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24... b8c8 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 |
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25. c2c3 | White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 |
25... c6b8 | Ugly. | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. |
26. d4d5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. |
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26... d8d7 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 |
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27. d5d6 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 |
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27... c7c5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 |
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28. b5c7 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 |
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28... e8f8 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 |
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29. g2e4 | White adds a pawn to his other advantages. | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 |
29... b8c6 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. |
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30. e4g2 | Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 |
30... c8d8 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. |
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31. c7d5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 |
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31... b6d5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 |
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32. c4d5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 |
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32... c6b8 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 |
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33. c3c5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 |
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33... d8c8 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 |
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34. c5d4 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 |
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34... b8a6 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 |
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35. e1e7 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 |
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35... d7b5 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 |
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36. d6d7 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 |
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36... c8c4 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 |
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37. d4e3 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 36... c8c4 |
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37... c4c2 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 36... c8c4 37. d4e3 |
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38. f4d6 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 36... c8c4 37. d4e3 37... c4c2 |
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38... f7f6 | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 36... c8c4 37. d4e3 37... c4c2 38. f4d6 |
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39. e7g7 | I must admit that this game was a big surprise to me. Who would have thought that Ding's response would be so emphatic after yesterday's tragic loss $2 With two games left on classical time control, anything can happen in the match. | 1. c2c4 1... e7e6 2. g2g3 2... d7d5 3. f1g2 3... g8f6 4. g1f3 4... d5d4 A combative decision, showing that Gukesh was confident. Playing Be7 followed by 0-0 or taking on c4 immediately are very solid and recommended when nothing more than a draw is needed. 5. e1g1 5... b8c6 6. e2e3 6... f8e7 An interesting decision. 6...e5 is known to be OK for Black, according to opening theory. 7. d2d3 7... d4e3 8. c1e3 The most accurate way of capturing. 8... e6e5 A good move, controlling the center and opening the diagonal for the c8-bishop. 9. b1c3 9... e8g8 10. f1e1 A good development move before playing d3-d4, which can lead to simplifications. 10... h7h6 A new move and a difficult choice. Gukesh plays a useful move. Now after Be6 there's no Ng5. 11. a2a3 White plays a useful move. 11... a7a5 Gukesh decides to prevent b2-b4. A logical decision, but this creates some weaknesses on the queenside. 12. h2h3 12... c8e6 13. g1h2 A good prophylactic move, reminiscent of Anatoly Karpov. White reinforces the pawn on h3 before it's even attacked. 13... a8b8 A bad decision. This is definitely not the most useful move available. 14. d1c2 It's unclear whether this is the best square for the queen. 14... f8e8 15. c3b5 15... e6f5 16. a1d1 16... f6d7 Black wants to play Nc5, but Ding will react very well against this plan. 17. c2d2 Removing the queen from the pin and preparing d3-d4. 17... f5g6 More hesitant play. 18. d3d4 18... e5e4 19. f3g1 White has a nice center, and the knight is coming back into play via e2. Black has no effective plan, and his position is quite bad. 19... d7b6 20. d2c3 20... e7f6 21. c3c2 21... a5a4 Preparing counterplay with Na5, but it's not enough. 22. g1e2 22... f6g5 Making things even worse. 23. e2f4 23... g5f4 24. e3f4 24... b8c8 25. c2c3 White's position is like art. It's rare for the computer to evaluate a position as +3 when there's no material advantage on the board. But here, White has everything: a better center, better pawn structure, the bishop pair, and more active pieces. A pessimistic player with Black might as well resign. Gukesh, of course, plays on for a little bit. 25... c6b8 Ugly. 26. d4d5 26... d8d7 27. d5d6 27... c7c5 28. b5c7 28... e8f8 29. g2e4 White adds a pawn to his other advantages. 29... b8c6 30. e4g2 Ding plays it very safe: there's no need to create any complication in such a good position. 30... c8d8 31. c7d5 31... b6d5 32. c4d5 32... c6b8 33. c3c5 33... d8c8 34. c5d4 34... b8a6 35. e1e7 35... d7b5 36. d6d7 36... c8c4 37. d4e3 37... c4c2 38. f4d6 38... f7f6 |
1. e2e4 | Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. | |
1... e7e6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. |
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2. d2d4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 |
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2... d7d5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 |
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3. b1c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 |
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3... g8f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 |
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4. e4e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 |
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4... f6d7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 |
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5. c3e2 | The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 |
5... c7c5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). |
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6. c2c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 |
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6... b8c6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 |
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7. a2a3 | A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 |
7... f8e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. |
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8. c1e3 | An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 |
8... d7b6 | Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. |
9. e2f4 | White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. |
9... c5d4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. |
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10. c3d4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 |
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10... b6c4 | The natural continuation of Black's plan. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 |
11. f1c4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. |
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11... d5c4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 |
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12. g1e2 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 |
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12... b7b5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 |
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13. e1g1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 |
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13... e8g8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 |
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14. e2c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 |
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14... a8b8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 |
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15. f4h5 | White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 |
15... f7f5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. |
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16. e5f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 |
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16... e7f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 |
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17. d1f3 | A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 |
17... d8e8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. |
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18. h5f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 |
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18... f8f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 |
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19. f3e2 | White is fighting for the advantage again. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 |
19... e8g6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. |
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20. f2f3 | An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 |
20... f6f8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. |
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21. a1d1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 |
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21... c6e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 |
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22. e3f4 | I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 |
22... b8b6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. |
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23. f4c7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 |
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23... b6b7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 |
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24. c7d6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 |
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24... f8e8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 |
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25. d6e7 | An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 |
25... e8e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. |
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26. e2e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 |
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26... a7a6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 |
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27. d4d5 | Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 |
27... e6d5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. |
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28. e5d5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 |
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28... g6e6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 |
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29. d5c5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 |
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29... e7e8 | The only defense. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 |
30. d1e1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. |
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30... e6f7 | This is a dramatic moment in the match. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 |
31. c3e4 | Missing a forced win. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. |
31... e8f8 | The only move. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. |
32. e4d6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. |
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32... b7c7 | Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 |
33. c5e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. |
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33... f7f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 |
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34. e5d5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 |
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34... g8h8 | The worst is over for Black. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 |
35. e1e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. |
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35... c7e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 |
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