Rock Solid Nakamura

Hikaru Nakamura usually has togh time playing the world champion but in Stavanger he managed to hold the black color with relative ease.

[Event "Norway Chess"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2015.06.22"]
[Round "6.1"]
[White "Carlsen, Magnus"]
[Black "Nakamura, Hikaru"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2876"]
[BlackElo "2802"]
[Annotator "Bojkov, Dejan"]
[PlyCount "190"]
[EventDate "2015.??.??"]
[WhiteClock "1:03:05"]
[BlackClock "0:46:49"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bg5 h6 6. Bh4 {Diagram [#] Carlsen
deviates from an earlier game of his against the same opponent} (6. Bxf6 Bxf6
7. e3 O-O 8. Rc1 c6 9. Bd3 Nd7 10. O-O dxc4 11. Bxc4 e5 {Carlsen,M (2823)
-Nakamura,H (2753) Sao Paulo/Bilbao 2011}) 6... O-O 7. e3 Ne4 {The Lasker
Defence has the reputation of a very solid opening for Black.} 8. Bxe7 Qxe7 9.
Rc1 c6 10. Qc2 Nxc3 11. Qxc3 dxc4 {Diagram [#] It is Nakamura's turn to
deviate from a game that he witnessed less than an year ago.} ({Instead} 11...
Nd7 12. Be2 dxc4 13. Qxc4 e5 14. O-O exd4 15. Nxd4 {was a bit better for White
in Carlsen,M (2877)-Aronian,L (2805) Saint Louis 2014}) 12. Bxc4 b6 13. O-O {
Nakamura was also well prepared to fight the other attempt for an advantage} (
13. Ne5 Bb7 14. Be2 Rc8 15. O-O Nd7 16. Nxd7 Qxd7 17. b4 a5 {Huzman,A (2570)
-Ravia,M (2330) Israel 1996}) 13... Nd7 14. Rfd1 Bb7 {Black finishes the
development and the freeing c6-c5 advance is inevitable.} 15. h3 c5 16. d5 {Or
else the position will get completely symetrical and dry.} exd5 $146 {Diagram
[#] Surprisingly, this logical move is a novelty.} ({Previously only the
dubious} 16... e5 {have been played, but after} 17. e4 Qd6 18. Nh4 (18. Bb5 $1
{is even stronger with large advantage.}) 18... g6 19. Qg3 {White was clearly
better in Tomic,M (2231)-Ristic,M Belgrade 2007}) 17. Bxd5 Bxd5 18. Rxd5 Nf6 {
Black comfortably equalized in the opening. In perspective his position might
be even a bit better thanks to the pawn majority on the queenside. The most
likely scenario though is that all the heavy pieces disappear on the "c" file
and the players shake hands.} 19. Rd3 Rad8 20. Rcd1 Rxd3 21. Qxd3 Rc8 {Diagram
[#] One idea is to advance the queenside pawns. Another- to shift the rook to
d7 via the c7 square.} 22. a4 c4 ({The immediate} 22... Qe4 {is less good due
to} 23. Qxe4 Nxe4 24. Rd7) 23. Qc2 Qe4 24. Nd4 c3 {Black has many ways to keep
the balance. To complete equlity leads} (24... Qxc2 25. Nxc2 c3 26. b3 Kf8 $11)
25. Qb3 Qd5 (25... cxb2 26. Qxb2 Rc5 $11) 26. Qc2 Qe4 27. Qxe4 {Diagram [#]
Carlsen rejects the repetition although he realizes that he has no advantage
at all.} Nxe4 28. b3 Nd2 (28... Nc5 29. Kf1 (29. Rc1 Na6) 29... Na6 30. Nc2 Nc5
$11 {(Seirawan)}) 29. Rc1 a5 30. Rc2 {Now it is a bit more difficult for Black
to hold the balance as his "c" went too deep in the opponent's camp. Carlsen
wants to march with his king all the way to d3 and chop it.} Nb1 31. Rc1 Nd2
32. Rc2 Nb1 33. Nb5 Kf8 34. f3 Rd8 {Instead, the world champion suggested} (
34... Nd2 $1 {Diagram [#] which forces repetion of moves} 35. Nd4 ({The
problem with the move} 35. Rxc3 Rxc3 36. Nxc3 {is that the black king becomes
too active, too fast-} Ke7 37. Nd5+ $6 (37. b4 {is still a draw.}) 37... Kd6
38. Nxb6 Kc5 $17) 35... Nb1 $11) 35. Nd4 ({Both players could not calculate
properly the knight endgame after} 35. Kf2 $5 Rd2+ 36. Rxd2 cxd2 37. Ke2 Ke7 {
The impression is that Black is much worse with the vulnerable d2 pawn} 38. f4
(38. Kd1 Ke6) 38... Ke6 39. e4 f6 40. Nc7+ Kd7 41. Nd5 Kc6 42. Ne7+ Kc5 43. e5
fxe5 44. fxe5 Kd4 45. e6 Ke5 46. Nc8 Kxe6 47. Nxb6 $16 {Perhaps, this was
Carlsen's only realistic winning chance in this game.}) 35... Rc8 36. Rc1 Na3
37. Nc2 {Forced, as} (37. Kf2 c2 38. Ke2 Rc3 39. Kd2 Nb1+ 40. Ke2 Na3 $11 {is
a forced draw (Nakamura)}) 37... Nxc2 38. Rxc2 Rc5 {[%csl Yc3][%cal Gg1f2,
Gf2e2,Ge2d3,Yd3c3] Diagram [#] The maneuver Kg1-f2-e2-d3 with pawn gain is
inevitable, but Black has enough time to swap off the remaining pair of pawns
on the queenside, thus reaching theoretical draw endgame four versus three on
the same flank.} 39. Kf2 b5 $1 40. axb5 Rxb5 41. Rxc3 g6 $1 42. f4 h5 $1 {
[%csl Gf7,Gg6,Gh5] Diagram [#] The best set up of the pawns on the kingside.
Black is ready to trade them at the moment White starts advancing there.} 43.
Rc8+ (43. Kf3 Rb4 {followed by a5-a4.}) 43... Kg7 44. Ra8 Rxb3 45. Rxa5 Rb2+
46. Kf3 Rb3 47. Ra7 Rc3 48. Re7 Rb3 49. Kg3 Rb2 50. Kf3 Rb3 51. g4 hxg4+ 52.
hxg4 Rb1 53. Rd7 Rf1+ 54. Ke4 Rg1 55. g5 Ra1 56. Ke5 Ra3 57. e4 Ra5+ 58. Kd6
Ra6+ 59. Ke5 Ra5+ 60. Rd5 Ra4 61. Rc5 (61. f5 gxf5 62. exf5 $11) 61... Ra1 62.
Rc2 Rf1 63. Rc7 Re1 64. Ra7 Rg1 65. Ra4 Rf1 66. Ra6 Re1 {Diagram [#]} 67. Kd4
Rd1+ 68. Ke3 Re1+ 69. Kf3 Rf1+ 70. Kg3 Re1 71. e5 Re3+ 72. Kf2 Rb3 73. Rd6 Ra3
74. Rd8 Rc3 75. Ke2 Ra3 76. Rd3 Ra1 77. Ke3 Re1+ 78. Kd4 Rf1 79. Ke4 Ra1 80.
Rd7 Ra4+ 81. Rd4 Ra5 82. Rc4 Kf8 83. Rc8+ Kg7 84. Rc7 Kf8 85. Kd4 Ra4+ 86. Rc4
Ra5 87. Rc8+ Kg7 88. e6 {The last slim chance.} fxe6 89. Rc5 Ra7 (89... Rxc5 $4
90. Kxc5 {would really win for White, but none is buying this.}) 90. Ke5 Rf7
91. Rc4 Rf5+ 92. Kxe6 Kg8 93. Rc8+ Kg7 94. Rc7+ Kg8 95. Rc8+ Kg7 1/2-1/2

Report.

Out of Shape

Round three of the Norway Chess proved two things:
1) Being a host is not definitely not an advantage at chess. Actually, it is most certainly disadvantage in our sport.
2) Carlsen is not at his greatest chess form ever.
The world champion achieved completely won position but spoiled everything by missing a spectacular. On the other hand, one of the spectators in the tournament hall saw it at once. His name- Garry Kasparov.

[Event "Norway Chess"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2015.06.18"]
[Round "3.3"]
[White "Carlsen, Magnus"]
[Black "Giri, Anish"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[WhiteElo "2876"]
[BlackElo "2773"]
[Annotator "Bojkov, Dejan"]
[PlyCount "152"]
[EventDate "2015.??.??"]
[WhiteClock "0:29:13"]
[BlackClock "0:19:31"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 {A small surprise. Giri usually opts for 2...e6 of lately.}
3. Bb5+ {Diagram [#] The Moscow line has been used by the world champion
before, but it is curious to know what did the Dutchman prepare against the
main lines?} Nd7 4. c3 Ngf6 5. Qe2 a6 6. Ba4 b5 7. Bc2 e6 8. d4 Bb7 9. O-O Be7
10. Re1 ({Another option is} 10. a4 O-O 11. e5 $5 dxe5 12. dxe5 Bxf3 13. gxf3
Nd5 14. f4 {Svidler,P (2732)-Grischuk,A (2797) Baku 2014}) 10... O-O 11. Nbd2
cxd4 12. cxd4 Rc8 $146 {Diagram [#] A novelty. Giri decided to occupy the open
file with his "a" rook. Previously Black had done this only with his f rook-} (
12... Qc7 13. Nf1 Rfc8 14. Bd3 b4 15. Ng3 a5 {Indeed, the rook is useful on
the a file, enabling Black a chance to trade the light-squared bishop via the
a6 square, Rasik,V (2437)-Laznicka,V (2667) Czechia 2015}) 13. Nf1 {White
finishes the development and looks for a good moment to advance his central
pawns. This will open the road of his pieces towards the black king.} Re8 14.
Ng3 Bf8 15. Be3 (15. a4 $5 {is interesting in order to weaken the black
queenside pawns and make use of the fact that the rook is not on a8.}) 15...
Rc7 $6 {[%csl Ra8,Re4][%cal Gd8a8,Ye8c8,Rb7e4,Ra1a8] Diagram [#] Giri decided
to regroup in a hedgehog way (Qd8-a8, followed by Re8-c8) but later realized
that this is simply not good.} (15... Nb6 {instead would be about equal.}) 16.
Bd3 {A typical Ruy Lopez idea, which prepares the a2-a4 advance.} (16. Rad1 Qa8
17. Bc1 Rec8 18. Bd3 {was suggested by Black at the press-conference as good
for his opponent. But there is no reason to move the rook away from the "a"
file.}) (16. a4 {at once was again makes sense} b4 17. a5 Qa8 18. Rec1 Rec8 ({
The point is that the e4 pawn is untouchable} 18... Nxe4 $2 19. Bxe4 Rxc1+ 20.
Bxc1 $18) 19. Bd3 Rxc1+ 20. Bxc1 $14) 16... e5 {Now the pawn structure
transforms into a Ruy Lopez one, in a very favourable version for White. The
black bishop is misplaced on b7.} ({Giri disliked} 16... Qa8 17. Bd2 {and
indeed, what is the queen doing on a8 after} Rec8 18. a4 $1) 17. d5 $14 Nc5 18.
Bc2 b4 $6 {[%csl Ya5,Yb4,Yb5,Yc4] Diagram [#] This makes things worse. Giri
wanted to open up the bishop with a6-a5 and Bb7-a6 but gave too many squares
in the process.} 19. a3 ({White also had} 19. Nd2 {with the deep idea} a5 20.
Bxc5 $5 {a move that a GM will easily miss as we do not like spending a bishop
for a knight. However it works concretely as the a5 pawn hangs after} Rxc5 21.
Ba4 Re7 22. Nb3 Rc8 23. Nf5 Rec7 24. Nxa5 $16) 19... b3 {Now this pawn is
doomed. However} (19... bxa3 {is even worse due to} 20. b4 $1 Ncd7 21. Bd3 {
and next White will win both the pawns along the "a" file.}) 20. Bxc5 Rxc5 21.
Bxb3 Qb6 {Instead Giri suggested as an improved version the line} (21... Qc7 {
in order to prevent the bishop from getting on a better position and to
control the c4 pawn. After} 22. Nd2 g6 23. Ngf1 Bh6 24. Ne3 Rc8 {"Black is
simply much worse, which means that I am completely lost in the game."(Giri)})
22. Bc4 Rec8 23. Bd3 {Diagram [#] Carlsen won a pawn and the rest should be "a
matter of technique". At first everything goes smoothly for him.} g6 24. Nf1 $1
{Since the knight is limited by the pawn it finds a better working place.} Bh6
25. Ne3 a5 26. b4 $1 {Naturally White does not want to get blocked after} (26.
Nd2 a4) 26... axb4 27. axb4 R5c7 {Giri thought it was better to sacrifice the
queen with} (27... Rc3 $5 28. Nc4 Qxb4 29. Reb1 ({Also possible is} 29. Rab1
R8xc4 30. Bxc4 Qxc4 31. Rxb7) 29... R3xc4 {Most likely the worl champion would
have declined the sacrifice and taken the exchange with} 30. Bxc4 $1 ({Black
has serious drawing chances after} 30. Rxb4 Rxb4) 30... Qxc4 31. Qxc4 Rxc4 32.
Rxb7 Nxe4 33. g3 Rc1+ 34. Rxc1 Bxc1 {and White should win later.}) 28. b5 Qc5
29. h3 {There is no need to hurry. Black was hoping for a trick} (29. Nc4 $2 {
[%csl Yc4] Diagram [#]} Bxd5 $1 30. exd5 e4 31. Bxe4 Qxc4 32. Qxc4 Rxc4 33. Bd3
Rb4 {with serious drawing chances.}) 29... Nh5 30. Qb2 Qb6 31. Qb4 Bxe3 ({
Black also calculated the desperate} 31... Rc3 32. Nc4 R8xc4 $5 33. Bxc4 Rxf3
34. gxf3 Qd8 {but abandoned it on the account of} 35. f4 $1 ({Instead} 35. Bf1
Bf4 {keeps a lot of tricks in the position.})) 32. Rxe3 Rc3 33. Rae1 {[%cal
Yd3f1,Re1e3] Diagram [#] Overprotecs the rook on e3 and prepares Bd3-f1.} f5 {
The last desperate try.} 34. exf5 Nf4 35. Be4 R3c5 36. fxg6 hxg6 {Carlsen won
another pawn and weakened the enemy king. The end is close and...miracles
start to happen.} 37. Bxg6 {Was this needed? If Carlsen had won, we would have
praised him for the stylish finish. Now we can criticise him for the
inpractical approach.} (37. Nh4 {wins prosaically after} Rxb5 38. Qa4 Rb4 39.
Qd7 Qd8 40. Qg4) 37... Rxb5 38. Qe4 $2 {Misses the brilliancy. Instead} (38.
Bf7+ $3 {would have made the Norwegians happy} Kxf7 ({Or else the checkmate
will be for free after} 38... Kf8 39. Qe4) 39. Qe4 {[%csl Yf7][%cal Ge4h7,
Gf3g5] Diagram [#] The threat is Qe4-h7 followed by Nf3-g5 and checkmate.
There is no escape of it as the lines prove:} Kg7 (39... Rh8 40. Qf5+ Kg7 (
40... Ke7 41. Nxe5 $1 {is mate} ({although} 41. Qxf4 {wins easily as well.}))
41. Ng5 Qc7 42. Ne6+ Nxe6 43. Rg3+ Kh6 44. Qg6#) (39... Nxd5 40. Qh7+ Kf6 41.
Nxe5 $1 dxe5 42. Rxe5 {with the unstoppable threat Re5-f5.}) (39... Bxd5 40.
Qf5+ Ke7 41. Qxc8 {wins tons of material.}) (39... Ng6 40. Qf5+ Kg7 41. Nh4 $1
Nxh4 42. Rg3+ Kh6 43. Qf6+ Kh7 44. Qxh4#) 40. Ng5 Kh6 41. Qh7+ Kxg5 42. Rg3+
Kf6 43. Qg7+ Kf5 44. Rg5#) 38... Rf8 39. Nxe5 $6 {And this misses the
remaining advantage.} ({White is at least up a pawn after} 39. Nh4 Bxd5 40. Qa4
{as} Bxg2 $2 {is bad due to} 41. Bd3 $1 ({Or even} 41. Rg3 $1)) 39... dxe5 40.
Rg3 Rxd5 {[%csl Yg8] Diagram [#] White has plenty of discovered checks, the
black kingside is a wreck and it is a draw...} 41. Qb1 {Carlsen uses his last
chance. Two forced lines lead to instant draw} (41. Rb1 Rd1+ 42. Kh2 Rxb1 43.
Bf5+ Kh8 44. Qxe5+ Qf6 45. Qc7 Rf7 46. Qb8+ Rf8 $11) (41. Kh2 Kh8 42. Rb1 Rb5
43. Qxe5+ Rxe5 44. Rxb6 $11) 41... Qxb1 42. Bxb1+ Kh8 43. Be4 Rd7 ({Worse is}
43... Rd2 44. Bxb7 Ne2+ 45. Rxe2 Rxe2 46. f3 Rg8 47. Rxg8+ Kxg8 {followed by
h3-h4, Kg1-h2-h3 and g3-g4 (Giri)}) ({And} 43... Rd1 44. Rxd1 Bxe4 45. Kh2 Bxg2
46. Rxg2 Nxg2 47. Kxg2 {(Giri) albeit drawish leaves Black suffering.}) 44.
Bxb7 Rxb7 45. Rxe5 {Diagram [#] Objectively, the position is equal but it is
much easier to play it as White. He risks nothing while Black has to be
careful what to trade and how to arrange his forces.} Rh7 46. Re4 Rhf7 47. Kh2
Kh7 48. Rf3 Kg6 49. h4 Nh5 50. Rxf7 Rxf7 51. Re2 Nf4 52. Rd2 Nh5 53. g3 Nf6 54.
Kg2 Rd7 55. Ra2 Rd5 56. Ra4 Re5 57. g4 Re4 58. Rxe4 Nxe4 {[%cal Ra5h5] Diagram
[#] Giri was happy to swap off the rooks as he felt that this should be a draw.
Indeed, the theory of this engame states that it is a draw as long as the
passers do not cross the equator of the board. If they (all of them!) reach
the fifth rank, then it is a win.} 59. Kf3 Nd6 60. Kf4 Nf7 61. Ke4 Kf6 62. f4
Nd6+ 63. Kd5 Nb5 64. h5 Nc3+ ({An easier fortress is} 64... Nc7+ 65. Ke4 Ne6 {
Since none of the white pawns can move} 66. Ke3 (66. f5 Ng5+ $11 {is a nice
blockade.}) (66. g5+ Nxg5+ {is an instant draw.}) 66... Nf8 {and White can
make no progress.}) 65. Kd4 Nb5+ 66. Kc4 Nd6+ 67. Kc5 Ke6 {[%csl Yg4,Yh5][%cal
Gd6f7,Gf7h6] Diagram [#] Giri found a good defensive set up.} (67... Nf7 68.
Kd5 Nd8 $11) 68. Kc6 Nf7 69. Kc7 Nh6 $1 {Now the pawns are blocked and Anish
Giri can keep his positive score against the world champion.} 70. g5 Nf7 71. g6
Nh6 72. Kd8 Kf5 73. Ke7 Kxf4 74. Kf8 Kg5 75. g7 Kxh5 76. g8=Q Nxg8 {Diagram [#]
} 1/2-1/2

Report.

Ultra Solid Magnus

The eight game of the match saw a very good choice of an opening for the world champion. Instead of repairing the line that led to a disaster for him in the third game, the Norwegian switched to the main line but chose a rare move. This probably surprised Anand who did not achieve anything out of the opening and Carlsen comfortably held the draw.

[Event "World Chess Championship 2014"]
[Site "Sochi"]
[Date "2014.11.18"]
[Round "8"]
[White "Anand, Viswanathan"]
[Black "Carlsen, Magnus"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "D37"]
[WhiteElo "2792"]
[BlackElo "2863"]
[Annotator "Bojkov, Dejan"]
[PlyCount "81"]
[EventDate "2014.??.??"]
[EventCountry "RUS"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 {The world champion tries again the QGD, which
means that he had probably repaired the line after the disastrous third game.}
4. Nc3 Be7 5. Bf4 {Anand stays true to the line that brought him a win in game
three of the match.} (5. Bg5 {is considered less dangerous for the second
player with the move 3.Ng1-f3 inserted as it deprives White of some additional
possibilities, namely the Botvinnik plan with Ng1-e2, f2-f3 and e3-e4, and the
plan with 0-0-0. Nevertheless, Anand was not shy using it in a couple of
blitz games this year, against Kasimdzhanov and Harikrishna, which he duly won.
}) 5... O-O 6. e3 c5 {Nope, we shall not see the repair today, but the main
line instead. The last time Magnus played this was back in 2009.} ({The topical
} 6... Nbd7 {is what the third game saw} 7. c5 c6 8. Bd3 b6 9. b4 a5 10. a3 Ba6
{[%csl Ya6,Yd3]} 11. Bxa6 Rxa6 12. b5 cxb5 13. c6 Qc8 14. c7 {[%csl Ya5,Yb5,
Yb6,Rc7] when the pawn on c7 proved very dangerous, Anand,V-Carlsen,M Wch
Sochi 2014}) 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. a3 Nc6 9. Qc2 {Vishy chooses the most complex
line where plenty of pieces stay on the board. The other principled line is} (
9. cxd5 Nxd5 10. Nxd5 exd5 11. Bd3 Bb6 12. O-O Bg4 {as in Ivanchuk,V (2779)
-Carlsen,M (2776) Nice 2009.}) 9... Re8 {Diagram [#] This should have been a
big surprise for Vishy! Both the players have a game each in the main line
after} (9... Qa5 {and now} 10. Rd1 {which is calmer} ({Or} 10. O-O-O {which I
suspect is what Anand was heading to} Be7 11. g4 dxc4 12. Bxc4 e5 13. g5 {with
lively, double-edged game and plenty of possibilities for both sides, for
example} exf4 14. gxf6 Bxf6 15. Nd5 Ne7 16. Nxf6+ gxf6 17. Rhg1+ Kh8 18. e4 $44
{Anand,V (2752)-Kramnik,V (2809) Leon 2002}) 10... Be7 11. Be2 dxc4 {all of
this was tested in the game Kramnik-Carlsen, Dortmund 2009.}) 10. Bg5 {The
bishop moves away from the possible e6-e5 attack and puts pressure on the
central pawn. The following curious game demonstrates some of the tactical
possibilities behind the move Rf8-e8.} (10. Rd1 e5 11. Bg5 d4 12. Nd5 Be7 13.
Nxe7+ $2 (13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. Bd3 $5) 13... Qxe7 14. Be2 $2 d3 $19 {Pinter,
J-Hurme,H Helsinki 35/(507) 1983 Inf 35 [RR]}) ({White can also try to play
against the IQP with} 10. cxd5 exd5 11. Be2 Be6 ({Although Black might try to
solve the problem immediately with the forced} 11... d4 12. Rd1 Bg4 13. O-O Qe7
14. Na4 Bxf3 15. Bxf3 dxe3 16. Nxc5 e2 17. Qxe2 Qxe2 18. Bxe2 Rxe2 {which
looks worth studying.}) 12. O-O Rc8 13. Rfd1 h6 $13 {Svane,R (2440)-Zvjaginsev,
V (2655) Legnica 2013}) 10... Be7 11. Rd1 Qa5 12. Bd3 $146 {The actual novelty.
One game saw} (12. Be2 Ne4 13. cxd5 Nxc3 14. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 15. bxc3 exd5 16. Bxe7
Nxe7 $11) 12... h6 13. Bh4 (13. Bxf6 {yields White no advantage after} Bxf6 14.
cxd5 exd5 15. O-O Bxc3 16. Qxc3 Qxc3 17. bxc3 Be6) 13... dxc4 14. Bxc4 a6 $11 {
Black's plan is very natural and straightforward. He needs to develop the
bishop, thus the b pawn advance is coming next.} 15. O-O b5 16. Ba2 {[%csl
Yg8,Rh7][%cal Ga2b1,Rb1h7] Diagram [#] White's best bet is to create a battery.
} ({Vishy also mentioned the move} 16. Bd3 {although there should not be any
advantage for White after} Bb7 17. Bg3 Rac8 $11 {the position is too
symmetrical.}) 16... Bb7 17. Bb1 {It looks very unpleasant for Magnus, but the
world champion defended in a cool manner} Rad8 18. Bxf6 ({There is another way
to get rid of the key kingside defender} 18. Ne4 {However, there too White
will miss one tempo to be successful in the attack} Nxe4 19. Qxe4 Bxh4 20. Qh7+
Kf8 21. Nxh4 Rxd1 22. Rxd1 Rd8 $11 {when the g7 pawn is untouchable due to the
bank rank weakness} 23. Rxd8+ (23. Rc1 $2 Qd2 {is good for Black only.}) 23...
Qxd8 24. Qh8+ Ke7 25. Qxg7 $4 Qd1#) 18... Bxf6 19. Ne4 ({Both the players
investigated} 19. Qh7+ Kf8 20. Ne4 Rxd1 21. Rxd1 Rd8 {and agreed that there is
nothing there for White} 22. Rxd8+ Qxd8 23. Qh8+ (23. Bc2 $2 Bxb2) 23... Ke7
24. Qxd8+ Nxd8 25. Nxf6 Kxf6 $11) 19... Be7 {Another cool move. If White could
only move away the knight from the board somehow...} 20. Nc5 {This is the
maximum White can get out of the position.} (20. Ng3 {is too slow and Black
can organize counter-play after} g6 21. h4 Rc8 {Anand} ({Or also} 21... Rxd1
22. Rxd1 Rc8 {in either case Black is doing fine.})) 20... Bxc5 21. Qxc5 b4 {
"Unfortunately he has this move," said Anand at the press conference, "when
White's advantage is only symbolic and there is nothing I can do."} 22. Rc1
bxa3 23. bxa3 Qxc5 24. Rxc5 Ne7 {[%csl Yc5,Yd8,Ye8,Yf1][%cal Gd8c8] Diagram [#]
The rooks will now disappear from the board. The game is heading towards the
logical outcome.} 25. Rfc1 Rc8 26. Bd3 ({The rook swap is unavoidable} 26. Rc7
Rxc7 27. Rxc7 Rc8 28. Rxb7 $4 Rc1+ 29. Ne1 Rxe1#) 26... Red8 27. Rxc8 Rxc8 28.
Rxc8+ Nxc8 29. Nd2 {Vishy tried a bit more but he could not make use of the
white color today.} Nb6 30. Nb3 Nd7 31. Na5 Bc8 32. Kf1 Kf8 33. Ke1 Ke7 34. Kd2
Kd6 35. Kc3 Ne5 36. Be2 Kc5 37. f4 Nc6 38. Nxc6 Kxc6 39. Kd4 f6 40. e4 Kd6 41.
e5+ {Diagram [#] Magnus' approach in the opening solved the problem of the
black color today. Vishy tried everything he could but there was not much play
for him as both the players agreed after the game. Carlsen leads 4.5-3.5
before the final four games of the match.} 1/2-1/2

A Solid Draw in Game Four

The fourth game saw the typical minimal-advantage-pressing by the World Champion and a subtle and confident defense by Anand. The latter held his own with seeming ease. The material and moral advantage that Carlsen had in the first two games evaporated completely.

[Event "World Chess Championship 2014"]
[Site "Sochi"]
[Date "2014.11.12"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Carlsen, Magnus"]
[Black "Anand, Viswanathan"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "B40"]
[WhiteElo "2863"]
[BlackElo "2785"]
[PlyCount "94"]
[EventDate "2014.??.??"]
[EventCountry "RUS"]

1. e4 {Magnus remains true to the open games.} c5 {Vishy- not. We would most
likely see the Berlin later in the match again, but not today.} 2. Nf3 e6 {A
small surprise. Anand usually chooses the sharp and well explored Najdorf. His
last game in the line was against Bobras in 2014 and the last but one was
already in 2008.} 3. g3 {One can expect the unexpected from Carlsen, but this
line he had already tried.} Nc6 {A curious blitz game saw} (3... b6 4. Bg2 Bb7
5. Qe2 d6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Nf6 8. O-O Nbd7 9. Rd1 a6 $4 10. e5 $1 Bxg2 11.
exf6 Bh3 (11... Bb7 12. Nxe6 $1) 12. Qh5 {and it was basically over- Carlsen,M
(2843)-Caruana,F (2772) Sao Paulo/Bilbao 2012}) 4. Bg2 d5 5. exd5 exd5 6. O-O
Nf6 7. d4 Be7 8. Be3 cxd4 9. Nxd4 {All of this was probably Anti-Caruana
preparation by Magnus. The way that he won to his rival appealed that much to
the people that a lot of them gave it a try} Bg4 $146 {[%cal Gg4d1] Diagram [#]
A logical novelty. Anand is developing a piece with a tempo. Previously only} (
9... O-O {was tested, for example} 10. Nc3 (10. h3 {deprives the bishop of the
g4 square but Black equalized after} Re8 11. Re1 h6 12. Nd2 Bd6 13. c3 Bd7 {
Short,N (2696)-Caruana,F (2675) Wijk aan Zee 2010}) 10... Bg4 {whe the arising
position is more or less similar to teh one in the actual game.} 11. Qd3 a6 12.
Rfe1 Qd7 13. Nxc6 (13. Na4 $5 {to make use of the weakened b6 square was
interesting.}) 13... bxc6 14. Na4 {and White was little better in Jones,G
(2635)-Caruana,F (2767) Reykjavik 2012}) 10. Qd3 Qd7 11. Nd2 O-O {Black avoids
the weakening a6-a6 move for the time being. Not allowing strong outposts
against Carlsen sounds like a healthy idea to me.} 12. N2f3 ({White would be
happy to use the c5 square for this knight, however after} 12. Rfe1 Rfe8 13.
Nxc6 bxc6 14. Nb3 {Black wil get the f5 square in return and built
counter-play with} Bf5 15. Qc3 Ne4 $132) 12... Rfe8 {A typical IQP position
had arisen. We usually see those in the Tarrasch line of the French defense
after 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2 c5 4.exd5 exd5. The French IQP was tested in the
WCC matches between Karpov and Kortschnoi. As a rule the latter was solving
the problems quite confidently. White has slightly better pawn structure and
will be happy to trade as many pieces as possible. Ideally, he would like to
see his knight on d4 torturing the light-squared bishop of the opponent.} 13.
Rfe1 ({This is the reason why he does not go for the light-squared bishop
immediately with} 13. Nxc6 bxc6 14. Ne5 Qb7 15. Nxg4 Nxg4 16. Bd4 {White had
traded a pair of pieces which is generally desirable, but after} Bf6 {Black
would be happy as he will have a hefty knight on the board.}) 13... Bd6 14. c3
{[%csl Rd6,Re3,Gg2][%cal Gg2d5] Diagram [#] One of the differences in
comparison of the French IQP is favorable for White- the fianchettoed bishop
is very strong and exerts pressure on the pawn at once. Another difference is
in Black's favor though- White is deprived of the usual plan to swap off the
dark-squared bishops with Be3-f4 or Be3-g5-h4-g3.} h6 {Anticipates the move
Be3-g5 which can be rather awkward for the second player.} 15. Qf1 {A little
venomous move. White prepares h2-h3 followed by Nf3-h4-(f5) when the black
bishop will not feel comfortable.} Bh5 $1 {Anticipates the threat. It is
always somewhat discouraging to know that your opponent knows what are you up
to.} (15... Rad8 16. h3 Bh5 17. Nh4 {looks good for White.}) 16. h3 {Magnus
took the g4 square out of the black knight and bishop.} (16. Nh4 $5 {deserved
attention, for example} Bc5 17. Nhf5 Bb6 {would most likely force White to
play h2-h3 anyway.} 18. h3) 16... Bg6 17. Rad1 Rad8 $11 {Both the sides
developed nicely their troops. The World Champion decides to start the trades
as there are no squares to work at} 18. Nxc6 {Diagram [#]} ({Both} 18. Nh4 Bh7)
({and} 18. Bc1 Ne4 {look good for Black.}) 18... bxc6 {The IQP was transformed
into IQP pair of pawns.} 19. c4 {A typical idea. Otherwise the IQP pair might
turn into something intimidating, known as hanging pawns.} Be4 $1 {[%csl Rg2]
[%cal Re4g2] The human solution. This takes care of White's most dangerous
piece.} ({For some reason my computer likes} 19... Bb4 20. Bd2 Bxd2 21. Rxd2
Ne4 22. Rdd1 Qb7 23. cxd5 cxd5 {a human being will hardly like the combination
of a white Nd4 versus black Bg6.}) (19... Qb7 $5 {though equally good.}) 20.
Bd4 {White uses the moment to worsen the position of the opponent's knight.}
Nh7 21. cxd5 Bxd5 {A bit unexpected but good. The isolated pawns provide
excellent outposts for the black pieces. Vishy does not want to allow pawn
majority for his opponent on the queen's flank. Instead he chooses the pawn
construction he used to defeat Veselin Topalov in their WCC match four years
ago.} (21... cxd5 {should also be a touch better for White although, if you
ask Black he might argue that it is equal.}) 22. Rxe8+ Rxe8 23. Qd3 ({White is
not threatening anything after} 23. Qa6 {for example} Nf8 24. Qxa7 Qxa7 25.
Bxa7 Ra8 26. Bd4 Rxa2 27. Ne5 Bxg2 28. Kxg2 c5 29. Bc3 Bxe5 30. Bxe5 Ne6 $11)
23... Nf8 {Improves the least active piece.} 24. Nh4 Be5 {Both the bishops
disappear and the defense is easier for Black.} 25. Bxd5 ({In case of} 25. Bxe5
Rxe5 26. f4 Re8 27. Nf5 Qe6 {the white king is too weak and he has not time to
grab the pawn} 28. Bxd5 cxd5 29. Qxd5 Qb6+) 25... Qxd5 26. Bxe5 Qxe5 27. b3 Ne6
28. Nf3 Qf6 {[%csl Rf6,Yg1] Black's task is to keep the white pieces busy with
threats on the kingside. Anand defends flawlessly.} 29. Kg2 Rd8 30. Qe2 Rd5 ({
Better than} 30... Rxd1 31. Qxd1 Qe7 32. Qd3) 31. Rxd5 cxd5 {White achieved
his goal of trading as many pieces as possible but the remaining queens on the
board allow plenty of counter-play for the second player.} 32. Ne5 Qf5 33. Nd3
Nd4 34. g4 $5 {The last chance to get something out of the game.} Qd7 ({Anand
does not want to calculate the consequences of the knight endgame, knowing
that "a knight endgame is more or less a pawn one"-Botvinnik..} 34... Nxe2 35.
gxf5 Kf8 36. Kf3 Nd4+ 37. Kf4 Nc6 38. b4 {the outside passer might be too
dangerous!}) 35. Qe5 Ne6 36. Kg3 ({The d4 pawn might become dangerous-} 36. Nb4
$2 d4 37. Nd3 Qc6+ 38. Kh2 Qc2) 36... Qb5 (36... d4 {was also good.}) 37. Nf4
Nxf4 38. Kxf4 ({Nothing changes} 38. Qxf4 a5) 38... Qb4+ 39. Kf3 {Diagram [#]}
d4 {Anand is temporary sacrificing a pawn to force the draw.} 40. Qe8+ Kh7 41.
Qxf7 Qd2 42. Qf5+ Kh8 43. h4 {with the idea to open the king after g4-g5 but
there is no time for that.} (43. Qf4 Qxa2 44. Qxd4 Qxb3+ $11) 43... Qxa2 44.
Qe6 (44. g5 Qxb3+ 45. Kg4 d3 {will lead to a perpetual anyway.}) 44... Qd2 45.
Qe8+ Kh7 46. Qe4+ Kh8 47. Qe8+ Kh7 {Anand comfortably held the black color
today. He traded the right pieces and activated his own ones in the proper
time.} 1/2-1/2

Tomorrow is a free day.