11.10.13 A rapid-fire Caro Kann opening followed well-explored lines with both players moving quickly. A slight surprise from Anand on move 18 signaled his intention to steer the game into simpatico lines rather than take a sharper, more contentious path. After a queen exchange, the players made a few more moves and on white's 25th the players shook hands as a triple repeat of position was about to occur for the second time in two games.

The opening was a Caro Kann in which Carlsen seemed to be more prepared as he made the first 12 moves with black in less than two minutes. The first semi-surprise came on move 18 when Anand decided to trade queens with 18. Qxd5 rather than go for the sharper 18. Qg4.

In the press conference immediately following the game, Vishy, obviously feeling a responsibility to play fighting chess in front of his hometown fans, said it was his turn to tender a slight apology for the quick draw. Admitting that the Caro Kann was not expected, he made a prudent decision to go for the draw rather than "fly blind." In this way we can see that although white has the first move it is often black's choice of defense that dictates the particular opening that appears on the board.

Carlsen was conciliatory stating, "When you are caught out of familiar lines it's hard to go for the sharpest continuations." He questioned Anand's choice not to play 18. Qg4 but quickly added that after 18...Kh7 black is solid. In response to a question asking how he would spend his rest day Carlsen responded, "I will relax a bit after a few tough games." This was met with roaring laughter from the gallery.

The last question was whether the players planned to watch the Arsenal v Manchester United futbol game scheduled for later in the day. Anand: "I will definitely catch that." Carlsen: "Sure, now that you mention it."

From our minute details department, it's interesting to note that in both games Anand has faced his knights forward while Carlsen turns his knights towards each other. This gives an intriguing aesthetic impression during the live video broadcast on the official website. Magnus has been without his beloved orange juice bottle at the board in the first two games while Anand has been drinking hot green tea.

Monday will be a rest day. Game three will commence on Tuesday, November 12th at 4:30 a.m. eastern time.

All the games of the Match can be found here.

Official Match Website

Official Schedule

Time control is 40 moves in 2 hours followed by 20 moves in 1 hour then 15 minutes for the remainder of the game with a 30 second increment beginning on move 61.

Times are on the east coast of the U.S.

11.07.2013 Opening Ceremony 5:30 A.M.
11.09.2013 Game 1 4:30 A.M.
11.10.2013 Game 2 4:30 A.M.
11.11.2013 Rest Day
11.12.2013 Game 3 4:30 A.M.
11.13.2013 Game 4 4:30 A.M.
11.14.2013 Rest Day
11.15.2013 Game 5 4:30 A.M.
11.16.2013 Game 6 4:30 A.M.
11.17.2013 Rest Day
11.18.2013 Game 7 4:30 A.M.
11.19.2013 Game 8 4:30 A.M.
11.20.2013 Rest Day
11.21.2013 Game 9 4:30 A.M.
11.22.2013 Game 10 4:30 A.M.
11.23.2013 Rest Day
11.24.2013 Game 11 4:30 A.M.
11.25.2013 Rest Day
11.26.2013 Game 12 4:30 A.M.
11.27.2013 Rest Day
11.28.2013 Tie Break Games To be decided
11.29.2013 Closing Ceremony To be decided