The match approaches its middle section on Friday, after a rest day today (Thursday), and the tension is rising after a fifth straight draw. It was an eventful draw, too, as Ian Nepomniachtchi was clearly better prepared than Magnus Carlsen in another Anti-Marshall, and after 19 moves he enjoyed a clear advantage and a lead on the clock. Unfortunately for the challenger, he failed to play the best move here, and after some further, but less acute suffering, Carlsen managed to hold the draw. It may not have been as great an opportunity as he enjoyed in game 2, objectively speaking, but it was at least a good chance for him to press for the full point.
Will Nepo be heartened by his having had two good chances already in five games, and by his having been better prepared in today's game? Or will the missed opportunities harm his confidence? And how long can this drawing run continue before the players go into ultra-safe mode and save the big risks for the rapid playoff? We'll have to wait for answers to these soap opera-like questions; for now, here's game five, with my notes.