Just wanted to let you know that I started a chess substack - focusing on the candidate's finale right now. I hope you get to check it out and link it occasionally here if you like it.
Thanks for the heads up Andy, I enjoyed your first piece and will be sure to link to it. Epic match for sure! Fabi was really hard on himself in the press conference. He possibly could have managed his time better at different phases, but other than that, the mistakes were pretty subtle. It does seem like the kind of position where Magnus would have somehow figured it out though. Anyway, good stuff!
This has been a great candidates tournament, with a lot of decisive games, a lot of interesting games, and four players who have a chance to win it going into the last two rounds. I don't know why this has been so much better than recent candidates tournaments. Perhaps it's because the players feel Ding is vulnerable, but nobody thought Carlsen was vulnerable.
I think that the game between Naka and Alireza a few days ago epitomizes why this candidates event has been so fun to watch. These guys are taking what feels like huge risks to give themselves as many changes to win as possible - watching Naka allow the black pawn on e2 and then surround and neutralize it was remarkable - something that I'd never have the cajones to do in one of my own games.
Also, I'm not convinced that Gukesh is going to make it through. He's young and under huge pressure against an opponent who has every incentive to try to beat him. And the Fabe-Nepo game is likely to produce a winner as well; neither of them has any incentive to draw.
One of our club members is related to Abasov. So for our club website, we've followed the Candidates through the lens of Abasov and published his games for our club members to replay. Interesting approach. Rather good first half, difficult second half and possibly part of the drama in the last round.
My preference would be for Nepo or Hikaru and Lei Tingjie, but I agree with your take: I think Gukesh is the least prone to nerves. (Nepo is obviously a great Candidates player but seems to do best when he has an early lead that no-one challenges. I think he underestimated how many wins would be necessary and has left it too late to push for wins.) And, despite some great games from Lei, I think Tan is overall the steadiest player.
Either Gukesh or Naka would make chess blow up even more. No offense to Fabi or Nepo but not the same appeal. Pulling for Naka
Yeah, both would be huge stories- and the two best remaining chances to pique Magnus' interest.
Hi Ben,
Just wanted to let you know that I started a chess substack - focusing on the candidate's finale right now. I hope you get to check it out and link it occasionally here if you like it.
Best,
FM Andy Lee
Thanks for the heads up Andy, I enjoyed your first piece and will be sure to link to it. Epic match for sure! Fabi was really hard on himself in the press conference. He possibly could have managed his time better at different phases, but other than that, the mistakes were pretty subtle. It does seem like the kind of position where Magnus would have somehow figured it out though. Anyway, good stuff!
Thanks! I also wonder if other top players (Magnus, etc.) would have been able to put up the sort of resistance that Nepo did.
Very entertaining and fun to watch. Have enjoyed the bonus pods Ben.
Also really enjoyed the interview with Mike Klein.
Love that so many games are decisive and the players are not content to draw so easily.
Rooting for Naka but don’t count out Nepo! Gukesh might also pull it out.
Should be great chess the last two rounds.
Anything is possible for sure!
This has been a great candidates tournament, with a lot of decisive games, a lot of interesting games, and four players who have a chance to win it going into the last two rounds. I don't know why this has been so much better than recent candidates tournaments. Perhaps it's because the players feel Ding is vulnerable, but nobody thought Carlsen was vulnerable.
Yeah, I don't know, or maybe the new players are just more risk-seeking in their opening choices.
I don’t feel that these games will end up in a Zurich 1953 style book but I could be wrong…
Entertained for sure. I am hoping Namamura can pull it off, but am also with you that Gukesh seems to have the momentum now.
yeah, i just worry if Alireza is going to be able to play his best choice tomorrow, and if he doesn't that's huge for Gukesh
I think that the game between Naka and Alireza a few days ago epitomizes why this candidates event has been so fun to watch. These guys are taking what feels like huge risks to give themselves as many changes to win as possible - watching Naka allow the black pawn on e2 and then surround and neutralize it was remarkable - something that I'd never have the cajones to do in one of my own games.
Also, I'm not convinced that Gukesh is going to make it through. He's young and under huge pressure against an opponent who has every incentive to try to beat him. And the Fabe-Nepo game is likely to produce a winner as well; neither of them has any incentive to draw.
One of our club members is related to Abasov. So for our club website, we've followed the Candidates through the lens of Abasov and published his games for our club members to replay. Interesting approach. Rather good first half, difficult second half and possibly part of the drama in the last round.
My preference would be for Nepo or Hikaru and Lei Tingjie, but I agree with your take: I think Gukesh is the least prone to nerves. (Nepo is obviously a great Candidates player but seems to do best when he has an early lead that no-one challenges. I think he underestimated how many wins would be necessary and has left it too late to push for wins.) And, despite some great games from Lei, I think Tan is overall the steadiest player.
Anybody but Ian! No hate, but he's had his chance, twice!