RAW Chess Challenge: Magnus is ready, are you?

Hello Everyone,

The World RAW Chess Challenge and your chance to take on the World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen is just a few hours away.

According to a G-Star press release, Magnus is looking forward to the challenge. He says, “I’m very excited about this event. This is something quite new to me and it feels like a huge challenge. The three grandmasters suggesting moves are all very strong. Normally each of them will pick a few inaccurate moves, but in this format I’m sure that the world will make sure only strong moves are selected. If I am able to beat “the World”, it will feel like a big achievement.”

And, the world's highest-ever rated and former world champion Gary Kasparov says, "Having major chess tournaments back in the main cities of the world should be a priority for the World Chess Federation and it’s great to see the RAW World Chess Challenge taking place in the spectacular surroundings of New York City. I know from my own internet match versus a world team in 1999 that the combination of expert advisors and the knowledge of the masses is a hard nut to crack, and the RAW World Chess Challenge’s short time limit will bring extra intensity to the game. As an ambassador of the challenge I will try to stay neutral, but I promise to give a few tips to the world team “live” from the studio on the 10th of September.”

Here is the latest video on the Challenge.

The game will start 12:00 NY time, which is 18:00 CET. Venue is the Penthouse of the Cooper Square Hotel in New York. One hour before the game the four GMs will enter the building and from then you can follow an audio feed of the event. Providing live feedback on the challenge will be GM Maurice Ashley, with additional insight provided by Garry Kasparov.

For Magnus it’s a bit like playing against a computer: he moves on a physical board, and an arbiter will move for the World Team. The three GMs play online and all have their own login, so that there will be no delay and the world will see immediately which moves they suggest. The world decides which move will be played.

You can find more details and sign up here - that is if you haven't already!

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

www.chessblog.com

Also see her personal blog at

www.chessqueen.com