.jpeg)
Winning starts with what you know
The new version 18 offers completely new possibilities for chess training and analysis: playing style analysis, search for strategic themes, access to 6 billion Lichess games, player preparation by matching Lichess games, download Chess.com games with built-in API, built-in cloud engine and much more.
Magnus Carlsen achieved double gold at the Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, winning both the rapid and blitz sections, just as he did in 2019. The Norwegian star finished the blitz event with a 1½-point lead over second-placed Wesley So, though his victory was far from straightforward. Arjun Erigaisi briefly led the standings with three rounds to go, but a late collapse saw the Indian talent finish third. So's remarkable 8/9 performance on the final day propelled him to the runner-up spot behind Carlsen.
Carlsen, who had dominated the rapid section with an undefeated 7½/9, faced more resistance in the blitz. He lost to Arjun in round 8 and later trailed him on Sunday as the Indian prodigy surged with a 5/6 start in rounds 10-15. However, Arjun's lead slipped away in round 16, when he squandered a winning position against Vidit Gujrathi.
The defensive 26...R8d6 would have preserved his advantage, but 26...Kf8 allowed Vidit to turn the tables and secure a crucial victory.
At that juncture, Carlsen had drawn five games in a row but regained his lead with a win over Daniil Dubov. In round 17, Carlsen faced Arjun in a decisive matchup. The game reached an equal endgame, but Arjun once again faltered in a critical moment, opting for 35.Rc3 instead of the more solid 35.Ra3 to defend a pawn.
Carlsen capitalised on the error to secure a 41-move victory.
Improve your pieces - a winning system you need to know
In this course, we will learn how to identify passively placed pieces in any given situation and how to improve their health by bringing them into active squares.
This pivotal win guaranteed Carlsen the title with a round to spare, as So also trailed by 1½ points at that stage. Both Carlsen and So ended the day on a high note, scoring victories in the final round. Carlsen defeated Vidit, while So claimed his sixth consecutive win by beating Dubov, capping off an extraordinary final day of blitz action.
Former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Vishy Anand | Photo: Lennart Ootes
The crucial game is about to start - Magnus Carlsen v. Arjun Erigaisi | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Wesley So had a great final day in Kolkata! | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Kateryna Lagno emerged victorious in the women's blitz section. Finishing with 11½/18 points, Lagno edged out Valentina Gunina by half a point in the final standings, though she had already secured the title with a round to spare. Gunina briefly caught up with Lagno in round 13 but was unable to maintain the momentum to overtake her rival.
Lagno's back-to-back wins in rounds 14 and 15 proved decisive in clinching the title. Facing Vantika Agrawal with the white pieces in round 15, Lagno capitalised on a critical error by the Indian IM. In a tense, double-edged position, Vantika's 19...Rxg2 allowed Lagno to unleash a winning tactical sequence when 19...Rg7, sacrificing the exchange, would have held White's attack at bay.
White is now winning. There followed 20.Kf1 Qd8 21.Kxg2 Qg8+ 22.Bg5+ (with a discovered check) Kg7
Now Lagno correctly grabbed the bishop with 23.Bxe7, getting a decisive material advantage while still threatening to checkmate the black king. Vantika resigned a few moves later.
The Keymer Variation - 1.Nf3 d5 2.e3
This video course features the ins-and-outs of the possible setups Black can choose. You’ll learn the key concepts and strategies needed to add this fantastic opening to your repertoire. An easy-to-learn and yet venomous weapon.
Gunina secured sole second place, defeating Lagno in the final round after the latter had already sealed her triumph. Meanwhile, Aleksandra Goryachkina, fresh off her success in the rapid section, tied for third place with Vantika Agrawal, both scoring 9½/18 points.
The three winners of the 5-day event: Magnus Carlsen, Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Kateryna Lagno | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Valentina Gunina | Photo: Lennart Ootes
A group photo with participants and organisers | Photo: Lennart Ootes
| Advertising |
.jpeg)