British Chess Magazine - Mayo de 2024

Volume 144
MAY
2024
E CIAL
SP E
ISSU
CHESS
HISTORY
REWRITTEN:
INSIDE THE
GAME-CHANGING
2024 FIDE CANDIDATES
AN IN-DEPTH REPORT
BCM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
GUKESH ON HIS
CHESS JOURNEY:
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE
IS TO ENJOY THE PROCESS
FIDE PRESIDENT ARKADY DVORKOVICH:
TORONTO CANDIDATES ELEVATES CHESS WORLDWIDE
IMPRESSUM EDITORIAL
HOW THE 2024
FIDE CANDIDATES
BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE
Founded 1881 WILL BE REMEMBERED
www.britishchessmagazine.co.uk A turning point in the
history of chess?
Chairman Shaun Taulbut
Director Stephen Lowe
Editors
Milan Dinic and Shaun Taulbut Even before it started, the 2024 FIDE
Candidates tournament carried weighty
Photo editor historical implications
David Llada
Prepress Specialist This was the first time in its seven decade
Milica Mitic history that the Candidates tournament was
Photography held on North American soil. It was also
Stev Bonhage, FIDE Official / Michal Walusza the first time that both the Open and the
Women’s tournament were held side by
Advertising
side. The call of history was there for all
Stephen Lowe
Enquiries
to hear.
editor@britishchessmagazine.co.uk
But nerves were jangling as the event could
ISSN 0007-0440 have been severely undermined by bureaucracy
© The British Chess Magazine Limited and border controls. Right up to the very start
Company Limited by Shares of the tournament it was uncertain whether
Registered in England No 00334968 the hosts – Canada – would issue visas to
Printed in the UK: by Lavenham Press Ltd
all the eligible players (particularly Indians,
due to a political standoff between India and
Cover photography: FIDE Official Canada). This was yet another example, if
one were needed, of how high-level politics
Contents can enmesh international chess. As FIDE’s

CEO Emil Sutovsky put it in his speech at
the closing ceremony in Toronto – “it was
260 BCM Exclusive Interview: a long, bumpy journey at times, but we are
GUKESH: The main objective very proud that we managed to pull this event
is to enjoy the process together”. Under the stewardship of Sutovsky
By Milan Dinic and tournament director Pavel Tregubov, the
Candidates tournament did take place with all
263 BCM Interview: eligible players competing and the event ran
FIDE President, Arkady Dvorkovich smoothly without a single issue of note.
Toronto Candidates
elevates chess worldwide Indeed, the event was a fine success for
By Milan Dinic the chess world’s governing body, the
265 Toronto Candidates produce
International Chess Federation (FIDE).
the youngest-ever Challenger Despite the tense backdrop of current
By GM Aleksandar Colovic international events, FIDE orchestrated
the world’s premier chess tournament in
303 Chinese domination In the Canada and even succeeded in eliciting
Women’s Candidates a public endorsement from the Canadian
By GM Aleksandar Colovic Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. In so doing
FIDE also acknowledged its commitment
319 A Tournament of Firsts to increasing the global and geographically
BY Emil Sutovsky, CEO OF FIDE spread of major chess events and sponsors,
258 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL
signalling a progressive shift and proactive to get a photo or a glimpse of their stars.
mindset at the top level of the sport. Such celebrity-style fandom is something
modern chess has not seen since the days of
Holding the Women’s Candidates event Bobby Fischer. The Indian media provided
simultaneously with the Open was an huge coverage of the event, just like other
inspired move, increasing the visibility of top national sports in India such as cricket.
women’s chess and helping put it on an When he arrived home in the southern
equal footing with the male-dominated Indian city of Chennai at 3am(!), Gukesh
Open tournaments. was mobbed by media crews and fans at this
early hour welcoming him back.
And what about the tournaments themselves?
Clearly, a new chess superstar from India
In the chess equivalent of a Hollywood has burst upon the scene, with every chance
thriller, the outcome of the race in the Open of ranking alongside such Indian greats as
tournament was anyone’s guess until the Vishy Anand and (going back a century
very last moment when 17-year-old Indian or so) the supremely talented Sultan Khan.
prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh (born 29 May There would seem to be little reason to doubt
2006 and referred to as Gukesh D) emerged that enthusiasm for and engagement with
victorious, becoming the youngest winner chess in India is likely to explode.
of the Candidates tournament since its
inception in 1950. The previous youngest Events in Canada will also surely intensify
winner was Garry Kasparov at the age of 20. the pivot in the chess world to the east. The
pivot was also confirmed in the Women’s
Gukesh’s victory was decided in an historic Candidates where the former World
game in which he didn’t even play! The Champion from China, Tan Zhongyi,
American Fabiano Caruana and Russian convincingly won first place followed
Ian Nepomniachtchi both had the fate of the closely by her compatriot Lei Tingjie. Once
tournament in their hands - they were paired again, the Women’s World Champion
in the last round and the winner would claim title match will be contested between two
the title. In a nerve-wracking roller coaster Chinese players – defending Champion Ju
of a game lasting 109 moves and six hours, Wenjun and Tan Zhongyi. While China’s
neither emerged victorious and the eventual dominance of women’s chess at top level
draw handed the crown to Gukesh. continues for the moment, let us not forget
that there are also many very strong and
Gukesh’s achievement marks a significant rising female players in India.
milestone in the history of chess. It shows
not only that the game is increasingly The 2024 FIDE Candidates tournament is
dominated by ever younger players, but poised to be seen in the annals of chess
it may also mark the arrival of a new era history as a watershed moment. The legacy
in which Indian players and India (the is already clear – the choice of a new global
ancient birthplace of chess) become the location for the flagship event, the rise of
new epicentre of the chess world. The a new Indian superstar, the parallel timing
signs are already clear – three out of eight of the women’s event signalling gender
players in the Open Candidates, and two inclusivity, and the dominance of ever
out of eight in the Women’s competition, younger chess champions. A new dawn for
were from India. the game may truly be upon us.
The Indian presence was everywhere to be We have dedicated this issue of BCM to the
felt and seen in the Candidates – among 2024 Candidates, to mark this spectacular
the players, the volunteers and spectators. chess event. We hope that you enjoy it,
Each day before play got underway and and we believe that the importance of this
every evening afterwards, large crowds event will resonate for decades to come.
mainly comprising Indians living in Canada
squeezed in front of the playing hall, trying Editor
BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 259

05/144
GUKESH:
The main objective
is to enjoy the process
ON TORONTO, MEDITATION, YOGA,
THE MATCH WITH DING AND THE FUTURE OF CHESS
By Milan Dinic; PHOTO: FIDE OFFICIAL
Straight from his triumph at the Toronto a setback after such a high. This will help me
Candidates, Gukesh’s chess path took him to find some more motivation and work harder.
Poland for the Superbet Rapid & Blitz, where
he faced Magnus Carlsen, among other top I am tired now, but not from chess. It’s
players. Given the exhausting pressure he more the travelling.
was under in Toronto, Gukesh’s showing in
Warsaw, where he ended last, was not that BCM: Thinking about Toronto, which moments stand
much of a surprise. Still – in a tournament out the most?
where Carlsen won with a 10-game-winning
streak, the 17-year-old winner of the Gukesh: The last game after which I saw that
Candidates played a brilliancy and was on the I won the tournament. Also, I guess the
verge of bringing down the Norwegian. most important moment was how I handled
the round seven loss to Alireza. I think that
BCM caught up with Gukesh on his way really changed the way the tournament
back to India from Poland. We talked went for me.
about the Candidates, his own preparation
and life philosophy, the upcoming match BCM: How did you handle that?
against Ding Liren and the future of chess
in India and beyond. Gukesh: The loss was very painful, and I
was upset for some time. However, I
BCM: Now that you had a few weeks for the managed to quickly recover. I had time to
impressions from Toronto to settle – how do you process it and it somehow gave me a lot
feel when you look back at the event? of motivation.
Gukesh: The Candidates was a very special I just tried to follow my routines. It’s always
tournament for sure. The time after that was helpful in such a long tournament to have
quite hectic and this tournament in Poland a routine that you can rely on. My routine
wasn’t great. But overall – it’s good that I had consists of two things - some chess work

and some relaxation. That also includes the names. Obviously, it’s known that
some meditation and yoga. [Grzegorz] Gajewski has been my head
coach for the past couple of years. I
BCM: It has been commented that you come across worked previously with Vishnu Prasanna
as a very calm and stable person, both in real life who currently isn’t a huge part of my
and over the board. Unusual for someone who is 17. chess team but is a mentor always there to
Where does that energy and stability come from? support me. There are some others, but I
would not like to reveal them yet.
Gukesh: A lot of work was put into that. I
was not that way when I was a child. In my Preparations were normal – we worked on
childhood, I used to get very upset after a openings, and we tried to improve my play
game. Then I started taking mental health in general. It all went well.
seriously. Started doing yoga and meditating.
Once I started doing that, I made sure it was BCM: Now that you won the Candidates, the focus
done regularly and it made a difference. turns to the match with Ding. What are your
thoughts?
BCM: Do you meditate daily on a regular basis, even
during tournaments? Gukesh: It will be a very interesting match.
He is a strong player. I am just focusing
Gukesh: Pretty much. on doing the right thing and trying my
best. Hopefully, it will be a very enjoyable
BCM: Do you think playing chess helps people become experience.
more focused and calmer?
BCM: What do you see as sort of Ding's biggest
Gukesh: I think chess in itself can’t do that. strength and something to worry about?
I’m obviously not very knowledgeable in
this topic - but from what I’ve heard, if you Gukesh: I don’t think there’s anything to
are taking chess as a hobby, it does help worry about. As long as I am playing well
you in this way. For a professional, it’s a and I’m in the right mindset – I don’t really
different level – you have to take it very worry about my opponents.
seriously, practice and work hard, like in
any other sport. It’s just pure hard work and But his biggest strength would probably be his
practice for professionals. experience. He’s just a very universal player.
BCM: Who was the most difficult opponent for you in BCM: There have been several suggestions on where
Toronto and why? the match should take place – India, Singapore,
Argentina, UAE. Where would you feel most
Gukesh: I did not have any difficult positions comfortable playing the match?
so it’s hard to say. The only game I had
something negative going on in the position Gukesh: I will be fine with playing anywhere
was against Alireza, but it was because of but playing at home, would be quite special.
the time trouble. I think I was handling I would just feel at home and there would
all the players quite comfortably. But if I definitely be a lot of interest in chess. A lot
had to pick one, I would say Alireza just of kids are taking up the sport in India.
because I lost that game.
BCM: In recent years we have seen a huge rise of
BCM: You have a team working for you. Would you Indian chess – both in terms of the performance
tell us more about them? of Indian players and the popularity of the game.
We have seen that you received a hero’s welcome
Gukesh: Once I qualified for the Candidates, upon returning to India from Toronto. Are you a
we put together a team. I can’t reveal superstar in your country?

Gukesh: Chess has become very popular in
India and a lot of people respect and love
the game. It’s one of the biggest sports
right now. Obviously, cricket is still the
main thing but It’s one of the biggest
sports. Chess players are looked upon with
a lot of respect. I’m really glad about all
the support. I really hope it will grow and
become something huge. I would be really
happy to be a part of that.
BCM: How do you see the future of chess? How will

the game change in the coming years?
Gukesh: It’s very hard to say, actually.

Obviously, the faster time controls and
other variants of chess gained in popularity.
However, from what I learnt when speaking
with others and what I feel is that classical
chess will remain the main thing for quite
some time. I think chess is doing great.
It’s gained so much in popularity. And I’m
really excited.
BCM: And do you think that chess has adequate

support from FIDE – that the International Chess
Federation is doing enough to promote chess and
help you as a player?
Gukesh: I feel that this is the case. I am not

really into the organisational details, but
I am happy as a chess player and I see a
The three kings of Toronto: Gukesh
lot of interesting chess and a lot of people (bottom), Caruana (top left) and
taking up the sport. So, I am sure FIDE is Nepomniachtchi (top right)
doing the right things.
BCM: Do you think that your success will motivate Gukesh: From my childhood, Vishy [Anand]
Magnus Carlsen to come back and fight for the race has been a role model for me, both as a
of the world for the world crown? chess player and as a person. Surely, Vishy
is one of the people who had a huge impact
Gukesh: It’s not really up to me. Carlsen has on the game. Other than Vishy, Fischer and
been pretty clear that he does not enjoy Magnus had this strong impact.
classical chess just as much. And I completely
understand it. He has won everything in BCM: What are your immediate plans now when you
chess and wants to do what he enjoys. It’s get back home – to rest or start preparing for the
completely up to him, but personally, as a match?
chess fan, I would be happy to see him back
in the world championship cycle. Gukesh: I need to process everything. Some
combination of playing and relaxation. It’s
BCM: And for you, as a chess fan, who is the Number quite an interesting process but the main
One chess player that you look up to? objective is to enjoy the process.

BCM
INTERVIEW:
FIDE President
Arkady Dvorkovich on the impact
the Toronto Candidates had on chess
TORONTO
CANDIDATES
ELEVATES CHESS
WORLDWIDE
By Milan Dinic
Photo: Stev Bonhage
The 2024 Candidates Tournament is already chess channels broadcasting the event live
seen as one of the most memorable events to millions of viewers daily across the
in chess history. In an interview with The globe, we touched every part of the world.
British Chess Magazine, FIDE President Just one chess channel broadcast the event
Arkady Dvorkovich shared his views on the in 11 languages with 15 million viewers
event and its significance for chess and the there alone. In the last round, when Gukesh
International Chess Federation was playing against Hikaru Nakamura,
at one point there were 340,000 people
At the age of 17, Gukesh D from India following that game which is amazing”,
became the youngest ever person to win the said Dvorkovich.
Candidates and qualify for the match for the
title of World Champion. In the Women’s He praised FIDE CEO, Emil Sutovsky for his
tournament, former World Champion, role in getting the Candidates to Toronto and
China’s Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious organizing the event: “Emil was instrumental
and will be facing her compatriot, Ju for this event and the chess world owes
Wenjun, in 2025 in the match for the title him a huge thank you for this achievement.
of Women’s World Champion. His ideas, determination, and vigor were
instrumental in making many events possible
Millions of people around the world and bringing about numerous improvements
followed the event, with particular interest for professional players”.
from India which had three players in the
Open and two in the Women’s Candidates. For the first time in the history of the
International Chess Federation, the
Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of Candidates Tournament was held in
the event for FIDE’s goal to increase the North America. Additionally, this was
visibility of chess - to have more players the first time the Open and the Women’s
and more global attention which will lead tournaments took place side-by-side.
to more opportunities for chess and chess
players everywhere. “Our decision to have the Women’s
Candidates held concurrently with the
“The Toronto Candidates was the third Open Candidates proved to be a successful
most-watched chess tournament ever - decision as the viewership for women’s
just behind the 2021 and 2023 World games also increased. This will lead to more
Championship matches. With all major opportunities for women’s chess which has

05/144
been one of the key goals for my team at Forbes, Toronto Star, The Times and many
FIDE”, he added. others”, Dvorkovich said.
The tournament got a boost from the Canadian Additionally, several celebrities were also
Government, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau among the visitors to the event, which
sending a welcoming letter to the players and Dvorkovich argued provided an important
everyone involved in the Candidates. public boost for the sport. Andrea Bocelli,
world-famous Italian tenor and a great
As 2024 is a year in which FIDE is marking chess fan visited the tournament, as well as
its first centenary, Toronto also hosted the NFL star Mack Hollins. Other well-known
Torch Relay Ceremony. After India, Africa people were there such as the producer
and Europe, the torch reached Toronto and Todd J. Labarowski, tech entrepreneur
was presented by Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Michael Hyatt and others.
Deputy Chair of Management Board.
“Many other famous or influential people
“We were pleased to share our celebration watched the event live from their homes -
with the people of Toronto and the chess several business people and government
community there. Our FIDE100 project officials from Europe, Asia, Africa, America
- successfully managed by Dana - is an got in touch about the event with me or my
important part of our mission and statement, colleagues, and that is great. Over the years
and these celebrations will continue around more and more well-known people have taken
the world, finally reaching Budapest for the an interest in chess and recognized the work
Chess Olympiad in September”. of FIDE – like Andrea Bocelli for example –
and that can only help us on our mission to
The event provided a big boost for promote chess”, the FIDE President said.
FIDE’s social media channels as well,
Dvorkovich noted: Dvorkovich also talked in more detail about
the changes in the global dynamics of chess
“My job is to get chess noticed more and due to the immense rise of the popularity of
recognized on the global stage and numbers the sport in India and China.
show FIDE is doing that. FIDE social
media channels alone grew a lot during the “Toronto was an important stepping stone
event – we now have more than 300,000 in our mission to increase the visibility of
subscribers on Instagram and over 200,000 chess globally. Not only was this the first
on YouTube and counting”. major global chess event in North America,
but – as the viewers, media interest and the
The President of FIDE also noted the audience in Toronto showed - there was
large coverage the event got in non-chess huge interest from India.
media globally.
“Chess is changing - more people are playing,
“Around 100 media companies from the audience is growing and the sport is
Canada, US, UK, Germany, France, India, ever more publicly present. Growing this is
Austria and other countries were accredited a part of my job at FIDE and I am grateful
for the tournament and covering the event to the team who carried out the work in
on site. All major news agencies and Toronto - and who are doing the work in
networks were regularly in touch about many other events – and we look forward
the results and video and photo material to doing more for our sport. As chess gains
which FIDE traditionally provides free momentum globally, FIDE will continue
of charge. We had articles on the event to work relentlessly in promoting our game
in major global media outlets, including and getting more opportunities for players
NYT, Guardian, CNN, Reuters, Al Jazeera, everywhere,” said Dvorkovich.

THE OPEN
TORONTO
CANDIDATES
PRODUCE THE
YOUNGEST-EVER
CHALLENGER
The Candidates
tournament held in
Toronto from 4-21 April
had a scenario that few
film screenwriters could
have imagined
By GM Aleksandar Colovic, www.alexcolovic.com; Photo: FIDE Official

The final round in Toronto, where Abasov (3.5 out of 14)
four (!) players were in real contention
to win the tournament and they all
played each other (!) is unlikely to
happen again. The drama and tension
compressed in the game Caruana-
Nepomniachtchi was a breathtaking
example of hope and despair, chess at
its most unforgiving extreme.
Like with the preview of this event, we

will look at all the players in Toronto and
analyse their performance.
As it turned out, he didn’t. His strategy was
THE ‘ACCIDENTAL’ to be extremely solid with both colours
(employing the Petroff with Black) and never
CANDIDATE to mind making a draw. The strategy was
sensible, but the problem for Abasov was that
The rating outsider lost half of his he was simply a class below the rest. This
games, drawing the rest. That was only meant that even though he was well-prepared
somewhat underperforming his current and usually obtained good positions after the
rating. It was perhaps understandable that openings, he often ended up being outplayed as
Abasov wouldn’t fight for top honours, the game progressed. This led to mistakes later
but it was curious to see if he managed to in the game, frequently in time-trouble, when
beat somebody. his level would drop even lower. Examples

05/144
of this were his first game with Caruana and he lost to him in round two. In both events,
both games against Gukesh. As it turned out, he couldn’t recover from this early loss.
scoring 2-0 against Abasov was a major factor It was worse in Toronto, because thanks
for Gukesh in winning the event. to Nepomniachtchi’s imperfect memory
he obtained some advantage out of the
Abasov’s best achievement was drawing his opening with the black pieces. However, he
mini-match with Nepomniachtchi. The second didn’t take his chances in the middlegame
draw, played in round eight, was his first with complications and lost the game.
the black pieces (having lost all previous
three games). In this game, he showed good Ian Nepomniachtchi - Alireza Firouzja
opening preparation in the Petroff (which, in
fact, transposed to an Exchange French) and Candidates Toronto (2), 05.04.2024
good tactical control in the middlegame. He XIIIIIIIIY
only managed one more draw with the black 9r+-+qtr-mk0
pieces, in round 13 against Vidit. 9+pzp-vlp+p0
Many people considered Abasov’s 9p+nsn-+-zP0
participation in the Candidates “an accident”, 9+-+-zp-zp-0
but it will undoubtedly give hope to many
players who are outside the elite – seeing 9PzP-+N+-+0
Abasov qualify, they will think, if he could 9+LzP-+P+-0
do it, why shouldn’t I be able to do the same? 9-vL-wQ-zPK+0
9tR-+R+-+-0
THE REPEAT xiiiiiiiiy
OF THE NIGHTMARE Nepomniachtchi introduces a very
interesting idea with a pawn sacrifice in
Firouzja (5 out of 14) the anti-Berlin with 4.d3, but he couldn’t
remember all the details and misplayed
the complicated middlegame position.
While the position is very complicated, it
is White who feels the pressure to prove
compensation. Firouzja didn’t manage to
find the correct way to proceed.
23...¤f5? Allowing White’s next move,

after which the advantage shifts to White.
23...f6! was the correct move. Black simply

solidifies the centre and opens the h5–e8
diagonal for the queen, with ideas like
One of the pre-tournament favourites ...£g6 or ...£h5 now possible. With the a1–
bombed spectacularly. He lost six games h8 diagonal blunted, Black has a safe king
and apart from drawing 1-1 with Gukesh, and can in fact start play against White’s
lost all the mini-matches against the players king along the g-file after ...g4. 24.b5!
who finished on a plus score. White must try to deflect Black’s attention
from the kingside even at the cost of a
In fact, Firouzja had a repeat nightmare second pawn. It’s an incredibly difficult
event as in the previous Candidates decision to take for White. 24...axb5
in Madrid in 2022. There he lost to 25.axb5 ¦xa1 26.¦xa1 ¤xb5 27.£d5 ¤d6
Nepomniachtchi in round four, in Toronto 28.¤c5 g4!? 29.fxg4 £g6 with an unclear

May 2024
position where White’s king is the more (31.¢f1 ¤h2+ is a perpetual.) 31...¤h4+
vulnerable one. 32.¢f1 ¤f5! the first tricky move for Black.
33.¥d5 now it’s the only move for White not
24.£d7! An endgame is in White’s favour to lose! 33...bxc6 again, the only move for
as a rook on the seventh rank would be Black. 34.c4 and another only move for White
difficult to expel. not to lose. 34...£h1+ 35.¢e2 £h5+ 36.¢d3
again avoiding perpetual. 36...cxd5 37.¥xe5+
24...¤h4+ 25.¢f1 f5 26.¤g3! ¤xf3 27.b5 ¢g8 38.£xd5+ £f7 with a big mess on the
Black won a second pawn, but in doing so board with chances for both sides;
weakened the long diagonal, which now
White tries to use by undermining the 28...¤h2+ was another alternative. After
defence of the pawn on e5. 29.¢g2 £g6! 30.¢xh2 £xe4 31.¢g1 (31.
bxc6? ¦f6! and Black wins with a direct attack
27...f4 Firouzja tries to complicate matters on the white king.) 31...£e2! an incredibly
and succeeds! difficult move! The idea is to keep the d1–
rook under attack after 32.bxc6 ¦ad8 33.£e6
28.¤e4? A natural move, placing the knight (33.£xe7 £g4+ leads to a perpetual check.)
on a blockading post, but an imprecision 33...¦xd1+ 34.¦xd1 ¥c5! 35.¦f1 ¥xf2+!
that allows Black to equalise. now Black forces a perpetual. 36.¦xf2 £e1+
37.¢g2 f3+! 38.¦xf3 £e2+ 39.¢g1 £e1+
28.£xe8! exchanging queens first would with a draw.
have eliminated the threat of an attack on
the white king. After 28...¦axe8 29.¤e4 29.¥e6? Another missed chance. White
¤b8 30.c4 when in spite of being two pawns had to drop the bishop back to a2, with or
down, White has a solid advantage thanks to without an immediate exchange of queens.
the scattered placement of Black’s forces and
White’s pressure on the queenside and centre. 29.¥a2! ¦d8 (29...g4 30.£xe8 ¦axe8
31.¦d7!+– should be winning for White, as the
28...¤a5? rook on the seventh rank is destroying Black’s
XIIIIIIIIY queenside, but the position remains very
complicated) 30.£xc7 and the knight on a5 is in
9r+-+qtr-mk0 trouble, but for a human this is not obvious to be
9+pzpQvl-+p0 clearly winning, with the white king still lacking
protection with a lot of pieces still on the board;
9p+-+-+-zP0
9snP+-zp-zp-0 Or 29.£xe8! ¦axe8 30.¥a2 is also good
9P+-+Nzp-+0 for White, though the lines are complicated.
For example 30...¦d8 31.¦xd8 ¦xd8 32.c4
9+LzP-+n+-0 threatening ¥c3 or c5. White is two pawns
9-vL-+-zP-+0 down, but his pieces are much better coordinated.
9tR-+R+K+-0 29...£g6? Missing another chance.
xiiiiiiiiy
Firouzja misses the chance, but one can hardly 29...g4! was the only way to stay in the
blame him. Take a look at the following lines game. 30.¥a3 £xd7 31.¦xd7 ¥xa3
and the number of only moves the players 32.¦xa3 ¦ae8 with yet another mess, this
have to find in order to stay in the game: time with mutual chances.
28...£h5! would have forced either a perpetual, 30.£xe7 Now White is winning and
or would have led to unclear complications Nepomniachtchi didn’t allow more chances
after 29.bxc6 ¤h2+ 30.¢g1 ¤f3+ 31.¢g2 in the remainder of the game.

05/144
30...£xh6 31.¥f7! Attacking the e5–pawn row, to Nakamura and Vidit, dropping to
and threatening mate. -3 and out of contention. He continued
to play fighting chess, but for him the
31...£h3+ After 31...£h1+ 32.¢e2 ¤g1+ tournament was over.
33.¦xg1 £xe4+ 34.¢f1 £d3+ 35.¢g2
£e4+ 36.¢h2 the king hides from the As the tournament was coming to a close,
checks and White wins thanks to the threat with the players getting tired, Firouzja lost
of £f6 mate. three more games, with his game against
Gukesh from the penultimate round turning
32.¢e2 £f5 33.¥d5 The only, but out to be the decisive one for the fate of the
sufficient move. White has a piece for three future Challenger (see the game analysed
pawns, but with many pieces on the board, later in the text).
the pawns cannot show their worth.
At the age of 20 and with two catastrophic
33...¦ae8 34.£xc7 £g4 35.¢d3 The king Candidate tournaments behind him, it’s
is safe in the centre as it’s surrounded by its certain that Firouzja has a lot of time to
own pieces. overcome his psychological problems.
On the other hand, he may as well turn
35...¦d8 36.c4 ¦xd5+ Desperation, but with out to be the next Ivanchuk, a genius who
no increments until move 40, time trouble could never conquer his inner demons.
was an important factor in most games.
These inner demons, fuelled by his
37.cxd5 £h3 38.¤g3 ¤c4 38... disappointment at how the event was
fxg3 39.¥xe5+ ¤xe5+ 40.£xe5+ unfolding, exploded during round
¢g8 41.£xg5+ ¢h8 42.£e5+ ¢g8 nine Firouzja was asked not to make
43.£xg3+ is a game over as the queens creaking sounds (and possibly change
are exchanged. his shoes for the next games) while
walking in the refreshment area as he
39.£xc4 fxg3 40.fxg3 axb5 41.axb5 ¦c8 was disturbing some other players. His
42.¦h1 White wins in many ways. This is reaction was to complain about the
one of them. unprofessional behaviour of the arbiter
and vent out on social media. It was a
42...£d7 43.£e4 ¢g8 44.¢e3 ¤d4 storm in a teacup, but a telling sign of
45.¥xd4 the tension and pressure Firouzja was
playing under.
1–0
Firouzja’s best game was the swift
demolition of Abasov in round 11.
The above game was just one example
of the many that showed the extremely Alireza Firouzja - Nijat Abasov
high level of complexity of the matches
in Toronto. As you can see, and will Candidates Toronto (11), 17.04.2024
see the same in the other games, even
the best players in the world found it 1.¤f3 ¤f6 2.b3 Firouzja was very close
impossible to navigate this level of to beating Nepomniachtchi with these two
complexity and made many mistakes, opening moves in his previous game with
especially in time trouble. the white pieces, so here he tries again.
The loss had a devastating psychological 2...c5 3.¥b2 ¤c6 4.e3 g6 Abasov was
effect on Firouzja. After two draws in the apparently prepared and chose one of the
next two games, he lost two games in a most solid variations against White’s setup.

May 2024
XIIIIIIIIY
5.d4 cxd4 6.¤xd4 ¥g7 7.¥e2 0–0 8.0–0 9r+ltrn+k+0
¤xd4 The most direct approach. Black
exchanges knights and occupies the centre 9zpp+-+-vlp0
with his d-pawn. 9-+-+-zpp+0
9.¥xd4 d5 10.¤d2 £d6 10...¥f5 11.c4 9+-+Rzpq+-0
¦c8 has been played in the online game 9-+NvL-+-+0
Le,T (2557)-Carlsen,M (2835) from 2023. 9+P+-zPL+-0
11.c4 White must get rid of the d5–pawn. 9P+-+-zPPzP0
9+-+Q+RmK-0
11...¦d8 It was also possible to play ...e5
first. xiiiiiiiiy
The winning move. By attacking the rook
on d8 White solves the problem of the pin
12.cxd5 White had an interesting alternative on the d-file and White’s active pieces take
in 12.c5!? £c7 13.f4 playing on control of control of the whole board.
the dark squares in the centre.
17...¦xd5 18.¥xd5+ ¢h8 19.¥c5 The
12...£xd5 13.¥f3 £f5 Black had good difference in the piece activity is obvious.
alternatives in 13...£a5 and 13...£b5.
The activity of White’s bishops should be 19...£d7 20.¥f3 ¦b8 Black can barely move.
neutralised by the rook on the d-file and the
symmetrical nature of the position. 21.¥xa7 ¦a8 22.¤b6 £xd1 23.¦xd1
¦xa7 24.¦d8 Black loses more material,
14.¦c1 ¤e8 Black correctly wants to so he resigned.
exchange the centralised bishop.
1–0
15.¦c5 e5? A blunder which immediately
puts Black on the verge of defeat.
After 15...£e6 Black is fine, for example,

16.¥xg7 ¤xg7 17.£c2 £b6 and Black
VIGOUR AND
will develop his queenside with ...¥d7 and INCONSISTENCY
...¦ac8.
Vidit (6 out of 14)
16.¤c4! It seems as White voluntarily pins
himself on the d-file, but the pin on the fifth
rank is no less important.
16...f6? The second, and fatal mistake.
Black could still stay in the game after

16...¤c7 though White still keeps a big
advantage after 17.¤xe5 (or 17.£a1
exd4 18.¦xf5 ¥xf5 19.£c1 when Black
doesn’t have enough compensation for
the lost queen.) 17...¤e6 18.¥g4 £f6
19.¥xe6 £xe6 20.£f3 with a clear
pawn up. The surprise winner of the Grand Swiss
had an excellent start when in round two
17.¦d5 beat one of the pre-tournament favourites,

05/144
XIIIIIIIIY
Nakamura. He did so by introducing a 9r+lwq-trk+0
very interesting novelty in the anti-Berlin
variation with 4.d3. 9zpp+-snpzpp0
9-vlp+-sn-+0
Hikaru Nakamura – 9+-+-sN-+-0
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi
9-+-+P+-+0
Candidates Toronto (2), 05.04.2024
9+-zPL+-+P0
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3.¥b5 ¤f6 The 9PzP-+-zPP+0
Berlin was Vidit’s main opening against 9tRNvLQ+RmK-0
1.e4 in Toronto.
xiiiiiiiiy
11...¥xh3! This tactical resource is the
4.d3 Nakamura doesn’t want to go for the basis of Black’s opening play.
endgame.
12.¤c4? The first of the several unfortunate
4...¥c5 5.c3 0–0 6.0–0 d6 This move was choices by Nakamura.
all the rage for a very long time, before it
was replaced by the plans with ...d5 several 12.gxh3 was better. 12...£b8! is Black’s
years ago. There is nothing wrong with idea, to have the ...¥c7 resource at his
either move, just another case of chess disposal after 13.¥f4 (13.¤f3? just loses to
fashion. 13...£g3+ 14.¢h1 £xh3+ 15.¤h2 ¦ad8)
13...¥c7 when Black regains the piece with
7.h3 ¤e7 8.d4 c6!? A surprising novelty in balanced middlegame after 14.¥h2 ¥xe5
a position where everybody was retreating 15.f4 ¥c7 16.£f3 ¤g6
the bishop back to b6.
12...¥g4 13.£c2 ¥c7 By here Vidit was on
9.¥d3 After 9.dxc5 cxb5 10.cxd6 ¤g6 his own - the engine doesn’t show the move
Black will round up the pawn on d6 and 12.¤c4, so he didn’t analyse it, which means
obtain very good play. that he had to figure out things for himself
on the board. He managed it wonderfully.
9...¥b6 10.dxe5 Nakamura goes for the
most principled continuation, but this 14.e5 ¤d7 Going to d5 was also good for
will show the dangers players face when Black, after 14...¤fd5 15.¥xh7+ ¢h8
entering territory that has been deeply 16.¥d3 f5 is again the key move that gives
analysed by their opponent’s machinery. Black an advantage.
10.¤bd2 was an attempt to obtain normal 15.¥xh7+ ¢h8 16.¥d3? Second mistake
play, typical for this line. It is a transposition by Nakamura. The position is extremely
to the lines usually arising after 8...¥b6 complicated and to stay in the game White had
9.¤bd2 c6 10.¥d3. 10...¤g6 and now to navigate some mind-boggling lines, both in
there is a lot of theory as White can choose terms of finding difficult moves and accurately
between 11.¦e1, 11.a4 and 11.¤c4; evaluating the unorthodox positions.
10.¥e3 d5! equalises immediately for Black; 16.f3!? was another curious move that was
possible. 16...¥h5 (16...¥e6 17.g3! with the
10.¦e1 ¤g6 is another transposition, where idea of £h2 is a rarely seen motif. Black fends
apart from 11.¤bd2 White has the move it off with 17...¤g6! 18.£h2 ¤h4! an amazing
11.a4 at his disposal. idea, blocking the h-file with a knight sacrifice.
19.¥d3 b5 20.¤e3 ¤xe5 when the mess
10...dxe5 11.¤xe5 continues, but Black’s initiative gives him an

May 2024
advantage.) 17.g4 b5! meeting an attack with After this White is just lost and the rest is a
counter-attack! This move is the strongest, wrapping up procedure.
though Black has tempting alternatives in 17...f5
and 17...¥g6. 18.£h2! ¢xh7 19.£xh5+ ¢g8 18.¤xg4 was the last try, though after
20.¢g2! intending ¦h1. 20...f5! a key move 18...¤xg4 19.g3 f5 it’s not certain that
for Black in many lines. Here it ensures there White will survive, though his chances are
is no mate on h8. 21.¦h1 ¥xe5 with a very higher than in the game.
complicated position where Black’s pieces are
more developed and this gives him the initiative; 18...f5 There was a good alternative in
18...£d6, setting up a battery on the h2–b8
16.£e4! was the best move. 16...f5! 17.¥xf5! diagonal.
¥xf5 18.£h4+ ¢g8 19.¥g5 White
sacrificed a piece, but has compensation 19.f4 19.¤xg4 fxg4 with ...£d6 next is
thanks to the awkward pin on the h4–d8 devastating.
diagonal. The line continues after 19...¦f7
20.¤d6 ¤xe5 21.¥xe7 ¦xe7 (21...£d7 is 19...¥b6! White managed to shut the h2–
an alternative, with more complications after b8 diagonal, so the bishop moves to the one
22.¤xf7 ¤g6! 23.¤e5! ¥xe5 24.£c4+ next to it that opened.
¥e6 25.£e4 ¢f7 26.f4! good luck finding
all this over the board... 26...¥c7 27.¥c5 20.¢f2 20.fxe5 ¤d5 regains the piece.
¥d5 28.£e3 ¦e8 29.£h3 £xh3 30.gxh3
b6 31.¥f2 ¤xf4 where Black’s activity is 20...¤d5 Black wins in many ways. With
worth more than White’s exchange, but White their level of opening preparation, it’s
should survive.) 22.¤xf5 ¦f7 23.£xd8+ an extremely rare sight to see an elite
¦xd8 with good compensation for the pawn. player finding himself totally lost with the
white pieces before move 20, and with a
16...b5! Vidit conducts the game with completely undeveloped queenside to add
great energy. to the embarassment.
16...f5! was also strong, for example 17.f4 21.¦h1+ ¢g8 22.fxe5 £g5 Black easily
b5 or 17...¤d5. 18.¤e3 ¥b6 when White’s regains the piece while the attack continues.
undeveloped queenside tells the whole story.
23.¢e1 ¥xe3 24.¥xg4 £xg4 25.¥xe3
17.¤e3 ¤xe5 Material is equal now, but ¤xe3 26.£e2 £g3+ 27.¢d2 ¦ad8+
the difference in the activity of both armies 28.¢c1 £g5 29.b3 ¤f1+
is obvious.
0–1
18.¥e2?
XIIIIIIIIY
Truly an impressive start by Vidit, who for
9r+-wq-tr-mk0 a very brief period found himself leading
9zp-vl-snpzp-0 the tournament.
9-+p+-+-+0
The disappointment followed immediately,
9+p+-sn-+-0 when in the next round he lost with the
9-+-+-+l+0 white pieces to Praggnanandhaa, dropping
back to 50%. That was another complicated
9+-zP-sN-+-0 game, where Vidit missed his saving
9PzPQ+LzPP+0 chances (see the game below). It was a
9tRNvL-+RmK-0 common occurrence in Toronto, thanks to
the complexity of the games, for the winning
xiiiiiiiiy
05/144
player to allow chances for salvation, only something Firouzja didn’t do even in the
for the opponent to miss them. line he chose in the game.
In the game with Nakamura, Vidit 7.¤b3 e6 8.¥f4 £d8 Not the common
demonstrated his best qualities: excellent choice.
preparation and calculation and a sense for
initiative. However, he wasn’t always able The classics played 8...¤e5 9.¥e2 ¥d7
to show these qualities. (9...¥e7 10.¥e3 £c7 11.f4 ¤c6 12.¥f3
gave Kasparov a memorable victory
After losing to Praggnanandhaa, he faced against Vidit’s great predecessor: 1–0
Nepomniachtchi, who decided to enter the (35) Kasparov,G (2805)-Anand,V (2715)
Berlin endgame as he was armed with an Linares 1994.) 10.a4 ¥e7 11.a5 £c7 12.a6
interesting novelty. Vidit reacted well, the 0–0 13.0–0 ¦fb8 ½–½ (13) Kasparov,G
game was complex, but eventually, Vidit (2795)-Kramnik,V (2730) Horgen 1995.
erred in time trouble and lost.
9.£d2 a6 10.a3 A useful move, preventing
Another great trait of Vidit’s is that he kept a future ...b4 and not determining the
faith in his own abilities and never gave position of the white king just yet.
up. In spite of sinking to a minus score, he
kept on fighting and believing he could beat 10...b5 11.¥e2 ¥b7?
anyone. He was out-prepared by Caruana, XIIIIIIIIY
but outplayed him and was completely
winning before blundering into a perpetual 9r+-wqkvl-tr0
check. In the next round he blew Firouzja 9+l+-+pzpp0
off the board in a sharp Sicilian. The game
was practically over by move 15: 9p+nzppsn-+0
9+p+-+-+-0
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi - Alireza Firouzja 9-+-+PvL-+0
Candidates Toronto (6), 10.04.2024 9zPNsN-+-+-0
9-zPPwQLzPPzP0
1.e4 c5 2.¤f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.¤xd4 ¤f6
5.¤c3 ¤c6 Firouzja didn’t have much 9tR-+-mK-+R0
luck with the Sicilian. Here he chooses the xiiiiiiiiy
Classical, in round 10 he chose the Najdorf Firouzja makes an automatic move, which
against Caruana, but he lost both games. turns out to be a serious mistake.
6.¥c4 A rare guest in modern practice 11...¤e5 12.0–0–0 ¥e7 13.¢b1 leads to a
and definitely something Firouzja didn’t typical Sicilian battle.
expect. Fischer’s favourite move is
considered neutralised by both 6...£b6 12.0–0–0 Black is already in trouble as he
and 6...e6, but obviously Vidit discovered cannot easily deal with the attack on the
new ideas in these lines. White’s usual pawn on d6.
choice is 6.¥g5 leading to the Richter-
Rauzer Attack. 12...£b6 The problems are illustrated after
the natural 12...¤e5 which is met by the
6...£b6 Considered the safer choice. crushing 13.¤xb5! axb5 14.¥xe5 dxe5
After 6...e6 White can play the ultra- 15.¥xb5+ and White wins.
sharp Velimirovic Attack with ¥e3 and
£e2 and this requires good preparation 13.g4! Vidit’s feeling for the initiative is on
and revision of the lines before the game, full display.

May 2024
13...£xf2 This loses, but Firouzja was The final result of -2 with three wins and
getting desperate. five losses reflects Vidit’s potential when
it comes to playing on the very highest
13...h6 is better, but White is well on top level – he is capable of beating the best, but
after 14.f3 when Black cannot easily finish because of his profound calculations he is
development and deal with the threat of h4 also prone to time trouble and big mistakes
and g5 in combination with the pressure that can turn winning games into lost ones.
along the d-file. The lessons from Toronto will be crucial
for Vidit if he is to continue to be part of
14.e5! A powerful break after which White the very top of the chess world.
is winning.
14...¤d7 14...¤xe5? 15.¥xb5+ wins the VERSATILE STYLE

queen on f2; 14...dxe5? leads to a forcing
line where White wins the black queen after AND MIXED RESULTS
15.¥e3 £g2 16.¦dg1 £h3 17.¦g3 £h4
18.¥g5 ¦d8 19.£e3 Praggnanandhaa
(7 out of 14)
15.exd6 £b6 16.¥e3 £d8 17.¦hf1 Black
can barely move and Vidit won without
allowing any chances in 40 moves.
1–0
The main disadvantage for Vidit was

his inconsistency. His tournament was
interspersed with wins and losses, he couldn’t
build on the momentum of his excellent wins.
He beat Nakamura for the second time in
round nine, completing a rare 2-0 over the Praggnanandhaa’s second in Toronto was
American, but that was followed by two Peter Svidler. This was revealed on the eve
consecutive losses to Nepomniachtchi (where of the event and was considered a major
he was winning after outplaying his opponent coup for the prodigy. An elite grandmaster
after an early exchange of queens in the with experience of playing the Candidates
Petroff, but lost his way in time trouble) and himself, a second to World Champions in
Caruana in rounds 11 and 12. World Championship matches, what more
can a player ask from a second?
A curious question about Svidler’s presence

was how would his own more dynamic
style combine with Praggnanandhaa’s
more technical and positional play? As it
turned out, Praggnanandhaa was able to
demonstrate versatility in his style, but the
results were mixed.
The evolution of his style, to incorporate

a more dynamic approach, will need
some time. In Toronto, this was apparent
when his fantastic opening preparation

05/144
was not quite in tune with his more XIIIIIIIIY

positional preferences.
9r+-wqntrk+0
Here are a couple of examples. 9+lzp-vl-zpp0
Praggnanandhaa R - Gukesh D
9p+-+P+-+0
9snp+psNp+-0
9-+p+-+-+0
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.¤f3 ¤f6 4.g3 The 9zP-sN-vL-zP-0
Catalan can lead to different types of 9-zP-+QzPLzP0
positions. In this game Praggnanadhaa goes
for the sharpest ones. 9+-+R+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
4...¥b4+ 5.¤c3 This move implies that The position is objectively unclear now, but
White will sacrifice material, the pawn on that doesn’t really help the players. It’s all
c4, in order to obtain a pawn centre. about calculation and the feeling in which
direction the game should go. In this game,
5...dxc4 6.¥g2 0–0 7.0–0 ¤c6 8.a3 ¥e7 Praggnanandhaa managed to catch the
9.e4 White obtained the centre, but Black is opponent in his preparation, but the type
a pawn up. Sharp play lies ahead. of position wasn’t entirely to his liking.
When the preparation ended he started to
9...a6 10.¥e3 b5 Black has alternatives, spend masses of time in this hair-raisingly
like 10...¤a5 and 10...¦b8. complicated position, but in spite of that
didn’t take his chances and eventually lost
11.£e2 It’s possible to develop the queen the game. See the remainder of the game
to c2, as well. later in the article!
11...¥b7 12.¦ad1 ¤a5 13.d5!? Here
comes the ultra-aggressive approach. It
was possible to play more positionally with Praggnanandhaa R -
¤e5 and f4. Ian Nepomniachtchi
13...exd5 14.e5 ¤e8 15.e6 Sacrificng a Candidates Toronto (5), 09.04.2024
third pawn, all preparation!
In this game, White prepared a deep idea
15...f5 It was preferable to take the against Nepomniachtchi’s main opening.
pawn, though it’s understandable that
Gukesh was vary of his opponent’s 1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤f6 3.¤xe5 d6 4.¤f3 ¤xe4
preparation, who played practically 5.d4 d5 6.¥d3 ¥d6 7.0–0 0–0 8.c4 c6
a-tempo to this point. 15...fxe6 16.¤d4 9.¤c3 ¤xc3 10.bxc3 dxc4 11.¥xc4 ¥f5
White can also try 16.¥f4. The engine 12.¥g5 £a5 13.¤h4 ¥e6 14.¥xe6 £xg5
gives Black preference in these lines, 15.¤f3 £a5 16.¥h3 This is the first step.
but the position is so complicated that a More frequent are 16.£b3 and 16.¥b3.
human sitting at the board will calculate
for hours and still have no idea what 16...£xc3 Black improves on his own play.
is going on. 16...£d6 17.¥f4 ¦xf4!?
18.gxf4 ¤f6 19.¤xe6 ¦e8 20.f5 and the 16...£c7 17.c4 ¤d7 18.¦e1 gave White
mess goes on. some advantage in the online game 1–0
(56) Mamedov,R (2646)-Nepomniachtchi,I
16.¤e5 (2793) Chess.com 2023.

May 2024
17.¦b1 b6 18.¦b3 £a5 19.d5! Still playing 22...¤a6 was an alternative to the game
a-tempo, Praggnanandhaa managed to find move, which could have tranposed after
a line that his opponent couldn’t remember. 23.¦xd5 ¥xh2+! 24.¢xh2 ¤c5.
Objectively, Black should draw, but over
the board Nepomniachtchi couldn’t find 23.¦xd5 ¤c5? The moment when White’s
the way. preparation paid off. Black falters at the last
hurdle.
19...cxd5 20.¤g5 h6
XIIIIIIIIY 23...¥xh2+! was the correct move. Black
grabs a pawn and exposes the white king.
9rsn-+-trk+0 After 24.¢xh2 ¤c5 25.¦d6 ¢g8 26.£d5+
9zp-+-+pzp-0 ¢h8 27.£e5 £xa2 the analogous winning
9-zp-vl-+-zp0 line from the game doesn’t work in view of
28.¥f5 (28.¦xh6+ is possible, with unclear
9wq-+p+-sN-0 play after 28...¢g8 29.¦h4) 28...¢g8
9-+-+-+-+0 29.¥b1 £f7 as now the winning move in
the analogous line 30.£b2 is not possible
9+R+-+-+L0 exactly because of the king’s position on
9P+-+-zPPzP0 h2: 30...£f4+ wins the rook on d6.
9+-+Q+RmK-0 24.¦xd6
xiiiiiiiiy XIIIIIIIIY
20...g6 was also possible, though this gives
White a choice between 21.¤e6!? (21.¦d3 9r+-+-tr-+0
intending ¤e6 or ¦xd5; and 21.¥g4 9zp-+-+kzp-0
intending ¦h3.)
9-zp-tR-+-zp0
21.¤xf7! ¢xf7 The only move. 9wq-sn-+-+-0
21...¦xf7? 22.¥e6 ¤c6 23.¥xd5 £c5
9-+-+-+-+0
24.¥xf7+ ¢xf7 25.£f3+ ¢g6 26.¦d1 9+-+-+-+L0
when the exposed black king and the 9P+-+-zPPzP0
unstable position of the black pieces gives
White a winning advantage, though not a 9+-+Q+RmK-0
forced win just yet. xiiiiiiiiy
Now White is objectively winning.
22.¦d3 This move was also blitzed out,
though there were alternatives. 24...¢g8 25.£d5+ ¢h8 26.¥f5?
Praggnanandhaa was thinking on his own
22...¤d7! For the time being now, but failed to find the win. Again,
Nepomniachtchi finds the best moves. we see him in a position that is not in his
usual style, a position where he must seek
22...¤c6? 23.¦xd5 ¥c5 24.£b3! wins on precise moves in a dynamic situation. He
the spot; fails and chooses a move that steers the
game towards a technical endgame, but the
22...¢g8? 23.¥e6+ ¢h8 24.¥xd5 wins endgame is drawn.
the rook on a8;
26.£e5! was the winning move. The best
22...g6 23.£a1 is unclear, but in view of line is incredibly difficult to see, but a
the weakening of the long diagonal and the player like Svidler (for example), with
f6–square, quite dangerous for Black; an inner feel for the initiative and attack

05/144
should be able to find it. 26...£xa2 27.¥f5! 8...¥b7 9.¤xf5?! It didn’t take long
¢g8 28.¥b1! £f7 29.£b2! A series of for Vidit to make a wrong turn. After
difficult moves, ¥f5–b1 and £b2, creates this pawn grab Black is objectively fine.
an attack on the king from the first two Praggnanandhaa’s opening preparation and
ranks of the white queenside. The threat is surprise paid off nicely.
¥a2. 29...£f4 30.£a2+ ¢h8 31.£c2 and
White wins thanks to the mating threats on It’s possible that Vidit mixed up the lines
the b1–h7 diagonal. with 9.0–0! c5 10.¤xf5 when the pawn
grab is justified and the piece sacrifice gives
26...¤b7! 27.£xa5 ¤xa5 White is a bit White a serious initiative after 10...c4 11.a4!?
better in the endgame, but Nepomniachtchi a move that hasn’t been played before.
didn’t have trouble holding the draw.
9...¤xb3 10.axb3 d6! The game is very
½–½ sharp and objectively balanced. Black
has the long-term advantage of the pair
of bishops, but he still needs to finish
The only game where this approach worked, development and coordinate his forces.
though not without hiccups, was his win
over Vidit in the third round. The game was 11.£e2 After 11.exd6 £d7! is the key
also notable for the use of an extremely rare move - Black attacks the knight on f5 and
and risky variation by Black. prepares long castle.
Vidit Santosh Gujrathi - 11...£d7 12.e6 12.exd6+ ¢f7 13.¤e3

Praggnanandhaa R ¥xd6 is followed by ...¤f6, ...¦he8(f8),
...¢g8 when Black has very good play.
12...£c6 13.¥g5 The threat is ¤xg7 while
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3.¥b5 a6 4.¥a4 at the same time White develops and stops
f5!? The delayed Schliemann (or Jaenish) Black from castling long.
variation. The inclusion of the moves ...a6
and ¥a4 gives the opening a different 13...g6 An alternative was to play ...¤e7
direction than the immediate 3...f5. or ...¥e7.
5.d4 This is the strongest move here, 14.¤e3 h6 15.¥f4 15.¥h4 £e4 16.¥g3
whereas after 3...f5 this move doesn’t give ¤e7 and Black obtains comfortable
White much. development after ...¥g7 and then either
...0–0 or ...0–0–0.
5...exd4 6.e5 b5 The second surprise, as
6...¥c5 is more often played, though that 15...¤e7 It was possible to go after the
doesn’t mean it’s necessarily better. pawn on e6 with 15...£e4 16.¥g3 £xe6
17.0–0 ¤e7 but Praggnanandhaa prefers to
7.¥b3 ¤a5 Here again Black chooses speed up his development first.
the road less taken, as 7...¥b7 is the more
popular move. The engine gives White a 16.c4 White tries to create some activity
solid advantage in all these lines, but Vidit before Black consolidates.
was obviously surprised and finding all the
engine moves that promise that advantage 16.0–0 ¥g7 is excellent for Black: he is
alone is impossible. We also saw the same almost fully mobilised (only needing to
situation in the game with Nepomniachtchi. decide where to put the king), with the
bishops roaring along the long diagonals,
8.¤xd4 Taking with the queen is also good. while White has little to show for it.

May 2024
16...b4 Stopping the natural development 20.¤d5! was the correct move. After
of the knight to c3. 20...¤xd5 21.e7+! ¦d7 22.cxd5 £xd5
23.¤c4ƒ White has a big initiative and
17.£g4 Vidit understands the urgency his Black is on the verge of defeat. Quite a
long-term prospects demand. He cannot turnaround! 23...£f5 is the only move
allow Black to coordinate at peace so he for Black to stay in the game. Still, after
tries to create threats with every move. The 24.£g3 ¥f6 25.¥xd6! ¥xe7 26.¤b6+!
queen defends the pawn on e6 and introduces cxb6 27.¥xe7 White has a very strong
tactical ideas on the h3–c8 diagonal. attack against Black’s weakened king,
helped by the presence of the opposite-
Still, it was better to play 17.£d3 as coloured bishops.
the queen is more centralised on d3
than on g4. 17...£c5 (17...0–0–0 18.¤d2 20...¦de8 Black regains the advantage now.
¥g7 19.0–0–0 leads to a very complex
middlegame. Black has the bishops, but 20...¥xb2 21.¦ad1 £h5! was another
White still is a pawn up and has good strong sequence, forcing the exchange of
centralisation.) 18.¤d2 ¥g7 19.¤e4 queens and leading to an endgame where
this is one of the ideas of £d3, to allow Black has the better chances.
for the knight’s jump to e4. 19...£d4
20.£xd4 ¥xd4 21.¦d1 ¥xb2 22.¤d5 21.¦ad1 ¥xb2 22.¤d5! White must
with a very complicated endgame ahead. go forward.
17...£c5 17...0–0–0 18.¤d5 ¢b8 was 22...¤xd5 23.cxd5 ¥xd5 24.e7+? Too
an alternative, moving the king from the hasty. It’s incredibly hard to balance the
vulnerable h3–c8 diagonal. need for activity and the correct timing
for it.
18.0–0 ¥g7 19.¤d2 0–0–0?
XIIIIIIIIY 24.¦fe1! ¥c3 25.¤e4 ¥xe4 26.¦xe4
was better. In the endgame after 26...£h5
9-+ktr-+-tr0 27.£xh5 gxh5 28.¥d2! with the idea of
9+lzp-sn-vl-0 f4–f5 White has very good chances to hold
the game.
9p+-zpP+pzp0
9+-wq-+-+-0 24...¢b8 25.¥e3 £b5 The engine
9-zpP+-vLQ+0 suggests giving up the b4–pawn with check
with 25...£c6 as better, but no sane human
9+P+-sN-+-0 would consider it.
9-zP-sN-zPPzP0
26.¤c4 ¥c3 27.¥d4 ¦hg8? Black
9tR-+-+RmK-0 defends the pawn on g6, but this lets all of
xiiiiiiiiy his advantage slip.
A mistake that turns the game on its head.
Praggnanandhaa blunders in a position that The simple 27...¦xe7 28.¥xc3 bxc3
is not in his style. 29.£d4 ¦he8 was much stronger,
eliminating the pawn on e7 and slowly
19...0–0! 20.¦ad1 ¦f6 was much better, steering the game towards a more technical
when Black plans to round up the pawn on nature, where Black’s superior light piece
e6 with ideas like ...£h5 or ...h5. and queenside majority should be decisive
in a possible endgame.
20.h4? Vidit misses his only chance in this
game to play for more than just equality. 28.¥xc3 bxc3 29.£d4?

05/144
XIIIIIIIIY
9-mk-+r+r+0 34.¦fe1? The final mistake.
9+-zp-zP-+-0 34.¦c1 ¦g7 35.¤xb7 ¢xb7 was at least
9p+-zp-+pzp0 more resilient for White, though compared
to the comment to White’s 32nd move here
9+q+l+-+-0 his pieces are much worse and Black’s are
9-+NwQ-+-zP0 much better.
9+Pzp-+-+-0 34...g3 Now White’s king comes under
9-+-+-zPP+0 attack and it decides the game.
9+-+R+RmK-0
35.¤xb7 Three moves too late!
xiiiiiiiiy
White also misses a good chance here.
The square is correct, but a different piece 35...gxf2+ 36.¢xf2 £xb7 The point about
should have used it. king safety in queen and rook positions on
full display.
29.¤a3! £b7 30.¦d4! with the idea of ¦b4
leads to an unclear position. On the other 37.£f3 The only way to avoid being mated,
hand, it’s understandable that it was hard but the rook endgame is hopeless.
for Vidit to properly evaluate the voluntary
withdrawal of the knight on the rim. 37...¦eg5 38.£xb7+ ¢xb7 39.g4 ¦xg4
40.¦e6 ¦h4
29...¥b7?! The bishop will be vulnerable
on b7 to attacks after ¤a5, so putting it on 0–1
a8 was better.
30.£xc3 ¦xe7 31.¤a5! This gives White When Praggnanandhaa played in his usual
counterplay. style he had no problems holding draws.
He made easy draws with Nakamura
31...¦e5 32.b4? A strange decision. and Caruana with the black pieces, even
It’s commonly known that in positions having the better chances against the latter.
with only queens and rooks on the board Unfortunately, he had one bad game in the
king safety is of paramount importance. whole event, a loss with the white pieces
Therefore taking on b7 and playing ¦d4 against Nakamura in round 11, which
would have practically guaranteed White effectively ruled him out of contention for
against a loss - Black’s unsafe king would the top places as that loss dropped him back
have made it impossible to advance the to 50 percent. He lost another game with
queenside pawns. the white pieces to Caruana in round 13,
possibly these two losses were a result of
32...g5! Not bad, but in view of the previous fatigue that late in the tournament.
comment, it also made sense to preserve
the superior light piece that also protects A win in the last round against Abasov
the black king with 32...¥a8!. sweetened the end, but finishing on 50%
was probably not what Praggnanandhaa
33.h5 It’s a bit too late now for 33.¤xb7 hoped for before the start. In any case,
£xb7 as Black threatens to open the g-file the work with Svidler, the introduction of
and attack the white king. Keeping it closed sharper opening systems and the expansion
with 34.h5? doesn’t work in view of 34...g4 of his style will undoubtedly work in his
favour in the long run. He can take a lot of
33...g4 Again 33...¥a8 made sense, but positives from this event that will certainly
Black wants to be more aggressive. help his further rise.

May 2024
THE STAR-CROSSED was in fact quite innocuous and it led to

a very safe position for Caruana. Other
CONTENDER explanation than “it must have been
psychological” is difficult to find.
A few rounds later Caruana said that

he wasn’t feeling well at that stage of
the event, implying health issues, but
that those had passed and he felt his
strength coming back. This showed on
the board as after dropping to 50% after
that loss to Nakamura and failing to
make the most of a promising endgame
against tail-ender Abasov, he started to
pick up wins.
Caruana (8.5 out of 14) It was high time, as his spurt started as
late as round 10, when he beat Firouzja in
Three players shared second place, with an uneven game where both sides missed
the tie-break putting Caruana in fourth. chances. This was followed by two wins
This is misleading, as Caruana was in in a row in rounds 12 and 13 against Vidit
fact the only player from those sharing and Praggnanandhaa, which put him only
second who had a real chance to finish half a point behind leader Gukesh before
tied for first. the last round.
The pre-tournament favourite for many, The last round was unique in more than
including the author of these lines, was the one way. Nakamura (8) was playing
tragic hero of Toronto. Gukesh (8.5) and Caruana (8) was
playing Nepomniachtchi (8). All sorts of
Caruana started the event slowly. He scenarios were possible, but it was clear
won in round two against Abasov only that all players on eight points had to win
thanks to the latter’s mistakes in time if they were to keep their hopes alive for
trouble. In the other games of the first a possible tie-break for first place.
half, he didn’t really have any chances
for more than a draw and in fact avoided Caruana’s story in the tournament was one
a loss to Vidit and saved an inferior of the great comeback. He was trailing for
position against Praggnanadhaa. most of the event, almost written off after
the loss to Nakamura, but a last-ditch effort
The beginning of the second half of and three wins in the rounds 10-13 suddenly
the tournament was identical to the put him back where he certainly belonged –
one in Madrid – he lost to Nakamura. in a direct fight for first place.
This was Caruana’s fourth(!) loss in
a row to Nakamura with the black How do you approach a must-win
pieces, the previous three being at the situation? The commonly accepted
last Candidates, Norway Chess and the wisdom is that you should try to surprise
Grand Swiss. These losses followed the your opponent and ideally achieve a
same scenario – an opening surprise by position which you are more comfortable
Nakamura, with Caruana unable to recall playing.
his preparation, resulting in a one-sided
win for White. The strange thing about That is what both players tried to do in the
the loss in Toronto was that the opening most important game of the tournament.

05/144
A GAME FOR happens when one plays an opening or a

variation that one doesn’t know well.
CHESS HISTORY
12...d7 was the most flexible, keeping
The game was an epic clash, one that the option of ...c5, but at the same time
will be studied in the times to come, both not committing to either ...c6 or ...c5. 13.a3
in terms of chess content and in terms of d6 14.ge2 c6 is quite acceptable for
chess psychology. Black, with unclear play ahead after 15.0-
0-0 c7 16.e4 with a position that certainly
Fabiano Caruana - Ian Nepomniachtchi would have favoured both players as it
offers chances to both of them;
12...c5 is possible, but likely somewhat
1.d4 Caruana usually plays 1.e4, inferior as after 13.ge2 c6 14.a3 xc3+
but he probably wasn’t sure whether 15.xc3 White has a stable advantage
Nepomniachtchi would stick to the Petroff thanks to the better pawn structure and
or choose some Sicilian. superior bishop.
1...f6 2.c4 e6 3.c3 Allowing the 13.0-0-0 Most likely Caruana didn’t
Nimzo−Indian. remember the exact move−orders, but he
remembered the idea of setting up his
3...d5 But Nepomniachtchi sticks to the pieces: 0-0-0 and then e4 or f4 with f3 or
QGD, his main weapon since the match ge2, depending on circumstances.
with Carlsen in 2021.
13.a3!? was likely more precise, as it more or
4.cxd5 exd5 5.g5 b4 This move is less forces Black to give up the bishop pair.
the one that shows Nepomniachtchi’s 13...xc3+ (13...d6?! 14.f4! gxf4 15.gxf4
ambitions. It is more dynamic than the gives White an advantage as Black cannot
standard 5...e7 and is an attempt to steer continue development with ...d7 in view
the game in less towards explored waters. of f5, trapping the bishop on e6.) 14.xc3
However, as we will soon see, surprise d7 15.e2 with a more pleasant position
for a surprise’s sake is not enough − one for White, mainly because of the uncertain
must also know and feel the ideas in the future residence for the black king.
new positions.
13...d7 14.f4 This must have been
6.e3 h6 7.h4 g5 8.g3 e4 9.c2 An Caruana’s idea in his preparation.
alternative to the more forcing 9.ge2 h5.
14.a3 again was possible; 14.e4 was an
9...h5 10.f3 xg3 11.hxg3 e6 Black has alternative central push. After 14...dxe4
more than one option, others are 11...e7 15.fxe4 f6 16.ge2 the position is
and 11...c6. quite sharp.
12.d3 It’s also possible to start with 14...g4 One of the possible replies.
0-0-0.
14...gxf4 15.exf4 (15.gxf4?! f6 allows
12...c6 Around here Nepomniachtchi Black to establish control over the
mixes up his preparation. After the game central light squares.) 15...g4 16.e1+
he admitted that he mixed up all the ideas f8 17.f3 with unclear play. Possibly
in the position, unsure if he should go for Nepomniachtchi was worried about the
...c5 or ...c6 and the exact move−order to position of his king and had an intention to
implement those ideas. He said that usually castle long, as in the game;

May 2024
14...f6 15.f3 g4 16.e5 is better for in view of 19.de1!) 19.de1 f6 20.fxg5
White − Black closed the kingside, but (20.xg5 b6 21.f3 d5 gives Black
now has a pawn on h5 that needs constant good compensation.) 20...g7 21.e3
defence, in addition to allowing a strong when Black has some compensation for
knight on e5. the pawn.
15.f3 White finishes development, though 18.gxf3 dxe4 19.xe4 White keeps the
playing 15.e1 was a decent alternative. e−file open and with the bishop on e4 has
sacrificial ideas like xc6 or d5.
15...e7 Preparing long castling, but Black
had two interesting alternatives. 19...gxf4 20.g4 20.d5 looks tempting, but
Black has the saving 20...c5! 21.dxc6
15...gxf4!? 16.exf4 xf3 17.gxf3 f6 the xc3+ 22.bxc3 bxc6 23.xc6 0-0-0 with
queen is well placed on f6, eyeing the pawn on an equal endgame.
d4. 18.e2 (18.he1+?! d8 threatens the
pawn on d4 as 19.f1?! h4! wrecks White’s 20...0-0-0?
kingside.) 18...0-0-0 19.g4 with unclear play XIIIIIIIIY
where both sides have their chances;
9-+ktr-+-tr0
15...a5!? looked unpleasant for White 9zpp+nwqp+-0
− Caruana. The position remains double−
edged after 16.fxg5 0-0-0 as White’s extra 9-+p+-+-+0
pawn means very little. 9+-+-+-+p0
16.e4!? Caruana strikes while the
9-+-zPLzpP+0
opponent’s king is still in the centre. The 9+-wQ-+P+-0
complications begin. 9PzP-+-+-+0
16...xc3?! The first step in the wrong direction. 9+-mKR+-+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
16...dxe4 was the correct way for Black not to The real mistake that puts Black on
end up in an inferior position. After 17.xe4 the verge of a loss. The game hadn’t
gxf4 White has tempting options, but Black gone Nepomniachtchi’s way from the
manages to stay afloat. 18.xc6!? opening beginning. His opening choice didn’t
the e−file and threatening e1. (18.he1 0-0-0 give anything in particular. Slowly he
19.xc6 f8 20.d5!? xe1 21.xb7+ drifted into an inferior position, without
xb7 22.c7+ a8 23.c6+ leads to a a single chance to take over the initiative
perpetual check.) 18...xc3 19.xb7 b8 (or and play for more than just equality.
19...xb2+ 20.xb2 b4+ 21.b3 xb3+ This gradual pressure that he was feeling
22.axb3 b8 23.c6 fxg3 24.a1 when now results in a bad move and from
White can try to press thanks to the weakness this moment until the end of the game
of the a7-pawn, whose loss would give White it’s pure survival mode for him. On the
a passed pawn on the b−file.) 20.xc3 0-0 other hand, everything was going ideally
21.c6 fc8 22.d5 with a very messy position for Caruana: he made the most of the
where Black has definite counterplay. opening, forced a mistake and is now on
the verge of obtaining a winning position.
17.xc3 xf3 17...gxf4? 18.exd5 wins for
White, the threats are e1 and dxc6; 20...h4! was the only way to stay in the
game. 21.b1 0-0-0 22.d5 was Caruana’s
17...dxe4 was an alternative. 18.xe4 0-0- intention. It was indeed the strongest
0 (Black doesn’t have time for 18...gxf4? continuation. Black is still worse, but

05/144
not lost after 22...e5 23.dxc6 this is

the simplest. 23...xc6 24.xc6 bxc6
25.xc6+ b8 26.a3 White can press
forever in this position thanks to the weak
black king.
21.d5! Caruana plays very forcefully. This

is the best move, after which White is
objectively winning, but a lot of lines still
remain to be calculated.
21...h4 21...e5 22.gxh5 is practically a

pawn up for White;
21...b8 was the most resilient, but still

winning for White after some difficult
moves: 22.dxc6 c5 23.de1!
a) 23.c2 keeps an advantage, but is not

winning;
b) 23.d7?! this is flashy and very

dangerous, but in fact allows Black to escape
if he finds the following line: 23...xd7!
(23...xd7? 24.c7+! a8 25.xh5! hg8
26.c6! a beautiful move, threatening
mate on b7. 26...b8 27.b5 still going for
mate. 27...c5 28.xc5 xc5+ 29.xc5
bc8 30.c2 Black is paralysed and
White simply walks over with the king to
the kingside collecting Black’s pawns.)
24.cxd7 d8 25.gxh5 xe4 26.fxe4 xe4
27.d1 f3 and Black survives;
23...h4 (23...xe4? 24.xe4 d6

25.gxh5 bxc6 26.b4+ forces a
winning rook endgame − White has a
rook behind his passed pawn and all
Black’s pawns are weak.) 24.b1 Black
is really struggling to find constructive
moves while White threatens c1 now.
24...xe4 25.xe4 d6 26.b4! b6
27.d4! g6+ (27...xd4? 28.c7+
b7 29.c8+! xc8 30.xd4 wins the
queen.) 28.a1 and White should be
winning, as the dangerous passed pawn
on c6 and the weak black king should
make it impossible for Black to defend
the position long−term.; 21...f6 22.d6!
xe4 (22...xd6 23.xd6 xd6 24.g5
wins the pinned knight on f6.) 23.xh8!

May 2024
xd6 24.xh5 e3+ 25.b1 xf3 was

calculated by Nepomniachtchi, but in fact
XIIIIIIIIY
a "game over" according to Caruana as 9-+-tr-+-+0
Black doesn’t have compensation for the 9mk-wqn+-+Q0
exchange after 26.he1
9-zp-+-+-+0
22.dxc6 c5 23.f5+ By here time 9zp-+-+-+-0
trouble was starting to become a factor
for Caruana.
9-+-+L+P+0
9+-+-+P+-0
23...b8 24.b1! A strong move, taking 9PzP-+-+-zp0
the time to improve the position of the king
as Black is given a choice of sad options.
9+K+R+-+-0
xiiiiiiiiy
24...b6 Not better or worse than The beginning of the culmination of
the alternatives. the first drama in this game. With very
little time on the clock, Caruana was still
24...bxc6 25.b4+ a8 26.c1 d5 looking for a clear−cut win, but never
27.e4 wins as Black’s pieces are all tied managed to find one. The reason for this
up.; 24...xd1+ 25.xd1 e8 26.cxb7 was simple − there were several clear−cut
xb7 27.e4 and White should win − wins, but the tension and the pressure
Black’s king is just too exposed. clouded his vision. The move played in
the game is perfectly fine and for the time
25.d7 One of the possible ways to win. being things still go as planned.
25.d7 was similarly effective.; Even 34.f4 "Maybe should have played this
taking the time to open a luft with 25.a3 quickly, put the bishop on h1 and push the
was sufficient, as Black is still lacking pawns." − Caruana in the press conference.
constructive moves.
34...b8 35.a3 A move that shows that
25...xd7 26.cxd7 d8 27.d4 xd7 White still hadn’t found the clear−cut win.
28.d1 Black shouldn’t be able to survive A clear−cut win means one thing in this
the onslaught. Nepomniachtchi tries to stay position − elimination of the only source of
somehow in the game. Black counterplay, the pawn on h2.
28...c5 The idea is to transfer the queen The easiest way to do this was by 35.d2
to c7 in order to protect the king. and the game would have been over − the
pawn on h2 is lost. This was the moment
28...c7 29.xf4+ e5 30.e1 f6 where it was the simplest for White to
31.a4 with the double threat of f4 and wrap the game up. The main point is that
xa7. Black doesn’t have the defence 35...c5
in view of 36.xd8+ xd8 37.xh2+
29.xf4+ c7 30.d2 h3 31.e4 With with check, when the two extra pawns
the idea of d5. Caruana was already make it easy for White;
playing with only a few minutes left, with
no increment before move 40. 35.h1 with the same idea is less
precise in view of 35...f6 36.xc7+
31...a5 Black wants to avoid getting mated xc7 37.xh2 xe4 38.fxe4 d1+
by freeing the a7-square for the king. 39.c2 g1 and Black keeps some
practical chances, though this should
32.d5 a7 33.xf7 h2 34.h7 also be winning.

05/144
35...e5 36.h6 Attacking the pawn on 44.f4 44.g7+ a6 45.h8 threatens
b6 and forcing the queen back. xh2. 45...c4+ 46.b1 d3+ 47.a1
c2 and White cannot take on h2 in view
36...c7 37.g5 White misses a second of 48.xh2 b3+ 49.a2 c1+ with a
chance for the simple 37.d2. perpetual check.
37...g8 38.h1 With no pin on the 44...b3?

d−file, White finally decides to address the XIIIIIIIIY
issue with the h2-pawn. Nothing has been
spoiled yet. 9-+-+-+Q+0
9mk-+-+-+-0
38...c5 39.h7? Played with seconds
left on the clock and a very bad move, 9-zp-+-+-+0
as it complicated the win to a big 9+-+-+-+-0
extent. Why Caruana didn’t play the 9p+-+-zP-+0
most natural 39.c2, followed by the
capture of the pawn on h2 on move 9zPn+-+-+-0
40 is beyond our understanding. He 9KzPq+-+-zp0
couldn’t explain it himself in the press
conference after the game. It’s as if the 9+-+-+-+R0
players unwillingly and unknowingly xiiiiiiiiy
followed an invisible script. After a heroic defence, it is
Nepomniachtchi’s turn to go wrong and
39...xg5! Caruana saw this, but he thought hand another chance to his opponent.
it was winning.
44...a6 was the only move. After
40.xg5 40.xh2? is a draw after 45.a8+ b5 46.d5 a6 Caruana was
40...xh2 41.xh2 g1+ 42.a2 f1. panicking as he didn’t see what he could do
here. The position is drawn as White indeed
40...xh7+ 41.a1? Caruana said he cannot make further progress.
shouldn’t have rushed with this, but by
here he must have realised how annoying 45.g7+ White is winning again, but it is
it was to allow this position to happen in still not simple.
the first place.
45...a6 46.c3 g2 47.c4+ b7
41.a2! was winning, allowing checks, 48.e1! Correctly activating the rook
but destroying the coordination of the for the attack on the king. That pawn
black pieces in the process. 41...f7+ on h2, that White was so focused on
(41...c2 42.f4+ with xh2 next.) eliminating, survived all the storms and
42.a1 b3+ 43.b1 xf3 44.e5+ stayed alive, though now that shouldn’t
b7 45.xh2 and while it will take have mattered.
some time, White will win this.
48...c5 49.f1 White consolidated, the
41...c2 Now the game is objectively h−pawn is under control and the queen
drawn. However, the drama continues supports the push of the f−pawn.
as the problems the players have to
solve persist and the complications 49...d5+ 50.b1 f5+ 51.a1 White
only increase. threatens h1xh2.
42.g8+ a7 43.a2 a4 This creates a 51...c2 52.f5 If Black doesn’t try to do
good outpost on b3 for the knight. something the f−pawn will promote.

May 2024
52...d3 53.b1 c5 54.f6 b3+ picks up the h2-pawn. This is important
55.a2 d2 56.h1+ The check from from a practical perspective in the game,
g2 was also possible. though the engine says it’s a forced
mate from here.
56...a7 57.c1 b3+ 58.a1 e6
59.c7+? The players received 30 minutes 64...a6 65.a8+ b5 66.c6+?
after move 40, so in spite of having a 30- XIIIIIIIIY
second increments, the positions were often
complicated enough and those 30 minutes 9-+-+-+-+0
were insufficient for proper calculation 9+-tR-+P+-0
and understanding. By here Caruana was
getting into eternal time−trouble and he errs 9-zpQ+-+-+0
again. It won’t be the last time... 9+ksn-+q+-0
59.e1 was by far the simplest. White
9p+-+-+-+0
finally captures the pawn on h2 and 9zP-+-+-+-0
should win after 59...b3+ 60.a2 9KzP-+-+-zp0
xf6 61.xh2;
9+-+-+-+-0
59.d1 b3+ 60.b1 was similar − White xiiiiiiiiy
manages to take on h2 after 60...f5+ The final moment when Caruana could
61.a2 xf6 62.xh2 have won and qualified for a tie−break
for the right to become the Challenger.
59...a6 Now Black shouldn’t lose. There was still time for 66.e8 followed
by e2.
60.f7 b3+ 61.b1 f5+? A
losing mistake, but it’s hard to blame 66...a6 It was no longer possible to
Nepomniachtchi. give a check on a8 in view of a threefold
repetition. Now the game is a draw and
He had to see that after 61...d2+! 62.c2 there are no more chances.
f5+! 63.xd2 f2+ there is a perpetual
check on the board. 67.e7 f1 68.a8+ b5 69.e8+
a6 70.a8+ b5 71.e8+ a6
62.a2 White is winning again. 72.e4 Caruana finds the only way to
prolong the game, transposing to a drawn
62...c5 63.a8+ b5 64.c6+ The 2 vs 1 queen endgame.
first omen. It would have been ideal
if Caruana saw the winning sequence 72...xe4 73.xa4+ b7 74.xe4+
and played this just to gain time on a7 75.a4+ b7 76.d7+ a6
the clock, but if he had seen it, he 77.c8+ a7 78.f8 xf8 79.xf8
would have played it immediately, as h1 80.a4 The rest of the game was
there would not have been a need for just taking time to come to terms with
extra time in that case. The fact that what could have been. Caruana finally
he repeated meant he didn’t see it. His gave up on move 109 when he offered
reaction at the press conference when a draw.
shown the "two−move tactic" (as he
called it) was one of complete despair ½-½
and devastation.
64.e8+ a6 65.e2+ was missed A game for the ages.

by both players. It’s a check and White

05/144
In spite of getting so close, the tension, the has been in the lead, either alone or
pressure, the complexities of the variations shared, in 40 of them. The only time
that needed to be calculated and the time he wasn’t in the lead was after the
trouble all put together were too much for penultimate round in Toronto!
one of the best players of our time. Credit
also must go to his opponent, who managed After the last game with Caruana, it was
to put up tremendous resistance and make it visible that Nepomniachtchi was dismayed.
as hard as possible. However, as the game went, he shouldn’t
really blame himself – he didn’t have a
Immediately after the game finished the single chance in that game and his only
players discussed a few lines. When this hope was not to lose. A far cry from the
exchange died off there was a moment of win he needed.
silence and then Nepomniachtchi uttered
“I’m very sorry,” to which Caruana, Toronto was far from the smooth sailing
already standing up from the board, in Madrid, where things were going his
muttered “My fault.” way in every possible way. Additionally,
Nepomniachtchi was less convincing
There are no prizes for second place this time.
in the Candidates and Caruana will
consider his result a failure, mostly After the draw against Abasov in the
because of the last game. The main first round, Nepomniachtchi won against
question is how this will affect him in Firouzja in the second. We saw the game
the future? Will he find it in himself for above, it was in fact Firouzja’s bad play
another assault at the Candidates in two that allowed him to win, rather than his
years? For the good of chess, I hope own superior play.
so, but that is a question only Caruana
can answer. Nevertheless, things started looking
even worse as he was lost against
WHEN 40 OUT OF 42
Gukesh in round three, allowing himself
to be outplayed from an equal endgame
ISN’T ENOUGH (see the game below). Then he was lost
against Praggnanandhaa (see above for
the details) and then against Nakamura in
Nepomniachtchi round seven. These were all consecutive
(8.5 out of 14) games with the black pieces and he
continued to suffer as he was almost
lost against Firouzja in round nine. In
round 11 he ended up lost from an equal
endgame against Vidit, but managed to
turn it around and even win. So many
avoided losses sometimes give the player
the sensation that things are, indeed,
going his way and he should try to ride
his luck. However, Nepomniachtchi
didn’t really manage and this indicates
that his level wasn’t as high as the one
he demonstrated in Madrid.
If we take into account the current
and the previous two Candidates When playing with White, he played
tournaments, each having 14 rounds, for openly for a draw in his games
a total of 42 rounds, Nepomniachtchi with Caruana in round seven and

May 2024
Praggnanandhaa in round 12. Not trying XIIIIIIIIY

to win with White is usually a bad idea
and it’s not quite clear what he was 9r+lwq-tr-mk0
hoping for with a lot of competition for 9+pzp-+-zpp0
the first place. 9p+-+-zpn+0
His best chance in the tournament was 9+-+p+-+-0
in the penultimate round, when thanks to 9L+-zPP+-+0
his opponent’s mixed-up preparation, he
suddenly obtained excellent winning chances. 9+-+-+-+-0
9PzP-sN-zPPzP0
Ian Nepomniachtchi - 9tR-+QtR-mK-0
Hikaru Nakamura
xiiiiiiiiy
Candidates Toronto (13), 20.04.2024 This was blitzed-out by Nakamura, but soon it
became evident that he mixed up his preparation.
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3.¥b5 a6 Nakamura
usually plays the Berlin, but in Toronto 14...d6! was the correct contination, with the
he prepared all sorts of opening idea of ...f5. 15.¥b3 (Now in case of 15.¤f3
surprises. In this important game, he d5! is strong, even with a loss of tempo, as the
springs one of them. knight on f3 is effectively limited by the black
pawn on f6. 16.exd5 ¤f4 with good play for
4.¥a4 ¥c5 The delayed Cordell Black.) 15...f5! 16.e5 d5 with the blockading
variation, with the moves ...a6 and ¥a4 maneuver ...¤f4–e6 in mind, with good play.
inserted, became pretty popular recently,
often played by another Candidate, 15.exd5 £xd5 There is no time for 15...¤e7
Praggnanandhaa. as after 16.£f3 ¤xd5 17.¤e4 the knight is
aiming for the c5–square or simply ¤c3 to
5.0–0 5.c3 ¤ge7 6.d4 exd4 7.cxd4 ¥b4+ remove the blockading knight on d5.
8.¥d2 (or 8.¤c3) 8...¥xd2+ followed by
...d5 leads to a different type of position. 16.¤e4 £d8 16...b6 was better, though it
doesn’t solve Black’s problems after 17.¦c1
5...¤ge7 6.c3 ¤g6 7.d4 ¥a7 8.¥g5 f6 £d8 18.¥c6 ¦b8 19.£a4 and here Black must
9.¥e3 0–0 10.¤bd2 ¢h8!? This is the find the only move 19...b5 (19...¤e7 20.d5! and
first surprise in a well-known theoretical Black can barely move.) 20.£b4 ¦b6 when he
position. The common move for Black is still under pressure after 21.£c3.
has been 10...d6, but Nakamura’s idea
is to play in the centre with ...d5 in one 17.¥c2?
go, if possible.
XIIIIIIIIY
9r+lwq-tr-mk0
11.¦e1 exd4 Nakamura pursues his idea, as 9+pzp-+-zpp0
11...d6 was still an option.
9p+-+-zpn+0
12.¤xd4 After 12.cxd4 d5 Black achieves 9+-+-+-+-0
the central thrust and is doing fine. 9-+-zPN+-+0
12...¤xd4 13.¥xd4 After 13.cxd4 d5 9+-+-+-+-0
14.exd5 ¤e7 Black is fine as he will find 9PzPL+-zPPzP0
good play against the IQP on d4.
9tR-+QtR-mK-0
13...¥xd4 14.cxd4 d5? xiiiiiiiiy
05/144
This soft move epitomises Nepo’s play in £xd1 21.¤xg6+ hxg6 22.¦axd1 ¥b7
Toronto. He just wasn’t keen enough and 23.¦d7 ¦fe8.
lacked the energy to follow through in the
rare cases when he got a chance to convert 20.¤e5 £g5 20...¤f4 could have led to an
his advantage. In fact, in spite of winning interesting perpetual after 21.f3 £g5 22.g3
two games with White, this game was the ¤h3+ 23.¢g2 ¤f4+.
only one for him where he got an advantage
out of the opening, which together with the 21.d5 Shutting the long diagonal.
fact that he was in trouble in all his black
games, indicates that his preparation left 21...¦ad8 Nakamura spent 27 minutes on
much to be desired. It’s really strange how this move.
he didn’t play any of the three relatively
simple moves that guaranteed White a The simplest way to draw was 21...¤xe5
stable advantage. 22.¦xe5 ¦ae8 23.£d4 ¦xe5 24.£xe5 £f6
25.£xc7 ¥xd5 with complete equality;
17.d5 was natural and very good. White
fixes the pawn on c7 and his IQP becomes 21...¤f4 led to complications after
a strength; 22.g3 ¤h3+ (22...¤xd5? allows a
beautiful combination after 23.¥b3
17.¦c1 b6 transposes to the advantageous ¦ad8? 24.¥xd5 ¥xd5 25.£xd5! ¦xd5
lines analysed after 16...b6; 26.¤f7+ winning a piece.) 23.¢g2
(23.¢f1? f4 gives Black a winning
17.¤c5 was another very good option. 17... attack.) 23...¤f4+ (23...¥xd5+? 24.f3!
b6 18.¤e6 ¥xe6 19.¦xe6 b5 20.¥b3 and is suddenly winning for White after
Black is very passive while White can press 24...¤f4+ 25.¢h1 as his pieces are
without any risk. hanging.) 24.¢f1 avoiding a repetition.
24...¤xd5 25.¥b3 £d8 (25...¦ad8?
17...f5 Black is out of the woods now. 26.¥xd5 ¥xd5 27.£xd5! is the same
combination based on the weak back
17...b6 was another good move for rank and the fork on f7.) 26.¦c1 with
Black. 18.d5 f5 19.¤g3 ¥b7= attacks good compensation for White;
the pawn on d5 and after 20.¥xf5 £xd5
21.£xd5 ¥xd5 the game is headed for 22.¥b3 c5!? Nakamura keeps the game
a draw. going. The move is risky as now the d5–
pawn is a passed one, but on the other hand
18.¤c5 A move too late. Black hopes his queenside majority starts
moving with ...b5 and ...c4 and then the d5–
18...b6 19.¤d3 This move took Nakamura pawn may lose its support.
by surprise. It’s another relatively soft
move by Nepomniachtchi, allowing 22...¥xd5 was the way to draw: 23.¥xd5
simplifications and a draw. ¤xe5 24.¦xe5 c6 with an equal position
after Black regains the piece.
19.¤e6 was what he expected and was
the more natural continuation. After 23.¤f3 Nakamura was very upset when
19...¥xe6 20.¦xe6 ¤f4 21.¦e5 £d7 Nepomniachtchi played this, after having
was Nakamura’s intention, with ideas like spent a long time calculating other moves
...¤g6 and ...¦ad8. (21...£g5 may be even and now facing a move that he didn’t think
better, when Black doesn’t have problems.) was good.
19...¥b7 19...£xd4 was possible and it 23.£f3!? b5 24.¦ad1 c4 25.¥c2 ¦d6 leads
would have led to a draw after 20.¤e5 to a double-edged position;

May 2024
23.¤xg6+ hxg6 (23...£xg6 24.¦e6 is

good for White.) 24.£f3 (24.¦e6?! b5 SUSPICIOUS SURPRISES
was what Nakamura expected, but this
is good for Black.) 24...b5 25.¦e7 ¥a8
26.£c3 £f6 27.£xc5 ¥xd5 and the
position peters out to a draw.
23...£h5 Nakamura said that if he

had more time he would have played
23...£h6 to continue the game. 24.a4
(24.¦e6?! b5 is good for Black, who
threatens ...c4.) 24...¤f4 25.£c1 ¥xd5
26.¥xd5 ¦xd5 27.£c4 Nakamura
thought this was hard to judge, but felt it
was easier to play for White. (27.¤e5!?
was also mentioned by Nakamura, with Nakamura (8.5 out of 14)
an unclear position.)
24.¤e5 Nepomniachtchi repeats the The only non-professional in the event

position and the game ends in a draw. fared really well. He followed the same
strategy as in Madrid and the result
24.a4 to stop ...b5 was an attempt to was similar.
play on, but after 24...¤f4 White needs
to seek safe haven. 25.¤e5 leads to Nakamura’s strategy was to surprise his
simplifications and a draw after (25.¦e5?! opponents in the openings as early as
c4! 26.¥xc4 ¤xg2! weakens the white possible, even using suspicious variations
king and gives Black good compensation with the black pieces. It worked pretty well
after 27.¥xa6 ¥xa6 28.¢xg2 £g4+ until the last round, when it counted the
29.¢h1 ¦f6) 25...¥xd5 26.£xh5 ¤xh5 most. Perhaps that was the price to pay for
27.¥xd5 ¦xd5 28.¦ad1 ¤f6 29.¦xd5 being a non-professional.
¤xd5 30.¦d1 ¤f6 31.¦d6; 24.¦e6?!
b5³; 24.¦c1 ¤f4. Nakamura’s surprises with the black
pieces were indeed unexpected. Take a
24...£g5 25.¤f3 £h5 26.¤e5 £g5 look at the following ideas:
½–½ Fabiano Caruana – Hikaru Nakamura

Nepomniachtchi didn’t have the same
energy and preparation as in Madrid and 1.e4 c5 2.¤f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.¤xd4
this made it very hard to compete for ¤f6 5.¤c3 e5?! It has been known for
the top places. The fact that he managed many decades that this is not very good.
speaks volumes of his practical strength Caruana managed to remember the best
and tenacity. way for White and obtained a stable
advantage, but Nakamura managed
Nepomniachtchi will be disappointed to escape.
with second place, but looking at his
chances, he really had only one (on move ½–½
17 in the game with Nakamura). This may
well be the motivation for another try in
two years.

05/144
Gukesh D - Hikaru Nakamura We also saw the delayed Cordell in the

game with Nepomniachtchi above.
Things were working well with Black,
1.e4 c5 2.¤f3 g6 An extremely rare guest but his openings with the white pieces
at top level. were not as effective as in Madrid. He
was caught out by Vidit in round two,
3.c3 Gukesh was obviously surprised and he didn’t achieve anything in his games
chooses a safe line. with Praggnanadhaa and Caruana (in
spite of winning the latter), but most
One can only wonder what Nakamura had importantly, he failed completely in the
in mind after 3.d4; 3.c4 would have almost decisive game of the last round and the
certainly led to the Maroczy bind, where whole tournament.
Black is solid, but it would have been
interesting to know which set-up Nakamura Hikaru Nakamura - Gukesh D
had in mind to employ.
3...d5 4.e5 ¥g4 5.¥b5+ ¤c6 6.¥xc6+
The surprise worked. This is slightly 1.d4 For the first time in the tournament,
premature and it allows Black to equalise. Nakamura opens with 1.d4.
6.d4 is better, which should give White 1...d5 2.c4 dxc4 The first surprise for
an advantage. Nakamura. Curiously enough, the QGA
was also Nakamura’s choice in the last
6...bxc6 7.0–0 c4!? And Nakamura didn’t round of the Madrid Candidates when he
have many problems obtaining good play. faced Ding Liren, with a draw securing
him second place. The opening worked
½–½ well but Nakamura lost an endgame he
shouldn’t have.
Praggnanandhaa R - 3.¤f3 ¤f6 4.e3 e6 5.¥xc4 ¥e7!? The

Hikaru Nakamura second surprise, to which Nakamura didn’t
find a response that would have given him a
Candidates Toronto (11), 17.04.2024 position with chances to have a game.
1.d4 d5 2.¤f3 ¤f6 3.c4 c5 This symmetrical 6.¤c3 Possibly premature. It was better
way of playing has been used regularly by to castle, keeping the options open for
Mamedyarov and works better when White the queenside.
already has a knight on f3. It was quite a
revelation when Nakamura said he would have 6...c5 7.a3 Again showing his cards too
played ...c5 even in the case of 2.c4 by White. early. Castling offered more options.
4.cxd5 cxd4 5.£xd4 £xd5 6.¤c3 £xd4 7...0–0 8.0–0 a6 9.£e2 A choice dictated by
7.¤xd4 a6 8.g3 e5 9.¤b3 ¤c6 10.¥g2 the tournament situation.
a5 And Black was doing quite alright in the
endgame. This was Praggnanandhaa’s worst 9.dxc5 £xd1 10.¦xd1 ¥xc5 11.¥e2 with
game in the tournament, but that doesn’t mean the idea of b4 would have been Nakamura’s
that Nakamura doesn’t deserve credit for choice if he wasn’t obliged to play for a
outplaying his young opponent in the endgame. win at all costs.
0–1 9...b5 10.¥a2 cxd4 The safest choice.

May 2024
10...¥b7 11.dxc5 ¥xc5 12.e4 £c7 13.e5 ¤xb4 14.¥e3 ¥b7 ½–½ (31) Sadler,M
¤fd7 is unclear, but definitely a position (2630)-Sokolov,I (2637) Netherlands 2000
White would have enjoyed as it offers good
chances for a full fight; 12...bxa3 13.bxa3 In retrospect, Nakamura
thought he should have gambled with
10...¤bd7 11.e4 ¥b7 12.e5 ¤g4 13.d5 13.¤xf6+ ¥xf6 14.¥b1 axb2 15.£xb2 but
is another messy line, something White Black doesn’t really runs risks in the line
would have relished. given by Nakamura after 15...¥d7 16.¤e5
¥b5 17.¦e1 ¤d7 18.¦a3 ¤xe5 19.dxe5
11.exd4 ¥e7 20.¦h3 g6 which is already much
XIIIIIIIIY better for Black as it’s hard to play for White
and White can also lose. Nakamura thought
9rsnlwq-trk+0 that the risk/reward ratio wasn’t there.
9+-+-vlpzpp0
13...¥b7 14.¤c3 He didn’t want to make
9p+-+psn-+0 this move, but wasn’t sure what to do.
9+p+-+-+-0
9-+-zP-+-+0 14...¤d5 15.¥d2 15.¤e4 ¤f6 is a
repetition.
9zP-sN-+N+-0
9LzP-+QzPPzP0 15...¤xc3 16.¥xc3 ¤d7 17.¥b1
Nakamura already didn’t like where things
9tR-vL-+RmK-0 were going.
xiiiiiiiiy
Nakamura spent 10 minutes on this 17...¦c8 18.¥d2 ¤f6
recapture, but this allows Black to sterilise XIIIIIIIIY
the position.
9-+rwq-trk+0
11.¦d1!? was what Nakamura thought 9+l+-vlpzpp0
he should have played. 11...b4 (11...¤c6
12.exd4 and White has d5–ideas at 9p+-+psn-+0
his disposal; 11...d3 12.¦xd3 £c7 9+-+-+-+-0
Nakamura didn’t like the symmetrical 9-+-zP-+-+0
structure for a must-win game, but this
was still better than the position he got 9zP-+-+N+-0
in the game.) 12.¦xd4 (or 12.axb4 ¤c6 9-+-vLQzPPzP0
13.¤xd4 £c7 14.¤xc6 £xc6 15.e4
with a bit more play than in the game.) 9tRL+-+RmK-0
12...£c7 13.axb4 ¤c6 14.¦c4 was a line xiiiiiiiiy
Nakamura considered. Black established control over the d5–
square and is objectively better. Even more
11...b4! The move that sealed Gukesh’s importantly, he cannot possibly lose this
win in Toronto. Nakamura was already position and White has zero chances for
very disappointed after this move. The anything more than a draw. This was the
move has already been played before, but end of Nakamura’s chances and in spite of
neither player was aware of that during the fact that the game continued until move
the game. 71, the rest was only keeping the game
going for the sake of it.
12.¤e4 12.axb4 ¤c6 ensures that Black
regains the pawn and establishes control ½–½
over the blockading square on d5. 13.¥c4

05/144
Like Nepomniachtchi, it’s hard for 11.¥e2 ¤b4 11...bxc5 12.dxc5 d4

Nakamura to blame himself. He simply 13.¤xd4 ¤b4 14.£d2 ¥xc5 15.0–
didn’t have a chance as the opening didn’t 0 is better for White, who has the
work out. better structure.
On the brighter side, he won five games, 12.£d2 ¥f5 Threatening ...¤c2.
the same number as the winner.
13.¦c1 ¤g4 14.¥f4 It was in fact
Nakamura won three games in a row possible to let Black take on e3 after
in rounds 10-12. However, unlike in 14.0–0 ¤xe3 15.fxe3 because after 15...
Madrid, where he was ruthless when it bxc5 16.dxc5 White threatens ¤d4.
came to converting his advantage, in
Toronto he often allowed chances to his 14...bxc5 15.dxc5 ¥xc5 16.0–0 White
opponents. Here’s an example from his sacrificed a pawn, but all Black’s pieces
game with Firouzja. are loose and unstable. The position is
extremely tactical.
Hikaru Nakamura - Alireza Firouzja
16...¦e8 16...¤f6 17.¥g5 d4 18.¤b5
Candidates Toronto (12), 18.04.2024 this move is key to exposing Black’s
position - everything hangs now. 18...
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 The exchange d3 19.¦xc5 dxe2 20.¦e1! (20.£xe2?
French turned out to be quite popular, but in ¥d3 wins for Black.) 20...£xd2 (or
several games it arose from the Petroff after 20...¤d3 21.¦xf5 ¤xe1 22.¤xe1 £xd2
the moves 1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤f6 3.¤xe5 d6 23.¥xd2 and the pawn on e2 will
4.¤f3 ¤xe4 5.d3 ¤f6 6.d4 d5. Nakamura fall sooner or later.) 21.¥xd2 ¤bd5
already entered it like that in his game 22.¤xc7 when White will emerge with
against Abasov. an extra pawn when the pawn on e2
is captured.
3...exd5 4.¤f3 ¥d6 5.c4 ¤f6 5...dxc4
is a major alternative, after 6.¥xc4 ¤f6 17.a3 d4?! Objectively not the best
White has a choice between 7.0–0 (and move, but definitely a tempting one.
7.£e2+).
17...¤xf2! was best. 18.¦xf2 ¥xf2+
6.c5 Nakamura doesn’t allow Black to 19.¢xf2 ¦xe2+! 20.¤xe2 (or the
play ...c6 and keep the bishop on the h2– strange looking 20.¢xe2 ¤d3 21.¦a1
b8 diagonal. where White is a piece up, but Black
has compensation.) 20...¤d3+ 21.¢g3
6...¥e7 7.£a4+ Provoking either ...c6 or ¤xc1 22.£xc1 Nakamura thought
...¥d7. he was better here, but it is only a
marginal advantage;
7.¥d3 0–0 8.0–0 ¥g4 9.h3 ¥h5
10.¥e3 was played in the game Ju,W 17...¤c6? 18.¤b5White is winning.
(2549)-Firouzja,A (2759) Wijk aan Zee
NED 2024, analysed in the February 18.¤b5 d3 Here 18...¦xe2? doesn’t work
issue of BCM. in view of 19.£xe2 ¥d3 20.£d2 ¥xb5
21.¦xc5 ¥xf1 22.£xb4 ¥a6 23.¥xc7
7...¥d7 8.£c2 0–0 9.¥e3 ¤c6 10.¤c3 and White should be winning after
b6 A move that took Nakamura out picking up the pawn on d4.
of book. The game becomes very
sharp now as Black tries to blow up 19.¦xc5?
White’s centre.

May 2024
XIIIIIIIIY pawn elsewhere, with good counterplay:

28.¤xe2 £b5 29.¤fd4 £xb2.
9r+-wqr+k+0
9zp-zp-+pzpp0 22.¤xe1 White has a stable advantage now.
9-+-+-+-+0 22...£xd2 23.¥xd2 ¦ad8 24.¥c3 ¦d1
9+NtR-+l+-0 25.f3 ¤e3 26.¤xc7! For the time being,
9-sn-+-vLn+0 Nakamura is his usual ruthless self when
converting an advantage.
9zP-+p+N+-0
9-zP-wQLzPPzP0 26...¦e7 27.¦c5 f6 28.¥b4! 28.¢f2?
¦c1! and thanks to the threat of ...¤d1
9+-+-+RmK-0 Black wins!
xiiiiiiiiy
Based on a misevaluation of the correct move. 28...¢f7 29.h4 h5 30.¢f2? A mistake, but
neither player saw the refutation.
19.¥d1! was best. A lot of calculation and
precise evaluation was required to enter these 30.¦c6 should win the game for White.
lines. 19...¤a6 (19...¦e2!? 20.¥xe2 dxe2
21.¦xc5! (21.£xe2?! ¥xf2+! allows Black to 30...¦b1?
save himself after 22.¦xf2 ¤d3 23.¤fd4 ¤gxf2 XIIIIIIIIY
24.¤xf5 ¤xf4 25.£f3 ¤2d3 26.¦xc7 h6
which is unclear, but this is a very difficult line 9-+-+-+-+0
to see.) 21...exf1£+ 22.¢xf1 ¥d3+ 23.¢g1 9zp-sN-trkzp-0
¥xb5 24.¦xb5 White has the better structure
and pieces, which give him a clear advantage.) 9-+-+-zp-+0
20.¤xc7! ¤xc7 21.¦xc5 ¤d5 Nakamura 9+-tR-+-+p0
wasn’t sure whether he was better here. In fact, 9-vL-+-+-zP0
he is, after the only move 22.¥c7! (22.¥b3?!
¤gf6 and Nakamura correctly thought Black 9zP-+-snP+-0
was OK) 22...¤xc7 (22...£d7 23.£a5! is 9-zP-+pmKP+0
winning, though not easy to understand that
with still a lot of pieces scattered over the 9+r+-sN-+-0
board.) 23.¦xf5 ¤f6 24.¦e5 and the pawn on xiiiiiiiiy
d3 is a weakness rather than a strength. 30...¦xe1! neither player saw this idea
- Nakamura. 31.¥xe1 ¤d1+ 32.¢g3
19...dxe2 20.¦e1 ¤d3 21.¦xf5 ¤xe1? A ¤xb2 threatening ...¤d3. 33.¦c3 ¦d7!
tactical mistake by Firouzja. still intending ...¤d3. 34.a4 ¤d3 35.¦xd3
¦xd3 36.a5 ¦d7 the strong pawn on e2 and
21...£d7! Nakamura wasn’t sure what was the lack of coordination of the white pieces
happening after this move. He spent 25 should help Black draw the endgame.
minutes on 19.¦c5 calculating this move.
22.¤bd4 (22.¦c5 leads to yet another long 31.¤d5 White is winning again.
and complicated takes-takes variation after
22...¦ad8 23.¥xc7 ¤xc5 24.¥xd8 £xd2 31...¤d1+ 32.¢g3 ¦e5 33.¤d3 ¦e8
25.¤xd2 ¤d3 26.¤c7 ¤xe1 27.¤xe8 ¤d3 34.¥e1? A horrible move based on
28.¤f3 ¤ge5 29.¥a5 ¤xf3+ 30.gxf3 ¤xb2 miscalculation, played after 2 minutes.
which should end in a draw.) 22...¤xe1
23.£xe1 ¦e4 24.h3 g6! 25.¦g5 ¦xf4 34.¦c7+ ¢g8 35.¤e7+ ¢h7 36.¤f4 as
26.¦xg4 ¦xg4 27.hxg4 ¦e8 and when indicated by Nakamura. 36...¦xb2 37.¤f5
White takes the pawn on e2 Black takes a creating mating threats. 37...¦g8 38.¥e1

05/144
when White can keep the e2–pawn under g6 Nakamura saw this.) 42...¦e5 43.¤f4!
control and go after the a7–pawn; 34.¤5f4 should win for White, though this is not
was another winning move. immediately obvious. White combines
threats against Black’s king with the
34...¤xb2 35.¦b5 35.¦c7+ still kept some advance of his pawns there while at the
advantage, but the win is no longer possible same time trying to capture one of Black’s
after 35...¢g8. passed pawns. (43.¤xg7? ¦e7 44.¦xe7
¢xe7 45.¤f5+ ¢f7= Nakamura correctly
35...¦d1! The position is a draw now. thought this was a draw.);
36.¦xb2 ¦xd3 37.¦b7+ ¢f8! The move 41...¦a1! was another drawing move.
was missed by Nakamura. Now White 42.¤xh5 ¦b8! 43.¤f4 a4 44.¤xe2
cannot save the a3–pawn. a3 and Black’s far-advanced a-pawn
guarantees a draw.
37...¢g8? was what he was looking at
38.¤e7+ ¢h7 (or 38...¢f7 39.¤c6+ ¢g6 42.hxg5 fxg5 43.¤xh5 Now White is
40.¦xa7) 39.¦xa7 and White wins thanks winning and Black doesn’t get any more
to the passed a-pawn. chances.
38.¤f4 ¦xa3 39.¢f2 a5 40.¦a7 ¦a4 43...¦e5 44.g4 White stabilises the position
41.g3 g5? and turns his attention to the a5–pawn.
XIIIIIIIIY 44...¢e8 45.¤g7+ ¢f8 46.¤f5 ¦a2
9-+-+rmk-+0 47.¦a8+ ¢f7 48.¤d6+ ¢e6 49.¤c4
9tR-+-+-+-0 ¦b5 50.¦xa5 ¦bxa5 51.¤xa5 ¢d5
52.¢e3 Next the pawn on e2 will fall and
9-+-+-zp-+0 Firouzja resigned.
9zp-+-+-zpp0
9r+-+-sN-zP0 1–0
9+-+-+PzP-0
9-+-+pmK-+0 Some of these mistakes can be excused
because of the extremely complex lines
9+-+-vL-+-0 the players had to navigate, but these
xiiiiiiiiy complexities require so much energy
Played after five minutes. Nakamura and focus that the players are simply not
couldn’t imagine what was going on in capable of maintaining those for the whole
Firouzja’s head to play like this. Perhaps he duration of the game, thus leading to drops
thought he was lost and just lashed out. in concentration and mistakes.
41...¦a3! was one of the drawing moves. Nakamura was content that he was in a
42.¤xh5 (42.¦xa5 ¦xa5 43.¥xa5 ¦b8 chance to win the tournament until the last
44.¢xe2 ¦b5 is a drawn endgame.) round. It was good news for his followers
42...¦ee3 43.f4 ¦f3+ 44.¢xe2 ¦ae3+ and it made for good content. His post-game
45.¢d2 ¦d3+ 46.¢c2 ¦a3 with a recaps were very informative, especially if
likely repetition; one could read between the lines. It was
good for the chess world to have Nakamura
41...¦a2? was in fact losing, even though in the Candidates. It will be good to have
Nakamura was worried about this and the Nakamura in the Candidates again, but
didn’t see how to play for a win. 42.¤xh5! whether that will happen, it remains to be
(42.¦xa5 ¦xa5 43.¥xa5 ¢f7 44.¤xe2 seen. Two years is a long time.

May 2024
AN 21 moves by repetition. The tone for the

tournament was set in round two in the
game against Praggnanandhaa. We saw the
EXCEPTIONAL opening of that game above and here we
will see the remainder:
ACHIEVEMENT! Praggnanandhaa R - Gukesh D

XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-wqntrk+0
9+lzp-vl-zpp0
9p+-+P+-+0
9snp+p+p+-0
9-+p+-+-+0
9zP-sN-vLNzP-0
9-zP-+QzPLzP0
Gukesh (9 out of 14)
9+-+R+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
The winner is always deserved, but to 16.e5 f6 The position is very difficult
expect the youngest player to ever qualify to play for both sides. Objectively it is
for a World Championship match to show balanced and the result is decided by the
such stability in a tournament like the players’ calculation abilities.
Candidates is exceptional.
17.c2?! This allows Black to
In the above analysis we noted that all the obtain an advantage with a positional
three players who shared second place queen sacrifice.
had their ups and downs. Gukesh didn’t
have them. In fact, Gukesh had only 17.fe1 kept the balance. The last piece is
one inferior position, against Caruana included in the battle and after something
in round four, which he defended like 17...d6 18.d7! xe6 (18...xd7?
confidently. In the game he lost, to loses to 19.f4! e5 20.xd5! xe6
Firouzja, he was pressing for a win and 21.xe5 xe5 22.xe5 and White’s
only blundered in severe time trouble. pieces dominate the whole board.)
In all the other games he was either 19.xf6+ xf6 20.xd5 White has good
pressing himself or had no problems. compensation for the two pawns as his
pieces are better coordinated;
While an elite grandmaster, Gukesh is still
only 17! To show such a high level in such 17.g5!? was another move that was
an important event is even frightening: possible. After 17...e8 18.d7 c6
imagine the heights he could reach in the the position looks just too random and
next years! impossible to calculate, which translates
to 0.00 in engine−talk.
Gukesh started the tournament by
introducing an imaginative idea as early as 17...c6?! Gukesh solidifies the d5-pawn,
move nine in the Tarrasch Defence. Vidit but allows White to take on f5 and to
reacted well and the game was drawn in continue to muddy the waters.

05/144
17...c5! threatening ...d4 was strong. piece, but White has compensation in this
After 18.xd5 xd5 19.xd5 xd5 completely unclear position.) 23.h6+
20.d1 xe6! is a powerful queen h8 24.xe6 xa3!? another crazy shot,
sacrifice. 21.xd8 axd8 Black has two though not the only move. 25.c7! xe6
rooks an two pawns for the queen and 26.xe6 b4 everything is hanging: the
in addition to the material advantage he rook on e1, the knight on h6, the rook on
successfully managed to kill off White’s f8, the knight on b7! 27.d1 and eventually
dynamic potential. it should peter out to a draw;
18.xf5 e8 19.f7?! 21.xd5!? cxd5 22.xd5 xf7.

XIIIIIIIIY a) 22...xd5?! is good for White after
9r+-+qtrk+0 23.xd5 d6 24.g4 xf7 25.exf7+
9+l+-vlNzpp0 xf7 26.e4! b8 27.f4 when White
is a rook down, but has a tremendous
9p+p+Psn-+0 initiative that will result in getting some
9snp+p+Q+-0 material back;
9-+p+-+-+0 b) or the insane 22...b4 23.d2! (23.
9zP-sN-vL-zP-0 axb4? xe6 wins for Black.) 23...xd2
9-zP-+-zPLzP0 24.xd2 a7 25.g4! and Black has enough
compensation for the piece;
9+-+R+RmK-0
xiiiiiiiiy 23.exf7+ xf7 24.e5 f8 25.g5! d7
Praggnanandhaa rushes. It was better to 26.xf6 gxf6 27.f4 and the position
include the rook in the game with 19.fe1. remains unclear.
19...c8 Gukesh improves the position 21...a7?! Missing a very complicated chance.
of the bishop, which became useless
after ...c6. 21...c5 activating the knight and
targeting the e6-pawn was better, but the
The exchange sacrifice 19...xf7! was lines are still very irrational. 22.xf6
quite good for Black. 20.exf7+ xf7 xe6! (22...xf6 is possible, where both
21.e2 e8 with ...c8 next and Black sides have to come up with 23.xd5!
is much better. cxd5 24.xd5 xe6! 25.xc5 xf7
26.xe6! ac8 resulting in an equal
20.fe1 b7 Now it’s time for the knight position.) 23.h6+! h8! (23...gxh6?
to join the game, but again the exchange 24.xe6 xe6 25.xe6+ f7 26.g4+
sacrifice on f7 gave Black an advantage. g6 27.xg6+ hxg6 28.xe7 and in a
21.g5?! After a long thought surprising twist, White is up in material
Praggnanandhaa decides against a sacrifice with a winning position.) 24.xe7!
on d5, but in fact both sacrifices on d5 were the queen sacrifice is the best chance.
quite promising for him. Admittedly, the (24.xg7+ xg7 25.xe6 xe6!
lines are hair−raising, so it’s hard to blame 26.xe6 h8 and White’s attack has
him for failing to navigate them. run out of steam.) 24...xe7! and not
accepting it is Black’s best! (24...xf5
21.xd5!? cxd5 22.xd5 White has a pawn 25.xc5 g6 26.xf5 xf5 27.xf8
for a rook, but the compensation is present xf8 is an unclear mess.) 25.e5 a7
as Black’s forces are not coordinated, unlike the mess goes on, but the knight on h6 is
White’s. 22...xe6!? (22...xf7!? 23.exf7+ trapped and Black still has the big central
xf7 24.e5 d8 now it’s "only" a pawn mass, giving him the advantage.

May 2024
22.xf6 xf6 23.xd5! This time An impressive game between the two
Praggnanandhaa strikes on d5. Indian prodigies.
23...cxd5 24.xd5 e7 24...xb2 could Gukesh showed better nerves and
have led to a curious repetition after 25.c2 calculation in an extremely sharp and
xa3 26.c7 e7 27.d5 e8 28.c7. irrational game. The early win set the
course for Gukesh and in the next round,
25.g4? he masterfully outplayed Nepomniachtchi
XIIIIIIIIY from an equal queenless position after
the opening. He missed an excellent
9-+l+qtrk+0 opportunity to inflict the first defeat on
9trn+-vlNzpp0 the previous Challenger.
9p+-+P+-+0 Gukesh D - Ian Nepomniachtchi
9+p+N+-+-0
9-+p+-+Q+0
9zP-+-+-zP-0 XIIIIIIIIY
9-zP-+-zP-zP0 9-+-+-+-+0
9+-+RtR-mK-0 9+l+r+kzpp0
xiiiiiiiiy 9pvLn+pzp-+0
A mistake in time trouble, after which 9+p+-+-+-0
White is lost. 9-+-+PzP-+0
25.h6+! gxh6 (25...h8 26.f7+ g8 9zP-+-mK-zP-0
27.h6+ is a repetition.) 26.g4+ g5 9-zP-+L+-zP0
(26...h8 27.d4+ g8 28.xe7+ 9+-tR-+-+-0
xe7 29.xa7 c5 the only way,
otherwise White would win with the xiiiiiiiiy
passed pawn and the centralised rooks. White carefully nurtured his advantage
30.xc5 xc5 31.d6 xe6 32.dxe6 to a winning one, but in order to win he
xe6 33.xe6 with a drawn rook had to see the tactical solution.
endgame.) 27.h4 d8! 28.hxg5 g7 and
the complications continue. 30.d1? Gukesh missed the only chance.
25...d8! Gukesh was also in time 30.a4! was the winning idea. After 30...
trouble, but he made all the best moves bxa4 31.c4 the threat is f5. 31...d8
from now onwards. and here 32.b4! is the hidden tactic
26.xd8 26.d4 xe6 27.h6+ gxh6 that wins for White, though he had a
28.xa7 c5 and Black wins. sensible alternative in 32.a1, keeping
the big advantage. The point of the
26...xd8 27.d4 b7 28.e4 f6 move is that 32...axb3? 33.xb3 wins
Black slowly untangles and White runs out on the spot thanks to the threat of
of threats. xd8 and c7, winning a piece, while
33...a8 34.a4 is another problem
29.e3 e7 30.h4 c6 31.h5 c5 for Black.
32.g5 xe6 33.h6 xf2
30...xd1 31.xd1 g6 Black is still
0-1 under pressure, but Nepomniachtchi
managed to set up a fortress after

05/144
32.c5 h5 33.b3 c8 34.a4 e5! 35.axb5 Caruana, all of them balanced games
axb5 And the game was drawn after without chances for more.
36.f5 g7 37.fxg6 g4 38.c2 e6 The second win against Abasov was
39.d2 b4 40.d1 xg6 similar to the first one. With willpower
and determination Gukesh pushed hard
½-½ and outplayed his opponent from an equal
endgame, this time with the black pieces.
The next game with the black pieces The decisive game for the tournament
against Caruana was the only one in the victory was in the penultimate round.
whole tournament where Gukesh was on
the defencive. He showed himself to be Gukesh D - Alireza Firouzja
very resilient and defended confidently.
The game against Abasov showed the
strength of Gukesh’s character. He 1.e4 e5 Firouzja wasn’t very successful
outplayed Abasov and was winning, with the Sicilian, losing both games, so
but in time trouble before the first in this game sticks to the safest choice of
time control, he lost all the advantage. the Berlin.
Through sheer will and determination,
he kept on playing and managed to 2.f3 c6 3.b5 f6 4.d3 Only
win the game for a second time, this Nepomniachtchi went for the endgame and
time converting in 87 moves after his won against Vidit. Gukesh prefers to keep
opponent missed the last drawing chance the queens on the board for the time being.
on move 83.
4...c5 5.0-0 Nakamura played 5.c3
The only game Gukesh lost was against against Vidit, in order to avoid Black’s next.
Firouzja in round seven. It was a tense On the other hand, playing 5.c3 allows the
game where Gukesh took advantage of plans with ...d5, so both moves have their
Firouzja’s reckless play. Playing for a win pros and cons.
he sacrificed a piece, but time trouble was
again his main problem. With only seconds 5...d4 6.xd4 xd4 7.d2 c6 8.c4
left he made the losing mistake on move 36 d6 9.c3 b6 10.b3 a5 The moves 10...
and was mated. h6 and 10...0-0 are more frequent, but
the idea with ...a5 has been employed
What happened after the game was more by Aronian.
important than the loss itself. As Gukesh
said after the tournament, he felt “at his 11.c4 a7 This is the point of the move
best” after this loss! How many players 10...a5 − the bishop gets a square to remain
could say that after a devastating loss in on the more active g1-a7 diagonal.
a Candidates tournament which knocked
him off the first place? Speaking about the 12.e3 The following game
strength of character! demonstrated that it’s very dangerous for
White to grab the pawn on a5: 12.a4 0-0
Gukesh continued unperturbed and in the 13.g5 h6 14.xf6 xf6 15.xa5?!
next round outplayed Vidit with the black d5! 16.c2 dxe4 17.dxe4 d8 18.e1
pieces to return to +2. g5 with excellent compensation that
Aronian managed to covert in the game
A series of three draws followed, against Carlsen,M (2850)−Aronian,L (2781)
Praggnanandhaa, Nepomniachtchi and Reykjavik 2015;

May 2024
12.h1 a4 13.c2 g4 also gave Black same time discouraging ...a4, which can be
the initiative in the game: Karjakin,S met by c4.
(2754)−Aronian,L (2772) Bucharest 2019.
22...a4!?
12...0-0 13.f3 d5 Black achieved XIIIIIIIIY
excellent play already.
9r+-+-+k+0
14.c2 White covers the d3-square. 9vlpwq-trp+p0
The importance of the d3-square is seen 9-+-+lsnp+0
after 14.f5 xf5 15.xf5 dxe4 16.dxe4 9+-+-+-+-0
d3! and the queen attacks both the e4- 9p+-+p+-+0
pawn and targets the c3-pawn after 17.e1
a4! 18.d1 a3 with initiative for Black. 9+LzP-+-+P0
9PzP-+QzPP+0
14...g6 Black stops f5.
9tR-vL-tRNmK-0
15.e1 A standard move, though it’s clear xiiiiiiiiy
that White doesn’t have any active options Black takes space on the queenside and
because of Black’s pawn centre. can use the a−pawn to damage White’s
queenside structure with a further ...a3.
15...e6 Black is developed now and ready
for an advance with ...d4 or ...a4-a3. He 23.xe6 23.xa4? loses to 23...c4
also has options to play on the kingside by 24.c2 xf1 25.xf1 b8 and suddenly
removing the knight from f6 and expanding the attack on the kingside cannot be
with ...f5. defended against: 26.g3 h5 when even
the rook from a8 can join the attack via the
16.exd5 Gukesh decides to release the fifth rank.
tension in order to stop Black’s ideas on
both sides. 23...xe6 24.e3 White managed to
achieve the idea to neutralise the bishop
16...cxd5 17.h3 Controlling the g4-square, on a7.
thus allowing the knight from e3 to drop
back to f1. 24...a3 Black establishes a pawn on a3
which if left alive can become a strong
17...e8 Black prepares the central advance pawn in an endgame.
...e4, so he places the rook on the e−file.
25.c4 White has a pawn majority on the
18.a4 e4 19.dxe4 dxe4 20.e2 e7 queenside, so he sets it moving forward.
21.f1 White would like to play e3 in
order to exchange the strong bishop on a7. 25...h5 Black tries to do the same on
21...c7 A good prophylactic move, the kingside.
intending to meet e3 with ...c4.
26.g3 This takes control of the f4-square.
22.b3 To illustrate: 22.e3?! c4! and
the queen is short of squares, for example 26.bxa3 eliminates the annoying pawn
23.c2? b5 24.b3 xf1 25.xf1 a4 and it was a good alternative. 26...f4
loses a piece; (or 26...xe3 27.xe3 f4 28.c2
d3 29.e2 xa3 30.d5 c5 with
22.b5 was a possible alternative to the a balanced position with both knights
game move, preventing ...c4 but at the having excellent outposts.) 27.xf4 xf4

05/144
28.ab1 with an equal position where 33.e3 The knight is ideal on e3,
Black’s active bishop is neutralised after blockading the passed pawn and targeting
e3 and play along the b−file. the d5-outpost and the pawn on f5.
26...c5 26...axb2 27.xb2 gives White 33.fxg5?! while possible, it gives Black too
play on the b−file as compensation for the much free play after 33...d7
isolated pawns on a2 and c4.
33...gxf4 34.gxf4 f7 35.h2 35.xf5?
27.b3 Gukesh avoids the damage to his h5! wins for Black, who crashes through
structure after ...axb2. with the attack after ...g6 or ...xf4.
27...f5 Black activates the kingside 35...h5 36.f2 White’s kingside is safe
majority. Now White needs to be careful and the position continues to be balanced.
so as not to end up with a weak king
after a possible opening of the kingside 36...g6 37.d5 g7 38.ed1 White
after ...f4. covered his kingside and now has threats
of his own along the d−file, intending d7.
28.xc5 xc5 29.ad1 White’s
counterplay is based on control of the d−file 38...h6 The only move for Black, freeing
and the strong outpost on d5. the path for the queen to the h5-square.
29...f8 The immediate 29...f4 was 39.g1 The players now repeat moves in
possible. After 30.g4 f6 31.e2 White order to reach the time control.
defends successfully and will continue with
d5 next. 39.d6!? is a constructive idea for White,
who would favour an exchange of one pair
30.d5 Gukesh keeps more tension in of rooks, which would decrease Black’s
the position. attacking potential. 39...e6 40.g1+
h8 the position remains equal, but also
30.d2 f4 31.d5 would have forced the quite tense.; 39.d7 h5 40.g2 g6
exchange of queens, when the danger of a 41.f2 h6 is a repetition.
kingside attack evaporates.
39...g6 40.gd1 h6 41.g1 g6
30...e7 31.f4! This move allows Black 42.h4! The decisive moment in the
a protected passed pawn on e4, but that tournament. After spending 15 minutes,
pawn is blockaded on the e3-square. Gukesh decides to continue the game
More importantly, now the f−file cannot in spite of having no advantage and the
be opened and this reduces the danger position remaining balanced. This decision
to the white king. If Black is to continue reminds me of Ding Liren’s famous
his kingside play he must try to open the 46...g6 in the last game of the tie−break in
g−file now. the World Championship match in Astana.
31...f6 32.d2 g5 Black is consistent 42...xg1 43.xg1 h8 43...g6+

with his kingside play. 44.f2 e6 45.d6 h8 46.d5 looks
threatening, but after 46...g7! Black
32...e3!? was an interesting tactical idea, reminds White that his king is not entirely
freeing the e4-square for the knight. safe, with a perpetual to follow after
33.d3 e8 34.xe3 c5 35.d3 looks 47.xe6 d4+ 48.e2 d3+.
dangerous for White, as he is pinned on the
g1-a7 diagonal, but in fact Black cannot 44.f2 g8? For the whole game it was
increase the pressure. Black who was pressing, even if slightly.

May 2024
This changed after the time control when 46.xg6 hxg6 47.d6
it was White who started to press, even if XIIIIIIIIY
slightly. Unable to adapt, Firouzja errs.
9-+-+-+rmk0
44...g6 was still balanced. 9+p+-+-sn-0
45.g5? 9-+-tR-+p+0
XIIIIIIIIY 9+-+-+p+-0
9-+-+-+rmk0 9-+P+pzP-+0
9+p+-+qsnp0 9zpP+-sN-+P0
9-+-+-+-+0 9P+-+-mK-+0
9+-+R+pwQ-0 9+-+-+-+-0
9-+P+pzP-+0 xiiiiiiiiy
The endgame is winning for White and
9zpP+-sN-+P0 Gukesh converts confidently.
9P+-+-mK-+0
47...e8 47...h7 48.b6 b8 49.d5
9+-+-+-+-0 Black defended everything, but after e3,
xiiiiiiiiy b4, c5 White wins easily.
Gukesh misses the first chance. Luckily, as
Fate would have it, he will get another one. 48.xg6 e6 49.d5 d4 50.b6 c2
Black’s only hope is the e−pawn, but White
45.h6! was very strong. Black can can neutralise it without problems.
barely move. The following is a nice
illustration of the helplessness of Black’s 51.xb7 e6 51...e3+ 52.e2 d4+
position: 45...e7 46.e2 f7 47.d2 53.d3 e2 54.f6! the only move to
e7 (47...e8 48.g5 g8 49.d8! and win, but it suffices. The threat of mate
the endgame is winning for White as the doesn’t give time to Black to promote his
white king becomes a strong piece on the pawn. 54...e3+ 55.xd4 xh3 56.e7
queenside.) 48.c3 f7 49.b4 and White controlling the e−pawn and winning.
activates his queenside majority.
52.e7 Rooks behind pawns.
45...g6? Here comes the second chance.
It’s a decision that is hard to understand, 52...h6 53.c5 With the e4-pawn going
as White actively sought exchanges, nowhere, White advances his own
since in the endgame his active king passed pawns.
is the decisive factor and here we see
Firouzja voluntarily giving Gukesh what 53...d4 53...xh3 54.c6
he wanted.
54.g2 g6+ 55.f2 h6 56.b4 White
45...e6! was the only move for Black to repeated moves to gain some time on the
save the game. 46.xf5 g7 the threats clock and now advances further.
along the g−file and the a1-h8 diagonal
are dangerous, so White must exchange 56...xh3 57.g2 h6 58.b7 Intending b5.
queens. 47.e5 xe5 48.xe5 (or 48.fxe5
f8+ 49.e1 f3 with compensation for 58...g8 59.b5 f8 60.b6 g6+ 61.f2
the pawn, quite sufficient for equality.) h6 62.c7 h2+ 63.g3
48...xf4 49.xe4 xh3+ and the
endgame is a draw. 1-0

05/144
The win was a result of Gukesh’s courageous

decision on move 42 to continue the game. A NEW ERA
His courage was rewarded and this win made
him the sole leader before the last round. With Gukesh’s triumph, we can say
that the new era of the next generation
The last round games went exactly as he is already here. Gukesh’s success will
would have liked. He controlled his own motivate his peers to work even harder
game, not allowing any chance to Nakamura and achieve new heights. They will keep
thanks to the excellent opening preparation pushing each other to new heights and as
(see the game above) while the roller−coaster things look now, only the sky is the limit
game between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi for them.
eventually ended in a draw, making Gukesh
the winner of the Candidates tournament. Ten years after Anand’s last World
Championship match India got another
A historic feat for the 17−year−old, a record World Championship contender.
that it’s hard to see being broken any time Will he manage to dethrone the so
soon. To put things into perspective, Magnus far unimpressive Ding Liren? It’s
Carlsen was 17 in 2007 and most of 2008 impossible to say, as Ding will be
(being born at the end of November), but ready for the match and his level will
he was very far from winning a Candidates improve, but who would bet against the
tournament at that age. young star with his meteoric rise?
STANDINGS OF THE 2024 CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT

Rk Player Score SB Wins
1 Gukesh D (IND) 9/14 57 5
2 Hikaru Nakamura (USA) 8.5/14 56 5
3 Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE) 8.5/14 56 3
4 Fabiano Caruana (USA) 8.5/14 54 4
5 R Praggnanandhaa (IND) 7/14 42.5 3
6 Vidit Gujrathi (IND) 6/14 40.25 3
7 Alireza Firouzja (FRA) 5/14 32.75 2
8 Nijat Abasov (AZE) 3.5/14 25.5 0
Rk Player GD HN IN FC RP VG AF NA
1 Gukesh D (IND) ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ 1 1 0 1 1
2 Hikaru Nakamura (USA) ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ 1 0 0 1 1 1 ½
3 Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE) ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 1 1 ½ ½ ½
4 Fabiano Caruana (USA) ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ 1 1 ½ 1 ½ 1 ½
5 R Praggnanandhaa (IND) 0 ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ 1 1
6 Vidit Gujrathi (IND) 0 ½ 1 1 0 0 ½ 0 0 ½ 1 ½ ½ ½
7 Alireza Firouzja (FRA) 1 0 0 0 ½ 0 ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ 0 1 ½
8 Nijat Abasov (AZE) 0 0 ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ 0 0 0 ½ ½ ½ 0

CHINESE
DOMINATION
IN THE WOMEN’S
CANDIDATES
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER,
THE WOMEN’S CANDIDATES
WAS HELD SIDE-BY-SIDE
WITH THE OPEN EVENT
By GM Aleksandar Colovic
www.alexcolovic.com
Photo: FIDE Official
05/144
Unlike their colleagues, who had a In Toronto, Muzychuk was the player
tournament which was decided in the with the most missed wins.
last moments of the last round, the
women’s event had a different dynamic. She started slowly again, losing a
harmless endgame in round two to
For the first time ever, the Women’s Candidates Goryachkina because of bad time
was held side-by-side with the Open event. management: she spent way too much
This was done deliberately, to boost women’s time in a relatively simple endgame,
chess, in light of FIDE’s long-term ambitions. eventually blundering.
The eventual winner of the Women’s Then, incredible things started to happen.
Candidates in Toronto, Tan Zhongyi, started
with two wins and never relinquished the lead. Muzychuk was winning in the next round
Her closest competitor was her compatriot against Lagno. The win was very hard to
Lei Tingjie, who - after a slow start - won find in a position with only queen and
three games in a row in the middle of the rook for each side where Muzychuk had
tournament, including the direct duel, but to hunt down her opponent’s king. She
eventually couldn’t keep the pace. couldn’t handle the complexity of the
variations and the game was drawn.
The games were equally complex in the
women event and with the women being In the next round, Muzychuk obtained
lower rated by some 150-200 rating points, a winning rook endgame against Lei
the mistakes they made were perhaps more Tingjie which eventually led to a
easily understood. position with rook against two pawns.
The winning method in such positions
Let’s see now how each player performed. is known, but she missed it.
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES Anna Muzychuk – Lei Tingjie

Women's Candidates Toronto (4), 07.04.2024
XIIIIIIIIY
9-+-tR-+-+0
9+-+-mK-+-0
9-+-+-zp-+0
9+-+-+kzp-0
9-+-+-+-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
9-+-+-+-+0
9+-+-+-+-0
Muzychuk (5.5 out of 14)
xiiiiiiiiy
Muzychuk finished second (behind winner 53.¦d5+?? 53.¦g8! rook behind the
Goryachkina) in the last Candidates most advanced pawn and the king walks
tournament that was held in this format. In over - that is the winning method: 53...
2019 she had a slow start but then picked up g4 54.¢f7! White’s king is just in time
the pace, won several games and finished a to stop the g-pawn. 54...¢f4 55.¢g6! f5
full point ahead of the third-placed Lagno 56.¢h5 ¢g3 57.¦g7! perhaps the most
and Tan Zhongyi. difficult move - Black is in a zugzwang

May 2024
and has to let the white king approach. when things don’t go one’s way, it’s
(57.¢g5? f4 is a draw.) 57...¢h3 (or very hard to change the momentum.
57...¢h2 58.¢h4 ¢g2 59.¦f7 and both
pawns are lost.) 58.¢g5! again walking A very disappointing result for Muzychuk,
over to the other side. After ¢f4 the who must have hoped for a similar
rest is easy. performance as in 2019, but this time it
didn’t work out.
53...¢f4 now the game is drawn.
54.¢xf6 g4 55.¦d4+ ¢f3 56.¢f5 g3 A SOLID DEBUT

57.¦d3+ ¢f2 58.¢g4 g2 59.¦d2+ ¢f1
59...¢g1! was easier, as 60.¢f3 ¢h1!
forces a stalemate or the exchange of
all material.
60.¢f3 g1¤+ This is also a draw and the

players agreed to it on move 75.
½–½
After that Muzychuk outplayed Vaishali

with the black pieces, but again the win
was very complicated and Vaishali erected Salimova (5.5 out of 14)
a fortress in a double-rook endgame.
The youngest participant had a decent
After so many missed wins Muzychuk event. She was her usual, solid, self,
played badly against Tan Zhongyi and playing positional chess and trying
was completely lost when her opponent to play on technique. However, at this
gave her an unexpected chance by level, her usually dependent technique
misplaying the mating attack. Alas, was misfiring.
Muzychuk missed the drawing chance
and lost. The only game where it finished the
job was in her only win in the event,
There were more missed wins for against Koneru in round four. It was
Muzychuk. In round 11 she blundered Salimova’s best game, where she
into a perpetual check in a position outplayed the rating favourite after a
where she was two pieces up and her wobbly opening.
opponent only had a queen – she had to
return one piece to win, but she allowed In her games against Tan, she held an
a perpetual instead. inferior endgame with the black pieces,
but missed a straight-forward win with
With so many missed wins it’s the white. She should have saved the
impossible to have a good tournament. If inferior endgame against Goryachkina
a player cannot handle the complexities in round six while probably the biggest
of the calculations that the winning blunder of the tournament was in her
lines require, that means that either the game against Muzychuk, where both
level of the player is not sufficient, or players miscalculated a transposition to
the player is not in good form. With a pawn endgame.
Muzychuk, it was definitely the latter.
She fought the best that she could, but

05/144
When it came to tactical fights, Salimova

Nurgyul Salimova - Anna Muzychuk wasn’t up to her task. The piece sacrifice
Women's Candidates Toronto (8), 13.04.2024 that Vaishali essayed in their first game
should have led to a draw, but Salimova
XIIIIIIIIY didn’t find the way.
9-+-+-+-+0 Another problem for Salimova were
9+-+-+-+-0 the openings, or perhaps her memory
9-+-+pzpk+0 of the opening preparation. It appeared
that in almost every game she misplayed
9+-tR-+-+p0 them early on. With the black pieces she
9-+-mKP+nzP0 expanded her repertoire, adding the Petroff,
9+-+-+-+-0 the Philidor and the Ruy Lopez to her Caro-
Kann and they served her well, though she
9-+-+-+-+0 wasn’t always precise in the opening. With
9+-+-+-+-0 White she stuck to her favourite Catalan,
but found her opponents well prepared.
xiiiiiiiiy
The position was a draw for a long time, The tournament was a learning experience
but now both players blundered horribly. for Salimova. If she can raise the level of her
calculations and improve her openings, her
53...¤e5?? Instead of keeping the knight technique should catch up and then she would
with 53...¤h2. become much more competitive at elite level.
54.¦c3?? Just terrible.
A SLOW START AND A
54.¦xe5! fxe5+ 55.¢xe5 ¢f7 56.¢f4
¢g6 (or 56...¢f6 57.e5+ ¢g6 58.¢e4 DISAPPOINTING FINISH
¢f7 59.¢d4) 57.e5 ¢h6 58.¢e3! ¢g6
59.¢e4 this triangulation was the only
tricky part in the calculation, but far
from being hard to see. After all, it’s a
common theme in pawn endgames and
both players must have known about
it. 59...¢f7 60.¢d4 ¢e7 (60...¢g6
61.¢c5) 61.¢c5 ¢d7 62.¢b6 and
White wins.
54...¢f7 The game continued until

move 120, but there was no more
excitement.
Lagno (6.5 out of 14)
½–½
Lagno was one of the pre-tournament
favourites. She started the tournament with
The hardest loss to take was against five draws, but like Muzychuk, she had
Vaishali in round 10 when Salimova a lot of missed winning chances in those
expertly outplayed her opponent, but games. True, she saved a lost game against
managed to lose from a position where Muzychuk, but she missed wins (and not
Vaishali could only move with her king too complicated at that) against Koneru,
(see the game below). Tan Zhongyi and Lei Tingjie.

May 2024
The missed win against the eventual winner 53.£e4 ¥xd6 54.£a8+ ¢h7 55.¥xd6
was particularly painful as it could have sent £xd6+ 56.¢h1 £d1+
the tournament in a completely other direction.
½–½
Kateryna Lagno – Tan Zhongyi
Women's Candidates Toronto (4), 07.04.2024 Lagno won her first game in the next
XIIIIIIIIY round against Vaishali, but what was true
for Muzychuk it was also true for Lagno –
9-+-tr-vlk+0 with too many missed winning chances it’s
9+-+-+p+-0 impossible to have a good tournament.
9R+-zP-wq-+0 She continued to draw her games, this time
9zP-+Q+-zpp0 without any winning chances, staying on +1
9-+-+-+-+0 and in contention. Her hopes were extinguished
in round 11 when she first missed a win and
9+-+-+-vLP0 then a draw against Tan Zhongyi.
9-+-+-+PmK0
The tournament finished on a sour note for
9+-+-+-+-0 Lagno as in the last round she misplayed a
xiiiiiiiiy promising attack against Vaishali and lost again.
White is easily winning with her passed pawns
and complete domination. The only slight Lagno was another player who was not in
thing that needs care is the advance of the her best form. She kept herself in the top
black h-pawn, but even that is easily dealt with. part of the table thanks to her class, but by
the end of the event, with fatigue setting in,
49.£f3 Possible, but there was a simpler way. she dropped her level and lost two games
and ended up with a negative score.
49.¦b6 freeing the path of the a-pawn
was as simple as it can get. After 49...h4 What they say about football is applicable to
50.¥e5 £f5 51.£d4 White moves away chess, too. If you don’t score, you concede.
from the pin and the a-pawn continues to Lagno suffered that fate in Toronto.
march forward.
49...£g6 50.¦a8 50.¥e5 was another simple A GOOD START

solution. After 50...g4 (50...¥xd6 51.¦xd6
¦xd6 52.£a8+ leads to mate.) 51.£g3
ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH
White keeps everything under control.
Goryachkina (7 out of 14)
50...¦xa8 51.£xa8 h4 52.¥e5?? The
fatal mistake.
White missed two easy chances and here

she had to give up her d6–pawn with
52.¥f2 £xd6+ 53.¢h1 which still results
in an easy win as the white king is safe and
the a-pawn will soon decide the game.
52...£e6! Now White loses the d6–pawn

under much worse circumstances - the
game is a draw.

05/144
The other pre-tournament favourite finished 33.a4 would have drawn the game.
on 50 percent.
33...¦a8? Tournaments are often
This doesn’t tell the whole story of decided in a single moment. This one
Goryachkina’s tournament. In fact, she was such for Goryachkina.
started well, beating Muzychuk in round
two and Salimova in round six, to emerge 33...¤d8! was the winning move. It’s
among the leaders. She was playing in her natural enough, defending the c6–pawn,
usual technical style, squeezing out wins so it’s hard to say why she didn’t play
in endgames and seemed well on course to it. Perhaps she didn’t believe there were
challenge for first place. chances left in the position? 34.¦c8 ¤e6
35.¦xf8+ (35.¦xc6 ¢f7 and the king
The turning point in the tournament for comes to e7 and d6 when Black will start
Goryachkina were the games in rounds to collect White’s weak pawns.) 35...¢xf8
nine and 10. 36.a4 ¢e7 and the king will take care of
the a-pawn while the knight can defend
In round nine she was caught out in the kingside.
the opening by Muzychuk. However,
Goryachkina knew the line well and 34.¦xc6 ¢g7 35.¦xc5 And the game was
navigated it correctly to an equal endgame. drawn in 45 moves.
Then Muzychuk misplayed it and gave her
opponent a unique opportunity. ½–½
Anna Muzychuk –
Aleksandra Goryachkina As if to punish Goryachkina, Fate again
gave her a knight against her opponent’s
Women's Candidates Toronto (9), 14.04.2024 pawns in the next round against Lei Tingjie.
XIIIIIIIIY Goryachkina missed the draw on move 61
and lost the game.
9-+-+-trk+0
9tR-+-+n+-0 Now on only +1, Goryachkina had to
9-+p+-+p+0 play for a win with the black pieces in the
next round against Vaishali. She chose the
9+-zp-+-zP-0 Sicilian, not her usual choice, and wasn’t
9-+-+-zP-+0 up to date with the latest developments in
the Alapin Variation. This landed her in an
9+-+-+-+-0 inferior position, but Vaishali was happy
9P+P+-+-zP0 with a draw and on a couple of occasions
9+-+-+-mK-0 repeated the moves. Goryachkina kept
avoiding the draw but that was to her
xiiiiiiiiy detriment and she ended up lost. Then
Muzychuk took some risks by giving up she took advantage of Vaishali’s mistakes
her bishop for a couple of pawns, but it and when the game was about to end in a
wasn’t a very-well calculated risk because draw, she blundered horribly on move 64
if anybody, it is only Black who can play and lost again.
for a win, in spite of the position being
objectively a draw. She ended the tournament with three
draws (she was lost against Koneru
33.¦c7? A serious mistake. White makes in round 12 and misplayed an almost
a panicky move and rushes to pick up winning position against Salimova in
the c-pawns. round 14) and a 50 percent score.

May 2024
Goryachkina wasn’t in her best form, but The lucky break came in round 10.
in spite of that she was in contention for
most of the tournament. It was a definite Nurgyul Salimova –
disappointment for her, though in view of Vaishali Rameshbabu
the Chinese domination it would have been
very hard even she played better and took Women's Candidates Toronto (10), 15.04.2024
all her chances. XIIIIIIIIY
9-+-+-+-+0
FULL-SPEED REVERSE 9+nmkP+-+-0
THEN FULL-SPEED 9-zp-+-mK-+0
9zpL+-+-+-0
AHEAD 9P+-+Pzp-+0
9+-+-tr-+-0
9-+-+-+-+0
9+-+-+-+R0
xiiiiiiiiy
White is completely winning.
54.e5?? Too hasty.
The final technical touch was required:

54.¦h8 forces the knight on the passive
d8 square in view of the threat ¦c8 and
Vaishali (7.5 out of 14) after 54...¤d8 55.e5 is safe to play, as
Black doesn’t have the move ...¤c5 as
The winner of the Grand Swiss had an in the game. 55...f3 56.¦h2 ¤b7 57.e6
unreal tournament. Vaishali made only and the pawns will promote.
three draws and had a streak of four losses
in a row followed by five wins in a row! 54...¤c5! Black is out of the woods now.
After the draw in the first round, she 55.¦h7 f3 56.¦e7 f2 57.¢f7 ¦h3 58.e6
was outplayed from a simple position by ¤b7?? Making the knight passive again
eventual winner Tan Zhongyi (see below cannot possibly be good.
for the game). In round three she beat
Salimova in her trademark tactical style. 58...¦h7+ 59.¢e8 ¦h8+ is an elementary
draw with perpetual check.
Then the streaks began.
59.d8£+?? White blunders in return.
She started to lose games in horrible fashion.
She was outplayed both positionally and 59.¦e8! is the same motif as on move
tactically, missed all her chances even when 54 - White forces the knight on d8.
she had them, like in the game with Koneru 59...¤d8+ (59...¦h7+ 60.¢g6 doesn’t
where she was completely lost out of the change anything as now the rook on h7
opening, then fought back to a dead draw, hangs and there is a threat of ¦c8.)
but still lost. The worst was the 21-move 60.¦xd8! with e7 next and it’s curtains.
loss with the white pieces to Tan Zhongyi
(see below). 59...¢xd8 Now it’s a draw again.

05/144
60.¦d7+ Perhaps Salimova forgot that The rise from dead last to shared second
she couldn’t take the knight: 60.¦xb7? with five consecutive wins is one of the
¦h7+ drops the rook on b7. greatest comebacks in chess history.
Vaishali could pull it off thanks to her
60...¢c8 61.¦d1 ¦f3+ 62.¢g6 ¦e3 resilience and tactical astuteness, as she
63.¢f6 ¦f3+ 64.¢g5 ¦e3 65.¢f6 was usually better attuned to the tactical
¦f3+ 66.¢e7 Salimova still wants to possibilities hidden in the positions. Her
play on, though after so many blunders youth was also a contributing factor as
it would have been more sensible fatigue didn’t seem to affect her as much.
to end the game as soon as possible
by repeating. Another surprising matter is the
difference in the level of play during her
66...¤c5 67.¢d6?? And here comes the losing and winning streaks, from very
losing blunder. Moves like 67.¦c1 or bad to very good within such a short
67.¦f1 kept the equilibrium. period of time. What exactly clicked
for her, how did the lucky break against
67...¦e3! Salimova change things? These secrets of
XIIIIIIIIY chess psychology are always hidden from
the public eye and the players are never
9-+k+-+-+0 eager to talk about them.
9+-+-+-+-0
A young player can often feel crushed after
9-zp-mKP+-+0 heavy losses. The fact that Vaishali not only
9zpLsn-+-+-0 overcame the losses, but also turned them
9P+-+-+-+0 into wins, speaks a lot about her character
and resilience. She comes out of the Toronto
9+-+-tr-+-0 Candidates as one of the winners, with a
9-+-+-zp-+0 firm belief that the future can only bring
her better results and a way forward.
9+-+R+-+-0
xiiiiiiiiy
With the double threat of ...¦e1 and A STEP BEHIND
...¦xe6. Black is winning now.
68.¥d7+ 68.¥c4 ¦e1.
68...¤xd7 69.exd7+ ¢d8 70.¦f1 ¦e2

71.¢c6 ¦e6+! 72.¢d5 ¦f6 Black
wins the pawn on d7 and keeps the
rook behind the passed pawn, thus
immobilising White’s rook. Black won
in 88 moves.
0–1
Lei Tingjie (7.5 out of 14)

After this win Vaishali couldn’t be
stopped. In the remaining four rounds In spite of finishing with only +1 and a
she beat Goryachkina, Muzychuk, Lei shared second, Lei Tingjie was the only
Tingjie and Lagno. real competitor to the winner Tan Zhongyi
throughout the event.

May 2024
Lei Tingjie started by losing to Tan 15.£d1 £d8 16.¦g1 gxh5 17.gxh5 ¥d6
Zhongyi in round one with the white pieces. 18.¥g5 18.¥xd6 £xd6 19.¦xg7 ¢e7
This gave a big confidence boost to Tan with ...¦ag8 next is good for Black as she
Zhongyi, while Lei needed time to get back will likely capture the h5–pawn.
into the tournament. She made four draws
before she started winning games. 18...¥e7 19.¥f4 ¥d6 20.¥g5 ¥e7 21.f4?!
She won three games in a row, against

XIIIIIIIIY
Koneru, Vaishali and, most importantly, 9r+-wqk+-tr0
against Tan Zhongyi. 9+-+-vlpzp-0
9p+n+psn-+0
Tan Zhongyi – Lei Tingjie
9+p+p+-vLP0
9-+pzP-zP-+0
1.d4 d5 2.¤f3 ¤f6 3.¥f4 Tan was the most 9+-zP-zP-+-0
original player when it came to openings, 9PzP-sNL+-+0
not minding choosing rare or unusual
systems. The London cannot be considered 9tR-+QmK-tR-0
a surprise nowadays, but it seems that xiiiiiiiiy
Tan Zhongyi wanted to achieve a position A characteristic moment. Tan Zhongyi
similar to her game against Vaishali. was a full point ahead of Lei Tingjie and
it made infinitely more sense to take the
3...c5 4.e3 ¤c6 5.¤bd2 ¥g4 One of the draw with the tournament situation into
most sound systems against the London consideration: she keeps the lead and
for Black. She develops in a reversed QGD keeps at bay a dangerous opponent who
fashion. This system has been employed is on a roll. But Tan Zhongyi shows a
by Radjabov, who was Lei Tingjie’s fighting spirit and decides to continue the
second in Toronto. game in a position where she is in fact at
a disadvantage.
6.c3 e6 7.£b3 £c8 8.h3 ¥h5 9.¤h4 ¥e7
10.g4 ¥g6 11.¤xg6 hxg6 12.¥e2 a6 13.h4 21...¦b8 Black prepares for the opening
It’s interesting that in spite of choosing a of the b-file, though the immediate 21...b4
solid opening, Tan Zhongyi plays in a very was also possible.
aggressive manner.
22.a3 a5 23.¥h4?! Tan Zhongyi was
Radjabov’s game went 13.dxc5 ¥xc5 getting low on time already.
14.0–0–0 b5 with unclear play in the game
Grischuk,A (2732)-Radjabov,T (2723) 23.¥f3 ¤h7 24.¥xe7 ¤xe7 25.£e2 kept
Moscow 2023. the disadvantage at minimum.
13...b5 14.h5 The move 14.g5 is an 23...¢f8 23...¤xh5! wins a pawn thanks to
alternative, but perhaps White didn’t want the tactic 24.¥xe7 £xe7 25.¥xh5 £h4+
to allow the blockading 14...¤h5.
24.¥g3?! The bishop is truly bad on g3.
14...c4 A commital decision. Black now
has to advance ...b5–b4 and open the b-file It made more sense to get rid of it by
if she is to obtain any counterplay. 24.¥xf6! ¥xf6 25.¥g4 controlling the
14...cxd4 15.exd4 gxh5 16.gxh5 b4!? led to f5–square in case Black plays ...¤e7–f5.
more open play, with chances for both sides With ¢f2 and ¤f3 next, White should be
in a sharp position. relatively safe.

05/144
24...¥d6 25.¥h4 ¤e7! Now Black doesn’t XIIIIIIIIY

repeat. The knight is headed for f5.
9-+r+-wq-tr0
26.¥xf6 Two moves too late! 9tR-vl-mkp+-0
26...gxf6 27.¥f1 b4 Black is better on both
9-+-+psn-zP0
sides of the board. 9+-+p+pwQ-0
28.axb4 axb4 29.¥h3 f5 30.£f3 ¥c7
9-zppzP-zP-+0
Preparing the activation of the bishop 9+-zP-zP-+-0
with ...¥a5, which would attack the base 9-zP-sNK+L+0
of White’s pawn chain on c3 (after the
exchange ...bxc3, bxc3).
9+-+-+-tR-0
xiiiiiiiiy
31.¢e2 ¤g8 This was part of Black’s plan, to Tan Zhongyi misses her chance. This was
transfer the knight to f6 and then likely to e4, her weakest game in the whole event.
but this transfer gives White some chances.
After 36.¥xf5! exf5 (36...¦xh6 37.¥g4 is
31...¥a5 continuing the transfer of the also unclear.) 37.¦h1! White is back in the
bishop was stronger. After 32.¦ac1 bxc3 game! The position is a mess after 37...£g8
33.bxc3 ¦b2 Black is winning. 38.cxb4 £g6 39.¤f3 where the engine
says it’s 0.00 - total equality.
32.£g3 ¤f6 33.h6 ¢e7 33...¦g8?? would
be awful: 34.£xg8+! ¤xg8 35.h7 and 36...¦xh6 Black eliminated the main
White wins. danger and is now cruising to victory.
34.£g5 £f8? 37.¤f3 ¦h5 38.£g3 ¤e4 39.£e1 bxc3

40.bxc3 £g7 41.¥f1 £h8 White is
XIIIIIIIIY reduced to the last ranks and cannot defend
9-tr-+-wq-tr0 her weaknesses - the c3–pawn, the second
9+-vl-mkp+-0 rank and ultimately, her king.
9-+-+psn-zP0 42.£a1 ¢f6 43.¦g2 ¦h3 44.¤e5 £h5+
9+-+p+pwQ-0 45.¢e1 ¦xe3+ 46.¦e2 £h4+ 47.¢d1
¦xe2 48.¥xe2 £xf4 49.£b2 ¦h8
9-zppzP-zP-+0 50.¥f3 ¦h2 51.£c1 After 51...¦d2 Black
9+-zP-zP-+L0 mates, so Tan Zhongyi resigned.
9-zP-sNK+-+0
0–1
9tR-+-+-tR-0
xiiiiiiiiy
One big take away from the Candidates, This win brought Lei Tingjie on equal points
both open and women, is that the player with Tan Zhongyi and shared first place.
will inevitably slip up even in winning
positions and allow a saving chance. The race for first continued as Tan
Zhongyi won in the next round, but Lei
34...¢d7! 35.¥xf5 ¦g8 36.£h4 ¦xg1 Tingjie kept the pace by winning in round
37.¦xg1 exf5 38.h7 £h8 should win for 10 against Goryachkina.
Black, though some play remains.
Lei Tingjie missed her biggest chance when she
35.¦a7! ¦c8 36.¥g2? misplayed a winning position against Lagno in

May 2024
round 12. After that miss she seemed to drop Lei Tingjie had a very good event, spoilt only
psychologically and she went on to lose the by the two losses at the end, when the fight
last two games to Vaishali and Koneru, both of for first place was practically decided. She will
whom caught her on 7.5 points. have to wait for two more years to try to get
another match for the title, but if she manages
Worth mentioning is her game against to keep improving and have a strong second
Koneru, which was a spoilt masterpiece. like Radjabov, she has every chance to do so.
Lei Tingjie – Koneru Humpy

TWO HALVES
XIIIIIIIIY
9r+-+-+r+0
9zp-mknwqp+-0
9QzppsNp+-+0
9sn-+-zP-zp-0
9-+pzP-+-+0
9zP-zP-+P+-0
9-+-+-vLP+0
9tR-+-mK-+R0 Koneru (7.5 out of 14)
xiiiiiiiiy
The sharp Saemisch Variation of the Koneru had a tournament of two halves. She
Nimzo-Indian led to a murky position. As was horrible in the first, losing two games and
her second later revealed, Lei Tingjie was drawing the rest, while she had a very good
still in her preparation here. second half, winning three games without a loss.
22.¦h7! Allowing her queen to be trapped! While she finished tied for second, Koneru
was never in contention for the top spots.
22...¤b8 23.£xa5!! Amazing concept. Her play in the first half was listless and
White will have only a piece for the queen, in the games she lost she was outplayed
but Black’s lack of coordination give White by Salimova and committed a blunder in a
excellent compensation. drawn endgame against Lei Tingjie.
23...bxa5 24.¦b1 ¤d7 The only move, The turning point for Koneru was the game with
otherwise ¦b7 wins. Vaishali in round eight. It was a strange game:
Koneru was winning after the opening, a clear
25.¦b7+ ¢d8 26.¤xf7+? Lei Tingjie exchange up on move 16. Then, inexplicably, she
couldn’t remember the move 26.¥e3! managed to play so badly to allow Vaishali so
and this was indicated by Radjabov. It’s a much that the position was a draw by move 40.
fascinating position where White presses Then Lady Luck finally smiled on Koneru and
with a only a bishop for queen and a pawn! Vaishali blundered the game away on move 55.
26...¢c8 27.¤d6+ £xd6 28.exd6 ¢xb7 After this win Koneru’s game improved
29.¦xd7+ ¢a6 Now the position is unclear. tremendously. She raised her level and kept
Eventually Koneru won in 62 moves. control in her games. She ground down
Salimova in an exemplary technical fashion
0–1 and could have even followed up with

05/144
THE
another win if she didn’t agree to a draw
in a winning position against Goryachkina.
Aleksandra Goryachkina –
Koneru Humpy STRONGEST
XIIIIIIIIY CANDIDATE
9q+-+r+k+0
9tr-zpRvlpzp-0
9-+-+p+-zp0
9vL-+-zP-+-0
9Q+p+-+-+0
9+-+-zP-zP-0
9-zP-+-zP-zP0
9tR-+-+-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
White is tied on the a-file. Black had a way Tan Zhongyi (9 out of 14)
to exploit the pin, but short of time Koneru
decided to repeat moves and draw. Tan Zhongyi dominated the event. She
was the best fighter and even though she
22...£b8? 22...¥d8! was the winning move, also had her ups and downs, she was
threatening ...¦a6 and then ...c6 or ...c5, to most adept at smoothing them over.
win the pinned bishop. 23.£b5 White tries to
get out of the pin, but after (23.¦ad1 ¦xa5 She started the event by beating her
24.¦xd8 ¦xa4 leaves Black a rook up after compatriot Lei Tingjie with the black
25.¦xa8 ¦exa8) 23...¦a6 24.¦a3 c6 she pieces and followed it up with a smooth
cannot defend both the bishop on a5 and the win over Vaishali.
queen on b5. The best chance is 25.£xa6 but
after 25...£xa6 26.¥xd8 £b5– Black should Tan Zhongyi – Vaishali Rameshbabu
win as she wins another pawn thanks to the
double attack on the pawns on e5 and b2. Women’s Candidates Toronto (2), 05.04.2024
23.¦dd1 £a8 24.¦d7 £b8 25.¦dd1 1.d4 ¤f6 2.¤c3 d5 3.¥f4 The Jobava
isn’t considered very threatening
½–½ anymore, but Tan Zhongyi has her sights
on the middlegame.
After the uneventful draw with Muzychuk 3...c5 4.e3 cxd4 5.exd4 a6 6.¤f3 ¤c6
she beat Lei Tingjie in the last round after 7.h3 This is innocuous. White usually
surviving the opening scare we saw above. tries to play the Jobava in a more
aggressive manner with ¤e5 and an
In spite of the strong finish, it’s doubtful that advance of the kingside pawns with g4
Koneru is happy with her performance. She and h4.
must have considered herself capable of fighting
for first place, whereas she spent the whole 7...¥f5 8.¥d3 The exchange of the
event playing catch-up without any chances. light-squared bishops is usually good

May 2024
for Black in the Carlsbad structure. In balance her own play on the queenside
this case we have a reversed Carlsbad, with the need to keep an eye on the
but the main themes still remain. kingside. As we shall see, Tan Zhongyi’s
game plan worked to perfection.
8...¥xd3 9.£xd3 e6 10.0–0 ¥d6
11.¥xd6 £xd6 12.¦fe1 0–0 13.a3 18.¦ad1 a5 19.¤d3 a4 20.¤fe5 Even
The position is completely equal and objectively White is somewhat better
seemingly dull. It’s hard to imagine already. More importantly, though, her
any side stirring up trouble, though plan is easy and the moves are natural,
generally speaking White should try to unlike Black’s.
play in the centre (the e5–outpost) and
kingside while Black should organise 20...¤a5 Vaishali realises the mistake and
a minority attack on the queenside. reroutes the knight to c4, having wasted
With her last move White prepares the time beforehand.
transfer of the awkward knight on c3 to
the ideal square on d3. 21.f3 ¤d6 22.¤f4 ¤ac4 23.¤ed3
White avoided the exchange of knights
13...£c7 14.¤a2 The knight will come to as she can make better use of her own
d3 via c1 or b4. - the knight on d3 safely guards the
queenside (the pawn on b2) while the
14...¦ac8 15.c3 ¤e4 16.£e2 ¤a5 17.¤b4 knight on f4 can be used in the attack.
The knight almost arrived. The knight on f4 also keeps an eye on
the e6–pawn, thus discouraging play in
17...¤b3?! the centre with ...f6.
XIIIIIIIIY 23...¦fe8 24.£f2 ¦e7 25.¦e2 ¦ce8
9-+r+-trk+0 26.¦de1 White prophylactically doubled
9+pwq-+pzpp0 the rooks on the e-file to stop ...f6 and ...e5.
9p+-+p+-+0 26...b6 This move controls the c5–
9+-+p+-+-0 square, but does nothing to interfere with
9-sN-zPn+-+0 White’s kingside play. The move also
shows the lack of ideas Black suffers
9zPnzP-+N+P0 from in this position.
9-zP-+QzPP+0
After 26...£d8 27.g4 the engine
9tR-+-tR-mK-0 proposes 27...¢h8 28.h4 g6 as a better
xiiiiiiiiy defence. Still, it looks very shaky
A strange move. The knight looks after 29.£g3 (29.h5?! g5! closes the
good, but it’s largely ineffective on kingside.) 29...h6 30.¦h2 when White
b3. This decision shows us the depth can prepare for a pawn push on the
of Tan Zhongyi’s opening choice. By kingside at some point while Black can
choosing a dull position she hoped to only wait.
dull Vaishali’s tactical talent. Lo and
behold, Vaishali makes a bad positional 27.g4 ¤b5?
decision. She also went for a position
with a clear plan for her, a plan which
is not affected by exchanges of pieces.
This meant that she calmly proceeded
to build up her kingside play while she
hoped that Vaishali won’t be able to

05/144
XIIIIIIIIY An easy win on the surface, but the

foundation was set by the very shrewd choice
9-+-+r+k+0 of opening variation and the subsequent
9+-wq-trpzpp0 pawn structure, specially tailored to her
young opponent’s inexperience.
9-zp-+p+-+0
9+n+p+-+-0 This win put Tan Zhongyi in the early lead
9p+nzP-sNP+0 with 2/2.
9zP-zPN+P+P0 Another very important game for Tan
9-zP-+RwQ-+0 Zhongyi’s tournament was the comeback
win against the same opponent in the
9+-+-tR-mK-0 second half of the tournament. Before that
xiiiiiiiiy game Tan Zhongyi lost to Lei Tingjie and
Black wants to use the d6–square for the lost the sole lead, so it was crucial for her
queen to defend the pawn on e6 and then to regain her confidence.
play ...f6 and ...e5, but this is too slow.
Vaishali Rameshbabu – Tan Zhongyi
27...£d7 was a faster and better way to
do it. Black is still fine after this move. Women's Candidates Toronto (9), 14.04.2024
A sample line is 28.£g3 f6 29.h4 e5!
30.¤xd5 ¦e6 and Black will have the 1.e4 c5 2.c3 e6 3.d4 d5 4.exd5 Vaishali
safer king once the game opens, giving her chooses a calmer move than the
good compensation. transposition to an Advance French with
4.e5.
28.£h4 £d6 29.¤h5 f6 30.g5 Now Black
doesn’t have time for ...e5 as White’s play 4...exd5 5.¤f3 a6 The usual move is
on the kingside is faster. 5...¤c6. With the game move Black stops
the check on b5 and prepares to play ...c4
30...f5? A positional capitulation. after White’s next move. This plan with
...c4 in these structures was successfully
30...fxg5 was the only move to somehow used by Abasov in his game against
stay in the game. 31.£xg5 ¦f7 32.f4 Nepomniachtchi.
looks grim for Black, but at least she’s
not immediately lost. 6.¥d3 c4 7.¥c2 ¥d6 8.0–0 ¤e7 The
development of the knight on e7 avoids
31.¦g2 Introducing ¤f6 ideas. problems with the pin ¥g5. Abasov
experienced problems with that pin in his
31...¢h8 32.¤df4 The attack just crashes game with Nakamura.
through. White’s ideas are ¤f6 or ¤g6.
9.b3 cxb3 10.axb3 0–0 Based on the
32...e5 A desperate attempt. examples from this game and the afore-
mentioned Nepomniachtchi-Abasov, the
33.¤f6! gxf6 34.¤g6+ White takes on pawn structure in the centre proved out to
e7 next, opens the g-file and wins with a be quite reliable for Black.
direct attack.
11.¤g5 g6 The alternative 11...h6 was
1–0 also possible.
12.£f3 In line with her style, Vaishali plays

for an attack, but Black’s position is too solid.

May 2024
Play in the centre with 12.c4 was more in line Finally fixing the weakness on g4.
with the requirements of the position. After
12...¤bc6 13.¤c3 ¥b4 14.¥b2 ¥f5÷ the 16.c4? Vaishali rushes to provoke a crisis,
position is balanced with chances for both sides. but White’s underdeveloped positionis not
ready for it.
12...£c7 13.h4?!
XIIIIIIIIY 16.¥xd6 £xd6 17.¤h3 with the idea
of ¤f4. 17...¥g4 18.£f4 £d7 is still
9rsnl+-trk+0 more pleasant for Black, but White has
9+pwq-snp+p0 an acceptable position.
9p+-vl-+p+0 16...f6! 17.¥xd6 £xd6 18.c5?
9+-+p+-sN-0 XIIIIIIIIY
9-+-zP-+-zP0 9r+l+-tr-+0
9+PzP-+Q+-0 9+p+-sn-mk-0
9-+L+-zPP+0 9p+nwq-zpp+0
9tRNvL-+RmK-0 9+-zPp+-sNp0
xiiiiiiiiy 9-+-zP-+-zP0
This weakens the g4–square.
9+P+-+Q+-0
13.¤a3 was much better, threatening ¤b5 9-+L+-zPP+0
and not weakening the position. 13...¥d7
14.¢h1 £d8 with ...¤bc6 next, with a 9tRN+-tR-mK-0
complex middlegame ahead. xiiiiiiiiy
The decisive mistake.
13...¤bc6 Black develops, though the
immediate 13...h5 was quite good and 18.¤h3 was the only move not to lose
likely better. Now Black threatens ...¤xd4, on the spot. After 18...¥xh3 19.£xh3
so White doesn’t have time for h5. ¤xd4 20.£c3 ¤ec6 Black is a clear
pawn up, but White can perhaps hope
14.¥a3 ¢g7 15.¦e1 15.h5 is met by 15... for some counterplay at the expense of
h6 16.¤h3 b5 threatening ...b4. 17.¥xd6 the somewhat weakened black king.
£xd6 18.¤f4 b4 gives White initiative on
the queenside. 18...£c7 Now everything falls apart for
White - the knight on g5 is hanging and
15...h5! so is the pawn on d4.
XIIIIIIIIY
9r+l+-tr-+0 19.¤h3 ¤xd4 20.£e3 20.£c3 ¤xc2
21.£xc2 ¥xh3 22.gxh3 ¤f5 is "only"
9+pwq-snpmk-0 positionally winning for Black - she is
9p+nvl-+p+0 a pawn up and has the better position.
9+-+p+-sNp0 20...¤xc2 21.£xe7+ ¦f7 White loses
9-+-zP-+-zP0 more material because of the fork.
9vLPzP-+Q+-0
0–1
9-+L+-zPP+0
9tRN+-tR-mK-0
xiiiiiiiiy
05/144
Vaishali self-destructed in this game, but to the fighting spirit, the clever opening
win a tournament one must have some luck. preparation with both colours and the
pure chess qualities of her high class
Tan Zhongyi had her share of saved lost were the factors that determined Tan
positions, against Lagno (see above) Zhongyi’s victory.
and against Salimova in round 11, but it
was always her fighting spirit that saw A former World Champion from 2017,
her through the difficulties. now she will get a rematch with Ju
Wenjun – she lost to her in 2018 with the
Tan Zhongyi was the strongest player score 5.5-4.5 and will certainly try to do
in Toronto. Her courageous decision better this time.
to continue the game against Lei
Tingjie when a draw would have been The results in Toronto showed that the
the practical decision backfired, but Chinese domination in women’s chess
she was rewarded for her courage in continues and for the time being, there is
the following games. This courage, no indication that things will change.
STANDINGS OF THE 2024 CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT

Rk Player Score SB Wins
1 Tan Zhongyi (CHN 9/14 60.5 5
2 Koneru Humpy (IND) 7.5/14 52.25 3
3 Lei Tingjie (CHN) 7.5/14 52 4
4 R Vaishali (IND) 7.5/14 47.5 6
5 Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE) 7/14 47 2
6 Kateryna Lagno (FIDE) 6.5/14 45 1
7 Nurgyul Salimova (BUL) 5.5/14 39.5 1
8 Anna Muzychuk (UKR) 5.5/14 38.75 0
Rk Player TZ KH LT RV AG KL NS AM
1 Tan Zhongyi (CHN ½ ½ 0 1 1 1 ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ 1 ½
2 Koneru Humpy (IND) ½ ½ 0 1 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 1 0 ½ ½
3 Lei Tingjie (CHN) 0 1 0 1 1 0 ½ 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½
4 R Vaishali (IND) 0 0 ½ 0 1 0 1 ½ 0 1 1 1 ½ 1
5 Aleksandra Goryachkina (FIDE) ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ 1 1 ½
6 Kateryna Lagno (FIDE) ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 1 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½ ½
7 Nurgyul Salimova (BUL) ½ ½ 1 0 ½ ½ 0 0 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ ½
8 Anna Muzychuk (UKR) ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ 0 ½ ½ ½ ½

May 2024
EMIL SUTOVSKY, FIDE CEO,

IN HIS WORDS – ON THE CANDIDATES
A TOURNAMENT
OF FIRSTS
SERIOUSLY, THE CANDIDATES TOURNAMENT
HAS ALWAYS STOOD APART. FOR MANY,
THIS IS THE MOST INTERESTING EVENT
OF THE CHESS BIENNIAL.
And even in this glorious series of iconic

tournaments, the competition in Toronto
turned out to be special. The game is truly a favourite one - and
Gukesh devotes all his time to it. He left
For the first time, such a young chess player school a long time ago, but the guy is by no
became the winner - Gukesh is not even 18 means limited, he speaks three languages
years old! - his native Tamil, Telugu and English.
Understands but does not speak Hindi very
For the first time, four players simultaneously well, and knows basic Spanish.
claimed victory in the last round.
He doesn’t play online, isn’t active on social
For the first time... yes, there were many firsts. networks, doesn’t use instant messengers.
The tournament was a great success - and In general, a modern version of Fischer, but
we also tried to live up to it. We built a with a much more stable psychology.
large fan zone, where grandmasters and
streamers commented on the games, and The women’s tournament was also
where participants and fans came together. exciting, and although Tan’s final victory
looked very confident, there was tension in
We organized side events [exhibitions, the tournament right up to the last round.
excursions, the FIDE Torch ceremony...]. In general, the decision to combine both
candidates seems right.
We built a system of slots in the auditorium
to allow everyone in, but not to interfere Returning to the organization of the
with the players. By the way, all entrance competition, I would like to note the great
tickets were purchased long before the end work done by Pavel Tregubov and his team.
of the tournament - and this in non-chess
Canada! And, of course, a necessary factor was the
financial support of our sponsors and patrons:
But all this is a prelude - as the main things the Scheinberg family and One Hotel Toronto.
happened on the board. And how many
emotions there were! Thanks to everyone who followed.
Gukesh certainly deserved to win. After the See you soon!

tournament, I had a chance to talk to him and
he made a very pleasant impression. Calm, This is the English translation of the
respectful, knows the history of chess well and article published by Emil Sutvosky on his
generally enjoys talking and asking questions Facebook page. We are publishing it here
on all topics related to his favourite game. with his permission.

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Volume 144

BCM EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Contents can enmesh international chess. As FIDE’s

258 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 259

260 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 261

BCM: How do you see the future of chess? How will

Gukesh: It’s very hard to say, actually.

BCM: And do you think that chess has adequate

Gukesh: I feel that this is the case. I am not

262 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 263

264 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

By GM Aleksandar Colovic, www.alexcolovic.com; Photo: FIDE Official

Like with the preview of this event, we

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 265

23...¤f5? Allowing White’s next move,

23...f6! was the correct move. Black simply

266 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 267

268 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

After 15...£e6 Black is fine, for example,

16...f6? The second, and fatal mistake.

Black could still stay in the game after

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 269

270 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

272 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

14...¤d7 14...¤xe5? 15.¥xb5+ wins the VERSATILE STYLE

The main disadvantage for Vidit was

A curious question about Svidler’s presence

The evolution of his style, to incorporate

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 273

was not quite in tune with his more XIIIIIIIIY

274 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 275

Vidit Santosh Gujrathi - 11...£d7 12.e6 12.exd6+ ¢f7 13.¤e3

276 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 277

278 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

THE STAR-CROSSED was in fact quite innocuous and it led to

A few rounds later Caruana said that

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 279

A GAME FOR happens when one plays an opening or a

280 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 281

not lost after 22...e5 23.dxc6 this is

21.d5! Caruana plays very forcefully. This

21...h4 21...e5 22.gxh5 is practically a

21...b8 was the most resilient, but still

a) 23.c2 keeps an advantage, but is not

b) 23.d7?! this is flashy and very

23...h4 (23...xe4? 24.xe4 d6

282 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

xd6 24.xh5 e3+ 25.b1 xf3 was

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 283

37...g8 38.h1 With no pin on the 44...b3?

284 | BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE

64.e8+ a6 65.e2+ was missed A game for the ages.

BRITISH CHESS MAGAZINE | 285

21...b8 was the most resilient, but still

b) 23.d7?! this is flashy and very

23...h4 (23...xe4? 24.xe4 d6

xd6 24.xh5 e3+ 25.b1 xf3 was

37...g8 38.h1 With no pin on the 44...b3?

64.e8+ a6 65.e2+ was missed A game for the ages.

31...f6 32.d2 g5 Black is consistent 42...xg1 43.xg1 h8 43...g6+