The World Championship in New York begins this week. In the run-up, the defending champion, Magnus Carlsen of Norway, has been the heavy favourite to retain his title against Sergei Karjakin, formerly representing the Ukraine but now playing for Russia. Their lifetime score at classical time limits, under which the New York contest will be conducted, is notably loaded in favour of the incumbent.
As a final preview, here is a win by Carlsen against the former champion Vladimir Kramnik. The notes are based on Cyrus Lakdawala’s in Carlsen: Move by Move (Everyman Chess), a useful compendium for those considering Christmas gifts for chess enthusiasts.
Kramnik-Carlsen: Wijk aan Zee 2008; English Opening
1 Nf3 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 c5 4 g3 b6 5 Bg2 Bb7 6 0-0 Be7 7 d4 cxd4 8 Qxd4 d6 9 Rd1 a6 10 Ng5 Bxg2 11 Kxg2 Nc6 12 Qf4 0-0 13 Nce4 Ne8 Better than 13 … Nxe4 14 Qxe4 Bxg5 15 Bxg5 Qc7 16 Bf4 when White continues to exert slight yet nagging pressure, G.Amann-A.Kranz,
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