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18. c3d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 |
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18... b7b5 | A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 |
19. c4b5 | A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in 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. 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. |
19... a6b5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. |
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20. d5f4 | This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 |
20... e5f4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. |
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21. g2c6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 |
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21... d4b2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 |
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22. d2b2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 |
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22... a8b8 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 |
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23. f1d1 | The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 |
23... d8b6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. |
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24. c6f3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 |
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24... f4g3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 |
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25. h2g3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 |
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25... b5b4 | Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 |
26. a2a4 | The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. |
26... b4a3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. |
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27. a1a3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 |
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27... g7g6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 |
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28. b2d4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 |
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28... b6b5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 |
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29. b3b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 |
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29... b5b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 |
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30. d4b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 |
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30... b8b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 |
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31. a3a8 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 |
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31... f8a8 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 |
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32. f3a8 | Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 |
32... g6g5 | Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. |
33. a8d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. |
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33... e6f5 | Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 |
34. d1c1 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. |
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34... g8g7 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 |
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35. c1c7 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 |
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35... f5g6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 |
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36. c7c4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 |
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36... b4b1 | No rook exchange either. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 |
37. g1g2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. |
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37... b1e1 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 |
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38. c4b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 |
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38... h7h5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 |
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39. b4a4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 |
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39... e1e5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 |
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40. d5f3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 |
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40... g7h6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 |
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41. g2g1 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 |
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41... e5e6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 |
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42. a4c4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 |
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42... g5g4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 |
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43. f3d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 |
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43... e6d6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 |
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44. d5b7 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 |
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44... h6g5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 |
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45. f2f3 | Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 |
45... f7f5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. |
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46. f3g4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 |
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46... h5g4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 |
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47. c4b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 |
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47... g6f7 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 |
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48. g1f2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 |
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48... d6d2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 |
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49. f2g1 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 |
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49... g5f6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 |
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50. b4b6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 |
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50... f6g5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 |
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51. b6b4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 |
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51... f7e6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 |
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52. b4a4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 |
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52... d2b2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 |
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53. b7a8 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 |
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53... g5f6 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 |
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54. a4f4 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 |
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54... f6e5 | As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 |
55. f4f2 | A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. |
55... b2f2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. |
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56. g1f2 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 |
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56... e6d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 56. g1f2 |
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57. a8d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 56. g1f2 56... e6d5 |
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57... e5d5 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 56. g1f2 56... e6d5 57. a8d5 |
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58. f2e3 | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 56. g1f2 56... e6d5 57. a8d5 57... e5d5 |
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58... d5e5 | Gukesh makes history and becomes the youngest undisputed classical world champion ever. | 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. 17... c8e6 18. c3d5 18... b7b5 A good move, breaking White's structure and trying to destabilize the knight on d5. This hint of activity bothered Ding, who inexplicably decided to simplify the position instead of fighting for the initiative. 19. c4b5 A positional mistake as the knight loses its formidable position in the center. 19... a6b5 20. d5f4 This is Ding's idea, forcing many piece exchanges. 20... e5f4 21. g2c6 21... d4b2 22. d2b2 22... a8b8 23. f1d1 The game is heading for a draw. At this point, likely no one could expect a different result than this. But chess, like sports and life in general, can surprise us. 23... d8b6 24. c6f3 24... f4g3 25. h2g3 25... b5b4 Of course, the position is drawn. But in practice, it's more comfortable to play as Black due to the better pawn structure. In addition, Ding was in time trouble and his last moves showed a great desire to fight desperately for a draw, which must have increased Gukesh's confidence. 26. a2a4 The idea is to offer a pawn on the queenside to simplify the game further and go for a theoretically drawn endgame. 26... b4a3 27. a1a3 27... g7g6 28. b2d4 28... b6b5 29. b3b4 29... b5b4 30. d4b4 30... b8b4 31. a3a8 31... f8a8 32. f3a8 Without rooks or bishops, the endgame is easily drawn, and Gukesh wouldn't even try too much. But with rooks and bishops, it's possible to play with some hope of winning, although it would take a lot of optimism to really believe that the last game of a world championship match would end in a decisive result in such a position. 32... g6g5 Improving the pawn structure on the kingside. Black can play for hours on end before finally demonstrating a plan, which makes defense unpleasant. As expected, the game went on for many moves without a change in the assessment. 33. a8d5 33... e6f5 Of course, Black isn't willing to exchange bishops. 34. d1c1 34... g8g7 35. c1c7 35... f5g6 36. c7c4 36... b4b1 No rook exchange either. 37. g1g2 37... b1e1 38. c4b4 38... h7h5 39. b4a4 39... e1e5 40. d5f3 40... g7h6 41. g2g1 41... e5e6 42. a4c4 42... g5g4 43. f3d5 43... e6d6 44. d5b7 44... h6g5 45. f2f3 Ding decides to exchange pawns, which is usually a good defensive strategy. Of course, he could have also kept waiting. 45... f7f5 46. f3g4 46... h5g4 47. c4b4 47... g6f7 48. g1f2 48... d6d2 49. f2g1 49... g5f6 50. b4b6 50... f6g5 51. b6b4 51... f7e6 52. b4a4 52... d2b2 53. b7a8 53... g5f6 54. a4f4 54... f6e5 As the draw looks more and more inevitable, suddenly a surprising turn of events immediately finishes the game and the match. 55. f4f2 A heartbreaking end to a dramatic match. This horrible blunder allows Black to liquidate into a winning pawn endgame. 55... b2f2 56. g1f2 56... e6d5 57. a8d5 57... e5d5 58. f2e3 |
1. d2d4 | ||
1... g8f6 | 1. d2d4 |
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2. c2c4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 |
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2... e7e6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 |
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3. b1c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 |
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3... f8b4 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 |
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4. d1c2 | The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 |
4... d7d6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. |
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5. g1f3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 |
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5... b8d7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 |
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6. e2e3 | A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 |
6... b7b6 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. |
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7. f1e2 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 |
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7... c8b7 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 7. f1e2 |
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8. e1g1 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 7. f1e2 7... c8b7 |
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8... b4c3 | This move is necessary after White has castled, since the knight isn't pinned anymore and is ready to move, leaving the b4-bishop in danger. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 7. f1e2 7... c8b7 8. e1g1 |
9. c2c3 | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 7. f1e2 7... c8b7 8. e1g1 8... b4c3 This move is necessary after White has castled, since the knight isn't pinned anymore and is ready to move, leaving the b4-bishop in danger. |
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9... f6e4 | Carlsen needed a win and embarks on a dangerous enterprise. | 1. d2d4 1... g8f6 2. c2c4 2... e7e6 3. b1c3 3... f8b4 4. d1c2 The Capablanca Variation against the Nimzo-Indian is solid and reliable, making it an especially good weapon if White only needs a draw. 4... d7d6 5. g1f3 5... b8d7 6. e2e3 A good way of developing. There are alternatives-White is usually slightly better. 6... b7b6 7. f1e2 7... c8b7 8. e1g1 8... b4c3 This move is necessary after White has castled, since the knight isn't pinned anymore and is ready to move, leaving the b4-bishop in danger. 9. c2c3 |
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