World Championship Game 12: And towards the rapids …



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"It's absurd, I'm completely shocked."

It looked like a far-fetched scenario first, but as the game progressed, it became more and more likely; especially those who think that classical chess needs to be changed or adjusted to the new era of computing have been keen to talk about it; all eyes were on the two players who stood clearly above the chess elite … and it finally happened: the classic part of the match is over with all the zero. This is the first time in history that this happens during a world championship match.

We can not say that it was without excitement, however. Carlsen responded to Fabiano's 1.e4 exclusively with the Sicilian – and Caruana did not stop using Fischer's "best by test" movement. In fact, the world champion was about to start the game with a win, which would have undoubtedly changed the dynamics of the duel. And there were more chances lost on both sides …

On equal points, there was only one match left to play, Carlsen being clearly the favorite to win the deciding game and Caruana having obtained the white pieces in the last match, the stage was ready for a big show. Then everything seemed to go for the spectators: another Sicilian appeared on the board; for the first time in the match, Magnus prepared Fabiano with the black pieces; the Challenger had the chance to repeat, but denied doing so; A complex struggle ensues, Caruana running out of time … do not miss the analyzes presented below by star commentators Wesley So and Erwin the Friend. But the main story of the day was the "last shot": Carlsen drew a strong position!

It was hard

The "Today in Chess" program, produced by the Saint Louis Chess Club, brought together two connoisseurs as a guest: the former world champion Garry Kasparov and the crown holder, Vladimir Kramnik. When the match ended abruptly with an agreed draw, he was asked what his immediate reaction was. Kramnik:

Let me say the first word that comes to mind: it's a pity … It's simply better without any risk. How can you offer a draw? That's out of the question for me. He can propose a draw at any time, in 10-15 minutes. It's absurd, something is wrong with Magnus. I have the feeling that he can not hold back the pressure. He's a great chess player, but that's not how you play a world championship. You must fight, especially in such positions. It shows frankly such a weakness.

I can understand if it would be a point in front of, and maybe offer a draw in this position, but maybe not. It's just absurd. I am completely shocked.

After the fierce fight, the players still had to face the press

These are strong words, but there is something to be said about Carlsen's decision: it is now obvious that he was happy to draw and go to the decisive start, of course. Having the black coins against one of the world's best-prepared players, who has also also shown great nervousness throughout the match, Magnus probably arrived in the match with the Idea that a draw was a desirable outcome. Apparently he could not adjust this state of mind during the game, whereas he really had the advantage.

Nerves, of course, played an important role – Kasparov and Kramnik both talked about their previous experiences in this regard. Kasparov:

I have never been in the same situation. All the decisive matches I played were the last game of the match. Either I had to win or draw to keep the title, so whatever your plan is, that's it.

Garry rightly pointed out that you could not think of a tie-break – he did not have one. He concluded:

Each game was all or nothing. It is not all or nothing.

A house packed on Monday

Kramnik, for his part, explained how it might be different for some players to cope with the pressure and find ways to motivate themselves:

My approach was always just to forget it. Think of the game – as if I were playing a normal match … in such moments, especially during a world championship game. I may have a way of seeing it strange and out of date, but it is not your job that depends on you. The only thing you control is your player, your stamina, not to be too nervous, to play so you can at this particular moment. […] As simple as it sounds.

He speculated that he might have a different approach than Magnus:

May be [other players] need another approach – exactly the opposite – to get to [their] better. It's very individual, it depends a lot on your temperament [and] on your character … so I would not recommend it to anyone.

There is plenty of room for discussion, but the outcome of the game now means that players will probably have long nights ahead of them before deciding who will be considered "world champion" for the next two years. The equal score after the classic game has changed the payout structure from 60/40 to 55/45, but it seems to be the last thing players think about. When asked, Carlsen said that he was not even aware of the settlement and Caruana replied, "I do not care about the money".

Whatever it is, everything will be decided Wednesday when Carlsen will have the white pieces of the first quick game at the same time.

Will Caruana beat Magnus in the decisive game?

Replay the first movements of game 12 with comments

Judit Polgar: "I think it's the most stressful match of his life, no doubt about it"


Match ranking


Game summary 12

GM Daniel King presents a brief summary of the game


Game press conference 12

Caruana: "I was a little surprised by the draw offer …"


Thu 12 analyzed by Wesley So

The current world number 10 and someone who will be really in the race to qualify for the next game, Wesley So, have taken a look at the game. He wrote about the Challenger:

"All his tournaments, all the work of his life was aimed at reaching this point.After doing all the necessary to achieve the goal of playing for the World Championship, Fabiano has survived eleven difficult rounds to get to this Last game, I can not think of any game where there is so much to play. "


Round-up shows

GM Erwin the Friend comments on the game


All matches of the match


Macauley Peterson contributed to the London report

Connections

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