Superstition

Magnus Carlsen – Wesley So

Champions Chess Tour 2021; 1st stage; Skilling Open; Final match game 6; time control: 15 minutes plus 10 seconds per move; chess24.com, November 30, 2020

8/1p4p1/p2k3p/3n4/1P2p3/P1n3P1/7P/2B2BK1 w - - 0 36

Position after 35. ... e5-e4

Apparently contemptuous of any “superstition”, in the sixth game Carlsen recklessly repeated the opening of yesterday’s first game, only to finally find himself on his knees with two Bishops against two Knights but no compensation at all for the Pawn minus. 36. Kf2 (36. Bb2 e3−+) 36. ... Ke5 37. Bh3 b6 38. Bb2 Kd4 39. Bf1 b5 40. Ke1 Ke3 41. Bc1+ Kd4 42. Bb2 e3 43. Ba1 g6 44. Bh3 Kd3 45. Bc8 Nb1 46. Bb2 (46. Bxa6 Nxa3−+) 46. ... Nd2 47. Bg4 Nc3 48. Bxc3 Kxc3 49. Ke2 Nc4 50. Bc8 Nxa3 51. Bxa6 Kd4 52. h4 Nb1 53. Kd1 Nc3+ 54. Kc2 g5 55. hxg5 hxg5 56. g4 Kc4 57. Bc8 Kxb4 58. Kd3 e2 59. Kd2 Ka3! 60. Bf5 b4 61. Bd3 b3 0 : 1.