2013 Men's World chess championship - Anand vs Carlsen

[prasen9]

I think an illness clause is a good one. But, maybe the illness has to be certified by a doctor. We want the highest quality chess and so forcing an ill player to play is not a good practice.

[ajay]

Here is an Interview with Anand prior to his match with Carlsen, 2013. Nice interview that covers different aspects of his interest and his life.
Also check out Interview with Carlsen prior to his match with Anand, 2013

[ajay]

Anand and Carlsen are ready to begin their match. Who will throw the first punch and who will be ultimately knocked down, lets wait and see. After the draw, Carlsen gets the white for his first match. After playing six games with alternate colors, Anand will start the 7th game - the second half of the match with white. That means Anand will play two consecutive matches (6th and 7th) with white.

The chess world in general considers Carlsen as favorite and beside Indians majority of the chess world is supporting Carlsen. The buzz is similar to 1972 historic clash between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky when someone from the western world challenged the supremacy of the Soviet block. They are exited that chess world title will come back to the western world after this match. This is also a match between generations with Carlsen of the new world brought up in the computer aided chess theory against the Anand who was brought up in the era of Soviet school of thought. But it is a credit to Anand who actually adapted his game with the modern world and embraced the role of computers in the chess.

There is lot of expectation riding on Carlsen to become the youngest ever world champion. Will there be any impact on his game because of these expectations? At this young age Carlsen is already miles ahead than any other chess player in the chess ratings, in fact well ahead of any other chess player in the history. But Anand has his strong points too. He has developed this ability, honed by multiple match plays while defending his crown, to focus on one person and adapt his game accordingly with strong preparation. It will be a great contest and whatever be the results, it'll have historic consequences on the chess world.

Check out Susan Polgar's blog- a good source that is tracking the buzz by bringing various stories being published on this match.

[sameerph]

It all begins today , first game at 3 pm.

Go Anand. Prove all the forecasts wrong.

[RohitG]

As mentioned earlier, Carlsen started with white today and everyone was expecting something big. Based on what the commentators were saying, Anand appeared to be in a good position thanks to his "homework" and good opening. I was watching the press conference and Anand mentioned today's match (draw with black) as "satisfactory". Carlsen didn't have much options and said he wasn't thrilled much today after a 90 minute or so draw and the matches will be longer in the further rounds. The next match will be tomorrow at the same time but for today, it's 0.5-0.5. I guess it's too early to speculate even if you want to.

[Prashant]

Well done Anand - solid draw with black. I wonder if Anand will attack early in the series or play conservatively now & use new variations only in the later games.

[ajay]

Very uncharacteristic of Carlsen to play such a short game for a draw. Seems like Carlsen got lost in the Chennai streets after turning few corners, not knowing where to go next.

I hope Anand keeps catching Carlsen on unfamiliar territories of a different kind of chess jungle shaped by match play and sneaks in a blowout punch soon. Agreed that the future belongs to Carlsen, who has unlocked most of the doors except the door of world chess championship. But we live in present and Anand is a worthy occupant and great defender of the throne. Interesting duel, and lets see if Carlsen manages to solve the Chennai street puzzle or pushed deeper inside by Anand.

[RohitG]

Anand was not in a convincing position according to the commentators. Therefore he'd be satisfied with a draw but Carlsen would go back happier today. It's disappointing for us Indian and Vishy fans because we were expecting Anand to go sharp today but both players are still playing that "wait and watch" game. This match was shorter than yesterday! Anand said he was "sorry" in the press conference and said the next matches will be interesting unlike the first two. Both players agreed that they're "settling in". Carlsen still behaved very reserved and he's behaving like he doesn't give a damn about what questions the journos asked him today. Anand is clearly more relaxed and articulate towards the press. I'd even say Anand is the most humble (5x) world champion I have ever seen. The next match will be day after tomorrow but for now it's 1-1.

[ajay]

It was Anand's turn to become uncomfortable today. Interestingly, it was a game on the lines of a game played by Anand himself earlier this year. But Anand was caught unprepared for this line and he sought refugee in repeating the moves to earn a draw and salvage half point. Both parties have lot to work on during off day before they start their battle once again.

[RohitG]

Game 3 and initially it was equal till a point where Carlsen was in a bad position and Anand had his chances. The commentators mentioned that "Black can not lose, it only matters whether it's a draw or win for Anand" It was a 51 move draw today. Carlsen himself admitted that he made a couple of misjudgements and he was in a bad position and he had no idea what's going on and he's happy that he survived today.
Anand clearly didn't look happy in the press conference although both players maintain a poker face whenever you see them.
Carlsen did mention that it was not a "disaster" even though he made some "misjudgements" and it just looked "scary" at a point. Kasparov has come to support Carlsen and this was mentioned to the players that Kasparov is in the building. Carlsen said he hasn't seen him but he's happy that a legend supports him while Anand was asked if he felt intimidated and Anand replied "no" and it's good that he's there to "watch". Carlsen pretty much starts every reply to of his to a journo's question by saying "uhh...I dunno.." and then follows it up with a short reply and doesn't say anything much; as if he's gonna let out a secret.

Tomorrow Anand will start with white and 1.5-1.5 is the score after Game 3. Carlsen's fans will be happy that he survived today while us Anand fans will be in a disappointed mood as Anand could have gone 2-1 today. Nevertheless, these are the initial stages of the championship and we still have a 9 more matches to be played.

[Tolamu]

Can someone please post the itinerary of the games?

[suresh]

Code: Select all

Dates 	     Events 	    TIME
09.11.2013 	Game 1 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
10.11.2013 	Game 2 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
11.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
12.11.2013 	Game 3 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
13.11.2013 	Game 4 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
14.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
15.11.2013 	Game 5 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
16.11.2013 	Game 6 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
17.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
18.11.2013 	Game 7 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
19.11.2013 	Game 8 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
20.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
21.11.2013 	Game 9 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
22.11.2013 	Game 10 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
23.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
24.11.2013 	Game 11 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
25.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
26.11.2013 	Game 12 	03.00.P.M. (Indian Time)
27.11.2013 	Rest Day 	 
28.11.2013 	Tie Break Games 	To be decided
28.11.2013 	Closing Ceremony 	To be decided

[Tolamu]

Many many thanks, Suresh.

[PKBasu]

More than 4 hours into the fourth game, Anand seems in some trouble. Commentary not very edifying!

[prasen9]

Draw. It is 2-2 now. Eight games to go.