If Magnus were my son and we were paired, I would expect nothing less from him than to try to win, and I'd be disappointed if he offered a "courtesy draw."

One teaches by example. Henrik Carlsen has instilled in his son an incredible fighting spirit. For the son NOT to come out fighting tomorrow in the sixth round would -- if I were Magnus' dad - be an insult.

The thing is the game. Here's hoping that both men play the pieces. I think they will.

Maybe father will take an intentional loss? A draw here hurts Magnus's rating and a chance to win the tournament.

They will play normally and Magnus will win.

But, if they were to make a prearranged result, that would not be a draw. It would be the father losing (as Yuriy said)...

I don't think Magnus needs an 'agreed' win against his father :) His two 'exceptional' results so far - his two first draws - were probably due to Biel fatigue and underestimation. I hope he's learnt his lesson now! Drawing as black against GM Agdestein is quite normal, they know each other's play very well.

Of course they will play an agreed game. It will be a win for Magnus and a rest day for both. I think it´s ok - it´s not their fault that they get to play each other.

Easy win for Magnus. Not very interesting unfortunately.

The game between the Carlsens will receive a lot of media attention in Norway. Indeed, the only reason that Magnus is playing in a modest tournament in Tromso is to better market himself in norway, where he stands a real chance of obtaining some lucrative commercial ooportunities.
Carlsen's agent and media consultant will determine the outcome of the game. Perhaps a hard fought draw between prodigy and father will burnish Magnus' public image (in Norway), in just the right way?

A meaningless win to obtain a better place in a 3rd tier chess tournament is scarcely a consideration for Carlsen, Inc. It may happen out of inertia, if for no other reason, though.

But such a result will not garner the "human interest" story angle for the evening news boradcast.

The game between the Carlsens will receive a lot of media attention in Norway. Indeed, the only reason that Magnus is playing in a modest tournament in Tromso is to better market himself in norway, where he stands a real chance of obtaining some lucrative commercial ooportunities.
Carlsen's agent and media consultant will determine the outcome of the game. Perhaps a hard fought draw between prodigy and father will burnish Magnus' public image (in Norway), in just the right way?

A meaningless win to obtain a better place in a 3rd tier chess tournament is scarcely a consideration for Carlsen, Inc. It may happen out of inertia, if for no other reason, though.

But such a result will not garner the "human interest" story angle for the evening news boradcast.

He's an oracle.

DOug, it is easy to see that you have absolutely no knowledge of Norway and the Carlsens. So many words of speculation - I don't understand why you bother.

When facing a superior player (say by a hundred points), would you say good knowledge of each other's chess (maybe if you are his second or just have played him a lot) favor you, him or a draw?

Father beat son!!!!

Just kidding. Magnus won.

Countries like the USSR and its offspring regularly saw tournament encounters between strong parents and their even stronger kids

Really? I was under the impression that strong parent-child pairs were quite rare(strong enough for both to gain an international title, that is. I can think of only a handful of examples, and only two where either parent or child was GM strength (the Vidmars and the Paehtzes). Master-strength siblings appear to be much more common.

Doug, Doug, Doug. You have no idea what you're talking about. Todays game (unfortunately) didn't make it to Norwegian Media. There is no "Carlsen Inc" that makes lot of money because of today's match. You're just talking nonsense...

Of course Magnus wouldn't go for a draw.

"Evening news broadcast". Lol. It's easy to hear that you are NOT Norwegian, and that you have never been to Norway :-)

I am sure Carlsen's just enjoyed the chance to play a game of chess. I am sure it was enjoyable for Henrik Carlsen to "feel the chess power" of his son as one usually does when going up in a serious game against a very strong force.

Reuben Fine must be turning over in his grave.

No I'm fine.

I'm sure Fine is fine, since the son beating the father is quintessentially Oedipal and hence Fineish.

Westerinen is Fineish.