Game 12 ended in a draw after 31 moves and three hours. The world championship will now be settled on Wednesday in a tie breaker. Carlsen played a stronger game today, as compared to the American. The champion offered a draw after 30. … g6 31. Rd1 Ra8 and Caruana accepted. It was an absolute shocker given Carlsen’s position and advantage on time.
“I wasn’t necessarily going for the maximum,” said Carlsen, essentially admitting that he was content with a draw after move 20.
“I was a bit surprised by the draw offer. I can never be better (than move 31). And I dont really have any active ideas. If anything, black is better. At least I thought was over the worst of it. I thought it was much more dangerous a few moves ago.” said Caruana.
Carlsen will play with the white pieces in the first game of Wednesday’s rapid play-off after the drawing of lots is conducted. Here’s a look at the format:
–> Best of four rapid games with 25 minutes for each player with an increment of 10 seconds after each move.
–> If still tied, they will play up to five mini-matches of two blitz games (five minutes for each player with a three-second increment).
–> If all five mini-matches are drawn, one sudden-death ‘Armegeddon’ match will be played where White receives five minutes and Black receives four minutes. Both players will receive a three-second increment after the 60th move. In the case of a draw, Black will be declared the winner.
