Game 1. Carlsen with Black plays a Marshall system against Nepo's Spanish opening (8.h3 Na5!?) giving up a pawn for active play. Both players appear to play confidently with little time pressure. Neither player pursues opportunities to press in the endgame (40...Nf4 and 41.Ra4). Game 1 (45 moves) Draw.

Game 2. Carlsen plays 1.d4 and a Catalan system. He again seeks active play in return for a pawn. He seems better initially, but struggles to find a good plan and gives up more material. Nepo then has the advantage but doesn't play accurately.  Carlsen creates enough threats to see Nepo give back the material and the players settle for a hard fought draw. Game 2 (58 moves) Draw.

Game 3. Another Spanish opening. This time Nepo plays 8.a4 and Carlsen replies with the classical 8... Bb7. A sideline 10...Re8!? is played. White appears to get the upperhand, but Carlsen is quick to react with 22...d5 leading to a big exchange of pieces and a comfortably drawn endgame. Game 3 (41 moves) Draw.

Rest Day - Monday

Game 4.  Carlsen plays 1.e4 and Nepo responds with the Petroff. After an exchange of queens, Carlsen plays 18.Nh4!? allowing Black a protected passed a-pawn, in return for a threating position around Black's king. Nepo defends with a knight on f8 and counters by pushing his passed a-pawn. Carlsen uses a lot of time trying to find a way to make progress, but chooses to force a draw by repetition. Game 4 (33 moves) Draw.

Game 5.  Wednesday 11:30pm.

The 2021 World Championship is a match 0f 14 games to be played between challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi and current champion Magnus Carlsen. It is being played over 3 weeks in Dubai. The first game is due to begin 11:30pm Friday evening (Melbourne time).  Prize money of over 3 million dollars (AUD) is to be split 60%:40% between the winner and loser. Here are the main websites:

• FIDE Official Championship Website
• Chess24 live broadcast & commentary
• Chess.com live broadcast & commentary
• World Chess Championship history (Wikipedia)

This online tournament commenced Tuesday 23rd November. Pairings and results get updated on Sunday morning and can be found here.

R3 results and provisional pairings for R4 are here.                                                

While you can't play at the club, you may wish to try chess online. There are also many other free online activitities for young and old. If you can recommend other good, safe sites that I can share, let me know.    secretary@croydonchess.com

1. Northern Star Chess - local online chess tournaments (child-safe)

2. ChessKid.com - website for children to learn and play chess online.

3. Chess Tempo - for adults - tactics training and play online.

4. Lichess - for adults - playing online with friends and others.

5. St Louis Chess Club - Youtube Videos - Training videos.

Non-chess ideas for kids:

1. Cartooning for Beginners (short Youtube clips)

2. Melbourne Zoo (live cams - snow leopard cubs, penguins, etc)

3. Penguin Parade (live cams - Phillip Island, 6pm onwards)

4. Collins St Falcons (live cam)

Non-chess ideas for everyone:

1. NGV French Impressionism Virtual Tour

2. Virtual Tours of the World's Museums  (Google Art & Culture)

3. Learn about Ancient Rome (Free course, virtual tour inc.)

4. Victoria Together Online website (Online activities for young and old)

5. Virtual Tours of Japanese Tourist Spots