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19. c3c4 | Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. |
19... f6g5 | an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. |
20. f1d1 | The alternatives are no better. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. |
20... b6c5 | The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. |
21. f2f4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. |
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21... g5h5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 |
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22. f4f5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 |
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22... b8b1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 |
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23. d1b1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 |
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23... h5e2 | Very good play by Caruana. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 |
24. f5e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. |
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24... e2d2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 |
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25. e6f7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 |
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25... g8f7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 |
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26. a3c5 | The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 |
26... f7g8 | Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. |
27. b1f1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. |
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27... g8h7 | The only move. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 |
28. c5e5 | A good try, pinning the knight. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. |
28... d2e3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. |
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29. g1h1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 |
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29... d4d3 | Caruana continues to find the only moves. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 |
30. g2h3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. |
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30... d3d2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 |
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31. h3g4 | Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 |
31... e3d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. |
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32. h1g2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 |
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32... d3c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 |
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33. a2a4 | Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 |
33... c4c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. |
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34. e5d4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 |
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34... c6g6 | After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 |
35. f1f4 | Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. |
35... g6g5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. |
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36. h2h4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 |
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36... g5g6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 |
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37. d4d2 | In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 |
37... e8b8 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. |
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38. d2d7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 |
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38... h6h5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 |
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39. g4e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 |
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39... b8b6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 |
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40. e6f7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 |
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40... g6d6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 |
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41. d7d6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 |
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41... b6d6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 |
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42. f7h5 | A second pawn is lost. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 |
42... e7c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. |
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43. h5e2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 |
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43... a6a5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 |
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44. e2b5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 43... a6a5 |
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44... c6e5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 43... a6a5 44. e2b5 |
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45. f4f5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 43... a6a5 44. e2b5 44... c6e5 |
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45... d6e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 43... a6a5 44. e2b5 44... c6e5 45. f4f5 |
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46. g2f2 | The king is marching to d4. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... d7d5 4. f1g2 4... b8c6 5. g1f3 5... a8b8 A very rare move. According to my database, it is just the 10th choice for Black in this position. Caruana usually shows interesting ideas in the opening. 6. c4d5 6... f8b4 Already a new move. 7. b1c3 7... e6d5 8. c1g5 White has many options but decides to exchange the bishop for the knight, which will more or less force Black to do the same. 8... h7h6 9. g5f6 9... d8f6 10. e1g1 10... b4c3 The pawn on d5 was attacked, and it's a good idea to capture the knight. 11. b2c3 11... e8g8 An interesting position resulted from Black's experiment in the opening. By exchanging two pairs of minor pieces, Black's position is less constrained than normal in queen's pawn positions. However, it's important to note that White has an extra pawn in the center (d4 and e2 versus d5), which is a strategic advantage that can become considerable if the c4 or e4 move arrives at the right time. Overall, it can be said that the position is close to equality, but accurate play is still required on Black's part. 12. f3d2 Threatening the pawn on d5 and providing support for future breaks on e4 or c4, which are the basis of the white plan. 12... c6e7 The knight returns to defend the pawn on d5 and also makes it possible to advance the pawn to c6 (which allows the knight to be repositioned later) or even to c5, as will happen in the game. The problem with this move is that it makes it easier for White to advance a pawn to c4 or e4, due to the knight's temporarily passive position. 13. e2e3 Preparing the c3-c4 advance, one of White's plans. Perhaps it would even be better to play the other possible plan, which is to advance the pawn to e4, either now or after 13.Qa4. 13... c8e6 The bishop is developed while keeping an eye on c3-c4. 14. d1a4 14... a7a6 15. e3e4 15... c7c5 Played after lengthy deliberation, but this leads to trouble. 16. a4a3 An unpleasant reply. 16... b7b6 17. a1b1 White decides to make an improving move before capturing on c5, since Black cannot take on d4. But it's not clear whether 17.Rab1 is the most useful move. 17... f8e8 18. d4c5 18... d5d4 A very difficult choice. 19. c3c4 Another tough choice, now for White. This move allows Black to equalize. 19... f6g5 an important move, attacking both the knight and the pawn on c5. 20. f1d1 The alternatives are no better. 20... b6c5 The game remains equal after this move, but it's not easy to play with Black. 21. f2f4 21... g5h5 22. f4f5 22... b8b1 23. d1b1 23... h5e2 Very good play by Caruana. 24. f5e6 24... e2d2 25. e6f7 25... g8f7 26. a3c5 The computer indicates equality in this position, but don't be fooled: Black has to play several forced moves in a row. 26... f7g8 Removing the king from the dangerous f-file. 27. b1f1 27... g8h7 The only move. 28. c5e5 A good try, pinning the knight. 28... d2e3 29. g1h1 29... d4d3 Caruana continues to find the only moves. 30. g2h3 30... d3d2 31. h3g4 Controlling the promotion of the d2-pawn. 31... e3d3 32. h1g2 32... d3c4 33. a2a4 Gukesh's patience in this game caught my attention. This move is one that would not be considered by many chess players, simply preventing the pawn from being captured on a2. 33... c4c6 34. e5d4 34... c6g6 After playing an excellent game and finding defensive resources for many moves, Caruana makes a blunder in time trouble. 35. f1f4 Now there's no defense for the d2-pawn, and Black loses what was saving his position. White continues with an extra pawn and an attack, and the game doesn't take long. 35... g6g5 36. h2h4 36... g5g6 37. d4d2 In Gukesh's actual form, this is over. 37... e8b8 38. d2d7 38... h6h5 39. g4e6 39... b8b6 40. e6f7 40... g6d6 41. d7d6 41... b6d6 42. f7h5 A second pawn is lost. 42... e7c6 43. h5e2 43... a6a5 44. e2b5 44... c6e5 45. f4f5 45... d6e6 |
1. e2e4 | ||
1... d7d5 | 1. e2e4 |
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2. e4d5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 |
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2... d8d5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 |
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3. b1c3 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 |
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3... d5d6 | The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 |
4. d2d4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. |
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4... g8f6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 |
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5. g1f3 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 |
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5... g7g6 | This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 |
6. c3b5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. |
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6... d6b6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 |
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7. a2a4 | Threatening a4-a5. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 |
7... a7a6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. |
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8. b5a3 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 |
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8... c8e6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 |
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9. a3c4 | This is a good and new move. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 |
9... e6c4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. |
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10. f1c4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 |
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10... f8g7 | This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 |
11. e1g1 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. |
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11... e8g8 | The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 |
12. c2c3 | White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. |
12... c7c5 | An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. |
13. a4a5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. |
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13... b6c7 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 |
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14. d4c5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 |
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14... c7c5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 |
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15. d1d4 | After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 |
15... f8c8 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. |
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16. f3e5 | It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 |
16... e7e6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. |
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17. a1a4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 |
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17... c5d4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 |
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18. c3d4 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 |
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18... b8c6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 |
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19. e5c6 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 |
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19... c8c6 | The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 |
20. c1g5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. |
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20... a8d8 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 |
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21. f1d1 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 20... a8d8 |
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21... d8d7 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 20... a8d8 21. f1d1 |
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22. g1f1 | It's usually a good strategy to bring the king to the center in an endgame. | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 20... a8d8 21. f1d1 21... d8d7 |
22... f6d5 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 20... a8d8 21. f1d1 21... d8d7 22. g1f1 It's usually a good strategy to bring the king to the center in an endgame. |
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23. f1e2 | 1. e2e4 1... d7d5 2. e4d5 2... d8d5 3. b1c3 3... d5d6 The Scandinavian Defense is not often seen in games between two top players, although Carlsen famously beat Caruana with it. Arjun is used to taking risks to unbalance games against lower-rated players when the pressure to win with Black is greater. The variation itself is not that bad; suffice it to say that it has been played several times by Carlsen at different time controls. This line with 3...Qd6 is a specialty of GM Tiviakov, and it's not the first time that Arjun has played it. 4. d2d4 4... g8f6 5. g1f3 5... g7g6 This is Black's fourth most-popular choice. 6. c3b5 6... d6b6 7. a2a4 Threatening a4-a5. 7... a7a6 8. b5a3 8... c8e6 9. a3c4 This is a good and new move. 9... e6c4 10. f1c4 10... f8g7 This move is criticized by the computer, but the alternative the machine offers is depressing, leading to a painful ending for Black, everything Arjun didn't want when choosing this opening line. 11. e1g1 11... e8g8 The computer already gives White a more or less a 1.5 advantage here, which is surprising to me, as I didn't think it was that bad for Black. 12. c2c3 White won't play the next few moves accurately. I think he lacked a bit of energy and subtlety to avoid Black's counterplay. 12... c7c5 An important move to give Black counterplay by opening the diagonal of the g7-bishop. 13. a4a5 13... b6c7 14. d4c5 14... c7c5 15. d1d4 After exchanging queens, Black no longer has any major problems. 15... f8c8 16. f3e5 It is better to move the bishop to b3 or e2. After the move is played, White most likely will end up with an isolated queen's pawn. 16... e7e6 17. a1a4 17... c5d4 18. c3d4 18... b8c6 19. e5c6 19... c8c6 The position is now more comfortable for Black. White has some suffering ahead. The game has remained close to a draw for a long time. 20. c1g5 20... a8d8 21. f1d1 21... d8d7 22. g1f1 It's usually a good strategy to bring the king to the center in an endgame. 22... f6d5 |
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