Letter #06 -  2012

Sub:    Aronian last game
Date:   02/02/12  7:14:18 PM EDT
From:  Tim S.
To:      service@chess-poster.com

What's the reason the last game between Aronian and Radjabov  ended in only 12 moves?

Thanks.
 

Dear viewer,

The game ended in the following position with Aronian having the next move:

Graphic 1

White to move
Aronian / Radjabov -  2012 Tata Steel Tournament

By moving Nf3 to e5 (graphic #2 below) Aronian could claim a draw by the rule of threefold repetition because the position repeated identically in move #9, #11, and would be repeated in move #13 by Aronian.

Graphic 2

White moves Ne5 and draws
Aronian / Radjabov -  2012 Tata Steel Tournament

Aronian could have moved another piece or his Knight to another square other that e5 to avoid a draw but he only needed a draw (half a point) to secure first place in the tournament and he did the right thing.

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