In a week’s time, we will know which two players from each section get spots in the next edition of the Candidates. But first we will get to enjoy top-level, over-the-board games, with very strong and motivated players showcasing their preparation in a tense, lengthy event.
GM Karsten Müller, a well-known endgame specialist, is keeping a close eye on the games, and sent us three instructive positions for us to learn and enjoy.
Not all rook endgames are drawn! In round 3, Harika calculated precisely before entering a winning pawn ending from a materially balanced position.
58.Rxf6 would have let go of the advantage, while Harika’s 58.Rf5 allowed her to win a second consecutive game in Riga.
White is a pawn up, but she has a knight against a bishop in a race with passed pawns on both flanks. Cramling could have won with Black from the following position!
58...h3 was too hasty. Can you find the winning move?
Opposite-coloured bishop endings have a large drawish tendency. Here Black is two pawns up, but he needs to find a way to “break the wall”.
Does White matinain the blockade along the light squares?
