Carlsen, M - Anand, V (09/11/2013)
1. Nf3 d5 2. g3
g6 3. Bg2 Bg7 4. d4 c6 5. O-O Nf6 6. b3 O-O 7. Bb2 Bf5 8. c4 Nbd7 9. Nc3 dxc4 10. bxc4 Nb6 11. c5 Nc4 12. Bc1 Nd5 13. Qb3 Na5 14. Qa3 Nc4 15.Qb3 Na5 16. Qa3 Nc4 1/2-1/2
A disappointing start to the match. It was not surprising to see Carlsen attempt to sidestep Anand's superior opening preparation with a flank opening, but it was a little surprising to see him on the defensive so early on.
9...dxc4 looks like a nice solution to the position as whites central pawns turn out to be exposed and 11.c5 seems forced. 12...e5!? was an interesting alternative but Anand clearly felt no need to overstretch in the first game. After 13.Qb3 I could see the game ending in repetition and so it did.
Definitely a psychological victory for Anand and Carlsen will have been disappointed to have not set any problems at all in the game. Still, one wonders how many opportunities Anand might get to press in this match and maybe he could have been a bit more aggressive himself against a clearly nervous Carlsen.
Match score
Anand 0.5
Carlsen 0.5
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