World Cup Baku 10 September to 4 October 2015

[Mick Norris]

There are claims it was a loss on time by Mamedyarov.

Yes, it was clear on the video on the commentry, though Nakamura thought Karjakin would win anyway

[JustinHorton]

Wei Yi looks like he's got everything White would want after 1. b3.

While the computer likes Karkjakin, I'm not sure Mamedyarov will be disappointed with two bishops against two knights, though they say the knights are often to be preferred in quickplay.

[LawrenceCooper]

Unusual to see both games with 2 bishops v 2 knights.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Mamedyarov needs to run Karjakin short of time and find some brilliant (or dodgy) sacrifice to break through...

[JustinHorton]

Not sure Mamedyarov can make any progress without doing something unsound.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

'The (Chinese) Kid' about to crash out to the Russian sharpshooter Svidler.

(EDIT: That means from Svidler-Giri semi-final, either Svidler, or Giri plus another Russian [Kramnik or Grischuk] will qualify for the Candidates, all of the Russians have played in the Candidates before, so not much change there. Seems like my prediction of all the Russians crashing out hasn't come to pass.)

[LawrenceCooper]

Quite ironic that Svidler finally won in a game where he appeared to be much worse in the early middle game.

[JustinHorton]

And the knights trounced the bishops. Well well.

[Mick Norris]

(EDIT: That means from Svidler-Giri semi-final, either Svidler, or Giri plus another Russian [Kramnik or Grischuk] will qualify for the Candidates, all of the Russians have played in the Candidates before, so not much change there. Seems like my prediction of all the Russians crashing out hasn't come to pass.)

So Kramnik & Grischuk have to hope their friend loses - would be interesting given Vlad's good record against Svidler whether Giri asks him for advice

If a Russian gets a wildcard spot too, there could be a few of them again unless Eljanov stops Karjakin

[Tim Harding]

In this world of uncertainties, here are four certainties concerning the Candidates.
(I don't know which countries have bid/intend to bid but the following seem the most likely.)

If Russia get the tournament, the wild card will not go to a Ukrainian.

If Ukraine get the tournament, the wild card will not go to a Russian.

If Azerbaijan get the tournament, Mamedyarov will get the wild card.

If Armenia get the tournament, Aronian will get the wild card.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

One thing that struck me about the World Cup is that it is a tournament that Carlsen has not won. Has there ever been any indication from him that he would like to take part in the event, or can he not do that (as he is World Champion)?

[Mick Norris]

One thing that struck me about the World Cup is that it is a tournament that Carlsen has not won. Has there ever been any indication from him that he would like to take part in the event, or can he not do that (as he is World Champion)?

Actually, I read a comment on Twitter that he wanted to play but couldn't fit it in his diary

Being on Carlsen's half of the draw would put anyone at a disadvantage for getting to the final and qualifying, but although there is potential for him to throw a match against someone he thinks won't be a threat in the Candidates (edit, to be clear I don't think he would do this), I am pretty sure there is nothing to stop him playing

[LawrenceCooper]

The online engines aren't impressed with Karjakin's 17....d4

[Matthew Turner]

I think the problem with d4 is that after Nf3 d3 isn't good because of b4

[Matthew Turner]

Or maybe not