Karsten Müller analyses a Magnus Carlsen masterpiece

2/1/2021 – For chess fans, the fact that the Tata Steel tournament was played over-the-board with a classical time control meant the return of high-quality games by the strongest players in the world. In the final round, world champion Magnus Carlsen showed what he is capable of in his game against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. | Photo: Jurriaan Hoefsmit

Mighty Magnus

The Tata Steel chess tournament came to an end on Sunday, with Jorden van Foreest clinching the title after a thrilling finale. 

For chess fans, the fact that the event was played over-the-board with a classical time control meant the return of high-quality games by the strongest players in the world. Although rapid and blitz games provide a large amount of entertainment value, it is very unlikely for players to explore the nuances of complex endgames with little time on their clocks.

Numerous endgame struggle were seen in Wijk aan Zee. In the final round, world champion Magnus Carlsen showed what he is capable of in his game against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. An Alpha Zero-style victory for the best player in the world allowed to finish a rather disappointing tournament on a high note.

[Feel free to try your own variations on the interactive diagrams below!]