The recently concluded European Club Cup, held at Porto Carras in Greece, resembled late medieval Italian warfare — populated by armies of mercenaries who seemed to have no allegiance to the geographical area of the clubs they were representing. Thus the British grandmaster David Howell was on the same Norwegian team as the world champion Magnus Carlsen, while the Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren was playing on top board for the Alkaloid team from Macedonia. The eventual winners were Mednyi Vsadnik from St Petersburg. This week a selection of play from this remarkably powerful event.
Carlsen-Potkin: European Club Cup, Porto Carras 2018 (see diagram 1)
World champion Magnus Carlsen only achieved victory in one game. This game was, however, vintage Carlsen. In the diagram position Black seems to stand actively and has his weaknesses covered. Carlsen grinds on though, and eventually the black player’s defences collapse. 28 Rb1 h5 After 28 … b6, preventing White’s next, the position is completely equal.
Get Britain's best politics newsletters
Register to get The Spectator's insight and opinion straight to your inbox. You can then read two free articles each week.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in