Carlsen-Caruana Chess World Championship

[barrysloate]

I was just watching the grandmasters moderating the match do an analysis of the position. In almost every line, Magnus had a winning game. Yet he decided to offer Fabiano a draw, when Fabiano was in very bad time pressure (which of course makes it harder to find a successful defense). None of them understood why he did not press on to victory.

When Carlsen was shown all his winning lines in the post game analysis, he apparently responded "I don't care." A great mystery to me.

[barrysloate]

Peter- I just noticed you posted the result a minute before me. Obviously we were typing at the same time.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Peter- I just noticed you posted the result a minute before me. Obviously we were typing at the same time.

No doubt your analysis was far superior. I was just conveying my gut reaction.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I was just watching the grandmasters moderating the match do an analysis of the position. In almost every line, Magnus had a winning game. Yet he decided to offer Fabiano a draw, when Fabiano was in very bad time pressure (which of course makes it harder to find a successful defense). None of them understood why he did not press on to victory.

When Carlsen was shown all his winning lines in the post game analysis, he apparently responded "I don't care." A great mystery to me.

His analysis obviously was that, even with an advantage in the game, his chances of winning were greater in a tiebreaker. Risk averse. Not like a true champion. If he were a boxer he'd be content to win on points. I lost a lot of respect for him. I hope somehow Caruana can speed up his play and win.

[barrysloate]

If Caruana were to win the tiebreaker, Magnus's decision to offer a draw will haunt him for a long time to come. If he wins it, it will soon be forgotten.

One thing I learned in this match is that Carlsen was a better player four or five years ago than he is now. Chess players can't stay at their peak forever, and while he is still arguably the strongest player in the world, the rest of the pack is gradually catching up. A 23 year old Magnus would have won this match handily. He is now pushing 28, and while still very young, he is in the early stages of his downswing.

[ALR-bishop]

Maybe he should join Ernie Ratelband's lawsuit in order to lower his age back to 23

This discussion is now getting depressing for old guys like me.

[barrysloate]

I'm 66 Al, and although I still love to play chess, the old noggin' doesn't always calculate as quickly and clearly as I would like.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I'm 66 Al, and although I still love to play chess, the old noggin' doesn't always calculate as quickly and clearly as I would like.

Though much is taken, much abides.