Kariakin blitzes ’em

The world rapid and blitz championships took place Dec. 26-30 in Doha, Qatar.

Most of the world’s best players, including eight in the top 12, were present in the Swiss system twin-tournament held under the auspices of the FIDE and organized by the Qatari Chess Federation.

GMs Ivanchuk (Ukraine), Grischuk (Russia) and Carlsen (Norway) tied for first-third in the 15-round rapid event, each scoring 11.0 points. The former was declared winner by virtue of higher average rating points of his opponents. Time control was 15 minutes plus 10 seconds per move for each player.

In the 21-round blitz event (3 minutes plus 2 seconds per move each player), Russian world challenger Kariakin emerged on top with 16.5 points and a better average performance rating. Eventually, Kariakin and world champion Carlsen were tied for first-second, while the young Russian Dubov took third with 14.5.

The tournaments featured the participation of world-class GMs Vachier-Lagrave, Nakamura, Aronian, Anand, Nepomniachtchi and Mamedyarov.

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2016 World Rapid Ch.

W) I. Nepomniachtchi (Russia)

B) M. Carlsen (Norway)

Caro-Kann Defense

1. e4             c6

2. Nc3           d5

3. Nf3          ...

In the early 60s, this move, known as The Two Knights Variation, was in vogue, but has since declined in popularity and is now considered tame.

3...               dxe4

4. Nxe4         Nf6

The standard continuation is 4...Bf5 and after 5. Ng3 Bg4 6. Bc4 e6 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 Nd7 9. Qe2 Ngf6, White probably has a slight advantage.

5. Nxf6ch      exf6!?

This is Korchnoi’s idea, which offers Black rapid development, though it allows an early d4, ceding White the majority and superior Q-side pawn structure. The alternative 5...gxf6 leads to a more complex game after 6. g3 Bf5 7. Bg2 Qd7 8. 0-0 Na6 9. Re1 0-0-0.   

6. d4             Bd6

7. Be2           0-0

8. 0-0            Re8

9. c4             Nd7!?

An interesting line instead of the usual 9... Bf5.

10. Bd3         Nf8

11. h3           Ng6

12. Qc2         ...

12. Qb3 seems more energetic.

12...             Qa5!?

A cunning move, which compels White’s next reply, thus yielding the d5 square to Black’s pieces.

13. c5            ...

Otherwise Black plays ...Qh5.

13... Bb8 14. Bd2 Qd8 15. Rfe1 Be6 16. Bc4 Nf8 17. Rad1 Bc7 18. Qb3 ...

18. b4 seems a better alternative.

18... Bxc4 19. Qxc4 Qd7 20. b4 Ng6 21. a4 Ne7

Now the Knight will be effectively posted on df5.

22. b5 Nd5 23. bxc6 bxc6 24. Qa6 g5 25. Nh2?! ...

This appears to be the fatal error as White hands over the open b file to Black, who now seizes the advantage owing to his superior pieces development.

25... Bxh2ch 26. Kxh2  Kg7 27. Kg1 Rxe1ch 28. Rxe1 Rb8 29. Qd3 Rb2

Black finally gains control of the important second rank due to his opponent’s inactive Bishop.

30. a5   h6

Stronger is 30...Qb7, which maintains control of the open b file.

31. Bc1?!          ...

Here 21. Rb1 is called for in order to continue the game.

31... Ra2 32. Bd2 Qb7

32...Nc7 followed by 33...Ne6 is also winning.

33. Re8 Qb2 34. Be1 Nf4 35. Qa6  Qxd4 36. Qc8 Ng6 37. Qxc6 Ra1

White’s back rank weakness will be hard to defend and he has to surmount a number of threats.

38. Qe4  Qxc5 39. Kh2 h5 40. Qe3 Qc6 41. Bc3 Ra4

41...Nf4 42. Qg3 Rxa5 43. Bxa5 Qxe8, Black is winning.

42. f3  Ra2 43. Kh1 Rc2 44. Be1 Qb5 45. Bg3? ...

This loses outright, but nothing else is better. For example 45. Rd8 Re2 46. Qg1 Nf4 and Black wins.

45.. h4 46. Bh2 Qb1ch 47. Bg1 Qf1 0:1

Solution to last Dec. 28 puzzle:

Black to move and win.

White=Kh2, Qb2, Re1, Bf4, Pc4, Pf2, Pg2, Ph3

Black=Kg8, Qg6, Rd3, Nd4, Pa7, Pb6, Pc5, Pg7, Ph7

1...  Rxh3ch! 2. gxh3      ...