13 November 2016
Second Game Drawn in New York
The World Championship match is tied at 1-1.
The second game of Carlsen-Karjakin match in New York attracted a large number of spectators. The challenger had White in this game. Andrey Guryev, General Director of PhosAgro, member of RCF Board of Trustees, made a honorary first move, pushing the e-pawn to e4. A Ruy Lopez emerged. Carlsen deviated from the Berlin, and Karjakin did not allow the Marshall, opting for the early d2-d3. White had a slight pull after the opening, but the World Champion found several accurate moves to neutralize this pressure. The knight transfer to b6 via c4 followed by Rc8 was very precise – these maneuvers secured Black against all possible transformations of the pawn structure in the center.
Karjakin decided to release the pressure, opting for an ending with a symbolic advantage for White. Carlsen carried out a timely freeing break с6-с5, forcing further simplifications. Soon the players secured a draw by move repetition.
The match score is now 1-1. Sunday, November 13, is a rest day. The third game will be played on Monday, November 14.
Official site
Photos by Vladimir Barsky
