Examining game GM Hikaru Nakamura vs GM Magnus Carlsen

The game I'd like to talk about is this: https://youtu.be/a_mu6rzacAE?t=3m3s

(Exact time mark: 03:03)

Why doesn't black (i.e. Carlsen) just take the pawn at h2 with his dark-squared bishop at d6? Bd6xh2

Thanks

No one?

Hi

The commentators said something like "it's interesting he didn't take, he probably sensed he'd give his opponent counterplay, whether it's enough isn't interesting to him, he doesn't want to find out."

So...that's one opinion of why.  In a blitz game it's probably exactly right.  Whether it would have been OK to take is a different question.

Alright, that's an idea. Didn't make much sense for me at first, but now I think Carlsen was right not giving his oponent any chance for counterplay. At least not in blitz...

Cheers 

If we're going to be precise...I think he passed just because of the open H-file that he would give his opponent, the bishop must leave h2 at some point. The rooks on the H-file is something you want to avoid when all those pieces are aimed at your king, especially with the fianchetto bishop setup. open h-file is a disadvantage in that it can majorly weaken your king, but an advantage in that it can weaken the opponent's king even more. Just a motif to recognize, and I'm sure nobody will ever read this anyway.