“The drama and psychology and tension of the New York match was incredibly exciting. Indeed, from the point of view of psychology and drama, I think this was one of the most interesting matches in a long time.”
            —former undisputed World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik
As the chess world watched, the over-the-board chemistry in Lower Manhattan led to brilliant explosions and fizzling breakdowns. It was the kind of classic matchup that produces drama in any sport, pitting the Unstoppable Force against the Unmovable Object.
World Champion Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian golden youth with the cocky smile and the highest official chess rating of all time, was famous for grinding down his opponents. But in the second official defense of his title, he faced Sergey Karjakin, the young, amiable Russian grandmaster who was equally well known for rock-solid resistance. Sergey was first to score a win but threw away the lead by overlooking a forced draw in Game 10. After 12 games fought at a thoughtful classical time control, the match would be decided by a four-game playoff at rapid speeds. And the contest went down to the very last game before Carlsen reconfirmed his right to the crown.
No stranger to tense world championship matches, including his victory over Garry Kasparov in 2000, GM Vladimir Kramnik gives in this book his own detailed take on every critical move of Carlsen-Karjakin. You’ll be treated to “Vlad’s Viewpoints” multiple times in every game. Even Sergey Karjakin himself briefly writes about his toughest decision in the match.
Co-Author Grandmaster LEV AlBURT, three-time US and European Champion, is one of the world’s most sought-after chess teachers, famous for providing aspiring players easy access to master-level ideas. Co-author National Master JON CRUMILLER is an expert in the use of computer analysis, a dominating influence in modern chess preparation and annotation. Together, they give one of the most detailed and objective analysis of a modern world chess championship.