Carlsen-Nepomniachtchi, Game 3: A Well-Played Draw
Three games, three draws. (Eleven to go? Probably not.) That was not the only trend to persist from the earlier games. Once again, it was Magnus Carlsen who steered the opening into relatively fresh channels, choosing a sideline for the third time in the match, this time against Ian Nepomniachtchi's Anti-Marshall with 8.a4. As in game 1, Nepomniachtchi was well-prepared for the sideline Carlsen chose, and by the time both players were out of preparation he seemed to have an edge, or at least the more comfortable play.
Here Carlsen fully rose to the challenge, and his plan of 16...a5 followed by 17...Bc8 and 20...Be6 (intending ...d5) appeared to equalize. Nepomniachtchi spent half an hour on his 21st move, but found no way to cause the champion any serious problems. The game soon reached a bishop ending with White enjoying a better pawn structure, but Black's more active king assured him of a draw, which was agreed after White's 41st move.
It was a well-played game, but far less exciting than the previous game. Will we see that level of craziness again in round 4? We'll find out on Tuesday, as tomorrow is a rest day. (Chess fans in danger of suffering withdrawal symptoms can watch an online blitz match between Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.) For now, here's game 3, with my comments.