Saturday, November 15, 2014

World Chess Championship 2014

I don't know how many readers are chess fans, but the 2014 Chess Championship is providing both a great deal of drama, and some practice in Statement Analysis, particularly the post game live interview.

You may view the games live here:  http://www.sochi2014.fide.com/live-video

From Norway, is the young champion, Magnus Carlsen, and the challenger, is former World Champion Vishy Anand, from India.

Both are gentlemen and sportsman.  Both are provoking nationalistic comments around the globe as live coverage is found in many places, particularly on Norwegian and Indian television, as well as other countries where chess is most popular.

In the post game press conference, they sit, tensely, answering questions live, which allows for the Free Editing Process to be engaged.

It should be noted that on any given conference, one is often unhappy with the result, but neither wishes to "give anything away" regarding strategy and thought process.  This makes for interesting analysis.

Both frequently use the 2nd person, "you" while avoiding "I" in their responses, as if the "you" experience is universal to the audience.  (Most of us have little understanding of the positional dynamics of world chess champion play and must rely upon instant computer analysis to tell us who is ahead and who is behind.)

Both frequently employ passivity in language.

A passive voice conceals responsibility.

Neither wishes to make strong commitments while the match continues.  No matter how exhausted they are, their teams or "seconds" are carefully listening and after appropriate rest, will fill in the two champs on what they have learned.

Is there a better way to pass 6-8 hours?

Magnus leads Vishy 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 (draws are 1/2 point for each).  It is a 12 game match.

6 comments:

John Mc Gowan said...

OT Update:

Bill Cosby Shakes His Head At Rape Allegations

http://www.inquisitr.com/1611250/bill-cosby-shakes-his-head-at-rape-allegations/#HFESOowSkgWqiCeY.99

Tania Cadogan said...

By not answering the question, the subject answers the question

John Mc Gowan said...

OT Update:

Bill Cosby's attorney calls rape allegations 'decade-old' and 'discredited'

http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/15/media/bill-cosby-rape-allegations/index.html

Elsie said...

I am Norwegian, and I know of Magnus. He most likely has aspergers, which will affect how he speaks.

Chess is boring. It is a game for geniouses, which, alas, I am not.

Statement Analysis Blog said...

He is called the "Mozart of chess"

I love his play.

Buckley said...

I was a HS chess sponsor for years. Serious competition, the culture of some schools lends itself to deception to be sure.