World Mind Games: Nepomniachtchi, Hou Yifan Win Basque

GM Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and GM Hou Yifan of China emerged as the winners of the Basque tournament at the World Mind Games.

Introduced last year in Beijing, the “Basque System” was the last of three chess events of the World Mind Games. Named after a tournament held in San Sebastian three years ago, the system basically entails playing two rapid games simultaneously against the same opponent.

This most remarkable event took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with three (double!) rounds played on the first day and two more on the next. The time control was 20 minutes plus 10 seconds increment.

The advantage of the system is, like in a double round robin, it eliminates the advantage of the white color.

You're playing two games, with each color, against one opponent. Therefore, strategy now also involves choosing on which board to calculate first, and moving quickly between boards!

In her official report, Alina l'Ami gave some tips for aspiring Basque players:

“Basque is not too popular worldwide, so it is still unknown which is the best and most balanced match strategy. There have been speculations that taller players, with long arms and legs, have an advantage; stretching abilities and a good physical condition are not only recommended but absolutely essential! And those practicing Yoga may also have the upper hand...”

Here you can watch the mini-match Harikrishna vs Nepomniachtchi with commentary by GM Erwin l'Ami and IM Alina l'Ami:

It was Ian Nepomniachtchi who prevented Alexander Grischuk from clinching his third gold in Beijing. For starters, he won the individual “match” in the second round, 1.5-0.5. Both games were fascinating:

Back from Beijing! Managed to take gold in the basque tournament. Now can breathe with relief, because this competitive year is over:)

— Yan Nepomniachtchi (@lachesisq) December 18, 2014

In the same round, the following, absolutely amazing draw between Aronian and Radjabov was played. On the other board the players also split the point.

Don't miss Teimour Radjabov's textbook combination against Pentala Harikrishna; to be included in the chapter “demolish the kingside.”

Radjabov eventually grabbed silver here, and bronze went to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave — it was the other way around in the blitz tournament.

2014 World Mind Games | Basque, Final Standings

After winning the blitz, World Champion Hou Yifan also finished first in the Basque tournament. It was close, though: after four rounds her compatriot Zhao Xue was topping the standings with 6.0/8.

However, Zhao went down 2-0 against Alexandra Kosteniuk, while Hou defeated Humpy Koneru (at that point shared second with her opponent, half a point behind Zhao) also with 2-0.

An important moment was the following.

2014 World Mind Games | Basque (Women), Final Standings

A thumbs up from representatives of different mind sports. Photo Alina l'Ami.

The World Mind Games took place December 11-17 in Beijing, China. It was a multi-sport event that includes five mind sports: bridge, chess, draughts, go and xiangqi (Chinese chess).