Frequent readers of this blog know that Grandmaster Max Euwe is one of my favorite chess heroes. In 1935, chess prognosticators didn’t give Machgielis “Max” Euwe of the Netherlands much of a chance in his title match against World Champion Alexander Alekhine in part because Dr. Euwe wasn’t a professional chess player but rather aContinue reading “Puzzle Worthy Position 45”
Category Archives: World Chess Championship
One Year Later… Carlsen-Nepo Game Six
Today marks the first anniversary of Magnus Carlsen’s incredible Game 6 victory over Ian Nepomniachtchi during the 2021 World Chess Championship Match. As you may recall, the first five games of the Carlsen-Nepomniachtchi were drawn. Their sixth game, however, was an epic battle where both players took risks for a decisive result. Magnus Carlsen’s talentContinue reading “One Year Later… Carlsen-Nepo Game Six”
Magnus Carlsen Silences His Critics
The simplest way to silence your critics is to do what they claim you can’t do. They may mock your process loudly but never allow their words to cause you to take unnecessary risks. In light of this shocking draw offer from Magnus in a superior position with more time, I reconsider my evaluation ofContinue reading “Magnus Carlsen Silences His Critics”
The Magnus Carlsen Doctrine
There’s more to being the world champion in chess than playing great moves and controlling your nerves. After eleven successful draws against Fabiano Caruana, Magnus Carlsen chose to abandon his advantageous position in game 12 in favor of a draw offer. Why would the World Champion do so such a thing? Perhaps as Kasparov putContinue reading “The Magnus Carlsen Doctrine”
Carlsen vs Anand World Chess Championship 2014: Game 11 Analysis
Timing is critical whether you are playing in a poker tournament at your kitchen table or in the World Chess Championship match. Often times, chess players wait until they are too far behind to play ambitiously enough to win the game. In game 11 of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship Match, Viswanathan Anand decidedContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand World Chess Championship 2014: Game 11 Analysis”
Carlsen vs. Anand World Chess Championship 2014: Game 9 Analysis
Game 9 of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship was completed before most of my chess pals in the U.S. had even woken up. After a mere 20 moves, Anand and Carlsen played to a draw by threefold repetition(the same position occurring three times in a game.) For Anand, an easy draw with the blackContinue reading “Carlsen vs. Anand World Chess Championship 2014: Game 9 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 8 Analysis
After an epic battle of 122 moves in round 7, both contestants returned to the chess board in round 8 looking a little worse for the wear. Carlsen, in a World Championship first, even fell asleep in his chair during the early going of the game. Being a point down in the match, Anand returnedContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 8 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 7 Analysis
The best chess education available comes from attempting to grasp the work of the greatest masters. In game 7 of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship Match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, students of the game are treated to a battle between the great master of maneuvering and the great master of the fortress.Continue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 7 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 6 Analysis
Chess is sometimes a cruel game. I was reminded of this in game 6 of the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship Match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanthan Anand. Early on, Anand dug himself into a hole by choosing passive play and dubious plans. There was a glimmer of hope when Magnus Carlsen tossed him aContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 6 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 5 Analysis
With both players even after four games and Magnus Carlsen due to get the white pieces in rounds 6 and 7, it was important for Viswanathan Anand to make good use of being white in round 5. Vishy once again began with “1. d4” but this time, a more prepared Carlsen, demonstrated his incredible knowledgeContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 5 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 4 Analysis
After a disappointing loss in Game 3, Magnus Carlsen returned with the white pieces and played “1. e4” in game 4 of the 2014 FIDE World Championship. Viswanathan Anand replied with c5 and the hopes of again proving that his opening preparation is superior to the young Norwegian’s. However, Magnus opted out of the mainContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 4 Analysis”
Carlsen vs Anand 2014 Word Chess Championship: Game 3 Analysis
Viswanathan Anand was in a desperate search for a victory in Round 3 and he found it! A large portion of today’s game followed established Queen’s Gambit Declined Theory. On move seventeen, it was obvious by Magnus Carlsen’s agonized expression and long pause that he was unprepared for Anand’s Ng5. What followed was a brilliant displayContinue reading “Carlsen vs Anand 2014 Word Chess Championship: Game 3 Analysis”
Carlsen vs. Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 2 Analysis
Game 2 of the 2014 Fide World Championship between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand will likely set the tone for the rest of the match. Magnus Carlsen chose to begin with 1) e4 and Anand attempted to steer the game into an early endgame by way of the Berlin Defense. (Those who followed last yearsContinue reading “Carlsen vs. Anand 2014 World Chess Championship: Game 2 Analysis”
Carlsen vs. Anand 2014: Rematch of Generations
Former World Champion Garry Kasparov has offered his thoughts on the 2014 FIDE World Chess Championship Match between Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. Garry Kasparov’s letter is written from his uniquely experienced perspective and hits many of the same points I raised in my own preview for the match. Last year’s first world championship matchContinue reading “Carlsen vs. Anand 2014: Rematch of Generations”
Happy New Year: The Best of my Chess Musings for 2013
As I look back on the past 12-months, I can say it has been quite a year for chess! With a new World Chess Champion and business for my nonprofit booming, I anticipate another fun and exciting year in 2014. To end 2013, I have chosen to recap my most popular chess posts of thisContinue reading “Happy New Year: The Best of my Chess Musings for 2013”
World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Drops His Sword in Round 9
Behind by two points with a maximum of four rounds left, Anand had to attack with the white pieces in round 9 because he faced the grim prospect of never having another opportunity to make the first move as a World Champion again. Vishy chose “pawn to d4” as his first move in, what willContinue reading “World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Drops His Sword in Round 9”
World Chess Championship 2013: A Flawless Draw in Round 8
I actually really enjoyed round 8 of the 2013 Fide World Championship Chess Match. First off, Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand played an opening variation of the Ruy Lopez, Berlin Defense that has not been used in World Championship play since 1886! Secondly, Carlsen and Anand played a flawless chess game and continued toContinue reading “World Chess Championship 2013: A Flawless Draw in Round 8”
World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Stops the Bleeding in Round 7
After two difficult losses in game 5 and game 6, Viswanathan Anand was able to regain his form and create a draw in round 7. To his fans, this was seen as a disappointing result. Anand’s many critics seem unable to comprehend that, “Sometimes, in order to win the war, you must first stopContinue reading “World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Stops the Bleeding in Round 7”
World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Loses Again in Game 6
The 2013 Fide World Chamionship Match is close to being over at the half-way point. Viswanathan Anand received his second straight loss after playing poorly in a “drawish” rook and pawn endgame. At the press conference, for the second round in a row, Anand failed to recognize the location of his actual loosing mistake. WhatContinue reading “World Chess Championship 2013: Anand Loses Again in Game 6”
World Chess Championship 2013: Carlsen Wins Game 5!
In Round 5 of the 2013 Fide World Chess Championship Match, Magnus Carlsen delivered a figurative punch to the gut of the Champion, Viswanathan Anand. It has become clear that Magnus Carlsen respects Viswanathan Anand’s opening knowledge much more than he respects his actual chess skills. Carlsen’s plan with the white pieces has been toContinue reading “World Chess Championship 2013: Carlsen Wins Game 5!”