Game 5 of the world championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen was the first real dud of the series. Anand again opened with 1.d4, and Carlsen switched lines once again, opting this time for the solid Queen's Indian. For once he wasn't surprised and seemed to be the better-prepared player. Anand did achieve a slight edge, but he couldn't figure out what to do with it. After thinking for a while he played 27.Rb7, which was in effect a surrender: the remaining moves were played a tempo and the game was drawn a dozen moves and about five moves later.
The match is tied 2.5-2.5, but Carlsen will have good chances to seize the match initiative as he gets White in the next two games (first tomorrow and then on Monday). The game, with light notes, is here; subscribers' deeper coverage will be emailed later.