ChessBomb Blog: Candidates Tournament

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2018-03-21

Saint Louis Chess Club to Broadcast “Today in Chess” Highlighting Candidates Tournament

Three Hour Show begins March 22nd, through March 28th

SAINT LOUIS (March 20, 2018) — The Saint Louis Chess Club will be broadcasting its “Today in Chess” highlight show featuring the 2018 Candidates Tournament, which is currently taking place in Berlin, Germany. The broadcast team of Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan, Woman Grandmaster Jennifer Shahade and Grandmaster Maurice Ashley will provide detailed analysis of the day’s matches. The show will run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (CT) March 22–24 and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 26–28, 2018.

Who: Broadcast team of Yasser Seirawan, Jennifer Shahade and Maurice Ashley.

The Field
Player	Country
Fabiano Caruana	United States
Wesley So	United States
Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	Azerbaijan
Vladimir Kramnik	Russia
Ding Liren	China
Alexander Grischuk	Russia
Sergey Karjakin	Russia
Levon Aronian	Armenia

What: Three hour broadcast with detailed match analysis and breakdown of the following day match-ups.

When: 12–3 p.m. (CT) March 22–March 24, 2018 and 11 a.m.–2 p.m. March 26-28, 2018

Where: The show will be live on uschesschamps.com.

About the Saint Louis Chess Club

The Saint Louis Chess Club is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to making chess an important part of our community. In addition to providing a forum for the community to play tournaments and casual games, the club also offers chess improvement classes, beginner lessons and special lectures.

Recognizing the cognitive and behavioral benefits of chess, the Saint Louis Chess Club is committed to supporting those chess programs that already exist in area schools while encouraging the development of new in-school and after-school programs. For more information, visit saintlouischessclub.org.

Saint Louis Chess Club | Building Champions

4657 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108 | (314) 361-CHESS (2437)

The Saint Louis Chess Club acknowledges Dr. Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, whose generous support makes our tournaments possible.

The STLCC and WCHOF admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational & admissions policies, scholarship & loan programs, and athletic & other school-administered programs.

2014-03-31

Anand finishes undefeated the Candidates tournament

Photo from official website

Today was held the last round of Candidates tournament. Anand was the clear winner in advance, and he will be meeting Carlsen for the Championship match in November.

Aronian who was closely following Anand throughout the tournament, lost his final game to Karjakin, and dropped to second-to-last place.

Commentary of earlier rounds by GM Alexander Delchev

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 14

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	0-1	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	½-½	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	½-½	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	½-½	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1

Final standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	8.5	57.25
2	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	7.5	51.75
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	7	49.25
4	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	7	48.5
5	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	7	48
6	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	6.5	46
7	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	6.5	45
8	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	6	42.25

Review games from Candidates Tournament with computer analysis: ChessBomb

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Official page: FIDE World Candidates Tournament 2014

Regular updates are also posted on Twitter and Facebook.

2014-03-30

Anand is the new candidate for the World Championship 2014

Photo from official website

A round in advance, it is clear that the 5-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand is the winner of Candidates tournament leading with 8/13 points, +1.5 points ahead.

Commentary of earlier rounds by GM Alexander Delchev

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 13

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1-0	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	½-½	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	1-0	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	8	50.25
2	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	6.5	42.5
2	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	6.5	42.5
4	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	6.5	42
5	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	6.5	41.25
6	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	6.5	41.25
7	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	6	38.75
8	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	5.5	36

Pairings for all rounds

Watch Candidates Tournament live with computer analysis: ChessBomb

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Official page: FIDE World Candidates Tournament 2014

Regular updates are also posted on Twitter and Facebook.

2014-03-27

Round 12 of Candidates 2014

Photo from official website

Today was the 12th round of Candidates 2014. Topalov defeated Svidler, and the other games finished in a draw. The only competition for Anand is Aronian.

Commentary by GM Alexander Delchev

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 12

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	½-½	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	½-½	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	1-0	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	½-½	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	7.5	43.75
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	6.5	37.75
3	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	6	35.5
4	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	6	34.5
5	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	5.5	34.25
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	5.5	33.5
7	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	5.5	33.25
8	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	5.5	32

Pairings for all rounds

Four draws in round 11 of Candidates 2014

Photo from official website

Today's 11th round of Candidates 2014 finished with draws in all four games. Anand is keeping his leading position with 7/11 points and is the most likely candidate to meet Carlsen at the World Champion match. Three more rounds to go...

Commentary by GM Alexander Delchev

GM Delchev commented LIVE today on ChessBomb the game Kramnik-Anand. Kramnik-Anand (½-½)
With this game both players achieved their goals - Kramnik avoided the open fight, being in a very bad mood after his two consecutive losses. His novelty 10.Na3 was not that dangerous and was not a surprise that Anand managed in the best possible way... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 11

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	½-½	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	½-	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	½-	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	7	37
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	6	32.25
3	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	5.5	29.75
4	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	5.5	29
5	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	5.5	28.75
6	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	5	28.75
7	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	5	27
8	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	4.5	25.5

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-26

Anand keeps his leading position after round 10 of Candidates 2014

Candidates 2014, round 11
26th March, 15:00 local time (GMT + 6 hours)
Watch LIVE GM Delchev's commentary of Kramnik-Anand game.

The tenth round of Candidates 2014 finished with three draws and Svidler's win over Kramnik. Anand is still in the lead with 6.5/10 points, and it becomes very likely to see Anand and Carlsen at the World Championship in November.

Photo taken from official website

Commentary by GM Alexander Delchev

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 10

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	½-½	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	0-1	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	½-½	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	½-½	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	6.5	31.25
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	5.5	26.75
3	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	5	24.75
4	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	5	24.25
5	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	5	23.25
6	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	4.5	23
7	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	4.5	22
8	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	4	20.75

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-25

Anand leading by a full point after round 9 of Candidates - results and commentary

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
Ninth round of Candidates 2014 finished with a whole point advance for Anand.

Commentary of Round 9 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Anand-Topalov (1-0)
Anand showed his wish to enter in an open fight, choosing the sharp line 6.h3 in Najdorf which theory is still in development. He already played it in 2013, so it was surely analysed by Topalov's team.... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 9

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	1-0	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	½-½	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	1-0	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	1-0	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	6	25.75
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	5	22
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	4.5	20.5
4	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	4.5	19.5
5	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	4.5	18.75
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	4	17.75
7	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	4	17
8	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	3.5	16.75

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-22

A win for Karjakin and three draws in round 8 of Candidates 2014

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
The only win in the eight round of Candidates 2014 is that of Karjakin (blacks) over Svidler. All other games finished in draws, most notably the draw between Aronian and Anand in only 19 moves. Review the games with analysis at ChessBomb: Candidates Tournament 2014.

Commentary of Round 8 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Pre-game analysis Aronian-Anand in round 8 of Candidates 2014 by GM Alexander Delchev
This is the most important game of the 8-th round. The game between the two leading players (both have +2) promises full entertainment to chess fans. Everyone remembers the great Aronian-Anand game...

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 8

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	½-½	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	0-1	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	½-½	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	5	20.25
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	5	18.75
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	4.5	17.25
5	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	3.5	14.75
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	3.5	14.75
4	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	3.5	13.5
8	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	3.5	13
7	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	3.5	12.25

Pairings for all rounds

Pre-game analysis Aronian-Anand in round 8 of Candidates 2014 by GM Alexander Delchev

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

1.c4 This is the most important game of the 8-th round. The game between the two leading players (both have +2) promises full entertainment to chess fans. Everyone remembers the great Aronian-Anand game from the Wjik an Zee 2013 which became the evergreen game for Anand - and confirmed his huge theoretical knowledge.

So how can Aronian bother Anand? In their last encounter from 2014 at Zurich Chess Aronian surprised him with Reti opening which brought him full success. In his 6-th round game against Andrejkin Aronian opened up with 1.c4. So is it the most probable first move? Or will Aronian try to shake his renome as the theoretically best prepared player in the world? After all, many of the Armenian players are working on that subject.

Maybe we will have a look at what they found in another fine game as that one from 2013. Maybe this time Aronian will make his evergreen game.

Some interesting previous games:
Anand-Aronian in rd 1
Anand-Aronian Bilbao 2012
Anand-Aronian Bilbao 2011
Anand-Aronian Alekhine Memorial 2013
Anand-Aronian Norway Chess 2013

Prediction on ChessBomb

Follow Candidates 2014 at ChessBomb for more commentaries by GM Alexander Delchev.

2014-03-21

Anand and Aronian in the lead after round 7 of Candidates 2014

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
After the seventh round of Candidates 2014 Aronian caught up with Anand in the leading position with 4.5/7 points.

Commentary of Round 7 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Coming soon... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 7

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	0-1	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	1-0	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1-0	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	4.5	15.5
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	4.5	14
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	4	13.25
4	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	3.5	11.5
5	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	3	11.25
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	3	10.75
7	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	3	9.25
8	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	2.5	8.5

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-20

Victory for Topalov and Mamedyarov in round 6 of Candidates 2014

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
Sixth round of Candidates 2014 finishes with victory for Topalov and Mamedyarov. Anand is still leading with 4.0/6 points.

Commentary of Round 6 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Topalov-Kramnik (1-0)
This game announces the big return for Topalov in the tournament. This is his first victory here in this tournament and his partial (at least psychological) revenge for the lost Championship match in 2006. Kramnik should be regretting missing the chance on move 10 to refute Topalov's opening experiment 8Be5... see game with commentary

Before the games analysis:
Topalov-Kramnik

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 6

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	½-½	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	½-½	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	1-0	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	1-0	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	4	11.75
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	3.5	10
3	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	3	9.5
4	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	3	8.75
5	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	3	7.75
6	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	3	7.75
7	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	2.5	7.5
8	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	2	6.5

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-19

Pre-game analysis Topalov-Kramnik in round 6 of Chess Candidates 2014

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Today in the focus of the attention not only as for the journalists as for the chess fans will be the game Topalov-Kramnik. Since their sadly famous match in 2006 which brings back the World Champion title to Kramnik, the Chess world has been separated. From one side are the Supporters of Kramnik who keep the opinion that it was really unfair for Topalov (better to say Danailov) to start the psychological war, and from the other side Topalov's fans whose opinion is that his champion's title was stolen by Kramnik dishonestly.

Since 2006 they have meet only occasionally in classical tournaments. Obviously, the organizers of the top level events avoid the heavy clash between them. For this reason and also for the reason that they just avoid each other they played only twice in Wjik an Zee 2008 and 2007: Topalov-Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee, 2008 and Topalov-Kramnik, Wijk aan Zee, 2007. The first game is very famous as Topalov mercilessly dismanted Kramnik with his fantastic novelty 12 Nf7 (prepared by Cheparinov). The game from 2007 was very reach as well but it finishes in a draw. Topalov is performing much bellow the expectation and his own wishes.

But today's game could weak up the beast in himself. I expect that he will try all his best to put Kramnik under pressure as it is his last chance to rise back in the tournament table. Against 1 e4 Kramnik will respond with the Berlin so I suppose he would start with 1 d4 going for the main line if Kramnik chose again the Viena game ( 4.. dc as he did against Anand in the 4-rt round.

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e4 Bb4 6. Bxc4 Nxe4 7. O-O

Is the principal option recently in the peak of its popularity? It is used by many white players who opt for the uncompromised battle Cheparinov and Mamedyarov are the promoters of, among others. Look at Cheparinov-Meier EU-chT 2011 how dangerous is Cheparinov's treatment of this line from the match Bulgaria- Germany at the European team championship 2011.

Prediction on ChessBomb

Follow Candidates 2014 at ChessBomb for more commentaries by GM Alexander Delchev.

2014-03-18

Svidler defeats Topalov, and three draws in round 5 of Candidates 2014

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
After the fifth round of Candidates 2014 with three draws and a win of Svidler over Topalov, Anand is still in the lead with 3.5/5 points.

Commentary of Round 5 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Kramnik-Aronian (½-½)
Very interesting and eventful game which brings an infinite entertainment to us - the kibitzers and the big joy for the analysers. Kramnik once again proved he is an unpleasant examiner for Aronian who did past the test but with a mediocre grade... see game with commentary

Before the games analyses:
Svidler-Topalov
Kramnik-Aronian

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 5

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	½-½	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	1-0	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	½-½	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	3.5	8.25
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	3	7.5
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	3	7.5
4	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	3	6
5	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	2	5.25
6	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	2	4.25
7	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	2	3.5
8	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	1.5	4.25

Pairings for all rounds

Before the game Kramnik-Aronian - round 5 of Candidates 2014 (by GM Alexander Delchev)

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Despite losing in the first round undeservedly to Anand (have a look what black missed on move 13.), Aronian did not lose his confidence and the fighting spirit. Soon he came back with the entertaining combination against Mamedyarov. Yesterday he managed to beat a well performing up to this point Svidler. After that Aronian caught up with Kramnik on +1.

The game against Kramnik is going to decide who will be the main pursuer of Anand who is meeting Andrejkin. But today Aronian unfortunately has black pieces and in his last tree black games against Kramnik he had hard times. Kramnik proved to be a tough examinator playing tree different first moves. In his game from a Tal memorial he opted for 1.e4 and the modest line of the Scotch games occured. Nevertheless, soon Aronian had severe difficulties but somehow he managed to escape (Cramnik-Aronian, Tal Memorial 2012, round 4).

In the decisive match between Russian and Armenian team at the Istanbul Olympiad, Kramink opened with his main 1.d4. Soon in an only slightly worse position Aronian committed an error and was immediately punished in a highly instructive way - look (Kramnik-Aronian, Chess Olympiad 2012, round 6).

In his game from 2013 from London Candidates tournament Aronian again had a big problems after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 but finally he passed the exam (Kramnik-Aronian, Candidates 2013). You can see that Kramnik avoids the theoretical dispute and enters in a modest side lines, which consists however a little venom. Nowadays this is the unpleasant treatment of the first move advantage. Especially when the opponent has a narrow repertoire. Then you can even guess what position would happen and to prepare some slight improvement. This will bring at least an advantage in time because the opponent has to solve the problems over the board.

So I expect today a line which will not be an unusual one but it will be deeply analysed by Kramnik and his team. Will Aronian pass the test? Lets see...

1.c4 ( 1.Nf3 )

Prediction on ChessBomb

Prediction of Svidler-Topalov game

Follow Candidates 2014 at ChessBomb for more commentaries by GM Alexander Delchev.

Prediction for Svidler-Topalov game in round 5 of Candidates 2014 (by GM Alexander Delchev)

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

After Svidler missed his chance against Kramnik, yesterday he was punished by Aronian. Has he lost his confidence after that? Or will he take revenge on Topalov, who is still looking for his first victory?

The fight between them is always very tense. In 2013 both games where Svidler had white pieces finished draw. In a 21-category Norway chess tournament Svidler opened with 1.e4 but escaped from a theoretical battle in Sicilian with the modest Bb5+.

Only a couple of weeks later they played in Thessaloniki Fide GP where the opening was a classical Queen gambit declined. This time Svidler entered in a theoretical dispute and after an exchange combination managed to achieve a better endgame. Shortly afterwards he committed a slight error and the draw again was inevitable.

If Svidler repeats his 1.c4 like against Kramnik in the third round, then Topalov will surely respond with his main repertoire - the reversed dragon. In his round 4 game against Karjakin, where white adopted a classical treatment, Topalov got a good position and soon even looked for more than an equality.}

1. c4 e5 *

Prediction on ChessBomb

Prediction of Kramnik-Aronian game

Follow Candidates 2014 at ChessBomb for more commentaries by GM Alexander Delchev.

2014-03-17

Two wins for white and two draws in round 4 of Candidates 2014 - results

Watch live Chess Candidates 2014 with computer analysis: Candidates Tournament live

Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
Round 4 of the Chess Candidates Tournament 2014 finished with two draws and two wins for white. Anand is still in the lead with 3.0/4 points, followed by Aronian and Kramnik with 2.5 points each.

Commentary of Round 4 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Karjakin-Topalov (½-½)
Karjakin's choice of the opening came as a surprise for Topalov, who managed to disguise his feelings. Just as if nothing happened, he repeated his earlier games without being afraid of ghosts... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 4

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	1-0	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
2	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	½-½	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	8
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	1-0	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	3
6	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	½-½	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	3	6.25
2	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	2.5	4.5
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	2.5	4.5
4	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	2	4.25
5	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	2	3
6	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	1.5	2.5
7	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	1.5	2
8	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	1	2

Pairings for all rounds

Prediction for Anand-Kramnik game in round 4 of Candidates 2014 (by GM Alexander Delchev)

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Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Today's game Anand-Kramnik is going to be a tough exam for Kramnik. It seems that in 2008 in his preparation for the championship match between them Anand managed to find the key to him. I found out that Kramnik never won with black against Anand in a classical game. The margin between them is the overwhelming +6 for Anand who is now in a great shape and is a sole leader in the tournament with 2.5/3 Kramnik is still in his footsteps with 2/3 after the miraculous escape against Svidler in the previous round.

What first move will choose Anand for this important game?

A win today will seriously increase his chances to meet Carlsen again in a match revenge. Kramnik had problems equalizing against Svidler so Anand could try 1.c4 because Kramink probably did not have time to repair. Anand used often this trick in previous tournaments. But the most probable first move is 1.e4.

In Zurich 2013 he defeated Kramnik in his beloved Berlin (Anand-Kramnik, Zurich 2013, round 6) and in Anand-Kramnik, Corus, 2010 Kramnik did not succeed - in his other drawing speciality - Berlin defence. Besides it brought him victory in the first round against Aronian - (Anand-Aronian, Candidates 2014, round 1).

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2014-03-16

Anand a sole leader after Round 3 of Candidates 2014 - results and commentary by GM Alexander Delchev

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Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

Photo taken from official website
Anand is the sole leader with 2.5/3 points after the third round of the Chess Candidates Tournament 2014.

Commentary of Round 3 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Topalov-Aronian (½-½)
After so many years of competition between them, Topalov decides to open the game with e4 for the first time. Aronian did not look surprised at all - he shows again the same hand: Marshall Ruy Lopez. I can only admire the persistence he has in playing over and over one and the same line because recently it brought him many painful experiences... see game with commentary

Svidler-Kramnik (½-½)
For the first time against Kramnik, Svidler opens with 1.c4. In 2013 he played twice 1.d4 and in both games he couldn't take advantage - in London Candidates Kramnik played the Improved Tarrash and in Alekhine memorial - Nimzo-Indian defence. Svidler has a good score against Kramnik. In 2011 he managed to beat him twice in Reti opening... see game with commentary

Mamedyarov-Anand (0-1)
in the first round against Topalov, Mamedyarov experimented with the rare 4.Nbd2 g6 5.e3 Bg7 and after the first inaccuracy 6.Bd3 c5 the initiative already passed to black's hand. But his move 4.Qc2 is another story. Mamedyarov is playing regularly this side line achieving remarkable success... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from previous rounds

Results - round 3

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
1	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	½-½	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	½-½	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	4
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	½-½	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	7
5	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	0-1	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	2.5	2.75
2	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	2	2.5
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	2	2.5
4	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	1.5	2.25
5	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	1.5	1.25
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	1	1.5
7	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	1	1.5
8	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	0.5	0.75

Pairings for all rounds

2014-03-15

Prediction for the opening of Topalov-Aronian game in round 3 of Candidates 2014 (by GM Alexander Delchev)

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Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

(Photo from ChessBase)

Happy birthday and good luck to GM Veselin Topalov today!

Well, Topalov-Aronian another tough game for Topalov, who is going to play with white again. Yesterday he couldn't pose any problems to exceptionally well prepared Anand, who didn't leave his opening preparation to the very end. Aronian is a suitable opponent, considering the fact that Topalov never lost with white against him in a classical game.

However, his last win was far back in 2008 (Nanjing 2008), followed by a series of four draws. In their last encounter in 2013 from the First round of the European Team Championship, Topalov having white opted for 1.c4. Soon Aronian eliminated all white hopes for advantage and in the end he was even thinking about more. In the other game from 2013 was Nimzovich defence (4.e3). Topalov forced the issue with early break d4-d5 but got nothing after the new move by Aronian which gave him an equal endgame.

Aronian opening repertoire is narrow but very well worked. His Berlin defence is nearly unbreakable,but he lost twice in 2013 in Antimarshall lines Against 1.d4. he is playing Queen gambit declined and Slav defence. Interesting and slightly unusual is the fact that Topalov never played 1.e4 against Aronian. Maybe round 3 is the right time, considering that in the first Aronian lost against Anand exactly in Ruy Lopez. Aronian is coming back on track after his easy win against Mamedyarov. It is just enough to recover the fighting spirit and his self confidence.

But in my opinion Aronian will choose something solid tomorrow. 1.e4 e5 is less possible and it shouldn't worry too much Aronian who will most probably play his beloved Berlin. 1.d4 would be the choice of Topalov and I am curious to see what he prepared during his five months absence from the tournaments.

2014-03-14

Round 2 of Candidates 2014 - results and commentary by GM Alexander Delchev

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Previous Candidates Tournaments: 2013 | 2011

There is only one draw in the second round of the Chess Candidates Tournament 2014 which finished with wins for Kramnik, Svidler and Aronian, and a draw between Topalov and Anand.

Commentary of Round 2 games by GM Alexander Delchev

Svidler-Andreikin (1-0)
Andrejkin has a wide opening repertoire against 1.e4. In his last game against Svidler in the Russian Championship he played Berlin, but was outplayed in a highly instructive way... see game with commentary

Topalov-Anand (½-½)
To some degree I was right that Topalov will not start with his queen pawn. I was expecting 1.e4 more, but I like his choice. I wrote in 2012 a book about how to build an original opening repertoire with 1.Nf3 against all that Queen gambit oriented openings... see game with commentary

Aronian-Mamedyarov (1-0)
Lately Mamedyarov had good results with black against Aronian - he managed to drew both their games in 2013. In the first round Aronian lost undeservedly to Anand, so he needs a quick comeback. In the opening he came up with an interesting novelty (11.f4) which should have brought him a pull... see game with commentary

Commentary of games from round 1

Results - round 2

SNo.		Name	FED	Res.		Name	FED	SNo.
4	GM	Kramnik Vladimir	RUS	1-0	GM	Karjakin Sergey	RUS	2
3	GM	Svidler Peter	RUS	1-0	GM	Andreikin Dmitry	RUS	1
8	GM	Topalov Veselin	BUL	½-½	GM	Anand Viswanathan	IND	6
7	GM	Aronian Levon	ARM	1-0	GM	Mamedyarov Shakhriyar	AZE	5

Standings

	Name	Fed	FIDE Elo	Pts.	S-B
1	Viswanathan Anand	IND	2770	1.5	1.5
2	Peter Svidler	RUS	2758	1.5	0.75
3	Vladimir Kramnik	RUS	2787	1.5	0.75
4	Veselin Topalov	BUL	2785	1	1
5	Levon Aronian	ARM	2830	1	0.5
6	Dmitry Andreikin	RUS	2709	0.5	0.75
7	Sergey Karjakin	RUS	2766	0.5	0.75
8	Shakhriyar Mamedyarov	AZE	2757	0.5	0.5