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Chess

Spectacle

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Has the KGB drugged Carlsen to make him play sloppily?
 

octavius

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I watched the match on VGTV (with Norway's number 2 and 3 players in the studio) live. Now I'm watching it on the state propaganda channel NRK, and it's hillarious to see how cocksure every commenter on the state channel is, especially since Magnus behaved like a spoilt little brat who didn't get his way when he lost.
 

coldcrow

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This match reflects a good portion of the top-level chess scene these days. Most sharp lines have been analyzed to a definite evaluation and become either a forced draw, flat out bad for one side or simply a dynamic position with good counterplay for black. It's actually really hard to break the equilibrium meaningfully, especially if both players stick to ultra-solid spanish lines. These grinding for small advantages games are sure tiring to watch at some point.
 

octavius

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This match was not worthy of a World Champion.
If it wasn't for Karjakin being so defensive himself, I'd root for him now.
 

abnaxus

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Even Kramnik-Leko was p. exciting compared to this.

Kramnik even played Benoni at one point.
 

abnaxus

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Classy finish

dia.jpg
 

coldcrow

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Least impressive WCM ever. What we got were winning attempts (albeit well executed) in dry positions and miniscule improvements in totally boring spanish lines. I think the main problem was Karjakin's narrow opening repetoire and Carlsen's unwillingness to test his Queen's Indian seriously.
 

Country_Gravy

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I blame it all on Spaniards. I would have liked to see an upset, but once it went to the rapid playoff, Magnus was all but a lock. He beat Nakamura in blitz on chess.com just a few weeks ago.

I wish Nakamura was in world champion form. What the US needs is a strong contender for WC. I know Caruana converted, but we need a native son that is Japanese being praised by Trump for his intellectual excellence. It would make the circle of crazy complete.
 

Minttunator

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Quite a disappointing match overall but at least the tiebreaks were exciting and the better player won. Would've been pretty lame if Karjakin had managed to defend his way to the title. :p
 

Country_Gravy

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He changed nationality in 2014.
He's still doesn't fit my "Native born son" statement.

I agree, though. He will probably have the best chance of beating Magnus. As long as he stops writing notes to himself like he did a couple of US Championships ago.
 

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