Carlsen loses 1st game this year!

Despite the worsening Covid-19 statistics, otb tournaments continue to be held. The Norwegian ‘Altibox‘ and the Russian ‘Higher League‘ are both getting a lot of attention this week.

Carlsen loses to Duda

This traditional tournament has attracted Carlsen’s participation and is the 1st truly elite post-coronavirus event since the Candidates Tournament was suspended in March.

The format is one of these hybrid-systems that are becoming increasingly popular.  There is one ‘classical’ game, and if necessary, an armageddon game. Three points for a victory in the classic game, and some impossible to understand fraction of this if it gets to the armageddon.

Definitely the center of attention in the 5th round was Carlsen’s defeat at the hands of the 22-year old Polish grandmaster, Duda. A noteworthy game in some respects.

First, apparently this was Carlsen’s first defeat in quite a while. Next, both players did not shy away from a complex and messy game.

Thirdly, for some reason Carlsen — at the critical point on move 21 — deliberately did not play the best move (which would have probably lead to a drawish game) and was soon totally lost.

And finally, Carlsen played on for way too long. Perhaps he forgot that he was not playing blitz chess…

gm Duda,J — gm Carlsen,M
Rd.5 10.10.2020
(1-0)