The Chess Mind

Like round 6 back in Mexico, the opening day of the Linares, Spain half saw another disappointing round for the spectators.

In the marquee matchup of the day, Anand-Topalov, White got an edge in a Najdorf-turned-Ruy Lopez. Anand's (possibly) overly restrained response to 21...g5 allowed Topalov to equalize, and they split the point on move 25.

Morozevich-Carlsen was by far the most interesting game of the day. Morozevich played an unusual (near-)novelty in a standard Open Ruy position, and spent the rest of the game bouncing between equality and a slight disadvantage. He was under pressure but didn't break, and the result was an entertaining draw in 42 moves.

Leko-Ivanchuk saw the players choose a very drawish line, and although the game made it to move 38 most spectators could see the writing on the wall back on move 17 or so. (Which doesn't guarantee that we could hold the draw against Leko!)

Last but least was Aronian-Svidler, drawn in just 16 moves. Yet even this game had its moments - on move 13 and then on move 14 Aronian had the chance to create some imbalances, but chose the safer path.


Standings after Round 8:

1-2. Anand, Carlsen 5
3. Ivanchuk 4.5
4-5. Aronian, Svidler 4
6-7. Leko, Topalov 3.5
8. Morozevich 2.5

Pairings for Round 9:

Morozevich - Leko
Carlsen - Aronian
Svidler - Anand
Topalov - Ivanchuk

Games, with comments, here.