Anand/Carlsen 12 games championship

Was wondering if anyone could explain how the championship works this year?

Is this a best of 12? First to win 7 games takes the crown? Is 12 games the total that will be played or is it first to tally the points needed for victory?

First at 6.5 wins

Thx hicetnunc. So, why is it so short these days? Didn't it used to be at first to 12 wins?

In the past, there were some matches when the first player winning 6 games would become WC, but they could last forever...

A case in point is the first match between Karpov and Kasparov, when Karpov almost resigned after having led 5-0 because he was exhausted

Then the length of those matchs was reduced due to sponsorship pressure (they didn't want to pay for a too long match).

I agree 12 games is very short, probably too short

I think 18 games is better.

Well either way its going to be interesting. Any predictions on openings or perhaps some surprise weapons?

It used to be 24, and I think this is a good compromise. Shorter match means that players cannot afford to take any risk. 

I'd like to see it like it was in 1990. Nowadays if someone lose 1 game, he can be lost. In the past, you could still attacked back. We had seen better agmes I guess. More sacs and more blunders. :)