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