On January 03 2023 01:32 0x64 wrote:Why not have the champion playing the candidate tournament, and if he finishes first, he is automatically new champion. If not, he plays a match in a shorter format winner.
This sounds like a good idea to me. Current champion is really incentivized to play their best to get first place. And if they don't - they get a second chance, but with a morale boost for the tourney's winner.
Yes, that's a great idea actually. But this will unlikely happen because the potential lack of a title match deprives FIDE from milking more money.
Magnus was already bored and frustrated playing championship matches since the match against Fabi. Fabi can really play exciting chess and his podcast is really awesome. He's my top 3 favourite player. But let's face it, that match was more of a battle of who did their homework better. And the 'who' isn't just Magnus or Fabi but their whole team of seconds.
Also, the long prep period makes it possible for player's strategies to 'leak' accidentally (or who knows, maybe someone would attempt a hack).
The title match makes sense during an era where there was less competitions and the Internet did not exist. At the end of the day, Magnus just wants to play chess at the highest level as much as possible without holding anything back. Prepping for a title match months in advance (which forces him to play less competitions and hide openings) just defeats his drive - or in short, 'does not spark joy'.
The format has two brackets composed of eight players. The eight-player field competes against each other in knockout style. The double elimination format ensures a second shot at the top for any player who loses a match.
Participants play a 2-game classical match followed by rapid tiebreaks if needed. The winners advance in the Championship Bracket, while those who lose their match continue with rapid chess in the Elimination Bracket. Anyone who loses their match in the Elimination Bracket is then eliminated from the tournament.
- The classical time control will be game in 90 minutes plus 30-second increments from move one (G/90+30). - The rapid time control will be game in 25 minutes plus 10-second increments from move one (G/25+10). - The playoff time control will be game in 10 minutes plus 5-second increments from move one (G/10+5). - All standard games in the Championship bracket will be played at classical time controls. - All standard games in the Elimination bracket will be played at rapid time controls.
what do you guys think of the format? I actually think it's a very interesting idea. Hopefully it will work well! Would be nice to have different tournaments with different formats throughout the year instead of small round robin and swiss all the time.
Nepo already 1-0 after only two games and winning with black, too. That's pretty big. Match should get really interesting now. It's not the same without Carlsen.. but still worth following, imo.
I'm rooting for Ding Liren, and I think this early loss with the white pieces came as a surprise to most people. I hope he can turn it around, but for now the odds are very much against him.
On April 12 2023 05:20 sharkie wrote: No interest in the match at all
If you've no interest in that check out GM Simon Williams' immortal game, game of the year so far, just sacrificing material constantly and weaving the perfect trap:
On April 12 2023 05:20 sharkie wrote: No interest in the match at all
If you've no interest in that check out GM Simon Williams' immortal game, game of the year so far, just sacrificing material constantly and weaving the perfect trap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDKBbyi6wJU
An absolutely beautiful game, indeed.
Truly romantic chess being played in the XXIst century.
So torn between the two players. Nepo kinda 'deserves' it more due to his recent hot form and tearing through the Candidates with ease. Ding is a Cinderella story - his candid interviews are so adorable and his 'duet' with Rapport hits all the right notes (yes, pun intended).
Honestly I didn't have much interest at the start with Magnus abdicating the throne. But it's been a thrilling tournament so far. Hope we get more sharp and decisive games!
While obviously being more fun to watch, doesn't this also suggest that the games are not at the absolute top level? I.e. this might mean both players are great at attacking - or, maybe, they both are not so great in their defense.
I'll keep rooting for Ding Liren. But Nepo has improved quite consistently throughout the years, while it seems that Liren may've peaked years ago. In this particular match Nepo might just be the better player (I think he is). But Liren has a stronger mindset in my opinion, so everything's still open.