[Event "Carlsen - Karjakin World Chess Champion"]
[Site "New York NY USA"]
[Date "2016.11.11"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "D00"]
[PlyCount "84"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 {There you have it. There are some players rated around 2300
who play the Trompovsky on a regular basis (and quite successfully) in Croatia)
} d5 {One of the main moves. Cox recommends 2...e6, but Karjakin has his own
opinion} 3. e3 {Prior to taking on f6 White waits a bit to see what Black will
do.} c5 4. Bxf6 {The logical idea in this opening... White gives up the bishop
to spoil the pawn structure.} gxf6 {Toward the centre is more logical, not to
isolate the d pawn} 5. dxc5 {This has all been played before.} Nc6 {This was
Giri's move in Caruana - Giri, London Classic, 2015} (5... e6 {Was Kramnik's
choice, but he quickly went astray} 6. Nf3 {And now instead of taking the pawn
with the bishop he played} Nd7 {planning to take with the knight, but there
followed} 7. c4 dxc4 8. c6 {With advantage to White, Carlsen - Kramnik, Tal
Memorial, 2013}) 6. Bb5 $5 {[pgndiagram]A new move, Caruana went c3 but didn't
achieve much} (6. Nc3 e6 7. Qh5 {Is the main line, that is scoring pretty well
for White to be honest (65% in my database)}) 6... e6 {Simple chess} (6... a6 {
Is also possible, but this way Black doesn't regain the pawn immediatelly} 7.
Bxc6+ bxc6 8. Nd2 e5 9. b4 a5 10. c3) (6... Qa5+ 7. Nc3 a6 {Would have
regained the pawn, but lost some time and White would enjoy that}) (6... Rg8 {
Is mentioned by GM Hess in his analysis, but it is better to reserve the right
to castle} 7. Nc3 e6 8. g3 {And with Qh5 coming it will be enjoyable for White}
) 7. c4 (7. b4 a5 8. c3 Bd7 9. Nf3 axb4 10. Bxc6 Bxc6 11. cxb4 b6) 7... dxc4 8.
Nd2 {Keeping the queens gives more chances.} Bxc5 9. Ngf3 O-O 10. O-O $1 {
Logical and natural} (10. Bxc6 bxc6 11. O-O Ba6 {Does compromise Black's
structure, but gives no chances of advantage, the bishops are very strong})
10... Na5 11. Rc1 {[pgndiagram] Up to here Magnus was playing instantly,
signalling that he was still in his preparation} (11. Qc2 {Was a possibility,
to capture on c4 as fast as possible without allowing queen exchange} Be7 12.
Nxc4 Qc7 {However also doesn't bring White alot}) 11... Be7 12. Qc2 (12. Nxc4 {
Taking on c4 doesn't bring much, but Black has to be somewhat careful} Qxd1 (
12... a6 $1 {[pgndiagram] Is very accurate computer suggestion} 13. Qxd8 Bxd8
14. Nd6 Be7 15. Nxc8 Raxc8) 13. Rfxd1 Nxc4 14. Bxc4 {With slightly more
pleasant position for White due to development lead}) 12... Bd7 $1 {Now Black
has more or less equalized} 13. Bxd7 Qxd7 14. Qc3 Qd5 (14... b6 {Was
interesting} 15. Nxc4 Rac8 16. Qd2 Qxd2 17. Ncxd2 {And equality is even more
clear}) 15. Nxc4 Nxc4 16. Qxc4 (16. Rfd1 {Is both GM Hess and computer
suggestion. White seizes the d file while the c4 knight isn't going anywhere.
However, it is doubtful whether that is advantageous to him} Qb5 17. Qxc4 Qxc4
18. Rxc4 Rac8 19. Rxc8 Rxc8 {And he doesn't have time to go Rd7 because of
bank rank problems}) 16... Qxc4 17. Rxc4 {[pgndiagram]Here it is time to take
a stop. Most of us would be faster to leave the board at this state than
Golden State Warriors fans are when their team is blowing the 3-1 lead in the
final. However I think it is very instructive how Karjakin eliminates even
these slight chances that Magnus had to create some problems. But why should
Magnus have chances at the first place. Well, White's pawn structure is better,
and he is first to seize the open file. However, amount of Black's weaknesses
and his good bishop easily deal with that.} Rfc8 {Exchanging a pair of rooks}
18. Rfc1 Rxc4 19. Rxc4 Rd8 20. g3 (20. g4 {Would put a pawn on a light square
and restrict the bishop somewhat, but would not change the evaluation}) 20...
Rd7 {Not allowing Rc7} 21. Kf1 f5 22. Ke2 Bf6 23. b3 Kf8 24. h3 h6 {The knight
wasn't going anywhere from f3, so it is time to reroute it} 25. Ne1 Ke7 26. Nd3
{When playing such endgames it is very hard, at least for me, to decide where
to advance the pawns, which pawns to advance, etc etc} Kd8 27. f4 {[pgndiagram]
This is the instance I don't understand completely. Now h pawn can never be
attacked by the rook, g pawn is somewhat weakened and stuff. Carlsen admitted
that he planned on going Ne5 and then winning some superior endgame, but as he
said, "it was a mirage"} h5 28. a4 {In any case White didn't miss big chances}
Rd5 {Keeping the rooks. Sometimes it is easier to steer for clarity, but often
exhcanges leave the pushing side satisfied.} (28... Rc7 {Would have been
something that White was aiming for} 29. Rxc7 Kxc7 30. Ne5 Bxe5 31. fxe5 Kc6
32. Kf3 {[pgndiagram] And i think that this pawn endgame is won for White}) 29.
Nc5 b6 30. Na6 Be7 31. Nb8 (31. b4 b5 32. axb5 Rxb5 {Is equal}) 31... a5 {
White was threatening Nc6 - Nxa7} 32. Nc6+ Ke8 33. Ne5 Bc5 34. Rc3 {Now there
really isn't very much going on, and players will be quick to agree a draw.}
Ke7 35. Rd3 Rxd3 36. Kxd3 f6 37. Nc6+ Kd6 38. Nd4 Kd5 39. Nb5 Kc6 40. Nd4+ Kd6
41. Nb5+ Kd7 42. Nd4 Kd6 {Very correctly played game and probing game from the
Champion. By going with the Trompovsky he basically avoided all Karjakin's
preparation and, as on numerous instances before, tried simply to play chess.
However, this time, it didn't quite work, but i doubt that Magnus will be
deeply depressed after this game, as he didn't miss serious chances, and he
has another game very soon anyway.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game two"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2016.11.12"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Karjakin, Sergey"]
[Black "Magnus, Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C77"]
[PlyCount "82"]
[EventDate "2016.??.??"]

1. e4 {A somewhat expected start to the match by Karjakin.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.
Bb5 {So, we will have the Ruy Lopez after all. I think more people (myself
included) expected the Italian game more.} a6 {But this is the real surprise.
Black avoids the Berlin endgame and goes for the "old mainline" of the Ruy.} (
3... Nf6 4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 {Is the
modern tabiya of the so called Berlin endgame}) 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 (5...
Nxe4 {Would lead to the so called Open variation of the Ruy Lopez} 6. d4 b5 {
Note that now Nd6 is impossible, since it doesn't gain tempo on the bishop, so
there is no endgame. The result of the move 3..a6} 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 {With
loads of theory}) 6. d3 {This solid approach has overtaken the historical main
lines recently.} (6. Re1 {Is the move known already in the 19th century.} b5 7.
Bb3 O-O {And in this position White can go} 8. d3 {In order to avoid the
Marshall attack} (8. c3 d5 {[pgndiagram] Is the theoretical and heavily
analized Marshall attack, played first in the game Capablanca - Marshall, New
York, 1918.})) 6... b5 7. Bb3 d6 {[pgndiagram]In this position White is at the
crossroads. His plan in this position is to play slowly and first develop his
pieces, and then eventually go for d4 under more favourable circumstances. I
think that this approach of controlable agression is dominant in the modern
treatment of the "Queen of openings".} 8. a3 {Karjakin chooses the more modest
pawn move. The idea of this move is to preserve the bishop from being
exchanged by Na5} (8. a4 b4 {And now black has ideas like Na5-Rb8-b3, for
instance. This leads simply to another type of position, and White choice is
most probably matter of taste and preference}) 8... O-O 9. Nc3 {Typical idea
is to jump with the knight on d5 and follow it up with c3-d4} Na5 10. Ba2 Be6
$5 {A modern move} (10... c5 11. b4 $1 {Typical Ruy Move} Nc6 12. Nd5 {Results
in a nice position for White}) 11. d4 $1 (11. Bxe6 fxe6 {And now d5 is
unavailable for White knight, and also f-file is opened} 12. d4 exd4 13. Nxd4
Qc8 {And with c5 coming and Nc4 black might as well consider taking the
initiative} 14. Be3 c5 15. Nde2 Nc4 {Okay, Be3 was stupid, but just for
illustration how quickly White's position can go wrong}) 11... Bxa2 12. Rxa2 {
So far the players have been following the game Topalov - Carlsen, GCT Rapid
Paris 2016., but Carlsen is again first to deviate} Re8 {Magnus is prepared.
This move is the first choice of the engines} (12... Nc6 13. d5 {And White was
better, although he eventually lost, Topalov - Carlsen, GCT Raprid Paris 2016.}
) 13. Ra1 {[pgndiagram]The opening phase is over. White has managed to occupy
the centre, but it doesn't bring him much joy. Black's pieces are fully
developed and he has simply a pleasant Ruy Lopez position. Maybe white
shouldn't have hurried with taking the rook back, but played b3 first, to
leave the a5 knight stranded, and maybe keep the possibility of doubling on
the a file after a4 somewhere in the future (however far-fetched this
generalisation is)} Nc4 14. Re1 Rc8 {I am not certain about the purpose of
this move, because Black goes c6 instead of c5 anyway} (14... Nb6 {Was maybe
more useful, in oder not to allow b3 to come with tempo} 15. b3 Nbd7 16. Bb2 c6
{With harmonious position}) 15. h3 (15. b3 Nb6 16. Bb2 Nbd7) 15... h6 {Both
sides are playing useful moves and improving their position} 16. b3 Nb6 17. Bb2
Bf8 18. dxe5 {[pgndiagram]Finally fixing the structure, but i don't see
another active plan for White} (18. Qd2 Nbd7 19. Rad1 c6 {And Black is very
solid, and the position is equal.}) 18... dxe5 19. a4 (19. Qxd8 {The computer
prefers the immediate queen exchange, but it is hard to imagine that White has
anything tangible here}) 19... c6 {Just patient play.} 20. Qxd8 {I don't think
that White can benefit from delaying or avoiding this} (20. Qe2 Qc7) 20...
Rcxd8 21. axb5 axb5 22. Ne2 (22. Na2 {With the Nb4 ideas, and hitting e5
doesn't bring anything} Nfd7 23. Bc3 Ra8 24. Nb4 {And now} f6 {[pgndiagram]And
the pawn is taboo} 25. Nxc6 $4 Rac8) 22... Bb4 (22... Nxe4 {Would have also
most probably end in a draw} 23. Bxe5 Bc5 24. Bd4) 23. Bc3 {There is not much
to comment on really. The game quickly peters to a draw} Bxc3 24. Nxc3 Nbd7 25.
Ra6 Rc8 26. b4 Re6 (26... c5 {Immediately was easier} 27. Nxb5 cxb4 28. Nd6 Re6
) 27. Rb1 c5 28. Rxe6 fxe6 29. Nxb5 cxb4 30. Rxb4 Rxc2 31. Nd6 Rc1+ {And here
the draw was agreed. Maybe Black could have tried the following line.} 32. Kh2
Rc2 33. Kg1 {And here the draw was agreed. Maybe Black could have tried the
following line.} Rc6 34. Nc4 Nxe4 35. Nfxe5 Nxe5 36. Nxe5 Rc1+ 37. Kh2 Nxf2 38.
Rb8+ Kh7 39. Rb6 Rh1+ 40. Kg3 Ne4+ 41. Kf4 Ng5 {With an extra pawn, albeit
hardly a convertible one.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game three"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2016.11.14"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Magnus, Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey, Karjakin"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C67"]
[PlyCount "156"]
[EventDate "2016.??.??"]

1. e4 {The champion "changes hand" after playing the Trompovsky in the first
game. Will he head for Italian game, or face the possibility of another Berlin
endgame.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {Magnus played 3...a6 as Black here in game
three.} Nf6 {But Sergey isn't "risking it", and goes for the "currently
unbreachable" Berlin defence, which probably caused multiple spectators to
immediatelly switch to something more interesting. And since Mourinho's team
isn't playing any games today, probability of finding something more
interesting is considerably high.} 4. O-O {A first surprise, i think Magnus
prefered to avoid the endgame with d3.} (4. d3) 4... Nxe4 5. Re1 {And a second
surprise. Instead of exchanging queens and going the endgame, Magnus preferes
to play the symmetrical position resulting from the rook move.} (5. d4 Nd6 6.
Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 {Is a position I could probably write a
couple of books about. If I knew anything about it though. I promised myself I
will never play this with either colour. Like Svidler. I guess it means I will
never get chances to play in the World championship match. Like Svidler. :P})
5... Nd6 6. Nxe5 Be7 7. Bf1 Nxe5 8. Rxe5 O-O 9. d4 {[pgndiagram]The tabiya of
the variation. There are three reasonable moves for Black here.} (9. Nc3 {Is
apparently somewhat more drawish} Ne8 (9... Bf6 10. Re2 {Is also possible} b6
11. Re1 Re8 12. Rxe8+ Qxe8 13. d4 {And this is very similar to the game}) 10.
Nd5 Bd6 11. Re2 {This was the first instance of move Re2 appearing on the
board. In the New in Chess Magazine Maxime Vachier Lagrave (further referred
to as MVL) claimed that he discovered this move on a pocket set on a train.
Apparently there is something on trains that inspires creativity in people 
(Yes, another Harry Potter reference).}) 9... Bf6 {The most popular move.
Black's idea is to play Re8 next move and try to go with the knight on f5.} (
9... Ne8 {Is now allowing c4.} 10. c4 {From this position White scores 66%
according to my database.} Bf6 11. Re1 d5 12. cxd5 Qxd5 13. Be3 {And now the
position is no longer simetric.}) (9... b6 {Is interesting, but need more
exploration}) 10. Re2 $5 {The credit for this paradoxical maneouvre goes to
MVL (see above). At first point it looks completely ridiculous. But what is
the point behind it? White anticipates that most action will happen on the
e-file in the future. This move retains the possibility of playing Ra1-Re1 in
the very far future, after developing his queenside completely. Also, in the
case of Re8 White has Bf4 without worrying about d4 pawn. In the 8th game of
the 2013 Chennai match Carlsen played 10 Re1.} b6 {The best reaction to Re2,
in my opinion. Threatening Ba6 forces the rook to move again, since White
doesn't want to exchange light squared bishops immediately.} (10... Nf5 {To
illustrate the idea, consider the following moves} 11. c3 d5 12. Bf4 Be6 13.
Nd2 c6 14. Nf3 Qd7 15. Qd2 Nd6 16. Rae1 {Of course, play of both sides was
sub-optimal (White can probably first grab space on the kingside), but Re2!?
is very interesting idea in the position.}) 11. Re1 Re8 (11... Bb7 $5 {Maybe
was more precise}) 12. Bf4 $1 {[pgndiagram]Excellent move. Because of the move
b6 White can afford to play this developing move without worrying about d4.
That is some very deep 21st century opening subtlety.} Rxe1 13. Qxe1 Qe7 (13...
Bxd4 $4 {Would of course be very hard to expect in the World Championship
match.} 14. Bxd6 {And White wins.} cxd6 (14... Bxb2 {Also doesn't help} 15.
Bxc7 Qf8 16. Nd2 Bxa1 17. Qxa1 {With a won endgame for White}) 15. Qe4 Bxb2 16.
Qxa8) 14. Nc3 Bb7 15. Qxe7 Bxe7 {And for the third time in the match we have a
queenless endgame practically directly out of opening. White has a slight
advantage because his pieces are slightly better coordinated and he has more
space. However, Black doesn't have any weaknesses.} 16. a4 {Gaining more space
and threatening a5} a6 (16... h6 {To demonstrate that a5 is not something
Balck should allow, let's make a random move} 17. a5 {And suddenly it is not
easy for Black to make a move} Ne8 18. Nb5 {[pgndiagram]With unpleasant
pressure} Bd8 19. a6 Bc6 20. Re1 d5 21. Nc3) 17. g3 {I am not certain that
light squared bishop exchange is something White should aim for} (17. Bd3 g6
18. Re1 Bf6 19. Be5 {But probably this is also not much for White} Re8 20. Re3)
17... g5 {Now Black clearly equalizes} 18. Bxd6 Bxd6 19. Bg2 Bxg2 20. Kxg2 f5 {
I've commented the position somewhere around this moment with some Croatian
chessplayers and almost everybody was expecting a very quick draw and
expressing extreme boredom with the match course. I have to admit I even
started writing another lamenting post about how little interesting happens in
the match. Oh how i was wrong} 21. Nd5 Kf7 22. Ne3 Kf6 23. Nc4 Bf8 {
[pgndiagram]The last couple of moves haven't changed the evaluation of
position. The situation is similar a in the first game, where Carlsen's knight
is slightly superior to it's bishop's counterpart, but things should peter to
a draw quickly.} 24. Re1 Rd8 (24... d5 {Karjakin said after the game that he
should have played this immediatelly. And indeed, this makes Black's task
somewhat easier. Karjakin said he didn't consider 25 f4 properly} 25. Ne5 Bd6 {
And now} 26. f4 gxf4 27. gxf4 Rg8+ 28. Kf2 {[pgndiagram] And with the control
of the g-file, Black is equal}) 25. f4 $5 gxf4 26. gxf4 b5 {Good move, kicking
the knight and opening the a-file} (26... d5 27. Ne5 Bd6 28. Re3 {[pgndiagram]
Now White manages to swing his rook and stand slightly better, although here
also Black should probably equalize.}) 27. axb5 axb5 28. Ne3 c6 29. Kf3 Ra8 30.
Rg1 Ra2 $6 {First step in the wrong direction. Instead of being "active, Black
should have prefered Bh6.} (30... Bh6 {Preventing Rg5 and Rg8 and things
quickly peter to a draw.} 31. Rg3 Ra4 32. Rh3 Kg6 33. Rg3+ Kf6) 31. b3 c5 {
[pgndiagram]Mistakes come in pairs. This display of activity might have
backfired} 32. Rg8 $5 {More precise then Rg5} (32. Rg5 cxd4 33. Rxf5+ Kg7 34.
Ng4 b4 35. Rd5 d6 36. Rxd4 Rxc2 37. Rxb4 {[pgndiagram] And here White has less
chances.}) 32... Kf7 (32... Be7 33. d5 d6 34. Rh8 Kg6 35. Rb8 b4 {[pgndiagram]
Is unpleasant because black's bishop is severely restricted. However that
might have been better than to give a pawn}) 33. Rg2 cxd4 (33... Kf6 34. dxc5
Bxc5) 34. Nxf5 {Now the d4 is falling} d3 (34... Bc5 35. Ke4) 35. cxd3 Ra1 36.
Nd4 b4 {[pgndiagram] For a beginner it would seem that everything is clear.
Good knight and a pawn up. However, White's pawns are really weak, and Black
has some counterplay.} 37. Rg5 {The rook is most active along the 5th file} Rb1
38. Rf5+ Ke8 39. Rb5 {Karjakin was in time trouble prior to time control. Rh1
was best here, to win a pawn back, or tie White's rook. However, that would
have allowed White's pieces to activate} Rf1+ $2 {It is very easy to criticize
behind the keyboard, but this reminds me of a
"patzer-sees-check-patzer-gives-check", since this only improves white king.} (
39... Rh1 40. Ke4 Rxh2 41. Rb8+ Kf7 42. Rb7 Ke8 43. Nf3 {[pgndiagram] And
White has some chances}) 40. Ke4 Re1+ 41. Kf5 {After time control White is
seriously better now} Rd1 42. Re5+ $6 (42. Rb8+ $1 {And wherever the king goes,
it allows the knight redeployment.} Ke7 (42... Kf7 43. Nf3 {[pgndiagram] And
the pawn is taboo}) 43. Ke4 Re1+ 44. Kd5 Rf1 45. Nf5+ Kf7 46. Ke4 Re1+ 47. Ne3
{[pgndiagram]}) 42... Kf7 43. Rd5 Rxd3 (43... Ke7 $5 {Just keep the d pawns})
44. Rxd7+ Ke8 45. Rd5 Rh3 {[pgndiagram]From here up to the critical moment I
will give only a few brief comments on a couple of moves since now a
protracted maneuvering phase follows.} 46. Re5+ Kf7 47. Re2 Bg7 48. Nc6 Rh5+ (
48... Rxb3 $4 {[pgndiagram] The pawn is taboo and Black has to be careful a bit
} 49. Nd8+ Kg8 50. Re8+ Bf8 51. Ne6 {Is winning for White.}) 49. Kg4 Rc5 50.
Nd8+ (50. Nxb4 {Doesn't help} Rb5 51. Re4 h5+ 52. Kf3 Bf8 {And Black
eliminates the b-pawn, leaving a clear equality on the boad} 53. Nd3 Rxb3 {
[pgndiagram]}) 50... Kg6 51. Ne6 h5+ 52. Kf3 Rc3+ 53. Ke4 Bf6 54. Re3 {Up to
here Karjakin has slightly managed to reduce White's winning potential.} h4 {
[pgndiagram]Not neccessary.} (54... Rc2 55. h3 Kf7) 55. h3 (55. Nf8+ Kf7 56.
Nd7 {With Ne5 would improve the knight position a bit}) 55... Rc1 56. Nf8+ (56.
f5+ Kf7) 56... Kf7 57. Nd7 Ke6 58. Nb6 (58. Ne5 Bxe5 59. fxe5 {Is drawn}) 58...
Rd1 59. f5+ Kf7 60. Nc4 Rd4+ 61. Kf3 Bg5 $6 {This is probably the first bad
step(although far from obvious) which proves how difficult this "simple"
positions are.} (61... Kg7 {[pgndiagram] And it is hard for White to make some
progress.}) 62. Re4 Rd3+ 63. Kg4 {This tempo on the bishop is very important
and result of the 61th move.} Rg3+ 64. Kh5 Be7 $6 {[pgndiagram]The second bad
move, after which it is probably impossible to save the game any longer} (64...
Bd8 {Is something noone mentioned, and computer also ignored it at first. I
simply played it because I wondered what happens if i remove the bishop away
from attack. The long computer variation ends in a rook and knight vs rook
drawn position} 65. Nd6+ (65. Ne5+ Kf6 {And Kxf5 doesn't leave the bishop
hanging}) 65... Kg7 66. Re8 Bf6 67. Ne4 Rxh3 68. Rb8 Bc3 69. Rb7+ Kf8 70. Ng5
Rd3 71. f6 Bxf6 72. Nh7+ Ke8 73. Nxf6+ Kd8 74. Rxb4 h3 {[pgndiagram]} 75. Kg5
h2 76. Rh4) 65. Ne5+ Kf6 66. Ng4+ Kf7 67. Re6 $1 (67. f6 Bxf6 68. Rf4 Rxh3 69.
Rxf6+ Ke7 {[pgndiagram] Is drawn}) 67... Rxh3 68. Ne5+ Kg7 69. Rxe7+ Kf6 70.
Nc6 $2 {The first critical moment where Carlsen misses the win. The winning
idea consists of defending the b pawn with the knight from a secure position
while controlling the h pawn.} (70. Re8 $1 {[pgndiagram] Is far from obvious}
Kxf5 (70... Rxb3 71. Kg4 Rg3+ 72. Kf4 b3 {And here computer announces mate in
8, so we should probably believe him.}) 71. Nc6 Rh1 (71... Rc3 72. Nd4+ Kf6 73.
Kxh4 {[pgndiagram] And the knight is secure}) 72. Nd4+ Kf4 73. Re2 h3 74. Kh4
h2 75. Ne6+ Kf3 76. Rb2 Ke4 77. Nc5+ Kd5 78. Na4 Rd1 79. Rxh2 Rd4+ 80. Kg5 Rd3
81. Rb2 {[pgndiagram] And this, approximately 11 move variation, finished in
one of the possible winning constructions for White}) 70... Kxf5 $2 {Returning
the favour.} (70... Rc3 {Was relatively simple draw.} 71. Re6+ Kxf5 72. Nd4+
Kf4 73. Kxh4 Rd3) 71. Na5 Rh1 72. Rb7 $2 {[pgndiagram] The final mistake,
after which there is no going back.} (72. Rf7+ {After 7 hours it is not easy
to see the study-like winning idea. Carlsen said at the press-conference
afterwards that he didn't see a clear win.} Ke6 {The move that allows the
afore mentioned study-like idea, however all other moves lose as well.} 73. Rf2
h3 74. Kh4 Ra1 75. Nb7 Ra3 76. Rh2 {[pgndiagram]And the b pawn is indirectly
defended by knight.}) 72... Ra1 73. Rb5+ Kf4 74. Rxb4+ (74. Kxh4 $4 {It is
never too late to lose a chess game} Rh1#) 74... Kg3 75. Rg4+ Kf2 76. Nc4 h3
77. Rh4 Kg3 78. Rg4+ Kf2 {And here the draw was agreed. A fascinating struggle
at the highest level.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Five"]
[Site "0:25:33-0:13:33"]
[Date "2016.11.17"]
[Round "5"]
[White "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C54"]
[PlyCount "102"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 {It was expected that this move will appear in the
course of the match. The Italian game was revived recently as a way for e4
player to avoid the Berlin defence.} Bc5 4. O-O {To be honest, I am not
familiar with all the subtleties and move orders in this opening. I think they
avoid early c3 because it allows Black to go d5 fast} (4. c3 Nf6 5. d3 O-O 6.
O-O d5 7. exd5 Nxd5 {[pgndiagram]Although here White has good results recently}
) 4... Nf6 5. d3 O-O 6. a4 d6 7. c3 a6 {The tabiya of the variation. Black
takes a moment to place his bishop to a7. Some time ago I tried analyzing the
Italian game for White, but I was unable to find a clear way to advantage.} 8.
b4 {The computer's first suggestion and one of the moves i looked at during
the aforementioned analysis.} (8. Bg5 {[pgndiagram] I think I have read
something that this pin is not so harmless as it was initially though.} h6 9.
Bh4 g5 10. Bg3 {There were many games where White sacrificed on g5} (10. Nxg5 {
[pgndiagram] And the play is extremely interesting. The computer even prefers
White} hxg5 11. Bxg5 Kg7 12. Nd2 {Whiet plays for the long term compensation.
This position should be examined more deeply before venturing over the board.})
10... g4 11. Nh4 Nh5 {[pgndiagram] Is some sort of modern tabiya which looks a
bit risky for Black, but has been played}) 8... Ba7 9. Re1 {[pgndiagram] I
think that Black meets any move by White with the same typical reaction. Ne7 -
Ng6 - c6} (9. Na3 Ne7 10. Nc2 c6 11. Be3 Ng6 12. Bxa7 Rxa7 13. Bb3 Bg4 14. h3
Bxf3 15. Qxf3 a5 {[pgndiagram] And White is only slightly better. Of course
this variation is only approximate and play of both sides can be improved.})
9... Ne7 $5 {Typical maneovre in the Italian game. Knight heads to g6 where he
defends e5 and possibly jumps to f4} 10. Nbd2 Ng6 11. d4 $5 {[pgndiagram] I
have never considered this move, but it is quite logical. Black has removed
the knight which has influenced the centre, so White uses the opportunity to
advance.} c6 {This is a very cunning move. Black is making a useful move,
while making White to play something sub-optimal.} (11... exd4 {[pgndiagram]
Commentary of the move c6 may become more clear if we consider the position
with immediate exchange} 12. cxd4 Nxe4 13. Nxe4 d5 14. Bd3 dxe4 15. Bxe4 {And
now Black is forced to play c6 anyway} c6 16. b5 {[pgndiagram] The point!
White doesn't play h3 here, but goes for b5, with advantage.}) 12. h3 {
Preventing Bg4} (12. b5 {Can now be strongly met by} d5 13. Bd3 exd4 14. cxd4
Bg4 {[pgndiagram]And Black has equalised} 15. Bb2 Nf4 16. Bf1 dxe4 17. Nxe4
axb5) 12... exd4 (12... d5 {Wasn't that good now} 13. dxe5 $1) (12... Re8 {
[pgndiagram] I am not sure what is White's plan if Black just plays quietly}
13. Bf1 d5 14. dxe5 Nxe5 15. exd5 {[pgndiagram] With equality. White's
advanced queenside pawns need care}) 13. cxd4 Nxe4 $6 {This trick is met
really often with the pawn on e4 and bishop on c4 and is worth remembering.
However, I highly doubt it brings Black clear equality in every case.} (13...
d5 14. exd5 cxd5 15. Bf1 Re8 {Seems to me more solid}) 14. Bxf7+ $5 {I quite
like when White players do this in the Bc4 variation of the Modern defence
that I often encounter as Black. However the move in the game lets White with
a better position as well. I think it is better for Black to avoid the Nxe4
altogether in this situation} (14. Nxe4 {[pgndiagram]} d5 15. Bd3 dxe4 16. Bxe4
Be6 17. b5 Bd5 18. bxc6 bxc6 19. Qc2 {[pgndiagram] And White doesn't have much
here either, but at least Black has some weaknesses and it is hard to imagine
that White will suffer as Carlsen did}) 14... Rxf7 15. Nxe4 d5 $1 {[pgndiagram]
This is forced, since else White would play it} (15... h6 16. d5 $1) 16. Nc5 h6
{Preventing Ng5 is always a good idea} 17. Ra3 $1 {A very original way to
include the rook into the game} Bf5 18. Ne5 $6 {Faulty move. Carlsen probably
missed or underestimated Black's 20th move} (18. Rae3 {[pgndiagram] This would
have been a logical continuation of the plan} Qf6 19. Ne5 Rff8 20. Nxg6 Bxg6
21. Qd2 {And here White has only slight lead in development} Rae8 {[pgndiagram]
However, the evaluation is close to equality.}) 18... Nxe5 19. dxe5 {Carlsen
probably thought that this is the only way to play for the win} (19. Rxe5 $5 {
Was interesting again though} Qd6 (19... Bb8 {[pgndiagram] Is risky} 20. Nxb7
Qf6 (20... Qf8 21. Nc5 Bxe5 22. dxe5)) 20. Rg3 Raf8 21. Bf4 Be4 22. Be3 {
[pgndiagram] With somewhat the better chances}) 19... Qh4 $1 {[pgndiagram]A
good move, creating fresh threats on the kingside} 20. Rf3 (20. e6 $2 {Is met
by} Bxe6) 20... Bxc5 $6 {There was no need to hurry and give up the bishop pair
} (20... Bg6 21. Rxf7 Bxf7 {[pgndiagram]}) 21. bxc5 {Now White is again in
control. The structure is similar to game four and b8 is again weak. However,
the position is close to equal due to lack of tangible weakness and opposite
coloured bishops.} Re8 {[pgndiagram]The maneuvering phase of the games ensues}
22. Rf4 Qe7 23. Qd4 Ref8 24. Rf3 Be4 25. Rxf7 Qxf7 26. f3 Bf5 27. Kh2 Be6 {
[pgndiagram] Black is very solid and it is hard for White to create something
serious. His plan should include pushing the kingside pawns, which might leave
his king weakened.} 28. Re2 Qg6 29. Be3 Rf7 30. Rf2 Qb1 31. Rb2 Qf5 32. a5 {
[pgndiagram]I am not sure whether this was neccessary since Black's king is
quite safe now on the queenside} (32. f4 Qh5 33. Rf2 {And trying to go g4 with
the black king on kingside might have been a better plan} Bf5) 32... Kf8 {
Black decides to act first and moves his king to the blocked queenside.} 33.
Qc3 Ke8 34. Rb4 g5 {[pgndiagram] preventing any action on the kingside by the
rook} (34... Kd8 {[pgndiagram]} 35. Rf4 Qg6 36. Rxf7 Qxf7 37. g4 {And the
dissapearence of rooks might be considered an achievement for White.}) 35. Rb2
Kd8 36. Rf2 Kc8 37. Qd4 {[pgndiagram] Objectively the game should end in a
draw. But Carlsen is persistent this time which soon lands him into trouble.}
Qg6 38. g4 $5 {A risky decision before time control. Opening the h file will
benefit Black.} h5 39. Qd2 Rg7 40. Kg3 Rg8 41. Kg2 {[pgndiagram] I am really
not sure about last two moves by White. Kg2 is a blunder, because it blocks
the rook's path to h file, This move was the result of the wrong notation of
the moves. Let me explian. The players receive bonus time after move 40.
Carlsen apparently though that only this is the move 40. Even World Champions
make mistakes as this in time trouble.} hxg4 42. hxg4 d4 $6 {Objectively not a
good move} (42... Qh6 $1 {Seizing the h file, was simple and good for Black}
43. Bd4 Rh8 44. Kf1 Qh1+ 45. Ke2 Qb1 {[pgndiagram]Is highly unpleasant for
White} 46. Qxg5 Rh1 {And I would always rather be Black, especially in
practical game.}) 43. Qxd4 Bd5 $6 {And this is another slip, because it allows
White to counter on h-file} (43... Rh8 {Was mentioned by Karjakin at the press
conference} 44. Qe4 Qh6 45. Kf1 Qh1+ 46. Ke2 Qa1 {[pgndiagram] Karjakin said
he forgot about this move. Again it is very hard to evaluate, and Black has to
play two pawns down. Imagine White king escapes?} 47. Bxg5 {However, I am not
certain Black has that much here. Objectively} Bd5 48. Qf4 $1 {A key move,
preparing Qc1 somewhere in the future.} Qb2+ 49. Ke1 Rh1+ 50. Rf1 Qa1+ 51. Qc1)
44. e6 $1 {Great resource, ruling out Rh8} Qxe6 45. Kg3 {[pgndiagram] White is
still slightly worse, but next Karjakin's move changes that} Qe7 {With this
the last train for pushingtown leaves.} (45... Kb8 46. Qc3 {This is the
computer sugestion. The idea is to put the bishop on e5} (46. Rh2 Ka7 {And
White's position is highly unpleasant. f3 will come under pressure}) 46... Ka7
47. Bd4 Rf8 48. Be5 {[pgndiagram] And Black has nothing. But it is really hard
to judge how would the game unfold}) 46. Rh2 {Now the game quickly peters into
a draw.} Qf7 47. f4 gxf4+ 48. Qxf4 Qe7 49. Rh5 Rf8 50. Rh7 Rxf4 51. Rxe7 Re4 {
The first game in which Karjakin managed to rise his head and obtain serious
chances. Again my match forecast ( I must be really boring by now) turns out
to be correct. Carlsen after missing serious chances in games three in four
tries to "win by force" and almost ends up being punished for it.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Four"]
[Site "0:34:33-0:04:33"]
[Date "2016.11.15"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C88"]
[PlyCount "187"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Here we go. Again no Berlin} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O
Be7 6. Re1 {This time Karjakin goes for the "old" main line, without early d3}
b5 7. Bb3 O-O {An invitation to Marshall} 8. h3 {Nope sir, although this way
of avoiding Marshall doesn't rule the d5 break alltogether.} Bb7 9. d3 (9. c3
d5 $5 {Is a variation}) 9... d6 (9... d5 $5 {Is again possible here, although
with d3 instead of c3 it is favourable for White.}) 10. a3 {[pgndiagram] And
we have still reached something similar to the 2nd game. Black has many
reasonable options. Virtually every move is possible} Qd7 $5 {The 2nd most
popular move. Black connects his rooks and develops further} (10... Na5 11. Ba2
c5 {With typical Ruy play.}) (10... Nb8 {Along the Breyer lines is also
possible} 11. Nbd2) 11. Nbd2 $5 (11. Nc3 {[pgndiagram]My personal opinion is
that one of the advantages of not playing early c3 is the possibility to
transfer the knight via that square.} Rfe8 12. Nd5 Nxd5 13. Bxd5 Nd8 14. Bxb7
Nxb7 15. Be3 {[pgndiagram] Although with mass exchanges on d5 it is hard for
White to achieve something serious.}) 11... Rfe8 12. c3 {A rare continuation,
more often is the transfer of the knight.} (12. Nf1 Nd8 {Black can transfer
his knight as well.} 13. Ne3 Ne6 14. Nf5 Bf8 {[pgndiagram] With approximate
equality}) 12... Bf8 13. Nf1 (13. d4 $5 {[pgndiagram] would have been logical
continuation of the plan with c3} h6 14. Bc2 Rad8 15. Nb3 d5 {[pgndiagram] And
it seems to me that White's chances are existent} 16. Nxe5 Nxe5 17. dxe5 Rxe5
18. Bf4) 13... h6 14. N3h2 $6 {[pgndiagram] I don't like this move. The idea
is to go to g4, but Black is well prepared for this} (14. Ne3 {IS more logical
for me, preventing d5} Nd8 15. Nh2 {Only now} Ne6 16. Nhg4 {[pgndiagram]})
14... d5 $1 {Carlsen plays good chess and strikes in the centre immediately.}
15. Qf3 {The typical maneouvre in the Ruy, but Black is well prepared for this}
Na5 16. Ba2 dxe4 {[pgndiagram]This is good enough, giving White a e4 weakness,
that I will not even consider other escapades such as c5} 17. dxe4 Nc4 {I
think that it was here where Karjakin misscalculated.} 18. Bxh6 {This would be
a great move, if there wasn't a riposte by Black} Qc6 $1 {[pgndiagram]This is
what Karjakin missed. To my mind this is far from obvious, and i am not sure
how many players would find this.} (18... Nxe4 19. Rxe4 {Karjakin demonstrated
a nice variation here.} f5 $4 (19... Bxe4 20. Qxe4 gxh6 21. Ne3 {Leaves White
better}) 20. Rxc4 $1 {[pgndiagram] And White wins}) 19. Bxc4 $2 {And
immediately there comes a mistake. Karjakin was probably cursing himself for
not seeing 18 .. Qc6 and went into panic mode.} (19. Bc1 {[pgndiagram]} Nxe4
20. Ne3 {And nothing terrible for White is apparent} Ned6 {Svidler and Hansen
were analyzing similar stuff to this}) 19... bxc4 {[pgndiagram] Now all
endgames are bad for White. b2 is a chronic weakness} 20. Be3 Nxe4 21. Ng3 Nd6
(21... Qg6 {[pgndiagram] It was possible to retain the queens} 22. Nxe4 Bxe4
23. Qg4 Qc6 {But Carlsen's reply is good also}) 22. Rad1 Rab8 23. Bc1 f6 24.
Qxc6 Bxc6 {[pgndiagram] Once again we have a "queenless middlegame". Black's
chances are undoubtly better, his pieces are nice, he has a pair of strong
bishops, and b2 is weak. The plan for Black is to play on both wings, and use
pressure on queenside with push of the pawns in the centre and on the kingside.
} 25. Ng4 Rb5 {Another pleasing move. Black can go Bd5 or Rd5 in the future}
26. f3 (26. Ne3 g6 $1 {[pgndiagram]} 27. f3 f5 {Is strong for Black}) 26... f5
27. Nf2 Be7 28. f4 {[pgndiagram]Not wishing to be pushed of the board,
Karjakin tries active defence} (28. Nf1 Bh4 29. Ne3 g6 {Is highly unpleasant.
White can barely move.}) 28... Bh4 $1 29. fxe5 Bxg3 30. exd6 Rxe1+ 31. Rxe1
cxd6 {Exchanges don't easy White's position as Black is very active, and b2 is
still weak.} 32. Rd1 Kf7 {Now the king enters} 33. Rd4 {[pgndiagram]Attacking
c4, but Black has a tactical response It is always pleasant to see how top
level players manage to unite this little combinations with their strategical
goals.} Re5 {Threatening mate} (33... d5 {Would probably easen the grip a
little.}) 34. Kf1 Rd5 35. Rxd5 {Rook exchange is inevitable} (35. Rxc4 Bb5)
35... Bxd5 36. Bg5 Kg6 {Here comes the king.} 37. h4 Kh5 38. Nh3 Bf7 (38...
Bxh4 $2 {[pgndiagram] Would be to naive.} 39. Nf4+ Kg4 40. Bxh4 Kxf4 {Would
result in a draw.}) 39. Be7 Bxh4 {[pgndiagram] This was not strictly
neccessary, but it doesn't spoil anything.} (39... g6 {And again White can
hardly move}) 40. Bxd6 Bd8 41. Ke2 g5 {[pgndiagram] Now the kingside pawn-roll
comes} 42. Nf2 Kg6 $2 {As pointed by user "Eyal" on chessgames, this might be
Magnus' ultimate miss in the game} (42... Bd5 43. g3 g4 $1 {[pgndiagram] And
the knight is dominated} 44. Nd1 Bf3+ 45. Kd2 Bxd1 46. Kxd1 {[pgndiagram] And
now Black must be winning. Even Caruana tweeted about this variation}) 43. g4 {
I would always hesitate to push pawns in such a position, but Karjakin's
active defence manages to confuse Carlsen.} Bb6 44. Be5 (44. gxf5+ Kxf5 45. Nh1
{[pgndiagram] And with such a strong passer Black is probably winning (note
how black's two pawns restrict three white pawns on the queenside)}) 44... a5
45. Nd1 {[pgndiagram]Threatening Ne3, which would force f4, or taking on f4.
The critical moment of the game is reached.} f4 {This was condemned by almost
everyone. Magnus overlooked the possibility of the fortress, as he admitted
that he simply thought he has to breakthrough somehow. He will manage to get
his king on b3, but his bishops are unable to deal with the barricades on the
kingside by themselves.} (45... fxg4 {First, let's consider why taking the
pawn is bad} 46. Ne3 Kh5 47. Bg3 {And again there is a fortress on the board})
(45... Be6 {Most people claimed that bishop move should be winning. It is hard
to asses it however. This endgame is much more complex then it looks like. I
am not certain whether this wins. White has many options.} 46. Nf2 {
[pgndiagram] Most logical. Just waiting and asking Black what can he do} (46.
Ne3 f4 {Just wins the g4 and the game}) 46... Bd5 47. Bd4 Bc7 48. Be3 Be6 {
[pgndiagram]Now the threat of taking on g4 is real} 49. Kf3 {[pgndiagram] And
i don't see how Black can improve} (49. Bd4 fxg4)) 46. Bd4 {Now there is not
much to comment on. Position is drawn. It is always funny to look at the
computer's evaluation to see how it doesn't realize that it should be 0.0} Bc7
47. Nf2 Be6 48. Kf3 Bd5+ 49. Ke2 Bg2 50. Kd2 Kf7 51. Kc2 Bd5 52. Kd2 Bd8 53.
Kc2 Ke6 54. Kd2 Kd7 55. Kc2 Kc6 56. Kd2 Kb5 57. Kc1 Ka4 58. Kc2 Bf7 59. Kc1 Bg6
60. Kd2 Kb3 61. Kc1 Bd3 62. Nh3 Ka2 63. Bc5 Be2 64. Nf2 Bf3 65. Kc2 Bc6 66. Bd4
Bd7 67. Bc5 Bc7 68. Bd4 Be6 69. Bc5 f3 70. Be3 Bd7 71. Kc1 Bc8 72. Kc2 Bd7 73.
Kc1 Bf4 74. Bxf4 gxf4 75. Kc2 Be6 76. Kc1 Bc8 77. Kc2 Be6 78. Kc1 Kb3 79. Kb1
Ka4 80. Kc2 Kb5 81. Kd2 Kc6 82. Ke1 Kd5 83. Kf1 Ke5 84. Kg1 Kf6 85. Ne4+ Kg6
86. Kf2 Bxg4 87. Nd2 Be6 88. Kxf3 Kf5 89. a4 Bd5+ 90. Kf2 Kg4 91. Nf1 Kg5 92.
Nd2 Kf5 93. Ke2 Kg4 94. Kf2 {A fascinating game which proves how complex
endgame play can be. Fantastic.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Six"]
[Site "0:54:33-1:23:33"]
[Date "2016.11.18"]
[Round "6"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C88"]
[PlyCount "64"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {For the third time in the match, The Champion
avoids the Berlin in favour of the Closed variation of the Ruy} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5.
O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. h3 {And once again Karjakin avoids the
invitation to Marshall. Although this move doesn't rule out the d5 advance, as
we will see.} Bb7 9. d3 d5 $5 {[pgndiagram]Here we go. In analysis to game
four i mentioned that this move is possible. In my database this was first
played in the game Quesada P. - Nielsen P.H., Capablanca Memorial Elite 2007.
It is indicative because Nielsen is Carlsen's second.} 10. exd5 Nxd5 11. Nxe5 (
11. Nbd2 {[%emt 0:00:11] [pgndiagram] When I saw 9..d5!? I remembered the
brilliant game Ivanchuk - So, Tata Steel 2015 which went  Nbd2} Qd7 12. Nxe5
Nxe5 13. Rxe5 Nf4 14. Nf3 Nxg2 $3 {[pgndiagram] And Black went on to win})
11... Nd4 $5 {This move is also very well known in this position} 12. Nc3 Nb4
$5 {[pgndiagram] The point. Black's play revolves around weak c2 square. You
will see that in many variations that square is the key.} 13. Bf4 {Natural
developing move} (13. a3 Nxb3 14. cxb3 f6 {Leads to equality}) (13. Ne4 {
[pgndiagram] Threatening c3 is computer's first choice. It was played only 4
times in 2500+ domain, with White scoring 1 win and 3 draws.} Nxb3 14. axb3 Qd5
15. Nf3 f5 {[pgndiagram]And apparently Black has adequate compensation for the
pawn} 16. Neg5 Bd6) 13... Nxb3 14. axb3 c5 $1 {[pgndiagram] The novelty of the
game. Black seizes space and control of d4} 15. Ne4 (15. Rc1 $5 {[pgndiagram]
Is very interesting computer suggestion, defending c2 square and freeing the
queen} Rc8 16. Qd2 Re8 {And White retains some advantage}) 15... f6 $1 {
[pgndiagram]} (15... f5 {Immediate push was also possible. However, that would
leave the knight on e5 untouched. Control of central squares was probably
something Carlsen was trying to avoid.}) 16. Nf3 f5 17. Neg5 (17. Ned2 {Was
slighly more passive} Re8 18. Be5 (18. Ne5 $2 Qd4) 18... Bf6 19. Rc1 {
[pgndiagram] And the position is equal}) 17... Bxg5 18. Nxg5 h6 {[pgndiagram]
Black can easily parry the fork threat} 19. Ne6 Qd5 $1 {Fantastic preparation
by Carlsen in my opinion} 20. f3 Rfe8 21. Re5 (21. Nc7 {[pgndiagram] Doesn't
work} Qd4+ 22. Kh1 Rxe1+ 23. Qxe1 Qxf4 24. Nxa8 Nxc2 {[pgndiagram] I have no
doubt that Carlsen would find all this.} 25. Qe8+ Kh7 {[pgndiagram] And now
White doesn't have time to move the rook} 26. Rf1 (26. Rd1 Bxf3 $3 {
[pgndiagram] What a sacrifice}) 26... Qd6 $1 {Attacking the d pawn} 27. Rd1 Qg3
{[pgndiagram] And believe it or not - Black is winning}) 21... Qd6 $1 {
[pgndiagram] Another computer move. Black places himself into pin} 22. c3 (22.
Re1 Qd7 {And White knight doesn't have a square} 23. c3 (23. Nxc5 Qd4+) (23.
Nc7 {[pgndiagram] Doesn't work} Rxe1+ 24. Qxe1 Nxc2) 23... Nd5 24. Nxc5 Qc6 {
[pgndiagram] And in complications Black is better. Two White pieces are hanging
}) (22. Re2 {Defending c2, is better!?} Qd7 23. Nc7 $1 {[pgndiagram] Now this
move is possible} Rxe2 24. Qxe2 Rc8 25. Re1 {And White remains in control. The
knight is taboo.} Rxc7 $2 26. Bxc7 Qxc7 27. Qe8+ Kh7 28. Re6 {[pgndiagram] And
White wins.}) 22... Rxe6 23. Rxe6 Qxe6 24. cxb4 cxb4 {[pgndiagram] The
opposite coloured bishops and the pawn structure now lead to a draw.} 25. Rc1
Rc8 26. Rxc8+ Qxc8 27. Qe1 Qd7 28. Kh2 a5 29. Qe3 Bd5 30. Qb6 Bxb3 31. Qxa5
Qxd3 32. Qxb4 Be6 {[pgndiagram] And the draw was agreed. Impressive piece of
opening preparation by the Champion.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Seven"]
[Site "0:21:33-1:04:33"]
[Date "2016.11.20"]
[Round "7"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "D27"]
[PlyCount "66"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. d4 {In his 2nd White game in a row, Karjakin finally "changes hand" and
gives up the e4 move.} d5 2. c4 c6 {So, the champion has prepared a Slav for
this match.} 3. Nc3 Nf6 {In my database there are 14 games where Magnus has
had this position on the board. Last time he play the Slav was 4 years ago at
the Tata Steel Chess tournament 2012.} 4. e3 {This is the move he has
encountered most often. 9 times in 14 games} a6 $5 {[pgndiagram]But i guess
this must have come as a surprise to Karjakin. The last time Magnus played
this was against Ponomariov in Wijk aan Zee 2007. Almost 10 years ago.} 5. Bd3
{I think this is a somewhat rare move. With this move Black instantly
transposes in a position similar to Queen's gambit declined lines, where White
has played e3. I am not entirely certain, but I think that current state of
theory says that e3 variation of the queen's gambit is pretty harmless for
Black.} (5. Nf3 {Is much more popular, after which Black usually goes either 5.
..b5 or 5...Bf5.}) 5... dxc4 6. Bxc4 e6 {[pgndiagram] Black's plan is to play
c5-b5-Bb7 in the next couple of moves. I think that there is no way for White
to stop this and that Black will have no trouble equalizing.} (6... c5 $6 {
Immediate advance would mean a pawn sacrifice} 7. dxc5 Qxd1+ 8. Kxd1) 7. Nf3 c5
8. O-O (8. a4 {[pgndiagram] Is the only way to prevent Black's plan, but a4
move always leaves the b4 square weak.} Nc6 9. O-O cxd4 10. exd4 (10. Nxd4 Bd7)
10... Bb4 {And Black has equalised.}) 8... b5 9. Be2 (9. Bb3 {[pgndiagram]Is
more popular move. The idea is to vacate the e2 square for the queen.} Bb7 10.
Qe2 Nbd7 11. Rd1 {And the line continues.} Qb8 (11... Qc7 12. e4 cxd4 13. Nxd4)
12. e4 cxd4 13. Nxd4 Bd6) 9... Bb7 {[pgndiagram] I think that this position is
not dangerous for Black and that he has equalized.} 10. dxc5 {There is nothing
else useful for White.} (10. b3 {[pgndiagram] Trying to develop the bishop
would be met by the pressure on d4} Nc6 11. Bb2 cxd4 12. Nxd4 Nxd4 13. exd4 {
[pgndiagram] And he may only be worse.}) 10... Nc6 $5 {[pgndiagram] Again a
novelty by Carlsen. The champion seems to be excellently prepared.} (10... Qxd1
11. Rxd1 Bxc5 {[pgndiagram] This position should probably be OK for Black as
well, but in recent 2500+ games White has managed to score a couple of
victories.}) 11. Nd2 $6 {Similar maneovre occurs when the Queens are exchanges,
but here it is not so effective.} (11. Qxd8+ {Has a hidden point.} Rxd8 12. b4
$1 {[pgndiagram] It is not easy to find this at board, and moreover, since
even my Stockfish indicates it instantly, it must have been taken into account
by Carlsen in his preparation.} Nxb4 13. a4 Bxc5 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nxb5 O-O {
[pgndiagram] And the liquidation on the queenside leads to an equal endgame})
11... Bxc5 12. Nde4 Nxe4 13. Nxe4 Be7 {[pgndiagram] The opening has finished.
Black has equalized without problems. He has an advantage in development, a
little more space and no weaknesses.} 14. b3 Nb4 15. Bf3 O-O (15... f5 $5 {
[pgndiagram] Was an interesting move to try and fight for advantage} 16. Nd2
Bxf3 17. Nxf3 Qxd1 18. Rxd1 Bf6 19. Nd4 Rc8 {[pgndiagram] And here Black
retains some pressure.}) 16. Ba3 Rc8 $2 {[pgndiagram] But this is a bad move.
It is brave to criticize the World Champion, but this is uncharacteristic for
him. Instead of trying to utilize his slightly better position, he goes for a
position with opposite coloured bishops where he will be a pawn down.} (16...
Bd5 17. Ng3 Bxf3 18. Qxf3 Nd5 {[pgndiagram] Leads to equality}) (16... Rb8 17.
Qxd8 Rfxd8 18. Rfd1 {[pgndiagram] And here also draw is the most probably
result, but only Black can play for the win.}) 17. Nf6+ $1 {[pgndiagram]
Entering the tactical complications favourable for White} Bxf6 18. Bxb7 Bxa1
19. Bxb4 Bf6 (19... Qxd1 {[pgndiagram] After this Black wouldn't have to give
up the pawn. But he would still be somewhat tied up} 20. Rxd1 Rc7 21. Bxf8 Rxb7
22. Bb4 Bf6 23. Rc1 h5 24. Rc8+ Kh7 25. Rc6 Ra7 26. Kf1 {[pgndiagram] But even
in this approximate variation it is hard to imagine that he will lose.}) 20.
Bxf8 Qxd1 21. Rxd1 Rxf8 22. Bxa6 (22. b4 {[pgndiagram] Some comentators on
chessgames recommended this, but it is also doubtful that even here White has
anything.} g5 23. Bxa6 Rb8 24. Kf1 Rb6 25. Bc8 Kf8 {[pgndiagram] And i doubt
that White can win this}) 22... b4 {[pgndiagram] Entering the opposite
coloured bishop position with one pawn less. However, since black's b pawn is
controllin White's two queenside pawns, White is unable to create a passed
pawn.} 23. Rc1 {There is nothing to comment on from here. The draw was soon
agreed.} g6 24. Rc2 Ra8 25. Bd3 Rd8 {[pgndiagram] Black only has to avoid
playing Bc3 which would allow a4 in reply. While the pressure on a pawn exists,
there is nothing to worry about.} 26. Be2 Kf8 27. Kf1 Ra8 28. Bc4 (28. Rc4 {
[pgndiagram] Here Bc3 is possible} Bc3 29. a4 $4 {It is never to late to lose..
} bxa3 30. Rxc3 a2) 28... Rc8 29. Ke2 Ke7 30. f4 h6 31. Kf3 Rc7 32. g4 g5 33.
Ke4 Rc8 {From my point of view, this was the most dull game so far. After once
again displaying great preparation, which hasn't been considered his forte,
Carlsen avoided the most fighting continuations (which is considered his forte)
and satisifed himself with a draw.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Eight"]
[Site "New York, NY USA"]
[Date "2016.11.21"]
[Round "8"]
[White "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "E14"]
[PlyCount "110"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. d4 {After two e4 games, where he gained little against Berlin, and some
advantage with the Giuoco Piano, Carlsen returns to d4.} Nf6 2. Nf3 {No
Trompovsky today} d5 3. e3 {Avoiding the London System, the Torre or anything
similar and going for the Colle system.} (3. c4 dxc4 {c4 is much more common,
but it is a different theme. For instance, it allows the text move, entering
the queen's gambit accepted without early e4}) 3... e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 {
[pgndiagram] Magnus is avoiding c3, and preparing to develop his bishop to b2.}
(5. c3 {Would enter the pure Colle}) 5... Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Bb2 {[pgndiagram]
Both sides have free development and don't confront each other for the moment.
So, this is another typical Magnus opening. The goal is not so much to set
Black immediatey problems, but rather to simply get a game.} b6 {The players
have been following the game Nakamura - Gelfand, London Classic 2013 so far.
Gelfand chose to develop his knight first.} 8. dxc5 {But this is somewhat
unconventional and apparently a novelty, at least according to my database.} (
8. Nbd2 Nc6 9. c4 {[pgndiagram] Is much more common.} Bb7 10. dxc5 {This move
is a computer novelty.Apparently White has to open the long diagonal for the
bishop sooner or later.} bxc5 11. a3 Rb8 12. Re1 {[pgndiagram] And the
computer prefers White.}) 8... Bxc5 {This suprised me a bit. A second move by
the bishop. I am not certain why Karjakin avoided bxc5, maybe to avoid playing
with the hanging pawns.} (8... bxc5 9. c4 Bb7 10. Nbd2 Nc6 11. cxd5 exd5 {
[pgndiagram] But in my position the hanging pawns aren't weak in this
particular position.}) 9. Nbd2 Bb7 {[pgndiagram] Both sides have completed
their development.} 10. Qe2 (10. c4 $5 {Immediately was interesting.} dxc4 {
[pgndiagram] Relieving the tension is not the best for black.} (10... Nbd7) 11.
Nxc4 Nbd7 12. Rc1 {And despite the symmetry, White's pieces are standing
better.}) 10... Nbd7 (10... Nc6 {[pgndiagram] Was an additional possibility
here.} 11. c4 Re8 {Preparing for d4.} 12. Rfd1 d4 13. a3 dxe3 14. fxe3 Qc7 15.
b4 Be7 {[pgndiagram] And White retains a small plus}) 11. c4 $1 (11. e4 {Was
another idea} dxe4 12. Nxe4 Qe7 13. Rad1 {[pgndiagram] And White is hoping to
exploit his queenside pawn majority. But hope springs eternal..}) 11... dxc4 {
Again I am not certain if this was neccessary. Black reaches symmetry, but
White's pieces are slightly better places.} (11... Rc8 12. Rac1 Qe7 13. cxd5
Nxd5 14. Nc4 {[pgndiagram] However, after White exchanges, a similar position
is reached.}) (11... Qe7 12. cxd5 Nxd5) 12. Nxc4 Qe7 13. a3 $5 {Trying to
provoke a weakness.} (13. Rfd1 {[pgndiagram] Normal developing moves are too
routine} Nd5 14. Rac1 Rac8 15. Nd4 Rfd8 16. a3 Bxd4 $1 {[pgndiagram] A good
counterintuitive move in the position. Getting rid of the superfluous bishop
and vacating the c5 square.}) 13... a5 14. Nd4 {Aiming for the b5 square in
the future.} (14. Rfd1 {[pgndiagram] It was also possible to wait a bit.} Rac8
15. Rac1 Rfd8 16. Bb1 Bd5 17. Nd4 Ne4 18. Nb5 Qg5 {[pgndiagram] But again
Black has the play on the kingside}) 14... Rfd8 (14... e5 {Is the computer
suggestion, although it is a bit commital. It is also chasing the knight where
he wants to go} 15. Nb5 e4 16. Bc2 Nd5 17. Rfd1 (17. Qg4 f5) 17... N7f6 {
[pgndiagram] And black has reasonable play here.}) 15. Rfd1 Rac8 (15... e5 {
[pgndiagram] Is not so effective.} 16. Nb5 e4 17. Bc2 Nd5 18. Qg4 {And now
there is no f5, since Black has moved the rook away. This is what it means "to
get a game". These complex positions are very hard to understand.}) 16. Rac1 (
16. Nb5 $5 {[pgndiagram] Commentators on chessgames, and my engine like this
move. White is consistent in his plan and puts his knight on b5} Nf8 {Now this
maneovre is met strongly} 17. b4 $1 {The point} axb4 18. axb4 Bxb4 19. Nxb6 Rc6
20. Nc4 {[pgndiagram] And despite the symmetry, Black's pieces are somewhat
scattered.}) 16... Nf8 17. Qe1 {Somewhat artificial move, but anticipating the
knight g6-h4 route with attack on g2. Therefore, White prepares Bf1 to defend
the weak point.} (17. b4 {Is now bad} axb4 18. axb4 Bxb4 19. Nxb6 Rxc1 {
[pgndiagram] The point. Now black can exchange the rooks, which gives him the
time to play e5-e4} 20. Rxc1 e5 {And suddenly White's pieces are being chased
away.} 21. Nc2 Ba5 22. Na4 {[pgndiagram] And the most pobably outcome is draw.}
(22. Nc4 $4 e4)) 17... Ng6 18. Bf1 Ng4 {[pgndiagram] Suddenly Black's pieces
are getting really close to White's king} 19. Nb5 $6 {The first missjudgement.
White neglects his king's safety.} (19. h3 N4e5 20. Qc3 {[pgndiagram] And
after this not very natural move, the position should be equal}) 19... Bc6 $6 {
Opting for safety first, but Karjakin misses the chance to try for something
more} (19... Qg5 $1 {I am not sure if Karjakin even considered this} 20. h3 {
White's best reaction} N4e5 21. Nxe5 Nxe5 22. Rxd8+ Rxd8 23. Bxe5 Qxe5 24. b4
axb4 25. axb4 Bf8 {[pgndiagram] And in this approximate variation, White can
forget about winning forever}) 20. a4 Bd5 {[pgndiagram] Black won the b4
square at least} (20... Bxb5 $2 21. axb5 {Would only benefit White}) 21. Bd4 {
The tension in the centre is growing, and Karjakin decides to release it.} Bxc4
$6 (21... Bxd4 {[pgndiagram] Was a better exchange} 22. Rxd4 N6e5 23. h3 Bxc4
24. Bxc4 Nf6 {[pgndiagram] With equality.}) 22. Rxc4 Bxd4 23. Rdxd4 $6 {I
don't really understand this move. Carlsen is trying to keep the position
alive, but by creating imbalances in his position he doesn't achieve much, but
merely gives Black some targets.} (23. Rcxd4 {Seems more natural} Rxd4 24. Rxd4
N6e5 25. Qd2 {[pgndiagram] And White is slightly better, but more importantly,
there is absolutely no way he can lose this position.}) 23... Rxc4 24. bxc4 $6
{[pgndiagram] Naturally. Carlsen wasn't going to take with the rook. However,
this is objectively dubious, since White's pawns are quite weak now.} (24. Rxc4
N4e5 25. Rc2 h6 {[pgndiagram] Is dead equal}) 24... Nf6 25. Qd2 Rb8 26. g3 Ne5
27. Bg2 h6 {Making space for the king.} (27... Ned7 28. Na7 Qa3 29. Rxd7 Nxd7
30. Qxd7 {[pgndiagram] And here e3 is covered (see next variations), and
therefore two minor pieces are worth more than a rook.}) 28. f4 $5 {
[pgndiagram] Again being agressive, which doesn't spoil anything yet, though.}
Ned7 29. Na7 Qa3 $1 {This is a great move, and was allowed by White's 28th
move.} 30. Nc6 (30. Rxd7 {[pgndiagram]} Nxd7 31. Qxd7 Qxe3+ 32. Kf1 Qc1+ {
[pgndiagram] And Black has at least perpetual}) 30... Rf8 31. h3 {[pgndiagram]
Getting some "luft", and threatening Rxd7.} Nc5 {Now the a4 is a "gooner".
White has to demonstrate that he has sufficient play for it. Another important
point is that both players had around 6 minutes on the clock at this point.}
32. Kh2 Nxa4 33. Rd8 $6 (33. e4 {[pgndiagram], Was a possibility.} Nc5 34. e5
Nh5 35. Qf2 g6 36. g4 Ng7 37. Qh4 {Apparently White has enough play here.} Qe3
{[pgndiagram]} (37... Kh7 $6 {[pgndiagram] Would lose the f7 pawn, which I
wouldn't like as black here} 38. Qe7 Re8 (38... Kg8 $4 {Loses} 39. Rd8) 39.
Qxf7) 38. Qxh6 Re8 {With apparent equality.}) 33... g6 34. Qd4 Kg7 $1 {Calmly
walking into a pin, correctly judging that White can't take advantage of that}
35. c5 $2 {[pgndiagram] And this is going over the top} (35. Rd7 {Was still
sufficient to maintan the balance} Qc5 36. Ra7 Qxd4 37. exd4 Nc3 38. Ne5 {
[pgndiagram] And Black is too tied to the defence of the f pawn to push his a
pawn.}) 35... Rxd8 $1 (35... bxc5 {To understand idea behing c5, let's take
with the pawn} 36. Qd6 $1 {[pgndiagram] And White will win} Rxd8 37. Nxd8 {The
f7 cannot be defended} Qxe3 38. Qe7 Nh5 39. Qxf7+ Kh8 40. Qxg6 {[pgndiagram]
And White wins.}) 36. Nxd8 Nxc5 {Now Black is two clear pawns up, and the task
is rather technical. However, in time scramble everything is possible.} 37. Qd6
Qd3 $4 {While I was watching this life, I immediately remembered the game six
of the last Carlsen - Anand match, where Magnus blundered heavily and got away
with it. I couldn't believe that the history is repeating itself again.} (37...
Qa4 {[pgndiagram] Since White's only threat is to attack the f7, Black's move
prevents it} 38. Qxb6 Ncd7 {And from this point on Black is a clear passed
pawn up.}) 38. Nxe6+ $3 {[pgndiagram] Magnus finds this great shot in time
trouble.} fxe6 {Obviously, taking with the knight would lose the queen.} 39.
Qe7+ Kg8 40. Qxf6 {[pgndiagram] The time trouble has ended, and the draw
should have been the result.} a4 41. e4 $1 {This interference move was
probably missed by Karjakin earlier in his calculations. Now g6 falls} Qd7 (
41... a3 42. Qxg6+ Kf8 {[pgndiagram]Would be a draw i guess. If magnus would
have settled for it. He also has the option of continuing} 43. f5 Qd7 (43... a2
$4 {[pgndiagram] Is too optimistic} 44. fxe6 Nxe6 45. Qf6+) 44. Qxh6+ Kg8 45.
Qg5+) 42. Qxg6+ Qg7 43. Qe8+ Qf8 44. Qc6 $6 {[pgndiagram] A risky and
unnecessary decision. Magnus, after weathering the storm, continues to play
for the win. With such a strong passed pawn for Black, and potentially a good
knight, it was rather unneccessary.} (44. Qg6+ {And let's get on with the
match and play the next game.}) 44... Qd8 {Karjakin plays almost flawlessly
from this point on. Eyeing the e7 is good decision} (44... Qb8 $6 {Would
require more creativity.} 45. f5 Kf8 (45... a3 {Is now bad} 46. fxe6 Kg7 47. e7
{[pgndiagram] And White will win})) 45. f5 a3 46. fxe6 Kg7 $1 {[pgndiagram]
Another good decision, removing the king from the potential Qa8 check.} (46...
a2 47. e7 Qxe7 48. Qa8+ Kg7 49. Qxa2 {Would eliminate the dangerous pawn and
let White make use of the Black's king weakened position}) 47. e7 $6 (47. Qb5
$1 {[pgndiagram] Is an amazing computer move. The point is that Qb2 comes with
check now.} Nxe6 48. Qb4 Qf8 49. Qxb6 {And if someone has to be careful, that
is certainly Black}) 47... Qxe7 48. Qxb6 Nd3 {[pgndiagram]The knight is going
to block the bishop on e5} 49. Qa5 $2 {I think this is the first critical
moment.} (49. h4 {Activating the bishop immediately, was the last chance} Ne5 (
49... a2 50. Qd4+) 50. Bh3 a2 51. Qb2) 49... Qc5 {Now Black installs the
knight on e5} 50. Qa6 Ne5 {The culminating point of the game and possible of
the entire match.} 51. Qe6 $4 {[pgndiagram]Played after the 5 minutes thought.
Carslen either missed or understimated Black's response.} (51. Qb7+ {Giving
this check is probably the only way to stay in the game.} Nf7 {The only way to
continue for more} (51... Kg6 52. Qa6+ Kh7 53. Qb7+) 52. Qa6 h5 53. h4 Ne5 {
[pgndiagram] And now Black's attack is not that fast compared to the game
continuation} 54. Qb7+ Kf6 55. Qa6+) 51... h5 $3 {[pgndiagram] Played also
rather quickly (after some 5 minutes). To my mind this is an amazing move.
Black simply mates White out of nowhere. With such a weakened king. Kudos to
Karjakin for finding this. This is the only way to finish the game immediately}
52. h4 (52. Qa6 {To understand why this is such a strong move, let's simply
move the White queen away} Qc3 {Threatening Qb2} 53. Qa7+ Kh6 54. Qa6+ Ng6 {
[pgndiagram] And White is lost, for instance.} 55. e5 (55. h4 Qb2) 55... h4 56.
gxh4 Qxe5+ 57. Kh1 Qa1+ 58. Kh2 a2 {[pgndiagram] And Black wins}) (52. Qa2 Qc1
53. Qe6 Qb2 54. Qe7+ Nf7 {[pgndiagram] And White doesn't have any checks,
while the a pawn queens.}) 52... a2 $3 {Here Carlsen resigned, after
convincing himself that his position is hopeless.} 53. Qxa2 Ng4+ 54. Kh3 Qg1 {
[pgndiagram] And there is nothing White can do to prevent mate} 55. Bf3 Nf2+ {
What a spectacular and amazing finish of the game. This is the chess on the
highest level.} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game Nine"]
[Site "0:26:33-0:39:33"]
[Date "2016.11.23"]
[Round "9"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C78"]
[PlyCount "148"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 {I like this decision by Karjakin. He doesn't chicken after the victory,
but continues to playing principaly.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {So, for the 3rd
time in the match we have the Closed Ruy Lopez on the board.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O
b5 6. Bb3 Bc5 {[pgndiagram] A new variation. Instead of offering Marshall as
in games 2 and 4, Magnus goes for the Neo - Arkhangelsk variation. I think
that in modern times the move 6...Bc5 is played exclusively instead of the old
6... Bb7. It is curious to see what Garry Kasparov wrote about this in his
"Revolution in the 70s": "Apparently, Malanyuk was the first to conclude that
Black should not hurry with 6... Bb7, and he began emplyoing the improved
variation with 6.. Bc5" I am not versed enough into all the nuances to
understand why this is so to be honest.} 7. a4 {This 7th move is more rare
than c3.} (7. c3 d6 8. d4 {Is more topical} Bb6 9. a4 Bb7) 7... Rb8 {The main
reply to 7... Ra4.} (7... Bb7 8. d3 (8. c3 {[pgndiagram]} d6 9. d4 Bb6 {
Transposes to the main line examined under 7 c3.}) 8... b4) (7... Nxe4 $4 8.
axb5) 8. c3 (8. Nxe5 {[pgndiagram] Is the alternative.} Nxe5 9. d4 Bxd4 10.
Qxd4 d6 {[pgndiagram] And White's advantage is minimal, Topalov - Nakamura,
Norway Chess, 2015}) 8... d6 (8... Nxe4 {[pgndiagram] Is not to be advised} 9.
d4 exd4 10. cxd4 Bb4 11. d5 Na5 12. Bc2 Nf6 13. Re1+ $1 {[pgndiagram] A key
move} Bxe1 14. Qxe1+ Kf8 15. Qxa5 {With decisive advantage to White}) 9. d4 {
Occupying the centre and forcing a series of exchanges} Bb6 (9... exd4 $6 10.
cxd4 Bb6 11. axb5 axb5 12. Nc3 {[pgndiagram] It is better not to clear the c3
square for the White knight.}) 10. axb5 axb5 11. Na3 O-O 12. Nxb5 {[pgndiagram]
The typical position for this variation is on the board. White has captured
the b-pawn, but he is behind in development.} Bg4 {Exerting pressure to the
centre.} (12... Nxe4 $4 {Is never advisable in this variation.} 13. Bd5) 13.
Bc2 (13. d5 {[pgndiagram]Trying to save the pawn without concesion is second
possibility} Ne7 14. Qd3 Ng6 {But closing the centre has left the White light
squared bishop rather passive. Black can generate play on the kingside and has
sufficient counterplay.}) 13... exd4 {This is all still theory.} 14. Nbxd4 (14.
cxd4 {Was Giri - Nakamura, Norway chess 2015. Both captures are possible and
there is no definitive answer which one is better yet.}) 14... Nxd4 15. cxd4
Bxf3 16. gxf3 {[pgndiagram] The point of the variation. Black gives his bishop
pair and a pawn. As a compensation he shatters White's kingside structure. To
be honest, I am surprised that Magnus didn't go for Sicilian, or maybe even
French defence, in order to generate more imbalances. Because I think here it
is hard to play for win with Black. But then again, maybe it wasn't neccessary
to go all in with the Black pieces yet.} (16. Qxf3 Bxd4 {Is not advisable, of
course}) 16... Nh5 17. Kh1 Qf6 {Preventing f4} (17... c5 $6 {[pgndiagram] Is
computer's first suggestion, striking the centre before moving the queen to f6
and bishop to e3.} 18. f4 {And only now does the computer understand that f4
should be prevented}) 18. Be3 c5 {[pgndiagram] Striking the centre. But this
is still not new move} (18... Ra8 19. Rxa8 Rxa8 20. Rg1 Nf4 21. Bb3 {And here
Black should be okay, but Karjakin managed to beat Adams, Karjakin - Adams,
Baku 2008}) 19. e5 {The best indication that both players were still in their
preparation are the times: 1:39:40 for Karjakin, 1:39:40 Carlsen (they start
with 1:40:00)} Qe6 (19... dxe5 20. dxc5 {Is bad}) 20. exd6 {Only here did
Karjakin start to think.} c4 $5 (20... cxd4 {[pgndiagram] Would allow White to
keep on playing without any risk} 21. Bxd4 Qxd6 22. Bc3) 21. b3 {The player's
have been following the game Nakamura - Kasimdzhanov, Tromso Olympiad 2014.
Talking about the preparation} (21. Ra4 {[pgndiagram] Is computer's suggestion,
attacking the pawn immediately} Rfc8 22. Rg1 g6 23. f4 {But this just looks
risky and unhuman. And also WHite probably just doesn't have anything}) 21...
cxb3 $1 {The novelty and apparently the first choice of the computer. Black
doesn't philosophise, but just exchanges another pawn.} (21... c3 {[pgndiagram]
Is how the aforementioned game went} 22. d5 Qxd6 23. Qd3 {And White gained the
upper hand and went on to win. Nakamura - Kasimdzhanov, Tromso Olympiad, 2014})
22. Bxb3 Qxd6 {[pgndiagram] Magnus still had 1:40:00 left on his clock. Once
again he has reached probably equal position, but too be honest Black doesn't
have many chances to create some problems as well.} 23. Ra6 $1 {A good move,
preventing Bc7 with mate threats.} Rfd8 {I am not sure whether this rook
belongs here or on the c-file} (23... Qd7 {[pgndiagram] Immediately steping
out of the pin, was maybe a tad more precise.} 24. Rg1 g6 25. Rg4 Qb7 {The
point, the rook is not neccessary on d8 and black craetes double attack on the
rook and bishop} 26. Bc4 Rfc8 {With equality}) 24. Rg1 (24. d5 {Feels somehow
wrong, shutting the light squared bishop} Nf4) 24... Qd7 25. Rg4 {A nice
maneovre. Rook heads for f4 where he will keep the queen away from h-file} (25.
Bc4 {[pgndiagram]Intending to put the bishop on f1, is interesting} Bxd4 26.
Bg5 Rdc8 27. Ra4 {[pgndiagram] And suddenly there i Bxf7+ threat. But this is
too deep and inhuman}) 25... Nf6 26. Rh4 Qb5 (26... Qb7 $5 {[pgndiagram] I
still like this idea} 27. Bc4 Rdc8) 27. Ra1 {Defending the d4 by tactics.} g6 {
Creating some space for the king.} (27... Bxd4 $2 {[pgndiagram] Would be a
huge blunder.} 28. Rxd4 Rxd4 29. Bxd4 Qxb3 30. Qxb3 Rxb3 31. Ra8+) 28. Rb1 Qd7
29. Qd3 (29. Bg5 $5 {[pgndiagram] Would be a nice try.} Qf5 {The best move.} (
29... Bxd4 {Would allow sacrifice on f7} 30. Bxf7+ Kxf7 31. Rxb8 Rxb8 32. Bxf6
Kxf6 33. Rxd4 {[pgndiagram] And I wouldn't like to play with such a king, but
it probably is drawn nevertheless})) 29... Nd5 30. Rg1 {The position is still
"dynamically balanced", but Carlsen has to be careful, since the bishops are
exerting some pressure.} Bc7 (30... Qc6 {Not blocking the rook was interesting}
31. Qf5 (31. Bg5 Rd6) 31... Qf6 32. Qxf6 Nxf6 {And Black is probably around
equal}) 31. Bg5 Re8 {[pgndiagram] I am not certain whether this is the most
accurate} (31... Rdc8 {Preventing Qc4 might be more accurate} 32. Qc4 $2 Bxh2
33. Qxd5 Qxd5 34. Bxd5 Bxg1 35. Kxg1 Rb5 {[pgndiagram] The point. One of the
White bishops now falls}) 32. Qc4 Rb5 {A seemingly awkward move} 33. Qc2 (33.
Ba4 {[pgndiagram] Is seemingly winning on the spot, but Black has nice resource
} Qf5 34. Qf1 {The only move. Qxf3 is a real threat} (34. Bxb5 Qxf3+ 35. Rg2
Re1+) 34... Rb1 35. Qxb1 Qxf3+ 36. Rg2 {[pgndiagram] And what should Black
play now?} Nc3 $1 37. Qf1 Nxa4 {And Black is equal even with the exhange minus}
) 33... Ra8 $6 {Another indication of Carlsen's indifferent form} (33... Nb4 $4
{[pgndiagram] A nice variation was demonstrated by Karjakin} 34. Qxg6+ $3 hxg6
35. Bf6 {And Black gets mated}) (33... Rb4 {Attacking d4 might be the best} 34.
Qd3 Reb8 {And Black gets some serious counterplay}) 34. Bc4 Rba5 35. Bd2 {
[pgndiagram] Black hasn't accomplished much by doubling on the a-file} Ra4 {
Trying to destablize White's pieces before exchanging rooks.} (35... Ra1 {Was
immediately possible} 36. Rxa1 Rxa1+ 37. Kg2 {[pgndiagram] And it is
interesting to compare this variation to the one from the game. What
difference does it make whether Queen is on c2 or d3?} Bd8 38. Re4 Nf6 39. Re5
Bc7 40. Bb5 Qd8 {[pgndiagram] And here is the difference. With the queen on c2
Rc5 threatens the bishop on c7,} 41. Rc5 Ra7 42. Bf4 {[pgndiagram]} Nd5 43.
Bxc7 Nxc7 {And White is slightly better,}) 36. Qd3 Ra1 37. Rxa1 Rxa1+ 38. Kg2 {
The culminating point of the game.} Ne7 $2 {[pgndiagram] I think it is correct
to call this move a blunder. I think that it might have cost Magnus the match
and probably his title as well.} (38... Bd8 {Was one of the ways to keep
defending comfortably} 39. Re4 Nf6 40. Re5 Bc7 41. Bb5 Qd8 {[pgndiagram] And
when compared with the position with the queen on c2, the bishop on c7 is not
hanging. Therefore, Black can get his draw rather easily.} 42. Rc5 Qd6) 39.
Bxf7+ $2 {It is hard to criticise this move, but apparently it is not the best.
} (39. Qb3 {[pgndiagram] Was very unpleasant} Nf5 40. Bxf7+ {And Carlsen would
have extremely hard choice to face just before the time control.} Qxf7 {I
think this is better way to try and save the game} (40... Kg7 41. Rh3 Qe7 42.
Bg8 $3 {[pgndiagram] And White is winning} h5 43. d5 {But as svidler said,
"Good luck finding this at the board"}) 41. Qxf7+ Kxf7 42. Rxh7+ Kg8 $1 (42...
Ke6 43. Rxc7 Nxd4 44. Rg7) 43. Rxc7 Nxd4 {[pgndiagram] And I am not certain
about the evaluation. Peter Svidler in his recap of the game said that with
the king cut off, the endgame should be convertible.}) 39... Kxf7 40. Qc4+ (40.
Rxh7+ $5 {[pgndiagram] Nice, but not the best} Kg8 41. Qxg6+ Nxg6 42. Rxd7 {
And White doesn't have winning chances}) 40... Kg7 41. d5 {[pgndiagram] The
point of the combination. White threatens Bc3 and Bh6 as well} Nf5 (41... Ra3
42. Bh6+) (41... g5 {Was crazy engine suggestion} 42. Bc3+ (42. Bxg5 Ng6) 42...
Kg6 43. Qd3+ Qf5 44. Re4 Ra4 {[pgndiagram] But it is no wonder why Magnus
didn't go for this}) 42. Bc3+ Kf8 43. Bxa1 Nxh4+ 44. Qxh4 Qxd5 {[pgndiagram]
Unfortunately for Karjakin, this combination has left him in a position where
he doesn't have serious winning chances} 45. Qf6+ (45. Qxh7 $2 Qg5+ {And
perpetual is immediate} 46. Kh3 Qf5+) 45... Qf7 46. Qd4 {[pgndiagram]
Naturally, Karjakin is entitled to play this position for a win, but I think
losing such a position at this level isn't to be expected} Ke8 47. Qe4+ Qe7 48.
Qd5 Bd8 49. Kf1 Qf7 50. Qe4+ Qe7 51. Be5 Qe6 52. Kg2 Be7 53. Qa8+ Kf7 54. Qh8
h5 55. Qg7+ Ke8 56. Bf4 Qf7 57. Qh8+ {[pgndiagram] White simply doesn't have
targets} Qf8 58. Qd4 Qf5 59. Qc4 Kd7 (59... Kf8 {[pgndiagram] Is also not
losing} 60. Bh6+ Ke8 61. Qg8+ Kd7) 60. Bd2 Qe6 61. Qa4+ Qc6 $1 {Only here did
Carlsen have to find the only move} (61... Kd8 $2 {[pgndiagram] Would be awful}
62. Ba5+ Kc8 63. Qe8+ Kb7 64. Bb4) 62. Qa7+ Qc7 63. Qa2 Qd6 64. Be3 Qe6 65.
Qa7+ Ke8 66. Bc5 Bd8 67. h3 Qd5 68. Be3 Be7 69. Qb8+ Kf7 70. Qh8 Qe6 71. Bf4
Qf6 72. Qb8 Qe6 73. Qb7 Kg8 74. Qb5 Bf6 {[pgndiagram] And finally a draw was
agreed. A fascinating clash where Karjakin played almost like a machine. But
to be honest, Carlsen's opening choice didn't leave him with many
opportunities to go wrong. At least that's my humble 2175 impression} 1/2-1/2

[Event "Game ten"]
[Site "0:08:33-0:04:33"]
[Date "2016.11.24"]
[Round "10"]
[White "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "C65"]
[PlyCount "149"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

{To be honest, I was anticipating 1 Sf3 at some point by Magnus, as Kasparov
played in the 24th game in the Seville match. But probably Magnus decided that
the "time" for such drastic measures hasn't yet arrived.} 1. e4 e5 {Of course,
there is no reason for Karjakin to deviate from the Berlin} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
Nf6 4. d3 $1 {I think that this is what Carlsen should have played from the
start, as the resulting positions are fully comapatibile with his style.} Bc5
5. c3 {[pgndiagram] For me it is always interesting to discover some nuances
in the move orders. White doesn't want to allow Nd4} (5. O-O Nd4 {Gives Black
this option} 6. Nxd4 Bxd4 7. c3 Bb6 {[pgndiagram] And from this position
Magnus lost his latest long time control game. Carlsen - Aronian, European
teams, 0-1. Probably it was noted by Karjakin's team}) 5... O-O 6. Bg5 $5 {And
this is already very rare.} (6. O-O {Is much more often} d6 7. Bg5 {
[pgndiagram] Most often White players wait for Black to play d6, so there
isn't any Be7 available for Black.}) 6... h6 7. Bh4 {[pgndiagram] It is
interesting to stop and consider this position for a moment.} Be7 {It is
interesting to note that the bishop retreat was Magnus' choice when he faced
this position with Black in Shirov - Carlsen, Biel 2011. Also, here is his
comment: " Once the white bishop is on h4, this loss of tempo is considered to
be justified"} (7... g5 8. Bg3 d6 9. Nbd2 {Is how the game Anand - Topalov,
Wch Saint Louis 2005 proceeded. Topalov managed to neutralize the White pieces,
but probably Karjakin didn't want to commit himself with the kingside pawn
advance so early.}) 8. O-O (8. Nbd2 {Is how the aforementioned game with
Shirov went. Magnus won that encounter as well.} d6 {And White prolonged
castling, but I am not certain about that "subtle" method} 9. Nf1) (8. Bxc6
bxc6 9. Nxe5 {[pgndiagram] doesn't win a pawn due to a standard trick} Nxe4 $1)
8... d6 9. Nbd2 Nh5 $1 {A good move. exchaning the bishop and eyeing the f4
square.} 10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. Nc4 $1 {[pgndiagram]I like this way of maneouvering
the knight to e3 while keeping the centre static for the time being.} (11. d4 {
Was too rushed} Nf4 12. Re1 Qf6 {And black gets good counterplay}) 11... Nf4
12. Ne3 Qf6 {[pgndiagram] Maybe somewhat too cautious.} (12... f5 {Without
underestimating anyone, I think that many lower rated players would play this
"natural" move instantly I like it as well, opening the f-file and creating
breathing space for Black's pieces} 13. g3 fxe4 14. dxe4 Nh3+ 15. Kg2 Qf6 {
[pgndiagram] And Black has counterplay} 16. Qe2 Ne7 17. Ng1 $1 Nxg1 18. Rxg1 {
[pgndiagram] And in this computer variation White retains a very slight plus.
But the position is not a dead draw yet.}) 13. g3 $1 {Since white doesn't have
his light squared bishop, this might seem a little risky. But probably sooner
or later he would have to get rid of the strong BLack knight on f4.} Nh3+ 14.
Kh1 $6 {[pgndiagram] But this is indeed a bit too cautious} (14. Kg2 {Was
perfectly possible. Maybe Carlsen feared some Nf4 tactics in the future} Qg6
15. Nh4 Qg5 16. Nef5 {And White is better} Nf4+ 17. Kh1) 14... Ne7 15. Bc4 $6 {
Missing a very nice reply from black.} (15. Qe2 {Was probably better, due to a
deep computer tactic}) 15... c6 (15... b5 {[pgndiagram] While I was following
the game live on chessbomb, the computer screamed for this move to be played.
I didn't quite understand it, but it really isn't that hard} 16. Bb3 (16. Bxb5
Rb8 {Is the point. Black get's his pawn back and activates hsi rook} 17. Bc4
Rxb2 18. Kg2 {[pgndiagram] And Black's activity is worth at least for equality}
) 16... a5 17. a4 b4 {[pgndaigram] And Black has seized some space on the
queenside}) 16. Bb3 $1 {The idea of this move is to sidestep the d5 advance in
the future} (16. a4 $5 {Preventing queenside expansion once and for all, but
allowing the centre break}) (16. d4 {[pgndiagram] Was once again too fast} exd4
17. cxd4 Re8 18. e5 dxe5 19. dxe5 Qg6 {[pgndiagram] And Qe4 is anoying threat}
20. Nh4 Qe4+ 21. Qf3 Qxf3+ 22. Nxf3 {[pgndiagram] Balck is probably even
slightly better here}) 16... Ng6 {Both sides are maneouvering for the moment}
17. Qe2 a5 18. a4 Be6 $1 {[pgndiagram] A good move and a critical moment of
the early part of the game.} 19. Bxe6 $2 {Probably it is too harsh to
accompany this move with a question mark, but it could have led to a forced
draw. Which would be terrible result for Magnus at this stage of the match.} (
19. Bc2 {[pgndiagram] First of all, this simple bishop retreat would have kept
the game going} d5 {The logical continuation of Black's game.} 20. d4 dxe4 21.
Bxe4 Rae8 {[pgndiagram] And White is probably slightly better here. And more
importantly, a complicated struggle follows}) (19. Ra3 {[pgndiagram] Secondly,
the maneovre of the rook was the suggestion of both the engine and the
Gustafsson - Svidler commentating duo} Bxb3 20. Rxb3 Rab8 21. Nd2 {And White
is much better. Black probably shouldn't exchange on b3}) (19. Nd2 {
[pgndiagram] Finally, this is the move that Wesley so claims is the best in
the position} Bxb3 20. Nxb3 Rfe8 21. Rae1 {And once again White has good
prospects, Black has to be careful about the a-pawn and White will probably
advance in the centre sooner or later}) 19... fxe6 20. Nd2 {[pgndiagram] The
first critical moment} d5 $2 {Missing a very nice tactic and indicating that
nerves are also taking its toll on the challenger, and not just the champion} (
20... Nxf2+ $1 {[pgndiagram] This move is perfectly possible, as it would
either lead to a draw, or to a position where White would be "playing with
fire" if he was to continue.} 21. Kg1 {The only way to continue} (21. Kg2 {
Would run into} Nh4+ 22. Kg1 {The knight cannot be taken} (22. gxh4 $2 Qg6+ {
[pgndiagram] And Black is winning} 23. Ng4 Nxg4) 22... Nh3+ {With perpetual
check}) 21... Nh3+ 22. Kg2 Nhf4+ $1 {[pgndiagram] Karjakin said that he missed
this move in his preliminary calculations} 23. gxf4 Nxf4+ 24. Rxf4 exf4 25. Nc2
{[pgndiagram] And I think there is no doubt that Black shouldn't be worse here.
Of course, White has some practical chances, but I think that Carlsen wouldn't
risk this much at this point and would settle for a draw earlier.}) 21. Qh5 $2
{This time it is Carlsen's turn to go wrong and allow the challenger another
opportunity to draw the game immediately} (21. f3 $1 {Was very solid and much
more in Carlsen's style. From this point White can gradually improve his
position}) 21... Ng5 $2 {[%emt 0:00:20] Missing the chance to force a draw
once again. But too be honest this one was much harder to see than the one on
move} (21... Nxf2+ {[pgndiagram] Is perfectly viable here. However, the follow
up is not that obvious} 22. Kg2 {The only move} (22. Kg1 $2 {Is faulty due to
a knight fork tactic} Qg5 23. Qxg5 Nh3+ {[pgndiagram] And Black remains a
healthy pawn ahead}) 22... Qf7 {Threatening Nf4+ or Nh4 check} 23. Kg1 {And
now the key move is} Qf6 {[pgndiagram] While commentating live Peter Svidler
said that it is very hard to consider such a paradoxical computer move during
the preliminary calculations. Black simply threatens Qg5 and Nh3 again, and
there is no good way for white to avoid that}) 22. h4 $6 {Sometimes chess is
amazing. Instead of this obvious move, white had one much subtler} (22. Rae1 {
This was Svidler's find during the live feed (bear in mind that he was
analysing without the engine). The point ill be revealed soon} Nf3 23. Ng4 {
And now black must play Qg5 and play inferior endgame, because} Qf7 24. Nxf3
Qxf3+ 25. Kg1 Ne7 26. Re3 {[pgndiagram] And amazingly, Black's queen is trapped
}) 22... Nf3 23. Nxf3 Qxf3+ 24. Qxf3 Rxf3 {[pgndiagram] The crisis is over.
White has managed to get another position where play is "only on one goal".
Doubled e-pawns are a constant headache} 25. Kg2 Rf7 (25... Raf8 26. h5 Ne7 {
[pgndiagram] And now White can almost always win the exchange} 27. Nf5 (27.
Rad1 {With Nf5 or Ng4 next is probably eeven more precise}) 27... exf5 28. Kxf3
fxe4+ 29. Ke2 exd3+ 30. Kxd3 {[pgndiagram] And White is probably close to
winning, although a technical task still remains}) 26. Rfe1 $6 {Another slight
oversight} (26. Ng4 h5 27. Nh2 {Was probably better} Raf8 28. b4) 26... h5 $6 {
And again returning the favour} (26... Raf8 {[pgndiagram] Would earn some time,
because White would have to deal with the threat to the f-pawn} 27. Nd1 (27.
Re2 {Which is what Magnus probably planned, would enter into tactical counter}
dxe4 {I think that if Black plans to go Nf4, he should first exchange on e4.
The reason will be soon apparent} (27... Nf4+ {[pgndiagram] However, here the
machine finds the strong counter, so therefore taking on e4 is probably better}
28. gxf4 exf4 29. Nf5 $1 exf5 30. exd5 cxd5 31. Kf3) 28. dxe4 Nf4+ {
[pgndiagram] Now this works, since Black won't have the weakness on d5 after
Nf5} 29. gxf4 exf4 30. Nf5 exf5 31. e5 g5) 27... d4 28. Ra3 {And Black's
position is better than after what happened in the game}) 27. Nf1 {[pgndiagram]
Now everything is in order once again. White has alot of ideas. He can play
both in the centre with d4 and on the queenside with b4, when favourable
circumstances arive. More importantly, Black doesn't have any active
counterplay} Kf8 (27... Raf8 {Would only prolong, but not hinder White's plan}
28. Re2 Rf3 29. Ne3 R3f7 30. Nc2) 28. Nd2 Ke7 29. Re2 {[pgndiagram] There is
no reason to hurry I think} (29. Rab1 {Is something computer wants to do} Kd6
30. b4 axb4 31. Rxb4 {[pgndiagram] And here White has a pleasant position} Nf8
32. d4 exd4 33. cxd4 Ra7 34. Nf3 {[pgndiagram] And in this approxiamte
variation you can see that Black is very much on the defensive}) (29. Nf3 $2 {
Only not this move} Raf8 30. Re3 d4 31. cxd4 exd4 32. Nxd4 Rxf2+ {[pgndiagram]
And Black is winning probably}) 29... Kd6 30. Nf3 Raf8 31. Ng5 Re7 {
[pgndiagram] Black can only wait passively and see from which way will White's
punches come} 32. Rae1 {White is probing the e-pawn} Rfe8 {And Black defends}
33. Nf3 Nh8 $6 {Knight is heading f7 and then f5 potentially, but this should
be too slow} (33... Nf8 $5 {[pgndiagram] Is interesting, but to Black still
has problems} 34. b4 $1 {Emphasizing that Black has weaknesses both in the
centre and on the queenside} Nd7 35. bxa5 Ra8 {The critical moment} (35... Nc5
{[pgndiagram] Would run into tactical blow} 36. Nxe5 Kxe5 37. d4+) 36. d4 $1 {
[pgndiagram] Now when the Black has removed the rook, striking in the centre.
And probably collecting the e-pawn} Rxa5 (36... exd4 37. Nxd4) 37. exd5 exd5
38. Nxe5 Nxe5 39. Rxe5 Rxe5 40. Rxe5 Rxa4 41. Rg5) 34. d4 {[pgndiagram]
Carlsen choses the central breakthrough. It was doubted by the chess24
commentating duo, but there is nothing wrong with this move} (34. b4 {Was
possible of course} axb4 {There is nothing better though} (34... Nf7 35. bxa5
Ra8 36. exd5 exd5 37. Nd4 $1 {[pgndiagram] The key move} g6 38. Nb3 {And White
is in control})) 34... exd4 35. Nxd4 g6 36. Re3 {[pgndiagram] Preparing the
movement of the rook along the 3rd rank. Also going for the Re3-Rf3-Rf6
maneouvre in the future} (36. b4 {Was possible an almost every White move} axb4
37. cxb4 e5 38. Nb3 d4 39. f4 Nf7 {[pgndiagram] But here White ends up in an
inferior version of the endgame. e5-d4 probably shouldn't be allowed}) 36...
Nf7 (36... e5 37. Nb3 b6 38. Rd1 {[pgndiagram] The king in the centre is a
problem} Ke6 39. exd5+ cxd5 40. Nc1 Nf7 41. Ne2 {[pgndiagram] And Nf4 threat
is very dangerous} Kd6 42. Red3) 37. e5+ Kd7 38. Rf3 $6 {[pgndiagram] Again b4
was possible immediately, but Carlsen first wants to probe the g6 weakness.
However, this gives Black a chance to play actively for the first time} (38. b4
axb4 39. cxb4 Nh6 40. Nb3) (38. c4 {[pgndiagram] Is now not so good} c5 39. Nb3
d4 {And this tempo move is hitting the rook here}) 38... Nh6 $6 {[pgndiagram]
Natural and uncommital move, heading for the f-pawn, but nevertheless not the
best} (38... c5 {Setting the queenside pawns in the motion and grabbing some
space was good. White would have to forget about b4 forever} 39. Nb3 b6 40. Rf6
Rg8 41. Nd2 Nd8 42. Re3 Kc6 {[pgndiagram] And Black's position is much more
resilient than the one with the b4-a5 White pawn duo}) 39. Rf6 Rg7 40. b4 $1 {
[pgndiagram]Finally White plays this breakthrough} (40. c4 {In the given
position this was a possible path, because of the king position} Nf5 (40... c5
41. Nb3 {And now d4 is not gaining a tempo}) (40... dxc4 41. Rd1 {Wins the e6
pawn}) 41. Nb3 {[pgndiagram]} b6 42. c5 Kc7 43. cxb6+ Kxb6 44. Rc1 {[pgniagram]
And White is close to winning. Black has many many many weaknesses}) 40... axb4
41. cxb4 Ng8 42. Rf3 Nh6 43. a5 {[pgndiagram] White has managed to form the
ideal pawn construction. Black is confined to back two ranks} Nf5 44. Nb3 {
[pgndiagram] Black can again only wait. White's plan is to rearange his pieces
and deliver the b5 breakthrough under favourable circumstances. The time has
not arrived for that yet, though} Kc7 45. Nc5 {[pgndiagram] Weasley So was
very critical of this move} (45. Rc1 {So claimed that this would win for White.
} Kb8 (45... g5 {This pawn push was examined repeatedly by Svidler and
Gustafsson, but with the knight on c5. As we will see later, there they could
never make it work because of Nxe6 tactic. But it also shows that top
grandmasters are always looking for counterplay possibilities} 46. hxg5 Rxg5
47. Rf4 h4 48. g4 h3+ 49. Kh2 Ne7 {[pgndiagram] And White's position is close
to winning.}) 46. a6 $1 {After this he may well be right} Rc7 47. Rfc3 bxa6 48.
Rxc6 Rxc6 49. Rxc6 Kb7 50. Na5+ Ka7 {[pgndiagram] And this position should be
considered a technical task for a player of Magnus' calibre.}) 45... Kb8 (45...
g5 {Doesn't work} 46. Nxe6+ Rxe6 47. Rxf5) 46. Rb1 {Preparing the future b5
break} Ka7 47. Rd3 Rc7 {[pgndiagram] Black has to wait passively} (47... g5 $6
48. hxg5 Rxg5 49. b5 cxb5 50. Rxb5 Re7 51. Rdb3 Rgg7 52. R3b4 {[pgndiagram]
And Black is even more passive than in the game. a6 is also coming soon} Rh7
53. a6 bxa6 54. Rb6 {And Black is lost}) 48. Ra3 Nd4 49. Rd1 Nf5 {[pgndiagram]
Black has to keep his knight near f5} (49... Nb5 {Is preventing the b5 break,
but now the punch comes from the other side} 50. Rf3 Rg7 51. Rf6 {[pgndiagram]
And although here computer shows enormous advantage, I haven't been able to
find anything definite for White. Probably transfering the knight on f4 is the
best idea} Nc7 52. Nd3 (52. f4 {Is computer's suggestion, but I don't see how
White can make progress after this} Ree7 53. Kf3 Re8 54. Ke3 Ree7 55. Ra1 Re8)
52... Ree7 53. Nf4 Ref7 54. Nxe6 Nxe6 55. Rxe6 {[pgndiagram] With a won endgame
}) 50. Kh3 {There is absolutely no need to hurry. The stakes are high} Nh6 51.
f3 {Now White can aim for g4 or b5 or Nd3-Nf4} Rf7 {[pgndiagram]} (51... Nf7 {
Attacking the e-pawn, was interesting} 52. Nd3 Nh6 53. Nf4 Rg7 54. a6 b6 55.
Rc1) 52. Rd4 Nf5 {[pgndiagram]} (52... Rf5 {Was a possibility. White would
ideally avoid commiting with f4} 53. Re3 Nf7 54. f4 (54. Nd3 g5 {And Black
gets some counterplay at least} 55. hxg5 Nxg5+ 56. Kg2 b6) 54... Nh6 55. Ra3
Rf7 {And it is not clear how White intends to breakthrough} 56. Rd2 Nf5 57. Rb2
Nd4 {[pgndiagram] And b5 is impossible for the moment}) 53. Rd2 Rh7 54. Rb3
Ree7 $6 {It is very difficult to understand all the nuances of this position} (
54... Rf7 $1 {[pgndiagram] Was a better option. Black would like to play Rc6
after the b5 breakthrough. The move played by Karjakin doesn't allow that
since e6 would fall} 55. b5 {White should probably deffer this, but we will
demonstrate Black's idea} cxb5 56. Rxb5 Rc7 57. Rdb2 Ree7 58. R2b4 Ne3 {
[pgndiagram] And black has equalized}) 55. Rdd3 (55. b5 {Was now possible} cxb5
56. Rxb5 Rhg7 57. Rdb2 {[pgndiagram] And you can see how superior White's
position is compared to one after 54... Rf7} (57. g4 $5 {This is an important
moment. Here Black can met g4 by Ne3. When the White rook is on d3 Ne3 is
impossible and Black stands clearly worse. See analysis after 56th move} Ne3)
57... Ne3 58. f4 Nc4 59. R2b3 Rgf7 60. Kg2) 55... Rh8 56. Rb1 Rhh7 $2 {And
this is the decisive mistake White was waiting for. To me it is not even
remotely clear what difference does it make compared to the earlier play,
except that Black cannot put a rook on c file after b5} (56... Nh6 57. b5 cxb5
58. Rxb5 Rc8 {Is the point. Black would like to put a rook on c file after
White has opened with b5}) 57. b5 $1 {[pgndiagram] Compared to the position on
the 55th move, White's rooks are on d3 and b1 instead of d2 and b3.} cxb5 58.
Rxb5 d4 (58... Rhg7 59. g4 {And now there is no Ne3. Chess is really a
fantastic game.}) 59. Rb6 {[pgndiagram] Now e6 falls, and White is clearly
winning} Rc7 60. Nxe6 Rc3 61. Nf4 {[pgndiagram] It is instructive to watch how
Magnus converts his advantage} Rhc7 62. Nd5 {[pgndiagram] Carlsen takes a very
practical decision to exchange a pair of rooks and therefore clarify the
situation} (62. Rxg6 Rxd3 63. Nxd3 Rc3 64. Rf6 Ne7 65. Nf4 Rxf3 {[pgndiagram]
Was good, but more complicated and computer solution}) 62... Rxd3 63. Nxc7 {
[pgndiagram]} Kb8 (63... Rd1 64. Nb5+ Kb8 (64... Ka8 65. Rf6 {[%emt 0:00:05]
And mate in}) 65. a6) 64. Nb5 Kc8 {Moving from the pin} (64... Rxf3 65. a6) 65.
Rxg6 Rxf3 66. Kg2 {Very precise. Bringing the king closer} (66. e6 $2 {
[pgndiagram] It is never to late to spoil a chess game} Kd8) (66. Nd6+ {
Immediately is not so good} Nxd6 67. Rxd6 Re3 68. e6 Re4 69. e7 Rxe7 70. Rxd4
Re5 71. Ra4) 66... Rb3 67. Nd6+ Nxd6 68. Rxd6 {[pgndiagram]And now White
managed to put his rook on the ideal d5 square} Re3 $6 (68... Rb5 69. e6 Kc7
70. e7 Re5 71. Rxd4 Rxe7 72. Rd5) (68... Kc7 {Was the best defensive try} 69.
Rxd4 Rb5 70. Re4 Rxa5 71. Kf3 {[pgndiagram] And White should still be winning,
although some technique is still required}) 69. e6 Kc7 70. Rxd4 Rxe6 71. Rd5 {
[pgndiagram] Karjakin could have resigned here. The White rook finds itself on
an ideal square, defending a5 and attacking h5} Rh6 72. Kf3 Kb8 73. Kf4 Ka7 74.
Kg5 Rh8 75. Kf6 {[pgndiagram] Next is Kg7 and White will win. A game of
enormous significance, both for this match and for the chess history.
Exploiting the drawing chance on move 20 would put Carlsen in a desperate
situation, where he would have only two more games to save his title. However,
"fortune" follows the brave, and Magnus probably deserved to have at least
equal score at this point of the match. It will be interesting to follow the
two remaining games, since Magnus will probably get huge psychological boost
because of this result.} 1-0

[Event "Game Eleven"]
[Site "New York, NY USA"]
[Date "2016.11.26"]
[Round "11"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C77"]
[PlyCount "67"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

{In the last White game of the regular part of the World Championship,
Karjakin sticks to his main move.} 1. e4 e5 {Naturally, Carlsen also replies
with what he knows the best.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {And for the 4th time in
the match Carlsen says no to Berlin.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 {[pgndiagram]
Repeating the Closed Ruy Lopez from the games 2 and 4 and 6.} (5... b5 {In the
9th game Carlsen deviated and played the Neo-Arkhangelsk variation} 6. Bb3 Bc5
{But he experienced serious problems in that game}) 6. d3 {Karjakin once again
avoids the Marshall counterattack} b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3 {Repeating the variation
from the 2nd game.} O-O 9. Nc3 {So far everything as in game two. Karjakin
obviously had some idea in mind. However, Carlsen once again forestalls him
and deviates first.} Be6 $5 {[pgndiagram] A nice idea. Black offers a bishop
exchange which would ruin his pawn structure. But because of his mobility in
the centre and control of d5, he judges that it is not disadvantageous for him}
(9... Na5 {Would be repetition of game two}) 10. Nd5 $5 {A typical idea. White
refuses to go along with Black's plans, but jumps on the d5 square while it is
available} (10. Bxe6 fxe6 11. Bd2 d5 {Is apparently ok for Black}) 10... Nd4 $1
{Carlsen played this instantly. This move forced the exchange on d4, leaving
Black with a mobile pawn chain on the queenside. The player who played this
relieveing move most often was Peter Svidler. There are 3 games from 2013 year
in my database where Svidler plays Black in this position.} (10... Bxd5 {Is
not a good idea} 11. exd5 Na5 12. Ba2 {And White is simply better}) (10... Na5
{Would result in an inferior position for Black} 11. Nxf6+ Bxf6 12. Bxe6 fxe6
13. b4 Nc6 14. Be3 {And White is clearly better}) 11. Nxd4 {[pgndiagram]
Nothing else really brings any advantage} (11. Nxe7+ Qxe7 12. Nxd4 exd4 13. Bg5
Bxb3 {And Black has probably equalized. And he even went on to win. Ivanchuk -
Svidler, Thessaloniki, 2013}) 11... exd4 12. Nxf6+ (12. Nxe7+ {[%emt 0:00:11]
Would leave to variations examined after  Nxe7}) 12... Bxf6 13. Bxe6 fxe6 {
[pgndiagram] It is time to pause and evaluate the result of the opening. Black
has a doubled pawn on the d-file, but it is hard for White to attack it or to
play against it. Furthermore, after the potential d5 in the future it is easy
to get rid of that "weakness" On the other hand, White has a kingside pawn
majority. So he will play on that wing.} 14. f4 {Making a useful move while
keeping his queen on the starting square for the moment and retaining the
option of the quick g4 push} (14. a4 {[pgndiagram] Both Anand and Dominguez
Perez played this move against Svidler in the 2013} Qd7 (14... c5 {Was
Svidler's choice against Anand} 15. Qg4 Qd7 16. axb5 axb5 17. Bd2 {And he
immediately equalized}) 15. b3 c5 16. Qg4 Qf7 (16... b4 $5 {Is a possible
improvement}) 17. Bd2 c4) 14... c5 {[pgndiagram] Apparently a novelty of the
game. Black creates a "triangle" in the centre, and has ideas about pushing
further in the future.} (14... e5 {Is another idea} 15. f5 d5 16. Qe2 c5 17. g4
c4 {And Black's counterplay on the queenside probably balances White's push on
the kingside}) 15. Qg4 {[pgndiagram]Typical move for this variation} (15. Rf3 {
Is now met by} d5 16. e5 Be7 17. Rh3 g6 {And White' attack is nonexistent})
15... Qd7 16. f5 $6 {I think this is creating tension too early. White is not
sufficiently developed} (16. Bd2 Rf7 17. b3 Raf8 {Shouldn't pose Black much
problems either, though. It seems like whole variation is relatively harmless})
16... Rae8 {[pgndiagram] Black had sevelar ways of reaching equality} (16...
exf5 17. Rxf5 Rf7 18. Bd2 Be5 {Is probably most clear cut way to equality}) (
16... e5 $5 {Is also a possibility}) 17. Bd2 {Finally completing the
development. Karjakin prefers to keep the tension in the centre for the time
being} (17. fxe6 Qxe6 18. Qxe6+ Rxe6 19. Bd2 Be5 {Is equal}) (17. a4 d5 18.
axb5 axb5 {And Black has no problemos}) 17... c4 $5 {[pgndiagram] Sharpening
the play. Magnus sets his queenside pawns in the motion} (17... exf5 {Was once
again easy path to equality} 18. Rxf5 Rf7 19. Raf1 Be5) 18. h3 $6 {This is
probably a bit too slow in a position like this. White's idea is to defend the
queen and prepare the future h3-g4} (18. fxe6 Qxe6 19. Qxe6+ Rxe6 20. Bb4 Rd8
21. Rf5 {Is probably equal as well, though}) 18... c3 $5 {[pgndiagram] Trying
to set concrete problems for White.} (18... e5 $5 {Was another interesting
idea. Trying to close the centre in order to play on the queenside.} 19. Qf3
Rc8 20. g4 h6 21. Rac1 cxd3 22. cxd3 Qf7 {And after this approximate variation
Black should be slightly better. White's attack on the queenside is long in
coming}) 19. bxc3 d5 $1 {Carlsen probably prepared this move already when
considering 18...c3!?. It came as clear surprise to Karjakin, who now had to
consider multiple options and captures.} 20. Bg5 {Karjakin choses a save path}
(20. fxe6 {[pgndiagram] First of all, this obvious capture may lead to some
problems} Qxe6 21. Qxe6+ Rxe6 22. exd5 Re2 23. Rf2 Rxf2 24. Kxf2 Bg5+ 25. Ke2
Bxd2 26. Kxd2 Rf2+ 27. Ke1 Rxg2 {[pgndiagram] And it is not at all easy to
evaluate this position} 28. Kf1 Rh2 29. Kg1 Re2 {And the position is equal.} (
29... Rxc2 $4 {Would be terrible} 30. d6 Kf7 31. Re1) 30. a4 Kf7 31. axb5 axb5
32. d6) (20. exd5 {[pgndiagram] Would be very bad decision} dxc3 $5 {A great
move. It leads to same variation as immediate capture on f5, but it is really
beautiful. To be honest I haven't seen mentioned by either GM Hess in his
chesscom analysis, or by GM So in his chessbase analysis.} (20... exf5 21. Qf3
dxc3 22. Be3 {Would transpose of course}) 21. Be3 (21. dxe6 Qa7+) 21... exf5
22. Qf3 Qd6 {And Black has some chances to press for the win}) (20. c4 {
[pgndiagram] Finally, this move is also possible. White admits c pawn will be
lost anyway and gets rid of it right away.} dxe4 $1 {The only move for Black
that doesn't land him into a worse position} (20... bxc4 {Is now bad} 21. Bb4
Rf7 22. fxe6 Qxe6 23. Qxe6 Rxe6 24. exd5 {And now White is suddenly better})
21. Bb4 exf5 22. Qxf5 Rf7 23. cxb5 axb5 24. dxe4 Qxf5 25. exf5 {[pgndiagram]
And after the dust has settled, an equal endgame is on the board}) 20... Bxg5
21. Qxg5 dxe4 22. fxe6 Rxf1+ 23. Rxf1 Qxe6 24. cxd4 e3 $5 {[pgndiagram]
Carlsen avoids the immedate draw and tries to use his last chance - the passed
e-pawn.} (24... exd3 25. cxd3 Qe3+ 26. Qxe3 Rxe3 {Is an easy draw}) 25. Re1 h6
{Creating some breathing space for the king with tempo is always a good idea}
26. Qh5 e2 27. Qf3 {[pgndiagram] White has enough resources to deal with the
e-pawn} (27. Kf2 $4 {Would be a terrible blunder} Qe3# {And White gets mated})
27... a5 {Carlsen's idea is b4-a4-a3-a2-a1-e1Q. Of course, he will have none
of that} 28. c3 {Forestalling Black's idea} Qa2 $5 {The last try. White has to
reckon with Qd2 ideas} 29. Qc6 $1 {Precise defence that soon leads to
perpetual check} Re6 {[pgndiagram] There is no much difference in the position
of the rook.} (29... Re7 30. Qc8+ Kh7 31. Qf8 Qd2 32. Qxe7 Qxe1+ 33. Kh2 {
Would lead to the same perpetual that appeared in the actual game}) 30. Qc8+
Kh7 31. c4 {And now the draw is practically forced} Qd2 32. Qxe6 Qxe1+ 33. Kh2
Qf2 34. Qe4+ {And here the draw was agreed. Another very correct game by both
players where it was again Carlsen who brought the excitement at the board. He
seemed very confident after his win, but Karjakin also played very precisely.}
1/2-1/2

[Event "Tiebreaks game 1"]
[Site "0:02:33-0:08:33"]
[Date "2016.11.30"]
[Round "13.1"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "C77"]
[PlyCount "74"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 {It probably made alot of sense for Karjakin to stick to his main
opening move in the tiebreaks as well.} e5 {Of course. Magnus plays this
almost exclusively} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {And the dispute in the Closed Ruy
from the first part of the match continues in the tiebreaks as well.} 4. Ba4
Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3 {Karjakin once again chooses the a3-d3
setup} O-O 9. Nc3 {[pgndiagram] This position has been reached twice in the
match. In the game two Magnus went 9 ... Na6 here, while in the game eleven he
deviated with 9... Be6} Nb8 {Once again Carlsen deviates and goes for this
"Breyer-like" maneuvre.} (9... Na5) (9... Be6) 10. Ne2 {Karjakin goes for the
very controlled knight move.} (10. a4 {[pgndiagram] Was Caruana's choice} b4
11. Nd5 Nxd5 12. Bxd5 c6 13. Bb3 {And Black has equalized}) (10. Ng5 $5 {
[pgndiagram] Is Gajewski's agressive idea.} Nc6 {The simplest move. Black
heads for the weakened d4 immediately. This paradoxical move is very hard to
find over the board.} (10... h6 11. f4 {[pgndiagram] Is the point} exf4 (11...
hxg5 12. fxg5 {Is dangerous for Black}) 12. Nxf7 Rxf7 13. Bxf4) 11. Ba2 Nd4 12.
Ne2 {[pgndiagram] And White shouldn't have any advantage, Anand - So, Gashimov
Memorial 2015}) 10... c5 {Grabbing the centre. I think that after 10 Ne2 Black
shouldn't have serious problems.} 11. Ng3 Nc6 12. c3 {[pgndiagram] Black has
enough space, and I am not certain what White's plan in this position should
represent. Black has clear idea of playing on the queenside} Rb8 (12... a5 {
Was perfectly possible at once}) (12... Be6 {Is how the game Malakhov - Ding,
China Championship Teams 2015 went}) 13. h3 a5 (13... Be6 {Is not the best
move, since White manages to go b4 himself, hindering Black's play somewhat}
14. Bxe6 fxe6 15. b4) 14. a4 b4 15. Re1 {[pgndiagram] Black has simply
equalized} Be6 16. Bc4 (16. Bxe6 {Would only help Black, since it would
control the f5 square, and increase Black's pawn mass in the centre}) 16... h6
(16... Bxc4 {Is also not the best, since White can get rid of the doubled
pawns anytime by cxb4. Furthermore, the pawn on c4 can't be attacked, and it
only puts d5 firmly under White's control.}) 17. Be3 Qc8 {[pgndiagram] To be
honest, I didn't quite understand why Carlsen didn't go for more natural Qc7.
Edit: After analysing a bit, I think the point of this move is to have f5
square under control, in case of d5 advance} (17... Qc7 18. Nd2 d5 19. exd5
Nxd5 {And Black is OK}) 18. Qe2 (18. Nd2 {I don't see much difference in this
variation compared to Qc7} d5 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Bxd5 Bxd5 {And here also Black
stands well. Maybe slight difference is that here f5 square is under control})
18... Rd8 {[pgndiagram] Preparing d5} 19. Bxe6 fxe6 $6 (19... Qxe6 {Would have
been slightly better I think. Because after that d4 wouldn't have been
possible.} 20. Nf5 (20. d4 exd4 21. cxd4 Nxe4) 20... Bf8 {And Black is under
control}) 20. d4 {[pgndiagram] Now White manages to advance in the centre,
leaving him slightly better} bxc3 {This exchange is useful} (20... cxd4 21.
cxd4 exd4 22. Bxd4 {And the rook on b8 is dumb}) 21. bxc3 cxd4 22. cxd4 exd4
23. Nxd4 {[pgndiagram]} (23. Bxd4 {This counter intuitive move was interesting}
Nd7 {Taking on d4 is not good for Black, the White knight gains b5 and e6 is
weak} 24. Nh5 Bf8 25. Rac1 {[pgndiagram] And White has some pressure}) 23...
Nxd4 24. Bxd4 Rb4 {Now Black manages to stabilize, and his activity
compensates for his slightly weakened pawn structure.} 25. Rec1 Qd7 $1 {
[pgndiagram] Care is required. Attacking the a4 pawn is safe way to equalize} (
25... Qb7 26. Bc3 {Loses the a pawn}) 26. Bc3 Rxa4 27. Bxa5 Rxa1 28. Rxa1 {And
now dead draw is on the board.} Ra8 29. Bc3 Rxa1+ 30. Bxa1 Qc6 31. Kh2 Kf7 32.
Bb2 Qc5 33. f4 Bd8 34. e5 dxe5 35. Bxe5 Bb6 36. Qd1 Qd5 37. Qxd5 Nxd5 1/2-1/2

[Event "Tiebreas game three"]
[Site "0:00:33-0:07:33"]
[Date "2016.11.30"]
[Round "13.3"]
[White "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Black "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "C77"]
[PlyCount "76"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

{The final act of the play started with the fascinating struggle in game three
} 1. e4 {Naturally, Karjakin sticks to what he knows the best.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6 {And for the final time in this match we have the opportunity to
enjoy in the Closed Ruy Lopez.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3
O-O 9. Nc3 {[pgndiagram] This position can rightfully be considered a tabiya
of this match. The position was reached in games two and eleven of the regular
part of the match, and also in the first game of the tiebreaks.} Na5 {Carlsen
repeats his play from the game two.} (9... Be6 10. Nd5 {Was the game eleven}) (
9... Nb8 {Was the game one of the tiebreaks. Karjakin has been unable to prove
advantage in any of the given lines.}) 10. Ba2 Be6 11. b4 {[pgndiagram]
Karjakin is first to deviate this time.} (11. d4 Bxa2 12. Rxa2 {My opinion is
that this move order from the 2nd game is still critical and probably White's
best try for advantage}) 11... Nc6 $1 {And Carlsen immediately plays a novelty.
} (11... Bxa2 {In my database I have 4 2650+ games where this position has
been reached. All 4 games witnessed this bishop exchange before the knight
retreat} 12. Rxa2 Nc6 13. Bg5 {And White probably has some slight advantage,
although all 4 games ended in a draw.}) 12. Nd5 {As explained in the analysis
of the game eleven, White often jumps at d5 when it is available} Nd4 {
[pgndiagram]And this jump is also familiar from the game eleven} (12... Bxd5
13. exd5 Nb8 14. c4 {It is not a good idea to leave White with a strong pawn
on d5 and two bishops}) 13. Ng5 {The idea is to hit the bishop on e6.} Bxd5 {
Most straightforward} (13... c6 {Is also possible though.} 14. Nxe6 Nxe6 15.
Nxf6+ Bxf6 16. Be3 d5 {And Black is probably equal, although with the two
bishops White's chances are slightly better.}) 14. exd5 Nd7 {[pgndiagram]
Gaining some tempo on the White knight} (14... Nxd5 {Doesn't work} 15. Nxf7
Kxf7 16. Bxd5+ Ke8 17. Bxa8) 15. Ne4 f5 16. Nd2 {[pgndiagram]} (16. c3 {Was
not pointless, and maybe this intermezzo was a better move.} fxe4 17. cxd4 exd3
18. dxe5 Nxe5 19. Bb1 {And White probably retains some slight advantage}) 16...
f4 {Neccessary, to create an escape route for the knight.} 17. c3 Nf5 {
[pgndiagram] It is time to pause and take a look at the result of the opening.
White should probably be slightly better, because of the weakened light
squares in the black structure. However, Black has more space on the kingside,
and in the games with lower time control parrying attacks is considerably
harder then in normal over the board play.} 18. Ne4 {Perhaps it was better to
place the knight on b3, in order to prevent a5 ideas in the future} (18. Nb3) (
18. Re1 $5 {Also has a nice tactical point behind} Qe8 19. d4 $1 exd4 (19...
Qg6 20. Bb1 {And it's a pin}) 20. cxd4 Nxd4 21. Ne4 Nf5 22. Bxf4 {And White is
considerably better}) 18... Qe8 {Now the queen swings over effectively} 19. Bb3
(19. d4 Qg6 20. Bb1 {Now this is not pin due to knight on e4} Nh4) 19... Qg6 {
[pgndiagram] Now White has to take some care on the kingside.} 20. f3 Bh4 21.
a4 {Creating some play on the queenside} (21. Bd2 Nf6 22. a4 {Is very similar})
21... Nf6 {Bringing the last piece to the kingside.} (21... a5 $1 {Was
immediately possible}) 22. Qe2 (22. Nxf6+ {Is perhaps not advisable} Qxf6 23.
Bd2 Bg3 {And the removal of the knight allows installment of the strong g3
bishop} 24. Qe2 Qh4 25. h3 Qd8 {And I think only Black can play for the win in
this position}) 22... a5 $3 {[pgndiagram] To my primitive chess mind this is a
fantastic move. After ganging his pieces on the kingside, Carslen changes
direction and makes a pawn move on the other side of the board.} 23. axb5 (23.
bxa5 {Was inferior} Rxa5 24. Ra2 {There is nothing better really} bxa4 25. Rxa4
Rxa4 26. Bxa4 Nxd5) 23... axb4 24. Bd2 {A nice calm move} (24. Rxa8 Rxa8 25.
cxb4 Nd4 {And White's pawn structure is in ruins, while Black will regain his
pawn soon after the capture on b5.}) 24... bxc3 25. Bxc3 {[pgndiagram] After
White's precise replies Black still has a slight edge} Ne3 {Perhaps this was a
bit too quick.} (25... Bg3 {Was a possibility here} 26. Rxa8 {White has to be
precise} (26. hxg3 $2 {Is probably not advisable} fxg3 {And White is living on
the edge} 27. Rxa8 Rxa8 28. Ra1 Rxa1+ 29. Bxa1 Qh6 {And he will most probably
have to give back the piece on g3}) 26... Rxa8 27. Ra1 Rxa1+ 28. Bxa1 Nxe4 29.
dxe4 Qh5 30. h3 Ne3 {And at the end, Black still has some slight advantage})
26. Rfc1 Rxa1 27. Rxa1 Qe8 {[pgndiagram] Striking the b5} 28. Bc4 Kh8 {Moving
out of the way, so that the knight is not pinned once it captures on d5} (28...
Nfxd5 {Is too hasty} 29. Qa2 Qf7 {And Black doesn't have an advantage}) 29.
Nxf6 {Removing the threat to the d5 pawn in the more radical way.} (29. Qa2 {
Defending the d5 pawn was another possibility} Qg6 {Black can continue to play
for compensation} 30. Kh1 Rb8) 29... Bxf6 $5 {[pgndiagram] According to the
computer this is not the best move. But I think that this is the move that won
Carlsen.. the match.} (29... gxf6 {Opening the g-file, with the pressure on g2,
is better from the chess truth perspective} 30. Kh1 {This is suboptimal move,
but I think it is instructive to see how precise White has to be. He probably
has to find the series of only moves.} (30. Bd2 {Is the best chance} Nc2 31.
Ra7 Nd4 32. Qf1 Nxb5 {Although even here Black has serious winning chances})
30... Rg8 31. Rg1 Bg3 {And Black is winning}) 30. Ra3 {Defending the bishop} e4
$3 {[pgndiagram] To my mind this is an amazing move. Such a pawn breakthrough
is surely unpleasant to face when already low on time. Black simply gives up a
pawn for a complete Black square domination. Objectively position is still
equal, but now White has to find some precise move in order not to lose, while
Black is hardly risking anything.} 31. dxe4 Bxc3 32. Rxc3 Qe5 {[pgndiagram]
The difference in activity of the pieces compensates for the material deficit.}
33. Rc1 $6 (33. Qd2 {Was probably easier} Ra8 34. Bf1 Ra1 35. Rc1 h6 {And the
position is probably equal}) 33... Ra8 34. h3 $6 {Karjakin makes the most
obvious moves} (34. Qd2 Ra1 35. Bf1 g5 {And Black can play forever, but
White's position shouldn't be breachable}) 34... h6 35. Kh2 Qd4 36. Qe1 $6 {
[pgndiagram] And only this can be called a mistake. Because after this move
White's defensive task becomes much more hard} (36. Bd3 Ra1 37. Rxa1 Qxa1 38.
Qd2 {And White is very much in the game}) 36... Qb2 {Now it suddenly gets very
unpleasant.} 37. Bf1 Ra2 38. Rxc7 $4 {[pgndiagram] And White cracks under the
tension and commits a decisive blunder.} (38. Rb1 {Was now aboslutely
neccessary.} Qf6 {The idea is to go Qg5 next. White has to find only moves to
survive.} 39. Be2 {Even Peter Svidler in his commentary said that this
self-pinning move is very hard to find over the board. Especially in a rapid
game}) 38... Ra1 {And suddenly it is game over as White loses material.} 0-1

[Event "Tiebreaks game four"]
[Site "0:01:33-0:00:33"]
[Date "2016.11.30"]
[Round "13.4"]
[White "Magnus Carlsen"]
[Black "Sergey Karjakin"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "B55"]
[PlyCount "99"]
[EventDate "2016.11.11"]

1. e4 {It seems like the number of 1 e4 games in this match confirms the
Fischer's evaluation of that move : "Best by test!"} c5 {Of course! When you
need to win a game, Sicilian is the most logical choice.} 2. Nf3 d6 {"Najdorf,
please?"} 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. f3 {[pgndiagram] And you will have none of
that. This variation is the so-called Prins Variation. It occurs here and
there on the highest level, but the main thing is that it is hardly a serious
winning try if Black is content with a draw.} e5 {This move I like to see when
playing e5} (5... e6 {Since my good friend and co-author of this blog, FM
Matej Blazeka has showed me this opening, I have been using it regularly with
decent results. Therefore, I hate the variation with e6 much more. I think
that going for the fast d5 is the best thing Black can do, since it will make
the f3 pawn look plain stupid} 6. c4 Be7 7. Nc3 O-O 8. Be3 Nc6 9. Be2 d5 {
[pgndiagram] And Black has equalized} 10. exd5 exd5 11. Nxc6 bxc6 12. cxd5) 6.
Nb3 Be7 {[pgndiagram]} (6... a5 {Too be honest, if Black wants to play with a5,
it makes more sense to do so immediately. The point is that White can't go for
Maroczy bind now} 7. c4 $2 (7. Nc3 {Is the correct approach}) 7... Nxe4 $1 {
[pgndiagram]} 8. fxe4 Qh4+ 9. Kd2 a4 {And White's knight has no retreat
squares available}) (6... d5 {Is another theme} 7. Bg5 Be6 8. Bxf6 gxf6 9. exd5
Qxd5 10. Qxd5 Bxd5 11. Nc3 {And in this endgame only White can play for the
win, although the majority of games end up as a draw.}) 7. c4 a5 8. Be3 {
[pgndiagram] I think that White simply gets a good version of the Maroczy now}
a4 9. Nc1 {Such "ugly" knight maneovres are typical of the entire variation.}
O-O 10. Nc3 Qa5 11. Qd2 Na6 $6 {[pgndiagram] Not the best.} (11... Be6 12. Be2
Rc8 {Pressuring the c4 square, wuld have forced a concession from White}) 12.
Be2 Nc5 13. O-O {[pgndiagram] White has a very pleasant position, he has
succesfully carried out all the main ideas of the system without being
hindered.} Bd7 14. Rb1 {The b4 plan is very logical, disrupting the piece
omposition on the queenside.} Rfc8 15. b4 axb3 16. axb3 {It is clear that
Karjakin's had an off day and that he can hardly expect to win this game.} Qd8
17. Nd3 {[pgndiagram]The best way of disturbing Black's best piece, the knight
on c5} (17. b4 Na4 {Was a bit too hasty. The White's knight would ideally like
to use b4 as a jumping point.}) 17... Ne6 18. Nb4 {[pgndiagram] Seizing
control of the d5 square} Bc6 (18... Nf4 {Is computer's first choice. Such a
recommendation by the engine is a clear sign that Black's position is dubious}
19. Bxf4 Qb6+ 20. Be3 Qxb4 21. Rfd1 {And White is still smooth sailing}) 19.
Rfd1 {[pgndiagram] Black simply doesn't have a single active idea} h5 {This is
a bit of desperation} (19... Nd4 $1 {Was not a bad chance} 20. Bxd4 exd4 21.
Qxd4 d5 $1 22. Nxc6 (22. Nbxd5 $2 Bxd5 23. Nxd5 $2 Bc5 {Loses the queen}) 22...
Rxc6 23. b4 {And White remains in control}) 20. Bf1 {[pgndiagram] Carlsen
plays rather safe and slow, occupation of the d5 was perfectly possible,} h4
21. Qf2 {Again ignoring d5} (21. Nbd5) 21... Nd7 22. g3 {This was perhaps also
unnecessary. White plans to play the bishop on h3, but this gives Black time
to latch on some ideas.} (22. Kh1) (22. Rd2) 22... Ra3 (22... Bg5 {Was
apparently the best. Usualy in this structure it is favourable to exchange the
dark squared bishops for black} 23. Rxd6 $2 {Taking the pawn is very bad idea.}
Bxe3 24. Qxe3 Qe7 {And Black suddenly breaths}) 23. Bh3 Rca8 24. Nc2 {
[pgndiagram] The White knights are doing a wonderful job in keeping the black
rooks out} R3a6 25. Nb4 Ra5 {Naturally, there will be no repetition} 26. Nc2 (
26. f4 {Was very interesting, but rather unnecessary in the given match
situation} hxg3 27. hxg3 exf4 28. gxf4 Rh5 {And suddenly play is much more
concrete and tactical than it was a couple of moves ago}) 26... b6 (26... R5a6
{Is objectively the best, but of course, Karjakin couldn't agree to a draw in
this game}) 27. Rd2 Qc7 28. Rbd1 {[pgndiagram] White is probably close to
winning at this point} Bf8 29. gxh4 {Simplifying the position and gaining a
pawn in the process.} Nf4 30. Bxf4 exf4 31. Bxd7 Qxd7 32. Nb4 {[pgndiagram]} (
32. Qxb6 {Was perfectly possible}) 32... Ra3 33. Nxc6 Qxc6 34. Nb5 {
[pgndiagram] The classic example of the -good knight vs bad bishop} Rxb3 {
Karjakin tries to mix things up with an exchange sacrifice, and practically
speaking it is not a bad decision. The problem is that both Carlsen and his
position are too strong.} (34... Ra1 {Trying for the d5 break, was interesting}
35. Kh1 {And that is the end of the demonstration} (35. Kg2 d5)) (34... d5 {
Immediately doesn't work} 35. Nxa3 Bc5 36. Rd4) 35. Nd4 Qxc4 36. Nxb3 Qxb3 {
[pgndiagram] Here White should be technically winning. Moreover, Karjakin was
already below two minutes ata this point} 37. Qe2 Be7 38. Kg2 Qe6 39. h5 Ra3
40. Rd3 Ra2 41. R3d2 Ra3 42. Rd3 Ra7 {[pgndiagram] Naturally, under normal
circumstances Karjakin would have agreed to draw without hesitation. However,
under normal circumstances Magnus would have never offered a repetition in
this position} 43. Rd5 Rc7 44. Qd2 Qf6 45. Rf5 Qh4 46. Rc1 Ra7 47. Qxf4 {Now
soon comes the explosive finish} Ra2+ 48. Kh1 Qf2 {At this point almost
everyone was expecting Magnus tu go for Qg3 and play it safe. But he finishes
the game and the match in style.} 49. Rc8+ $3 {[pgndiagram] Not that hard to
see, but still, choosing a stylish instead of a safe continuation requires
some nerves and bravery.} Kh7 (49... Bf8 50. Rxf8+ Kxf8 51. Rxf7+) 50. Qh6+ $3
{One of the most beautiful checkmate pictures I have ever seen. Even more
beuatiful when the importance of the game and the identity of the opponent are
considered. Not a bad present for your 26th birthday.} 1-0

