The FIDE World Chess Championship 2018 was a highly anticipated match between Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world champion from Norway, and Fabiano Caruana, the challenger from the United States. The match took place from November 9 to November 28, 2018, in London, England.
Format: Best of 12 classical games; if tied, the match would be decided in tiebreaks.
Time Control: 100 minutes for 40 moves, 50 minutes for the next 20 moves, then 15 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move from move 1.
All 12 games were drawn (6–6).
This was the first time in World Chess Championship history that every classical game ended in a draw.
The games were extremely competitive, with both players having chances but never quite breaking through.
Carlsen had a slight edge in some games but was unable to convert them into wins.
Caruana showed excellent preparation, especially in the Sicilian Sveshnikov, which he used multiple times.
Since the classical games ended in a tie, the match proceeded to rapid tiebreaks (four games with a 25+10 time control).
Carlsen dominated, winning 3–0.
Carlsen's superior speed chess skills proved too much for Caruana, who made critical mistakes under time pressure.
The decisive game came in Game 1 of the tiebreaks, where Carlsen took advantage of Caruana's inaccuracies.
Games 2 and 3 saw Carlsen outplaying Caruana in dynamic positions.
Magnus Carlsen won the match 9–6 (6–6 in classical, 3–0 in rapid).
He successfully defended his World Chess Championship title.
Carlsen's decision to force tiebreaks: In Game 12, Carlsen had a promising position but surprisingly offered a draw, opting to take his chances in the rapid tiebreaks, where he was the heavy favorite.
Caruana's opening preparation: He came extremely well-prepared, neutralizing Carlsen’s play in classical games but was outmatched in rapid.
Carlsen's speed and adaptability: His dominance in rapid chess proved why he was considered the best player in faster time controls.
Carlsen retained the world title and further cemented his legacy.
Caruana proved to be one of the strongest challengers in modern chess but fell short in faster time controls.
The match was one of the most balanced in World Championship history, with no decisive classical games.
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