Magnus Carlsen

On the free day Saturday I joined the excursion offered by the organiser while Magnus chose to sleep long and rest.
The first stop was a traditional factory for handmade carpets.


Despite having to start their career at a very early age, the relatively strenuous work and long hours, being a knitter is considered a prestigious job and the knowledge is often passed down from mother to daughter etc.
Doing some mathematics (30-60 threads per square centimetre multiplies to 10-20 million threads for a 5mx7m carpet), it suddenly made sense that it takes some 8 months to finish one large carpet despite the nimble trained hands at work.


The finished carpets are washed and stretched and sure are beautiful but also comes at a cost of 2-200 kusd a piece dependant on fabric and size. (The above is a 2500 usd silk carpet.)


The next stop for the sightseeing caravan was the war cemetery near the seaside with a breathtaking view of Baku and the harbour.


Afterwards we enjoyed a nice lunch with folklore music in the 14th century Caravansara restaurant (and hotel) within the old city close to the maiden tower.

Magnus preferred a game of table tennis, while most of the players continued from the sightseeing to join the football match between the Azeri and a mixed "All star team". After 7-7, the stars won the penalty shootout.

Round 6 brought 3 more decisive games. Cheparinov countered against Inarkiev to score his first win, Kamsky won a long, tense and probably very good game against Adams, while Svidler outplayed Karjakin.

Magnus played 1.Nf3 against Gashimov and after a quite set up he found a very promising continuation against blacks somewhat passive play. After 18.Nb5 Bxb5 19.cxb5 he was clearly better, but afterwards he claimed that his 23.Bd2 allowing the black bishop to go to d4 was a clear mistake. 
Magnus continued to put some pressure on Gashimov but while Magnus made some more inaccuracies while Gashimov defended well, the position got closer to equal and after the exchange of queens, black played 35...d5 and Magnus found nothing better than forcing a draw.

Magnus was clearly not happy with the outcome of the game, but if he continues to create an advantage in the middle game the chance of scoring more wins are of course very much present.

Today Magnus is black against home favourite Radjabov. Let's hope for a great fight!

Henrik Carlsen,
Baku, April 28th 2008