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15. c4a3 | A good retreat. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. |
15... d8b6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. |
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16. c1f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 |
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16... f8e8 | This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 |
17. d1d2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. |
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17... a8d8 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 |
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18. a3c2 | Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 |
18... d7f8 | Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. |
19. b2b4 | An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. |
19... c5c4 | White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. |
20. f4e3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. |
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20... b6a6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 |
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21. e3d4 | Ding was already in time trouble at this point. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 |
21... e8e1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. |
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22. a1e1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 |
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22... a6a2 | An incredibly bold decision. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 |
23. e1a1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. |
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23... a2b3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 |
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24. a1a3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 |
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24... b3b1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 |
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25. g1g2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 |
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25... d8d7 | Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 |
26. a3a5 | Gukesh plays with great accuracy. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. |
26... b1b3 | The queen goes back in order to go to d3. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. |
27. a5a3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. |
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27... b3b1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 |
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28. a3a5 | Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 |
28... b1b3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. |
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29. a5b5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 |
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29... b3d3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 |
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30. d2f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 |
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30... d3c2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 |
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31. d4f6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 |
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31... c2f5 | A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 |
32. f4f5 | Too hasty. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. |
32... g6f5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. |
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33. f6g7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 |
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33... g8g7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 |
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34. b5c5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 |
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34... f8g6 | White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 |
35. c5c4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. |
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35... g6e5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 |
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36. c4d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 |
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36... e5c6 | The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 |
37. d4f4 | Black gets very close to a draw now. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. |
37... c6e7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. |
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38. b4b5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 |
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38... g7f6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 |
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39. f4d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 |
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39... h7h6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 |
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40. g2f1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 |
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40... f6e5 | A mistake on the last move of the time control. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 |
41. d4h4 | Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. |
41... e7d5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. |
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42. h4h6 | White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 |
42... d5c3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. |
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43. h6c6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 |
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43... c3e4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 |
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44. f1e1 | A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 |
44... f7f6 | An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. |
45. h3h4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. |
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45... d7d3 | Activating the rook. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 |
46. f3d1 | Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. |
46... f5f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. |
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47. g3f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 |
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47... e5f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 |
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48. d1c2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 |
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48... d3d5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 |
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49. c6c4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 |
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49... f6f5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 |
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50. c4b4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 |
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50... f4f3 | There are already many drawing moves. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 |
51. c2d1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. |
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51... f3g2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 |
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52. b4b3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 |
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52... d5e5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 |
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53. f2f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 |
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53... e5e7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 |
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54. b3e3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 |
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54... e7h7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 |
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55. h4h5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 |
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55... e4f6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 |
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56. e3e5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 |
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56... f6h5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 |
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57. e5f5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 |
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57... h5g3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 |
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58. f5f8 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 |
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58... h7b7 | Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 |
59. d1a4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. |
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59... g2f3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 |
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60. f4f5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 |
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60... f3f4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 |
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61. f5f6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 |
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61... g3e4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 |
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62. a4c2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 |
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62... e4d6 | The draw is clear. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 62. a4c2 |
63. f8d8 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 62. a4c2 62... e4d6 The draw is clear. |
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63... f4e5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 62. a4c2 62... e4d6 The draw is clear. 63. f8d8 |
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64. c2b3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 62. a4c2 62... e4d6 The draw is clear. 63. f8d8 63... f4e5 |
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64... d6f7 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... g7g6 3. d2d4 3... f8g7 4. c2c4 4... c7c6 5. f1g2 5... g8f6 6. e1g1 6... e8g8 The system with c6-d5 in the Grunfeld Fianchetto has been played in thousands of games, even at the world championship level. It's one of Black's most solid options. 7. f1e1 A big surprise. I've never seen this move before. Can you imagine this is only the 15th most-popular move in the position $2 It was played by a GM just twice before, both times in blitz games. So it's safe to say that this is nearly a new idea. 7... d5c4 A principled reaction, played after a long reflection. One feature of Ding's style is that he's not afraid to go for complicated and forcing variations, even when he might face advanced preparation. 8. e2e4 Officially a new move. This is obviously White's idea 7.Re1. 8... c8g4 A good reaction, pinning the knight and exerting pressure on the center. 9. b1d2 The first choice of the computer. Gukesh was still following his preparation. The knight attacks c4 and also prepares to capture on f3. 9... c6c5 A surprising move, probably played in order to take Gukesh out of his preparation. 10. d4d5 10... e7e6 11. h2h3 White had a difficult choice at this point. This move is very natural, but capturing on c4 might be even more accurate. 11... g4f3 12. g2f3 The best capture. 12... e6d5 13. e4d5 13... b8d7 14. d2c4 14... b7b5 Removing the knight from its excellent post. 15. c4a3 A good retreat. 15... d8b6 16. c1f4 16... f8e8 This type of position is sometimes seen in the Grunfeld Defense. White has the pair of bishops and a strong passed pawn, but Black is not without chances with a queenside pawn majority and the idea of blockading the pawn with Ne8-d6 or attacking it with Rad8. 17. d1d2 17... a8d8 18. a3c2 Both sides play natural moves. The knight returns to a better position. 18... d7f8 Preparing to attack the d5-pawn and maybe play Nf8-e6, exploiting the pin. There are alternatives. 19. b2b4 An interesting decision. By breaking the queenside, White gains important squares for the knight. 19... c5c4 White gets the d4-square for the knight, but the passed pawn on c4 gives Black reasonable chances. 20. f4e3 20... b6a6 21. e3d4 Ding was already in time trouble at this point. 21... e8e1 22. a1e1 22... a6a2 An incredibly bold decision. 23. e1a1 23... a2b3 24. a1a3 24... b3b1 25. g1g2 25... d8d7 Black protects the a7-pawn, but now White's advantage increases. 26. a3a5 Gukesh plays with great accuracy. 26... b1b3 The queen goes back in order to go to d3. 27. a5a3 27... b3b1 28. a3a5 Gukesh repeats moves, but he's not interested in a draw. 28... b1b3 29. a5b5 29... b3d3 30. d2f4 30... d3c2 31. d4f6 31... c2f5 A good practical decision, going to a worse endgame with some chances of a draw. 32. f4f5 Too hasty. 32... g6f5 33. f6g7 33... g8g7 34. b5c5 34... f8g6 White has lost a good portion of his advantage. Black has serious drawing chances. 35. c5c4 35... g6e5 36. c4d4 36... e5c6 The only chance and probably a move Ding had foreseen when going for this endgame. 37. d4f4 Black gets very close to a draw now. 37... c6e7 38. b4b5 38... g7f6 39. f4d4 39... h7h6 40. g2f1 40... f6e5 A mistake on the last move of the time control. 41. d4h4 Ding certainly missed the strength of this move. Now White should be winning. 41... e7d5 42. h4h6 White is a healthy pawn up. The knight, however, is the trickiest piece in chess. 42... d5c3 43. h6c6 43... c3e4 44. f1e1 A human reaction, preventing the check on d2. Unfortunately, human moves aren't always the best. 44... f7f6 An interesting and difficult move. Ding removes the pawn from the seventh rank so that a rook on c7 doesn't attack it. 45. h3h4 45... d7d3 Activating the rook. 46. f3d1 Played after some hesitation and allowing Black to escape with a draw. 46... f5f4 47. g3f4 47... e5f4 48. d1c2 48... d3d5 49. c6c4 49... f6f5 50. c4b4 50... f4f3 There are already many drawing moves. 51. c2d1 51... f3g2 52. b4b3 52... d5e5 53. f2f4 53... e5e7 54. b3e3 54... e7h7 55. h4h5 55... e4f6 56. e3e5 56... f6h5 57. e5f5 57... h5g3 58. f5f8 58... h7b7 Given that White still has practical winning chances, I believe Black's defense could have been improved in the previous moves. I'll leave this task to the reader. 59. d1a4 59... g2f3 60. f4f5 60... f3f4 61. f5f6 61... g3e4 62. a4c2 62... e4d6 The draw is clear. 63. f8d8 63... f4e5 64. c2b3 |
Subsets and Splits