Evolution

World champion Magnus Carlsen takes much inspiration from the games of the former champion Emanuel Lasker. Lasker and Carlsen share the ability to manoeuvre at length in approximately level positions, without letting the situation dry up and become devoid of winning prospects. Such a style does not always lead to attractive games, and some of Carlsen’s victories have become so obscure that Viktor Korchnoi even accused the champion of hypnotism.

Nevertheless, as Carlsen has become more confident, his style has evolved. As can be seen from the following game from the powerful Norway tournament which finishes this week, he is beginning to take risks and play in the sharp style of Morphy, Alekhine, Tal and Kasparov.

Alekhine once wrote that if one’s opponent chooses an eccentric opening it is necessary to react, rather than play by rote. The Swedish grandmaster Grandelius here selects an eccentric opening and is punished by a sacrificial attack of which Alekhine himself would have been proud.

Carlsen-Grandelius: Norway Chess, Stavanger 2016; Sicilian Defence

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 Nf6 An eccentricity introduced by Nimzowitsch. In my opinion it represents one of his less felicitous ideas. After White’s treatment seen here Black is already in difficulties at an early stage. 3 e5 Nd5 4 Nc3 Nxc3 Possible is 4 … e6 but after 5 Nxd5 exd5 6 d4 White has much the freer position. 5 dxc3 Nc6 5 … b6 was seen in Michell-Nimzowitsch, Marienbad 1925 and White reacted with the feeble 6 Bd3, whereas in fact both 6 e6 and 6 Ng5 both leave Black struggling. 6 Bf4 Qb6 7 Qc1 f6 8 Bc4 Strong, natural and improving on 8 Bg3 Zude-Gheng, Staufer 2003. 8 … g5 This move is bold beyond belief, after which we are in uncharted territory.