Carlsen vs. Anand: Pre-Rematch Head-to-Head Comparison

Previously we write about why Magnus Carlsen has won the World Championship Match [according to Anand], discussed his unique, super-GM traits and also shared Gelfand’s opinion about the Match.

Today we want to share the head-to-head comparison of Carlsen and Anand, as well as estimating the odds of winning for each player.

Carlsen vs Anand 1. ELO

Currently rated 2882, Magnus Carlsen is almost 100 points ahead of now a title challenger Viswanathan Anand, rated 2787. With a highest ever live rating of 2889, Carlsen surely already left a solid mark in the world of chess. It’s now only a matter of time when he breaks 2900 barrier.

Not many players may be aware of the fact that Anand actually holds the 4th highest live rating ever of 2820.

Carlsen vs Anand 2. Rank

It’s not big secret that Magnus Carlsen is a number one chess player in the world. He has been dominating FIDE rating list for a while now. Anand is occupying a number 5 spot, after convincingly winning the Candidates’ Tournament.

Carlsen vs Anand 3. Age

Carlsen is almost half of Anand’s age: 23 vs. 44. That should, supposedly, give him an endurance advantage, especially in those long endgames. Kasparov retired from professional chess in 2005, when he was just 42.

Carlsen vs Anand 4. Most Played Opening

Surprisingly, the most common opening played by both Carlsen and Anand is the Sicilian Defense.

Carlsen vs Anand 5. Overall Winning Percentage

Another similarity between Carlsen and Anand is their overall winning percentage. Both players win 61.5% of the games played.

Carlsen: 410 wins, 173 loses, 443 draws

Anand: 603 wins, 203 loses, 931 draws

Carlsen vs Anand 6. Age to Become a Grandmaster

Carlsen is 5 years ahead of Anand here: 13 years old vs. 18 years old. One may argue that in 1988 when Anand obtained the highest chess title not many players became GMs in their early teens, it’s a modern tendency of the iPhone generation.

Carlsen vs Anand 7. Most Common Opening as White

Both Carlsen and Anand prefer 1.e4 as their main weapon. That would explain why ‘Sicilian’ arises so often in their games.

Carlsen vs Anand 8. Most Common Opening as Black

Here, the things are a little different. Norwegian GM faces 1. e4 more often than any other moves. For the Indian GM the most common opening is 1.d4 on the black side.

Carlsen vs Anand 9. Head-to-Head Encounters

You would assume that Carlsen plays much better than Anand according to recent Tournaments and Championship Match performance. However, their personal head-to-head record indicates that both have won 6 games, lost 6 and drew 28 games.

Carlsen vs Anand 10. Expected Win Percentage

That calculation only takes into account the rating difference between Carlsen and Anand, yielding 40.05% chance of Carlsen to win the game and only 14.06% for Anand.

We all know that chess is much more than simply a rating difference and statistics. It involves more complex things such as psychology of competition and the whole problematic opponents issue. Surely the Rematch will be an interesting battle to witness!

Share your thoughts on the upcoming Match!

Ready to start winning games? Check out our store and articles:

• The Rise of Carlsen 2 DVD Set – GM Jesse Kraai, FM Dennis Monokroussos, GM Eugene Perelshteyn, LM Dana Mackenzie, IM David Vigorito & GM Leonid Kritz

• 5 Lessons to Learn From Magnus Carlsen’s Endgames

• Anand Wins The Candidates 2014

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