Can Carlsen win Skilling Open on his 30th birthday?

White wins in all four

Finals Day 1 was full of blunders from both Carlsen and So in Champions Chess Tour Skilling Open. That's why it produced four decisive games and four exciting results. Surprisingly in all four of them, the white pieces won them all. So blundered in Game 1, Carlsen blundered twice in Game 2 as after the first blunder, he managed to recover well. So misplayed in Game 3 and Carlsen once again blundered a piece in Game 4. If we count the number of blunders then the world champion is ahead but So made less mistakes which means he is in a better shape going into the second day of the Finals.

Carlsen - So: 2-2

Just when it seemed like the first game of the Final will end up in a draw, So blundered.

Carlsen - So, Game 1

Find out why 33...Rf5 is a blunder and what black should have played instead.

Carlsen misplayed in the endgame and got into deep trouble against So in the second game.

So - Carlsen, Game 2

Black is already in a difficult position. The world champion went for the adventurous 30...Kg6 which certainly did not help his case.

The game continued with 36.e5 but it was not the best continuation. Find out what was the better idea for white.

In a seemingly drawn position with less than 40 seconds on the clock, Carlsen blundered into a mate in five.

In the third game, So played bravely and weakened his position.

Carlsen - So, Game 3

11...g5 was uncalled for. A simple 11...dxc4 would have sufficed.

Black's position was in shambles soon after 17...Nxc4 and the world champion had no trouble converting his advantage into a win.

In an already difficult position, Carlsen blundered a piece in the fourth game.

So - Carlsen, Game 4

Find out why 31...Ng4 is a blunder and what black could have done instead.

Replay all Final games from Day 1

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Final Day 1 results

Schedule

Everyday game starts at 10:30 p.m. IST

Prizes

Total Prize Fund: US$ 100,000

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations