Carlsen, Grischuk and Aronian Lead Amber

Day two at Amber didn't manage to match the decisive game count of the manic opening day, but there was just as much excitement to thrill the fans.

Game of the day was Carlsen's win with black in the rapid game against Gashimov, earning him €1,000 to supplement his modelling income.

Carlsen beat Gashimov in their rapid game (see below)

Carlsen had earlier also beaten Gashimov in their blindfold clash, so he finished the day on 3.5 points overall to share the lead. 

Grischuk won his blindfold game against Gelfand as the Israeli lost track of the position, and Nakamura suffered the same fate in even more dramatic fashion as he blew a winning position against Aronian by hanging his rook.

At the moment, the blindfold games are most often being won by the player who remembers where the pieces are!

The big clash between Anand and Kramnik ended with honours even after two hard-fought draws.  All the games from round two are below.

Day three pits Carlsen against Aronian, and Kramnik against Topalov!  Live broadcasts of all the games are available at the official website.

The results on day two:

The standings at the end of day two:

Grischuk continued his good start to the tournament against Gelfand

Nakamura lets Aronian escape after another blindfold blunder

Pictures: Association Max Euwe