That would probably be the best way to compare everyone's skill! I think the modern players would have an edge in the endings, but Morphy would win it out of the opening!
Originally posted by Maxacre42 That would probably be the best way to compare everyone's skill! I think the modern players would have an edge in the endings, but Morphy would win it out of the opening!
I doubt it. Opening theory isn't the only thing that has evolved since Morphy's time. Every aspect of Svidler's game is probably stronger but Morphy had more natural talent.
Yes Svidler would certainly beat Morphy even without opening theory.
The lack of strong opposition prevented Morphy to get to the level of today's elite.
Maybe at chess 960 he would equal player around 2600? hard to tell
But of course if he had the opportunity to get the training of modern masters, it would be a different matter.
First off, Svidler is one of the big natural talents of the last 20 years..
Endings and defensive skills are much higher now, but I am not even sure how much that would matter in 960.
and Morphy would say "get away from my shoe collection!"