'The Nutcracker': Kings and Princes trade punches

"The Nutcracker" will follow the original formula: the first four days the team members will fight each other in classical time controls of 60 moves in 120 minutes plus 15 minutes for the rest of the game including a 30 second increment as of move 61; and then the last two two days will be devoted to rapid chess with two rounds per player match-up played at 15 minutes plus ten seconds increment per move. The competition will use the Zurich scoring system: two points for each classical chess win, with one for a draw, and in rapid each win will be worth one point and a draw only half.

Rounds three and four

After two rounds, the score had been tied up with the Kings and Princes, as the teams are called, having exchanged blows but neither able to pull ahead for more than a round.

The players get ready for the start of the third round

The Princes waiting for the round to begin with Gregoriy Oparin at the board, and behind him
are Daniil Dubov, Vladislav Artemiev, and Vladimir Fedoseev

Peter Leko shakes hands with Vladislav Artemiev as the round is started

Sergey Rublevsky (right) is joined in the commentary box but world no.3 Alexander Grischuk
who recently fulfilled a longterm ambition when he appeared in the ratings list with 2810

In spite of a loss to Alexey Shirov in round one, Daniil Dubov is back to 50% after beating
Alexey Dreev in round four

Vladislav Artemiev has been somewhat luckless with one loss and three
draws, in spite of several excellent chances. A little disconnect with his form.

Then again, Artemiev's loss in round four was to Morozevich no less, so perhaps describing
a loss to the great player as a form issue is less than fair. The maverick champion is one of
the leading scorers for the Kings.

After watching Alexey Shirov beat up on his teammates with 2.5/3, Vladimir Fedoseev struck
back with a fine win culminating with a spectacular queen sacrifice. Even Shirov could not
help but appreciate the stylish finish.

A spectacular queen sacrifice:

As befitting such an event, it is broadcast in high-definition video with GM commentary (in Russian)

For the young Princes such as 17-year-old Gregoriy Oparin (right), it is not just the chance
to play a player of Peter Leko's calibre that makes it special, but the chance to analyze and
learn from him

Current classical standings

Photos by Eteri Kublashvili and Vladimir Barsky

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 12 or any of our Fritz compatible chess programs.