Centralization

From the center of the board, pieces have greater reach hence the fight to posses the center is the way to dominate in chess.

The Indian chess phenomenon Arjun Erigaisi is always entertaining to watch. He is full of surprises, very dynamic and thrives in complicated positions. In the 4th round of Norway Chess 2025; Magnus Carlsen showed how to take tackle the exuberant equilibrist. In 50 moves, Carlsen realized the 130 rating-points difference. Effortlessly, it seems.

Position after 5. Rb1

Symmetrical English. A modern opening. White seeks to undermine the black center by playing b2 - b4. Note that the rook stays on B1 for 30 moves, supporting the pawn in the b-line that eventually determines the outcome of this game. Erigaisi makes a few smaller inaccuracies, but is basically not to blame for anything. He lands in a position his opponent understands better. That is all. Soon he is in trouble:

Position after 17. Qa4

Note how the white bishops dominate through the center. 17. -, Qd8 can be met by 18. Ba7 and the rook on B8 will be lost for the price of a bishop. 17. -, Qc7 is met by 18. Rfc1. Agadmator’s chess mentions Capablanca, due to the simplicity of whites play: The pawn on A5 is lost, leaving white with a clear plan: Fight for the center and march the b-pawn down the board. To me the Soviet school of chess and especially the games of Botvinnik comes to mind. Simple. Mechanical. Positional master class. How Yassir Seirawan must love this position. Grabbing a pawn. It looks so easy.

Position after 35. -, Rb6. White to move and win.

The white queen dominates, but how to proceed? Carlsen played 36. Re1, Qb8 37. Re8 ch, Qxe8 38. Qx b6 and the endgame is winning. Like his predecessors Andersson and Larsen, Carlsen have never lost a position like this.

Position after 45. Ke5

The black queen is running out of checks and the white king is ready to escort the b-pawn to the 8th rank. 45. -, Kg7 46. h4, Qd3 47. Qc5, Qf5 ch 48. Kd6, resigns.

Carlsen is in the lead with 8 points followed by his rivals. The higher rated players are on the top and the lower rated players in the bottom of the table. Friday is rest day.