Carlsen,Magnus vs. Esipenko,Andrey - CCT Chessable Masters Playoffs 2025 1/2-1/2
In the CCT Chessable Masters Playoffs 2025 on February 18, 2025, between Magnus Carlsen playing with white pieces and Andrey Esipenko playing with black pieces, the move Nxd5 was made by White. This move captures material from Black's pawn, resulting in a loss for Black.
Carlsen's choice ignores the threat of a potentially powerful bishop that could have been developed earlier, which may be a missed opportunity. The Nxd5 also allows Black to kick an opponent's piece with their own, creating potential counterplay. Furthermore, the move does not take full advantage of the mobility of Carlsen's bishop on the board.
On the other hand, capturing material can also be seen as developing a piece and setting it up for active play, particularly in this specific move where White gains an advantage by taking control of the d5 square.
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[Date "2025.02.18"]