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36. f1e1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 |
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36... e7e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 |
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37. e1e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 |
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37... h7h6 | The important black queen remains on the board. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 |
38. d5c5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. |
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38... c8d7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 |
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39. d6e4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 |
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39... f6f4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 |
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40. e5e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 |
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40... d7f5 | Played with less than a minute on the clock. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 |
41. c5d4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. |
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41... f8g8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 |
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42. h2h3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 |
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42... f4c1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 |
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43. g1f2 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 |
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43... f5e4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 |
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44. e7e4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 |
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44... c4c3 | A good practical choice to simplify. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 |
45. b2c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. |
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45... c1a3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 |
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46. f2g3 | White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 |
46... a3b3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. |
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47. e4e7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 |
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47... a6a5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 |
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48. e7b7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 |
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48... b3c4 | Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 |
49. d4e5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. |
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49... c4c6 | Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 |
50. e5b5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. |
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50... c6c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 |
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51. b7a7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 |
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51... c3e1 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 |
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52. g3h2 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 |
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52... e1b4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 |
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53. b5b4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 |
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53... a5b4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 |
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54. a7b7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 |
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54... g8a8 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 |
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55. b7b4 | The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 |
55... a8a2 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. |
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56. h2g3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 |
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56... h8h7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 |
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57. b4b5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 |
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57... h7g6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 |
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58. f3f4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 |
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58... g6f6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 |
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59. g3f3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 |
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59... a2c2 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 |
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60. g2g3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 |
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60... c2c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 |
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61. f3g4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 |
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61... c3a3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 |
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62. h3h4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 |
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62... a3c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 |
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63. b5b6 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 |
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63... f6f7 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 |
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64. f4f5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 |
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64... h6h5 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 |
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65. g4f4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 |
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65... c3c4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 |
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66. f4f3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 |
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66... c4c3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 66. f4f3 |
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67. f3f4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 66. f4f3 66... c4c3 |
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67... c3c4 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 66. f4f3 66... c4c3 67. f3f4 |
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68. f4f3 | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 66. f4f3 66... c4c3 67. f3f4 67... c3c4 |
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68... c4c3 | Another excellent fighting game in the match. | 1. e2e4 Gukesh is finally ready to face the French Defense again. 1... e7e6 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. b1c3 3... g8f6 4. e4e5 4... f6d7 5. c3e2 The challenger plays the same plan he tried in the first game of the match, albeit with a different move order (there he played 5.f4 first). 5... c7c5 6. c2c3 6... b8c6 7. a2a3 A rare move. 7.f4 transposes to the position discussed in the first game of the match. 7... f8e7 8. c1e3 An opening novelty that was played instantly. The idea is to hold the pawn on d4 firmly, as it's the important stronghold in White's position. Development can be completed by moving the knight to f4, also preparing an attack on the kingside. White has a space advantage, a characteristic of this pawn structure, so if he manages to finish development the attack can be very dangerous. 8... d7b6 Ding Liren thought for a long time on this move, an idea that changes the character of the game, as the knight will go to c4 and will be captured. 9. e2f4 White doesn't need to worry about the knight move to c4. 9... c5d4 10. c3d4 10... b6c4 The natural continuation of Black's plan. 11. f1c4 11... d5c4 12. g1e2 12... b7b5 13. e1g1 13... e8g8 14. e2c3 14... a8b8 15. f4h5 White wants Nh5-Qg4 and this is the right move order. 15... f7f5 16. e5f6 16... e7f6 17. d1f3 A very tempting move, planning to go with the queen to g3, but the capture on d4 is tactically possible. 17... d8e8 18. h5f6 18... f8f6 19. f3e2 White is fighting for the advantage again. 19... e8g6 20. f2f3 An excellent move, removing the power of a potential bishop on the h1-a8 diagonal, preparing Bf2-g3 and securing the e4-square for the knight. 20... f6f8 21. a1d1 21... c6e7 22. e3f4 I like this tactical move a lot. The bishop takes a shortcut to a better diagonal. 22... b8b6 23. f4c7 23... b6b7 24. c7d6 24... f8e8 25. d6e7 An interesting and difficult positional decision. It was hard to evaluate its merits during the game. 25... e8e7 26. e2e5 26... a7a6 27. d4d5 Both players were, as usual, in time trouble. Dramatic mistakes are expected in this situation, especially since Black has to play carefully to defend and White needs to be accurate to exploit a possible mistake. 27... e6d5 28. e5d5 28... g6e6 29. d5c5 29... e7e8 The only defense. 30. d1e1 30... e6f7 This is a dramatic moment in the match. 31. c3e4 Missing a forced win. 31... e8f8 The only move. 32. e4d6 32... b7c7 Ding finds the only moves in time trouble. 33. c5e5 33... f7f6 34. e5d5 34... g8h8 The worst is over for Black. 35. e1e5 35... c7e7 36. f1e1 36... e7e5 37. e1e5 37... h7h6 The important black queen remains on the board. 38. d5c5 38... c8d7 39. d6e4 39... f6f4 40. e5e7 40... d7f5 Played with less than a minute on the clock. 41. c5d4 41... f8g8 42. h2h3 42... f4c1 43. g1f2 43... f5e4 44. e7e4 44... c4c3 A good practical choice to simplify. 45. b2c3 45... c1a3 46. f2g3 White has a very small, but not very dangerous initiative. The most he can achieve is a 3+2 endgame on the kingside, which is exactly what happens in the game. 46... a3b3 47. e4e7 47... a6a5 48. e7b7 48... b3c4 Ding plays safely. He wants to prevent any tactical chances with White's rook moving to the sixth rank. 49. d4e5 49... c4c6 Another careful move. 49...a4 and 49...b4 should also hold the game easily. 50. e5b5 50... c6c3 51. b7a7 51... c3e1 52. g3h2 52... e1b4 53. b5b4 53... a5b4 54. a7b7 54... g8a8 55. b7b4 The rook endgame with 3+2 is a very easy draw. The rest requires no commentary - everybody knew a peaceful handshake was coming. 55... a8a2 56. h2g3 56... h8h7 57. b4b5 57... h7g6 58. f3f4 58... g6f6 59. g3f3 59... a2c2 60. g2g3 60... c2c3 61. f3g4 61... c3a3 62. h3h4 62... a3c3 63. b5b6 63... f6f7 64. f4f5 64... h6h5 65. g4f4 65... c3c4 66. f4f3 66... c4c3 67. f3f4 67... c3c4 68. f4f3 |
1. g1f3 | ||
1... d7d5 | 1. g1f3 |
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2. g2g3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 |
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2... c7c5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 |
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3. f1g2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 |
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3... b8c6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 |
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4. d2d4 | Another new opening in the match. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 |
4... e7e6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. |
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5. e1g1 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 |
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5... c5d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 |
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6. f3d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 |
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6... g8e7 | A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 |
7. c2c4 | The best reaction, attacking the center. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. |
7... c6d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. |
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8. d1d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 |
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8... e7c6 | Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 |
9. d4d1 | A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. |
9... d5d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. |
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10. e2e3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 |
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10... f8c5 | A new move. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 |
11. e3d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. |
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11... c5d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 |
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12. b1c3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 |
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12... e8g8 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 |
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13. c3b5 | Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 |
13... d4b6 | After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. |
14. b2b3 | Not the most energetic move. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. |
14... a7a6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. |
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15. b5c3 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 |
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15... b6d4 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 15. b5c3 |
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16. c1b2 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 15. b5c3 15... b6d4 |
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16... e6e5 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 15. b5c3 15... b6d4 16. c1b2 |
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17. d1d2 | A good square for the queen. | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 15. b5c3 15... b6d4 16. c1b2 16... e6e5 |
17... c8e6 | 1. g1f3 1... d7d5 2. g2g3 2... c7c5 3. f1g2 3... b8c6 4. d2d4 Another new opening in the match. 4... e7e6 5. e1g1 5... c5d4 6. f3d4 6... g8e7 A rare move. As usual, Gukesh demonstrates a new idea early in the game. This time, however, it will backfire—White will achieve a pleasant position. Black's idea is to exchange on d4 and get the knight to c6. The downside to this strategy is that Black's king can be a bit unsafe in some positions without the knight nearby, although this may seem far from reality at the moment. 7. c2c4 The best reaction, attacking the center. 7... c6d4 8. d1d4 8... e7c6 Black follows the planned strategy. Now White has several possible queen moves. 9. d4d1 A solid choice, but the alternatives are interesting. 9... d5d4 10. e2e3 10... f8c5 A new move. 11. e3d4 11... c5d4 12. b1c3 12... e8g8 13. c3b5 Attacking the bishop and improving the knight. This is an important moment. 13... d4b6 After this inaccurate move, White achieves a clear advantage. 14. b2b3 Not the most energetic move. 14... a7a6 15. b5c3 15... b6d4 16. c1b2 16... e6e5 17. d1d2 A good square for the queen. |
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