Chess with Sam Collins

FIDE World Cup 2019, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia

The Candidates Tournament in March/April 2020 will determine Magnus Carlsen’s next challenger for the world title. Azeri GM Teimour Radjabov qualified for the final of the FIDE World Cup with the following fine win, securing a ticket to the Candidates in the process.

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e3 Nxc3 6.dxc3

This apparently harmless line contains some poison for both sides. Vachier-Lagrave himself won ...