19) Tactical prowess and the ability to find Combinations

I would rate the two

I would rate the two players at close to even, with no players at close to even, with no clear winner in this category.clear winner in this category. 20) Intangibles

20) Intangibles

What if one side is off

What if one side is off form and the other on? What if one form and the other on? What if one side is sick for a side is sick for a portion (orportion (or worse, the entirety) of the

worse, the entirety) of the match? What if one of the players has match? What if one of the players has a fight with his girlfriend,a fight with his girlfriend, just before a crucial game? The relative shortness of a 12-game match also mean

just before a crucial game? The relative shortness of a 12-game match also means that ifs that if either side loses a game after a str

either side loses a game after a string of draws, the downside is being induced to play ing of draws, the downside is being induced to play des- des-perately/recklessly. These intangibles can throw a logical prediction completely off. It’s a perately/recklessly. These intangibles can throw a logical prediction completely off. It’s a different thing to have a theory and to

different thing to have a theory and to prove it. I’m certain that Sherlock Holmes and side-prove it. I’m certain that Sherlock Holmes and side-kick Dr. Watson deduced that Professor

kick Dr. Watson deduced that Professor Moriarty was the one who sprinkled arsenic in theMoriarty was the one who sprinkled arsenic in the Viscount’s soup. But how will they prove it to a jury?

Viscount’s soup. But how will they prove it to a jury? 21) Converting an Advantage

21) Converting an Advantage This one is tough to

This one is tough to score. A winning position sometimes fosters complacency. Not withscore. A winning position sometimes fosters complacency. Not with these two. Both parties are highly efficient in converting advantages, Caruana in these two. Both parties are highly efficient in converting advantages, Caruana in middle-games, and Carlsen in simplified positions and endings. I think this one is a wash and score games, and Carlsen in simplified positions and endings. I think this one is a wash and score it even.

it even.

My prediction My prediction

A hush falls over the readers

A hush falls over the readers as I reveal my prediction of the winner. Who would win theas I reveal my prediction of the winner. Who would win the match if Capablanca and Botvinnik lived in the same era and played in their primes? So I match if Capablanca and Botvinnik lived in the same era and played in their primes? So I ran the numbers on their strengths and came to

ran the numbers on their strengths and came to the conclusion that 13 is the conclusion that 13 is a higher numbera higher number than 7. The final score in

than 7. The final score in the categories: Caruana 7, Carlsen 13. Remember, though, thatthe categories: Caruana 7, Carlsen 13. Remember, though, that not all data is important or is

not all data is important or is a reliable predictor of an outcome. Do you a reliable predictor of an outcome. Do you still rememberstill remember your 10th grade high school locker combination? Keep in mind that these predictions, if your 10th grade high school locker combination? Keep in mind that these predictions, if

done by the numbers, are given equal weight, whereas in

done by the numbers, are given equal weight, whereas in reality they are not. There is reality they are not. There is alsoalso the matter of degree. Is Carlsen 12%

the matter of degree. Is Carlsen 12% better than Caruana in the ending? Is Caruana 10%better than Caruana in the ending? Is Caruana 10% better than Carlsen in opening theory? We have no way

better than Carlsen in opening theory? We have no way of knowing.of knowing. Keep in mind that probabilities are not actual reality until the

Keep in mind that probabilities are not actual reality until the match comes to its con-match comes to its con-clusion. Karjakin played ultra safely in his match versus Magnus. I

clusion. Karjakin played ultra safely in his match versus Magnus. I have a feeling that Fabi-have a feeling that Fabi-ano won’t do that and will go for

ano won’t do that and will go for it. He may get blown out doing so. it. He may get blown out doing so. On the other hand, ifOn the other hand, if he hits Magnus with a couple of

he hits Magnus with a couple of early blows to the head early blows to the head in the match, Magnus is unlikelyin the match, Magnus is unlikely to recover. This is not the case of the Rocky I-IV movies. Caru is the underdog, but not that to recover. This is not the case of the Rocky I-IV movies. Caru is the underdog, but not that

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it will be Fabiano. His life story

it will be Fabiano. His life story is not going to be reduced to is not going to be reduced to the result of 12 games andthe result of 12 games and history will remember him as one of the

history will remember him as one of the all-time greats, no matter what happens in theall-time greats, no matter what happens in the match. So Caruana’s chances may be far closer

match. So Caruana’s chances may be far closer than my completely subjective numbersthan my completely subjective numbers indicate. I’m thinking that Carlsen is approximately a 55%-45% favourite to retain his title, indicate. I’m thinking that Carlsen is approximately a 55%-45% favourite to retain his title, with a final match score of +1 at 6½-5½ for Carlsen. I may be correct, or I may be way off. with a final match score of +1 at 6½-5½ for Carlsen. I may be correct, or I may be way off. Only time will tell if your writer is a prophet

Only time will tell if your writer is a prophet or a fool in my prediction.or a fool in my prediction. Both parties have something to prove. Caruana is ranked number two

Both parties have something to prove. Caruana is ranked number two in the world andin the world and everyone knows number one is a more desirable place. Also,

everyone knows number one is a more desirable place. Also, Carlsen’s lifetime score is con-Carlsen’s lifetime score is con-siderably higher, so Caruana has something to prove

siderably higher, so Caruana has something to prove to the world. Carlsen can’t bto the world. Carlsen can’t be happye happy with how this last year went, since

with how this last year went, since Caruana upstaged him in the last two tournamentsCaruana upstaged him in the last two tournaments where they competed together, taking first in both.

where they competed together, taking first in both. So I have a feeling this will be a So I have a feeling this will be a farfar more exciting match than Carlsen’s two previous matches with Anand and his rather dull more exciting match than Carlsen’s two previous matches with Anand and his rather dull affair against Karjakin, which felt like a match between Karl Schlechter and his twin

affair against Karjakin, which felt like a match between Karl Schlechter and his twin brother, where every game seemed predestined to end

brother, where every game seemed predestined to end in a dull, technical draw. I predictin a dull, technical draw. I predict the long-awaited Carlsen-Caruana match will not

the long-awaited Carlsen-Caruana match will not disappoint us.disappoint us. Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Byron and Nancy. May

Many thanks to Byron and Nancy. May Caruana’s Botvinnikian iron logic rub off on ourCaruana’s Botvinnikian iron logic rub off on our own play.

own play.

Cyrus Lakdawala, Cyrus Lakdawala, San Diego, September 2018 San Diego, September 2018

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Game 17

Ma.Carlsen-F.Caruana

Sinquefield Cup, St. Louis 2014

1 e4 e5 1 e4 e5

As mentioned in a previous game, Caruana could do no

As mentioned in a previous game, Caruana could do no wrong at the 2014 Sinquefieldwrong at the 2014 Sinquefield Cup. Here he takes out the world champion with the black pieces.

Cup. Here he takes out the world champion with the black pieces. 2

2ÍÍ_c4_c4

Carlsen may be anxious to

Carlsen may be anxious to dodge a theoretical fight with the dodge a theoretical fight with the scariest openings expert inscariest openings expert in the world. I advocate the

the world. I advocate the ancient Bishop’s Opening, the excavated Mastodon, in my bookancient Bishop’s Opening, the excavated Mastodon, in my book

Opening Repertoire: 1 e4

Opening Repertoire: 1 e4. It cuts down heavily on theory when compared to the Ruy Lopez. It cuts down heavily on theory when compared to the Ruy Lopez and has the added benefit of eliminating the need to study Petroff’s Defence. Carlsen and has the added benefit of eliminating the need to study Petroff’s Defence. Carlsen actually beat Caruana in their rematch with this line in 2018.

actually beat Caruana in their rematch with this line in 2018. 2...

2...ÌÌ_f6_f6

Black can play any number of ways. This move is

Black can play any number of ways. This move is by far the most popular response by far the most popular response toto the Bishop’s Opening.

the Bishop’s Opening. 3 d3

3 d3 3

3 ÌÌ_{c3!? is the Vienna version, which allows the now}_{c3!? is the Vienna version, which allows the now somewhat defanged Franken-}_{somewhat defanged}

Franken-stein/Dracula variation, running 3...

stein/Dracula variation, running 3...ÌÌ_{xe4 4}_{xe4 4} ËË_h5_h5ÌÌ_{d6 5}_{d6 5} ÍÍ_b3_b3ÌÌ_{c6?! (objectively, this gambit}_{c6?! (objectively, this gambit}

is unsound, which doesn’t stop club

is unsound, which doesn’t stop club players from bashing it out; 5...players from bashing it out; 5...ÍÍ_{e7 is the safer and}_{e7 is the safer and}

sounder alternative) 6

sounder alternative) 6 ÌÌ_{b5! (threatening to destroy the defender of}_{b5! (threatening to destroy the defender of f7) 6...g6 7}_{f7) 6...g6 7}ËË_{f3 f5 8}_{f3 f5 8} Ë

Ë_d5_d5 ËË_{e7 9}_{e7 9} ÌÌ_xc7+_xc7+ÊÊ_{d8 10}_{d8 10}ÌÌ_{xa8 b6 and the comps tell us that White is}_{xa8 b6 and the comps}_{tell us that White is borderline winning,}_{borderline winning,}

while we foolish humans love to play Black,

while we foolish humans love to play Black, who does have a dangerous initiative for thewho does have a dangerous initiative for the sacrificed material.

sacrificed material. 3...c6

3...c6

Straightforward play. Black wants to gain a tempo with ...d7-d5. Straightforward play. Black wants to gain a tempo with ...d7-d5. 4 4ÌÌ_{f3 d5 5}_{f3 d5 5} ÍÍ_b3_b3ÍÍ_b4+!?_b4+!?

W________W

[rhb1kDW4]

[0pDWDp0p]

[WDpDWhWD]

[DWDp0WDW]

[WgWDPDWD]

[DBDPDNDW]

[P)PDW)P)]

[$NGQIWDR]

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Question:

Question: Doesn’t this simply lose a tempo? Doesn’t this simply lose a tempo?

Answer:

Answer: It does, yet the It does, yet the point behind it is that White will be point behind it is that White will be denieddeniedÌÌ_{c3, which takes the}_{c3, which takes the}

pressure off Black’s d5-pawn. pressure off Black’s d5-pawn.

5...

5...ÍÍ_{d6 is Black’s normal response, whereas 5...dxe4?! is}_{d6 is Black’s normal response, whereas 5...dxe4?! is weak, due to 6}_{weak, due to 6}ÌÌ_g5._g5.

6 c3 6 c3 6

6 ÍÍ_{d2 is also seen here. P}_{d2 is also seen here. Play can continue:}_{lay can continue:}

a) 6...

a) 6...ÍÍ_{xd2+ (we now follow Ma.Carlsen-F.Caruana, Stavanger 2018) 7}_{xd2+ (we now follow Ma.Carlsen-F.Caruana, Stavanger 2018) 7}ÌÌ_{bxd2 a5 8 c3}_{bxd2 a5 8 c3} Ì

Ì_{bd7 9 exd5 cxd5 10 0-0 0-0 11}_{bd7 9 exd5 cxd5 10 0-0 0-0 11}ÎÎ_e1_e1ÎÎ_{e8 12}_{e8 12}ÌÌ_{f1 b5 13 a4 b4 14 cxb4 axb4 15}_{f1 b5 13 a4 b4 14 cxb4 axb4 15}ÌÌ_e3_e3ÍÍ_{b7 16}_{b7 16}

d4! (Carlsen boldly sacrifices a pawn for

d4! (Carlsen boldly sacrifices a pawn for a dark square blockade) 16...e4 17a dark square blockade) 16...e4 17ÌÌ_e5_e5ÌÌ_{xe5 18}_{xe5 18}

dxe5

dxe5ÎÎ_{xe5 19}_{xe5 19} ËË_d4._d4.

W________W

[rDW1WDkD]

[DbDWDp0p]

[WDWDWhWD]

[DWDp4WDW]

[P0W!pDWD]

[DBDWHWDW]

[W)WDW)P)]

[$WDW$WIW]

W---W

White has full compensation for the pawn with: White has full compensation for the pawn with: 1. Pressure on Black’s b4-pawn.

1. Pressure on Black’s b4-pawn. 2. Pressure on Black’s d5-pawn. 2. Pressure on Black’s d5-pawn. 3. A blockade on d4.

3. A blockade on d4.

4. Control over the central dark squares. 4. Control over the central dark squares. The game continued 19...

The game continued 19...ÎÎ_{e7 20}_{e7 20}ÎÎ_ac1_ac1ÎÎ_{d7 21}_{d7 21}ÎÎ_{ed1 h6 22}_{ed1 h6 22}ÎÎ_c5_c5 ÎÎ_{a5 23}_{a5 23}ÎÎ_xa5_xa5ËË_{xa5 24 h3}_{xa5 24 h3} Ê

Ê_{h7 25}_{h7 25}ÎÎ_c1_c1 ÎÎ_{c7? (the balance is held with 25...}_{c7? (the balance is held with 25...}ËË_{a6!, after which Carlsen has compensation}_{a6!, after which Carlsen has compensation}

but no advantage for his sacrificed pawn) but no advantage for his sacrificed pawn)

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W________W

[WDWDWDWD]

[Db4WDp0k]

[WDWDWhW0]

[1WDpDWDW]

[P0W!pDWD]

[DBDWHWDP]

[W)WDW)PD]

[DW$WDWIW]

W---W

26 26ÎÎ_xc7_xc7ËË_{xc7 27}_{xc7 27}ËË_xb4_xb4ËË_{c1+ 28}_{c1+ 28}ÍÍ_d1_d1 ÍÍ_{a6 29}_{a6 29}ËË_d4_d4 ÍÍ_{e2 30}_{e2 30}ÊÊ_h2_h2ÍÍ_{xd1 31}_{xd1 31}ÌÌ_xd1_xd1ËË_{c7+ 32}_{c7+ 32} Ê

Ê_g1_g1 ËË_{c1 33 b4 and Carlsen eventually (1-0,}_{c1 33 b4 and Carlsen eventually (1-0, 77) but expertly converted with his two passed}_{77) but expertly converted with his two passed}

pawns on the queenside. pawns on the queenside.

b) 6...

b) 6...ÍÍ_{d6 7}_{d6 7}ÌÌ_{c3 dxe4 8}_{c3 dxe4 8}ÌÌ_{g5 0-0 9}_{g5 0-0 9}ÌÌ_cxe4_cxe4ÍÍ_{e7 10 h4!?}_{e7 10 h4!?}ÌÌ_{bd7 11}_{bd7 11}ËË_f3_f3 ËË_{e8?! (Black is in}_{e8?! (Black is in}

trouble after this artificial response; 11...

trouble after this artificial response; 11...ÌÌ_{c5 was better) 12 0-0-0! a5}_{c5 was better) 12 0-0-0! a5 13 a3}_{13 a3}ÌÌ_{d5 14}_{d5 14}ÎÎ_de1_de1

h6 15

h6 15ÌÌ_g3_g3 ÎÎ_{a6 (suicidal is 15...hxg5?? 16 hxg5 with a}_{a6 (suicidal is 15...hxg5?? 16 hxg5 with a decisive attack for White) 16}_{decisive attack for White) 16}ÌÌ_{f5 f6?}_{f5 f6?}

(16...

(16...ÌÌ_{c5 had to be played) 17}_{c5 had to be played) 17}ÌÌ_e6_e6ÌÌ_{c5 18}_{c5 18}ÌÌ_exg7_exg7ÌÌ_{xb3+ 19 cxb3}_{xb3+ 19 cxb3}ËË_{g6 20}_{g6 20}ÎÎ_h3!_h3!ÍÍ_{xf5 21}_{xf5 21} Ì

Ì_xf5_xf5 ÊÊ_{h7 22}_{h7 22}ÎÎ_g3_g3 ËË_{f7 23}_{f7 23}ÌÌ_{xh6 and Black resigned in F.Caruana-V.Akobian, Pro Chess}_{xh6 and Black resigned in F.Caruana-V.Akobian, Pro Chess}

League 2017, in view of 23...

League 2017, in view of 23...ËË_{e6 24}_{e6 24} ËË_{h5 or 23...}_{h5 or 23...}ËË_{e8 24}_{e8 24} ËË_{g4 etc.}_{g4 etc.}

6...

6...ÍÍ_{d6 7}_{d6 7} ÍÍ_g5_g5

Now d5 is under threat. Now d5 is under threat. 7...dxe4!

7...dxe4!

Caruana takes the simple and, to my mind, correct route

Caruana takes the simple and, to my mind, correct route and plays for equality, whichand plays for equality, which he duly attains.

he duly attains.

Maintaining the tension with 7...

Maintaining the tension with 7...ÍÍ_{e6 is objectively worse since Carlsen would respond 8}_{e6 is objectively worse since Carlsen would respond 8}

d4! with complications probably slightly favourable to

d4! with complications probably slightly favourable to White.White. 8 dxe4 h6 9

8 dxe4 h6 9 ÍÍ_h4!?_h4!?

Carlsen foments strife by goading his opponent into winning his e4-pawn at a strategic Carlsen foments strife by goading his opponent into winning his e4-pawn at a strategic cost.

cost. 9...

9...ËË_e7!_e7!

No thanks. Black can eventually break the f6-pin with ...

No thanks. Black can eventually break the f6-pin with ...ÌÌ_{bd7, ...}_{bd7, ...}ÌÌ_{f8 and ...}_{f8 and ...}ÌÌ_g6._g6.

Caruana wisely refrains from 9...g5?! 10

Caruana wisely refrains from 9...g5?! 10 ÍÍ_g3_g3 ÌÌ_{xe4?! 11}_{xe4?! 11} ÌÌ_bd2_bd2 ÌÌ_{xg3 12 hxg3, which}_{xg3 12 hxg3, which}

offers White massive compensation for the pawn in the form of: offers White massive compensation for the pawn in the form of:

1) A development lead in an open position. 1) A development lead in an open position. 2) The very loose black structure.

2) The very loose black structure. 3) The open h-file.

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10

10ÌÌ_bd2_bd2 ÌÌ_{bd7 11}_{bd7 11} ÍÍ_g3!?_g3!?

I don’t really understand why Carlsen broke the

I don’t really understand why Carlsen broke the pin himself. 11 0-0 is White’s normalpin himself. 11 0-0 is White’s normal move here with an equal game.

move here with an equal game. 11...

11...ÍÍ_{c7 12 0-0}_{c7 12 0-0} ÌÌ_h5_h5

Caruana goes after the bishop pair. Caruana goes after the bishop pair. 13 h3?! 13 h3?!

W________W

[rDbDkDW4]

[0pgn1p0W]

[WDpDWDW0]

[DWDW0WDn]

[WDWDPDWD]

[DB)WDNGP]

[P)WHW)PD]

[$WDQDRIW]

W---W

Question:

Question: Doesn’t this move allow serious damage to White’s structure? Doesn’t this move allow serious damage to White’s structure?

Answer:

Answer: The move is new and probably The move is new and probably not so great. Carlsen hands over bishop not so great. Carlsen hands over bishop pair andpair and damages his structure to open the f-file –

damages his structure to open the f-file – not enough in my opinion – for the conot enough in my opinion – for the concessionsncessions he makes for it.

he makes for it.

Optimists, in their hearts, don’t truly believe in the laws

Optimists, in their hearts, don’t truly believe in the laws of physics and think they canof physics and think they can combine/bluff their way out of any strategic inferiority. Now the structural

combine/bluff their way out of any strategic inferiority. Now the structural damage will bedamage will be long term and possibly irreversible. Instead:

long term and possibly irreversible. Instead: a) 13

a) 13 ÌÌ_{xe5?? is a miscalculation: after 13...}_{xe5?? is a miscalculation: after 13...}ÌÌ_{xe5 14}_{xe5 14} ËË_xh5_xh5ÍÍ_{g4 15}_{g4 15} ËË_{h4 g5 White’s}_{h4 g5 White’s}

queen is trapped. queen is trapped.

b) 13

b) 13ÌÌ_{c4 is safer, duller and pr}_{c4 is safer, duller and probably better than Carlsen’s move.}_{obably better than Carlsen’s move.}

13...

13...ÌÌ_{xg3 14 fxg3}_{xg3 14 fxg3} ÌÌ_c5!_c5!

Caruana wants both white bishops. Caruana wants both white bishops. 15

(17)

W________W

[rDbDkDW4]

[0pgW1B0W]

[WDpDWDW0]

[DWhW0WDW]

[WDWDPDWD]

[DW)WDN)P]

[P)WHWDPD]

[$WDQDRIW]

W---W

Hmm. Why play the b

Hmm. Why play the best move when there is est move when there is an entertaining alternativean entertaining alternative? It almost feels? It almost feels as if Carlsen is philosophically opposed to

as if Carlsen is philosophically opposed to Black’s totally sound position, without figuringBlack’s totally sound position, without figuring out what to do

out what to do about it. It appears to me that about it. It appears to me that Carlsen is in direct violation of the principle:Carlsen is in direct violation of the principle:

Don’t reach for infinity when your position’s resources are humbly finite. Don’t reach for infinity when your position’s resources are humbly finite.

Magnus is in Tal mode (he refuses to

Magnus is in Tal mode (he refuses to put self-imposed limits on his own creativity) andput self-imposed limits on his own creativity) and this is not the move of

this is not the move of a person lacking in confidence. Caruana has played perfectlya person lacking in confidence. Caruana has played perfectly soundly, while Carlsen has been playing loosely with the principles, so

soundly, while Carlsen has been playing loosely with the principles, so a crazy sacrifice likea crazy sacrifice like this one is highly unlikely to

this one is highly unlikely to work. Still, discrimination of right and wrong exists in multi-work. Still, discrimination of right and wrong exists in multi-ple forms in the minds of chess

ple forms in the minds of chess players, when we factor in that wild variable called practi-players, when we factor in that wild variable called practi-cal chances. The trouble for

cal chances. The trouble for White is that passive play with 15White is that passive play with 15ÍÍ_{c4 allows Black all his}_{c4 allows Black all his}

structural benefits at no cost in c

structural benefits at no cost in complications after the simple 15...0-0.omplications after the simple 15...0-0. 15...

15...ÊÊ_xf7!_xf7!

The correct recapture. 15...

The correct recapture. 15...ËË_{xf7?? is a serious error due to 16}_{xf7?? is a serious error due to 16}ÌÌ_{xe5, when 16...}_{xe5, when 16...}ËË_{e6?? 17}_{e6?? 17} Ë

Ë_{h5+ wins the h8-rook, no matter where}_{h5+ wins the h8-rook, no matter where Black’s king moves.}_{Black’s king moves.}

16

16ÌÌ_xe5+_xe5+ ÊÊ_{g8 17}_{g8 17}ÌÌ_g6_g6

This looks pretty scary. Black’s

This looks pretty scary. Black’s queen and rook are simultaneously attacked whilequeen and rook are simultaneously attacked whileÎÎ_f8+_f8+

is also coming. is also coming. 17...

17...ËË_g5!_g5!

Caruana deftly adapts to the rapidly shifting environment. This is the correct

Caruana deftly adapts to the rapidly shifting environment. This is the correct decision.decision. Black goes for a counterattack rather

Black goes for a counterattack rather than back down and give up the queen for than back down and give up the queen for severalseveral pieces after 17...

pieces after 17...ËË_{e8? 18}_{e8? 18}ÎÎ_f8+_f8+ËË_{xf8 19}_{xf8 19}ÌÌ_xf8_xf8ÊÊ_{xf8 20}_{xf8 20}ËË_h5_h5ÊÊ_{g8 21}_{g8 21} ÎÎ_f1_f1ÍÍ_{e6. Black has}_{e6. Black has}

enough material for the queen, yet his h8-rook is shut out.

enough material for the queen, yet his h8-rook is shut out.KomodoKomodo assesses this as a full assesses this as a full +1.05 in White’s favour.

+1.05 in White’s favour. 18

18ÎÎ_f8+_f8+ÊÊ_{h7 19}_{h7 19} ÌÌ_xh8_xh8

No better is the desperate 19

No better is the desperate 19ÎÎ_xh8+_xh8+ÊÊ_{xg6 20}_{xg6 20}ÌÌ_f3_f3ËË_{xg3. White’s attack isn’t going}_{xg3. White’s attack isn’t going}

anywhere and Black should consolidate. anywhere and Black should consolidate.

(18)

He can also toss in the queen check with 19...

He can also toss in the queen check with 19...ËË_{e3+! 20}_{e3+! 20} ÊÊ_h1_h1ÍÍ_{g4! 21}_{g4! 21} ËË_xg4_xg4 ÎÎ_{xf8 22}_{xf8 22} ÌÌ_g6_g6 Î

Î_{f7. White’s position is riddled with structural weakness.}_{f7. White’s position is riddled with structural weakness.}

20 20ËË_f1_f1 ÌÌ_d3!!_d3!!

W________W

[rDWDW$WH]

[0pgWDW0k]

[WDpDWDW0]

[DWDWDW1W]

[WDWDPDbD]

[DW)nDW)P]

[P)WHWDPD]

[$WDWDQIW]

W---W

This shot is the mother

This shot is the mother of all zwischenzugs. Caruana has rook and bishop of all zwischenzugs. Caruana has rook and bishop hanging, sohanging, so what does he do? He puts a third piece en prise. Black now threatens ...

what does he do? He puts a third piece en prise. Black now threatens ...ËË_e3+._e3+.

After 20...

After 20...ÎÎ_{xf8!? 21}_{xf8!? 21}ËË_xf8_xf8ÍÍ_{e6 22}_{e6 22} ÌÌ_f1_f1 ËË_{f6! 23}_{f6! 23}ËË_{xf6 (not 23}_{xf6 (not 23}ËË_xc5??_xc5??ÍÍ_{b6, winning the}_{b6, winning the}

queen – world champions don’t fall for cheapos this s

queen – world champions don’t fall for cheapos this shallow) 23...gxf6, White’s h1-knighthallow) 23...gxf6, White’s h1-knight falls and Black has good chances to

falls and Black has good chances to convert the ending with two minor pieces againstconvert the ending with two minor pieces against White’s rook and two not-so-great pawns. Perhaps Fabiano didn’t feel too confident White’s rook and two not-so-great pawns. Perhaps Fabiano didn’t feel too confident entering a technical ending against Magnus, whose mastery of this phase of the game is entering a technical ending against Magnus, whose mastery of this phase of the game is unrivalled in his era.

unrivalled in his era. 21

21ËË_xd3!_xd3!

Carlsen finds his best practical chance. Others: Carlsen finds his best practical chance. Others: a) 21

a) 21 ÎÎ_xa8??_xa8?? ËË_{e3+ 22}_{e3+ 22}ÊÊ_h1_h1ÌÌ_{f2+ 23}_{f2+ 23}ÊÊ_g1_g1ÌÌ_{xe4+ forces mate.}_{xe4+ forces mate.}

b) 21

b) 21ÎÎ_{f7!? is an emergency solution. After 21...}_{f7!? is an emergency solution. After 21...}ËË_{e3+ 22}_{e3+ 22}ÊÊ_h1_h1ËË_{xg3 23}_{xg3 23}ÎÎ_xc7_xc7ÌÌ_{f2+ 24}_{f2+ 24} Ê

Ê_g1_g1ÌÌ_{xh3+ 25}_{xh3+ 25}ÊÊ_h1_h1ËË_{xc7 26 gxh3}_{xc7 26 gxh3}ÍÍ_{e6 White’s knight has no escape square and Black has}_{e6 White’s knight has no escape square and Black has}

a strategically won game due to White’s numerous pawn weaknesses and exposed king. a strategically won game due to White’s numerous pawn weaknesses and exposed king. 21...

21...ÎÎ_{xf8 22 hxg4}_{xf8 22 hxg4}ËË_xg4_xg4

Sometimes, when we have tripled pawns and our opponent chops one of

Sometimes, when we have tripled pawns and our opponent chops one of them, we feelthem, we feel an odd sense of relief, thinking: “Whew! Now it’s down to

an odd sense of relief, thinking: “Whew! Now it’s down to doubled pawns.”doubled pawns.” 23

23ÌÌ_f3_f3 ËË_{xg3 24 e5+}_{xg3 24 e5+}

White can complicate more with 24

White can complicate more with 24 ÌÌ_f7!_f7! ÎÎ_{xf7 25 e5+ g6! (after 25...}_{xf7 25 e5+ g6! (after 25...}ÊÊ_{g8?! 26 e6}_{g8?! 26 e6} ÎÎ_{e7 27}_{e7 27} Î

Î_e1_e1 ÍÍ_{b6+ 28}_{b6+ 28}ÊÊ_h1_h1ËË_{g4 29}_{g4 29} ÎÎ_e4_e4 ËË_{h5+ 30}_{h5+ 30}ÎÎ_h4_h4ËË_{d5 31}_{d5 31}ËË_{xd5 cxd5 32}_{xd5 cxd5 32} ÌÌ_{d4, White may be}_{d4, White may be}

able to hold a draw) 26

able to hold a draw) 26ÎÎ_f1_f1ÍÍ_{b6+ 27}_{b6+ 27}ÊÊ_h1_h1ÊÊ_{h8 28}_{h8 28}ËË_{d6. Here White creates problems with}_{d6. Here White creates problems with}

his active queen and passed e-pawn, although objectively he is still

his active queen and passed e-pawn, although objectively he is still in deep trouble.in deep trouble. 24...