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43... g8h7 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 |
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44. d8a5 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 |
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44... b4b3 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 |
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45. c2c1 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 |
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45... e6d5 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 |
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46. a5b4 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 |
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46... d5g2 | Essentially a draw offer. | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 |
47. b4e4 | Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. |
47... g2e4 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. |
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48. d3e4 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 |
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48... b3b2 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 |
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49. c1b1 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 |
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49... f7a2 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 49. c1b1 |
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50. b1b2 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 49. c1b1 49... f7a2 |
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50... e5c4 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 49. c1b1 49... f7a2 50. b1b2 |
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51. d2c3 | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 49. c1b1 49... f7a2 50. b1b2 50... e5c4 |
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51... c4b2 | A tense game that could have gone either way. | 1. c2c4 Continuing the match trend of a new opening per game, this time Ding Liren plays the English Opening. It certainly didn't come as a surprise to Gukesh's team. 1... e7e5 2. b1c3 2... f8b4 The third most popular move, but not worse than 2...Nf6 or 2...Nc6. 3. c3d5 The natural reply, forcing Black to defend the bishop. 3... b4e7 3...Bc5 and 3...a5 are also popular options. 4. g1f3 This move has been the favorite of strong GMs recently. 4... d7d6 5. g2g3 5... c7c6 6. d5e7 6... g8e7 This is the point of Black's previous move. The knight is developed to e7. 7. f1g2 7... f7f6 Already a new move. Instead of castling (the most natural move), Gukesh immediately prepares d6-d5. 8. e1g1 8... c8e6 9. b2b3 9... d6d5 10. c1a3 This is not the first game in which Ding has made a surprising development of the bishop to this diagonal. 10... e8g8 11. a1c1 11... a7a5 Preparing Na6-b4 or maybe a5-a4. This highlights a small problem with the bishop on a3. 12. f3e1 Ding chooses an interesting plan, more or less typical of the English Opening, although it looks a bit funny: to play f2-f4 without moving any of the central pawns. 12... f8e8 13. f2f4 13... e5f4 The sharpest continuation. 14. f1f4 This is the point of White's plan. The rook becomes active, the knight can go to d3, and we have a strange position on the board with White's central pawns still on their initial squares. 14... d5c4 15. b3c4 15... e7g6 16. f4e4 The rook occupies a central position. This is an active square, but it also leaves the rook open to an attack by the f-pawn. 16... b8a6 Gukesh decides to finish development. He could also try the advance of the f-pawn: 17. e1c2 Not the square I expected for the knight. 17... d8c7 A calm move. 18. c2d4 18... e6f7 19. d2d3 19... g6e5 Now the rook on e4 remains a bit exposed and can be attacked with Bf7-g6. 20. d4f3 Ding tries to exchange the strong knight on e5. 20... e5d7 A strange move. 21. e4e8 21... a8e8 An important moment in the game. 22. c1b1 This move doesn't fight against Black's plan. 22... b7b5 23. c4b5 23... c7b6 24. g1f1 24... c6b5 Black's queenside begins to advance and his initiative is now clear. 25. a3b2 White's position quickly goes downhill. 25... f7a2 Gukesh simply takes the pawn and has two dangerous passers on the queenside. 26. b2d4 26... a6c5 A big mistake that starts to change the trend of the game. 27. b1c1 27... a2b3 28. d1e1 The queen is going to f2. 28... b3e6 A surprising turn of events. Black is in great danger now. 29. e1f2 29... e8c8 30. d4e3 The bishop gives way to the pawn or to the knight. Both pieces will make better use of the d4-square. 30... c8c7 Preventing d3-d4. 31. f3d4 31... e6f7 32. d4c6 32... c7c6 33. g2c6 33... b6c6 34. e3c5 White has gained the exchange, but the situation is not yet clear. Black has two dangerous passed pawns and can also try to exploit the light squares near the opponent's king. Here there's a clear disparity between the computer's evaluation and what a human would normally think. It's unlikely that a human would assess this position as almost winning for White, as the computer does. 34... h7h6 It's useful to give some air to the king. 35. f1e1 35... b5b4 The natural advance for a human being, but the computer suggests the other pawn advance, something that could be dismissed on general grounds since the pawns will be blocked. But never judge a book by its cover $1 36. f2d4 36... d7e5 Suddenly Black has serious compensation and the position becomes difficult to play. With both players low on time, at this point anything could happen. 37. e1d2 37... c6g2 38. d4f2 38... g2d5 39. f2d4 39... d5g2 40. d4f2 40... g2d5 41. f2d4 41... d5a2 Great fighting spirit by Gukesh $1 Again he is the one willing to take risks. 42. c1c2 42... a2e6 43. d4d8 43... g8h7 44. d8a5 44... b4b3 45. c2c1 45... e6d5 46. a5b4 46... d5g2 Essentially a draw offer. 47. b4e4 Simplifications lead to a completely drawn endgame. 47... g2e4 48. d3e4 48... b3b2 49. c1b1 49... f7a2 50. b1b2 50... e5c4 51. d2c3 |
1. d2d4 | ||
1... g8f6 | 1. d2d4 |
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2. c2c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 |
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2... e7e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 |
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3. g2g3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 |
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3... f8b4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 |
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4. c1d2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 |
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4... b4e7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 |
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5. f1g2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 |
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5... d7d5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 |
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6. g1f3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 |
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6... e8g8 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 |
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7. e1g1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 |
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7... c7c6 | This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 |
8. d1c2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. |
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8... b8d7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 |
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9. f1d1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 |
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9... b7b6 | Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 |
10. d2c3 | A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. |
10... c8b7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. |
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11. b1d2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 |
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11... d8c7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 |
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12. a1c1 | Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 |
12... f8d8 | A new move. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. |
13. b2b4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. |
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13... c6c5 | Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 |
14. b4c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. |
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14... b6c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 |
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15. c2b2 | Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 |
15... d7b6 | The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. |
16. c3a5 | White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. |
16... d5c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. |
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17. d2c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 |
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17... b7f3 | A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 |
18. a5b6 | Forced. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" |
18... a7b6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. |
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19. g2f3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 |
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19... a8a6 | Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 |
20. b2b5 | This lets any chance of an advantage slip. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. |
20... a6a2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. |
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21. c4b6 | Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 |
21... c7a7 | Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. |
22. b5b1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. |
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22... d8b8 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 |
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23. d4c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 |
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23... a2a6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 |
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24. b1b5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 |
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24... e7c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 |
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25. b5c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 |
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25... a7b6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 |
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26. c5b6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 |
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26... a6b6 | The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 |
27. c1c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. |
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27... b6c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 |
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28. f3c6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 |
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28... g7g5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 |
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29. g1g2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 |
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29... b8b2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 |
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30. g2f1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 |
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30... g8g7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 |
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31. h2h3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 |
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31... h7h5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 |
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32. d1a1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 |
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32... b2c2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 |
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33. c6b5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 |
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33... c2c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 |
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34. b5d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 |
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34... f6d7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 |
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35. f2f4 | Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 |
35... g5f4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. |
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36. g3f4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 |
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36... c5c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 |
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37. f1f2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 |
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37... d7c5 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 |
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38. f2e3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 |
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38... c5d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 |
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39. e2d3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 |
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39... c3c2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 |
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40. e3f3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 39... c3c2 |
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40... c2d2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 39... c3c2 40. e3f3 |
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41. a1a3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 39... c3c2 40. e3f3 40... c2d2 |
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41... g7g6 | Ding achieved sort of a \"moral victory\" in this endgame, considering the position after move 26. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 39... c3c2 40. e3f3 40... c2d2 41. a1a3 |
42. a3b3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. g2g3 3... f8b4 4. c1d2 4... b4e7 5. f1g2 5... d7d5 6. g1f3 6... e8g8 7. e1g1 7... c7c6 This is one of the most important positions for the theory of the Catalan Opening. Black's position is very solid, and it's not easy for White to get any advantage. The check on b4 slightly disrupts White's development, which could have flowed with b3-Bb2 if the bishop was on c1. 8. d1c2 8... b8d7 9. f1d1 9... b7b6 Black simply plans to finish development with Bb7 and play c6-c5 at some point. 10. d2c3 A rare move, but played by Giri in 2024. The bishop normally goes to f4. 10... c8b7 11. b1d2 11... d8c7 12. a1c1 Gukesh's opening preparation in this game is unimpressive. Black has already equalized. 12... f8d8 A new move. 13. b2b4 13... c6c5 Black must play this before White can play c4-c5. The game is quickly heading toward total equality without any imbalances. But we'll still go through a little adventure to get there. 14. b4c5 14... b6c5 15. c2b2 Removing the queen from the c-file, leaving Black's queen in a potential attack by the rook on c1. But this isn't dangerous. 15... d7b6 The most direct move, preparing to capture on c4 and also Na4. 16. c3a5 White pins the knight, and play becomes concrete, with possible exchanges in the center. 16... d5c4 17. d2c4 17... b7f3 A dubious decision that allows White to keep a small advantage, thanks to the power of the famous \"Catalan Bishop.\" 18. a5b6 Forced. 18... a7b6 19. g2f3 19... a8a6 Removing the rook from the attack and defending the b6-pawn. Ding has accurately calculated the consequences of White's most direct move (20.Qb5), but there's another possibility. 20. b2b5 This lets any chance of an advantage slip. 20... a6a2 21. c4b6 Apparently, Black has problems with the pinned c-pawn, but he solves all of them with the next move. 21... c7a7 Removing the pin and supporting a timely Ra2-a5. 22. b5b1 22... d8b8 23. d4c5 23... a2a6 24. b1b5 24... e7c5 25. b5c5 25... a7b6 26. c5b6 26... a6b6 The game is completely drawn, and the next moves are only played because accepting a draw before move 40 is not allowed by the match rules. But the job of the commentator is essentially over. 27. c1c6 27... b6c6 28. f3c6 28... g7g5 29. g1g2 29... b8b2 30. g2f1 30... g8g7 31. h2h3 31... h7h5 32. d1a1 32... b2c2 33. c6b5 33... c2c5 34. b5d3 34... f6d7 35. f2f4 Advancing pawns on the endgame sometimes leads to trouble, but this one is so drawish that nothing can happen. 35... g5f4 36. g3f4 36... c5c3 37. f1f2 37... d7c5 38. f2e3 38... c5d3 39. e2d3 39... c3c2 40. e3f3 40... c2d2 41. a1a3 41... g7g6 Ding achieved sort of a \"moral victory\" in this endgame, considering the position after move 26. |
Subsets and Splits