Candidates

[George Neave]

Anyone want to discuss some chess on here?

Kramnik's win against Aronian today must be one of the most brilliant games of chess I have ever seen! Creative, aggressive and some very beautiful sacrificial play to wrap it all up. Looks to me like he wants his title back!

Hi George, agreed about the Aronian Kramnik game, certainly so far as games I have watched as they were played. 

I always expect a lot from Kramnik; I always hope for a lot from Aronian. I appreciate that much can yet happen but it does look as though there are only 3 players showing the focus and form to win - Kramnik, Mamedyarov and Caruana.  Until recently I would have dismissed Mamedyarov's chances against Carlsen but this doesn't look like the same player and now I am not so sure.

As someone who has previously subscribed to the official site but will never do so again I am interested to know what people's preferred site is.  I favour Chess 24 though also had the official site open on YouTube yesterday.  Judith Polgar is an excellent commentator but I wont be paying Agon for her services once it is subscription only.

Also watched live on Chess24. Having subsequently watched the clips on chessbase and, in particular, the after game interview, I see now that this game was largely home prep. Still it seems remarkable to me that 7...Rg8 is so strong! I can't recall last time I saw a novelty so early for Black that may just have put a variation respected at the highest levels out of commission. Of course the execution that followed was flawless and then 24...Bg5 and 26...Qe2 add a nice touch of flair! The whole game reminds of the more aggressive style we saw from Kramnik in his youth. Hopefully there is more to come