Shamkir R2: Carlsen, of course

The Vugar Gashimov Memorial, is being held in Shamkir, Azerbaijan, from the 17th to the 26th of April, in memory of the great Vugar Gashimov, who passed away on the 10th of January 2014. The tournament consists of some of the strongest players in the World: reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsen, former World Champions Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik, as well as, Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Wesley So, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Michael Adams, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and Rauf Mamedov will compete in this prominent event. 

Round Two

Adams, Michael ½-½ Caruana, Fabiano
White obtained nothing from the opening, a typical anti-Berlin with a quick exchange on c6. If anything it was Caruana that seemed to be enjoying his position more, but after a series of piece trades the players agreed to a repetition.

An effortless draw for Fabiano Caruana

Carlsen, Magnus 1-0 Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar

Joining Kramnik and So at the top with +1 (1.5/2): Magnus Carlsen

Vachier-Lagrave, Maxime ½-½ Anand, Viswanathan
The idea of playing an early Bf5 in the Ragozin is becoming increasingly popular for Black, but it was unheard of to play it as early as Anand did. The Indian player made it look easy to equalize with Black in the Ragozin. Even though MVL cleverly got some pressure from an equal position, it was still nothing important and the game was eventually drawn.

Carlsen casually on-looking

Daniel King shows the game Carlsen vs Mamedyarov

Giri, Anish ½-½ Mamedov, Rauf
Giri's early Qb3 attempt in this Slav gave him the slightest of edges, if anything. Mamedov put up stiff resistance and defended well, even sacrificing a pawn at some point to cripple his opponent's pieces. The endgame with a bishop vs. knight was a little more comfortable for Giri, but he was unable to put his opponent in any real danger.

Anish Giri was unable to break...

...Rauf Mamedov's defenses

Kramnik, Vladimir ½-½ So, Wesley
Kramnik's unusual opening play netted him nothing. The game was solidly drawn after many trades.

Cool and collected: So had no problems equalizing

Kramnik isn't usually known for his unorthodox play in the opening.
Here he must have been which spirit possessed him to make this decision.

Replay Round Two Games

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Photos taken from the official website

Standings

Schedule

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Round 7

Round 8

Round 9

Commentary on Playchess

One of the major tournaments of the year, you can count on www.playchess.com to deliver quality commentary every round!

English Commentators

Daniel King	Rustam Kasimdzhanov	Simon Williams

Links Official tournament site All games in PGN The games are being broadcast live on the official web site and on the chess server Playchess.com. If you are not a member you can download a free Playchess client there and get immediate access. You can also use ChessBase 13 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.