Ruy Lopez

Rating 1792

Puzzle Rush Score 25 (falling asleep at the computer, but I still did the prescribed daily puzzles)

Daily Study One interesting quote or idea I heard today (which was an idea I already understood, but just stood out differently) was a comment made by Levy Rosman in one of his recap videos. “What is the future of your rooks?” There are many times when I am wondering where to place a rook and which one to move. I think in those times of uncertainty I need to ask myself the question of what is the future of both rooks.

The round seven World Chess Championship match ended in a draw. After such a grueling game yesterday, I was expecting Nepo to take a quick draw if possible. My predictions were close to spot on. Nepomniatchi led out once again with e4 and we had another Ruy Lopez (I am not complaining about that part) and it followed the same opening line as round five, but he didn’t really press and the pieces were traded off to a drawn endgame.

Rating 1784

Puzzle Rush Score 34

Daily Study Today we saw another great game and another draw. I am absolutely loving all these Ruy Lopez games. This one was once again very insightful. Carlsen defends so well!

Here is the game from today (annotated by Sam Shankland).

Rating 1802

Puzzle Rush Score 34

Daily Study It was another Ruy Lopez in round three of the World Chess Championship today. The game was not exciting as the first two, but I still found it interesting as someone that plays the Ruy.

I started making an opening file of Ruy Lopez positions when it comes to the Marshall and anti-Marshall lines.

Rating 1827

Puzzle Rush Score 24

Daily Study The World Chess Championship has begun and the first game ended in a draw. I think my study over the next few weeks is going to be mainly following the event and looking at the games.

I had thought that it was likely we would see a Ruy Lopez and we did. I even had a sneaking suspicion that it could be a Marshall type position (as it has been quite popular at the moment and I have been noticing it more in my own games too). Magnus gave up a pawn for the two bishops and dynamic play. Nepomniachtchi went up a pawn, but had to deal with a tricky pawn structure and had to defend well to secure the draw.

Sam Shankland is going to annotate each of the games for chess.com news coverage. I am going to share his annotations here on my blog. I love reading through annotations of the grandmasters as it really helps you get into the same headspace as the players.