The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship continues with intense battles in Rounds 4, 5, and 6, each ending in a draw. While the scoreboard might suggest a lack of decisive results, the games have been anything but uneventful. Let’s dive into the details of each game and the critical moments that defined them.
See all the games here:Â https://lichess.org/study/cpFtNhCu/mIBjsIWn
FIDE/Eng Chin An
Game 4: The Zukertort Opening (Reti)
Ding, a seasoned Reti player, chose a line previously played by Richard Rapport—a stylistic nod I vividly recall from Hikaru’s streams.
Richard Rapport, attended the press conference, Seconds of Ding Liren |Â FIDE/Eng Chin An
The opening gave us an intriguing battle on the queenside, with critical moments at moves 5, 11, 16, and 17, as I predicted on X.
- Move 5: Ba3 – White’s dark-squared bishop aimed to disrupt Black’s development and exert pressure.
- Move 11: b4 – A minority attack reminiscent of Game 1, targeting the base of Black’s pawn chain with ideas like a4, a5, a6. This gave White comfortable queenside play, especially after Nd4, while Black’s kingside lacked the coordination to mount a serious counterattack.
- Move 16: Nf3 – Ding simplified the position and equalized but missed a chance to complicate with Ba6, axb6, which could have pressed Black into a difficult position. A player like Carlsen, Kasparov, or Anand would likely have seized the initiative here.
At move 17, Gukesh grabbed the initiative, leading to further simplifications and ultimately a safe draw.
Game 5: The French Exchange Variation
The choice of the French Exchange variation was puzzling. If White aims to win, why opt for an opening that inherently reduces dynamics? The early queen trade limited creative play. While Black faced challenges due to lagging development, Ding’s solid play ensured that White couldn’t capitalize.
Ngf3 waiting move, Nf1 was better
After g4, g5 was forced creating 2 isolated pawns on h2, f2
- Move 23: dxe5? – Gukesh played this move too quickly, giving Ding a chance to gain a superior position. However, Ding misjudged the position, seeing it as equal, and missed this opportunity.
Mistake! Rxe5 was correct.
This game mirrored the psychological tendencies I discussed earlier:
- Ding underestimated his position, missing key opportunities.
- Gukesh overestimated his position, taking bold risks that could have backfired.
Ultimately, the game fizzled into a draw after Ding’s Bc6, but it was a clear reminder of the fine margins in this championship.
Ding Missed Be6, Rc8, Rc5
Game 6: A Fun and Entertaining Draw
Game 6 was the most entertaining of the three draws. Played in the London System, both players demonstrated excellent preparation: Ding until move 20 and Gukesh until move 17.
- Missed Draw Sequence: There was a moment where Gukesh could have forced a draw with Qg2, but he either missed it or chose not to play it.
- Ding’s Qxc6: Ding spent a staggering 43 minutes on this move, seemingly intent on avoiding complications and steering toward a draw. While solid, this cautious approach has been a recurring theme.
Take note of Black’s pawn structure - Gukesh’s Qh4: Gukesh’s decision to play Qh4 was bold and risky—perhaps even reckless. While it didn’t lead to a decisive result, it showcased his fighting spirit.
The game unfolded into a pawn race with an unclear evaluation—fun to analyze without engines and highly engaging for fans.
Ultimately, the game ended in a peaceful draw, but it left us wondering: What opening will Gukesh choose next? d4, e4, c4, Nf3, or b3? Share your guesses in the comments!
Key Takeaways
- Ding’s Initiative and Missed Chances
Ding had superior positions in almost every game but failed to convert them. Whether due to energy depletion, misevaluation, or a cautious mindset, he let several opportunities slip. - Gukesh’s Bad Pawn Structures
Gukesh’s recurring issues with poor pawn structures were evident across games. Moves like g4 in Game 5 created activity but ultimately created weaknesses, while other games showed structural issues that Ding could have exploited. - Gukesh’s Need to Improve Prophylactic Play, and Choose Better Openings
Gukesh needs to enhance his prophylactic play to better prevent Ding’s counterplay. Additionally, refining his choice of openings and avoiding unnecessary early queen trades would help him maintain dynamics and create more opportunities for decisive play. - Ding Needs Aggression; Gukesh Needs Precision
- Ding must channel his solid play into a more aggressive approach. His reluctance to take risks, even in advantageous positions, is a recurring issue.
- Gukesh’s bravery and fighting spirit are commendable, but he must refine his decision-making and focus on creating solid structures to ensure he can capitalize on his chances.
Looking Ahead
After six rounds, the championship remains balanced, but the tension is palpable. Ding needs to seize his opportunities, while Gukesh must focus on creating and maintaining strong positions.
Game 7 promises fireworks—will Ding finally press his advantages, or will Gukesh’s bravery and risk-taking pay off? Stay tuned for the next battle, and let us know your thoughts on the upcoming games!
By Sai Prahlad K
Arena Grandmaster
Chess Coach, Seed Succeed Academy, Chennai
