MoistCr1tikal's 5head Preparation Secures Six Move Win In PogChamps
Even with just two games, the sixth day of the Chess.com PogChamps brought the event's biggest surprise when moistCr1tikal shocked xQc with a six move win. After non-stop trash talk from both players in the build-up, the result shocked the chess world, becoming the most-watched chess clip ever captured on Twitch within hours of the game's completion.
In other news, Ludwig lost after misunderstanding Hikaru's opening preparation - specifically playing the Latvian Gambit on accident against Papaplatte. Apparently social media influencers cannot be messaged before 12 p.m. local time.
The PogChamps' second round ends on Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. PDT (20:45 p.m. CEST) as Boxbox, forsen, and NymN look to lock up their spots in the Championship bracket.
Make sure to tune into Chess.com's official day 6 coverage of the 2020 Chess.com PogChamps at 11:45 a.m. PDT (20:45 p.m. CEST) on Chess.com/tv.
Ludwig Plays Wrong Opening, Misses Hanging Queen, Collapses In Endgame
After his close loss to Boxbox, many thought Ludwig still had a solid chance to still make the championship bracket. After confusing his openings and playing the Latvian gambit on accident, Ludwig fumbled his way through the opening with massive material losses. Papaplatte offered what seemed to be the final chance at redemption, but Ludwig whiffed completely:
Somehow, as if he had not been given enough chances, Ludwig still reached a rook and pawn endgame with practical drawing chances, only to "misclick" and lose the game. With the promotion, Papaplatte converted, netting him another three points:
Papaplatte's chances of reaching the championship bracket are now quite high and should Boxbox at least draw Swiftor on Wednesday, the German streamer will lock his spot before his third game even starts. Group D's final matches will take place on Sunday, June 14.
Group D Standings
| # | Streamer | Points | |
| 1 | Papaplatte | 6 | |
| 2 | Boxbox | 3 | |
| 3 | Ludwig | 0 | |
| 4 | Swiftor | 0 |
MoistCr1tikal Wins PogChamps' Shortest Game
One of the more anticipated matches of the PogChamps' Group stage ended abruptly when MoistCr1tikal checkmated xQc in six moves with the Black pieces, no more than 60 seconds into the round:
After the game, MoistCr1tikal attributed much of his success to grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who had anticipated xQc's Scotch opening well before the round had started.
MoistCr1tikal now finds himself in a position to play for a spot in the championship bracket, as he takes on Yassuo on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. PDT. With the win, Hutch is now guaranteed a spot in the championship bracket, but still has one more group match against xQc.
Group B Standings
| # | Streamer | Points | |
| 1 | hutch | 6 | |
| 2 | moistCr1tikal | 3 | |
| 3 | yassuo | 3 | |
| 4 | xQc | 0 |
NymN Looking To Build Momentum Against xChocobars
After his come-from-behind victory over SlikeR, NymN is riding an all-time high. With a win over xChocobars, NymN could lock up his spot into the championship bracket as early as Wednesday, provided Forsen beats or draws SlikeR in their match. While the pressure will be on NymN, don't be surprised if xChocobars is able to hold off the Swede's attacks after her valiant defensive effort against Forsen last Sunday. Clocks will start at 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Chess.com/TV to kick off the sixth day of the Chess.com PogChamps.
Forsen, SlikeR Duel In Critical Group C Match-Up
SlikeR's trash talk may have won over new fans in his loss to NymN, but with zero points heading into the second round, he'll need to beat Forsen on Wednesday (1 p.m. Pacific Time on Chess.com/tv) to keep his championship bracket hopes alive. Forsen remains one of the most formidable players in the event, and like NymN, a win would likely clinch a berth into the championship bracket with one game remaining.
Boxbox, Swiftor Clash In Second Round's Final Act
With Papaplatte downing Ludwig, Boxbox can clinch his spot in the championship bracket on Wednesday by beating Swiftor with the White pieces. Tune into this match at 2 p.m. Pacific Time on Chess.com/tv, as Group D's championship contenders could be determined with four days to spare.
Still deciding who to root for in the first-ever Chess.com PogChamps? Here's a quick sampler of each streamer:
♜ Here's a preview of all the streamers competing in the https://t.co/EufIHuV7ha #Pogchamps! Starts in 1 hour on https://t.co/kaTA3dFcqn and https://t.co/qaLMGLOA9W ♜ pic.twitter.com/aqGbbRPjGq
— Chess.com (@chesscom) June 5, 2020
Make sure to tune into Chess.com's official Day 6 coverage of the 2020 Chess.com PogChamps at 11:45 a.m. PDT (20:45 p.m. CEST) on Chess.com/tv.
