OPENING NOVELTY Against the Ruy Lopez from Magnus Carlsen || 2021 World Chess Championship || Game 1

In round 1 of the world chess championship, we see Ian Nepomniachtchi go with the Ruy Lopez Opening with Magnus Carlsen responding with the Columbus Variation of the Morphy Defense. Carlsen gave up a pawn early in the game and tried to gain some compensation, white had some weak pawns but Ian Nepomniachtchi played resourceful defense. He looked to hold onto his pawns, keep his game solid, and not give Magnus Carlsen too much to work with. Magnus Carlsen continued to keep the material on the board, burning the clock and trying to squeeze water from a stone which fits his style well. Both showed great chess strategy, chess moves, chess ideas, chess principles, chess theory, chess tricks, and chess opening theory. Magnus Carlsen beautifully maneuvered his knight in the endgame to put the pressure on Ian Nepomniatchi, forcing the challenger to hang on for his life. The Ruy Lopez in particular is arguably the most popular opening in all of chess at the Grandmaster level, both sides showing good opening preparation in the lines, moves, and theory they both utilized. Magnus Carlsen pushed for a win, looking to attack Ian Nepomniachtchi’s weak pawn structure, but Ian Nepomniachtchi played amazingly good defensive chess, gave that extra pawn back at the right moment, and evened the game out. This draw in Game 1 in the 2021 World Chess Championship was a good result for both sides. This is Ian Nepomniachtchi’s first ever World Championship match, so it is good he got comfortable mentally and settled in. Magnus Carlsen is doing this for a fourth time, and is always okay with a draw with the black pieces, especially the direction the game went. Video recap on round 2 tomorrow!

The 2021 World Chess Championship is the most hyped event in chess we have seen in quite a long time. The last World Championship was successfully defended by Magnus Carlsen against Fabiano Caruana, and it has now been three years. Magnus Carlsen needs no introduction, being arguably the greatest chess player of all time. He surpassed Kasparov in rating with a peak ELO of 2882, has held the no.1 spot for over 10 years, and is looking to win his fourth World Chess Championship as we speak.

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[andrewcarter]

Certainly for the first 7 moves I'd have played the same as Nepo (indeed, I have). Just think, if chess games stopped after 7 moves, I could be a world championship contender!

[chesscube]

One of the highest quality chess game recaps i have seen. This deserves more views. I now won’t watch any other recaps of the games from this tournament, only wait for yours!

[REKKnives]

Thanks for doing this! Love game analysis 👍😁

[kajuanweaver]

I’m glad you were able to explain some of the ideas like Kf1 and why white gave the pawn back, pretty interesting game!

[skyeruddell]

So exciting to see you're covering this! ❤

[andrewcarter]

Thanks for the analysis. I've seen this game on other sites and they seem to concentrate more on the reasons why moves were played but not so much on why other moves were not played.

[jisooya]

Imagine Nepo watching this before the third game lol

[josemanuelpoquechoquerojas]

It would be great if you explain to us that gambit that Magnus made with Na5

[grness-personified]

Thanks for the coverage, Solomon! Would love to see Nepo bring out some latest French Winawer theory on Magnus but thinking we’ll see more 1.d4 openings from both sides here on out.

[JuanDelaCruz-ekmg]

That peculiar move is being done countless times by Boston Mike at Coffee Chess with his bullying quip, "Snipers have to go!"

[Bryflei]

Hey Chess Giant was curious how tall you are ?