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1. e2e4
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After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move.
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1... e7e6
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Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move.
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2. d2d4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match.
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2... d7d5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4
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3. e4d5
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A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5
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3... e6d5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening.
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4. g1f3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5
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4... g8f6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3
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5. f1d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6
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5... c7c5
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Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3
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6. c2c3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position.
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6... c5c4
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Black decides to close the center.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3
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7. d3c2
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center.
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7... f8d6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2
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8. d1e2
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Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6
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8... d8e7
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid.
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9. e2e7
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7
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9... e8e7
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The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7
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10. e1g1
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8.
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10... h8e8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1
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11. f1e1
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8
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11... e7f8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1
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12. e1e8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8
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12... f8e8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8
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13. c1g5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8
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13... b8d7
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5
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14. b1d2
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7
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14... h7h6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2
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15. g5h4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6
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15... f6h5
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A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4
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16. a1e1
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4.
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16... e8f8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1
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17. g2g4
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A new move.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8
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17... h5f4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move.
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18. h4g3
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Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4
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18... d7b6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position.
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19. g4g5
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The only way to keep the game equal.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6
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19... h6g5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal.
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20. f3g5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5
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20... c8d7
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5
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21. g5f3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7
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21... a8e8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3
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22. f3e5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8
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22... d6e5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5
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23. d4e5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5
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23... f4d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5
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24. c2d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3
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24... c4d3
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The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3
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25. f2f3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4.
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25... b6c4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3
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26. d2c4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4
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26... d5c4
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The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4
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27. e1e4
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From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White.
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27... d7c6
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The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily.
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28. e4d4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal.
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28... c6f3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4
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29. g1f2
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3
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29... f3c6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2
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30. d4c4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6
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30... e8d8
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4
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31. c4d4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8
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31... d8d4
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4
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32. c3d4
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The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops.
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4
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32... c6d5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops.
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33. b2b3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5
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33... f8e7
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3
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34. f2e3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7
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34... e7e6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3
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35. e3d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6
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35... g7g6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3
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36. d3c3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6
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36... a7a6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3
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37. c3d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6
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37... e6f5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3
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38. d3e3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5
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38... f5e6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5 38. d3e3
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39. e3d3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5 38. d3e3 38... f5e6
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39... e6f5
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5 38. d3e3 38... f5e6 39. e3d3
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40. d3e3
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5 38. d3e3 38... f5e6 39. e3d3 39... e6f5
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40... f5e6
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1. e2e4 After choosing 1.d4 in the third game, which resulted in a win despite failing to gain an opening advantage, Gukesh returns to his favorite move. 1... e7e6 Ding chooses the French Defense again, showing that it's not a one-game choice, but probably his main weapon against 1.e4 in the match. 2. d2d4 2... d7d5 3. e4d5 A surprising decision, since the Exchange Variation is not the most exciting option and White has several ways to achieve sharp play in the French. I expected Gukesh to create as much tension as possible in the opening. 3... e6d5 4. g1f3 4... g8f6 5. f1d3 5... c7c5 Just Black's fourth most popular choice in this position. 6. c2c3 6... c5c4 Black decides to close the center. 7. d3c2 7... f8d6 8. d1e2 Gukesh played this quickly, but his choices in the opening remain a mystery to me. The endgame is insipid. 8... d8e7 9. e2e7 9... e8e7 The king is not in danger with no queens on the board, and Black is planning Re8 followed by Kf8. 10. e1g1 10... h8e8 11. f1e1 11... e7f8 12. e1e8 12... f8e8 13. c1g5 13... b8d7 14. b1d2 14... h7h6 15. g5h4 15... f6h5 A good move, preparing either to exchange White's bishop after g7-g5 or to activate the knight with Nh5-f4. 16. a1e1 16... e8f8 17. g2g4 A new move. 17... h5f4 18. h4g3 Something went wrong with Gukesh's preparation. Black has several moves to choose from that give him a comfortable position. 18... d7b6 19. g4g5 The only way to keep the game equal. 19... h6g5 20. f3g5 20... c8d7 21. g5f3 21... a8e8 22. f3e5 22... d6e5 23. d4e5 23... f4d3 24. c2d3 24... c4d3 The d3-pawn can be protected easily, if necessary, by a bishop on f5. Meanwhile Black can play Nc4 or Na4. 25. f2f3 25... b6c4 26. d2c4 26... d5c4 The d3-pawn is a strong \"PPP\" (passed protected pawn). The position is very unpleasant for White. 27. e1e4 From now on, Ding releases the tension too easily. 27... d7c6 The bishop is not well-placed on this diagonal. 28. e4d4 28... c6f3 29. g1f2 29... f3c6 30. d4c4 30... e8d8 31. c4d4 31... d8d4 32. c3d4 The draw becomes clear in an endgame with opposite-colored bishops. 32... c6d5 33. b2b3 33... f8e7 34. f2e3 34... e7e6 35. e3d3 35... g7g6 36. d3c3 36... a7a6 37. c3d3 37... e6f5 38. d3e3 38... f5e6 39. e3d3 39... e6f5 40. d3e3
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1. d2d4
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After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move.
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1... g8f6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move.
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2. c1f4
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The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database.
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6
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2... d7d5
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database.
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3. e2e3
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5
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3... e7e6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3
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4. g1f3
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6
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4... c7c5
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3
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5. c2c3
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5
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5... f8d6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3
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6. f1b5
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The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game.
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6
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6... b8c6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game.
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7. b5c6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6
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7... b7c6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6
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8. f4d6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6
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8... d8d6
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6 8. f4d6
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9. d1a4
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White tries to exploit the pawn structure to put pressure on the dark squares. With precise play, however, Black can maintain equality.
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6 8. f4d6 8... d8d6
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9... e8g8
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When in doubt, castle. Let's see what happens if Black releases the tension with c4 or cxd4:
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6 8. f4d6 8... d8d6 9. d1a4 White tries to exploit the pawn structure to put pressure on the dark squares. With precise play, however, Black can maintain equality.
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10. a4a3
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6 8. f4d6 8... d8d6 9. d1a4 White tries to exploit the pawn structure to put pressure on the dark squares. With precise play, however, Black can maintain equality. 9... e8g8 When in doubt, castle. Let's see what happens if Black releases the tension with c4 or cxd4:
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10... f6e4
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1. d2d4 After playing 1.e4 and 1.Nf3 in his first two white games, Ding finally chooses his favorite opening move. 1... g8f6 2. c1f4 The London System is a frequent guest even for the elite nowadays. I've found just two games by Ding with this move order in my database. 2... d7d5 3. e2e3 3... e7e6 4. g1f3 4... c7c5 5. c2c3 5... f8d6 6. f1b5 The fourth most popular move. Ding played 6.Bd3 in a 2022 game. 6... b8c6 7. b5c6 7... b7c6 8. f4d6 8... d8d6 9. d1a4 White tries to exploit the pawn structure to put pressure on the dark squares. With precise play, however, Black can maintain equality. 9... e8g8 When in doubt, castle. Let's see what happens if Black releases the tension with c4 or cxd4: 10. a4a3
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