ReneDescartes wrote on 12/11/21 at 14:32:49:

I was wondering this too. The other possibility is Nepomniachtchi, after licking his wounds, draws some conclusions from the match and emerges as a tougher player. I don't see any reason to consider one as more likely than the other -- it would require detailed knowledge of the whole person and their response to adversity.

We shouldn't completely discount the possibility Nepomniachtchi had a health crisis to go along with his chess crisis. Since I re-injured my back last Saturday and looked over game six while in physical pain, it reminded me that sitting in a chair for a whole day while sweating over a chessboard is not among the healthiest activities.

ReneDescartes wrote on 12/11/21 at 14:32:49:

It reminds me of John Curdo's advice for how to play against an opponent who is in time pressure: Make the best move.

I collect books about World Championship matches. Does anyone know about any book about this match?

Right now he just wants to regain his self-possession. Later he can try to win a game if he feels he's stabilized.

One strange thing is how many games had errors involving white pawns on b4 and black pawns on b5--pushing them there weakening squares, not pushing them there, not capturing them...it's been a battle of b-pawn blunders (and a certain c-pawn blunder).

He's only playing for pride now, so I suppose whatever strategy is going to maximise that outcome probably doesn't involve coming out swinging with Black after two horrible losses.

Talk about the power of pawns; h5 in one game, c5 in another. Morituri te salutant.

With an approx. $2 mil U.S. prize fund split 60/40, Nepo stands to walk away with 800,000 and that ain't chump change. There may be a clause that says something like, "no play, no pay." So, I truly hope he gains a more fighting spirit and is able to come away with honor, win or lose. IIRC, he had a winning record vs. Magnus prior to this match. Wonder what happened?

Nepo's brain was melted in game 8. The tactic after ...b5 was elementary--Caruana and Hess spotted it instantly (and incredulously) when the move was reported. As Anand said, there's no explanation for such moves--your mind just stops functioning.

The absolute brutality of the loss in game 6, the visceral experience of being mauled by Carlsen's maniacal will to win and willingness to punish both himself and his opponent, must have been terrifying.

I already noted that Carlsen had become a bit frightening in the press conference after game 5. He said his seconds' emotions were irrelevant to him and that he thinks it would be cool to injure a professional football player--that when he plays around with one he is aggressive so that the pro is  forced to back off for fear of injury.  "Just a tip," he said.

Nepo is known to be a highly emotional, streaky player. Maybe he can dig deep and find some inner resources after the rest day, but it's going to be hard. He has to catch up by at least one point in five (not six) games against the owner of the longest undefeated streak in history.  I think he's more likely to fall apart again than pull himself together in the remaining games.

Not looking so good for Ian after today. Very, very subjective on my part, yes - But I felt that Ian's h5 was risky. I kinda feel that he is trying to throw whatever he can in hopes of provoking a blunder by Magnus and it ain't working. Once a python has a hold if you can't decapitate it, you will feel the squeeze. Just my .02 cent's worth.