Carlsen Can't Crack Giri, Now Has Company At Top

You can throw out the old book on GM Anish Giri. He's writing a new one here at the 2015 Qatar Masters Open.
"So far here with Black I'm playing like I like as White," Giri said after the game between the top two players in the world.

(Photo right: Katerina Savina for Qatar Masters Open)

For those that wondered if his first two trips with the Najdorf were just a sideshow against lower-rated players, today the answer came: he will use his new weapon against anybody. Giri neutralized World Champion Magnus Carlsen's turn with White, and while the draw didn't get the Dutchman closer, it did keep him within striking distance and allowed two members of the chase group to climb atop the tables.

GM Magnus Carlsen tries to break through his Dutch nemesis. (Photo: David Llada for Qatar Masters Open)

"I played the Berlin for I don't know how long," Giri said. "I never played the Najdorf in my life...I think I'm playing it quite well in the games that I've played here, which is very surprising. I have no idea why."
He's explained that he's been sitting on the opening knowledge for a while, waiting for the opportunity to use it.
"I've done of course a lot of work on it throughout the years. I've just never gotten to play it. Whenever I wanted to play Nadorf people would go 1. d4 and that would happen 20 times."

GM Anish Giri has been keeping a surprise opening in his hoodie. (Photo: Katerina Savina for Qatar Masters Open)

Despite the recent success, he still holds fondness for his bread-and-butter defense: "Najdorf is a great opening, when it works. Other times you pay for it. The Berlin is always a great opening."