[Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] 1. e4 {[%emt 0:00:07]} e5 {[%emt 0:00:49]} 2. Nf3 {[%emt 0:00:07]} Nc6 {[%emt 0:00:20]} 3. Bb5 {[%emt 0:00:06]} a6 {[%emt 0:00:34]} 4. Ba4 {[%emt 0:00:06]} Nf6 {[%emt 0:00:25]} 5. O-O {[%emt 0:00:27]} Be7 {[%emt 0:00:13]} 6. Bxc6 {[%emt 0:00:25]} dxc6 {[%emt 0:00:20]} 7. Re1 {[%emt 0:00:04]} Nd7 {[%emt 0:09:17]} 8. d4 {[%emt 0:00:35]} exd4 {[%emt 0:01:28]} 9. Qxd4 {[%emt 0:00:07]} O-O {[%emt 0:00:42]} 10. Bf4 {[%emt 0:00:08]} Nc5 {[%emt 0:04:00]} 11. Qe3 {[%emt 0:00:36]} Bg4 {[%emt 0:07:55]} 12. Nd4 {[%emt 0:03:40]} (12. Ne5 $5 {[%CAl Re5g4]} Bh5 13. g4 $11) 12... Qd7 {[%emt 0:08:46]} 13. Nc3 {[%emt 0:24:03]} Rad8 {[%emt 0:02:07] [#]} 14. Nf5 $1 {[%emt 0:03:07]} Ne6 {[%emt 0:05:33]} 15. Nxe7+ {[%emt 0:05:18]} Qxe7 {[%emt 0:00:24]} 16. Bg3 {[%emt 0:00:42]} Bh5 {[%emt 0:01:12]} 17. f3 {[%emt 0:04:04]} f6 {[%emt 0:01:02]} 18. h3 {[%emt 0:03:34]} h6 {[%emt 0:00:56]} 19. Kh2 {[%emt 0:02:17]} Bf7 {[%emt 0:14:45]} 20. Rad1 {[%emt 0:05:17]} b6 {[%emt 0:07:02]} 21. a3 {[%emt 0:07:53]} a5 {[%emt 0:04:06]} 22. Ne2 {[%emt 0:05:04]} Rxd1 {[%emt 0:10:08]} 23. Rxd1 {[%emt 0:00:11]} Rd8 {[%emt 0:00:04]} 24. Rd3 {[%emt 0:00:30]} c5 {[%emt 0:08:25]} 25. Qd2 {[%emt 0:02:14]} c6 {[%emt 0:10:44]} (25... Rxd3 $14 {should be considered.} 26. Qxd3 c6) 26. Rxd8+ {[%emt 0:02:44]} Nxd8 {[%emt 0:00:08]} 27. Qf4 {[%emt 0:00:18]} b5 {[%emt 0:05:02]} 28. Qb8 {[%emt 0:03:24]} Kh7 {[%emt 0:00:38]} 29. Bd6 {[%emt 0:14:25]} Qd7 {[%emt 0:00:28]} 30. Ng3 {[%emt 0:06:57]} ({White should try} 30. Bxc5 $16 Ne6 31. Bd6) 30... Ne6 {[%emt 0:01:27]} 31. f4 {[%emt 0:01:49]} (31. a4 $14 {is superior.}) 31... h5 {[%emt 0:03:38]} 32. c3 {[%emt 0:02:21]} c4 {[%emt 0:00:59]} 33. h4 {[%emt 0:02:41]} Qd8 {[%emt 0:00:10]} 34. Qb7 {[%emt 0:04:32]} (34. Qxd8 $14 Nxd8 35. Bc5) 34... Be8 {[%emt 0:00:42]} (34... Qxd6 $2 35. Qxf7 Qxf4 36. Qxe6 $18) 35. Nf5 {[%emt 0:00:22]} Qd7 {[%emt 0:00:49]} 36. Qb8 {[%emt 0:01:04]} Qd8 {[%emt 0:01:28]} 37. Qxd8 {[%emt 0:03:38]} Nxd8 {[%emt 0:00:02]} 38. Nd4 {[%emt 0:00:46]} Nb7 {[%emt 0:00:33]} 39. e5 {[%emt 0:00:19]} Kg8 {[%emt 0:01:46]} 40. Kg3 {[%emt 0:00:00]} Bd7 {[%emt 0:00:00]} 41. Bc7 {[%emt 0:09:56]} Nc5 {[%emt 0:04:54]} 42. Bxa5 {[%emt 0:00:41]} Kf7 {[%emt 0:02:18]} 43. Bb4 {[%emt 0:05:14]} Nd3 {[%emt 0:13:34]} 44. e6+ {[%emt 0:00:15]} Bxe6 {[%emt 0:00:06]} 45. Nxc6 {[%emt 0:00:04]} Bd7 {[%emt 0:01:15]} 46. Nd4 {[%emt 0:00:16]} Nxb2 {[%emt 0:00:14]} 47. Kf3 {[%emt 0:02:10]} Nd3 {[%emt 0:07:43]} 48. g3 {[%emt 0:01:54]} Nc1 {[%emt 0:03:26]} 49. Ke3 $11 {[%emt 0:01:05]} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 {The DERLD - Delayed Exchange of the Ruy Lopez Differed) the acronym coined by Tony Swift & Len Pickett in a pamphlet in the early 1970s.} dxc6 7. Re1 Nd7 {After a 10 minute thought.} (7... Bg4 {Jan Gustafsson recommended this in his course "with an implied piece sacrifice." eg.} 8. h3 Bh5 9. g4 Nxg4 10. hxg4 Bxg4 11. d4 Qd6 12. c3 Qf6 13. Kg2 O-O-O 14. Qd3 h5 15. Rg1 c5 16. Bg5 Bxf3+ 17. Kh2 Qe6 18. Qxf3 cxd4 19. cxd4 exd4 20. Nd2 f6 21. Bf4 g5 22. e5 gxf4 23. exf6 Qxf6 24. Qh3+ Kb8 25. Nf3 d3 26. Rae1 Bc5 27. Rg2 Qxb2 28. Qf5 Bb6 29. Ne5 f3 30. Nxf3 Rhf8 31. Qe4 Qxa2 {0-1 (31) Paravyan,D (2629)-Sargsyan,S (2618) Jermuk 2021}) 8. d4 ({Relevant:} 8. c3 O-O 9. d4 Bd6 10. Nbd2 b5 11. h3 Re8 12. a4 Bb7 13. Qc2 c5 14. d5 c4 15. b3 cxb3 16. Nxb3 Rb8 17. c4 bxc4 18. Qxc4 c6 19. dxc6 Rc8 20. Ng5 Rf8 21. Ne6 Qe7 22. Bg5 Nf6 23. Nxf8 Rxc6 24. Qd3 Qxf8 25. Na5 Rc7 26. Nxb7 Rxb7 27. Rab1 Bb4 28. Bxf6 gxf6 29. Qxa6 Rb8 30. Red1 Kg7 31. Rd3 Bc5 32. Rg3+ {1-0 (32) Khanin,S (2517)-Zubov,A (2598) Chess.com INT 2021}) 8... exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O 10. Bf4 Nc5 11. Qe3 {[#]} (11. Qxd8 {is more common but not very testing.}) 11... Bg4 $146 {Played after another 10 minute thought. Anand thought this move slightly suspicious as the bishop is uncomfortably placed.} ({Predecessor:} 11... Ne6 {This looks the most straightforward equaliser.} 12. Bg3 Bc5 13. Qc3 Qe7 14. Nbd2 Re8 15. Rad1 {?-? (15) Groszpeter,A (2446) -Pinter,J (2540) Hungary 2016}) 12. Nd4 Qd7 13. Nc3 {Played after around 25 minutes of thinking.} (13. h3 Rad8 14. Nb3 Nxb3 15. Qxb3) 13... Rad8 14. Nf5 (14. h3 {was an interesting intermezzo.} Rfe8 {is the best move stopping the Nd5 tactic against Qxd4. That's quite a lot to find.} (14... Bh5 15. Nf5 {is a definite improvement over the game.}) (14... Qxd4 15. Nd5 $1 {refutes}) 15. hxg4 Qxd4) 14... Ne6 (14... Bxf5 {Is the complete equaliser but black has to spot a rather strange tactical sequence.} 15. exf5 Rfe8 16. b4 (16. g4 $11) 16... Na4 17. Nxa4 Bxb4 {and black is winning.}) 15. Nxe7+ Qxe7 16. Bg3 Bh5 {Now white definitely has a small edge.} (16... f5) 17. f3 f6 18. h3 {"The position cannot fundimentally change anymore." according to Anand due to the opposite coloured bishops. White can take as long as he wants to try and press.} h6 19. Kh2 Bf7 {After about 15 minutes of thought.} 20. Rad1 {An immediate reply.} b6 21. a3 a5 22. Ne2 Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8 24. Rd3 {White is keeping a small edge, black should hold but under the pressure of the first game he has some chances. Playing for just two results is ideal here.} c5 (24... Rxd3 25. Qxd3 (25. cxd3 {This change in pawn structure favours black and he's almost equal.})) 25. Qd2 c6 $2 (25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 {was a slightly better option.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 27. Qf4 {After 11 minutes thought.} b5 (27... Qb7 28. Qc7 $1 {Giri}) 28. Qb8 {Played quickly. Black is going to have to part with his a-pawn. He gets some improvement in the activity of his position in return.} Kh7 {Ding also has problems over the board with 13 minutes to make 12 moves.} 29. Bd6 (29. Bc7 Ne6 30. Bxa5 {was the alternative.}) 29... Qd7 30. Ng3 (30. Qc7) 30... Ne6 (30... c4) 31. f4 $6 {Roughly 19 minutes left for Nepomniachtchi and 8 for Ding.} h5 {This is also a very decent alternative.} (31... Nd4 {The computer prefers this and things it about equal.}) 32. c3 c4 {Played quickly. Perhaps not the best but black must feel his position has improved over the last few moves.} (32... h4 {is very much preferred by the computer.}) 33. h4 {Best according to the computer but also weakens the kingside allowing black to force the trade of queens.} Qd8 34. Qb7 {Avoiding the immediate exchange but only postponing it.} Be8 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 {Quite close to equality and Ding had alternatives.} (36... a4) (36... Nd8) 37. Qxd8 Nxd8 $11 {"It's fair to say that if there was an advantage it's well squandered by now" - Anand.} 38. Nd4 Nb7 39. e5 Kg8 40. Kg3 Bd7 {Equal.} 41. Bc7 Nc5 42. Bxa5 Kf7 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 46. Nd4 Nxb2 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 Nc1 49. Ke3 {On Nepomniachtchi's proposal. There's nothing left in this position for either player.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,97,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,3,20,23,23,-6,24,13,6,12,22,21,42,-6,6,8,23,9,14,-15,21,8,27,21,16,28,31,19,35,-8,26,17,19,28,28,17,28,26,22,22,35,35,91,66,97,97,95,97,97,104,108,49,51,45,43,38,60,50,46,53,53,43,38,33,43,42,35,34,21,30,28,11,27,16,40,42,20,28,29,34,16,11,21,21,19,26,20,16,37,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {La partie Espagnole, également appelée Ruy Lopez en hommage à Ruy López de Segura, moine espagnol du XVIe siècle, qui a insisté sur son intérêt dans son ouvrage Libro del Ajedrez (1561).} a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 $5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi opte pour la variante d'échange différée de l'Espagnole, qui porte le nom de variante Steenwijker. À première vue, l'idée de déplacer d'abord le Fou en a4 puis de prendre en c6 ne paraît pas très judicieuse, mais les Blancs jouent sur le faire que les Noirs ayant déjà joué le Fou en e7, auront un peu plus de mal à défendre le pion e5 ; le fameux « strongpoint ».} ({Plus fréquent est} 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O {Et ici, soit les Blancs permettent à leur adversaire de jouer le Gambit Marshall avec} 8. c3 d5 $5 {Soit ils jouent un anti-Marshall avec 8.a4 ou 8.d3.}) 6... dxc6 7. Re1 ({Dans un blitz, Alexander Grichuk avait joué à DIng Liren} 7. d3 Nd7 8. Nc3 O-O 9. Be3 Re8 10. Nd2 Nf8 11. a4 Ng6 12. a5 Be6 13. Kh1 Qd7 14. f3 h6 15. Qe1 c5 16. Qf2 b6 17. b3 Qc6 18. g3 b5 19. f4 f5 20. Qg2 exf4 21. gxf4 Nh4 22. Qg3 Bf6 23. Rae1 Bxc3 24. Qxh4 fxe4 25. Nxe4 Bf5 26. Qg3 Bxe1 {0-1 (26) Grischuk,A (2745)-Ding Liren (2811) SpeedChess 2022 INT blitz.}) 7... Nd7 8. d4 exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O {Comme dans la variante d'échange, et même comme dans la variante berlinoise, les Blancs possèdent une majorité de pions sur l'aile-Roi, face à une majorité de pions noirs dégradée sur l'aile-Dame. En échange, Ding Liren possède la paire de Fous.} 10. Bf4 Nc5 11. Qe3 $5 {Sur la quinzaine de parties restantes, la plupart avaient continué avec l'échange des Dames, mais évidemment Ian Nepomniachtchi ne cherche pas à faire nulle.} (11. Qxd8 {½–½ (11) Ermenkov,Evgenij (2515) - Geller,Efim P (2540) Baden-Baden, 1985} Bxd8 12. Nc3 {½–½ (12) Savon,Vladimir A (2540) - Radev Iordanov,Nikolay (2430) Lublin, 1977} f5 13. e5 Ne6 14. Bd2 g5 15. Ne2 c5 16. Bc3 b5 17. b3 Bb7 18. Ng3 g4 19. Nd2 Be7 20. Nh5 Kf7 21. Nf1 Kg6 22. Nf6 Rad8 23. Rad1 Rxd1 24. Rxd1 Rd8 25. Rxd8 Bxd8 26. Ne3 f4 27. Nd1 Bxf6 28. exf6 Be4 29. Bb2 b4 30. f3 Bxc2 31. Nf2 gxf3 32. gxf3 Bb1 33. Ne4 Bxa2 34. Nd2 a5 35. Kf2 Nd4 36. Bxd4 cxd4 37. Ke2 Kxf6 38. Kd3 Ke5 39. Kc2 a4 40. bxa4 c5 41. a5 c4 42. a6 d3+ {0-1 Bondarevsky,I-Smyslov,V Moscow-ch25 Final 1946}) 11... Bg4 $5 {Un nouveau coup. Jusqu'ici Ian Nepomniachtchi a tout blitzé et se retrouve avec 1h58 à la pendule contre 1h33.} (11... Ne6 12. Bg3 Bc5 13. Qc3 (13. Qd2 b6 14. Qxd8 Rxd8 15. Nbd2 a5 16. Rad1 a4 17. Nc4 Bb7 {0-1 (59) Fishbein,A (2525)-Ivanov,A (2555) New York op 1994.}) 13... Qe7 14. Nbd2 Re8 15. Rad1 {½-½ Groszpeter,A (2446)-Pinter,J (2540) HUN-chT 1516 Hungary 2015 (8.7)}) 12. Nd4 {Le Russe est-il encore dans sa préparation ? Seulement 3 minutes et 40 secondes de réflexion. Le point de vue de Daniil Dubov sur les parties classiques est le suivant : « [À l'époque soviétique] ils avaient deux heures pour disons jouer 30 coups hors théorie. Le problème c'est qu'aujourd'hui, normalement, la partie commence au 25e coup, parfois au 30, et puis vous avez deux heures pour jouer 10 coups, ça fait une différence. Vous jouez 30 coups, puis vous avez deux heures pour prendre deux décisions pas évidentes, puis au 40e coup vous avez une heure supplémentaire. »} (12. Ne5 $5 {semble pourtant plus logique :} Bh5 13. g4 Bg6 14. Bg3 Bxe4 $2 (14... Nxe4 $2 15. Nxg6 $18) 15. b4 $18) 12... Qd7 {Susan Polgar : Il semble que Nepo soit bien préparé. Cependant, à moins que quelqu'un ne devienne fou, je vois la paix à l'horizon. » En effet, même si Ian Nepomniachtchi sait très bien où il a mis les pieds, alors que Ding Liren doit trouver les bons coups, la position ne semble pas comporter de grand dangers pour les Noirs. Cela-dit, pour la première fois, le Russe prend une longue respiration...} 13. Nc3 {Après 24 minutes (!) une éternité pour Nepo habitué à jouer très vite.} Rad8 {En seulement 2 minutes, ce qui démontre que Ding Liren avait prévu le coup de son adversaire.} 14. Nf5 $5 {Un coup sans saveur qui égalise les structures.} ({Anish Giri suspectait après 13...Tad8 que Ding Liren avait raté l'idée} 14. h3 $1 Qxd4 $6 ({La machine aurait joué} 14... Rfe8 $1 15. Qg3 Qxd4 16. Bxc7 $1 Rd7 17. hxg4 Bf8 {et les Blancs sont mieux.}) 15. Nd5 $1 Qxe3 $4 16. Nxe7+ Kh8 17. Bxe3 $18) 14... Ne6 $5 {Ding Liren n'a pas l'air de rechercher les échanges.} ({Le plus simple était} 14... Bxf5 15. exf5 Rfe8 {avec égalité.} 16. b4 $6 Na4 $3 17. Nxa4 $2 Bxb4 $19) 15. Nxe7+ {Les Blancs retirent la paire de Fous à leur adversaire ; la compensation pour leur mauvaise structure sur l'aile-Dame.} (15. Bh6 $5 {était jouable et aurait été un coup spectaculaire pour une première partie du match.}) 15... Qxe7 16. Bg3 {Anish Giri : « Il y a deux "Nepos". L'un joue aux échecs de manière incroyable et peut affronter Magnus Carlsen sur un pied d'égalité. L'autre est celui qui s'effondre quand les choses ne vont pas dans son sens... mais il faut d'abord que les choses ne se passent pas bien pour que cela se produise ».} Bh5 (16... f5 $5) 17. f3 f6 {Avec des temps de réflexion équilibrés à environ 1h14 chacun.} 18. h3 h6 {Les deux derniers coups joués symétriquement sont assez amusants tant ils sont rares.} 19. Kh2 {On ne sait pas trop ce que les Blancs visent avec ces coups préparatoires. Nous verrons à la fin si cette partie est comme : « La vie est une longue préparation à quelque chose qui n'arrive jamais. » William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) — https://analysis.sesse.net/ accorde +0.32 aux Blancs après 15 minutes de réflexion. C'est-à-dire rien.} Bf7 {1h10-1h00} 20. Rad1 b6 21. a3 {Quelles pièces échanger ? Quelles pièces conserver ?} a5 {Bien entendu, les Noirs n'ont aucune chance de gain. Ou pour le dire autrement : les Noirs n'ont aucun élément en leur faveur pour jouer pour le gain.} 22. Ne2 {Il reste donc à Ian Nepomniachtchi de décider s'il souhaite franchir le Rubicon, et quand. Ainsi, comme César à la frontière entre la Gaule et l’Empire romain, marquée géographiquement par le Rubicon, il pourra employer la fameuse formule « alea jacta est » (« le sort en est jeté »).} Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8 {À cause de la structure de pions noirs sur l'aile-Dame, une machine donnera toujours l'avantage aux Blancs. La question reste : est-il possible de valoriser ce petit avantage ?} 24. Rd3 {Vishy Anand : « C'est un début significatif pour Ian. Je pense que ce genre de positions, si vous mettez la pression, est excellent pour une stratégie de match. Je ne sais pas s'il convertira aujourd'hui, mais c'est une très belle position. »} c5 {Ding Liren poursuit son idée de placer tous ses pions sur la couleur du Fou adverse. Alors que l'affaiblissement de la case d5 est relatif, la faiblesse du pion c7 l'est un peu plus.} 25. Qd2 c6 $5 {Le temps entre en ligne de compte désormais : 0h50-0h19, sans incrément avant le 61e coup. Sesse.net n'a pas aimé du tout le coup du Chinois.} ({L'ordinateur donnait} 25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 Kh7 27. Kg1 {avec un petit avantage durable pour les Blancs.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 $1 ({Surtout pas} 26... Qxd8 $4 27. Qxd8+ Nxd8 28. Bc7 $18 {Pion c7 ou case c7 c'est pareil, les Noirs pourraient déjà abandonner.}) 27. Qf4 {En 18 secondes et une évaluation qui est passée à +0.85. Vous l'aurez compris, ce qui va se passer sur l'aile-Dame va décider en grande partie du résultat de cette partie. La majorité dégradée va-t-elle résister ?} b5 28. Qb8 $1 {Le meilleur ! « C'est un coup à la Ian. L'infiltration avec la Dame, c'est le sujet préféré de Ian. » Anish Giri} Kh7 {Le meilleur aussi, joué a tempo, même si cela perd le pion a5. Sur Twitter c'est l'inquiétude pour Ding Liren : Jan Gustafsson : « Fd6 et Fc7 semblent être un pion net de plus. Longue souffrance à venir. » — Susan Polgar : « Ding sue, sur l'échiquier et à la pendule. Le trac de la première partie ? » — Daniel King : « Ding a de sérieux ennuis. Ses pions de l'aile-Dame sont faibles et il n'y pas de contre-jeu. Le manque de temps est également un problème. »} 29. Bd6 {Après 14 minutes.} (29. Bc7 $1 {était donné comme encore plus fort par les machines.} Ne6 30. Bxa5 Qd7 31. Nf4 c4) (29. Qc7 $5 {était une autre option, avec une finale légèrement supérieure.} Qxc7 30. Bxc7 Nb7) 29... Qd7 {A tempo.} 30. Ng3 Ne6 {Avec des pendules à 0h21 et 0h11, et une évaluation par +0.44 de Sesse.net.} 31. f4 $5 {Avec égalité (0.00), mais nous soupçonnons Ian Nepomniachtchi de chercher à exploiter le manque de temps de son adversaire en perturbant le cours normal de la partie.} ({Considéré plus fort était} 31. c3 a4 {et seulement maintenant} 32. f4) 31... h5 32. c3 c4 {Permet à Ian Nepomniachtchi d'éviter à son Cavalier en g3 d'être repoussé.} ({En revanche, ici, c'est l'ordre des coups} 32... h4 33. Nh1 {et seulement maintenant} (33. Nf5 Bg6 $1 $11 {Vishy Anand}) 33... c4 {qui était considéré comme le meilleur.}) 33. h4 (33. f5 h4 34. Nf1 $1 Ng5 35. Nd2) 33... Qd8 34. Qb7 $5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi refuse d'échanger les Dames, mais c'est surtout pour conserver les pièces et non pas parce que c'est la meilleure décision.} (34. Qxd8 Nxd8 35. Bc7 Ne6 36. Bd6 $14) 34... Be8 $11 {Ding Liren défend tout.} 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 {Ian Nepomniachtchi va-t-il accepter de répéter la position et concéder le demi-point après avoir exercé une forte pression tout au long de cette première partie du match de championnat du monde d'échecs FIDE ?} 37. Qxd8 {La réponse est non ! Ce qui aurait été très surprenant de sa part à vrai dire.} Nxd8 38. Nd4 Nb7 39. e5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi blitze son adversaire qui possède moins de 2 minutes pour atteindre le 40e coup.} Kg8 {Avec seulement 53 secondes à la pendule.} ({Surtout pas} 39... Nxd6 $2 40. exd6 Bd7 41. f5 Kg8 42. Kg3 c5 43. Ne6 Kf7 44. Nxc5 Bxf5 45. Kf4 g6 46. a4 bxa4 47. Ke3 g5 48. g3 gxh4 49. gxh4 Bg4 50. Kd4 {et les Blancs doivent gagner.}) 40. Kg3 Bd7 {Et voilà, le contrôle est passé sans encombre et les joueurs ont maintenant 60 minutes pour les 20 coups suivants. Sesse.net juge cette position avec 0.00.} 41. Bc7 Nc5 42. Bxa5 {Le pion a5 est finalement tombé, sauf que les conditions sont clairement moins bonnes qu''auparavant, car les Noirs peuvent s'en prendre aussi aux pions de l'aile-Dame..} Kf7 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 $1 (45... Nxb2 $4 {serait une énorme gaffe à cause de} 46. Nd8+ {1-0}) 46. Nd4 Nxb2 {L'égalité saute désormais aux yeux, même si égale ne veut pas dire forcément nulle.} 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 {On se pose souvent la question de savoir si Nepo va rester fidèle à son style dans ce match, alors qu'il ne l'a pas du tout été contre Magnus Carlsen. Dans cette première partie, son approche ressemble beaucoup à une approche du type « Quelques petites chances pour moi, mais aucune pour mon adversaire ».} Nc1 49. Ke3 {Et nulle sur proposition de Ian Nepomniachtchi. Le Russe a exercé une forte pression tout au long de la première partie du match de championnat du monde d'échecs FIDE, mais le Chinois Ding Liren a trouvé les ressources nécessaires pour prendre le demi-point.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "5400+30"] {[%evp 0,97,28,34,16,15,20,13,16,9,-8,4,23,21,-1,-3,12,21,21,21,12,13,45,-6,0,15,18,0,0,16,16,16,6,-1,28,19,31,14,35,14,14,15,19,11,15,10,21,23,26,26,35,43,97,78,72,72,104,108,104,116,110,51,52,52,47,47,46,43,43,38,37,40,37,37,37,20,26,30,11,1,30,13,28,29,22,29,34,16,11,16,16,16,10,10,10,10,10,10,14,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 $5 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] No surprises in Ding's opening choice—we were all expecting a classic 1.e4 e5. But Nepomniachtchi shows his weapons already on move six. He had never played the \"Delayed Exchange Variation\" before.} dxc6 7. Re1 $5 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] The move played in the game is just the fourth most popular, despite having, even so, vast theory behind it. The idea will become clear in the next move: White wants to advance his pawn to d4. Ding has faced this system three times, but in all the games his opponents played 7.d3.} (7. d3) 7... Nd7 (7... Bg4 {is a critical move, leading to unbalanced positions. Perhaps not the best choice when you are surprised in the opening,} 8. h3 Bh5 (8... Bxf3 9. Qxf3 {gives White a comfortable small advantage.}) 9. g4 Nxg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (9... Bg6 10. Nxe5 Bc5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This move is new and is the best way for Black to fight for compensation.} (10... Bxe4 11. d4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] With a tricky position, in which White can fight for an advantage.} (11. g5 Bd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 12. gxf6 gxf6 13. Ng4 f5 {with good compensation for the piece in this chaotic position.}))) 10. hxg4 Bxg4 {Some games were played in this position and the computer evaluates it as equal. But Nepomniachtchi certainly has new ideas here.}) 8. d4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the point. White seeks a more open game, rather than the typical maneuvers that result from slower play with the pawn on d3.} exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O 10. Bf4 Nc5 11. Qe3 {This is more dangerous than the queen exchange.} (11. Qxd8 Bxd8) 11... Bg4 $6 $146 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A new move and not an accurate one.} (11... Ne6 {is more reliable and ended in a draw after:} 12. Bg3 Bc5 13. Qc3 Qe7 14. Nbd2 Re8 15. Rad1 {in Groszpeter-Pinter, Hungary 2015.}) 12. Nd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The problem with the bishop move is that the knight is not pinned, so it can move and the bishop is not in a stable position.} (12. Ne5 {is also possible.} Bh5 13. g4 Bg6 14. Nc3 {White also has the initiative in this position, with the rook coming to d1 and the queen to g3. But it seems the move played in the game is even better.}) 12... Qd7 {The natural reaction, preparing to bring the rook to d8.} 13. Nc3 Rad8 {A critical moment where white's play can be improved.} 14. Nf5 $6 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move allows Black to equalize.} (14. h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This tricky move creates big practical problems for Black.} Rfe8 $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the best. It's necessary to protect the bishop on e7 in order to be able to capture on d4.} (14... Qxd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 15. Nd5 $3 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] This is White's idea. This surprising tactical shot wins material.} Bf6 (15... Qxe3 16. Nxe7+ Kh8 17. Bxe3 {White wins a piece as two pieces are attacked.}) (15... Rxd5 16. exd5 Qxe3 17. Rxe3 {Again Black loses material as both bishops are attacked.}) 16. Nxf6+ gxf6 (16... Qxf6 17. Bg5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 17. Qg3 {the bishop will be captured and White has a winning advantage.}) (14... Bxh3 $2 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This move loses after} 15. Rad1 Be6 16. Nb3 {winning material.}) (14... Bh5 15. Nf5 Ne6 16. g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bc5 (16... Bg6 17. Rad1 Qe8 18. Nxe7+ Qxe7 19. Bg3 {Followed by f2-f4 with a huge advantage.}) 17. Qf3 Bg6 18. Rad1 {Black is under pressure.}) 15. Qg3 $5 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (15. hxg4 {Black has compensation for the pawn after} Qxd4 16. Qxd4 (16. Nd5 Qxe3 17. Nxe7+ Rxe7 {Black has no problems.}) 16... Rxd4 17. Bxc7 Ne6) 15... Qxd4 16. Bxc7 $1 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rd7 (16... Bh5 $2 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 17. Be5) 17. hxg4 Bf8 {Black has practical compensation for the pawn.}) 14... Ne6 $6 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (14... Bxf5 {is better.} 15. exf5 Rfe8 {Black has no problems here.} 16. f6 {Maybe Ding was afraid of this pawn advance.} Bd6 (16... Bf8 {is also enough.}) 17. Qg3 Rxe1+ (17... g6) 18. Rxe1 Ne6 {with an equal position.}) 15. Nxe7+ (15. Bh6 $5 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is a flashy move, but Black can defend.} Bh5 16. Bxg7 Nxg7 17. Qh6 Nxf5 18. exf5 Bg6 (18... Qxf5 {is dangerous after} 19. Rxe7 Rd6 20. Qe3 Qxc2 21. Re1) 19. fxg6 hxg6 20. Ne4 Rfe8 {White is slightly better, but the position is defensible.}) 15... Qxe7 16. Bg3 {Now the game goes into a slow maneuvering phase.} Bh5 (16... f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better, since Black gets a more active position.} 17. exf5 Bxf5) 17. f3 {White is slightly better because of the pawn structure. He can prepare the pawns’ advance on the kingside and press without any risk of defeat, so the opening can be considered a success for Nepomniachtchi.} f6 18. h3 h6 19. Kh2 Bf7 20. Rad1 b6 21. a3 a5 {Both players improve their structure and their pieces in the last few moves.} 22. Ne2 (22. f4 {is a natural way of putting pressure, with the idea of advancing the pawns to f5 and e5.}) 22... Rxd1 (22... c5 23. Nf4 {The idea is to bring the knight to the attack. If the knights are exchanged, then it's not so easy to defend the queenside.} Nd4 (23... Nxf4 24. Qxf4) 24. Qf2) 23. Rxd1 Rd8 24. Rd3 $5 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting move to fight for the d-file.} c5 25. Qd2 c6 $6 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Positionally very dangerous, as it allows the invasion of the white queen.} (25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 {White has a small advantage and can press for many moves, but Ding would have a much easier life than what will happen in the game.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 (26... Qxd8 $2 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses material after} 27. Qxd8+ Nxd8 28. Bc7) 27. Qf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The white queen enters the game and Black's position becomes more dangerous. It's impossible to defend all pawns on the queenside.} b5 28. Qb8 Kh7 {From now on, Nepomniachtchi's game will be hesitant and he starts losing the advantage. To be honest, it's hard to say whether it's possible to win here against an accurate defense. More likely, White will win a pawn but Black will have enough resources to defend. But it was possible, at the very least, to make Ding suffer for a long time.} 29. Bd6 $6 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (29. Bc7 {is the most natural move, winning the a5-pawn. This pawn is more important than the one on c5. Black faces a long fight for a draw, for instance:} Ne6 30. Bxa5 Qd7 31. Nf4 Nxf4 (31... Nd4 {is also possible.}) 32. Qxf4) 29... Qd7 30. Ng3 (30. Qc7 $5 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} Qxc7 31. Bxc7 Nb7 {White has the advantage in this endgame, but it's understandable that Nepomniachtchi prefers to keep the queens to have attacking chances.}) (30. Bxc5 Qd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 31. Nf4 Ne6 32. Nxe6 Bxe6 {Despite the pawn down, Black manages to escape with a draw.} 33. Qc7 a4 34. Bf8 (34. Qxc6 Qf4+ 35. Kh1 Qc1+ 36. Bg1 Bb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with a likely draw.}) 34... Qd7 {White cannot break the fortress. As it's well known, endgames with opposite-colored bishops are difficult to win.}) 30... Ne6 31. f4 (31. c3 {Deserves consideration, controlling the knight.}) 31... h5 (31... Nd4 {is the computer's suggestion. A human is worried about taking the knight away from the king and suffering an attack.} 32. c3 Nb3 {and the machine evaluates this as equal.}) 32. c3 c4 (32... h4 {is more accurate.} 33. Nf5 Bg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 34. Ne7 Be8 {Black is holding.}) 33. h4 Qd8 34. Qb7 (34. Qxd8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the last real chance to fight for the win.} Nxd8 35. f5 {White can still try to win, since Black's position is passive, for example:} Nb7 36. Be7 Kg8 37. Ne2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Be8 38. Nf4 {The knight comes to rescue the bishop, going to g6 if necessary. White can try to bring the king to the game or to play the pawn break on g4. But I believe Ding would make a draw here as well.}) 34... Be8 (34... Qxd6 $2 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 35. Qxf7 {White wins by force.} Qxf4 (35... Nxf4 36. Nf5) 36. Qxe6 Qxh4+ 37. Qh3) 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 37. Qxd8 Nxd8 38. Nd4 Nb7 {Ding has no problems defending the endgame now.} 39. e5 Kg8 40. Kg3 Bd7 41. Bc7 Nc5 42. Bxa5 Kf7 {The knight heads to d3.} 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 (45... Nxb2 $4 {[%c_effect b2;square;b2;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 46. Nd8+) 46. Nd4 Nxb2 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 Nc1 49. Ke3 (49. Ke3 Nb3 {The position is totally drawn after the exchange of knights. Nepomniachtchi must be frustrated having squandered an excellent position, but confident because he showed the strength of his preparation. Ding, for now, breathes a sigh of relief for having escaped, but his game showed weakness in the opening. It's just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting duel.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Sagar Shah"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "playchess.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,97,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,3,20,18,16,-11,8,-5,19,9,4,8,40,1,10,-20,20,6,13,17,21,8,10,0,25,17,23,16,24,-8,12,22,23,24,22,16,27,27,24,28,31,40,47,86,97,104,104,100,104,101,105,42,41,45,46,42,42,51,35,40,51,40,51,40,51,32,32,31,39,19,27,7,24,29,39,38,11,24,18,11,16,29,21,8,10,20,23,23,19,7] Game one of the World Championship Match 2023. It is Nepo with the white pieces fighting it out against Ding Liren.} 1. e4 {7 Nepo sticks to the move that he played against Magnus at the World Championship 2021.} e5 {[%emt 0:00:49]} 2. Nf3 {[%emt 0:00:07]} Nc6 {[%emt 0:00:20]} 3. Bb5 {[%emt 0:00:06]} a6 {[%emt 0:00:34]} 4. Ba4 {[%emt 0:00:06]} Nf6 {[%emt 0:00:25]} 5. O-O {[%emt 0:00:27]} Be7 {[%emt 0:00:13]} 6. Bxc6 $5 {25 This is a very interesting decision by Nepo. Generally this line is considered harmless for Black. But lines which are considered dangerous and looked at deeply with an engine these days are less venomous than less dangerous lines which have not been checked thoroughly with an engine. Nepo is banking upon Ding Liren's lack of preparation in this line, than on the fact that he would find some earth shattering novelty here.} dxc6 {[%emt 0:00:20]} 7. Re1 {[%emt 0:00:04]} (7. d3 {was what Anish Giri had played against Ding Liren at the Candidates 2020-21 where White had won.}) 7... Nd7 {557} (7... Bg4 {is another line worth looking at.} 8. h3 Bh5 9. g4 Nxg4 $1 (9... Bg6 10. Nxe5 {leads to interesting positions.}) 10. hxg4 Bxg4 11. d3 h5 $15) 8. d4 {[%emt 0:00:35]} (8. c3 $5) 8... exd4 {88} 9. Qxd4 {[%emt 0:00:07]} O-O {[%emt 0:00:42]} 10. Bf4 {[%emt 0:00:08]} Nc5 {240} 11. Qe3 {[%emt 0:00:36]} (11. Qxd8 Bxd8 $11) 11... Bg4 $146 {475} (11... Be6 {The most amazing thing about this position is that the bishop doesn't belong on the e6 square. White has a very big advantage here because the knight on c5 doesn't have squares to go to.} 12. Nc3 Re8 13. Rad1 Qc8 14. Nd4 $16) (11... Ne6 {has been played before.} 12. Bg3 Bc5 13. Qe2 a5 14. Nc3 Qe7 $11) 12. Nd4 $1 {220 A strong move. White now has a small edge.} Qd7 {526} 13. Nc3 {1443 Played after 24 minutes of thought. Nepo was clearly considering ideas like h3 and then decided to go for Nc3.} (13. h3 $5 Rad8 14. Nc3 $1 {Transposes to the next line.}) 13... Rad8 {127} 14. Nf5 $6 {187} (14. h3 $1 {This is a very tough move to foresee. The main reason is that the knight on d4 is untouchable.} Qxd4 (14... Rfe8 $1 15. Nb3 Nxb3 16. cxb3 Bh5 17. Qg3 Bd6 18. e5 Bf8 19. Bg5 $14) (14... Bh5 15. Nf5 $16) (14... Ne6 15. Nxe6 Bxe6 16. Qg3 $16) 15. Nd5 $3 {This is such an unusual tactic! You give up a piece and then just move a knight, but it turns out that White will not only regain the piece, but do so with interest.} Bf6 16. Nxf6+ Qxf6 17. Bg5 Qg6 18. Bxd8 Rxd8 19. hxg4 $18) 14... Ne6 {333} (14... Bxf5 15. exf5 Rfe8 {This looks like it solves all of Black's issues.} 16. g4 (16. Rad1 Bd6 $19) 16... Bd6 $11) 15. Nxe7+ {318} (15. Bh6 $5 Bxf5 16. exf5 $16) 15... Qxe7 {[%emt 0:00:24]} 16. Bg3 {42 Nepo's idea here is that his bishop on g3 works better than the bishop on g4. The pressure on the c7 pawn can be quite irritating.} Bh5 {72} (16... f5 17. exf5 Bxf5 {might have been a better way to play for Black. Active.}) 17. f3 {244 In the next few moves, you will see how Ian Nepomniachtchi slowly builds up his position. It's a waiting game.} f6 {62} 18. h3 {214} h6 {[%emt 0:00:56]} 19. Kh2 {137} Bf7 {885} 20. Rad1 {317} b6 {422} 21. a3 {473} a5 {246} 22. Ne2 $5 {304 I liked this idea. The point can be to go Nf4 to trade the knights on e6 and then put pressure on the c7 pawn.} Rxd1 {608} (22... c5 23. Nf4 Nd4 24. Qf2 $14) 23. Rxd1 {[%emt 0:00:11]} Rd8 {[%emt 0:00:04]} 24. Rd3 $5 {[%emt 0:00:30]} c5 $6 {505} (24... Rxd3 25. Qxd3 b5 $14 {This was a better way to play here.}) 25. Qd2 $1 {134 The queen moves to d2 and forces the trade of rooks.} c6 {644} 26. Rxd8+ {164} Nxd8 {[%emt 0:00:08]} (26... Qxd8 27. Qxd8+ Nxd8 28. Bc7 $18) 27. Qf4 $1 {18 A beautiful move. The queen and the bishop battery is looking at the c7 and b8 squares.} b5 {302} 28. Qb8 $1 {204} (28. Qc7 Qxc7 29. Bxc7 Nb7 {is a pleasant endgame for White but Black is not losing any material.}) 28... Kh7 {[%emt 0:00:38]} 29. Bd6 $6 {865} (29. Bc7 $1 Ne6 30. Bxa5 {This does seem like a solid extra pawn.} Qd7 31. Nf4 Nxf4 (31... Nd4 32. Bb6 Nxc2 33. Bxc5 $16) 32. Qxf4 $16) 29... Qd7 {[%emt 0:00:28]} 30. Ng3 {417} (30. Qc7 Qxc7 31. Bxc7 Nb7) 30... Ne6 {87} 31. f4 {109} (31. c3 {might have kept the pressure better on the position.}) 31... h5 $1 {218 Ding defends really well now.} (31... Nd4 $1 32. Bxc5 (32. c3 Nb3 $11) 32... Nxc2 $11) 32. c3 {141} c4 {[%emt 0:00:59]} 33. h4 $1 {161} Qd8 {[%emt 0:00:10]} 34. Qb7 {272} (34. Qxd8 Nxd8 35. f5 Nb7 36. Be7 $16) 34... Be8 $1 {[%emt 0:00:42]} (34... Qxd6 35. Qxf7 $18) 35. Nf5 {[%emt 0:00:22]} Qd7 {[%emt 0:00:49]} 36. Qb8 {64} Qd8 {88} 37. Qxd8 {218} Nxd8 $11 {[%emt 0:00:02]} 38. Nd4 {[%emt 0:00:46]} Nb7 {[%emt 0:00:33]} 39. e5 {[%emt 0:00:19]} Kg8 {106} 40. Kg3 {[%emt 0:00:00]} Bd7 {[%emt 0:00:00]} 41. Bc7 {596} Nc5 {294} 42. Bxa5 {[%emt 0:00:41]} Kf7 {138} 43. Bb4 {314} Nd3 {814} 44. e6+ {[%emt 0:00:15]} Bxe6 {[%emt 0:00:06]} 45. Nxc6 {[%emt 0:00:04]} Bd7 {75} (45... Nxb2 $2 46. Nd8+ $18) 46. Nd4 {[%emt 0:00:16]} Nxb2 {[%emt 0:00:14]} 47. Kf3 {130} Nd3 {463} 48. g3 {114} Nc1 {206} 49. Ke3 {65  1/2-1/} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.07"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/loepare"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] 1. d4 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} Nf6 {[%eval 28,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} 2. c4 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} e6 {[%eval 23,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} 3. Nf3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} d5 {[%eval 17,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} 4. h3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} dxc4 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:08:47]} 5. e3 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:02:10]} c5 {[%eval 33,0] [%emt 0:02:11]} 6. Bxc4 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:33]} a6 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:23]} 7. O-O {[%eval 13,0] [%emt 0:00:10]} Nc6 {[%eval 25,0] [%emt 0:11:12]} 8. Nc3 {[%eval 31,0] [%emt 0:03:33]} b5 {[%eval 33,0] [%emt 0:02:10]} 9. Bd3 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:00:37]} Bb7 {[%eval 44,0] [%emt 0:02:04]} 10. a4 {[%eval 38,0] [%emt 0:00:51]} b4 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:10:02]} 11. Ne4 {[%eval 52,0] [%emt 0:00:34]} Na5 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:03:14]} 12. Nxf6+ $6 {[%eval 46,0] [%emt 0:33:22] Inaccuracy. Nxc5 was best.} (12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. dxc5 Nd7 14. c6 Bxc6 15. Nd4 Nc5 16. Bc2 Bd5 17. Qg4 Qf6 18. Bd2 Rb8) 12... gxf6 {[%eval 23,0] [%emt 0:02:42]} 13. e4 {[%eval 73,0] [%emt 0:03:50]} c4 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:06:26]} 14. Bc2 {[%eval 63,0] [%emt 0:02:04]} Qc7 {[%eval 86,0] [%emt 0:01:06]} 15. Bd2 {[%eval 87,0] [%emt 0:07:11]} Rg8 $6 {[%eval 22,0] [%emt 0:05:47] Inaccuracy. O-O-O was best.} (15... O-O-O) 16. Rc1 $6 {[%eval 96,0] [%emt 0:05:12] Inaccuracy. Qe1 was best.} (16. Qe1 f5) 16... O-O-O {[%eval -96,0] [%emt 0:00:56]} 17. Bd3 {[%eval -53,0] [%emt 0:14:49]} Kb8 {[%eval -37,0] [%emt 0:02:15]} 18. Re1 $6 {[%eval -153,0] [%emt 0:00:24] Inaccuracy. Bxc4 was best.} (18. Bxc4 Nxc4) 18... f5 {[%eval -162,0] [%emt 0:03:25]} 19. Bc2 {[%eval -172,0] [%emt 0:20:40]} Nc6 {[%eval -186,0] [%emt 0:03:22]} 20. Bg5 {[%eval -177,0] [%emt 0:04:46]} Rxg5 {[%eval -162,0] [%emt 0:06:16]} 21. Nxg5 {[%eval -127,0] [%emt 0:00:19]} Nxd4 {[%eval -184,0] [%emt 0:01:29]} 22. Qh5 {[%eval -154,0] [%emt 0:00:59]} f6 {[%eval -5,0] [%emt 0:00:49]} 23. Nf3 $4 {[%eval -363,0] [%emt 0:01:39] Blunder. Nxh7 was best.} (23. Nxh7 Bc5) 23... Nxc2 {[%eval -361,0] [%emt 0:00:36]} 24. Rxc2 {[%eval -356,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} Bxe4 $6 {[%eval -263,0] [%emt 0:00:34] Inaccuracy. b3 was best.} (24... b3) 25. Rd2 {[%eval -375,0] [%emt 0:01:38]} Bd6 {[%eval -381,0] [%emt 0:05:40]} 26. Kh1 $2 {[%eval -591,0] [%emt 0:12:13] Mistake. Nd4 was best.} (26. Nd4 c3) 26... c3 {[%eval -689,0] [%emt 0:01:55]} 27. bxc3 {[%eval -541,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} bxc3 {[%eval -523,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} 28. Rd4 {[%eval -624,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} c2 {[%eval -644,0] [%emt 0:01:08]} 29. Qh6 {[%eval -601,0] [%emt 0:01:12]} e5 {[%eval -793,0] [%emt 0:02:14]} 0-1 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.10"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,58,19,31,14,-14,3,-15,0,-40,-7,-26,23,18,31,19,18,-2,9,12,15,-5,31,23,28,9,9,-57,2,-30,-28,-6,-33,-7,19,-19,28,-54,-49,-98,18,-82,-71,-71,12,20,0,-114,-116,-162,-174,-284,-317,-404,-420,-400,-396,-410,-410,-473,-469]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $1 {A very large surprise. Richard Rapport is in Astana, working for Ding and this has his stamp all over it. That said the main point of the move is one of move order and white might end up regretting this.} dxc4 {[#]} 5. e3 $146 ({Predecessor:} 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 a6 7. Qc2 b5 8. e4 Bb7 9. e5 Nd5 10. Be2 c5 11. dxc5 Bxc5 12. O-O Rc8 13. Qd1 Qc7 14. a4 b4 15. Nbd2 Nxe5 16. Nb3 Nxf3+ 17. Bxf3 O-O 18. Nxc5 Qxc5 19. Bg5 h6 20. Rc1 Qa5 21. Rxc8 Rxc8 22. Bd2 Bc6 23. b3 Nc3 24. Bxc3 bxc3 25. Bxc6 Rxc6 26. Qc2 g6 27. Rc1 Qb4 28. g3 a5 29. Kg2 Qc5 30. h4 Qd4 31. Rd1 Qe5 32. Kh2 Rb6 33. Rd3 Rc6 34. Rd8+ Kg7 {Gatineau,Y (2423)-Gago Padreny,I (2289) Chess.com INT 2020 0-1}) 5... c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O Nc6 8. Nc3 b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 10. a4 b4 11. Ne4 Na5 {This position has already been seen in the game Ding-Aronian by a different move order and without the move h3 but with Re1 instead. This difference seemed to be very important.} 12. Nxf6+ {Although not bad this seems to be the start of a wrong plan.} (12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. dxc5 {is about equal.}) 12... gxf6 13. e4 {Computers don't like this so much, they think black is a tiny bit better now. But this is an interesting and unbalanced position and I'm not clear quite how seriously we can take their evaluations here between say equality and slight edge to black.} (13. dxc5 {with equality is the computer's choice.}) 13... c4 $1 {The correct response.} 14. Bc2 Qc7 (14... Rg8) 15. Bd2 Rg8 16. Rc1 (16. Qe1) 16... O-O-O 17. Bd3 $2 {Computers really don't like this.} Kb8 18. Re1 $2 {Another bad idea.} (18. Qe1) 18... f5 $1 {And suddenly black is winning.} 19. Bc2 {A very sad retreat.} Nc6 $1 20. Bg5 Rxg5 $1 {Another good move.} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 22. Qh5 f6 23. Nf3 Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 25. Rd2 Bd6 {Already pretty much job done for Nepomniachtchi.} 26. Kh1 c3 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.10"] [Round "2"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,58,25,14,14,7,-3,0,6,-22,-26,-13,18,18,18,18,9,15,14,31,26,21,38,8,51,11,1,-7,-10,-10,-7,-31,-19,-19,4,-12,63,-70,-53,-70,-68,-70,0,0,0,0,0,-144,-134,-141,-108,-274,-298,-408,-408,-423,-418,-469,-468,-469,-549]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $5 {Une surprise qui, d'une certaine manière, réfute ce que Daniil Dubov pense des parties classiques : « Le problème c'est qu'aujourd'hui, normalement, la partie commence au 25e coup, parfois au 30e, et puis vous avez deux heures pour jouer 10 coups... » En fait, il faut être deux à vouloir jouer 25 ou 30 coups de théorie, mais il est possible de lui échapper, comme le démontre Ding Liren avec ce 4.h3!?.} dxc4 {Évidemment, de nombreuses transpositions vers des sentiers connus restent possibles, mais dans le cas présent nous avons d'un côté un joueur qui les a étudiées avec précision et un autre qui doit les découvrir.} 5. e3 {Le 4.h3!? est certainement une idée d'un des secondants de Ding Liren, le Hongrois Richard Rapport, connu pour son originalité.} (5. Qa4+ Nbd7 6. Qxc4 a6 7. Qc2 b5 8. e4 Bb7 9. e5 Nd5 10. Be2 c5 11. dxc5 Bxc5 12. O-O Rc8 13. Qd1 Qc7 14. a4 b4 15. Nbd2 Nxe5 {0-1 (52) Gatineau,Y (2423)-Gago Padreny,I (2289) Titled Tuesday INT blitz 2020}) 5... c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O {Nous obtenons maintenant une sorte de Gambit de la Dame accepté.} Nc6 {Et nous retrouvons quelques parties jouées par email dans la base, mais seulement deux entre des plus de 2400 Elo.} 8. Nc3 b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 10. a4 {1h51-1h30. Nous avons une pensée pour les secondants de Ian Nepomniachtchi et leurs innombrables heures passées à préparer cette partie qui n'ont finalement servies à rien.} b4 {Vishy Anand : « Je pense qu'il [Ding Liren] a une préparation profonde, mais elle est large. Il a une idée ici et là, pour savoir quand jouer a4, Ce4 ou b3. Je ne sais pas jusqu'à quel point vont ses analyses, il y a tellement d'alternatives. »} 11. Ne4 Na5 {?Anish Giri pense que le choix de Nepomniachtchi pour 4...dxc4 était fondé sur des principes. « Il est difficile d'imaginer un scénario pire que celui-ci... tout ce qui pouvait mal tourner s'est mal passé ! » Toujours est-il que Ding Liren est arrivé au bout de sa préparation et prend, pour la première fois, du temps de réflexion.} 12. Nxf6+ $6 {Une déception. Après 33 minutes de réflexion le Chinois rate le coup le plus entreprenant.} ({Critique était} 12. Nxc5 $1 Bxc5 13. dxc5) 12... gxf6 $1 {Il n'était pas question de prendre avec la Dame. Selon Vladislav Tkachiev, il est possible que Ding Liren n'ait pas considéré sérieusement la reprise avec le pion, que l'on retrouve pourtant dans la semi-Slave.} 13. e4 $5 {Ding Liren s'engage sur une route dangereuse. Toutefois, Daniel Naroditsky et Anish Giri ont dit tous les deux que 13.e4!? était leur premier réflexe, mais l'ordinateur n'aime pas.} (13. dxc5 Bxc5 14. e4 Qd6 {ne donnait pas d'avantage aux Blancs, mais cela semblait moins pire que le coup joué par Ding Liren.}) 13... c4 $1 14. Bc2 Qc7 {Il peut être intéressant de comparer les évaluations des ordinateurs. Stockfish 15.1 donne des -0.40, alors que Sesse.net se contente de 0.00. Il reste que les Noirs ont une bonne position, surtout que 4.h3!? n'a pas prouvé son utilité.} (14... Qb6 $5) 15. Bd2 Rg8 ({L'alternative, à peu près équivalente, était l'immédiat} 15... O-O-O) 16. Rc1 {L'entraîneur Tom Rendle est inquiet pour Ding : « Je me demande si Ding Liren est vraiment concentré. Nepo, quant à lui, joue rapidement et en confiance depuis qu'il a résolu ses problèmes d'ouverture. »} ({Ici aussi} 16. Qe1 {était possible.}) 16... O-O-O {Susan Polgar : « C'est exactement ce que Nepo peut espérer de mieux avec les Noirs. Je pense qu'il est super dangereux pour Ding de jouer dans la zone de confort de Nepo. Peut-être que Ding essaie de mettre en place la stratégie de Muhammad Ali dans les cordes. »} 17. Bd3 $2 {Une faute ! Ding Liren est K.O. debout !} (17. Qe1 $1 {était, selon les machines, la seule bonne façon de continuer.}) 17... Kb8 $1 {Simple, mais très fort.} 18. Re1 {Anish Giri : « Je pense que je vais m'en tenir à ma prédiction selon laquelle Ding va se faire écraser ici ! »} f5 $1 {La position noire est au bord du gouffre, et comme aux échecs il n'est pas possible de passer son tour, Ding Liren va être obligé de faire un pas en avant. Daniel King : « Ding a l'air désespéré. Son idée défensive de reculer le Fou en f1 a été empêchée et son Roi fait face à la colonne g. »} 19. Bc2 {Ding Liren reconnaît qu'il vient de gaspiller deux tempi avec 17.Fd3 et 18.Te1. Sesse.net donne -2.63 à Nepo. Si d'un côté cette évaluation exige les meilleurs coups blancs, elle prend aussi en compte les meilleures défenses.} Nc6 20. Bg5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi a l'occasion de faire pencher définitivement la balance en sa faveur grâce à la tactique.} Rxg5 $1 {Et le Russe ne laisse pas passer sa chance !} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 22. Qh5 f6 23. Nf3 Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 {Avec deux pions pour la qualité, la paire de Fous et une majorité sur l'aile-Dame, la cause est entendue.} 25. Rd2 Bd6 $1 ({Il était toujours possible de tout gâcher par} 25... Rxd2 $4 26. Nxd2 {[%csl Yc4,Ye6][%CAl Yh5e8] et les Blancs sont très bien !}) 26. Kh1 {Joué avec seulement 2 minutes à la pendule, mais le temps n'a plus d'importance, la position est perdue.} c3 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 {Les Blancs abandonnent. Demain, mardi 11 avril, est le premier jour de repos. Rendez-vous mercredi à partir de 11h00 pour voir si Ding Liren est capable de réagir après cette défaite qui doit le plonger encore plus dans la déprime. Une chose est certaine, le Chinois n'est pas [encore] à son meilleur niveau. Quant à Ian Nepomniachtchi, qui vient de remporter sa première partie lors d'un Championnat du Monde, le match ne pouvait pas mieux débuter.} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {La partie Espagnole, également appelée Ruy Lopez en hommage à Ruy López de Segura, moine espagnol du XVIe siècle, qui a insisté sur son intérêt dans son ouvrage Libro del Ajedrez (1561).} a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 $5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi opte pour la variante d'échange différée de l'Espagnole, qui porte le nom de variante Steenwijker. À première vue, l'idée de déplacer d'abord le Fou en a4 puis de prendre en c6 ne paraît pas très judicieuse, mais les Blancs jouent sur le faire que les Noirs ayant déjà joué le Fou en e7, auront un peu plus de mal à défendre le pion e5 ; le fameux « strongpoint ».} ({Plus fréquent est} 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 O-O {Et ici, soit les Blancs permettent à leur adversaire de jouer le Gambit Marshall avec} 8. c3 d5 $5 {Soit ils jouent un anti-Marshall avec 8.a4 ou 8.d3.}) 6... dxc6 7. Re1 ({Dans un blitz, Alexander Grichuk avait joué à DIng Liren} 7. d3 Nd7 8. Nc3 O-O 9. Be3 Re8 10. Nd2 Nf8 11. a4 Ng6 12. a5 Be6 13. Kh1 Qd7 14. f3 h6 15. Qe1 c5 16. Qf2 b6 17. b3 Qc6 18. g3 b5 19. f4 f5 20. Qg2 exf4 21. gxf4 Nh4 22. Qg3 Bf6 23. Rae1 Bxc3 24. Qxh4 fxe4 25. Nxe4 Bf5 26. Qg3 Bxe1 {0-1 (26) Grischuk,A (2745)-Ding Liren (2811) SpeedChess 2022 INT blitz.}) 7... Nd7 8. d4 exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O {Comme dans la variante d'échange, et même comme dans la variante berlinoise, les Blancs possèdent une majorité de pions sur l'aile-Roi, face à une majorité de pions noirs dégradée sur l'aile-Dame. En échange, Ding Liren possède la paire de Fous.} 10. Bf4 Nc5 11. Qe3 $5 {Sur la quinzaine de parties restantes, la plupart avaient continué avec l'échange des Dames, mais évidemment Ian Nepomniachtchi ne cherche pas à faire nulle.} (11. Qxd8 {½–½ (11) Ermenkov,Evgenij (2515) - Geller,Efim P (2540) Baden-Baden, 1985} Bxd8 12. Nc3 {½–½ (12) Savon,Vladimir A (2540) - Radev Iordanov,Nikolay (2430) Lublin, 1977} f5 13. e5 Ne6 14. Bd2 g5 15. Ne2 c5 16. Bc3 b5 17. b3 Bb7 18. Ng3 g4 19. Nd2 Be7 20. Nh5 Kf7 21. Nf1 Kg6 22. Nf6 Rad8 23. Rad1 Rxd1 24. Rxd1 Rd8 25. Rxd8 Bxd8 26. Ne3 f4 27. Nd1 Bxf6 28. exf6 Be4 29. Bb2 b4 30. f3 Bxc2 31. Nf2 gxf3 32. gxf3 Bb1 33. Ne4 Bxa2 34. Nd2 a5 35. Kf2 Nd4 36. Bxd4 cxd4 37. Ke2 Kxf6 38. Kd3 Ke5 39. Kc2 a4 40. bxa4 c5 41. a5 c4 42. a6 d3+ {0-1 Bondarevsky,I-Smyslov,V Moscow-ch25 Final 1946}) 11... Bg4 $5 {Un nouveau coup. Jusqu'ici Ian Nepomniachtchi a tout blitzé et se retrouve avec 1h58 à la pendule contre 1h33.} (11... Ne6 12. Bg3 Bc5 13. Qc3 (13. Qd2 b6 14. Qxd8 Rxd8 15. Nbd2 a5 16. Rad1 a4 17. Nc4 Bb7 {0-1 (59) Fishbein,A (2525)-Ivanov,A (2555) New York op 1994.}) 13... Qe7 14. Nbd2 Re8 15. Rad1 {½-½ Groszpeter,A (2446)-Pinter,J (2540) HUN-chT 1516 Hungary 2015 (8.7)}) 12. Nd4 {Le Russe est-il encore dans sa préparation ? Seulement 3 minutes et 40 secondes de réflexion. Le point de vue de Daniil Dubov sur les parties classiques est le suivant : « [À l'époque soviétique] ils avaient deux heures pour disons jouer 30 coups hors théorie. Le problème c'est qu'aujourd'hui, normalement, la partie commence au 25e coup, parfois au 30, et puis vous avez deux heures pour jouer 10 coups, ça fait une différence. Vous jouez 30 coups, puis vous avez deux heures pour prendre deux décisions pas évidentes, puis au 40e coup vous avez une heure supplémentaire. »} (12. Ne5 $5 {semble pourtant plus logique :} Bh5 13. g4 Bg6 14. Bg3 Bxe4 $2 (14... Nxe4 $2 15. Nxg6 $18) 15. b4 $18) 12... Qd7 {Susan Polgar : Il semble que Nepo soit bien préparé. Cependant, à moins que quelqu'un ne devienne fou, je vois la paix à l'horizon. » En effet, même si Ian Nepomniachtchi sait très bien où il a mis les pieds, alors que Ding Liren doit trouver les bons coups, la position ne semble pas comporter de grand dangers pour les Noirs. Cela-dit, pour la première fois, le Russe prend une longue respiration...} 13. Nc3 {Après 24 minutes (!) une éternité pour Nepo habitué à jouer très vite.} Rad8 {En seulement 2 minutes, ce qui démontre que Ding Liren avait prévu le coup de son adversaire.} 14. Nf5 $5 {Un coup sans saveur qui égalise les structures.} ({Anish Giri suspectait après 13...Tad8 que Ding Liren avait raté l'idée} 14. h3 $1 Qxd4 $6 ({La machine aurait joué} 14... Rfe8 $1 15. Qg3 Qxd4 16. Bxc7 $1 Rd7 17. hxg4 Bf8 {et les Blancs sont mieux.}) 15. Nd5 $1 Qxe3 $4 16. Nxe7+ Kh8 17. Bxe3 $18) 14... Ne6 $5 {Ding Liren n'a pas l'air de rechercher les échanges.} ({Le plus simple était} 14... Bxf5 15. exf5 Rfe8 {avec égalité.}) 15. Nxe7+ {Les Blancs retirent la paire de Fous à leur adversaire ; la compensation pour leur mauvaise structure sur l'aile-Dame.} (15. Bh6 $5 {était jouable et aurait été un coup spectaculaire pour une première partie du match.}) 15... Qxe7 16. Bg3 {Anish Giri : « Il y a deux "Nepos". L'un joue aux échecs de manière incroyable et peut affronter Magnus Carlsen sur un pied d'égalité. L'autre est celui qui s'effondre quand les choses ne vont pas dans son sens... mais il faut d'abord que les choses ne se passent pas bien pour que cela se produise ».} Bh5 (16... f5 $5) 17. f3 f6 {Avec des temps de réflexion équilibrés à environ 1h14 chacun.} 18. h3 h6 {Les deux derniers coups joués symétriquement sont assez amusants tant ils sont rares.} 19. Kh2 {On ne sait pas trop ce que les Blancs visent avec ces coups préparatoires. Nous verrons à la fin si cette partie est comme : « La vie est une longue préparation à quelque chose qui n'arrive jamais. » William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) — https://analysis.sesse.net/ accorde +0.32 aux Blancs après 15 minutes de réflexion. C'est-à-dire rien.} Bf7 {1h10-1h00} 20. Rad1 b6 21. a3 {Quelles pièces échanger ? Quelles pièces conserver ?} a5 {Bien entendu, les Noirs n'ont aucune chance de gain. Ou pour le dire autrement : les Noirs n'ont aucun élément en leur faveur pour jouer pour le gain.} 22. Ne2 {Il reste donc à Ian Nepomniachtchi de décider s'il souhaite franchir le Rubicon, et quand. Ainsi, comme César à la frontière entre la Gaule et l’Empire romain, marquée géographiquement par le Rubicon, il pourra employer la fameuse formule « alea jacta est » (« le sort en est jeté »).} Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8 {À cause de la structure de pions noirs sur l'aile-Dame, une machine donnera toujours l'avantage aux Blancs. La question reste : est-il possible de valoriser ce petit avantage ?} 24. Rd3 {Vishy Anand : « C'est un début significatif pour Ian. Je pense que ce genre de positions, si vous mettez la pression, est excellent pour une stratégie de match. Je ne sais pas s'il convertira aujourd'hui, mais c'est une très belle position. »} c5 {Ding Liren poursuit son idée de placer tous ses pions sur la couleur du Fou adverse. Alors que l'affaiblissement de la case d5 est relatif, la faiblesse du pion c7 l'est un peu plus.} 25. Qd2 c6 $5 {Le temps entre en ligne de compte désormais : 0h50-0h19, sans incrément avant le 61e coup. Sesse.net n'a pas aimé du tout le coup du Chinois.} ({L'ordinateur donnait} 25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 Kh7 27. Kg1 {avec un petit avantage durable pour les Blancs.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 $1 ({Surtout pas} 26... Qxd8 $4 27. Qxd8+ Nxd8 28. Bc7 $18 {Pion c7 ou case c7 c'est pareil, les Noirs pourraient déjà abandonner.}) 27. Qf4 {En 18 secondes et une évaluation qui est passée à +0.85. Vous l'aurez compris, ce qui va se passer sur l'aile-Dame va décider en grande partie du résultat de cette partie. La majorité dégradée va-t-elle résister ?} b5 28. Qb8 $1 {Le meilleur ! « C'est un coup à la Ian. L'infiltration avec la Dame, c'est le sujet préféré de Ian. » Anish Giri} Kh7 {Le meilleur aussi, joué a tempo, même si cela perd le pion a5. Sur Twitter c'est l'inquiétude pour Ding Liren : Jan Gustafsson : « Fd6 et Fc7 semblent être un pion net de plus. Longue souffrance à venir. » — Susan Polgar : « Ding sue, sur l'échiquier et à la pendule. Le trac de la première partie ? » — Daniel King : « Ding a de sérieux ennuis. Ses pions de l'aile-Dame sont faibles et il n'y pas de contre-jeu. Le manque de temps est également un problème. »} 29. Bd6 {Après 14 minutes.} (29. Bc7 $1 {était donné comme encore plus fort par les machines.} Ne6 30. Bxa5 Qd7 31. Nf4 c4) (29. Qc7 $5 {était une autre option, avec une finale légèrement supérieure.} Qxc7 30. Bxc7 Nb7) 29... Qd7 {A tempo.} 30. Ng3 Ne6 {Avec des pendules à 0h21 et 0h11, et une évaluation par +0.44 de Sesse.net.} 31. f4 $5 {Avec égalité (0.00), mais nous soupçonnons Ian Nepomniachtchi de chercher à exploiter le manque de temps de son adversaire en perturbant le cours normal de la partie.} ({Considéré plus fort était} 31. c3 a4 {et seulement maintenant} 32. f4) 31... h5 32. c3 c4 {Permet à Ian Nepomniachtchi d'éviter à son Cavalier en g3 d'être repoussé.} ({En revanche, ici, c'est l'ordre des coups} 32... h4 33. Nh1 {et seulement maintenant} (33. Nf5 Bg6 $1 $11 {Vishy Anand}) 33... c4 {qui était considéré comme le meilleur.}) 33. h4 (33. f5 h4 34. Nf1 $1 Ng5 35. Nd2) 33... Qd8 34. Qb7 $5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi refuse d'échanger les Dames, mais c'est surtout pour conserver les pièces et non pas parce que c'est la meilleure décision.} (34. Qxd8 Nxd8 35. Bc7 Ne6 36. Bd6 $14) 34... Be8 $11 {Ding Liren défend tout.} 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 {Ian Nepomniachtchi va-t-il accepter de répéter la position et concéder le demi-point après avoir exercé une forte pression tout au long de cette première partie du match de championnat du monde d'échecs FIDE ?} 37. Qxd8 {La réponse est non ! Ce qui aurait été très surprenant de sa part à vrai dire.} Nxd8 38. Nd4 Nb7 39. e5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi blitze son adversaire qui possède moins de 2 minutes pour atteindre le 40e coup.} Kg8 {Avec seulement 53 secondes à la pendule.} ({Surtout pas} 39... Nxd6 $2 40. exd6 Bd7 41. f5 Kg8 42. Kg3 c5 43. Ne6 Kf7 44. Nxc5 Bxf5 45. Kf4 g6 46. a4 bxa4 47. Ke3 g5 48. g3 gxh4 49. gxh4 Bg4 50. Kd4 {et les Blancs doivent gagner.}) 40. Kg3 Bd7 {Et voilà, le contrôle est passé sans encombre et les joueurs ont maintenant 60 minutes pour les 20 coups suivants. Sesse.net juge cette position avec 0.00.} 41. Bc7 Nc5 42. Bxa5 {Le pion a5 est finalement tombé, sauf que les conditions sont clairement moins bonnes qu''auparavant, car les Noirs peuvent s'en prendre aussi aux pions de l'aile-Dame..} Kf7 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 $1 (45... Nxb2 $4 {serait une énorme gaffe à cause de} 46. Nd8+ {1-0}) 46. Nd4 Nxb2 {L'égalité saute désormais aux yeux, même si égale ne veut pas dire forcément nulle.} 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 {On se pose souvent la question de savoir si Nepo va rester fidèle à son style dans ce match, alors qu'il ne l'a pas du tout été contre Magnus Carlsen. Dans cette première partie, son approche ressemble beaucoup à une approche du type « Quelques petites chances pour moi, mais aucune pour mon adversaire ».} Nc1 49. Ke3 {Et nulle sur proposition de Ian Nepomniachtchi. Le Russe a exercé une forte pression tout au long de la première partie du match de championnat du monde d'échecs FIDE, mais le Chinois Ding Liren a trouvé les ressources nécessaires pour prendre le demi-point.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.10"] [Round "2"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "0-1"] [Annotator "3700"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "1k1r1br1/1bq2p1p/p3p3/n4p2/PppPP3/3B1N1P/1P1B1PP1/2RQR1K1 w - - 0 19"] [PlyCount "10"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [SourceVersionDate "2023.04.11"] {The position after Black's 18th move. White cannot recapture with} 19. exf5 {because there follows:} Rxd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and if White accepts the sacrifice with} 20. Nxd4 {Black has} Rxg2+ 21. Kf1 (21. Kh1 Qh2#) 21... Rxf2+ $3 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;Brilliant;persistent;true]} 22. Kxf2 Qh2+ 23. Ke3 (23. Kf1 Qg2#) 23... Bh6# {0-} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.10"] [Round "2"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "5400+30"] {[%evp 0,58,38,24,24,4,6,6,6,-12,-14,16,16,14,12,-14,16,18,1,12,6,37,21,-2,50,0,-5,-12,-21,-11,-18,-18,-13,-25,-11,-1,13,-51,-51,-54,-26,-56,-55,-37,0,0,0,-184,-194,-183,-174,-277,-277,-401,-405,-414,-416,-459,-482,-482,-598]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $4 {Much will be said about this curious and rare choice as early as move four, probably an influence of the creative GM Rapport, one of Ding's seconds. Of course, the idea didn't work in the game, but let's not be too quick to judge its merits. The job of studying openings for those who play White at the highest level is very difficult: you have to come up with ideas that your opponent hasn't studied much with the computer. In chess, as in other sports, it is easier to destroy than to create. For this reason, more and more exotic ideas are sought after. The move has no specific idea, but now we have to think about how the h2-h3 move affects Black's choice for different moves and transpositions, such as 4...c6, 4...Bb4+, 4...Be7, 4... c5 and so on.} (4. Nc3) (4. g3) (4. Bg5) (4. e3) (4. cxd5) 4... dxc4 {Nepomniachtchi decides to take the game to typical Queen's Gambit Accepted positions. The next moves are very natural and I believed that at some point the game would transpose to some position well known by theory, but it didn't.} 5. e3 c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O Nc6 8. Nc3 b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 (9... cxd4 10. exd4 Nb4 {is also possible.}) 10. a4 b4 11. Ne4 Na5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Interestingly, Ding had this position with White against Aronian in a blitz game in 2021, with the difference that the rook was on e1 and the pawn on h2. The move 11...Na5 works much better in the case of the present game, as this version is better for Black. Nepomniachtchi was evasive during the press conference when asked if he was familiar with this blitz game between Ding and Aronian, but my impression is that he was familiar with it and that helped him in making his decision. Black has other options as well:} (11... cxd4 12. exd4 Be7 13. Be3 {followed by 14.Rc1 and White tries to exploit the weaknesses on the queenside, compensating for the isolated pawn.}) (11... Nxe4 12. Bxe4 f5 {it's always risky to advance pawns this way. White can fight for an advantage after} 13. Bxc6+ Bxc6 14. Ne5 Qd5 15. Nxc6 Qxc6 16. dxc5 Bxc5 17. b3 O-O 18. Bb2) 12. Nxf6+ $6 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Opening the g-file is a risky decision, as the combination of this file with a bishop on b7 can be very dangerous.} (12. Nxc5 {is the best move. That was Ding's choice in the aforementioned game against Aronian.} Bxc5 13. dxc5 Nd7 {The most natural move, seeking to recover the pawn immediately.} (13... Be4 {is also an interesting option.}) 14. c6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (14. Bd2 {leads to a position of approximate equality after} Nxc5 15. Bxb4 Nxd3 16. Bxa5 Qxa5 17. Qxd3 Bxf3 18. gxf3 O-O {Black has enough compensation for the pawn.}) 14... Nxc6 15. Qe2 O-O 16. Rd1 Qe7 17. e4 Nde5 {With a normal position, roughly equal and safe for White.}) 12... gxf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Perhaps Ding underestimated the strength of this move, which weakens Black's structure for a good reason. This is a difficult move for chess players with a very positional style, but it's a natural one for someone who likes the initiative like Nepomniachtchi.} 13. e4 $6 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This makes things worse.} (13. dxc5 {is necessary, since in that case, Black's king will have no refuge on the queenside.} Bxc5 14. e4 Rg8 {With a complicated position, with chances for both sides.}) 13... c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Despite handing over central control to the opponent, Black can now take the king to the queenside and start a threatening attack with all his pieces playing.} 14. Bc2 Qc7 15. Bd2 Rg8 (15... O-O-O {is also good.}) 16. Rc1 O-O-O 17. Bd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A bad decision. Ding probably wanted to bring the bishop to f1 and secure the king's defense, but he won't have time for that.} (17. Qe1 {it is better. Play can continue:} f5 18. Kh1 $1 {[%c_effect h1;square;h1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and Black's initiative persists, but White has much more resources than in the game.}) 17... Kb8 18. Re1 (18. b3 {loses to} c3) (18. Bxc4 {doesn't work:} Nxc4 19. b3 (19. Qe2 Rc8 20. b3 Nxd2 21. Rxc7 Nxf3+ 22. Qxf3 Rxc7 {with a decisive material advantage for Black.}) 19... Nb2 (19... Nxd2 $6 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is not clear now:} 20. Rxc7 Nxf3+ 21. Qxf3 Kxc7 22. Qxf6) (19... Bxe4 {is also very good.} 20. Rxc4 Qb7) 20. Rxc7 Nxd1 21. Rxb7+ Kxb7 22. Rxd1 Bd6 {And White doesn't have enough compensation for the exchange.}) 18... f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move received high praise from Ding at the press conference.} 19. Bc2 (19. exf5 {is brutally refuted.} Rxd4 $3 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] and White's position collapses:} 20. Nxd4 Rxg2+ 21. Kf1 Rxf2+ 22. Kxf2 Qh2+ 23. Ke3 (23. Kf1 Qg2#) 23... Bh6#) 19... Nc6 (19... f6 $5 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is also very good and was mentioned by Nepomniachtchi during the interview. The plan is to move the queen to g7. But the knight is Black's worst piece and he decided to bring it into the game.}) 20. Bg5 {There's not much to recommend for White. I suspect that both players knew that the fate of the game was already sealed by this point. There is no proper way to defend the d4-pawn.} (20. exf5 Nxd4 {with a winning attack.}) (20. Be3 f4 {sends the bishop back home.}) (20. d5 exd5 21. exd5 Bc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with a winning attack, for example:} 22. dxc6 Qg3) 20... Rxg5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A player of Nepomniachtchi's class plays this move by intuition.} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 {For the exchange, Black has a pawn, active pieces, and an attack, while White is totally uncoordinated.} 22. Qh5 f6 {The simplest path to victory.} 23. Nf3 (23. Nxh7 Bc5 24. Nxf6 Qf4 {All the black pieces take part in the attack.} 25. Bb1 Nb3 26. Rc2 Nd2) 23... Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 25. Rd2 Bd6 26. Kh1 c3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 {The rook doesn't have a proper square. An excellent game from Nepomniachtchi, who showed to be in great shape. Ding's performance in these first two games is worrying, but now he will have a free day to rest and continue the fight in the third game. 0-} 0-1 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.10"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Sagar Shah"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,58,19,31,14,-14,-11,0,0,-48,-13,-9,22,19,17,-16,18,-1,10,-6,-15,6,37,26,51,0,-40,-12,-25,-16,-24,-27,-6,-30,0,-20,-20,-55,-39,-52,6,-82,-71,-71,12,20,0,-114,-147,-212,-190,-274,-275,-383,-383,-383,-386,-446,-434,-482,-482]} 1. d4 Nf6 (1... d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. e3 e6 5. Bxc4 c5 6. O-O a6 7. Nc3 b5 8. Bd3 Bb7 {Black is doing very well because the knight is not developed on c6.}) 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $5 {An interesting move that is not about the venom it possesses but the main idea is to take Nepo out of his preparation.} dxc4 {Nepo makes a very safe choice. He decides to transpose the game into a version of Queen's Gambit Accepted which is considered to be quite safe for Black.} (4... Bb4+ 5. Bd2 Be7 6. cxd5 exd5 7. Nc3) 5. e3 c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O Nc6 (7... b5 8. Bd3 Bb7 9. a4 $1 b4 10. Nbd2 $14) 8. Nc3 b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 {The knight on c6, helps White to fight for an advantage.} 10. a4 $1 b4 11. Ne4 Na5 12. Nxf6+ {It is surprising that Ding Liren plays this move. As he mentioned in the press conference, he didn't expect Nepo's next move.} (12. Nxc5 {was much better.} Bxc5 13. dxc5 Be4 (13... Rc8 14. e4 $1 Nxe4 15. c6 $1 Bxc6 16. Bxa6 Ra8 17. Qe2 $16) 14. Bxe4 Qxd1 15. Rxd1 Nxe4 16. c6 Nb3 (16... Nxc6 17. Bd2 a5 18. Rac1 $18) 17. Rb1 Rd8 18. Nd4 Ke7 (18... e5 19. c7 $18) 19. f3 $14) 12... gxf6 $1 {The bishop on b7 combined with the rook coming on g8 gives Black some pressure.} (12... Qxf6 13. e4 {was what Ding had on his mind.}) 13. e4 (13. dxc5 Qd7 $5) 13... c4 $1 {A great move. The reason why this move is special is because you are releasing the tension in the center. But Nepo understood it excellently that this is extremely strong.} 14. Bc2 Qc7 $5 15. Bd2 $5 {Ding Liren plans to hit the pawn on b4.} (15. Qe2 Rg8 16. Be3) 15... Rg8 16. Rc1 {A very logical move. Ding wants to put pressure on the c4 pawn.} (16. Qe1 {This was also possible.} f5 $1 17. d5 O-O-O $15) 16... O-O-O $1 {A beautiful fearless move.} 17. Bd3 $6 {Ding puts pressure on the c4 pawn.} (17. Qe1 f5 18. Kh1 Nc6 19. Rg1 Nxd4 20. Nxd4 Rxd4 21. Be3 Rd7 22. exf5 Qe5 $15) 17... Kb8 $1 {Such a calm and cool move by Nepo.} 18. Re1 (18. Bxc4 Nxc4 19. b3 Nb2 $1 $19 (19... Bxe4 20. Rxc4 Qb7 $19)) 18... f5 $1 {With this move Ding Liren is completely tied up.} 19. Bc2 (19. exf5 Rxd4 $1 {A brilliant move.} (19... Bxf3 20. Qxf3 Rxd4 21. Bxc4 Rxc4 22. fxe6 fxe6 23. Rxc4 Nxc4 24. Rxe6 Bd6 $17) 20. Nxd4 Rxg2+ 21. Kf1 (21. Kh1 Qh2#) 21... Rxf2+ 22. Kxf2 Qh2+ 23. Ke3 Bh6#) 19... Nc6 $1 {Nepo puts pressure on the d4 pawn. It is wonderful to see how he is putting pressure on the e4 and d4 pawns.} (19... f6) 20. Bg5 (20. Bb1 fxe4 21. Bxe4 f5 22. Bxc6 Qxc6 23. Bf4+ Ka8 $19) 20... Rxg5 $1 {Nepo gives up an exchange to destroy White's center.} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 (21... Rxd4) 22. Qh5 (22. exf5 Nb3 23. Qg4 Nxc1 24. Rxc1 exf5 25. Qxf5 Bg7 $19) 22... f6 23. Nf3 (23. Nf7 Rd7 24. exf5 e5 $19) (23. Nxh7 Bc5 24. Nxf6 Qf4 $19) 23... Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 25. Rd2 Bd6 $1 {Not exchanging the rooks is the right decision.} (25... Rxd2 26. Nxd2 $16) 26. Kh1 c3 $1 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 {The rook is trapped on e5. Nepo wins his first game after playing 13 games of World Championship Match.  0- 0-} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.12"] [Round "3"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D36"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,60,19,31,14,-14,3,-10,11,-28,-17,2,8,0,10,-5,12,30,46,14,9,11,15,16,41,19,46,51,44,43,43,8,8,0,-13,-14,28,22,37,28,33,37,37,-7,15,5,-9,-6,-7,-3,-13,-15,-14,-10,0,-5,-5,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 {Nous avons eu tout faux, Ian Nepomniachtchi ne répète pas son 1.e4 de la première partie et demande à son adversaire de lui montrer ce qu'il a dans sa besace contre 1.d4.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 {Nous avons ici la structure de pions de « Karlsbad », que l'on peut obtenir via le Gambit Dame, la Nimzo-Indienne, la Caro-Kann, jouée en 1923 au tournoi de Karlsbad pour éviter la variante Cambridge-Springs. Les Blancs ont plusieurs plans : l'attaque de minorité sur l'aile-Dame ; l'attaque au centre par e3-e4 : l'attaque sur l'aile-Roi quand les Blancs et les Noirs ont fait le petit roque ; l'attaque sur l'aile-Roi quand les Blancs font le grand roque.} h6 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. Qc2 {L'ordre des coups doit être précis.} ({Sur} 9. Nge2 {le meilleur pour les Noirs est de poursuivre avec le plan} Ne8 $1 10. Bg3 Nd6 $1 11. Qc2 a5 12. O-O Na6 13. a3 Re8 14. Rad1 Bf8 15. h3 Bd7 16. Rfe1 b5 17. Nc1 b4 18. axb4 Nxb4 19. Qb1 Nxd3 20. Nxd3 Bf5 {½-½ (40) Tan Zhongyi (2514)-Lagno,K (2563) Women Candidates Pool B Khiva UZB 2022}) 9... Re8 10. Nge2 Nbd7 11. O-O a5 ({Une alternative importante est} 11... Nh5 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Rae1 Nb6 14. Nc1 g6 15. Nb3 Ng7 16. f3 Be6 17. Nc5 Rad8 18. Qf2 Bc8 19. e4 dxe4 20. fxe4 Ne6 21. Nxe6 Bxe6 22. e5 {½-½ (53) Grischuk,A (2742)-Dubov,D (2702) Titled Tue INT blitz 2022}) 12. a3 ({Sur l'imprécis} 12. a4 $6 Nb8 $1 13. Rae1 Na6 $1 {[%csl Gb4]} 14. Bxa6 $6 Rxa6 15. Nc1 g6 16. f3 Bf5 17. e4 dxe4 18. fxe4 Nxe4 19. Bxe7 Qxd4+ 20. Rf2 Rxe7 21. Nb3 Nxf2 22. Nxd4 Rxe1+ 23. Kxf2 Bxc2 24. Kxe1 Bf5 25. Kd2 Rb6 26. b3 Rb4 27. Nce2 c5 28. Nxf5 gxf5 29. Kc3 c4 30. bxc4 Rxa4 31. Nd4 f4 32. Kb3 Rb4+ 33. Kc3 Rb1 {0-1 Caruana,F (2783)-Yuan,Q (2373) Titled Tue INT blitz 2022}) 12... Nh5 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 {Il ne reste plus que six parties dans les bases, dont une avec Ding Liren, avec les Noirs, contre Anish Giri.} 14. Rae1 (14. Rfe1 Nb6 15. Ng3 Nxg3 16. hxg3 Bd7 17. Qb3 Qd8 18. Rac1 g6 19. Ne2 Kg7 20. Nf4 h5 {½-½ (34) Zeihser,M (2392)-Naeter,B (2224) W-Cup21 email ICCF 2017}) 14... Nf8 {Il est intéressant de remarquer que Ding Liren, alors qu'il a déjà eu cette position, prend du temps à chaque coup. 1h42-1h35.} 15. Nc1 Nf6 {Dix-huit minutes pour finalement continuer avec le coup qu'il avait déjà joué.} 16. f3 {A tempo ! Anish Giri après 16.f3 : « Nepomniachtchi mélange ma partie avec sa préparation. Il suit aveuglément ma partie en pensant que c'est sa préparation. C'était juste ma partie - ce n'était pas très bon ! »} Ne6 {Anish Giri pourrait bien avoir raison, car Ian Nepomniachtchi, sur le streaming, ne semble pas très heureux avec sa position.} 17. N1e2 {Enfin un nouveau coup, après 8 minutes de réflexion. Les Blancs préparent la poussée e4 après avoir placé leur Cavalier en g3. De leur côté, si le Fou en c8 des Noirs n'est toujours pas actif, ils n'ont aucune faiblesse et la position peut être considérée comme équilibrée.} (17. Qf2 c5 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Nb3 Qb6 21. Rd1 Bd7 22. Bxd7 Rxd7 23. Nd4 Re8 24. Ncb5 Rde7 25. Rfe1 g6 26. Nxe6 Rxe6 27. Nd4 R6e7 28. Qd2 Nd7 29. Re2 Ne5 30. b3 Nc6 31. Qc3 h5 32. Kf2 Re5 33. Nxc6 bxc6 34. b4 axb4 35. axb4 R5e6 36. Qd4 Rb8 37. Qxb6 Rxb6 38. Rd4 Re8 39. e4 Reb8 40. exd5 cxd5 {½-½ Giri,A (2761)-Ding Liren (2806) Chessable Masters INT rapid 2022}) 17... c5 {Vladimir Kramnik : « Je m'attends à un match très intéressant, avec beaucoup de hauts et de bas et pas mal de parties décisives. Ils ont tous deux la faiblesse d'être quelque peu instables. »} ({La machine aurait joué} 17... b5 18. Ng3 Rb8) 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 {Inflige un pion isolé en d5 à l'adversaire, compensé par le pion faible en e3.} Qxc5 20. Qd2 Bd7 21. Bxd7 $5 {Un échange inattendu.} (21. Nd4 Rac8 (21... Nxd4 22. Qxd4 Qxd4 23. exd4 $11) 22. Be2) 21... Nxd7 $1 {Si dans la deuxième partie, Ding Liren n'avait pas envisagé la reprise par le pion « g » en f6, apparemment, ici, Ian Nepomniachtchi a sans doute sous-estimé la reprise en d7 par le Cavalier, qui vise maintenant la case c4 via e5 avec pression sur b2 et e3 !} 22. Nd4 ({Surtout pas} 22. Nxd5 $4 {à cause de} Nb6 {et 0-1.}) ({Le pion d5 est indirectement protégé. Si} 22. Qxd5 $2 Qxe3+ 23. Kh1 Ndc5 24. Ng3 (24. Qf5 $2 Nd3 25. Rb1 Nf2+ 26. Rxf2 Qxf2 $19) 24... Qf4 25. Qf5 Rd2 {avec un clair avantage noir.}) 22... Nb6 {Avec la même idée d'occuper la case c4. On notera que les Tours blanches, placées en vue de la poussée du pion e4, se retrouvent désormais mal placées. Les rôles se sont inversés par rapport à la deuxième partie, avec un Nepomniachtchi qui réfléchit dans sa salle de repos dans une position légèrement inconfortable, et Ding Liren jouant en confiance.} 23. Rd1 {Après 12 minutes, ce qui confirme que Ian Nepomniachtchi rencontre quelques problèmes.} Nc4 {Avec des pendules équilibrées à environ 47 minutes chacun.} 24. Qf2 Rac8 {Les Noirs terminent leur développement tout en menaçant de gagner le pion b2.} ({Le tentant} 24... Nxa3 $5 {ne gagne pas de pion sinon qu'il mène à des simplifications.} 25. e4 $1 Nxd4 26. Rxd4 Nb5 27. Rxd5 Qxf2+ 28. Kxf2 Nxc3 29. Rxd8+ Rxd8 30. bxc3 Rd2+ 31. Kg3 {avec une nulle probable.}) 25. Na4 Qe7 {Vishy Anand : « Jusqu'à présent, je pense que cette partie est une bénédiction pour Ding ; il a égalisé confortablement. Il y a une position qui vous met mal à l'aise, et je pense qu'elle est vraiment désagréable pour Ian. »} 26. Rfe1 Qf6 {Les pièces noires sont bien placées.} 27. Nb5 Nc7 {Ding Liren montre un bien meilleur visage dans cette troisième partie.} 28. Nd4 Ne6 {Allons-nous avoir une nulle par répétition de la position, ou Ding Liren veut juste gagner quelques coups pour s'approcher du 40e ?} 29. Nb5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi est d'accord pour une partie nulle.} Nc7 30. Nd4 Ne6 {Bien que nulle, le Chinois Ding Liren a montré un bien meilleur visage dans cette troisième partie du match. Ian Nepomniachtchi, malgré l'avantage des pièces blanches, a dû défendre avec ténacité. Le duel s'équilibre, même si le Russe mène par 2 points à 1.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.11"] [Round "1.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Liren, Ding"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Navara,David"] [PlyCount "98"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,98,39,26,26,8,8,15,4,2,-13,0,15,19,21,-1,21,24,1,0,12,14,48,5,1,-25,9,13,2,12,21,17,19,19,27,29,29,24,31,0,17,21,24,16,26,20,22,17,22,20,38,34,91,86,96,88,109,106,95,97,112,38,35,44,55,34,65,37,38,59,42,38,42,42,34,31,27,17,22,0,35,10,8,9,37,25,23,10,16,11,14,18,19,8,7,16,19,18,31,0,0] The initial game of a World Championship match is always a bit specific. Both players have come there very well prepared, but they know little about the opponent's preparation. Is the opponent willing to enter a theoretical debate, repeating the same openings again or again, or is he going to vary them, coming with many surprising lines for one or two games? In the initial games the players are also trying to learn as much as possible about the opponent's preparation, while trying not to reveal much about their own. It makes sense to surprise the opponent, but one should not take too many risks, as a loss in a relatively short match might cause a player big problems.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Contrary to many other top players, Ding Liren mostly plays 3...a6, although he sometimes plays Berlin, too. Ian Nepomniachtchi has undoubtedly prepared some dangerous ideas against it.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 {This move probably came as a surprise. As far as I know, Ian Nepomniachtchi had not played this move before. White steers the game into a less explored position with some imbalances. Black's doubled pawn is not much of a problem. On the other hand, his bishop pair is not so strong so far. Why White did not take on c6 already on move 4? Black's e5-pawn might hang in many lines, and Black will need to spend the extra tempo on protecting it. Objectively speaking, White has no advantage here, but it is the case with most topical lines nowadays. The element of surprise can be quite important, as Ian Nepomniachtchi has surely studied the resulting positions deeper.} (6. Re1 {and}) (6. d3 {are much more popular and have also been played by Ian Nepomniachtchi many times.}) 6... dxc6 7. Re1 $5 {For the second time in a row, Ian Nepomniachtchi chooses a less common move. I am not sure if Ding Liren faced this move before.} (7. d3 {is much more common. Then} Nd7 {leads to quieter positions with mutual chances. Ding Liren faced 7.d3 at least three times in recent years.}) 7... Nd7 {Ding spent 9 minutes on this move. When going for} (7... Bg4 {, Black has to be ready for} 8. h3 Bh5 9. g4 $5 {.} (9. d3 {is a reasonable positional move, but it looks less dangerous for both sides, primarily for the one which had not expected this line.}) 9... Nxg4 (9... Bg6 10. Nxe5 {also deserves a deeper analysis, Black has various option there.}) 10. hxg4 Bxg4 {looks fine for Black, but it is mostly a good idea to avoid the sharpest lines when a well-prepared opponent surprises you. And there is no doubt that both players came very well prepared! A very sharp position with mutual chances could arise after} 11. d4 $5 exd4 12. Qd3 c5 13. Nbd2 Qd6 14. c3 {.}) 8. d4 $5 {White opens the position, postponing his queenside development for the time being. After} (8. Nc3 {Black has reasonable ways to avoid the exchange on d4, e.g.} c5 {or} (8... O-O 9. d4 Bd6 $5 {, with approximate equality in both cases.})) 8... exd4 {Here} (8... Bd6 $6 {is less good in view of} 9. Nbd2 $1 exd4 10. Nc4 $5 $14 {or} (10. Nxd4 {, as Black's bishop on d6 becomes a target. (The exchange for a White's knight is mostly undesirable, as it deprives Black of his main asset, the bishop pair.})) 9. Qxd4 O-O 10. Bf4 {Black need not be afraid of} (10. Nc3 Bf6 11. Qd3 (11. e5 $2 {is a natural but careless move which runs into nice tactics:} Nxe5 $1 12. Qxd8 (12. Rxe5 $2 Qxd4 13. Nxd4 Bxe5 $19) 12... Nxf3+ 13. gxf3 Bxd8 {, when Black remains a healthy pawn up.}) 11... Ne5 {Black can exchange some pieces and develop his queenside with decent play.}) 10... Nc5 11. Qe3 (11. Qxd8 $6 Bxd8 {leads to an endgame which is good for Black. White's pawn majority is not very relevant with so many pieces on the board, he would need to exchange the dark-squared bishops and rooks to make his kingside majority count. Without losing his queenside pawns, of course. As it is, Black can just develop the pieces and achieve a good position.}) 11... Bg4 $6 {This move might be inaccurate. It is not so easy to handle an unfamiliar position over the board. After} (11... Ne6 $1 12. Bg3 {Black has many reasonable moves leading to approximate equality. Personally I like} (12. Nc3 $6 Nxf4 13. Qxf4 Qd6 14. e5 Qg6 $15 {looks promising for Black, whose bishop pair might become more important in the future.}) 12... Bc5 {as well as} (12... f6 {, as these two moves give some room to Black's queen, who might feel uncomfortable on the open d-file.})) 12. Nd4 {After} (12. h3 $6 Bxf3 $1 13. Qxf3 Qd4 14. Nc3 Ne6 15. Be3 Qb4 {Black's activity fully compensates for a minor structure defect. In fact, the c6-pawn protects the d5-square.}) 12... Qd7 {While} (12... Bd6 $6 13. Bxd6 cxd6 {would have undoubled Black's pawns, the d6-pawn would remain weak. White would have a better development and a slight advantage after} 14. f3 Be6 15. Nc3 $14 {or even} (15. Nd2 $5 Re8 16. Rad1 Qc7 17. Nf1 $5 $14 {.})) 13. Nc3 {Ian Nepomniachtchi played very quickly until now, but spent 24 minutes on this move. Either he was already on his own, or he had forgotten the details of his preparation. There is a plenty of theory, so it is impossible to prepare/remember everything. Harikrishna Pentala found a nice idea during his commentary, namely} (13. h3 $1 Rad8 14. Nc3 $1 Qxd4 $2 (14... Bf6 15. Nf3 Bxf3 16. Qxc5 $1 b6 17. Qf5 Qxf5 18. exf5 Bxc3 19. bxc3 Bd5 20. Bxc7 $16 {also leaves White with a clear advantage.}) 15. Nd5 $1 {, when White wins material:} Rxd5 (15... Qxe3 16. Nxe7+ Kh8 17. Bxe3 Nxe4 18. hxg4 $18) 16. exd5 Qxe3 17. Rxe3 $18 {. We will learn more about this option from the next note.}) 13... Rad8 14. Nf5 $6 {White could again play} (14. h3 $1 {, transposing to the previous line. The centralized knight is indirectly protected and Black's bishop needs to make a choice between allowing an exchange and losing control of the f5-square. I should add that Black can (and should) play} Rfe8 $1 {, trying to exchange the centralized knight.} 15. Qg3 $5 (15. Nb3 {promises White a moderate initiative after} Nxb3 16. cxb3 Bh5 17. Qg3 Bd6 18. e5 {, but not more than that.}) 15... Qxd4 $1 16. Bxc7 $1 Rd7 $1 {Black has to watch out.} (16... Bh5 $2 {loses a queen and the game to} 17. Be5 $1 $18 {.}) 17. hxg4 Bf8 $1 18. Rad1 Qb4 19. Rxd7 Nxd7 20. Rb1 Nf6 {. Black's activity compensates for the missing pawn.}) 14... Ne6 {The knight move does not spoil anything, although it might have more accurate to exchange White's active knight for the other bishop, thus doubling White's pawns:} (14... Bxf5 15. exf5 Rfe8 16. g4 {Black's position looks a bit cramped and the knight on c5 currently has no good move, but chess is a very concrete game. Black should equalize through} (16. f6 {is less strong than it looks. Black has at least two good replies:} Bd6 (16... Bf8 $5 17. Qg3 g6 18. Bxc7 Qd2 $5 $44 {is risky but sound, as} 19. Red1 {loses outright to} Qxd1+ $1 20. Rxd1 Rxd1+ 21. Nxd1 Re1# {.}) (16... gxf6 {is not exactly bad, but} 17. Qg3+ Kh8 18. Bxc7 $5 {looks pleasant for White, as} Rg8 $2 {loses to a queen sacrifice:} 19. Bxd8 $1 Rxg3 20. Bxe7 {Everything hangs and} Rxg2+ (20... Rxc3 21. Bxf6+ $1) 21. Kxg2 Qg4+ 22. Kf1 Qh3+ 23. Ke2 {allows White's king to escape.}) 17. Qg3 g6) 16... Bd6 17. Qf3 Bxf4 18. Qxf4 Qd6 $1 19. Qg3 {and now Black can try} (19. Qxd6 cxd6 20. b4 $6 Nd7 21. Ne4 Ne5 $1 $36) 19... h5 $5 {with mutual chances.} (19... Qxg3+ $6 20. hxg3 {is less accurate, as White's pawns would be better doubled than Black's, controling many important squares on the kingside. The h7-pawn could be vulnerable in some lines involving the g4-g5 advance.})) 15. Nxe7+ Qxe7 16. Bg3 Bh5 $6 {Given that Black needs to move his f-pawn sooner or later, it made sense to play} (16... f5 $1 {, threatening f5-f4. After} 17. exf5 Bxf5 18. f3 Qb4 {Black gets sufficient counterplay against White's queenside pawns.}) 17. f3 $1 $14 {This move limits the opponent's bishop. White has a slight edge due to his better pawn structure and a more active bishop. He can play for a win without any risk, which is an ideal scenario in a World Championship match.} f6 {Black had to move his f-pawn sooner or later to bring his bishop back into play. That said, such a move also weakens his king a bit. It is not relevant now, but could matter later on.} 18. h3 h6 19. Kh2 {White improves his position little by little. There is no need to hurry, as Black cannot improve his position much, either.} Bf7 20. Rad1 b6 {This is a logical move. The position resembles the Berlin defense, but in our game the pawn formation a5-b6-c5-c7 is more vulnerable, as a loss of the c7-pawn could cost Black another pawn and a game. In Berlin endgames such a danger hardly exists with Black's king on the queenside, and even with Black's king on the kingside White mostly needs to sacrifice a pawn (e5-e6) to win the c7-pawn and perhaps another one. In contrast, in our game the bishop on g3 already eyes c7. After} (20... Rxd1 21. Rxd1 (21. Nxd1 $5 $14) 21... Rd8 {White could try} 22. Qa7 $5 {, a move which is no longer possible after 20...b6. That said, Black holds his own after , a move which is no longer possible after 20...b6. That said, Black holds his own after} Rxd1 23. Nxd1 Qb4 $1 {.}) 21. a3 {White could already play} (21. f4 Rxd1 22. Rxd1 $14 {, but protecting the b4-square makes sense.}) 21... a5 22. Ne2 (22. f4 $5 Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Bh5 $14) 22... Rxd1 (22... c5 $14 {is a good positional move. It weakens the d5-square, but White is unable to exploit it. After} 23. Nf4 {Black should avoid the knight swap with} Nd4 $1 {, as} (23... Nxf4 $6 24. Qxf4 {would leave his queenside somewhat exposed. While} Rxd1 25. Rxd1 Rc8 26. e5 $5 fxe5 27. Qxe5 Qxe5 28. Bxe5 Be8 $14 {is not too bad for Black, he would have weak pawns on both flanks.})) 23. Rxd1 Rd8 24. Rd3 {White maintains the pressure, hoping to exchange the rooks under favorable conditions. After} (24. Rxd8+ Qxd8 25. f4 c5 {Black should not face many problems. In many lines he can sacrifice a pawn, steering into a drawish opposite-coloured bishop endgame:} 26. Qd3 (26. f5 Nd4 $1 27. Qd3 b5 $5 28. Nxd4 Qxd4 29. Qxd4 cxd4 30. Bxc7 a4 31. Bb6 Ba2 32. Bxd4 Bb1 {White's extra pawn does not matter there. White's extra pawn does not matter there.}) 26... Qxd3 27. cxd3 Nd4 28. Nxd4 cxd4 29. f5 c6 30. Bc7 Bb3 31. Bxb6 a4 32. Bxd4 Bc2 33. Kg3 Bxd3 34. Kf3 h5 $5 $14 {. If White managed to win the c6-pawn, create a passed pawn on f6 and then push b2-b4 to be able to play a3-a4 after Black takes en passant a4xb3, he could generate real winning chances. That said, such a scenario would require too many things going White's way, which is unrealistic on a top level.}) 24... c5 {Black could also play} (24... Rxd3 25. Qxd3 (25. cxd3 c5 $1) 25... b5 $5 {with a later a5-a4, moving his queenside pawns outside the reach of White's bishop. Even a loss of the c7-pawn would not be a big problem then, if Black managed to exchange the knights. Knowing the further course of the game, I believe it to be a safer option}) 25. Qd2 c6 $6 {This move is inaccurate, as it allows an activation of White's pieces and loses a pawn.} (25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 {is still better for White due to the vulnerability of Black's queenside pawns, but Black should be able to neutralize that advantage with an accurate defense. He can make waiting moves like} Kh7 (26... Be8 $5 27. Nc3 c6 $1 {is another option. Then} 28. e5 fxe5 29. Bxe5 b5 30. f4 c4 $14 {is only slightly worse for Black.}) 27. Nc3 c6 $14 {. It is not much fun, but who says that playing a World Championship match is fun? Top players are used to defending worse positions than this one.}) (25... Kf8 26. Rd5 $5 (26. Rxd8+ Nxd8) 26... Ke8 27. Qd3 c6 28. Rxd8+ Qxd8 29. Qa6 {is also unpleasant for Black, but} Kf8 $1 30. Qb7 Kg8 $1 $14 {brings the king back into safety, while preparing a queen sortie to d2.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 27. Qf4 $1 {The queen wants to attack the pawns from behind. It seems that Black underestimated this strong maneuver. Ian played this move very quickly.} b5 {Similar was} (27... Bc4 $5 28. Nc3 b5 29. Qb8 Kh7 $16 {.}) 28. Qb8 Kh7 {White has achieved a tangible advantage with strong play. That said, Black has many defensive resources. At this moment Black had 13 minutes left for his next 12 moves.} 29. Bd6 $6 {White spent 14 minutes on this move. He could collect a pawn through} (29. Bc7 Ne6 30. Bxa5 {, but it is not easy to neutralize Black's counterplay after} Qd7 $16 {. That said, White has at least two promising options here:} 31. Nf4 $1 (31. Bc3 Qd1 32. Nf4 $1 Nxf4 33. Qxf4 {, when} Qxc2 $2 {loses a second pawn to} (33... b4 $1 34. axb4 cxb4 35. Bxb4 Qxc2 36. Bc3 Qd3 {is a much better defense, as Black is ready to meet} 37. e5 {with} f5 $1 {. His position is not great but seems to be defensible.}) 34. Qf5+ Kg8 35. Qc8+ Kh7 36. Qxc6 b4 37. Bxb4 $1 Qxb2 (37... cxb4 $2 38. Qxc2) 38. Qxc5 $18) 31... Nd4 $5 (31... c4 $5) 32. Bb6 Nxc2 33. Bxc5 Ne1 $1 34. Bd6 $5 $16 {White limits Black's queen, staying a healthy pawn up. Perhaps Black can still defend with precise play, but White's position is surely promising in practical terms.}) 29... Qd7 30. Ng3 {White could try} (30. Qc7 $1 Qxc7 31. Bxc7 Nb7 32. Kg3 $14 {, when Black's position is defensible but unpleasant.}) 30... Ne6 31. f4 $6 {White could protect the d4-square with} (31. c3 {, maintaining pressure. A logical move} c4 {could then be met with} (31... a4 $5 $14) 32. a4 $5 bxa4 33. Nf5 $14 {, when more active pieces would give White an edge. True, it is not much after} Nd8 $1 {, as the opposite-squared bishop endgames are mostly drawn.}) 31... h5 {Black could also play} (31... Nd4 $5 32. Bxc5 Nxc2 33. Nf5 Bg6 34. Ne7 Qe8 (34... Be8)) 32. c3 {1/2-1/2 The game is a draw.} c4 {Black could play} (32... h4 $1 33. Nf5 Bg6 $10 {, as} 34. Ne7 Be8 {does not promise White more than equality. His pieces are active but also hang in many lines. Right now Black would like to play 35...Nxf4!}) 33. h4 {White prevents the h5-h4 ideas.} Qd8 34. Qb7 {This move requires a good reaction from Black. On the other hand, the correct reaction resolves the problems. White could try} (34. Qxd8 $5 Nxd8 {and now perhaps} 35. f5 $5 (35. a4 $5) 35... Nb7 36. Be7 a4 37. Ne2 $14 {with 38.Kg3 to follow. Black should be able to defend, but I can imagine Magnus Carlsen happily pushing for many decades of moves in such a position.}) 34... Be8 $1 {The only move, but a sufficient one. After} (34... Qxd6 $2 35. Qxf7 {White wins easily:} Qxf4 (35... Nxf4 36. Nf5 $18) 36. Qxe6 Qxh4+ 37. Qh3 $18) 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 37. Qxd8 Nxd8 38. Nd4 (38. a4 $5) 38... Nb7 39. e5 {After} (39. Be7 Kg8 {White's bishop lacks retreat squares.}) 39... Kg8 40. Kg3 Bd7 {The time control is over. Ding Liren has consolidated his position.} 41. Bc7 (41. e6 $6 Bxe6 $1) 41... Nc5 {Black temporarily gives a pawn. He must have been happy to activate the knight which had largely been performing defensive tasks until now.} 42. Bxa5 Kf7 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 46. Nd4 Nxb2 $10 {The position is dead equal now, as a knight swap almost invariably leads to a simple draw.} 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 Nc1 {The knight heads for b3, trying to exchange White's centralized knight.} 49. Ke3 Nb3 {An interesting strategic game. It contained no fireworks, but we have seen a high-level fighting game, not a boring theoretical draw. Ian Nepomniachtchi achieved to receive a fresh position and build up an advantage with strong play, but Black's position remained hard to crack even after some inaccuracies. Starting from move 27, Ding Liren demonstrated a high-level defense and made a draw. With the current level of preparation and play, it is very hard to win a classical game against a top player who acts solidly. That said, I am sure that we will see such games soon. (I swear that I had written this before the start of game 2!)} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.11"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Navara,David"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,58,26,29,33,11,11,11,13,-39,-21,14,49,34,1,-14,8,-1,17,5,5,5,47,17,55,1,-19,-34,-20,-41,-6,-13,3,3,4,-10,58,-36,-36,-40,-40,-51,-71,-71,-8,-8,0,-114,-147,-156,-141,-283,-255,-391,-419,-419,-409,-410,-425,-448,-477]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $5 {A very rare continuation as early as on move 4! It leads to fresh positions, or rather to fresh variations on well-known topics.} dxc4 {Ian Nepomniachtchi spent 9 minutes on this move. Black had a wide choice, but needed to show some cards, as some of the available plans cannot be combined. (Say, both c7-c6 and c7-c5 are reasonable options here, but playing c7-c6-c5 is rarely good here.) Ian Nepomniachtchi decided to steer play into the Queen's Gambit Accepted, where h2-h3 is not the most useful move.} (4... c5 $5 {looks very reasonable, as the engine's top line} 5. cxd5 (5. e3 {is always an option, but hardly dangerous for Black.}) 5... exd5 6. g3 {does not look impressive with the inclusion of the h2-h3 advance, which somewhat weakens White's kingside.}) (4... c6 5. e3 {leads to a Slav position where h2-h3 is a reasonable move, though not the most ambitious one.} (5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4 Bf5)) (4... a6 $5 {is a witty reply to White's previous move. White can react with} 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4 {, hoping for a slight edge.}) (4... Be7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4 {leads to a line where the h2-h3 advance is useful, although Black should be doing well after} c6 7. Nc3 Bf5 8. g4 Be4 $5 {.}) (4... Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bf4 Bb4+ $5 {is another case of a dynamic equilibrium.}) 5. e3 c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O {We have transposed to a Queen's Gambit Accepted with a rather unusual h2-h3 move, which is not bad at all.} Nc6 {This move cost Black another 9 minutes.} (7... b5 8. Be2 Nbd7 {was a relevant alternative. White might have a slight initiative after} 9. a4 $5 b4 10. Nbd2 Bb7 11. b3 {, but the position does not look too scary for Black.}) 8. Nc3 (8. dxc5 Qxd1 9. Rxd1 Bxc5 {leads to a symmetric position where White cannot hope for much. That said,} 10. Nfd2 $5 O-O 11. Nb3 Be7 12. Nc3 {still promises him mild initiative.}) 8... b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 {Black managed to develop his pieces. Such positions are considered good for him, but Ding Liren had a concrete idea in mind.} (9... cxd4 $5 10. exd4 Nb4 $5 {was a more circumspect option, as Black should be doing well after} (10... Be7 11. a4 bxa4 {is another relevant option, but} 12. Ne5 {requires some precision from Black:} Bb7 $1 13. Rxa4 (13. Qxa4 Qxd4 $1 14. Nxc6 Qxa4 15. Rxa4 Bxc6 16. Rxa6 Rxa6 17. Bxa6) 13... O-O 14. Bxa6 $5 Rxa6 $5 15. Rxa6 Nxe5 16. Ra7 Qb6 (16... Nf3+ $5 17. gxf3 Qb8 $14 {is a braver option, but it seems that an exchange coupled with an extra pawn are worth slightly less than Black's activity and structural advantage.}) 17. Rxb7 Qxb7 18. dxe5 Nd7 $44 {White is a pawn up, but Black's pieces are more active.}) 11. Be2 Be7 12. a4 bxa4 13. Nxa4 O-O {.}) 10. a4 $1 {White immediately attacks Black's queenside before the opponent could complete development.} b4 (10... c4 $6 11. axb5 $1 axb5 12. Rxa8 Bxa8 (12... Qxa8 $4 13. Nxb5 cxd3 14. Nc7+) 13. Bb1 b4 (13... Qa5 14. e4 $14 {gives White a central control, with both advances d4-d5 and e4-e5 being dangerous for Black.}) 14. Ne4 {Black has to tread carefully to avoid problems with his weak c4-pawn or undeveloped kingside}) (10... cxd4 {gives White an extra option} 11. axb5 $5 (11. exd4 {might transpose to 10...b4 followed by 11. ..cxd4.}) 11... dxc3 12. bxc6 Bxc6 {. Computer slightly prefers White's position, although it is hard to achieve anything tangible here.} 13. Nd4 $5 (13. Ne5 Bb5 14. bxc3 Bxd3 15. Nxd3 Be7) 13... Bd7 14. bxc3 (14. Qc2 $5 cxb2 15. Bxb2 Bd6 16. Rfd1 O-O 17. Nb3 Be7 $1 18. Nc5 Kh8 $5 {should be safe for Black, as} 19. Nxd7 Qxd7 20. Bxh7 {allows} Qc8 $1 {with a queen exchange.}) 14... e5 15. Ne2 $14) 11. Ne4 Na5 $5 {A good move, and possibly also an unexpected one.} (11... cxd4 12. exd4 Be7 13. Re1 O-O 14. Be3 $36 {looks preferable for White, as Black has weak squares on the c-file}) (11... Qd7 {was another relevant option.} 12. a5 (12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. dxc5 O-O-O $1 14. Be2 Qxd1 15. Bxd1 a5 {Black is going to regain a pawn without allowing the activation of White's bishop pair.} (15... Ne4 {might be less accurate, as the following sharp line promises White more than enough compensation for a pawn:} 16. a5 $1 Nxc5 17. Ng5 $1 Rd7 18. e4 h6 19. Be3 Nd3 20. Nf3 Nxb2 21. Be2 Nd3 22. Nd2 $1 Kb8 23. Nc4 $14)) 12... cxd4 13. exd4 Be7 14. Bf4 $5 (14. Be3) 14... O-O 15. Nc5 Bxc5 16. dxc5 Rfd8 17. Be2 $14) 12. Nxf6+ {White spent 33 minutes on this move. He had played quickly until now. My first independent move often turns out to be inaccurate. It occasionally happens even to stronger players.} (12. Nxc5 $1 Bxc5 13. dxc5 {was more promising. Black can regain the pawn in many ways, but White has a bishop pair in an open position, which often ensures him an edge.} Be4 $1 {is the critical option, which looks very good for Black at first sight and not bad under a closer inspection, either:} (13... Nd7 14. c6 $5 {This move brings some a shade of disharmony in Black's setup. Black would prefer taking on c5 with his other two minor pieces remaining in their positions.} Bxc6 (14... Nxc6 15. Qe2 Nce5 (15... Nc5 {is a relevant option even here, but the other knight would be slightly better placed on a5 than on c6.}) 16. Nxe5 Nxe5 17. Bc2 $14) 15. Nd4 Nc5 16. Bc2 $14) 14. Bxe4 Qxd1 15. Rxd1 Nxe4 16. Bd2 $5 (16. c6 $5 Nb3 (16... Nxc6 $6 17. Bd2 Rd8 18. Rac1 $14 {causes Black problems with his queenside weaknesses.}) 17. Rb1 Rd8 $1 18. Nd4 $1 Ke7 19. c7 $5 Rd6 20. f3 Nec5 21. Bd2 a5 22. Nxb3 Nxb3 23. Be1 {. Now Black should be able to regain the pawn after} f6 24. Bg3 Rc6 $1 (24... e5 $2 {is surprisingly bad in view of} 25. f4 $1 {, when White's bishop enters play with a decisive effect, e.g.} Ke6 26. fxe5 fxe5 27. Rxd6+ Kxd6 28. Rd1+ $1 Kxc7 29. Bxe5+ $18) 25. Rd3 Nc1 $1 {with equality. All these lines look risky for White, whose queenside is underdeveloped.}) 16... Nxd2 $1 (16... Nb3 $6 17. Bxb4 Rb8 18. Ba3 Nxa1 19. Rxa1 {slightly favors White. If Black castles, his king might be too far from the queenside pawns. If he directs his king to the queenside instead, his monarch might become a target.}) 17. Nxd2 O-O-O $1 18. Ne4 Nb3 $1 19. Nd6+ Rxd6 20. cxd6 Nxa1 21. Rxa1 Kd7 22. Rc1 Kxd6 {is a sharp line leading to a drawish endgame.}) 12... gxf6 13. e4 $6 (13. dxc5 $5 Qd7 $5 (13... Bxc5 {and}) (13... Rg8 {are relevant options as well.}) 14. c6 $1 Qxc6 (14... Bxc6 15. Nd4 Bb7 16. Qe2 Rg8 17. f3 $13) 15. e4) 13... c4 $1 14. Bc2 Qc7 $15 {Black has achieved a favorable pawn structure. His queenside majority will protect the king on b8 and might become a big asset in the endgame. He can attack along the g-file. White currently controls the center, but Black can easily attack it with his pieces and with the f6-f5 push. Ian Nepomniachtchi is an experienced Gruenfeld player, so he knows well how to undermine a pawn center!} 15. Bd2 Rg8 (15... O-O-O {was also an option, and possibly a slightly better one. The game has demonstrated that Black achieves an advantage if he manages to bring his king into safety without losing anything.} 16. Qe1 Qb6 17. Bf4 Bd6 18. Qe3 Kb8 $15) 16. Rc1 {This is a very logical move, but even more concrete action was needed.} (16. Qe1 $1 f5 $1 17. Qe2 $1 (17. d5 O-O-O $1 18. Bxb4 Bxb4 19. Qxb4 fxe4 20. Bxe4 Qf4 $1 21. Qc5+ Kb8 22. Qe3 $1 Qxe3 23. fxe3 f5 $1 24. Bc2 Bxd5 25. Rae1 Nc6 26. e4 fxe4 27. Bxe4 $15) 17... O-O-O 18. Rad1 {leads to a position with mutual chances. Black's position might be easier to play, but both sides need to play precisely.}) 16... O-O-O 17. Bd3 $6 {This is logical but wrong. White spent 15 minutes on this move and then played the next one very quickly.} (17. Qe1 $1 f5 $1 18. Kh1 Nc6 $1 {also seems to favor Black, but} 19. Qe2 $1 Nxd4 20. Nxd4 Rxd4 21. f3 fxe4 22. Bxe4 Bxe4 23. fxe4 Bd6 24. e5 $1 Bxe5 25. Bxb4 $132 {gives White reasonable counterplay.}) 17... Kb8 {Before pushing f6-f5, Black brings his king into (relative) safety.} 18. Re1 $6 {This does not work, but nor did a concrete action:} (18. Bxc4 $5 {I guess that the Chinese grandmaster planned this from afar, but spotted some important nuance only after move 16.} Nxc4 19. Qe2 {looks good before one finds} (19. b3 Nb2 $1 (19... Nxd2 $2 20. Rxc7 Nxf3+ 21. Qxf3 Kxc7 22. Qxf6 {allows White to generate counterplay against Black's weak king:} Rd7 23. d5 $1 exd5 24. Qf4+ $1 Kb6 (24... Bd6 $2 {loses material to} 25. e5 $1 Bf8 26. e6+ Bd6 27. Qc1+ $1 $18) 25. Qb8 $1 dxe4 26. a5+ $1 Kxa5 27. Qe8 $1 $44 {with a possible move repetition after} Bc6 28. Qb8 Bb7 29. Qe8 {.}) (19... Bxe4 $1 {This is simple and strong.} 20. Rxc4 Qb7 21. Bf4+ Bd6 22. Bxd6+ Rxd6 23. Kh2 Rc6 $1 24. Rxc6 Qxc6 $17 {The material is equal, but Black has a huge positional advantage. His pieces are more active. In the middlegame White has problems with his king and the g2-pawn, whereas in endgames the b3-pawn could easily become vulnerable.}) 20. Rxc7 (20. Qe2 $6 Qd6 21. Rc2 f5 $1 {allows White to win the knight back, but in the meantime Black opens the long diagonal with a decisive attack.}) 20... Nxd1 21. Rxb7+ Kxb7 22. Rxd1 Be7 $17 {gives Black a technically winning position.}) 19... Rc8 $1 (19... Nxd2 $2 20. Rxc7 Nxf3+ 21. Qxf3 Kxc7 22. Qxf6 {is a much worse version, as the king is exposed on c7.}) 20. b3 Nxd2 21. Rxc7 Nxf3+ 22. Qxf3 Rxc7 {, when Black has both material and positional advantage.}) (18. Kh1 f5 $1 19. Qe1 Qb6 20. Bc2 $17 {also favors Black, but looks less one-sided.}) (18. Qe1 f5 $1 19. Kh1 Qb6 $17 {transposes to the previous line.}) 18... f5 $1 19. Bc2 Nc6 $1 {The e4-pawn is currently well protected, but it turns out that Black can also attack d4!} (19... f6 $5) 20. Bg5 (20. Bb1 fxe4 21. Bxe4 f5 $1 22. Bxc6 Qxc6 {gives Black a strong pressure along the long diagonal, coupled with a positional advantage due to a bishop pair and a favorable queenside structure.}) 20... Rxg5 $1 {Ian Nepomniachtchi is in his element. He sacrifices an exchange to further activate his pieces.} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 22. Qh5 f6 (22... Bc5 $5) 23. Nf3 $2 {White faced a very difficult choice, but this move simplifies Black's task. Given that all the options were bad, it made sense to complicate the position. True, the resulting positions are not only highly advantageous for Black, but usually also easier to play for him in terms of avoiding mistakes.} (23. Nxh7 $1 Bc5 {was also bad for White, but} 24. Bd1 $1 {forces Black to make some accurate steps on each of the ways to Rome.} (24. Nxf6 Qf4 $1 {is not over yet, but it is winning for Black.} 25. Red1 Ka7 $1) 24... Bd6 $5 (24... fxe4 {This might be winning, but Black needs to find many precise moves on the way to the whole point.} 25. Rxc4 Nf5 $1 26. Rxc5 (26. Qe2 Bxf2+ $1) 26... Qxc5 27. Nxf6 Rd2 28. Ng4 Qd6 $1 {A very important move, which is easy to miss.} 29. Bb3 (29. Be2 Rxe2 $1 30. Qe8+ Bc8 $1 {The bishop protects the e6-pawn.} 31. Rxe2 Qd1+ 32. Kh2 Qxe2 $19) 29... Nd4 $1 30. Bc4 Nc2 $1 31. Rf1 e3 $1 $19) 25. Nxf6 {This is far from forced, but the alternatives are similarly bad.} Bh2+ 26. Kh1 Bf4 27. Rb1 (27. Ra1 c3 $5 28. bxc3 Qxc3 $1 {leads to a rare fork. In fact, even White's knight is hanging in many lines, e. g.} 29. Bf3 Bd2 30. Red1 Nxf3 31. Qxf3 Qxf6 {.}) 27... Bd2 28. Rf1 Qg7 29. Qh4 Bg5 30. Nh5 Bxh4 31. Nxg7 Bxe4 32. Rc1 Bd3 $19) (23. exf5 $6 fxg5 24. fxe6 {is bad for many reasons, as Black has a slight material advantage and dominates the board.}) (23. Nf7 Rd7 24. exf5 (24. Nh6 {leaves White's pieces in complete disarray. Black has numerous winning continuations,} Nxc2 25. Rxc2 b3 26. Rcc1 Bb4 27. Red1 Bd2 $1 28. Ra1 Bxe4 $19 {being one of them.}) 24... Nxc2 25. Rxc2 e5 $5 26. Nxe5 fxe5 27. Qe8+ Rd8 28. Qxe5 $6 Qxe5 29. Rxe5 Rd1+ 30. Kh2 Bd6 31. f4 {and now many continuations win, but it might be better to postpone taking on e5, first protecting the c4-pawn with a move like} Rd4 $5 $19 {.}) 23... Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 {This is simple and strong.} (24... b3 $5 {was even more resolute, e.g.} 25. Rd2 (25. Rcc1 fxe4 $19) 25... Bb4 $1 26. Rxd8+ Qxd8 27. Rf1 fxe4 $19) 25. Rd2 (25. Rcc1 $5 Bc5 $1 26. Qh4 Rg8 27. Kh1 Qg7 28. Rg1 {would have avoided an immediate catastrophe at the cost of a long suffering with very little hope. Black has many good moves, including} c3 29. bxc3 b3 $1 30. Qf4+ Ka8 31. Qd2 Qb7 $1 {with a decisive advantage. The difference in piece activity is striking.}) 25... Bd6 $19 {The game is over. The bishop pair controls the board. Moreover, Black's c-pawn can hardly be stopped.} 26. Kh1 {Black was threatening to exchange on f3, give a check on h2 and then take a rook.} (26. Nd4 c3 27. bxc3 bxc3 {was equally bad for White, who has no time to capture on e6:} 28. Rdd1 (28. Nxe6 cxd2 $1 $19) 28... c2 29. Nxe6 cxd1=Q 30. Rxd1 Bh2+ $1 $19) 26... c3 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 {White resigned, as he loses a lot of material without getting anything in return. Ian Nepomniachtchi was surely surprised by Ding Liren's move 4, but with healthy moves he achieved a good position, overtook initiative, gained central control with a strong exchange sacrifice and then went on to convert his advantage. A convincing victory with Black! That said, the match has just begun and there are many games left. Hopefully the Chinese grandmaster recovers from a loss and we will be able to see a dramatic match of two elite players!} 0-1 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.12"] [Round "3.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D36"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,60,26,27,30,11,13,-3,13,-7,0,-2,0,10,10,-5,26,33,33,11,26,15,16,11,31,22,43,32,32,17,40,8,-4,-13,0,-7,22,37,37,40,40,23,23,5,-6,-7,-7,-13,-13,-15,-15,-11,-17,-16,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 {This variation used to have a fiersome reputation for white. The next few moves seem to be an agreed precise sequence for black.} c6 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. Qc2 {Black's plan will be different depending on whether white's knight goes to f3 or e2. Often Nf3 can be met by Ne4 with equality.} Re8 10. Nge2 Nbd7 11. O-O a5 $5 {Black is more or less out of waiting moves. White's two main plans are the minority attack and play in the centre with f3 eventually. Black needs to be able to meet both.} (11... Nh5 {is black's major sound alternative here.}) (11... Ne4 12. Bg3) 12. a3 {A little bit of waiting a little bit controlling the queenside.} Nh5 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. Rae1 Nf8 15. Nc1 Nf6 16. f3 Ne6 {[#]} 17. N1e2 $146 {Nepomniachtchi finally deviates from the Giri game. He didn't give the impression this was part of his preparation.} ({Relevant:} 17. Qf2 c5 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Nb3 Qb6 21. Rd1 Bd7 22. Bxd7 Rxd7 23. Nd4 Re8 24. Ncb5 Rde7 25. Rfe1 g6 26. Nxe6 Rxe6 27. Nd4 R6e7 28. Qd2 Nd7 29. Re2 Ne5 30. b3 Nc6 31. Qc3 h5 32. Kf2 Re5 33. Nxc6 bxc6 34. b4 axb4 35. axb4 R5e6 36. Qd4 Rb8 37. Qxb6 Rxb6 38. Rd4 Re8 39. e4 Reb8 40. exd5 cxd5 {?-? (40) Giri,A (2761) -Ding,L (2806) chess24.com INT 2022}) 17... c5 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Qd2 Bd7 21. Bxd7 Nxd7 {Around here Ding said he started to look for more than a draw but whilst he's comfortable he's not really better.} 22. Nd4 Nb6 23. Rd1 Nc4 24. Qf2 Rac8 25. Na4 Qe7 {Played after some thought.} 26. Rfe1 Qf6 (26... Qe8) 27. Nb5 Nc7 28. Nd4 Ne6 {and the players repeat.} 29. Nb5 Nc7 30. Nd4 Ne6 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.12"] [Round "3"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D36"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "5400+30"] {[%evp 0,60,26,30,26,13,13,18,16,0,-2,-2,10,11,24,-1,33,33,33,12,32,15,15,19,31,10,32,32,32,22,33,13,13,0,-7,-13,37,40,40,23,23,23,29,-7,-7,-9,-9,-15,-11,-11,-11,-9,-27,-16,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 d5 {The Queen's Gambit is an essential guest at world championships, with memorable games in the legendary clashes between Capablanca vs. Alekhine, Spassky vs. Fischer, and Karpov vs. Kasparov, among others.} 4. cxd5 {The exchange variation was Kasparov's favorite.} exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 h6 {In the 90s, moving the h-pawn in the Exchange Orthodox positions like this was considered an opening mistake. This is one of the clearest changes in theory in recent years. The computer showed that it's OK to play like this and also started to indicate more active plans for Black, like advancing the queenside pawns with b7-b5 and a7-a5, which was also considered anti-positional.} 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O {Ding has some experience in this position, so it didn't come as a surprise to Nepomniachtchi. Two of the Chinese GM's opponents decided not to put the queen on c2 so quickly, but he had no trouble equalizing in those games.} 9. Qc2 (9. Nge2 Re8 10. O-O Nbd7 {Black's plan is connected with the advance of the queenside pawns: b5-a5-b4 and so on.} 11. f3 (11. a4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting prophylactic move.} Nh5 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. a5 Nf8 {Black later won in Praggnanandhaa-Ding, Chessable Masters (rapid) 2022.}) 11... b5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 12. Bf2 a5 {with a complicated game in Grischuk-Ding, Speed Chess (blitz) 2022.}) 9... Re8 10. Nge2 Nbd7 11. O-O a5 {Ding repeats what he had played in a rapid game against Giri last year. Black has options that are more popular.} (11... Ne4 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Rae1) (11... Nf8) (11... Nh5 12. Bxe7 Qxe7) 12. a3 {This is not an easy move. I think the idea is to already prevent the …b5-b4 advance, although it's a bit curious that this is done before the pawn reaches b5.} Nh5 {A classic Queen's Gambit move, exchanging bishops and relieving the position.} (12... b5 {is possible here too. A recent game followed with} 13. Rae1 Bb7 14. f3 b4 {with good play for Black in Novikov-Korobov, Titled Tuesday (blitz) 2023. I think Nepomniachtchi would have played differently before.}) 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. Rae1 {White goes to the center. The plan is Nc1, f3, and play e4 at an opportune moment, but Black will avoid this in the game.} Nf8 15. Nc1 Nf6 16. f3 Ne6 {Ding had played all this before and only here a novelty is played. Nepomniachtchi didn't get any advantage and will need a better idea if he wants to repeat this opening.} 17. N1e2 (17. Qf2 c5 (17... b5 {is also interesting.}) 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Nb3 Qb6 21. Rd1 Bd7 22. Bxd7 Rxd7 23. Nd4 Re8 {with equality in Giri-Ding, Chessable Masters 2022.}) 17... c5 {Ding follows the same plan as his game against Giri.} (17... b5 {is the option.}) 18. Bb5 (18. Nf4 $5 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is an interesting alternative to fight for an advantage. Black is probably better off ignoring the knight and simply defending the d5 pawn.} Rd8 (18... Nxf4 19. exf4 Qf8 (19... Qxe1 $2 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 20. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 21. Kf2 {the c5-pawn falls and White has a big advantage.}) 20. dxc5 Qxc5+ 21. Qf2 {Despite the doubled pawns, White has a more comfortable position.})) 18... Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Qd2 Bd7 (20... d4 {is enough to fully equalize the game, but I suppose Ding was playing to win.} 21. Nxd4 Nxd4 22. exd4 Qxd4+ 23. Qxd4 Rxd4 {with a likely draw.}) 21. Bxd7 (21. Nd4 {is more accurate.}) 21... Nxd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A great way to recapture. The knight goes to b6. Black's position is more comfortable, but Nepomniachtchi plays with precision to preserve the balance.} 22. Nd4 Nb6 23. Rd1 (23. Rc1 {is also possible, avoiding the problems with the unprotected knight on c3.} Nc4 24. Qf2) 23... Nc4 24. Qf2 Rac8 (24... Nxa3 {It's necessary to calculate this move that seems to win a pawn, but White has a resource to restore the material balance.} 25. e4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxd4 (25... Nc4 26. Nxd5) 26. Rxd4 Nb5 27. Nxb5 Qxb5 28. Rfd1 {the d5-pawn will be captured.}) 25. Na4 $1 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] It seems strange to place the knight in the corner, but in this case, the move is useful for expelling the queen.} Qe7 26. Rfe1 Qf6 (26... Nxd4 {is also not enough for any pressure.} 27. Rxd4 b5 28. Nc3 Qc5 29. b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} axb4 30. axb4 Qxb4 31. Nxd5 Qc5 32. e4 {with a strong knight on d5.}) 27. Nb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Another knight that leaves the center and goes to the corner. It's the best move.} Nc7 28. Nd4 (28. Nxc7 Rxc7 29. Rd3 {also ends in a possible repetition.} Ne5 30. Rd2 Nc4 31. Rd3) 28... Ne6 29. Nb5 Nc7 30. Nd4 Ne6 {An important draw to restore Ding's confidence. He didn't have any problems in the opening and can now try to press with White in the next game.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.13"] [Round "4"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. c4 $5 Nf6 {Le 1.c4 de Ding Liren devait attendre l'habituel 1...e5 de Ian Nepomniachtchi.} 2. Nc3 e5 {Nous y revenons.} 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 {Vous aurez remarqué que la position ressemble à une variante Rossolimo de la Sicilienne avec les couleurs inversées. 1.e4 c5 2.Cf3 Cc6 3.Fb5 e6...} 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 d6 (6... O-O 7. d3 d6 8. Be2 e4 (8... Ne8 9. O-O f5 10. c5 d5 11. c4 e4 {1-0 Ding,L (2805)-Karjakin,S (2752) Abidjan FIDE GP blitz 2019.}) 9. dxe4 Re8 10. Nd2 Ng4 11. h3 Qh4 12. g3 Qh6 13. Ba3 b6 14. f4 {½-½ Ding,L (2805)-Aronian,L (2752) Norway Chess Armageddon blitz 2019}) 7. e4 {Aucun doute, Ding Liren a réussi à évacuer la pression du match et joue maintenant ses premiers coups libéré. Malgré le perte d'un tempo : 4.e3 et 7.e4, Ding Liren opte pour une position relativement fermée. Cependant, avec les deux Fous il y a toujours des opportunités dynamiques.} O-O 8. Be2 (8. g3 $5 {est stratégiquement le plan le plus ambitieux, mais du fait des deux tempi Dc2 et e3-e4, c'est finalement totalement inoffensif.}) 8... Nh5 9. d4 {Ding Liren a jusqu'ici tout joué a tempo, alors que de son côté Ian Nepomniachtchi a commencé à prendre du temps dès 7...0-0 (5 minutes), 8...Ch5 (4 minutes).} Nf4 10. Bxf4 exf4 {Nous suivons une dernière partie de la base, jouée par un des secondants du Chinois, le Hongrois Richard Rapport (2621) - Zaragatski,I (2460) Bundesliga 2012.} 11. O-O {Aussitôt abandonnée avec ce nouveau coup.} (11. h4 Re8 12. Bd3 Bg4 13. Ng1 f5 14. Kf1 fxe4 15. Bxe4 h6 16. Nf3 Bxf3 17. gxf3 {1-0 (69) Rapport,R (2621)-Zaragatski,I (2460) Bundesliga 2012}) 11... Qf6 {« Une fois que Ian Nepomniachtchi est sorti de sa préparation, il montre sa mauvaise compréhension des échecs. » Vladislav Tkachiev — Anish Giri : « J'ai un très bon feeling pour Ding ici, surtout qu'il est toujours dans sa préparation. Il connaît cette position, qu'il sait être meilleure pour lui. Ian essaye de jouer rapidement pour prétendre être encore dans son fichier, mais je pense qu'il fait semblant. »} 12. Rfe1 Re8 {Avec une première réflexion de Ding Liren. 1h50-1h30.} ({Le coup réclamé à cor et à cri par les machines était} 12... g5 $5) 13. Bd3 $6 ({La plupart des commentateurs - et les machines - auraient empêché le Fou noir de venir en g4 avec} 13. h3) 13... Bg4 $1 {Et Ian Nepomniachtchi ne laisse pas passer l'occasion d'égaliser.} 14. Nd2 Na5 $6 {Les deux joueurs intriguent les commentateurs avec des coup rapides mais apparemment inexacts. Le coup de Ian invite les Blancs à jouer 15.h3 qui permettrait d'obtenir la position du 13e coup avec en plus un Cavalier noir en a5 mal placé. Ou alors 15.Da4 que Stockfish suggère.} (14... Rad8 15. h3 Bc8 {et les Noirs étaient très bien.}) 15. c5 $5 {Ding Liren se tourne vers une troisième voie, envisagée aussi par Anish Giri, le sacrifice d'un pion pour détourner le pion d6, pousser e5, et le centre en général.} (15. Qa4 $5 b6 16. f3 Be6 17. Nb3 Nxb3 18. axb3 {avec avantage blanc.}) (15. h3 Bh5 $1 16. Qa4 b6 17. Nb3) 15... dxc5 16. e5 Qh6 17. d5 Rad8 18. c4 b6 {Un moment important après la suite de coups plus ou moins forcés. Les Blancs ont des compensations pour le pion sacrifié : deux pions doublés chez les Noirs et un Cavalier éloigné, sans oublier le beau centre de pions blancs. Il faut maintenant pour Ding Liren trouver comment continuer.} 19. h3 (19. Qc3 $5 Bh5 20. Bc2) 19... Bh5 $1 {Le seul bon coup. 1h06-1h03.} (19... Bc8 $6 20. Nf3 {[%CAl Ya1d1]}) 20. Be4 {Ding Liren empêche les Noirs de jouer ...f3 et, d'une manière générale, tente de limiter les possibilités de Nepo. On sait que le Russe n'aime pas trop la passivité, et il pourrait donc être tenté de faire quelque chose.} Re7 {Après 17 minutes. 1h03-0h46. Le maître international et entraîneur britannique Tom Rendle : « J'ai toujours trouvé ces positions difficiles. Les Blancs sont mieux, mais les Noirs ont des moyens simple pour améliorer leurs pièces mal placées - il est donc facile de dériver et la tendance peut changer. »} ({L'échange d'une pièce, théoriquement souhaitable avec du matériel en plus, serait ici une très mauvaise idée. Par exemple :} 20... Bg6 $6 21. Nf3 Bxe4 $6 22. Rxe4 {[%CAl Ya1e1] avec une domination totale.}) ({Personne ne tomberait dans le piège grossier} 20... Rxe5 $4 21. Bxh7+ Qxh7 22. Qxh7+ Kxh7 23. Rxe5 $18) 21. Qc3 {Nous partageons l'opinion d'Anish Giri : « J'ai de très bonnes vibrations pour Ding ici. Il a juste besoin de bien jouer. Le décor est planté ! »} Rde8 22. Bf3 {Après 16 minutes.} ({L'alternative informatique était} 22. Bc2 Qg5 23. Ba4 c6 24. dxc6 Qg6 25. Ne4 Nxc6 26. Nf6+ gxf6 27. Bxc6 Rf8 28. exf6 Re6 29. Rxe6 fxe6) 22... Nb7 {A tempo ! 0h40 et 0h40.} 23. Re2 {« Les échecs sont un jeu terrible. Si vous n'avez pas le centre, votre adversaire a une position plus libre. Par contre, si vous avez le centre, alors vous avez vraiment quelque chose pour laquelle vous inquiéter ! » Siegbert Tarrasch (1862-1934)} (23. Bxh5 $5 Qxh5 24. Nf3 {était jugé comme plus précis par plusieurs commentateurs.}) 23... f6 {Voilà un coup pas facile à jouer.} 24. e6 {Forcé, même si cela donne des cases au Cavalier pour revenir en jeu.} Nd6 $5 {Offre l'opportunité à l'adversaire d'échanger les Fous en h5, pour empêcher le Fou des Noirs de contrôler la diagonale h7-b1, et aussi pour se débarrasser de son mauvais Fou.} 25. Rae1 (25. Bxh5 $5 Qxh5 26. Ree1 $14) 25... Nf5 $6 {Une imprécision jouée en seulement 45 secondes !} 26. Bxh5 {Retrouve le bon chemin.} Qxh5 27. Re4 Qh6 {Avec 31 minutes chacun.} 28. Qf3 Nd4 $2 {Une faute tactique qui offre un gain à Ding Liren et l'égalisation !} (28... g5 {Bon ou mauvais, les Noirs n'avaient pas le choix, ils fallait défendre le pion de plus.} 29. g4 Nd6 30. R4e2) 29. Rxd4 $1 {En 1 minute et 27 secondes !} cxd4 30. Nb3 {[%csl Gb3,Re7][%CAl Yb3d4,Yd4c6,Yd4f5,Yf5e7,Yc6e7] La manœuvre 31.Cxd4 et 32.Cc6 ou 32.Cf5 avec menace sur la Tour en e7 est décisive.} g5 $6 {Il n'y avait de toutes façons aucune défense viable.} 31. Nxd4 {A tempo.} Qg6 {Empêche le Cavalier d'atteindre la case f5.} 32. g4 $1 {Simple et fort.} (32. Nc6 $6 {donnerait inutilement quelques chances au Russe.} Rg7) 32... fxg3 33. fxg3 h5 34. Nf5 Rh7 {Ian Nepomniachtchi a sauvé sa Tour, mais d'autres menaces blanches pointent à l'horizon.} 35. Qe4 {Avec l'idée de gagner la Dame par 36.Ce7+!} Kh8 36. e7 Qf7 37. d6 $1 {« Et à la fin de l'envoi, je touche ! »} cxd6 38. Nxd6 Qg8 39. Nxe8 Qxe8 40. Qe6 Kg7 {Le contrôle du 40e coup est atteint et Ding Liren a tout son temps pour achever cette partie avec les coups les plus précis.} 41. Rf1 $1 {Force la réponse suivante.} Rh6 42. Rd1 $1 {Et la Tour noire ne peut plus attaquer le pion e7.} f5 43. Qe5+ Kf7 44. Qxf5+ Rf6 45. Qh7+ Ke6 46. Qg7 $5 {Les Noirs n'ont plus de coups.} ({Alors que pour les Blancs tout gagne.} 46. Re1+ Kd7 47. Qe4) 46... Rg6 47. Qf8 {Ian Nepomniachtchi, sous pression dès le sortir de l'ouverture, s'est trompé au 28e coup et Ding Liren, « le phœnix des hôtes de ces bois » n'a pas laissé passer l'occasion de revenir à 2 points partout !} (47. Qf8 Rg8 48. Qxg8+ Qxg8 49. Rd8) 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.13"] [Round "4"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,93,29,-16,-16,-16,-16,-13,-13,-13,-20,-15,5,1,1,-1,0,1,14,13,38,43,46,46,36,36,40,23,39,45,68,2,4,4,4,-5,4,-29,0,0,0,8,7,8,11,0,0,0,38,29,35,23,37,31,33,23,23,19,23,20,52,50,52,52,56,49,62,59,70,67,64,107,100,133,314,314,308,326,365,542,562,605,616,626,632,658,658,628,640,640,647,652,695,677,677,677]} 1. c4 {After the unsuccessful result in an attempt to take the game to more exotic terrain in the second game, Ding chooses the English Open, one of his favorites.} Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 {This is the move considered most accurate by theory.} (5... O-O {is also possible, but now White has the option to play} 6. Nd5) 6. bxc3 $5 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting move. It seems exotic to capture with the pawn. After all what is the queen on c2 for $2 But the idea is now to play with e3-e4 and try to assert the strength of the center with the pair of bishops.} (6. Qxc3 Qe7 {Black plans to play d7-d5 quickly. There's a lot of theory here.}) 6... d6 {[%CAl Gc8g4,Gc8d7]} (6... e4 $1 {[%mdl 160] is a critical move, preventing White from stabilizing the center.} 7. Ng5 Qe7 8. f3 exf3 9. Nxf3 {This position was discussed a few days ago in a very high-level game. White got the upper hand after} O-O 10. d4 d5 11. cxd5 Nxd5 12. Kf2 $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nf6 13. Bd3 Ng4+ 14. Ke2 {in Yakubboev-Sevian, Spring Chess Classic 2023.}) 7. e4 O-O 8. Be2 (8. g3 {[%CAl Gf1g2] is the most played move. It avoids the plan that will be executed in the game, but it takes a little longer to finish the development. Black has several possible ideas, and the game remains balanced.}) 8... Nh5 {A normal reaction, activating the knight. The Ne7-g6 plan is also interesting and has been tried in two recent games.} (8... Ne7 {[%csl Gc6][%CAl Gd6d5,Ge7g6]} 9. O-O Ng6 10. d4 b6 11. Re1 {[%csl Rc4,Rd4,Re4] Tabatabaei-Giri, Chessable Play In Match (rapid) 2023.}) (8... h6 9. O-O Ne7 10. d4 Ng6 11. c5 Re8 12. cxd6 cxd6 {[%csl Rc3,Rd4,Re4] Tabatabaei-Caruana, PRO League (rapid) 2023.}) 9. d4 Nf4 {[%CAl Rf4e2] A rare move that changes the character of the position. This type of change is very difficult to evaluate, but my computer is not very happy with this move, despite the high probability that it's still Nepomniachtchi's preparation. Ding, in turn, said at the press conference that he was out of preparation after this, which is curious since in the only game it was tried, his coach was playing White.} (9... Qf6 {is the popular move in correspondence games, which means it must be the best.}) 10. Bxf4 exf4 {[%csl Rc4,Rd4,Re4][%mdl 48] White has lost the advantage of the bishop pair, but now has an imposing pawn center.} 11. O-O $5 $146 (11. h4 $6 {This mysterious move was played some time ago by Ding's second, GM Rapport. He was young and impetuous back then. He knows that Ding's style is more classic. Anyway, he got an interesting position after} Re8 12. Bd3 Bg4 13. Ng1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} f5 14. Kf1 $1 {[%c_effect f1;square;f1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} fxe4 15. Bxe4 {Rapport-Zaragatski, Germany 2012.}) 11... Qf6 12. Rfe1 Re8 {A critical moment.} 13. Bd3 $6 {[%CAl Rd3h7] [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move doesn't seem to me to be the most accurate. White has a few alternatives.} (13. h3 {seems to me to be the most natural. White avoids the bishop development to g4.} Bd7 (13... Qg6 14. Kh2 {[%csl Re4] and the pawn on e4 cannot be captured.} Rxe4 $4 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (14... Qxe4 $4 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 15. Bd3 {[%CAl Rd3h7]}) 15. Bd3 {[%csl Rc2,Rd3,Re1,Ge4,Gg6,Gh7][%CAl Rd3h7,Re1e4,Rc2e4] winning material.} (15. Nh4 {also wins.})) 14. Bd3) (13. c5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] it is an immediate version of the sacrifice that will be played later.} dxc5 14. e5 $1 {[%mdl 128]} Qh6 {[%CAl Gd4d5,Gc3c4,Ge5e6]} 15. Rad1 $36 {[%csl Rd4,Re5] With a complex position. White has compensation in the form of his moving center pawns.}) 13... Bg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 14. Nd2 Na5 $6 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A natural plan in these structures and is normally played in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. The idea is to play b6 and then c5. Here, however, it's not the most accurate.} (14... f3 $6 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is too optimistic, as it only creates weaknesses after} 15. g3 $14 (15. h3 Bxh3 16. Nxf3 {is also very good for White.})) (14... Rad8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best plan, anticipating any central advance by White.} 15. h3 Bc8 {If the knight tries to go back to f3, then after} 16. Nf3 g5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black is ready to start a kingside counterplay. Kh8-Rg8 can be played if needed.}) 15. c5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A brave decision, this is a long-term pawn sacrifice in order to get mobility for the central pawns. It's even more commendable if we consider that White has other safer (and maybe even better) possibilities.} (15. f3 Bd7 16. Nb3 Nxb3 17. axb3 {This is a natural sequence, but it seems that White's beautiful pawn structure does not offer a special advantage after} a5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] preventing the advance of the b-pawn.}) (15. h3 {White can start with this move.} Bh5 {This is the right square, since after} (15... Bd7 $6 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 16. Nf3 $1 {[%csl Rc2,Rc4,Rd3,Rd4,Re1,Re4,Rf3] [%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The knight returns to the game, and White prepares e4-e5.})) (15. Qa4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Perhaps this is the most surgical move.} b6 16. f3 Bh5 (16... Be6 {This move isn't as bad as it looks, as 17.d5 is not dangerous.} 17. Nb3 (17. d5 $6 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Qxc3) (17. e5 $5 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 17... Nxb3 18. axb3 {with some advantage for White.}) 17. Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxb3 18. axb3 {The queen can now try to invade the queenside. White's position looks better, but the game is complicated, for example:} c5 19. Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} cxd4 20. Rxa7 $1 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rad8 21. Qd5 Qh4 22. Rc1 dxc3 23. Bf1 {and the c3-pawn will fall with better structure for White.}) 15... dxc5 {[%tqu "En","","","","e4e5","",10]} 16. e5 $1 {[%csl Rc2,Rd3,Rd4,Re5][%CAl Ge5e6,Gc3c4,Gd4d5,Rd3h7,Rc2h7,Gd2e4,Re4f6][%mdl 2256]} Qh6 {[%tqu "En","","","","d4d5","The center pawn pair certainly commands respect, but Black is solid.",10]} 17. d5 $5 {[%csl Rd5,Re5][%CAl Ge5e6] The center pawn pair certainly commands respect, but Black is solid.} Rad8 (17... b6 {is quite natural. Black can try to speed up the plan of doubling on e-file after} 18. c4 {[%csl Ra7,Rb6,Rc2,Rc4,Rc5,Rc7,Rd2,Rd3,Rd5,Re1,Re5]} Re7 $5 {[%csl Re7,Re8][%CAl Ga8e8,Re8e5] [%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 18. c4 b6 19. h3 Bh5 {The right square, so the white knight cannot return to f3.} (19... Bc8 $6 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 20. Nf3) 20. Be4 $5 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting plan: get the bishop to f3 in order to double rooks on the e-file.} Re7 {It's not easy to find a plan for Black, so Nepomniachtchi decides to double on the e-file, a good decision.} (20... Rxe5 $2 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses to} 21. Bxh7+ Qxh7 22. Qxh7+ Kxh7 23. Rxe5 $16 {[%csl Re5][%CAl Re5h5,Ga1e1,Ge1e8,Re5e8][%mdl 3200]}) 21. Qc3 Rde8 22. Bf3 {[%csl Gc3,Ge1,Re7,Re8][%CAl Gc3e5,Ge1e5,Re7e5,Re8e5]} Nb7 23. Re2 {[%CAl Ga1e1]} f6 {This move is not forced, but it's interesting to bring the knight, although the pawn on e6 is unpleasant.} 24. e6 $1 {Forced.} (24. Rae1 $2 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} fxe5 25. Rxe5 Qf6 {[%csl Gc3,Ge1,Re7,Re8,Rf6][%CAl Rf6e5,Re7e5,Re8e5,Gc3e5,Ge1e5] wins material.}) 24... Nd6 25. Rae1 $11 Nf5 $6 {[%CAl Gf5d4]} (25... Bg6 $1 $11 {[%csl Re4][%CAl Gg6b1] [%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is an interesting option, keeping the bishops. My impression is that White doesn't have a plan to break Black's position. To be honest, I'd rather be Black here, as I have a long-term plan (advance the pawns on the kingside despite the dangers). The computer evaluates the position as equal.}) 26. Bxh5 Qxh5 27. Re4 $1 {[%CAl Ge4d4,Re4f4]} Qh6 28. Qf3 Nd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] That move is the only serious mistake of the game, and from now on the final result is never in doubt.} (28... g5 {is necessary.} 29. g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nd6 (29... Nd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 30. Rxd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} cxd4 31. Nb3 {is an even better version of the game.}) (29... Nh4 $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 30. Qd3 {and the knight is misplaced.}) (29... fxg3 $4 30. Qxf5 gxf2+ 31. Qxf2 Qxh3 32. R1e3 $18) 30. R4e2 $44 {White has enough compensation for the pawn, thanks to his formidable pawn on e6. But I don't really know what the plan would be to try to win in this position.}) 29. Rxd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi clearly underestimated the strength of this fine exchange sacrifice.} (29. Qd3 {Ding mentioned that he was planning this move initially until he realized that 29.Rxd4 works.}) (29. Qxf4 $2 Qxf4 30. Rxf4 c6 $11 {[%CAl Gd2f3] with a good endgame for Black.}) 29... cxd4 30. Nb3 {The knight captures the d4-pawn, and the position becomes a strategic massacre.} g5 (30... c5 $4 {This doesn't work for tactical reasons.} 31. d6 $1 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rxe6 32. Rxe6 Rxe6 33. d7 {and the d-pawn decides the game.} Rd6 34. Qa8+ Kf7 35. Qe8#) 31. Nxd4 Qg6 {Trying to keep the knight from jumping to f5.} {[%tqu "En","","","","g2g4","(%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true) What a beautiful move to execute. Aesthetic and efficient. The knight secures its place on f5.",10]} 32. g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] What a beautiful move to execute. Aesthetic and efficient. The knight secures its place on f5.} fxg3 33. fxg3 h5 {[%tqu "En","","","","d4f5","White's position is so beautiful that it makes you want to take a picture of it.",10]} 34. Nf5 $1 $40 {[%CAl Rf5e7] White's position is so beautiful that it makes you want to take a picture of it.} Rh7 $4 {[%csl Gh7]} 35. Qe4 Kh8 {[%tqu "En","","","","e6e7","",10]} 36. e7 $1 Qf7 37. d6 {The pawns perform the final work.} cxd6 38. Nxd6 Qg8 (38... Qxe7 39. Nxe8 {wins a piece.}) 39. Nxe8 Qxe8 40. Qe6 Kg7 41. Rf1 Rh6 42. Rd1 {[%CAl Rd1d8]} f5 43. Qe5+ Kf7 44. Qxf5+ Rf6 45. Qh7+ Ke6 46. Qg7 Rg6 47. Qf8 $1 {A magnificent victory for Ding, who showed the best version of his chess. The match is tied, and at this moment it's impossible to make a prediction about who will be the next world champion.} (47. Qf8 Qxe7 (47... Rg8 48. Rd8) 48. Re1+) 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.14"] [Round "3.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D36"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Navara,David"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,60,19,38,27,-23,-14,0,4,-26,7,-15,-1,8,11,3,27,12,31,16,23,13,17,18,39,14,48,35,29,24,36,5,14,2,-5,-12,33,24,30,15,39,41,48,23,8,0,0,-13,-14,-14,-16,-24,-15,-14,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 {A slight surprise for many people, as Ian Nepomniachtchi mostly plays 1. e4. That said, players prepare for such matches for many months, so this in itself cannot surprise the opponent.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 {The Russian grandmaster played this move rarely, mostly in speed games played until 2021. True, he played the Nimzo in a game against Andrei Esipenko in February 2023, in his last classical tournament before the match.} (3. Nf3 {was a bit more common move in Ian's games, although he also used it mostly in speed games.}) 3... d5 (3... Bb4 {is the most common move on a top level. Ding Liren also mostly chooses it, but Ian Nepomniachtchi has surely prepared something there.}) 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 {The Carlsbad structure is strategically very complex, as both sides have a multitude of plans. The resulting positions mostly require good understanding rather then a precise calculation or imagination. White has slightly easier play, but Black has a solid position. Carlsbad ("Karlsbad" in German, "Karlovy Vary" in Czech, "??????? ????" in Russian) is a lovely Czech spa town near the border with Germany, very popular among Russians. Even the legendary chess trainer and writer Mark Dvoretsky was travelling there often.} h6 {This push had been considered inaccurate until recently, but has become very popular during the last 10 years. Black can no longer transfer his knight to g6, but it has turned out that a bishop exchange leads to a satisfactory position.} 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O 9. Qc2 Re8 10. Nge2 Nbd7 11. O-O (11. O-O-O $2 {is too optimistic, as Black's attack comes first. Here is a sample variation:} b5 $1 12. Rdg1 (12. g4 Nxg4 {does not give White sufficient compensation.}) 12... Nb6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. h4 b4 15. Nd1 h5 $1 16. Nf4 c5 17. dxc5 Bd7 18. Nxh5 Rc8 19. Nxf6+ Qxf6 $17 {with a strong attack.}) (11. f3 $5 {avoids the bishop exchange, but Black can again continue with} b5 $5 12. O-O Bb7 13. Rac1 a6 $1 {, preparing c6-c5. Now} 14. e4 $6 {invites strong counterplay:} (14. Qd2 c5 15. dxc5 Nxc5 {leaves both pawns e3 and d5 equally weak.}) 14... b4 $1 {If you dislike long variations, feel free to skip them. They just show that the untimely e3-e4 push allows Black to take over initiative.} (14... dxe4 15. Nxe4 (15. fxe4 $2 c5 $1 16. Bxf6 Bxf6 17. e5 Bg5 $17 {is already bad for White.}) 15... Nxe4 16. Bxe7 Qxe7 17. Bxe4 (17. fxe4 Rac8 $36 {followed by c6-c5 is pleasant for Black.}) 17... Rad8) 15. e5 (15. Na4 dxe4 $1 16. fxe4 c5 $1 (16... Nxe4 $5 17. Bxe4 Bxh4 {is a relevant motif which I missed in several games here on Lichess. Right now it only leads to an unclear position after} 18. Bh7+ $1 Kh8 (18... Kf8 $6 19. Qc4) 19. Rxf7 {.}) 17. Nxc5 (17. e5 $2 Nd5 $17 {creates problems with a fork on e3.}) 17... Nxc5 18. dxc5 Rc8 19. Bc4 Kh8 $1 (19... Bxc5+ 20. Kh1 Be3 21. Bxf6 gxf6 {is also an option, but a dangerous-looking one.}) 20. Bxf7 Bxc5+ 21. Kh1 Bxe4 22. Bxf6 gxf6 23. Qd1 $1 Qxd1 24. Rfxd1 Bxg2+ $1 25. Kxg2 Rxe2+ 26. Kh1 Rxb2 27. Bb3 $1 {White threatens 28.Rd5.} Re2 28. Bc4 $15 {White regains one pawn and should hold rather easily. That said, it is not an inspiring line from White's point of view, anyway.}) 15... bxc3 16. exf6 Bxf6 17. Bxf6 Qxf6 18. bxc3 (18. Qxc3 Nf8 $1 $36 {Black has initiative in spite of his passive bishop. White has a weak square on e3 and a weak central pawn. Black cannot invade there immediately because of 20. Bh7+, but he can double the rooks or just play 19...a5, improving a queenside structure. Moving the knight to g3 would weaken d4 and f4.}) 18... a5 {Black will exchange the bishops on a6 with good play. His knight could then be transferred to c4.}) 11... a5 {Black makes a useful move. The weakening of the b6-square is not a big problem. Black might play b7-b5 later.} (11... Nh5 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 {leads to a typical position which might be slightly better for White according to Stockfish, but it is very hard to prove that in a game.}) (11... Ne4 {is a more straightforward approach. After} 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Bxe4 dxe4 14. Rfd1 Nf6 15. d5 {or} (15. h3 $5 {White seems to be slightly better, though.})) 12. a3 (12. f3 b5 13. Bf2 {and}) (12. Rfe1 $5 Nh5 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. h3 $36 {are two of many alternatives to the game continuation.}) 12... Nh5 (12... b5 {is another option. White cannot exploit a weakening of the c5-square here, as his knights cannot get there easily.}) 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. Rae1 {It often makes sense to play for e3-e4 once Black has played a7-a5, as the typical push c6-c5 has become problematic because of the weakening of the b5-square.} Nf8 15. Nc1 (15. Na4 {was a reasonable alternative, but Black remains solid after} Nf6 {. It is hard improve White's position.}) 15... Nf6 16. f3 {If being given enough time, White would like to push e3-e4. That said, Black can prevent that by attacking the d4-pawn.} Ne6 {All this has already been played in an online rapid game Giri - Ding in May 2022.} 17. N1e2 {The knight returns now when Black's queen no longer attacks e3. That said, this plan is not very dangerous for Black.} (17. Qd2 Rb8 {should also be equal. Black can choose between b7-b6 (often followed by c6-c5) and b7-b5-b4 depending on White's move, for instance} 18. Nb3 (18. N1e2 b5 $1 $132) 18... Qd8 $1 {Black prevents e3-e4.} (18... b6 $6 19. e4 $1 {allows White to execute a strategically desirable advance at the right moment.}) 19. Kh1 Kh8 $5 {The king avoids a check on h7, thus complicating the e3-e4 advance. (If you ask for a more detailed explanation, please look at the 19...b6 20.e4 line.)} (19... b6 {allows} 20. e4 {, when} dxe4 $6 (20... Nh5 $1) 21. fxe4 Nxd4 $2 {fails tactically to} 22. Nxd4 Qxd4 23. e5 $1 Rd8 (23... Rxe5 $2 {immediately loses to} 24. Bh7+ $1 Kxh7 25. Qxd4 $18) 24. exf6 Qxd3 25. Qf4 $1 {White attacks both rooks at the same time, as 26.Rd1 is also a threat.} Bb7 26. fxg7 Qg6 27. Ne4 c5 28. Nf6+ Kxg7 29. Rf2 {with a crushing attack. We have gone too far, but lines like this are typical for the Carlsbad structure. A recent blitz game Navara - Alonso Rosell from the European Blitz Championship 2022 saw such a scenario. We played a different opening, yet the similarities are striking.}) 20. Qf2 b6 21. e4 Nf4 $1 22. Bb1 Ba6 23. Rg1 {Here Black needs to do something not to get steamrolled after e4-e5. There are several ways to counter this scenario, including} dxe4 (23... Bd3 $5) (23... c5 $5) 24. fxe4 Nd3 25. Bxd3 Bxd3 26. e5 Ng4 $5 27. Qg3 Bc4 {with mutual chances. It is fascinating how quickly can a positional struggle transform into a tactical skirmish! Given how many razor-sharp opening lines have been analyzed to a draw, playing "slower" openings like Carlsbad makes a lot of sense even for sharper players.}) (17. Qf2 b5 $1 {looks good for Black, who is ready to push b5-b4 and then perhaps develop his bishop to a6.} (17... c5 18. Bb5 $1 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Nb3 Qb6 21. Rd1 Bd7 22. Bxd7 Rxd7 23. Nd4 Re8 {happened in the aforementioned Giri - Ding game. White seems to have a minute edge after} 24. Rfe1 {or} (24. Na4))) 17... c5 (17... b5 $1 {was a good option, here. It would be bad if White could settle his knight on c5, but it is unrealistic. Concrete attempts to attack c6 or c5 fail:} 18. Bf5 $6 (18. Nd1 Ba6 $5 19. Qxc6 $6 Rec8 20. Qb6 Bb7 $1 {Here White would have to exchange the queen for a rook, a bishop and two pawns. It is more than enough material, but White's pieces would not be placed too harmoniously and the f2-f3 advance could cause some problems to White's king, as the pawns do not go backwards.} 21. Bxb5 (21. Qxb5 Ba6 $1 22. Qxa6 Rxa6 23. Bxa6 Rc2 $36) 21... Rcb8 $1 22. Bd3 Ba6 23. Qxa6 Rxa6 24. Bxa6 h5 $36) 18... b4 19. axb4 axb4 20. Nd1 Ba6 {and now} 21. Qxc6 $2 {loses to} Bxe2 22. Rxe2 Nxd4 $1 23. exd4 Qxe2 $19) 18. Bb5 $6 {White only had a slight initiative, but this move allows Black to equalize.} (18. Nf4 $1 cxd4 (18... Nxf4 19. exf4 Qxe1 $2 20. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 21. Kf2 Re8 22. dxc5 $16 {is very bad for Black, who lacks counterplay. White will just transfer the knight to d4 and then start pushing pawns on the kingside or even on the queenside.}) 19. exd4 Qd8 20. Nxe6 Bxe6 21. Qf2 $36 {It is not much, but a risk-free edge is welcome in such matches.}) 18... Rd8 19. dxc5 (19. Qd2 $5 b6 20. Ng3 {would have maintained the tension, but Black is doing well. Computer suggests strange moves like} Qf8 {(bringing the queen to a safer place) and} (20... Ra7 {, preparing a rook transfer to e7 or d7 (after Bc8-d7).})) 19... Qxc5 20. Qd2 Bd7 (20... d4 21. exd4 Nxd4 22. Nxd4 Qxd4+ 23. Qxd4 Rxd4 {should also lead to equality, but White would still have a very slight initiative. In the game Ding Liren soon overtook the initiative, therefore his choice looks better.}) 21. Bxd7 (21. Nd4 Rac8 22. Rc1 (22. Nxe6 fxe6) 22... Nxd4 23. exd4 Qd6) 21... Nxd7 22. Nd4 Nb6 {Black has reached a comfortable position.} 23. Rd1 Nc4 24. Qf2 Rac8 {Black maintains the pressure.} (24... Nxa3 {is also equal if White finds} 25. e4 $1 {. There is no doubt that both players saw that.} Nxd4 (25... dxe4 $4 {loses a piece to} 26. Nxe6 (26. Nxe4 $18) 26... Qxf2+ 27. Kxf2 fxe6 28. bxa3 $18) 26. Rxd4 Nb5 27. Nxb5 (27. Rxd5 Qxf2+ 28. Kxf2 Nxc3 29. Rxd8+ Rxd8 30. bxc3 b5 31. Rb1 Rb8 32. Ke3) 27... Qxb5 28. Rfd1 {White regains a pawn with equality.}) 25. Na4 Qe7 26. Rfe1 Qf6 (26... Nxd4 $5 27. Rxd4 (27. exd4 Qf6 $15) 27... b5 28. Nc3 Qc5 {looks equal, but with the pawns a3 and b2 hanging, White needs to be a bit careful:} 29. b4 $5 (29. Red1 Nxb2 30. Qxb2 Qxc3 31. Qxc3 Rxc3 32. Rxd5 Rxd5 33. Rxd5 Rxe3 34. Rxb5 Rxa3 35. h4 $15 {leads to a drawish endgame. Some versions of such an endgame can be very tricky, but here Black's king is passive and the kingside pawn structure is better for the defender than usually, so it would be a simple draw.}) 29... Qc6 30. Red1 $5 Nxe3 31. Qxe3 Re8 $1 (31... Qxc3 32. Qxc3 Rxc3 33. Rxd5 Rxd5 34. Rxd5 Rxa3 35. Rxb5 {leads to mass exchanges and a dead draw.}) 32. Ne4 $5 dxe4 33. bxa5 exf3 34. Qxf3 Qxf3 35. gxf3 Ra8 36. a4 Rxa5 37. axb5 Rxb5 38. Rd8 {is another very drawish endgame where an extra pawn cannot be converted.}) (26... Qe8 $5 27. Nc3 Nxa3 {was more ambitious but also somewhat risky. White equalizes after} 28. Nf5 Rc5 29. Qg3 (29. Nd4 $5 b6 30. e4 {might also lead to equality.}) 29... Kf8 (29... Nc4 {looks very dangerous, as Black's king will be exposed once the h6-pawn gets off the board. That said, White needs to be more accurate in the ensuing complications:} 30. Nxh6+ Kf8 31. Nf5 g6 32. e4 $1 d4 (32... gxf5 $2 33. exf5) 33. Qh3 $1 gxf5 34. exf5 Rxf5 $1 35. Qxf5 dxc3 36. Qh7 {White also has other moves here.} Rxd1 37. Rxd1 c2 $1 38. Qh8+ $1 (38. Qxc2 $2 Ne3 $1 $19) 38... Ke7 39. Qh4+ f6 40. Re1 $1 Ne5 41. Qh7+ Kf8 42. Qxc2 $13 {with a dynamic equilibrium.}) 30. e4 $1 d4 31. Rxd4 $1 Rxd4 32. Nxd4 Nc4 (32... Nxd4 33. Qd6+ Qe7 34. Qb8+ $1 Qe8 35. Qd6+ {leads to a move repetition.}) 33. Nxe6+ Qxe6 34. Qf2) 27. Nb5 Nc7 28. Nd4 Ne6 (28... b5 29. Nc3 {is also equal, e.g.} b4 30. axb4 axb4 31. Na2 $1 (31. Na4 Ne6 {is pleasant for Black.}) 31... b3 {and now any knight retreat maintains equality, while} 32. Nxb3 $6 (32. Nc1) (32. Nc3) 32... Nxb2 $15 {followed by 33...Nc4 gives Black a slight pull due to disorganized White's pieces, but not more.}) 29. Nb5 Nc7 30. Nd4 Ne6 {Ding Liren has recovered from the previous loss and played a good game. He equalized easily and even had slight initiative towards the end. On the other hand, White was never in real danger. The game was relatively short, with most of the action remaining behind the curtains. Ian Nepomniachtchi maintains the lead, while Ding Liren needs only one win to level the score.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.14"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Navara,David"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,93,27,-6,4,-22,-22,-22,-22,-18,-19,-10,-1,7,-5,-20,-10,-5,40,38,47,42,52,51,40,32,20,42,30,30,76,38,14,2,5,-39,-9,-8,6,6,-3,6,0,-1,-1,-1,4,-15,24,21,44,24,19,27,22,19,28,8,64,31,42,64,63,82,82,82,82,60,76,118,101,118,144,155,282,282,290,305,309,233,281,575,605,609,639,651,651,651,651,651,651,685,685,685,685,685]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 {This line leads to a strategically complex position. It does not bring White advantage, but a moment of surprise is on his side.} d6 (6... e4 7. Ng5 Qe7 (7... d5 $5 8. f3 $5 (8. Rb1 $5) 8... h6 9. cxd5 hxg5 10. dxc6 exf3 11. gxf3 g4 $11 {leads to big complications}) 8. f3 exf3 9. Nxf3 O-O 10. Be2 $36 {leaves White with many central pawns. Black can activate his pieces, but there is a real danger that White might manage to advance his pawns in such a way that they will control important central squares without creating too many weaknesses.}) (6... O-O 7. e4 d6 {transposes to the game.}) 7. e4 O-O 8. Be2 (8. g3 {is the most common move here, but it also has drawbacks. Black can prepare the b7-b5 advance through} a6 9. a4 Nd7 10. Nh4 (10. Bg2 $6 Nc5 $36 {allows Black to play f7-f5 quickly.}) 10... Nc5 11. d3 Na5 $5 12. Be3 Bd7 {with enough counterplay, for example} 13. Bg2 $6 (13. Be2 Bh3 $5 (13... Qe8 14. Bd1 b5) 14. Bf1 Bd7) 13... b5 $1 14. Bxc5 dxc5 15. axb5 axb5 16. cxb5 Bxb5 $36 {is more pleasant for Black, as the d3-pawn is weak.}) 8... Nh5 {Black chooses a concrete continuation.} (8... h6 {is mostly a useful move in such positions, but here White can also consider} 9. h3 $5 {, when g2-g4-g5 is an option in certain lines. It should not bring White anything special, but allowing such options with Black without a thorough preparation can be very dangerous at times.}) (8... b6 $5 {is a reasonable waiting move.} 9. d3 {is a relevant option, as} (9. O-O h6 10. d3 Nh7 11. d4 Qf6 {or} (11... Bg4 {leads to a position with mutual chances})) 9... h6 10. h3 Nh7 11. g4 $5 {followed by g2-g4 is a dangerous idea. That said, it is also dangerous for White after} Ne7 $1 12. g5 h5 13. h4 Bg4 14. Nh2 Bxe2 15. Qxe2 g6 16. f4 exf4 17. Bxf4 Qd7 {, as his king will be somewhat exposed even on the kingside. A correspondence game Bos - Jiménez Ariza ended in a draw after 15.Qxe2.}) 9. d4 Nf4 $6 {This move is natural but probably inaccurate, as it gives White free hands in the center.} (9... Qf6 {is perhaps the critical option} 10. d5 (10. g3 $5 {is a tricky option. Upon a closer examination it seems that Black can take the pawn, but personally I would be afraid of the opponent's preparation.} exd4 (10... Bg4 11. Nh4 Bxe2 12. Qxe2 g6 13. d5 Nb8 14. Bh6 Re8 15. c5 $5 dxc5 16. Rb1 $36) 11. Nxd4 Nxd4 12. cxd4 Qxd4 13. Bb2 Qc5 14. e5 $1 {This looks very dangerous for Black, but} g6 {holds everything together:} 15. Qd2 (15. Bxh5 $6 gxh5 {is surprisingly good for Black, as there are two kings on the board:} 16. O-O-O (16. O-O dxe5 17. Qe2 f6 $17) 16... Be6 $5 $15) 15... Qc6 $1 (15... dxe5 16. Bxh5 Qc6 $1 17. O-O-O Qxc4+ {is just a transposition}) 16. O-O-O dxe5 17. Bxh5 Qxc4+ 18. Bc3 (18. Kb1 $6 Bf5+ 19. Ka1 gxh5 20. Bxe5 f6 $15) 18... gxh5 19. Qg5+ Kh8 20. Qf6+ Kg8 21. Qg5+ (21. Rd3 Qc6 $1 (21... Qxd3 $4 22. Bxe5 $1 Qc4+ 23. Kb2 Qb5+ 24. Ka1 Qxe5+ 25. Qxe5 $16 {is bad because of Black's weak king.}) 22. Qg5+ Kh8 23. Qxe5+ f6 24. Qd5 $15 {might give White enough compensation for the pawns, but it is already Black who can search for more than equality.})) (10. O-O $6 Nf4 11. Bxf4 Qxf4 {is comfortable for Black who has exchanged White's strongest minor pieces.}) 10... Na5 (10... Nb8 11. g3 Na6 12. Be3) 11. g3 {This seems to be the critical continuation. White has deteriorated his pawn structure, but Black's knight on h5 might be vulnerable.} b6 (11... Bg4 12. Nh4 Bxe2 13. Qxe2 Nf4 14. Qf3 Kh8 {might objectively be good for Black, but in certain lines his position hangs on a thread, e.g.} 15. O-O Nxc4 (15... Qd8 {is more circumspect.}) 16. Qg4 h5 17. Qd1 c6 18. Kh1 $5 (18. Nf5 Qg6 19. Nh4 Qf6) 18... g6 $1 19. Nf3 Nh3 20. Kg2 g5 21. dxc6 bxc6 22. Nd2 Nxd2 23. Qxh5+ Kg7 24. Bxd2 Rh8 25. Qg4 d5 26. Rae1 Rh6 $13) 12. c5 $5 Bg4 $5 (12... dxc5 13. c4 {Giving up a pawn, White opens the long diagonal for his bishop.} Re8 (13... Bg4 14. Nh4 Bxe2 15. Qxe2 g6 16. O-O) 14. Bb2 Bg4 15. Nh4 Bxe2 16. Qxe2 $36 {White might push f2-f4 in the future.}) 13. Nh4 Bxe2 14. Qxe2 Nf4 $1 {Other options are worse.} 15. Qf3 $1 bxc5 16. O-O g6 (16... Ng6 17. Qxf6 gxf6 18. Nf5 Nc4 19. Bh6 $14) (16... Nh3+ $6 {only helps White's position:} 17. Kg2 Nf4+ $1 18. Kh1 $14) 17. Qg4 $1 h5 18. Qd1 c4 {This position might be equal, but Black first needs to get there.}) (9... Re8 {is another relevant option. Personally I find the combination of the moves Nh5 and Re8 a bit inconsistent, but it is not bad at all.} 10. Bg5 $5 Nf6 $1 (10... f6 11. Be3 Nf4 12. Bxf4 exf4 13. Bd3 $14) 11. d5 Nb8 (11... Ne7 12. Bxf6 gxf6 13. Bd3 Ng6 {is also an option, but I prefer White after} 14. Nd2 Kh8 15. g3 Bh3 16. Bf1 $14 {, as Black's kingside is weakened and the knight on g6 is restricted.}) 12. c5 $5 dxc5 13. O-O h6 14. Bh4 $44 {White has positional compensation. Black would like to transfer one or another knight to d6, but it is not so easy.} Bg4 $1 {followed by an exchange on f3 or e2 looks good for Black.}) 10. Bxf4 exf4 11. O-O Qf6 (11... g5 {looks natural, but White maintains an edge after} 12. h3 Kh8 13. Nh2 $5 Qf6 14. Rfe1 $14) (11... Kh8 12. h3 $14) 12. Rfe1 Re8 (12... g5 13. h3 Kh8 14. Nh2 $14 {transposes to a position from the previous note.}) 13. Bd3 $6 (13. Rad1 {is a recommendation of my electronic fish. To maintain an edge, White needs to find some very deep ideas there.} Qg6 (13... Bg4 14. Qb2 Rab8 15. h3 Bh5 16. Nd2 Qg5 17. Bxh5 Qxh5 18. Nf3 $14) 14. Qc1 $1 {A hard move to find and appreciate.} Qh6 (14... Bh3 $2 15. Bf1 $1 $16 Rxe4 $2 16. Rxe4 Qxe4 17. Ng5 $18) (14... Rxe4 {looks odd at the first sight, good after a closer look and slightly better for White after a computer analysis:} 15. Qb1 $3 {White is threatening 16.Nh4 or 16.Bd3 Bh3 17.g3 with back rank motifs. The queen also eyes the b7-pawn.} (15. Bd3 $6 Bh3 $1 {is good for Black.}) 15... Re7 16. Bd3 Qf6 17. Bxh7+ Kf8 {White has regained a pawn with initiative and now has two promising options:} 18. Be4 (18. Rxe7 Nxe7 19. Be4 $14) 18... g5 19. h3 $14 {Black still needs to complete the development, which is easier said than done. The bishop cannot leave the b7-pawn undefended, but} Rb8 {loses to} 20. Bxc6 {.}) 15. h3 $5 (15. Qb1 g5 $1 16. h3 Rb8 (16... g4 $2 17. hxg4 Bxg4 18. Qxb7 $16) 17. Nh2 $1 $14) 15... Rxe4 16. Bd3 Rxe1+ 17. Rxe1 Kf8 18. h4 $5 f6 $2 {This move protects the g5-square, but also seriously limits Blacks queen, which can be exploited through energetic play:} (18... Ne7 $14) 19. c5 $1 Bg4 20. Qb2 $1 Rb8 (20... Bxf3 21. Qxb7 $18) 21. Be4 $1 Re8 22. Bxc6 bxc6 23. Rxe8+ Kxe8 24. Qb8+ Kd7 25. cxd6 cxd6 26. Qxa7+ (26. Qb7+ {is also close to winning}) 26... Ke6 27. d5+ $1 Kxd5 {This position is visibly bad for Black with an exposed king and a passive queen. White can indeed win in many ways. There is a lovely line starting with} 28. Nd4 (28. Qf7+ {is a simpler win, as} Be6 {loses outright to} 29. c4+ $1) 28... Qg6 29. Qa8 $1 Bd7 30. Qg8+ {and ending with Black's king on c1 and White being a piece up 7 moves later, but we have already gone way too far from the game.}) (13. c5 $5 dxc5 14. e5 {was an interesting positional sacrifice. A similar one occurred several moves later in the game. Here White has not played d4-d5 yet, but the evalutation remains the same after} Qh6 (14... Qe7) 15. Rad1 $1 Bg4 16. Qb3 {. Originally I believed White to be slightly better here, but now I believe that it is sharp but equal, with any result possible.} b6 (16... Rab8 $5) 17. Qa4 $5 {is an interesting idea, when Black's knight or rook on e8 might become tactically weak. But Black can counter it with} a6 18. e6 b5 $1 (18... Rxe6 19. d5 Rxe2 $1 20. Rxe2 Bxf3 21. gxf3 Qg5+ 22. Kh1 Ne5 23. Qe4 $1 Re8 24. d6 $1 cxd6 25. Rxd6 h6 26. Rd5 $1 f6 {is also very unclear.}) 19. exf7+ Kxf7 $13 {.}) 13... Bg4 14. Nd2 Na5 $6 (14... Rad8 {was a good move, bringing the last piece into play. After} 15. Rab1 {Black can choose between} Bc8 {and} (15... b6 {. His position is compact, the e4-e5 advance is not dangerous. White lacks control of the dark squares and while his pieces effectively protect the pawns c4 and e4, they are not very active. Not that Black's pieces would be too active, but somehow I find it easier to improve Black's position than White's. (Say, g7-g5 might be a good idea, although one which should be implemented very carefully. White should probably push c4-c5, but it could also backfire.) I might well be biased.})) 15. c5 $1 {The Chinese grandmaster sacrifices a pawn for positional compensation.} (15. h3 $5 Bh5 16. Qa4 b6 17. Nb3 {looks good, but there is} Qg5 $1 18. Bf1 $1 Bf3 19. h4 Qg6 20. Kh2 Qg4 21. gxf3 Qxf3 $1 {, when Black creates sufficient counterplay:} 22. Bg2 (22. Re2 Qg4 23. Nd2 $1 f3 $1 24. Re3 Qxh4+ 25. Kg1 Qg4+) 22... Qxf2 $44) (15. Qa4 $1 b6 16. f3 Be6 17. Nb3 Nxb3 18. axb3 {was a less radical approach which promises White a slight edge. The play might continue} Qd8 19. c5 $1 dxc5 20. Bb5 Re7 21. Red1 $14 {or} (21. dxc5 bxc5 22. Red1 $14 {, when White's activity is more important than a temporary material deficit.})) 15... dxc5 (15... Qg5 16. cxd6 cxd6 17. Rab1 $14 {leaves White with an edge for free. The backward c3-pawn cannot be attacked that easily.}) 16. e5 Qh6 17. d5 Rad8 (17... b6 18. c4 Re7 {is similar to the game. After} 19. Qc3 Rae8 20. Bc2 $1 {White can play Bc2-a4.}) 18. c4 $14 {White is a pawn down, but controls the center. Black's knight is temporarily passive. On the contrary, White's knight can easily be activated, which was not possible several moves ago.} b6 19. h3 Bh5 {If being given the chance, Black would like to play f4-f3 or undermine White's pawns playing 20...c6 21.d6 f6.} 20. Be4 $1 {White increases control over the f3-square, thus neutralizing Blacks counterplay.} (20. Qc3 $1 {was another good move. Then} c6 $5 21. Be4 {might transpose into the next note.}) 20... Re7 (20... c6 $5 {was also an interesting option. But it is hard to decide on such a move, as the things can easily go very much wrong for Black.} 21. Qc3 (21. d6 f6 $1 {is the key idea, which equalizes after} 22. Nb3 $1 Nxb3 23. axb3 Bg6 $1 24. exf6 Rxd6 25. Bxg6 Rxe1+ 26. Rxe1 Qxg6 27. Qa2 $5 $13) 21... Bg6 $1 22. Bf3 (22. Rad1 Bxe4 23. Nxe4 Nb7 24. f3 cxd5 25. cxd5 Qh5 26. Nf2 Qf5 27. Re4 f6 $1 $13 {also enables Black to attack White's pawn center.}) 22... Bh5 23. Rad1 Bxf3 24. Nxf3 Qg6 25. Qc1 $1 $14 {White is a pawn down, but his d-pawn is very strong. An important point is that} Qf5 {can be met with} 26. e6 $1 cxd5 27. Re5 Qg6 28. cxd5 fxe6 29. dxe6 Rxd1+ 30. Qxd1 Nc6 31. Re1 {, when White maintains initiative.} Rxe6 $2 {loses outright to} (31... Re7 $1 32. Qd5 Qe8 $1 $13) 32. Qd5 $18) (20... Rxe5 $2 21. Bxh7+ $1 Qxh7 22. Qxh7+ Kxh7 23. Rxe5 $16 {is bad for Black, as the rooks are able to attack Black's pawns, in particular c7.}) 21. Qc3 $1 Rde8 (21... f6 22. e6 Nb7 23. a4 a5 {leads to a type of position mentioned in the notes to 23...Bg6! and 25...Bg6!.}) 22. Bf3 $14 Nb7 23. Re2 (23. Bxh5 $1 Qxh5 24. Nf3 Qf5 25. Rad1 $14 {might have been a bit more accurate, but White's plan worked very well in the game.}) 23... f6 {Black allows White to create a passed pawn, but gets a nice d6-square for his knight in return. That said, this idea might work even better without the exchange of the bishops.} (23... Bg6 $1 24. Rae1 Kf8 25. Bg4 f6 $5 {looks highly counterintuitive in this version, but it might have relieved the pressure a bit. After} 26. e6 (26. exf6 Rxe2 27. Rxe2 Nd6 $36 {is surprisingly good for Black. His king is safer that it looks and his better bishop could matter in endgames.}) (26. d6 $5 cxd6 27. exf6 Rxe2 28. Rxe2 {promises White enough compensation, but not more. Black can activate his queen and knight in various ways.}) 26... Nd6 27. a4 a5 {the position resembles a fortress. White has a nice position, but it is hard to say how could he improve it.}) 24. e6 Nd6 25. Rae1 {White improves his pieces. The side with more active pieces usually need not worry when complications arise.} (25. Bxh5 Qxh5 26. Nf3 $6 (26. Qd3 $1 $36) 26... b5 $1 $36) 25... Nf5 $6 {This move allows White to exchange the bishops under favorable conditions. Ian Nepomniachtchi is a great dynamic player. Such players often find it difficult to sit and defend passively. And it seems that this position required precisely that.} (25... Bg6 $1 {would have prevented White from improving his position. Black is ready to counter a2-a4 with a7-a5 and to meet Ne4 with Bxe4. Playing on three ranks is not much fun. It is not clear how should White strenghten his position.}) 26. Bxh5 (26. Bg4 Bxg4 27. hxg4 Nd6 28. Ne4 $14 {was another option, but White's continuation was no worse.}) 26... Qxh5 27. Re4 Qh6 28. Qf3 {The decisive moment of the game has arisen.} (28. Kh2 $5 Nd6 29. R4e2 $14 {might have been more circumspect.}) 28... Nd4 $2 {Black is ready to give back an extra pawn, but this move also provokes an exchange sacrifice, which turns out to be very strong.} (28... g5 $1 29. g4 $5 {I assume that this was the idea behind 28.Qf3. Or was it just a great trap which worked perfectly in the game?} Nd6 30. R4e2 Rf8 $13 {Black's position is better than it looks at the first sight. White has managed to exchange his light-squared bishop, which could not be used for breaking down Black's fortress. With the bishops exchanged, the knight exchange on e4 becomes an option and even h3-h4 could be good after a thorough preparation. That said, it seems that Black can push f6-f5 very soon, with any result possible. As so often, a strong engine on a strong computer evaluates that as 0.00.}) 29. Rxd4 $1 {The pieces which remain on the board are more important than those which have been exchanged. Black's rooks remain passive, whereas White will enjoy a powerful centralized knight and mighty central pawns.} (29. Qxf4 $2 Qxf4 30. Rxf4 c6 $1 31. Nf3 Nxf3+ 32. Rxf3 cxd5 33. cxd5 Rd8 34. Rd3 Rd6 35. f4 Kf8 36. f5 Rc7 {would have been good for Black.}) 29... cxd4 30. Nb3 g5 $6 {This move only creates a further weakness on f5, but Black's position was already beyond saving.} (30... d3 31. Qxd3 {was also bad. White brings the knight to d4 and then increases the pressure. Black has no counterplay.}) (30... f5 {also leaves White in full control after} 31. Nxd4 g6 32. a4 $5 $18 {.}) (30... c5 $6 {loses to} 31. d6 $1 Rxe6 32. Rxe6 Rxe6 33. d7 Rd6 34. Qa8+ Kf7 35. Qe8#) 31. Nxd4 Qg6 32. g4 $1 {There were also other good moves like} (32. g3 {, but White's continuation is the most resolute one.}) 32... fxg3 (32... h5 33. Nf5 Rh7 34. Qe4 Kh8 35. Kg2 $18 {gives Black no counterplay, as he is unable to double his major pieces on the h-file. White's knight is incredibly strong!}) 33. fxg3 h5 34. Nf5 $18 {White has installed the knight on a great square.} Rh7 35. Qe4 {White is threatening 36.Ne7+.} Kh8 36. e7 $1 {The passed pawn is supported by all the pieces and can therefore safely advance one square closer to the promotion square.} Qf7 (36... Rf7 37. Qe6 $1 $18 {is another case of domination.}) 37. d6 {White could also maintain the tension, but this move wins quickly.} cxd6 38. Nxd6 Qg8 (38... Qxe7 39. Nxe8 Qxe4 40. Rxe4 $18 {As the Lichess users know, it is hard to play without a horsey.}) 39. Nxe8 Qxe8 40. Qe6 Kg7 41. Rf1 $1 {Ding again finds the most direct way to a win. First he deflects Black's rook.} (41. Rd1 Kg6 $1) 41... Rh6 42. Rd1 $1 {The game is over, as Black has no adequate defense against 43. Rd8.} f5 43. Qe5+ (43. Qxf5 Qxe7 44. Rd7 $18) 43... Kf7 44. Qxf5+ Rf6 (44... Kxe7 45. Re1+ $18) 45. Qh7+ Ke6 46. Qg7 Rg6 47. Qf8 {and Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.13"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A28"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,93,19,-12,-14,-17,-28,-6,-15,-18,-23,-18,-16,-6,0,-19,-6,-6,25,37,49,40,38,39,41,41,40,33,46,46,76,21,7,-4,-10,-22,6,-34,6,6,6,6,7,7,-1,-1,5,0,24,21,37,24,19,28,38,19,28,6,64,38,61,64,82,82,82,76,76,84,92,108,114,118,113,105,290,233,304,316,307,567,605,620,620,651,651,651,651,685,685,685,677,783,831,680,675,675]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 {A topical line.} (6. Qxc3 {Is the more common and straightforward continuation.}) 6... d6 7. e4 O-O 8. Be2 Nh5 ({Relevant:} 8... Ne7 9. O-O Ng6 10. d4 b6 11. Re1 h6 12. Nd2 Nh7 13. Nf1 f5 14. exf5 Bxf5 15. Bd3 Bxd3 16. Qxd3 Qf6 17. Be3 Ng5 18. dxe5 Nxe5 19. Qd5+ Qf7 20. Bxg5 hxg5 21. Ne3 Qxd5 22. cxd5 Rf4 23. Rad1 Ra4 24. Re2 Rf8 25. h3 g4 26. h4 Ng6 27. g3 Ne5 28. Kg2 Re8 29. Nf5 Kf7 30. Rd4 Ra3 31. Rf4 Kg6 32. h5+ Kh7 33. Rxg4 Nxg4 34. Rxe8 Rxa2 35. Kh3 Nxf2+ 36. Kh4 Ra4+ 37. Nd4 Ra1 38. Re7 {Tabatabaei,M (2675)-Giri,A (2768) chess.com INT 2023 ?-? (67)}) 9. d4 Nf4 {Ding said he knew up to here.} 10. Bxf4 exf4 {[#]} 11. O-O $146 ({Predecessor:} 11. h4 Re8 12. Bd3 Bg4 13. Ng1 f5 14. Kf1 fxe4 15. Bxe4 h6 16. Nf3 Bxf3 17. gxf3 Kh8 18. Qd2 Ne7 19. Bc2 Ng8 20. Kg2 Qd7 21. Rab1 c6 22. Qxf4 Re2 23. Bd3 Rxa2 24. Rhe1 Nf6 25. Bf5 Qf7 26. Qxd6 Nh5 27. Bg4 Nf4+ 28. Kg1 Ne2+ 29. Kh1 h5 30. Qe6 Qxe6 31. Bxe6 b6 32. c5 Rd2 33. d5 Nxc3 34. Re5 g6 35. Ra1 Nxd5 36. cxb6 Nxb6 37. Rg5 Rd6 38. Rxg6 Re8 39. Bf7 Rxg6 40. Bxg6 Re6 {Rapport,R (2621)-Zaragatski,I (2460) Germany 2013 1-0 (69)}) 11... Qf6 12. Rfe1 Re8 13. Bd3 Bg4 14. Nd2 Na5 $5 {This is quite a double edged move.} (14... Rad8 {is a fairly straightforward alternative.}) 15. c5 $5 (15. h3 {is another move that could be tried.} Bh5 16. Nb3) 15... dxc5 16. e5 Qh6 17. d5 {has to be in the spirit of the position.} (17. Be4) 17... Rad8 18. c4 b6 19. h3 {Played after quite some thought.} (19. Qc3 {is the alternative.}) 19... Bh5 20. Be4 (20. Qc3 {can again be tried.}) 20... Re7 21. Qc3 Rde8 22. Bf3 Nb7 23. Re2 (23. Bxh5) 23... f6 (23... Bxf3 24. Nxf3 f6 25. e6 {is probably dynamically equal.}) 24. e6 Nd6 {Anand thought this not the best and was played after just one and a half minutes thought.} (24... Bg6 {"24...Bg6 holding on to his bishop would have been more resilient" - Anand.}) 25. Rae1 (25. Bxh5) 25... Nf5 26. Bxh5 Qxh5 27. Re4 (27. Kh2) 27... Qh6 28. Qf3 (28. Kh2) 28... Nd4 $4 {Played after 1 minute 48 seconds of thought, Nepomniachtchi had been playing fast over the last few moves and this just loses. Nepomniachtchi said he lost "focus" and never seriously considered the exchange sacrifice. This really can only be explained by nerves.} (28... Rd8 29. Rxf4) (28... g5 {Is the best move in the position. It's still very tense here but it isn't quite clear how white should handle this.}) 29. Rxd4 $1 {Ding immediately looked very excited. Ding slightly flubbed the move when making it revealing his feelings. Took just over 2 minutes to decide on this.} cxd4 30. Nb3 $1 {This is all over. Black can resign, there's not a single thing he can do here.} g5 31. Nxd4 {Heading for f5.} Qg6 32. g4 {insisting on Nf5.} fxg3 33. fxg3 h5 34. Nf5 {Black is reduced to complete passivity and white can choose his winning method.} Rh7 35. Qe4 Kh8 36. e7 {The most direct.} Qf7 37. d6 cxd6 38. Nxd6 Qg8 (38... Qxe7 39. Nxe8 Qxe4 40. Rxe4 {with only a pawn for knight is hopeless for black too.}) 39. Nxe8 Qxe8 40. Qe6 Kg7 41. Rf1 {Time control is reached but the players didn't delay things long. Both knew there could just be one result.} Rh6 42. Rd1 f5 43. Qe5+ (43. Qxf5 {is also killing.}) 43... Kf7 44. Qxf5+ Rf6 45. Qh7+ Ke6 46. Qg7 (46. Re1+ Kd7 47. Qe4 {and there are forced mates being found by the engines.}) 46... Rg6 47. Qf8 (47. Qf8 Rg8 48. Rd8 Rxf8 49. exf8=Q Qxf8 50. Rxf8) 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.15"] [Round "5"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "95"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,95,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,3,20,-2,20,35,36,0,-12,-17,0,-23,0,-10,-5,-34,7,12,10,10,1,-17,-17,-10,-2,-14,-14,-5,-11,-10,6,7,9,0,16,10,3,0,0,-2,9,-1,22,0,0,0,0,-15,-23,-26,-18,-16,35,51,38,38,32,33,32,35,53,40,37,46,96,-23,-31,-28,82,130,163,171,171,116,152,115,146,179,177,174,187,185,207,223,217,237,210,319]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {Retour à la partie Espagnole. Voyons ce qu'a prévu Ian Nepomniachtchi.} a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 ({Au lieu de} 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. Re1 Nd7 8. d4 exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O {½-½ (49) Nepomniachtchi,I (2795)-Ding,L (2788) FIDE World Championship 2023, comme dans la première partie.}) 6... b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. a4 $5 {Et voilà le début de la préparation du Russe.} ({Plus habituel est} 10. Re1 Na5 11. Bc2 c5 12. Nbd2 (12. d4 exd4 13. cxd4 Nc6 14. Nc3 cxd4 15. Nxd4 Nxd4 16. Qxd4 Rc8 17. Bf4 d5 18. exd5 Rc4 19. Qe5 Nxd5 20. Nxd5 {½-½ Cornette,M (2563)-Yilmaz,M (2629) Reykjavik Open 2023 Reykjavik ISL (4.2)}) 12... Nc6 13. Nf1 Re8 14. Ng3 h6 15. Bd2 Bf8 16. Nh2 d5 17. Ng4 dxe4 18. dxe4 Nxg4 19. hxg4 c4 {½-½ (66) Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) FTX Crypto Cup 2022 rapid}) 10... Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Bg5 $5 {Et ici, avec ce nouveau coup, la suite de la ligne préparée. Rien de révolutionnaire, mais Ding Liren va devoir prendre du temps pour s'orienter dans cette nouvelle position et en découvrir les nuances.} (12. Na3 Qd7 13. Bg5 bxa4 14. Nh4 Rab8 15. Nf5 Bd8 16. f4 exf4 17. Rxf4 {1-0 (57) Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) FTX Crypto Cup 2022 rapid.}) 12... h6 {Après 14 minutes.} 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 {A tempo. 1h58-1h37. Daniil Dubov, qui a remplacé Anand Viswanathan aux commentaires avec Irina Krush : « La façon dont je vois ces positions est qu'elles sont meilleures pour les Blancs, mais plus faciles à jouer pour les Noirs. » Un jugement que l'on peut rapprocher de celui de Magnus Carlsen avec la Sicilienne Svechnikov, que l'ordinateur pense mieux pour les Blancs, mais que le Norvégien trouve plus facile à jouer avec les Noirs.} Nc6 {Après 7 minutes.} 16. Bd5 {À nouveau a tempo.} Rxa1 17. Qxa1 Qd7 18. Re1 {Il faut reconnaître que Ian Nepomniachtchi n'a obtenu aucun avantage dans l'ouverture. Vladislav Tkachiev et Kevin Bordi pensaient que le Russe ne s'est pas encore remis de sa défaite et qu'il se contenterait d'un demi-point. Un peu comme l'a dit Tigran Vartani Petrossian (1929-1984) : « Évitez l'euphorie : match nul après une défaite, match nul après une victoire. »} Ra8 19. Qd1 {Ian Nepomniachtchi joue tout a tempo. 1h57-1h18.} Bd8 20. Nf1 Ne7 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne3 {Les coups blancs précédents ont montré comment Nepo s'est débarrassé de « la pièce de trop », ayant deux pièces capables d'occuper la case d5.} Bb6 {Avec, enfin, une première réflexion de Ian Nepomniachtchi !} 23. h4 {Anish Giri : « Une idée fantastique, j'adore ça ! » — Fabien Libiszewski : « Ça joue les cases blanches chez Nepo. Pour le moment c'est beaucoup plus convaincant avec 1.e4 qu'avec 1.d4. »} Qc6 {1h47-1h05} (23... h5 $6 24. Ng5 $1 {[%csl Rh5][%CAl Yd1h5]} g6 $6 (24... f6 25. Nh3 $16) 25. Qf3 {[%csl Rf7][%CAl Yf3f7,Yg5f7]} Rf8 26. g4 $1 $18) 24. h5 $5 {Après 15 minutes. Le mini-plan est simple : jouer le Cavalier en h4 avec l'idée d'occuper la case f5.} c4 {Une poussée qui n'a pris que 33 secondes à Ding Liren.} 25. d4 {Anish Giri: « Je pense que l'ouverture a fonctionné majestueusement pour Ian et qu'il n'aurait pas pu espérer mieux dans ses rêves les plus fous. Ding a choisi la configuration la plus inconfortable avec ...Fd8 et ...Ce7. C'est la configuration la plus maladroite de toutes les options que nous avons regardées. »} exd4 {Après 14 minutes.} 26. Nxd4 {Ne quittez pas des yeux la case f5. On l'appelle la case « Kasparov ». Un Cavalier sur cette case exerce une forte pression sur le pion devant le Roi ennemi, permettant une attaque rapide, avec généralement l’aide de la Dame.} Qc5 $6 {Une imprécision ! Une égalité approximative était conservée en plaçant la Dame en b7.} (26... Qb7 $1 $11) 27. Qg4 $5 {Après 13 minutes. A le désavantage de prendre la case g4 au Cavalier.} (27. Qf3 $1 {était considéré comme plus précis, car sur} Qe5 28. Ng4 $1 {avec un clair avantage blanc.}) 27... Qe5 $1 {L'imprécision blanche permet à Ding Liren de justifier sa manœuvre 26...Dc5?!, tout en redonnant de l'activité au Fou en b6.} 28. Nf3 Qe6 29. Nf5 {Menace tout simplement de mater en g7.} Nxf5 $5 ({Plus précis, selon les machines, étaient} 29... Qf6 30. Nxe7+ Qxe7 $11) 30. exf5 Qf6 $6 ({Il valait mieux répondre par} 30... Qd7 $5 {avec l'idée de manœuvrer le Fou b6 en f6 via la case d8.}) 31. Qe4 $1 Rb8 {Si les « petites machines » accordent un clair avantage blanc, Sesse.net se contente de donner +0.44.} 32. Re2 Bc5 33. g4 {La position devient difficile pour les Noirs, ou pour le dire autrement, les Blancs ont plusieurs coups pour améliorer leur position.} Qd8 $1 {Le seul bon coup selon Sesse.net, au moins pour conserver une position jouable. 1h05-0h29.} 34. Qd5 {Il fallait bien entendu empêcher la poussée ...d5.} Kf8 $6 ({Le sacrifice de pion} 34... b4 35. Qxc4 bxc3 36. bxc3 Qd7 {était la suggestion de Sesse.net}) 35. Kf1 {Simon Williams : « Après avoir perdu sa dernière partie, un jeu impressionnant de Nepo aujourd'hui. L'un des principaux problèmes de Nepo est sa capacité à rester fort après un mauvais résultat. Il semble bien répondre à cette question aujourd'hui. C'est un match passionnant ! »} ({On s'attendait plutôt à} 35. Kg2 {avec des idées comme : Rg3, Ch4, f4, Cf3 et g5. Après le coup de Ian, la machine est passée de +1.03 à +0.07.}) 35... Rc8 $2 {« La bonne case, mais la mauvaise pièce. » Fabien Libiszewski} (35... Qc8 $1) 36. Re4 $1 {Avec l'idée gagnante 37.g5!} Rb8 {La pression à la pendule exercée par Ian Nepomniachtchi est énorme : 0h54-0h10.} 37. g5 ({La machine finasse avec} 37. Kg2 {avant la poussée g5.}) 37... hxg5 $2 {Cependant, Ding Liren craque !} 38. Rg4 $1 {C'est fini, la partie blanche est gagnée.} Ra8 (38... f6 {serait bon pour équilibrer la position s'il n'y avait pas le terrible} 39. Nh4 $3 gxh4 40. h6 g5 41. fxg6 $18) 39. Nxg5 Ra1+ 40. Ke2 Qe7+ 41. Ne4 Qe8 {Les derniers coups de Ding Liren sont joués par inertie.} 42. Kf3 Qa8 43. Qxa8+ Rxa8 44. f6 g6 45. hxg6 fxg6 46. Rxg6 Ra2 47. Kg4 Rxb2 48. Rh6 {Igor-Alexandre Nataf : « J'aime vraiment ce match ! C'est réellement le match le plus divertissant depuis très longtemps… J'espère que ça va continuer comme ça. » — Anish Giri : « Aujourd'hui Ding a perdu sans faire une seule grosse erreur. Il a juste perdu avec quelques petites erreurs. »} 1-0 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.15"] [Round "5.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "95"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,95,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,3,20,-2,20,35,36,-4,-5,-29,-3,-18,-3,-24,-33,-19,16,-4,7,7,7,-4,-19,-15,-22,-22,-17,-5,-8,-5,9,0,4,6,4,6,31,0,9,-10,-5,-5,5,4,0,-10,11,-26,-5,0,-6,-6,35,41,39,45,45,46,30,31,58,30,44,27,92,-31,-23,-35,110,101,180,157,153,130,361,134,151,150,179,194,204,131,125,172,173,190,213,284]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 ({Relevant:} 9... Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Qc7 12. d5 Nc4 13. a4 Nb6 14. b3 Bd7 15. Be3 bxa4 16. bxa4 Nc4 17. Bc1 Rfb8 18. Qe2 Na5 19. Nbd2 Be8 20. Ra2 Nd7 21. Re1 Nb6 22. Nf1 c4 23. Ne3 Nb3 24. a5 Na4 25. Bd2 Rc8 26. Ra3 Rab8 27. Nxc4 Nxc3 28. Bxc3 Qxc4 29. Qxc4 Rxc4 30. Re3 Nd4 31. Bd3 Nxf3+ 32. Rxf3 Ra4 33. Rxa4 Bxa4 34. Bxa6 Rb1+ 35. Kh2 Bd1 36. Re3 Bg5 37. Re1 Rb3 38. Rxd1 Rxc3 39. Ra1 {Firouzja,A (2785)-Alekseenko,K (2686) chess.com INT 2023 1-0}) 10. a4 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 {[#]} 12. Bg5 $146 ({Predecessor:} 12. Na3 Qd7 13. Bg5 bxa4 14. Nh4 Rab8 15. Nf5 Bd8 16. f4 exf4 17. Rxf4 Nb3 18. Bxb3 axb3 19. Qf3 Ne8 20. Bxd8 Rxd8 21. Qg3 f6 22. Raf1 Bc8 23. Nc4 Qb7 24. Nce3 Be6 25. R4f3 a5 26. Ra1 Qc7 27. d4 cxd4 28. Nxd4 Bf7 29. Nd5 Bxd5 30. exd5 Qc5 31. Kh2 Qxd5 32. Rf5 Qf7 33. Rfxa5 Rd7 34. Nf5 Kh8 35. Re1 g6 36. Nd4 Ng7 37. Qf3 d5 38. Ra6 Rb8 39. Rxf6 Qg8 40. Rf1 Rdd8 41. Nc6 Nf5 {Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) Miami 2022 1-0}) 12... h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 Nc6 16. Bd5 Rxa1 17. Qxa1 Qd7 18. Re1 Ra8 19. Qd1 Bd8 {The start of a plan that's a bit controversial. It's probably not losing but black has some problems to solve.} (19... Nd8 20. Bxb7 Qxb7 {was an alternative.}) 20. Nf1 Ne7 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne3 Bb6 23. h4 {The start of an excellent plan. Black doesn't have many pieces at all defending his king.} Qc6 (23... Ra2 {is the reply recommended by computers if we come by this way again.}) 24. h5 c4 25. d4 exd4 {Perhaps not quite the best.} (25... Rd8) 26. Nxd4 Qc5 (26... Qb7 {is the computer move.}) 27. Qg4 Qe5 28. Nf3 (28. Qd7 Bxd4 29. cxd4 Qxe4 30. f3 Qe6 31. Qb7 Re8 32. Qxb5) 28... Qe6 29. Nf5 Nxf5 $2 {Ding identified this as a serious error after the game.} (29... Qf6) 30. exf5 Qf6 31. Qe4 Rb8 32. Re2 Bc5 33. g4 {This was the idea that Ding had overlooked.} Qd8 34. Qd5 {Ding was short of time and this position is really quite desperate even if the computer evaluation doesn't refect that just yet.} Kf8 (34... b4 {could have been tried.}) 35. Kf1 $5 {A very annoying move to have to face in time trouble.} (35. Kh2) (35. Kg2) 35... Rc8 (35... Qc8 36. f6 gxf6 37. Qe4 {is supposed to be playable according to the computer. Black's position is really quite disgusting.}) 36. Re4 $1 {The computer's favourite and preparing the decisive breakthrough. There is no longer anything to be done as black.} Rb8 37. g5 hxg5 (37... Qd7 38. gxh6 gxh6 39. f6 Qh3+ 40. Ke2 Qg2 41. Re7 Qxf2+ 42. Kd1 Qf1+ 43. Kc2 Qd3+ 44. Qxd3 cxd3+ 45. Kxd3) 38. Rg4 Ra8 (38... f6 39. Nh4 {is the pretty and crushing tactical point.}) 39. Nxg5 Ra1+ 40. Ke2 Qe7+ 41. Ne4 Qe8 42. Kf3 Qa8 43. Qxa8+ Rxa8 44. f6 g6 45. hxg6 fxg6 46. Rxg6 Ra2 {A final try for counterplay.} 47. Kg4 {Nepomniachtchi spent five minutes working the win out.} Rxb2 48. Rh6 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.15"] [Round "5"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "95"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [SourceVersionDate "2021.09.11"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] 1. e4 {Nepomniachtchi returns to his favorite move after failing to gain an advantage in the third game with the queen's pawn.} e5 {It's hard to imagine Ding playing anything against 1.e4 in the match other than 1...e5.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 {The Ruy Lopez is the most classic of all chess openings and I was curious to know what ideas Nepomniachtchi had prepared for the match. 6.Bxc6 was played in the first game and gave him an edge, but it was a one-game attempt and worked well for that purpose. 6.Re1 was the chosen move in the match against Carlsen. 6.d3 is a popular and modern option.} b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 {In these Ruy Lopez positions there are many possible plans for both sides, with many details and subtleties.} (9... Na5 {is the most popular move.} 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 {The Chigorin Variation with more tempo for Black, but even so equality is not so easy.}) (9... h6) (9... Nb8) (9... Be6) 10. a4 $5 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A rare move, played by Firouzja last year.} (10. Re1) (10. Nbd2 {[%CAl Gd2f1,Gf1e1]}) 10... Na5 11. Ba2 {[%CAl Ra2g8] This is the idea, now the bishop can stay on the dangerous diagonal.} c5 12. Bg5 {A new move. Nepomniachtchi certainly has a good stock of ideas in the opening against his opponent's more predictable choice.} (12. Na3 Qd7 13. Bg5 (13. axb5 {is more accurate.} axb5 14. Bg5) 13... bxa4 $1 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with a position full of resources in Firouzja-Giri, Miami (rapid) 2022.} 14. Nh4 Rab8 15. Nf5 Bd8 16. f4 exf4 17. Rxf4 Nb3 18. Bxb3 axb3 19. Qf3 Ne8 20. Bxd8 Rxd8 21. Qg3 f6 22. Raf1 Bc8 23. Nc4 Qb7 24. Nce3 Be6 25. R4f3 a5 26. Ra1 Qc7 27. d4 cxd4 28. Nxd4 Bf7 29. Nd5 Bxd5 30. exd5 Qc5 31. Kh2 Qxd5 32. Rf5 Qf7 33. Rfxa5 Rd7 34. Nf5 Kh8 35. Re1 g6 36. Nd4 Ng7 37. Qf3 d5 38. Ra6 Rb8 39. Rxf6 Qg8 40. Rf1 Rdd8 41. Nc6 Nf5 42. Nxb8 Rxb8 43. g4 Qd8 44. Re6 Ng7 45. Re5 Qd6 46. Qxd5 Qc7 47. Qc5 Qd8 48. Rd5 Qe8 49. Qf2 Ra8 50. Re1 Qb8+ 51. Rde5 Qg8 52. Qe2 Ra2 53. Re4 Qb8+ 54. Kg2 Qc8 55. Rf1 Kg8 56. Rd4 Qxc3 57. Rd8+ {1-0 Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) Miami FTX Crypto Cup rapid 2022 (3.7)}) 12... h6 $6 {A curious move, as White probably wants to take on f6 anyway.} (12... Nd7 {is possible, but then White can retreat the bishop to e3 and Black has nothing better than retreating the knight as well.} 13. Be3 Nf6) (12... c4 {is premature, as White has the initiative after} 13. axb5 axb5 14. Na3 {[%CAl Ga3c2,Gc2e3][%mdl 2048]}) (12... Qd7 {[%csl Ra8,Rf8] is very natural.} 13. Nbd2 {And certainly Nepomniachtchi has a lot of lines analyzed here.}) 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 Nc6 (15... d5 $5 $132 {[%csl Rb5,Rc5,Rd5,Re5] is a critical move, since the break improves Black's pawn structure. A possible continuation is} 16. exd5 (16. b4 {gives nothing after} dxe4 17. Nxe4 cxb4 18. cxb4 Nc6 $15) 16... Bxd5 17. Qe2 Nc6 18. Bxd5 Qxd5 $11 {Black's position looks acceptable.}) 16. Bd5 Rxa1 17. Qxa1 Qd7 {[%CAl Gf8a8]} 18. Re1 {Nepomniachtchi was blitzing all his moves, indicating he was still in preparation.} Ra8 $5 {[%csl Ra8][%CAl Ra8a1] A natural move, although it's not so clear whether forcing the queen back to the game is the most precise move.} (18... Ne7 {Black can accelerate the plan of exchanging bishops.} 19. Bxb7 Qxb7) (18... Bc8 $5 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is a very interesting plan. The point is to bring the knight to e7 without allowing the exchange of bishops. We will see different versions of this idea in the analysis.} 19. Nf1 Ne7 20. Bb3 (20. Ne3 Nxd5 21. Nxd5 Bd8 {is also OK for Black.} 22. Qa2 Bb7 $11) 20... Bb7 $11 {with a good position.}) 19. Qd1 Bd8 $6 {[%CAl Gf7f5,Gd8b6,Gc5c4,Re5d4,Rb6g1] I don't like this move, although deeming it dubious might be excessive criticism. There are several possible plans.} (19... Ne7 20. Bxb7 Qxb7) (19... Nd8 20. Bxb7 Qxb7) (19... Ra6 $5 {[%CAl Gb7c8,Gc6a7] [%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] with the idea of playing Bc8-Ne7.}) (19... g6 {[%CAl Gf6g7] A typical move to bring the bishop to g7.}) 20. Nf1 Ne7 $6 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] After this White definitely has the upper hand.} (20... Ra7 $5 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is better:} 21. Ne3 {[%CAl Ra7d7,Rd7a7,Gb7c8,Gc6e7,Re7d5]} Bc8 {with the idea of Ne7 and at some point the bishop will go to b6.}) 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne3 {Nepomniachtchi got what he wanted from the opening. A good position, attacking chances, and an advantage on the clock.} Bb6 {[%tqu "En","","","","h3h4","(%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true) I'm not sure if this move is still part of the preparation or if it was thought up on the board, but it's a great decision. It reminds me of a great Kasparov game I watched live, when he played a similar plan against Van Wely, in Wijk aan Zee 1999, achieving a magnificent victory. Bringing the pawn to h5 helps White both in attacking chances on the middlegame and also in the endgame.",10]} 23. h4 $1 {[%csl Rh4] [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] I'm not sure if this move is still part of the preparation or if it was thought up on the board, but it's a great decision. It reminds me of a great Kasparov game I watched live, when he played a similar plan against Van Wely, in Wijk aan Zee 1999, achieving a magnificent victory. Bringing the pawn to h5 helps White both in attacking chances on the middlegame and also in the endgame.} Qc6 {[%tqu "En","","","","h4h5","This is a critical moment. Nepomniachtchi said at the press conference that he was torn between this and 24.c4.",10,"c3c4","is very sensible, since it stops c5-c4, but the computer is not impressed.",0,"d1e2","Queen moves don't really avoid c5-c4.",0,"d1b3","",0]} 24. h5 $1 {This is a critical moment. Nepomniachtchi said at the press conference that he was torn between this and 24.c4.} (24. c4 {is very sensible, since it stops c5-c4, but the computer is not impressed.} Ba5 25. Re2 h5 $5 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] avoiding h4-h5.}) (24. Qe2 {Queen moves don't really avoid c5-c4.} c4 $5 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 25. dxc4 Bxe3 26. cxb5 $5 {[%mdl 192]} Bxf2+ 27. Kxf2 Qb6+ 28. Kf1 f5 $132 {with compensation for the pawn.} 29. c4 $11 {[%csl Rd5][%CAl Gc4b5,Gc4d5,Re4a8,Ge2e4]}) (24. Qb3 {[%CAl Gb3b2]} c4 $5 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (24... Rc8 {[%csl Gc3][%CAl Rc8c1]}) 25. dxc4 Bxe3 26. cxb5 Bxf2+ 27. Kxf2 Qc5+ 28. Kg3 Rb8 29. c4 Ng6 $14 {[%CAl Ge1f1,Gb3a2,Gf3d2] with activity in return for the pawn.}) 24... c4 {This is better than capturing on c4.} {[%tqu "En","","","","d3d4","(%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true)",10,"d3c4","",0]} 25. d4 $1 {[%csl Ge4][%CAl Gd4d5] [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (25. dxc4 Bxe3 (25... bxc4 26. Ng4 $11 {is more dangerous.}) 26. Rxe3 bxc4 $11 {with an equal position.}) 25... exd4 $6 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Not the most accurate move, although Ding had to calculate some difficult lines in order to choose the best move.} (25... Rd8 $1 {[%CAl Rd8d1] [%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 26. Nh4 {[%CAl Gh4f5] This seems very dangerous for Black, but he is still alive.} exd4 (26... d5 {is also possible:} 27. Nxd5 (27. exd5 Qf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (27... Nxd5 $2 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 28. Nhf5) 28. Nf3 exd4 29. Ng4 Qd6 30. Nxd4 Nxd5 {with an active position.}) 27... Nxd5 28. exd5 Qf6 $1 {[%CAl Rf6h4] [%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the point.} ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 28... Rxd5 $6 29. Nf5 Qf6 30. Ne3 Rd7 31. Ng4 Qd8 32. Nxe5 Re7 33. Nc6 Rxe1+ 34. Qxe1 Qd7 35. Qe4 $18) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 28... Qd7 $2 29. Rxe5 Bc7 30. Re4 Qxd5 31. Qf3 Bd6 32. g3 Bf8 33. Nf5 Kh7 34. Kg2 Rb8 35. Ne3 Qd7 36. Re5 Kg8 37. Qd5 Qc7 38. Nf5 $18) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 28... Qxd5 $6 29. Qg4 Qe6 30. Nf5 Qf6 31. Rxe5 b4 32. g3 bxc3 33. bxc3 Rf8 34. Qe4 Bd8 35. Rc5 Qa6 36. Kg2 Qa4 37. Qd5 Bf6 38. Ne3 {[%csl Gc4][%CAl Rd5c4,Rc5c4,Re3c4,Ga4c4]} Rd8 39. Qxc4 Qa8+ 40. d5 $18 {[%csl Rc3,Rd5]}) 29. Re4 exd4 30. cxd4 b4 $11 {The machine indicates that Black's activity is enough for equality.}) 27. Nef5 {[%csl Rf5][%CAl Rf5d4,Gh4f5]} Nxf5 28. Nxf5 Qe8 $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] a difficult move, bringing the queen back to defend.} 29. cxd4 (29. Qg4 Qe5) 29... Qe6 $11 {[%CAl Ge6f6,Rf6d4] The queen goes to f6 and Black is alive. All this is very hard to calculate and even harder to evaluate.}) 26. Nxd4 {The right way.} (26. cxd4 $6 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Ba5 27. Re2 d5 $1 $15 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with a good position.}) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 26. Nxd4 $5 Qb7 27. Nec2 Ra5 28. g3 Qd7 29. Kg2 Ra2 30. Re2 Bxd4 31. Nxd4 Qg4 32. Qb1 Ra6 33. e5 d5 34. Qe1 Qxh5 35. e6 Ng6 36. f4 fxe6 37. Rxe6 Ra2 $11) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 26. cxd4 $5 Ba5 27. d5 Qd7 28. Rf1 Bb6 29. Nd4 Kh7 30. b3 cxb3 31. Nxb3 Ng8 32. Qc2 Rc8 33. Qd3 Bxe3 34. fxe3 b4 35. Nd4 Rc3 36. Qb1 b3 37. Qb2 Qc8 38. Rxf7 Nf6 39. Nf5 Nxh5 40. Kh2 Qc5 41. Rb7 {[%eval -20,32]}) 26... Qc5 (26... Bxd4 27. Qxd4 $14 {[%csl Rd4,Gd6,Re1,Re3,Re4,Rf2][%mdl 2064] White has a comfortable advantage, with more active pieces and the better pawn structure.}) 27. Qg4 $6 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi's only inaccuracy in the entire game.} (27. Qf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best way to conduct the initiative.} Re8 (27... Qe5 28. Ng4 Qg5 29. e5 $1 {[%CAl Rf3a8,Re5d6] [%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} d5 30. Nxb5 $1 $36 {[%csl Gc4,Gd5,Rd6,Re1,Re5,Rf3,Rg4][%CAl Gb5d6] with a big advantage.}) 28. Qg4 {It's weird to move the queen again, but now the invasion on d7 is more annoying.} Qe5 29. Qd7 Kf8 30. Rd1 $40 {with strong pressure.}) 27... Qe5 $1 {[%CAl Re5d4,Rb6d4,Gc3d4] [%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 28. Nf3 (28. Qd7 {is not dangerous now.} Bxd4 29. cxd4 Qxe4 $5 {[%csl Gb5,Gd6] Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 30. f3 $5 ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 30. Qxb5 Nc6 31. Qxc4 Nxd4 32. Rd1 Ra4 33. Qd3 Qxd3 34. Rxd3 Rb4 35. Rd2 Ne6 36. Nd5 Rb3 37. g3 Kf8 38. Kg2 Rb5 39. Nc3 Rb6 40. Nd5 Rb5 $11 {[%eval 0,30]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 30. Qxd6 $2 Nf5 31. Qd5 Qxd5 32. Nxd5 Nxd4 33. Rd1 Ne6 34. Kf1 Nc5 35. Nb4 Ra4 36. Nd5 Ra2 37. Rb1 Nd3 38. Nc3 Ra5 39. Nd5 Ra8 $17) 30... Qe6 31. Qb7 Re8 32. Qxb5 Rc8 33. Kf1 Kf8 34. Re2 Qf6 35. Qd7 Qe6 36. Qb7 Re8 37. Qb5 Rd8 38. Qxc4 Qxc4 39. Nxc4 Nf5 40. Kf2 Rb8 41. Rd2 Rb4 42. Ne3 Nxd4 43. Nd5 Rc4 44. b4 $11) 28... Qe6 29. Nf5 Nxf5 $6 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Ding regretted playing this move.} (29... Qf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 30. Nxe7+ Qxe7 31. Qf5 Bc5 $11 {White's position is still more comfortable in practice, but the worst is over.}) 30. exf5 Qf6 $6 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (30... Qd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the right square for the queen, but it's more natural to a human to bring it closer to the king.} 31. Qf4 Bd8 $11 {with only a slight plus for White.}) 31. Qe4 {[%CAl Re4a8]} Rb8 32. Re2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent prophylactic move, defending b2 and thus avoiding the counterplay with b5-b4.} Bc5 (32... b4 33. cxb4) 33. g4 $1 $16 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Another great move, mixing attack and defense. The f5-pawn is protected and this is important to free the queen.} Qd8 (33... b4 34. Qxc4) 34. Qd5 {[%CAl Re2e8]} Kf8 35. Kf1 {A difficult move. On the broadcast, Giri said that this is the kind of move that wins games. The idea is to improve the king's position, taking it away from the bishop's diagonal, thus preparing the decisive plan to pass the rook to the attack. 35.Kg2 is also possible, with a similar idea.} (35. Kg2) (35. Re4 Qb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Here we see one of the benefits of the move played in the game, as Black now threatens to capture on f2 with check.}) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 35. Kh2 Qc8 36. Nh4 Qb7 37. Qd1 d5 38. f6 $1 {[%CAl Gh4f5]} Qc6 (38... gxf6 $2 {Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 39. Nf5 Kg8 40. Nxh6+ Kh7 41. Qd2 Bf8 42. Nf5 $18) 39. fxg7+ Kxg7 40. Qd2 Rd8 41. Nf5+ Kh7 42. Re5 Bf8 43. Kg1 b4 44. cxb4 d4 45. Nxd4 Qb6 46. Qc2+ Kg8 47. Nf5 Qxb4 48. Re4 Rd2 49. Qxc4 Qb7 50. b3 $16) 35... Rc8 (35... Qc8 {with the idea of bringing the queen to b7, is the only chance to defend, but taking the queen out of the defense from f5-f6 and g4-g5 advances is difficult in the heat of the game.} 36. f6 (36. g5 Qb7) 36... gxf6 37. Qe4 $16 {[%csl Re4][%CAl Ge4h7,Gh7h8] Black's position remains very difficult, albeit not yet lost.}) 36. Re4 $1 {[%CAl Ge4g4,Rg4g8] [%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The rook supports the decisive kingside break with f6 or g5.} Rb8 {For lack of a better option, Ding decides to wait out the inevitable.} 37. g5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} hxg5 (37... Qd7 {is more stubborn.}) 38. Rg4 Ra8 (38... Qf6 39. Nxg5 {[%CAl Gg5h7,Rh7f8,Rh7f6] wins easily.}) (38... f6 39. Nh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the beautiful point of White's previous moves.} gxh4 40. h6 gxh6 41. Qg8+ Ke7 42. Rg7#) 39. Nxg5 Ra1+ 40. Ke2 (40. Kg2 {is also winning:} Qa8 41. Qxa8+ Rxa8 42. f6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} gxf6 43. Nh7+ Ke7 44. Re4+ Kd7 45. Nxf6+ Kc6 46. Re8 Rxe8 47. Nxe8 Kd7 48. h6 {[%CAl Gh6h7]} Kxe8 49. h7 {The poor bishop is not able to do anything.}) 40... Qe7+ 41. Ne4 Qe8 42. Kf3 Qa8 43. Qxa8+ {I expected Nepomniachtchi to play on his style, keeping the queens and winning by attack. But he made the most \"professional\" decision, bringing the game to an easily winning endgame.} (43. Qd2 {the queen goes to g5 with a winning attack.}) 43... Rxa8 44. f6 g6 (44... gxf6 45. Nxf6 Ke7 46. Ng8+ Kf8 47. h6 $1 {[%CAl Gh6h7] The h-pawn is unstoppable.}) 45. hxg6 fxg6 46. Rxg6 Ra2 {[%tqu "En","","","","f3g4","",10]} 47. Kg4 {[%CAl Gg4f5,Gf5e6]} Rxb2 48. Rh6 {The king goes to f5 and White has a mating net. With the third decisive game out of five, each better than the other, this is one of the best starts to a world championship match in history. If before the event started there was doubt about the true interest of the public due to Carlsen's absence, the games spoke for themselves and I imagine that chess fans all over the world can't wait for the next battle.} (48. Rh6 Bxf2 49. Rh8+ Kf7 50. Kf5 {with mate next move.}) 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.16"] [Round "6"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. d4 Nf6 (1... d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 {est le système Rapport-Jobava des GMI Richard Rapport et Baadur Jobava.}) 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 {Le « système » de Londres, une ouverture caractérisée par les coups blancs d4, Ff4 et Cf3 dont l'ordre des coups peut varier.} c5 4. e3 {Anish Giri a expliqué que le système de Londres n'est pas plus populaire parce qu'il offre beaucoup d'options aux Noirs, et qu'il est difficile de toutes les connaître.} Nc6 5. Nbd2 {Le joueur britannique James Mason a été le premier partisan connu du système de Londres, joué lors d'un tournoi international au Central Hall de Westminster en 1922.} cxd4 6. exd4 Bf5 {Les abonnés au Pack Intégral auront à leur disposition le 18 avril 2023 une vidéo de Romuald De Labaca, dans sa série « Les ouvertures en vogue » : Répertoire facile contre le système de Londres.} 7. c3 e6 8. Bb5 ({Plus fréquent est} 8. Qb3 Bd6 9. Qxb7 Bxf4 10. Qxc6+ Kf8 11. Ne5 Rb8 12. Qc5+ Kg8 {etc.}) 8... Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. O-O O-O 11. Re1 h6 $5 {Un nouveau coup, mais il ne reste plus que des blitz dans la base. « Ce coup n'est pas bon parce qu'il permet aux Blancs de jouer leur Cavalier en e5. » Vladislav Tkachiev} (11... Qc7 12. Ne5 Nxe5 13. dxe5 Nd7 14. Bxd7 Qxd7 15. Nb3 Rac8 16. Nd4 {1-0 (46) Kamsky,G (2664)-Yuan,Q (2373) Titled Tue INT 2023}) (11... Rfc8 12. a4 h6 13. a5 Ne4 14. Nxe4 Bxe4 15. Nd2 Bf5 16. Qa4 a6 17. Bf1 {1-0 (45) Kamsky,G (2672)-Ronka,E (2303) Titled Tuesday INT blitz 2020}) (11... a6 12. Bxc6 Qxc6 13. Ne5 Qc7 14. a4 a5 15. g4 Bg6 16. h4 Nd7 17. h5 Nxe5 18. dxe5 {1-0 (51) Kamsky,G (2664)-Matlakov,M (2662) Titled Tue INT blitz 2023}) 12. Ne5 {Pour avoir pris du temps au huitième coup pour 8.Fb5, nous avions cru que Ding Liren était déjà hors préparation. Toutefois, le Chinois joue désormais assez rapidement.} Ne7 {Après 10 minutes.} 13. a4 {A tempo.} a6 $5 {[%csl Yb6] Affaiblit la case b6, ce qui va avoir son importance, et donc la case c5.} 14. Bf1 Nd7 $6 {Un coup joué très vite qui a fait sursauter bon nombre de commentateurs.} (14... a5 $1 {était stratégiquement indispensable.}) 15. Nxd7 $1 Qxd7 16. a5 $1 {[%CAl Yd2b3,Yb3c5,Rb7b6] Voilà ce que les Noirs devaient empêcher. Le plan des Blancs est maintenant de placer un Cavalier indélogeable sur la case c5, via b3. — Anish Giri pense que les deux derniers coups de Nepomniachtchi étaient des erreurs positionnelles et que Ding est clairement mieux après 15.Cxd7 et 16.a5. « C'est une position horrible pour les Noirs ! »} Qc7 17. Qf3 $1 {[%csl Gc3][%CAl Yb2b4,Yf3g3,Yg3c7] « J'adore ce coup ! 1. Les Blancs défendent le pion c3 et vont pouvoir pousser b4 et 2. Les Blancs peuvent maintenant envisager Dg3 pour échanger les Dames avec une très bonne finale. » Vladislav Tkachiev} Rfc8 {1h27-1h24 — Anish Giri est très optimiste pour le joueur chinois : « C'est encore tôt, mais je vais le dire quand-même ; je pense que les fans de Ding peuvent se préparer pour les célébrations... »} 18. Ra3 {[%csl Gc3][%CAl Yb2b4,Ye1a1,Yd2b3,Yb3c5]} Bg6 {[%csl Gc4,Ge4][%CAl Ye7f5,Yf5d6,Yd6e4,Yd6c4] Avec l'idée de placer le Cavalier en d6 via la case f5.} 19. Nb3 ({Sesse.net préférait empêcher le Cavalier de se rendre en f5 par} 19. g4) 19... Nc6 20. Qg3 Qe7 $6 {Encore une imprécision jouée très vite, en 37 secondes.} 21. h4 $5 {Une idée très profonde que nous n'avons pas compris avant la réponse de Ian Nepomniachtchi.} (21. Nc5 $6 {ne fonctionnait pas à cause de} Nxa5 $1 22. Rxa5 (22. Nxe6 Rc6 $1 {[%csl Re1,Re6]} 23. Rxa5 Rxe6) 22... b6) (21. Raa1 $5 {était la suggestion de la machine.}) 21... Re8 $6 {Après ce coup, imprécis, 22.Cc5! est très fort.} 22. Nc5 $1 {Avec un clair avantage blanc !} e5 $5 {Cette poussée est la suite logique des coups 20...De7 et 21...Te8. — Daniil Dubov : « 22...e5 est soit un très bon coup, soit les Blancs gagnent. »} ({La profondeur de 21.h4!? - qui finalement servait à faire fonctionner Cc5 - se voit dans la ligne suivante :} 22... Nxa5 $2 23. Rxa5 b6 24. h5 $1 Bxh5 25. Nxe6 $1 {[%csl Rg7][%CAl Ye6g7,Yg3g7]} fxe6 26. Rxd5 $1 {[%csl Ge1,Ye7,Rh5][%CAl Re6d5,Yd5h5]} Bf7 27. Rd6 $18) 23. Rb3 $6 (23. b4 $1 {était plus fort selon les machines et bien plus logique avec le plan blanc mis en place depuis plusieurs coups.}) 23... Nxa5 $1 {Le coup du Chinois donne l'occasion au Russe de se débarrasser du pion qui fixait son aile-Dame, mais surtout, au lieu de continuer à exercer une pression positionnelle, sans risque, la position devient un peu plus tactique.} 24. Rxe5 Qf6 25. Ra3 {14 minutes pour un coup pratiquement forcé c'est beaucoup, voire trop.} Nc4 {A tempo. Stockfish 15.1 donne +1.18, alors que Sesse.net est plus généreux avec +1.94.} 26. Bxc4 dxc4 {0h37-1h04} 27. h5 $6 (27. Nxb7 $1 {La justification du plan initié par 23.Tb3?! avec le gain d'un pion, était meilleur.} Rxe5 28. Qxe5 Qb6 29. Nd6 Qxb2 30. Nxc4 $16) 27... Bc2 $6 {Ian Nepomniachtchi joue trop vite. Dans une position assez difficile, où chaque coup peut faire basculer la partie, le Russe continue sur le même rythme. — Peu après, Anish Giri confirmait notre point de vue : « C'est un cas classique de mauvaise gestion du temps, et ce n'est pas nouveau. C'est le revers de la médaille de la force de Ian ; dans une mauvaise position ça devient une faiblesse. »} ({La meilleure défense consistait à jouer} 27... Rxe5 $1 28. dxe5 Qd8 $1 {Ce coup n'était pas facile à voir.} 29. Qf3 Qd2 $1 30. hxg6 Qe1+ 31. Kh2 Qxe5+ 32. g3 Qxc5 33. Qxf7+ Kh8 34. Ra4 Rc8 $11) 28. Nxb7 Qb6 29. Nd6 $1 {Le seul bon coup pour conserver l'avantage. Sesse.net passe à +2.20, mais Ding Liren doit encore trouver la suite.} Rxe5 30. Qxe5 ({L'alternative était} 30. dxe5 Qxb2 31. Ra5 Bd3 32. Kh2 Qb6 33. Rd5 $16) 30... Qxb2 {C'est le moment de vérité pour Ding Liren qui doit trouver un 32e coup peu évident.} 31. Ra5 $1 {Apparemment le Chinois a le coup gagnant en tête. Vu le temps pris par Ian Nepomniachtchi pour jouer, les Noirs viennent seulement de se rendre compte des difficultés.} (31. Nxc4 $6 Qc1+ 32. Kh2 Bd3 33. Qe3 $1 $14) 31... Kh7 $5 (31... Bd3 32. Ne8 $1 {Le coup que Ding Liren devait avoir en tête pour gagner.} Qb1+ 33. Kh2 Qb8 34. Qxb8 Rxb8 35. Nc7 $16) 32. Rc5 $6 {Pressé par le temps, moins de 20 minutes, Ding Liren rate la meilleure suite avec ce coup joué en seulement 44 secondes.} ({Le plus précis était} 32. Qe1 $1 Bd3 33. Nxc4 Qb3 34. Ne5 Re8 35. Qc1 $18) 32... Qc1+ $6 ({Plus fort était} 32... Qxc3 $1 33. Nxf7 Bd3 34. Rc7 {avec de bonne chances de s'en sortir.}) 33. Kh2 f6 34. Qg3 $1 {Ding Liren est désormais gagnant !} a5 {La dernière carte de Ian Nepomniachtchi, mais le pion est encore loin de sa case de promotion, alors que l'attaque directe sur le Roi noir semble bien plus rapide.} 35. Nxc4 a4 {La seule chance de survie de Ian Nepomniachtchi réside dans une grosse faute de son adversaire.} 36. Ne3 Bb1 37. Rc7 Rg8 {Retour en défense du Roi forcé.} 38. Nd5 {De toute évidence Ding Liren a tout vu jusqu'à la fin.} Kh8 39. Ra7 a3 40. Ne7 {Le contrôle du temps est atteint et Ding Liren, avec maintenant une heure à la pendule, a tout son temps pour convertir son énorme avantage en point entier.} Rf8 {Irina Krush : « Beaucoup des problèmes de Ian Nepomniachtchi étaient de sa faute. Comme son jeu dans l'ouverture. »} 41. d5 {Après 20 minutes.} a2 $6 {Ian Nepomniachtchi accélère la fin, mais il n'y avait plus de défense.} 42. Qc7 $1 {Le plus précis.} Kh7 {Attention, il n'y a qu'un coup blanc pour gagner ici.} 43. Ng6 $1 {Et c'est celui-là.} Rg8 44. Qf7 {Ian Nepomniachtchi et Ding Liren se rendent coup pour coup. Dans un système de Londres, souvent qualifié de « variante de vieux » ou de « système ennuyeux », Ding Liren l'emporte sur Ian Nepomniachtchi dans la sixième partie et égalise à 3,0 points partout. Repos lundi 17.} 1-0 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.16"] [Round "6.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,87,19,31,14,30,28,23,27,29,79,39,23,30,16,16,16,0,-9,-2,-2,-1,-5,-12,3,6,5,1,4,-10,-9,12,10,-12,10,-14,10,-23,-3,-11,5,-6,22,-3,5,14,47,30,75,57,61,78,34,94,93,47,81,92,92,66,66,47,72,70,135,63,91,101,105,102,102,102,102,78,101,136,130,104,104,142,142,142,142,117,117,416,1335,1335,1465,1568]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 cxd4 ({Relevant:} 5... Nh5 6. dxc5 Nxf4 7. exf4 g6 8. Nb3 Bg7 9. c3 Bg4 10. h3 Bxf3 11. Qxf3 e6 12. h4 h5 13. Be2 Rc8 14. g3 O-O 15. O-O Na5 16. Rfb1 Nc4 17. a4 b6 18. Rd1 Nxb2 19. Rd2 Qf6 20. Rxb2 Qxc3 21. Qxc3 Bxc3 22. Rab1 Bxb2 23. Rxb2 bxc5 24. Bb5 c4 25. Nd4 Rc7 26. Ba6 c3 27. Rc2 Rb8 28. Bb5 Rb6 29. a5 Rb8 30. Kf1 Rc5 31. Bd3 Rb4 32. Ne2 d4 33. a6 Rb1+ 34. Nc1 Ra5 35. Kg2 {Aronian,L (2745)-So,W (2760) Chess.com INT 2023 0-1}) 6. exd4 Bf5 7. c3 {7.Bb5 is the more modern choice but perhaps it was deliberate to choose a slightly less critical line.} e6 8. Bb5 Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. O-O O-O 11. Re1 h6 {[#]} (11... a6) 12. Ne5 $146 ({Predecessor:} 12. a4 Rfc8 13. a5 Qc7 14. Ne5 Nxe5 15. dxe5 Ne4 16. Nb3 Qxe5 17. f3 Nxc3 18. bxc3 Qxc3 19. Nd4 Bg6 20. Bf1 Qb4 21. Qa4 Qd6 22. Qa3 Qxa3 23. Rxa3 Rc5 24. a6 bxa6 25. Rxa6 Rc7 26. Nb5 Rb7 27. Rea1 Rab8 28. Nxa7 Kh7 29. Nc6 Rc8 30. Ne5 Rb1 31. Rxb1 Bxb1 32. Nxf7 Rc1 33. Ra1 d4 34. Kf2 Rc2+ 35. Kg3 Rb2 36. Rxb1 {1-0 (36) Kamsky,G (2677)-Marcus,H (2662) Chess.com INT 2020}) 12... Ne7 13. a4 a6 14. Bf1 Nd7 $6 {This seems to be the first serious inaccuracy.} (14... Qc7) (14... Qb6) 15. Nxd7 Qxd7 16. a5 {White is trying to cement a knight on c5.} Qc7 17. Qf3 Rfc8 18. Ra3 {With the idea of supporting c3 and playing b4 in some lines.} (18. Ra2) 18... Bg6 19. Nb3 Nc6 20. Qg3 {White doesn't object to an endgame but perhaps this isn't so very bad for black.} Qe7 (20... Qxg3 21. hxg3 Rc7 {is a good endgame for white but it's not very clear it's winning.}) 21. h4 Re8 (21... Qc7 {funnily enough the engines now like returning to c7 as the best for black now that white has weakened his kingside.}) 22. Nc5 {Allowing black to e5 but white judges it's good for him.} e5 (22... Rac8 23. b4 Red8) 23. Rb3 {The next few moves sees best play from both players.} (23. b4 {was the alternative and the engines like this a lot.}) 23... Nxa5 24. Rxe5 Qf6 25. Ra3 Nc4 26. Bxc4 dxc4 27. h5 (27. Nxb7) 27... Bc2 {Black only took a couple of minutes for this.} (27... Rxe5 {I'm not sure a human would see these lines but this is best.} 28. dxe5 Qd8 29. hxg6 (29. Qf3 Bc2) 29... Qd1+ 30. Kh2 Qh5+) 28. Nxb7 Qb6 29. Nd6 Rxe5 30. Qxe5 {Ding used quite a bit of his remaining time getting this decision right.} Qxb2 31. Ra5 $1 Kh7 $1 {Found reasonably quickly by Nepomniachtchi.} (31... Qxc3 $2 32. Ne8) 32. Rc5 (32. Qe1 $1 {Is much the best move here according to the engines.}) 32... Qc1+ {This loses but the saving line is really impossible to work out.} (32... Qxc3 {Nepomniachtchi could save himself but had to find this long and frankly impossible to find line given by Dubov (and there are other scarey lines too).} 33. Nxf7 Bd3 34. Rc7 (34. Kh2) 34... Qc1+ 35. Kh2 Re8 36. Qg3 Re1 37. Qg4 Rh1+ 38. Kg3 Qc3 39. Ne5 Bg6+ 40. Qf3 Qxf3+ 41. Kxf3 Bxh5+ 42. g4 Be8 {and the game should be drawn.}) 33. Kh2 f6 34. Qg3 a5 {This looks scarey but white is winning for sure now.} 35. Nxc4 a4 36. Ne3 {Cutting off the Queen from the g5 square.} Bb1 37. Rc7 Rg8 38. Nd5 {Threatening all sorts of nastiness.} Kh8 {Forced.} (38... a3 39. Qxg7+ Rxg7 40. Nxf6+ Kh8 41. Rc8+ Rg8 42. Rxg8#) 39. Ra7 a3 40. Ne7 Rf8 {Time control. Ding is winning and now has the time to work things out.} 41. d5 $3 {Covering the e6 square.} (41. Rb7 {is also a win but Ding's solution is so much clearer and more satisfying.}) (41. Qc7 Kh7 42. Nf5 Rg8 43. Nxg7 Kh8 {is equal.}) 41... a2 42. Qc7 $1 {Forcing a quick finish.} Kh7 43. Ng6 Rg8 44. Qf7 {It's forced mate in 8.} (44. Qf7 Qg5 45. Qxg8+ Kxg8 46. Ra8+ Kf7 47. Rf8# {and suddenly we see why d5 was such a good move.}) 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.16"] [Round "6"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 {The long-awaited moment has arrived when the London System makes its first appearance in a world championship match. If I have criticized London players, here I demonstrate my complete regret for doing so. This is not a very common weapon in Ding's repertoire, but he has used it before, and Nepomniachtchi said he expected it at some point.} c5 4. e3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 cxd4 (5... Bg4 {was played against Ding in 2021.} 6. Bb5 e6 7. O-O cxd4 8. exd4 Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. c3 O-O 11. Re1 {With the same position as in the game, with the difference that the bishop is on g4 and not on f5. It's hard to say whom this favors, but the game's character doesn't change much. Ding-Hovhannisyan, Online Olymp 2021.}) 6. exd4 Bf5 (6... Bg4 {was played by Nepomniachtchi in 2022.} 7. c3 e6 8. Qb3 Qc8 {Aravindh-Nepomniachtchi, Wch Rapid Almaty 2022.}) 7. c3 e6 8. Bb5 {Not the most popular choice.} (8. Qb3 {is the main line.}) 8... Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. O-O O-O 11. Re1 {There are not many games in this position, and most of them are by GM Gata Kamsky, a great expert in the London System. The position looks calm and even monotonous; it is difficult to predict the fireworks that we will see later. White's plan is to try to exert some pressure on the queenside, advancing the a-pawn and trying to get the knight to c5. Black's position is very solid, but there is no clear game plan.} h6 {A useful move, giving the bishop a square and the king some air. However, due to White's next move, this move may not be the most accurate.} (11... a6 {[%CAl Gb5a4,Gb5e2,Gb5f1]} 12. Bxc6 ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 12. Bf1 h6 13. Ne5 Rfc8 14. a4 Qc7 15. Bd3 Bxd3 16. Nxd3 b5 17. b4 Ne7 18. Nc5 a5 19. axb5 axb4 20. cxb4 Rxa1 21. Qxa1 Qb6 22. Qa6 Rb8 23. Qxb6 Rxb6 24. Ra1 Rxb5 $11) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 12. Be2 Qc7 13. a4 h6 14. Bf1 Rfd8 15. Qb3 Rac8 16. h3 a5 17. Rac1 Nd7 18. Bb5 Qf4 19. Be2 Qc7 20. Bf1 Qb6 21. Qa3 Qc7 22. Qb3 $11 {[%eval 0,31]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 12. Ba4 b5 13. Bb3 Rfc8 14. a3 a5 15. Bc2 Bxc2 16. Qxc2 Qd8 17. Nb3 Ne4 18. Qe2 h6 19. h3 Rab8 20. Nfd2 Nd6 21. Nc5 b4 22. axb4 axb4 23. Ra6 bxc3 24. bxc3 Ra8 25. Raa1 Na5 26. g3 $11) 12... Qxc6 13. Ne5 Qc7 14. a4 a5 15. g4 Bg6 16. h4 {This was played in Kamsky-Matlakov, Titled Tuesday 2023. Here, instead of 16...Nd7, Black should advance the h-pawn with equal chances.} h6 (16... h5 $11 {[%CAl Gg4g5]})) 12. Ne5 {A new move.} (12. a4 {was played in Kamsky-Marcus, Titled Tuesday 2020.}) 12... Ne7 {Necessary to avoid the exchange on c6.} (12... a6 13. Bxc6 bxc6 14. Nb3 {with a positional advantage for White.}) 13. a4 a6 14. Bf1 Nd7 $6 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (14... a5 $5 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This prophylactic move, preventing White from fixing the structure on the queenside, has its value.} 15. Nb1 $5 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Another subtle move, bringing the knight to b5.} Nd7 {White's position is a bit more comfortable, but no big deal.}) 15. Nxd7 Qxd7 16. a5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] With the structure on the queenside fixed and Black with weaknesses on the dark squares, White has a small advantage.} Qc7 17. Qf3 Rfc8 18. Ra3 {A sophisticated move. The rook will come in handy on the third rank later in the game, but more conventional moves are available.} (18. Rec1 {with the idea of playing b4 and then Nb3-c5.}) (18. Nb3 Nc6 19. Qg3 {similar to the game, also with some advantage.}) 18... Bg6 {Black's problem is that there are no active moves available.} 19. Nb3 Nc6 20. Qg3 Qe7 (20... Qxg3 {Maybe it's better to exchange queens, even though White maintains his pressure in the endgame after} 21. hxg3 Rc7 22. Nc5) 21. h4 $1 $14 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A great move, gaining space on the kingside and showing the opponent that he is not in a hurry. Interestingly, in the previous game, it was Nepomniachtchi who executed an excellent pawn advance to h4.} (21. Nc5 $6 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is premature and allows a tactical shot.} Nxa5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 22. Nxe6 $5 (22. Rxa5 b6 $11) 22... Rc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and the worst is over for Black.} ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 22... Rc6 $1 23. Rxa5 Rxe6 24. Re5 Rxe5 25. Qxe5 Qxe5 26. dxe5 Rd8 27. Ra4 $14) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 22... fxe6 $4 23. Qxg6 Nc6 24. Rxe6 Qf7 25. Bd3 Qxg6 26. Rxg6 Kf7 27. Rg3 $18)) 21... Re8 $6 {[%csl Re6][%CAl Ge8e6,Ge6e5] Nepomniachtchi decides to prepare a plan with e6-e5. The computer shows that this makes things worse, but it's hard to play without an active plan.} ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 21... Qc7 $5 {[%CAl Rc7g3]} 22. Kh2 b5 23. Nc5 h5 24. b4 Bf5 25. Qxc7 Rxc7 26. Be2 g6 27. f3 Nb8 28. g4 hxg4 29. fxg4 Be4 30. Kg3 $14) 22. Nc5 e5 23. Rb3 $6 (23. b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is even better, since Black has less counterplay than in the game. White defends the knight and threatens to capture on e5. After} e4 24. f3 $1 $16 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White will get an imposing pawn structure after the capture on e4.}) ({Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 23. b4 $1 Bf5 24. dxe5 Rad8 25. Raa1 Bc8 26. Ra2 Kh8 27. Rae2 Qc7 28. Re3 Re7 29. Qf3 d4 30. Re4 Be6 31. Nxe6 fxe6 32. Qd3 Red7 33. g3 b5 34. axb6 Qxb6 35. Rf4 a5 36. b5 dxc3 37. Qxc3 Nd4 38. Ra1 $16) 23... Nxa5 24. Rxe5 $5 Qf6 25. Ra3 Nc4 26. Bxc4 dxc4 {This is a critical moment in the game.} 27. h5 $6 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This is a mistake due to a clever tactical resource.} (27. Nxb7 $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better.} Qb6 28. Nd6 Rxe5 29. Qxe5 (29. dxe5 {is also better for White. Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} Qxb2 30. Ra5 Qb6 31. Rd5 Bf5 32. Kh2 Be6 33. Rd2 Qb1 34. f4 Rf8 35. Qf2 f5 36. Rb2 Qd3 37. Rb7 Kh8 38. Qg3 Qxg3+ 39. Kxg3 Ra8 40. Kf2 a5 41. Nb5 a4 42. Nc7 Bc8 43. Rb4 Ra7 44. Nb5 Ra6 45. Na3 Kh7 46. Ke3 Be6 47. g3 $16) 29... Qxb2 30. Nxc4 {with the advantage.}) 27... Bc2 $6 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (27... Rxe5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 28. dxe5 Qd8 $3 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] This is the point.} (28... Qc6 {is not good:} 29. hxg6 Qxc5 30. gxf7+ Kxf7 31. e6+ Kg8 (31... Kxe6 {Stockfish dev-20230314-f0556dcb:} 32. Qxg7 Rf8 33. Qxh6+ Kd7 34. Qh4 Re8 35. Ra1 Kc8 36. Rd1 Qb5 37. Rd2 a5 38. Qd4 Qc6 39. Kf1 b5 40. Qg4+ Qe6 41. Qxe6+ Rxe6 42. f4 $18) 32. Ra1 {[%CAl Ga1e1,Ge6e7,Ge7e8] Followed by 33.Re1 with a big advantage, thanks to the passed e-pawn.}) 29. Qf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The right way to keep some pressure.} (29. hxg6 {leads to a draw by perpetual check after} Qd1+ 30. Kh2 Qh5+ $11) 29... Qd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 30. hxg6 Qe1+ 31. Kh2 Qxe5+ 32. g3 Qxc5 33. Qxf7+ Kh8 34. Ra4 $1 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rc8 {White is still better, but Black is fighting.} (34... b5 $6 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 35. Rxa6 $1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rf8 36. Rc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxf2+ 37. Qxf2 Rxf2+ 38. Kg1 Rf8 39. Rb6 $16 {with a winning rook endgame.}) (34... Rf8 $2 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 35. Rxc4 $1 $18 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]})) (27... Bd3 {was suggested by Nepomniachtchi as an improvement in the press conference, but he clearly missed the following computer move:} 28. b4 $1 $16 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with an overwhelming advantage for White.}) 28. Nxb7 Qb6 (28... Rxe5 29. Qxe5 Qxe5 30. dxe5 Rb8 31. Nd6 Rxb2 32. Rxa6 {The endgame is hopeless for Black.} Rb8 33. Ra7 $18) 29. Nd6 $1 {[%csl Re5,Rg3][%CAl Rg3d6,Re5e8] [%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rxe5 (29... Qxd6 $2 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 30. Rxe8+ Rxe8 31. Qxd6 $18) 30. Qxe5 {This is clearly better than taking with the pawn.} (30. dxe5 $6 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Qxb2 31. Nxc4 $6 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (31. Ra5 {is better.}) 31... Qc1+ 32. Kh2 Rc8 33. Nd6 Qxa3 34. Nxc8 a5 {and Black is fine.}) 30... Qxb2 31. Ra5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Ding rightly praised this move at the press conference.} (31. Nxc4 $2 {is much worse, since it's not clear whether White can win in the endgame after} Qc1+ 32. Kh2 Bd3 33. Qe3 Qd1 34. Ne5 Qxh5+ 35. Qh3 Qxh3+ 36. gxh3 $11 (36. Kxh3)) 31... Kh7 (31... Qxc3 {The point is that this natural capture loses after} 32. Ne8 $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} f6 (32... Rxe8 33. Qxe8+ Kh7 34. Rd5 $18 {Followed by Rd8 with a mating attack.}) 33. Qd5+ Kh7 34. Nxf6+ $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} gxf6 35. Qb7+ $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kh8 36. Qxa8+ $18) 32. Rc5 $6 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (32. Qe1 $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is an absurdly difficult move, indicated by the computer. White has a clear advantage as the pawn on c4 will fall.} Bd3 33. Nxc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (33. Nxf7 {is also possible.}) 33... Bxc4 $6 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 34. Qe4+ f5 35. Qxa8 Qc1+ 36. Kh2 Qf4+ 37. g3 $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and there's no perpetual check.} Qxf2+ 38. Qg2 $18) 32... Qc1+ $2 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (32... Qxc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] gives Black good saving chances if he manages to find some fantastic ideas on the way.} 33. Nxf7 (33. Ne8 $6 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Rxe8 34. Qxe8 Qa1+ 35. Kh2 Qxd4 {White is not in time to checkmate.}) (33. Rc7 Qd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 34. Rxf7 Qg5 35. f4 Qxe5 36. dxe5 {This is an interesting endgame, but Black manages to save it by playing with precision.}) 33... Bd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 34. Rc7 Qc1+ 35. Kh2 Re8 $3 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] A fantastic resource $1} 36. Qg3 (36. Qxe8 Qf4+ {leads to perpetual check.}) 36... Re1 37. Qg4 Rh1+ 38. Kg3 Qc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 39. Ne5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bg6+ 40. Qf3 Qxf3+ 41. Kxf3 Bxh5+ 42. g4 Be8 43. Rxc4 {After all these unbelievable moves from the computer, we reach an endgame with good drawing chances for Black.}) 33. Kh2 f6 34. Qg3 {From now on, there's no possible salvation for Nepomniachtchi.} a5 (34... Bd3 35. Nxc4 Bxc4 36. Rxc4 {The exchange of the bishop for the knight doesn't bring relief.}) 35. Nxc4 a4 36. Ne3 $1 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The most accurate. Ding plays for mate.} (36. Rc7 Qg5 37. Qxg5 hxg5 38. Na3 {The endgame should be winning due to the passed pawns, but the move played in the game is better.}) 36... Bb1 (36... a3 37. Rc7 Rg8 38. Nd5 Kh8 39. Ra7 {Black is not in time to support the advance of the a-pawn.} Bb3 40. Ne7) 37. Rc7 Rg8 38. Nd5 Kh8 39. Ra7 a3 40. Ne7 Rf8 41. d5 $3 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Ding finds a wonderful mating pattern and finishes the game in style.} (41. Rb7 $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is also pretty and efficient. The game might continue:} a2 42. Rb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the idea.} a1=Q (42... Rxb8 43. Qxb8+ Kh7 44. Qg8#) 43. Rxf8+ Kh7 44. Qg6+ Bxg6 45. hxg6# {A checkmate with a pawn is always attractive.}) (41. Qc7 {It's important to show this move, so the reader understands the point of Ding's move.} Kh7 (41... a2 42. Ng6+ Bxg6 43. Qxg7#) 42. Ng6 Rg8 {In this position, the pawn is important on d5 so that a beautiful mate is possible. We will see this in a minute.}) 41... a2 42. Qc7 $1 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kh7 43. Ng6 $1 Rg8 44. Qf7 $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now it's clear why the pawn is needed on d5. It takes the e6-square from the king. Such a pretty finish for another great game in the match. I'm already out of words to praise this duel. I started following world championship matches in the early '90s, and so far this has been the best.} (44. Qf7 Qg5 (44... Bxg6 45. hxg6+ Kh8 46. Qxg8+ Kxg8 47. Ra8#) 45. Qxg8+ $1 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kxg8 46. Ra8+ Kf7 (46... Kh7 47. Rh8#) 47. Rf8#) 1-0 [Event "Chess World Championship 2023: Game 5 Ne"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.17"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "95"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,95,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,0,7,7,20,30,40,-10,-10,-22,-7,-7,-7,-7,11,-19,7,18,5,5,5,3,-8,-10,-6,-10,-10,-6,-7,-17,-7,15,5,3,0,6,23,-8,8,0,5,-17,6,0,9,0,0,-26,-9,-9,0,0,36,27,41,51,30,29,29,24,51,30,48,34,77,-16,-16,-14,128,154,166,168,176,107,358,126,126,155,165,170,168,224,245,139,140,221,186,186] Before going into the game, We must remember that psychologically, Ding had the advantage after a horrible blunder from Ian in Game 4. Fortunately, Ian got a rest day to recover after his loss. It was pretty much clear he would go for 1. e4, the reason being that he posed problems in Game 1 and did not achieve anything with 1.d4 in game 3. Another important point to be noted is that Ian's team, after knowing Richard Rapport is helping Ding, might have thought Ian should play 1.d4 while they will be finding ideas in all the surprise variations Richard could suggest to Ding.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 {In Game 1, Ian chose 6.Bc6 and soon got a pleasant advantage. However, playing it a second time won't have the same effect as Ding's team will be prepared for this. White threatens to take on c6 with the Bishop and capture the e5 pawn.} (6. Re1 {We can only assume where Ding intended to go after this. My guess would be the Marshal attack.} b5 7. Bb3 O-O {We might see this in the later part of the match. It largely depends on what will be the score in the match.}) 6... b5 7. Bb3 d6 {Now that the d6 pawn protects the pawn on e5, Black intends to go Na5 and capture the Bishop on b3. Who doesn't like to have the advantage of the bishop pair?!} (7... O-O $5 {While 7...d6 is the most played move in this variation, 7...0-0 is equally interesting. Black keeps the option of bringing the dark square Bishop to c5 before playing d6. Another idea for Black is that, at times they can push the pawn directly to d5 without spending a move on playing d6.}) 8. c3 {Apart from this move, White also played 8.a4, 8.a3. All three moves are equally popular, and each has a different way of developing pieces. I don't rule out the possibility of Ian playing either 8.a3 or 8.a4 in the later part of the match. The main purpose of 8. c3 is to create a window (c2 square) for the light square Bishop if Black were to play Na5. it is also useful when he is planning to go d4 in the future.} (8. a4 $5) (8. a3 $5) 8... O-O 9. h3 {White also has the option to play 9.Re1 or 9.Nbd2. 9.Re1 is the popular choice with many top-level games. 9.h3 has the main idea to prevent Black's light square Bishop from coming to g4, thereby pinning the Knight on f3.} (9. Re1 $5) (9. Nbd2 $5) 9... Bb7 (9... Na5 $5 {is the most played move in this position.} 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 {White could reach this position with 6. Re1 without wasting a move on d3. In such cases, it allows various other options for Black. So it is perceived that this is a clever move to avoid some forcing Marshal variations. So it is still debatable whether the rook is better placed on e1 or f1.}) 10. a4 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Bg5 {This is the first new move in the game. 12. Na3 has been played in the game between Firouzja vs Giri in Miami 2022.} h6 {This natural move was played after 13 minutes of thought. At this point, we can conclude that Ian wins the opening battle.} (12... d5 $5 {an interesting idea for Black in the spirit of the Marshal attack. It is important to understand the psychological effect of Ian blitzing out all his moves must have affected Ding greatly. We can only contemplate that Ding has spent some time on this move but rejected fearing falling into Ian's preparation.} 13. Nxe5 (13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. Bxd5 Bxd5 15. exd5 Qxd5 {Doesn't yield much for white either.}) 13... dxe4 14. dxe4 c4 $1 {A nice move restricting the activity of the bishop a2, which participates in attacking the f7 pawn along with the Knight on e5. Yes, Black is a pawn down. But Black's piece coordination fully compensates the pawn.} (14... Bxe4 $2 {Immediate capture of the pawn leads to a passive position.} 15. Qxd8 Bxd8 (15... Raxd8 {Loses instantly due to the loose Knight on a5. We will see how we can exploit it best in the following variation.} 16. axb5 axb5 17. Bxf7+ Rxf7 18. Nxf7 Kxf7 19. Rxa5 $18 {White is simply an exchange and a pawn up.}) 16. Re1 Bb7 17. Na3 $16 {To understand who has an advantage, it is always good to start from which side has good piece coordination and placement of pieces. Here we can see White pieces are much better placed with rook occupying e-file Knight on e5 and Bishop on a2 keeping an eye on f7 pawn. Therefore white has a huge advantage here.}) (14... Nxe4 $2 {Capturing with the Knight doesn't help either.} 15. Qxd8 Bxd8 16. Bxd8 Raxd8 17. axb5 axb5 18. Bxf7+ Rxf7 19. Nxf7 Kxf7 20. Rxa5 {Once again, white, with the help of a simple tactic, won an exchange and pawn.}) 15. Qxd8 Rfxd8 $44 {We don't have to worry about the f7 as the Bishop on a2 is closed.}) 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 Nc6 16. Bd5 {So far, both the players have played naturally developing moves. Now that the a-file is open, Black wants to control the a-file. Whereas White would aim to bring the Knight to e3 to take control of d5 square, which is huge and the main weakness in Black's camp.} Rxa1 17. Qxa1 Qd7 18. Re1 {White is not interested in contesting for the file. Instead, he is going to reroute the Knight on d2-f1-e3-d5 or f5. This is a typical idea in the Spanish Opening. While the general principle is of occupying the open files first, it has an exception of taking control of opponents' weak squares!} Ra8 19. Qd1 Bd8 {This move was played after 7-minute thought, which is puzzling to me. Black has a clear plan of bringing the Bishop to b6 and activating it by playing c4. The question is, does Black have so much time to execute?} (19... Ne7 {Engine suggests many moves. But I like this move as Black challenges the monstrous Bishop on d5. As the White Knight needs some time to reach the d5 square, the Black can push the pawn on d6 and eliminate the weakness.} 20. Bxb7 Qxb7 21. Nf1 d5 22. Ne3 Rd8 $13 {While the position appears pleasant for White, I think it is quite playable for Black. Most importantly, moves are not too hard to find with more space.}) 20. Nf1 Ne7 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne3 Bb6 {pushing the d6 pawn to d5 won't be easy since the Bishop moved from f6.} 23. h4 {An excellent idea by Ian. White is aiming to push the h pawn to h5 followed by Nh4-f5 and create a deadly attack on Black's king.} Qc6 (23... c4 {Black would have liked to play this move. In the following forced variation, Black will lose a pawn.} 24. dxc4 Bxe3 25. Rxe3 bxc4 26. Qxd6 $18 {Black cannot capture the white pawn on b2 as the Knight on e7 is hanging.}) 24. h5 c4 25. d4 (25. dxc4 Bxe3 26. Rxe3 bxc4 {Is fine for Black as the pawn on d6 is protected by the queen on c6.}) 25... exd4 26. Nxd4 (26. cxd4 {Doesn't give much as it leaves Black with a queenside majority.} Qd7) 26... Qc5 (26... Qb7 $1 {Ding could have kept the Queen on b7 as it keeps an eye on the e4 pawn. He can exchange his Bishop for the Knight after a move if needed.}) (26... Bxd4 27. Qxd4 {White is planning to go Rd1. Therefore Black should act instantly by creating a counterattack.} Ra2 28. Rb1 {The position remains tense. We can conclude that these are some of the positions which will eventually liquidate into theoretical drawish endgames. At the same time, it is not easy to reach there!}) 27. Qg4 (27. Qf3 $1 {With the idea to play 28.e5 and luring Black to place his rook on e8.} Re8 28. Qg4 {We have the same position except that the Rook is on e8} Qe5 29. Qd7 $1 {With the Rook being on e8, this is a nice tempo for White.} Rb8 30. g3 $1 {Subtle move. Making space for the Knight on e3 to pull back if Black were to capture the e4 pawn.} Bc5 (30... Bxd4 $2 31. cxd4 Qf6 (31... Qxe4 32. Ng2 $18) 32. d5 $18 {The Knight on e7 is controlled nicely by h5 and d5 pawns. White is better here thanks to the active Queen and more space.}) 31. Qc7) 27... Qe5 28. Nf3 (28. Qd7 {As White's pawn is on g2, Black can now capture the pawn on e4.} Bxd4 29. cxd4 Qxe4 30. f3 Qe6) 28... Qe6 29. Nf5 Nxf5 {Although this move is by no means losing or even leading to a worse position, the idea related to this move is leading to a passive position.} (29... Qf6 {I failed to understand why Black did not go for this simple move. By playing Qf6, we do not open the e-file for the white Rook.} 30. Nxe7+ Qxe7) 30. exf5 Qf6 (30... Qd7 $1 {It was important to keep the option of pushing the d6 pawn to d5. Also, the Queen on d7 protects the b5 in some cases.} 31. Qf4 {Stepping away from the pin and threatening to play f6.} (31. Qe4 {is not powerful as black can play d5.} d5 32. Qe7 Qxe7 33. Rxe7 b4 $13 {Black has solved all the problems.}) 31... Qd8 32. g3 d5) 31. Qe4 $1 {Ian immediately takes control of the d5 square.} Rb8 32. Re2 {Another nice move. protecting both f2 and b2 pawns.} Bc5 {Intending to play b4} 33. g4 $3 {Not only is White planning to launch an attack on the Black King, but he is also stopping Black from playing b4.} Qd8 (33... b4 34. Qxc4 bxc3 35. bxc3 $16 {If the pawn were on g4, the pawn on f5 would be captured by the queen on f6.}) 34. Qd5 Kf8 $6 {Black would like to get rid of the Queen on d5 by offering a trade with Qd7-b7. White has several ways to gain an advantage after 34...Qd7. I offer a fun tactic: winning for White.} (34... Qd7 $2 35. Kf1 Qb7 $4 (35... Qa7 {is the way to go for Black.}) 36. Re8+ Kh7 (36... Rxe8 37. Qxb7 $18) 37. g5 Qxd5 38. g6+ fxg6 39. fxg6# {Isn't it cool mate !?}) 35. Kf1 {This is by no means a waiting move. White is moving away from any possible checks on g4. At the same time, preparing g5.} Rc8 {This is the last mistake. After this move, there is no way Black could have saved this game. Here onwards, Ian converts flawlessly.} (35... Qc8 {Only move that saves the day for Black. It is scary to allow f6, but the engine is quite cool about it. Ding was quite low on time at this point.} 36. f6 gxf6 37. Qe4 Kg8 38. Nh4) 36. Re4 $1 Rb8 37. g5 $3 {Ian finds this nice tactic at once.} hxg5 38. Rg4 Ra8 {I am assuming that only here Ding figured that he could not protect the pawn on g5 by playing f6 due to the variation mentioned below.} (38... f6 $2 39. Nh4 $3 gxh4 40. h6 $3 gxh6 41. Qg8+ Ke7 42. Rg7#) 39. Nxg5 Ra1+ 40. Ke2 (40. Kg2 $5 {This is also winning. In the following variation, we will see the Knight dominates the Bishop. There are several ways to win, and Ian chose the best.} Qa8 41. Qxa8+ Rxa8 42. f6 gxf6 43. Nh7+ Ke7 44. Re4+ Kd7 45. Nxf6+ Kc6 46. Re8 Rxe8 47. Nxe8 $18) 40... Qe7+ 41. Ne4 Qe8 42. Kf3 Qa8 43. Qxa8+ Rxa8 44. f6 g6 (44... gxf6 45. Nxf6 Ke7 46. Ng8+ $18) 45. hxg6 fxg6 46. Rxg6 Ra2 47. Kg4 Rxb2 48. Rh6 {Here Ding resigned. There is nothing to play for as White intends to play Ng5 followed by Rh8#.} 1-0 [Event "Chess World Championship 2023: Game 6: D"] [Site "https://lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.17"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "97"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,97,19,31,14,30,28,23,31,12,74,13,50,13,32,27,29,14,-3,-3,-2,-5,0,0,1,9,11,12,4,-5,-3,3,10,-4,9,-12,0,-21,0,0,1,-1,21,2,5,15,59,74,67,55,63,84,75,88,83,37,100,101,101,79,85,75,75,97,130,78,112,97,122,114,120,109,116,126,114,111,111,121,121,123,108,123,123,131,188,371,1321,1321,1466,1606,1596,1646,2046,2525,29995,29996,29997,29998,29999,-30000] We have seen players bouncing back after losing a game. But this game is unique as Ding did not have a rest day, as happened after Game 2 and Game 4. Naturally, every chess fan is curious about which opening and approach Ding will implement. I did not expect such an opening choice, and it must have been a shocker for Nepo!} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 {This is called the London system. This system has its die-hard fans and die-hard bashers! It is one of those systems, you cannot be objective, and the followers of it will push you to take a side! Jokes aside, with the current engines and enormous availability of knowledge, One can quickly pick up any opening and try it. We have to appreciate the courage of Ding for choosing a system which is seen as a quick format opening.} c5 {This is one of the main choices Black employs at the top level. I am mentioning the other equally popular options for Black. Each move has its system, and move orders are important. This is the reason why it works perfectly in shorter time controls!} (3... e6 $5) (3... Bf5 $5) 4. e3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 cxd4 (5... Qb6 {For those of you who like to engage in a theoretical battle with quite forcing variations, you can dig deeper in this direction. I wouldn't recommend this for amateurs as many of the moves are not natural unless and of course you remember them.} 6. dxc5 Qxb2 7. Rb1 Qc3 8. Bb5 g6 {with complex play.} (8... e6 $5)) 6. exd4 Bf5 (6... Bg4 {Was the choice of Nepomniachtchi in his game against Aravindh, Chithambaram at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2022 (see https://lichess.org/broadcast/2022-fide-world-rapid-championship/round-2/SBR6tYqh/Eu8EtfaE#1 for the full game)} 7. c3 e6 8. Qb3 Qc8 9. h3 Bxf3 10. Nxf3 $14 {Even though the game was drawn eventually, it was a miracle for Nepo to save this game. White enjoys the advantage of pair of bishops.}) 7. c3 (7. Bb5 $5 {Was played by many top players, including Vitiugov, one of Nepo's seconds. The idea is that White is aiming to put pressure on c6 by playing Ne5 and c4 etc. White scored quite nicely here. Ding was probably afraid that Nepo might have some new idea here.}) 7... e6 8. Bb5 {With the idea of playing Ne5 putting pressure on c6. Simultaneously, g4 followed by h4 expansion is quite dangerous.} (8. Qb3 {Doesn't give much for White.} Bd6 $1 {I like this move as Black is sacrificing a pawn for piece activity.} 9. Qxb7 Bxf4 10. Qxc6+ Kf8 11. Ne5 Rb8 $13 {with excellent compensation for the pawn. Due to underdeveloped pieces of White, the King can have problems reaching safety.}) 8... Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. O-O O-O 11. Re1 {In my database, I can see five games of GM Kamsky! Even though many top players have employed the London system and analyzed it in depth, We have to credit GM Kamsky for playing it several times successfully for many years.} h6 12. Ne5 {This is the first new move in the game and the engine's top choice.} Ne7 (12... Qc7 {Moving the Queen away from the d6 square has a straightforward idea of exchanging the Knight on e5.} 13. Bxc6 bxc6 14. b4 {Stopping the c6 pawn from advancing.} Ne4) 13. a4 a6 {Although this move is by no means a mistake, Black will face several problems in the future. Placing the pawn on a6 is always a target for White's light square bishop in the endgame. It is also important to understand White's idea of making an outpost for their d2 Knight to c5 via b3. In this connection, it is wiser to leave the pawn on a7.} (13... Qb6 $5 {is an exciting try with the idea to play a6 and capture the b3 pawn.}) 14. Bf1 Nd7 $6 {On one hand, Black moved the Knight from c6 with the intention of not exchanging and now Black is offering to trade. This is the start of a wrong plan, and White wants to plant the d2 knight on c5. With White having a5 and b4 pawns, it would be impossible to challenge the knight, and the weakness on a6 and b7 would remain a weakness forever.} 15. Nxd7 Qxd7 16. a5 $1 {Ding perfectly understands the nuances of the position.} Qc7 17. Qf3 $1 {A simple but effective idea. Ding shows excellent understanding and rightly plans to exchange the queens at the right moment by playing Qg3.} Rfc8 18. Ra3 Bg6 19. Nb3 Nc6 20. Qg3 $1 {Exchanging your opponent's active pieces is one of the ways to improve your positional advantage further. In this case, Black's queen can move freely and keep an eye on White's a5 pawn.} (20. Nc5 Nxa5 $15) 20... Qe7 $6 {Moving the queen to e7 does not make much sense as Black does not have any sensible breakthrough.} (20... Qxg3 $5 21. hxg3 Rc7 22. Nc5 Bf5 23. b4 $14 {Black should try to defend this position.}) 21. h4 $1 {When your opponent has no breakthrough or sensible way to improve his position, Make a square for the king. In this scenario, it removes back-rank issues and creates the threat of attacking the g6 bishop.} Re8 {The idea of making e5 doesn't work because White's Knight is too powerful on c5. White doesn't have any obvious weakness here.} 22. Nc5 e5 23. Rb3 $1 (23. b4 $1 $16 {Although what Ding has played is quite good, I also like this simple move cementing the knight on c5. All White has to do is bring the rook on a3 into action, and Black's position will collapse.}) 23... Nxa5 {Forced move.} (23... Rab8 24. Rb6 $1 $18 {followed by b4. Imagine the monster on b6 which cannot be touched in near future!}) 24. Rxe5 Qf6 25. Ra3 Nc4 (25... Nc6 {Nepo could have tried this variation. Having a knight might give some tricky jumps!} 26. Nd7 $1 (26. Rxd5 {Greedy move gives Black nice counterplay with} Re1) 26... Qd8 27. Rxe8+ Qxe8 28. Qc7 {This is the recommendation of the engine. Sure, White has a big advantage, but for the engine, this is completely winning!}) 26. Bxc4 dxc4 27. h5 $6 {On one hand it feels nice to disturb the Bishop on g6, There is a nice retreat with which Black can fight back} Bc2 $2 (27... Rxe5 $1 {Exploiting the chance offered by Ding!} 28. dxe5 Qd8 $3 {Both players must have missed this retreat. I failed to understand why Nepo did not spend some time when the opportunity presented itself.} 29. Qf3 (29. hxg6 Qd1+ 30. Kh2 Qh5+ 31. Qh3 Qxe5+ {This concrete variation was relatively easy to calculate, but the main issue is Nepo not spending time in difficult moments. It could have been a strategy to put pressure on Ding as Ding was low on time.}) 29... Bc2 $14 {Although White has an advantage, This is the lesser evil compared to what has happened in the game.}) 28. Nxb7 Qb6 29. Nd6 Rxe5 30. Qxe5 Qxb2 {So far, it is forcing a sequence of moves after 28.Nb7.} 31. Ra5 $3 {White is bringing the rook into action via c5-c7.} (31. Nxc4 {It's always important to be alert in converting the advantage. It is easy to fall for such tricks and spoil the advantage in one move.} Qc1+ 32. Kh2 Bd3 33. Qe3 Qd1 $14 {Winning the h5 pawn after White moves the Knight.}) 31... Kh7 (31... Qxc3 {Loses at once after 32. Ne8} 32. Ne8 {Threatening mate on g7} f6 33. Qd5+ $18) 32. Rc5 (32. Qe1 {The engine points out the not-so-obvious winning move. White defends the c3 pawn while intending to take on c4 with the Knight on d6} Bd3 33. Nxc4 $1 Bxc4 34. Qe4+ f5 35. Rxf5 $18 {Black's Rook on a8 is hanging.}) 32... Qc1+ {This is the last mistake, and from here onwards, Ding did not give any chance to Nepo and played all the best moves.} (32... Qxc3 $1 {I failed to understand why Nepo did not capture the pawn on c3. Even though there are a lot of complicated variations, Black is holding here according to the computer.}) 33. Kh2 f6 34. Qg3 a5 35. Nxc4 a4 36. Ne3 {Now Rc7 is a serious threat as Black cannot bring his Queen to g5.} Bb1 37. Rc7 Rg8 38. Nd5 {Threatening Nf6+} Kh8 39. Ra7 a3 40. Ne7 Rf8 41. d5 $1 (41. Rb7 {Here, many moves are winning for White. One of the moves which caught my attention is Rb7. It's unusual because we are moving from the a-file where it is keeping an eye on the a-file pawn. I am giving this line as I could not resist not showing the following checkmate.} a2 42. Rb8 a1=Q 43. Rxf8+ Kh7 44. Qg6+ Bxg6 45. hxg6#) 41... a2 42. Qc7 Kh7 43. Ng6 Rg8 44. Qf7 {Nepo resigned here as Ding intends to take the Rook on g8 followed by Ra8+ and checkmate on f8 or h8 with the Rook. The illustrative engine line below shows the mating pattern idea.} a1=Q 45. Rxa1 Rd8 46. Ra7 {Various delaying moves are possible here but they all end in mate} Rg8 47. Qxg8+ Kxg8 48. Ra8+ Kf7 49. Rf8# {1-0 White wins.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.18"] [Round "7"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C07"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "74"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,74,18,31,50,44,44,-3,25,26,26,2,2,2,29,41,50,33,25,26,26,18,15,16,19,4,23,20,8,8,8,0,51,51,45,-4,10,7,17,6,51,0,0,-11,82,21,37,48,36,44,43,-40,4,0,0,0,0,-8,29,29,29,24,24,36,18,7,56,70,130,125,177,177,177,177,379,379,379]} 1. e4 {Comme prévu... Et Ding Liren, après quelques instants de réflexion, une surprise :} e6 {Une défense Française ! Si changer de réponse à 1.e4, après avoir rencontré des difficultés avec 1...e5, semble une bonne idée, c'est aussi, pour Ding Liren et son équipe de secondants, reconnaître qu'ils n'ont rien de concret dans la giberne contre la partie Espagnole.} 2. d4 d5 {Jacques François Mouret (22 août 1780 - 9 mai 1837) fut l'un des meilleurs joueurs français du début du 19e siècle. Mouret est surtout connu pour avoir été un des opérateurs cachés dans Le Turc, l'automate joueur d'échecs qui sillonna l'Europe au début du 19e siècle. Ce que l'on sait moins, c'est que Mouret prônait une défense très peu usitée à l'époque : 1.e4 - e6. Il enseigna cette défense à un des amateurs assidus du café de La Régence, M. Chamouillet. En 1834, Chamouillet faisait partie du comité de Paris lors de la fameuse partie par correspondance Londres-Paris, et c'est lui qui convainquit l'équipe parisienne d'adopter la défense de Mouret. À la suite de la victoire des Français, on nomma « La partie du Pion du Roi un pas », « Partie Française ».} 3. Nd2 {La variante de Siegbert Tarrasch. Elle évite les complications de la variante Winawer. Étienne Bacrot était surpris par ce 3.Cd2 de Ian Nepomniachtchi au lieu des plus incisifs 3.Cc3 ou 3.e5.} c5 {La Tarrasch ouverte.} 4. Ngf3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. N2f3 Be7 $5 ({Le grand coup est} 7... Bb4+ 8. Bd2 O-O 9. Bxb4 (9. c4 Bxd2+ 10. Qxd2 Nf6 11. Be2 e5 12. Nc2 Nc6 13. O-O Bf5 {½- ½(32) Zhao,J (2616)-Wei,Y (2727) CHN-chT China 2017}) 9... Nxb4 10. c3 N4c6 11. Nb5 Nd7 12. Be2 Nf6 13. O-O a6 {½-½ (31) Dgebuadze,A (2521)-Eingorn,V (2558) Metz op 29th 2011}) 8. Bc4 Nc6 $5 {Une nouveauté jouée très vite, alors que Ian Nepomniachtchi a commencé à prendre du temps depuis le sixième coup. 1h42-1h53.} 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O O-O 11. Qe2 {Par interversion des coups, nous retrouvons une dernière partie dans la base : Kruppa,Y (2455)-Dokhoian,Y (2530) URS-ch Uzhgorod 1987.} Bb7 {Après 17 minutes.} 12. Bd3 (12. Ne5 Qc7 13. Bd2 Bd6 14. f4 c5 15. Rae1 {0-1 (41) Kruppa,Y (2455)-Dokhoian,Y (2530) URS-ch U26 Uzhgorod 1987}) 12... Qc7 {Anish Giri : « Je crois que le fait que [Ding] ait avoué ses inquiétudes au début du match ne montre pas du tout une faiblesse. Tout le monde a ces inquiétudes, mais le fait que vous soyez confiant pour les partager est plus un signe de force. »} 13. Qe4 {De l'avis de la plupart des commentateurs, Ding Liren avait jusqu'ici obtenu une très bonne position. Cependant, le prochain coup du Chinois va compliquer les choses.} Nf6 $6 {Ian Nepomniachtchi semblait heureux de voir le coup de son adversaire.} ({L'alternative était évidemment} 13... g6 $1 {qui avait la préférence de la machine.} 14. Bh6 Rfd8) 14. Qh4 {Et ici nous avons commencé à nous inquiéter pour le Chinois. Ce type de positions, avec des possibilités d'attaque directe sur le Roi, correspond exactement au style de Ian Nepomniachtchi. Étienne Bacrot, joueur de Française, reconnaissait que c'est le problème quand on a pas l'habitude de jouer une ouverture.} c5 15. Bf4 $1 {Le coup que Ding Liren n'a sans doute pas envisagé assez sérieusement en jouant son Cavalier en f6 au lieu de 13...g6.} (15. Bg5 $6 {avec l'idée d'échanger le Cavalier puis de mater en h7 est inférieur.} h6 16. Bxh6 (16. Bf4 $6 Qc6 17. Be5 Nd7 18. Qg3 Nxe5 19. Nxe5 Qc7 {et les Noirs sont très bien.}) 16... gxh6 17. Qxh6 c4 18. Qg5+ Kh8 19. Qh6+ Kg8 20. Qg5+ $11 {avec une partie nulle par répétition de la position.}) 15... Qb6 (15... Qd8 $5 16. Rad1 Bxf3 17. gxf3 c4 18. Be4 Nxe4 19. Rxd8 Bxh4 20. Rxa8 Rxa8 21. fxe4 $11) 16. Ne5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi est dans son élément et répond a tempo. De son côté, la moindre imprécision de Ding Liren lui coûtera la partie ! La menace blanche est simplement de jouer 17.Cd7! et 1-0.} Rad8 $1 {Seul coup pour rester dans la partie, après 16 minutes. 1h18-0h43. Avec quatre pièces blanches à l'attaque, Ding Liren n'a pas le droit à l'erreur.} 17. Rae1 $5 {Inattendu, après 13 minutes. Même si Ian Nepomniachtchi ajoute une cinquième pièce à l'attaque, avec l'idée Te3-Tg3, le Russe avait d'autres options sans doute plus forçantes.} g6 ({Sesse.net préférait la ligne tactique} 17... Ba6 18. c4 Rxd3 $1 19. Nxd3 Nd5 20. Bg5 Bxg5 21. Qxg5 Bxc4 22. Rd1) 18. Bg5 $6 {Une imprécision ! Fabiano Caruana : « Cette partie devient très intéressante et à double tranchant. Les Noirs pourraient rester sous pression, ou si l'initiative des Blancs s'évaporait, ils pourraient prendre le dessus à long terme. »} (18. Bh6 $5) (18. Ng4 $5) (18. Qh3 $5) 18... Rd4 $1 {A tempo !} 19. Qh3 Qc7 {Le temps entre en jeu : 1h01-0h25.} (19... Nd5 $5 {était aussi possible.}) 20. b3 {Pour empêcher que les Noirs ne jouent ...c4. Après 16 minutes.} (20. c3 Rd5 21. f4 {et il semble que} c4 $1 {soit important, mais vraiment difficile à trouver. La position est remarquablement complexe. Fabiano Caruana}) 20... Nh5 {En 1 minute. Selon les machines Ding Liren a résolu ses problèmes. Ou pour le dire autrement : les Noirs ne se feront plus mater ! Anish Giri : « Après 20.b3!? Ch5! à moins qu'il n'y ait un suivi solide [des Blancs], je commence à penser que les Noirs vont prendre le relais. »} 21. f4 $5 Bd6 $5 {Daniel King : « Position très tendue. Les deux camps tentent d'attaquer, les deux camps ont des options pour sacrifier. Tout peut arriver dans la prochaine demi-heure. »} ({Le coup des machines} 21... Bxg5 $5 {menait à des positions extrêmement compliquées et tactiques avec des « seuls coups » un peu partout ! Par exemple :} 22. fxg5 Nf4 23. Qh6 c4 24. Ng4 f5 25. Nf6+ Rxf6 26. gxf6 cxd3 27. Rxf4 Rxf4 28. f7+ Qxf7 29. Qxf4 dxc2 30. Qc4 Be4 31. Qc8+ Kg7 32. Rxe4 fxe4 33. Qxc2) 22. c3 Nxf4 $1 {Malgré tout, nous entrons dans une ligne avec des « seuls coups » à trouver, sans oublier une pression à la pendule pour les deux joueurs : 0h25-0h21} 23. Bxf4 $6 ({Le plus précis était} 23. Rxf4 $1 Bxe5 24. Bxg6 $1 hxg6 25. cxd4 cxd4 26. Bf6 $5 Bxf6 27. Rxf6 Kg7 28. Qh4 Rh8 $1 29. Qf4 Qxf4 30. Rxf4) 23... Rxf4 24. Rxf4 Bxe5 25. Rh4 Rd8 {Les trois derniers coups ont été joués a tempo par les deux belligérants.} 26. Be4 {Logiquement, les Blancs veulent échanger le dangereux Fou ennemi.} Bxe4 (26... Bc8 $5) (26... Ba6 $5) 27. Rhxe4 Rd5 28. Rh4 $5 {Avec 16 minutes à la pendule.} (28. Rf1 $5) 28... Qd6 $1 {Ding Liren contre-attaque avec 12 minutes à la pendule.} 29. Qe3 $1 h5 $1 30. g3 $1 {Les deux joueurs enchaînent les meilleurs coups. C'est jusqu'ici la meilleure partie du championnat du monde !} Bf6 31. Rc4 h4 $5 {Ding Liren joue pour le gain !} (31... Bg5 32. Qf3 Kg7) 32. gxh4 $1 {Ding Liren est surpris par ce coup et laisse filer pratiquement tout son temps !} Rd2 $6 {Avec 45 secondes ! Ding a craqué !} (32... Be5 33. Qe2 Bf4 34. Re4 Rd2 35. Qf3 Bxh2+ $15) 33. Re2 Rd3 $4 (33... Rd1+ 34. Kg2 Rd5 {tenait encore.}) 34. Qxc5 Rd1+ 35. Kg2 Qd3 36. Rf2 Kg7 37. Rcf4 Qxc3 {Et les Noirs abandonnent avec 3 secondes à la pendule.} 1-0 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 7 - Nepo v L"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.18"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C07"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "73"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,73,43,43,36,30,24,10,12,31,31,24,13,20,39,39,48,34,34,21,21,21,13,21,16,-4,6,20,17,8,13,13,7,27,27,18,7,7,19,19,17,11,13,1,21,33,33,41,19,29,29,-84,29,26,0,0,0,-34,48,41,47,28,28,28,18,0,74,74,129,128,192,188,188,188,368,372] The most dramatic game of the match so far. Ding's time management finally bites. Ding springs another surprise in the opening but Nepo reacts well and we get a big fight on the board. Black's position looked very uncomfortable from a human perspective with lots of tactics and sacrifices in the air but Ding played extremely well and managed to outplay Nepo emerging with a slightly better position at move 31. But Ding froze and used nearly all of his remaining 8 minutes on moves 31 and 32 and furthermore unnecessarily sharpened play at the most inopportune moment before quickly collapsing. A hugely dramatic collapse and a mini-tragedy for Ding. Nepo leads 4-3 at the half way stage.} 1. e4 e6 {The French - a surprise! Ding has played the French when he was younger but has a reputation as a loyal 1...e5 player (though he has dabbled post-covid with the Sicilian)} 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 {Nepo goes for the more solid Tarrasch. Nepo himself has used the French, for example during the 2020 Candidates} c5 4. Ngf3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. N2f3 Be7 8. Bc4 Nc6 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O O-O 11. Qe2 Bb7 12. Bd3 Qc7 13. Qe4 Nf6 $6 {Objectively fine but dubious practically as now white's position is much easier to play} (13... g6 {Keeping the knight in the centre} 14. Bh6 Rfd8 15. h4 $6 c5 {and black's counterplay is coming}) 14. Qh4 c5 15. Bf4 (15. Bg5 h6 (15... Rfe8 $5 16. Bxf6 Bxf6 17. Qxh7+ Kf8 {is close to equal according to the engine}) 16. Bxh6 gxh6 17. Qxh6 {Threatening Ng5} c4 {Is one possible defence forcing a perpeptual now from white} 18. Qg5+ $10) 15... Qb6 (15... Qd8 16. Rad1 Bxf3 17. gxf3 Qd5) 16. Ne5 {No hesitation from Nepo, plays the most direct and best move. Black's position is very precarious, certainly from a practical point of view.} (16. Bxh7+ $6 Nxh7 17. Qxe7 Bxf3 18. gxf3 Rfe8 19. Qc7 Qxb2 20. Qxc5 {I} Rac8 {Is very fine for black, white is temporarily a pawn up but his structure is a mess}) 16... Rad8 $1 {Ding spent 16 minutes on this, the best move, going down to 45 minutes to make 24 moves which in such a complex position is not very comfortable. Now White has lots of options here apart from the most direct Ng4 or Bxh7+.} 17. Rae1 {A logical strengthening move not allowing the position to simplify prematurely and trying to keep some pressure on the clock.} (17. Ng4 {the most direct} Rxd3 $1 (17... h5 {Ding mentioned in the press conference this was how he was going to meet Ng4 and was non-plussed about the 17...Rxd3 possibility} 18. Nxf6+ Bxf6 19. Qxh5 g6 20. Qg4 {This is also an interesting idea, black gives up a pawn to release some pressure and gain some slight counterplay - here black has a few interesting possibilities}) 18. cxd3 Nd5 19. Qg3 (19. Bg5 $2 f6 20. Be3 f5 $19) 19... h5 20. Ne3 h4 21. Qg4 Nxf4 22. Qxf4 h3) (17. Bxh7+ Nxh7 18. Qxe7 f6 19. Rad1 $1 {white has to be careful to keep the balance} (19. Nd3 e5 20. Be3 Qc6 21. f3 Rd5 $1 $19 {white's queen is in mortal danger}) 19... Rde8 (19... fxe5 $2 20. Bxe5 Nf6 21. Rxd8 Rxd8 22. Bc7 $16) 20. Qd7 Rd8) (17. Rad1) (17. Rfe1) (17. Bg5 Rd4 18. Qh3) 17... g6 (17... Ba6 $1 {Eliminating one of white's most potent attacking pieces - however it only makes sense in conjunction with the exchange sacrifice after 18.c4 and the not-so-easy followup} 18. c4 (18. Bxa6 Qxa6 19. Bh6 {Begins an interesting sequence which should end in a draw} gxh6 20. Qxh6 Qb7 $1 21. Re3 Ne4 22. Rh3 Ng5 23. Rg3 f6 24. Ng6 $1 {only move to secure a draw}) (18. Re3 $2 Bxd3 19. cxd3 $2 Nd5 $19) 18... Rxd3 $1 (18... Rd4 {Is also playable but looks very dangerous} 19. Re3 Rfd8 20. Rg3 g6 {is 0.00 according to engine!, eg,} 21. Rxg6+ hxg6 22. Bxg6 fxg6 23. Qh6 Bf8 24. Qxg6+ Bg7 25. Qf7+ Kh8 26. Bh6 Rg8 27. Ng6+ Kh7 28. Nf8+ $10) 19. Nxd3 {Now there are some tactics to navigate} Nd5 $1 {[%csl Rh4,Rf4]} (19... Bxc4 $6 20. Bd6 $1 $16) 20. Bg5 Bxg5 21. Qxg5 Bxc4 22. Rd1 Bxa2 {With a roughly level game}) 18. Bg5 (18. Ng4 {has to be checked} Nd5) (18. Re3 $2 Nd5) (18. Qh3 $5) 18... Rd4 19. Qh3 Qc7 {Is a useful move defending e7 and putting some pressure on e5} (19... Nd5 $5 20. Nd7 {Now black has a nice counter} (20. Bxe7 Nxe7 {[%csl Rf6,Rh6] And whilst black has released some pressure with an exchange of pieces - The dark squares around the black king are still of concern}) 20... Nf4 $1 21. Bxf4 Rxd7 $10 {and the worst is over for black}) 20. b3 (20. c3 Rd5 21. f4 {and here there is a very difficult pawn sacrifice} c4 $1 22. Nxc4 {and here black has a few interesting options - to be honest the position is hard to understand, it is almost purely tactics - a sample line goes} h5 23. Ne5 Qc5+ 24. Kh1 Ng4 $1) (20. Bh6 {Needs to be checked but here Black should sac the exchange} c4 $1 (20... Rfd8 $2 21. Nxf7 $1) 21. Bxf8 Bxf8 22. Nxc4 Rxc4 23. Bxc4 Qxc4 $17) 20... Nh5 21. f4 $5 (21. Bh6 Nf4 22. Bxf4 (22. Qg3 $2 Bh4 $1 (22... Nxd3 23. Nxg6 {The commentators were having fun with this line} Qxg3 24. Nxe7+ Kh8 25. fxg3 Nxe1 26. Bxf8 Nxc2) 23. Qxh4 Ne2+ 24. Rxe2 Rxh4 25. Bxf8 Kxf8 $17) 22... Rxf4 23. Qg3 g5 $1 $13 {Only move with an unclear position. Black's kingside looks precarious but black has the bishop pair and good long term chances} (23... Rd4 24. Nxg6 $1 $18)) 21... Bd6 (21... Bxg5 {Was the computers top choice but it is understandable Ding didn't want to weaken his dark squares} 22. fxg5 Nf4 23. Qh6 {With another crazy position on the board} c4 $3 {Freeing up the c5 square for the queen which gives more bite to the ...Bxg2 idea} (23... Bxg2 24. Rxf4 Rxf4 25. Kxg2 {is better for white (but still complicated)}) 24. bxc4 $2 (24. Ng4 f5 {only move} 25. Nf6+ Rxf6 26. gxf6 cxd3 27. Rxf4 Rxf4 28. f7+ $1 Qxf7 29. Qxf4 dxc2 {here it is a question whether white can make a draw due to the exposed position of the black king}) 24... Qc5 $1) 22. c3 Nxf4 $1 (22... Rd5 $6 23. Be4 Rd2 24. Bxb7 Qxb7 25. f5 $1 $40) 23. Bxf4 $6 (23. Rxf4 $1 Bxe5 24. Bxg6 $1 hxg6 25. cxd4 cxd4 $1 {and black is holding, the most direct try for white is Rxe5} (25... Bxf4 $2 26. Bf6 $18) 26. Rxe5 (26. Bf6 Bxf6 27. Rxf6 Kg7) 26... Qxe5 27. Bf6 Qe1+ 28. Rf1 Qe3+ $10) 23... Rxf4 24. Rxf4 Bxe5 {With the bishop pair and a pawn black has enough for the exchange} 25. Rh4 Rd8 26. Be4 Bxe4 (26... Ba6 $5 {Was the top engine move} 27. Rxh7 Bg7 {This seems like a very unclear way to go when short on time - black is a whole exchange down but white's pieces are very loosely placed and the black king is safe. The engine prefers black}) 27. Rhxe4 {Giri explained that after exchanging one of his 'bishop pair' black was taking some risk as if white can coordinate then he is an exchange for a pawn up with winning chances} Rd5 {Keeping the bishop actively posted in the centre} (27... Bg7 $6 {Removing the pressure against h2 means white can start to centralise and coordinate} 28. Qe3 $14) 28. Rh4 (28. c4 Bd4+) 28... Qd6 $1 29. Qe3 (29. Rxh7 $4 Rd1 30. Rxd1 Qxd1+ 31. Kf2 Qd2+ 32. Kf1 Bxc3 $19) 29... h5 30. g3 {Defending h2 and freeing up the h4 rook} Bf6 31. Rc4 {It is clear now that the tide has turned and only black can be better. However Ding got down to under 6 minutes and was visibly uncomfortable and indecisive.} h4 {Commital - there were certainly ways to try and build the position and certainly ways to stay more solid in the build up to the time control. Interestingly in the press conference Ding justified the decision by suggesting he felt he had to do something now whilst he had the initiative as if he waited white could end up better. This seems like strange logic as Nepo's view is that black can only be better and doesn't have to do much. It is ironic that Ding's collapse comes at Ding's highest point in the entire match} (31... Bg5 $15) (31... a5 $15) (31... Kg7 $15) 32. gxh4 {Here Ding literally froze and was unable to make a move. Finally he played ...Rd2 with just 45 seconds remaining to make another 8 moves! This is essentially the critical moment of the game - it is hard to even physically make this many moves in 45 seconds but even harder to avoid a blunder in a sharp position. This is really} (32. Qf4) 32... Rd2 $6 (32... Be5) 33. Re2 (33. Qg3 {is suggested by the engine but looks much messier} Qd5 34. Rf1 Be5 35. Qf3 Bxh2+ 36. Kh1 Qxf3+ 37. Rxf3 {With a sharp endgame}) 33... Rd3 $4 (33... Rd5 {It was best to go back and stay solid even though this would be an admittance}) (33... Rd1+ 34. Kg2 {Ding mentioned he's missed this continuation for white before playing ...h4}) 34. Qxc5 $1 {I'm not even sure what Ding missed here, by now it's clear he'd had a complete meltdown} Rd1+ (34... Qxc5+ 35. Rxc5 Bxc3 {Was the last chance - white must be winning here but it still needs to be converted}) (34... Bd4+ {Nepo mentioned this in the press conference, but it doesn't work !} 35. cxd4 (35. Qxd4 Rxd4 {leads to an interesting endgame where black's chances are not worse}) 35... Rd1+ 36. Kg2 Qf4 37. Qe5 $1 {Only winning move, and only move which doesn't lose} Qg4+ 38. Kf2 Qg1+ 39. Kf3 Rf1+ 40. Ke4 $18 {the white king escapes}) 35. Kg2 Qd3 36. Rf2 Kg7 37. Rcf4 {Black resigned. A disaster for ding who had seemingly survived a difficult situation and had reached the best situation he has had in the entire match so far. Another tough blow to come back from but he has already done so twice so let's see!} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.18"] [Round "7"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "*"] [ECO "C07"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "pigle"] [PlyCount "74"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,74,19,38,30,51,38,22,46,45,24,-3,9,6,39,38,41,29,20,28,27,27,17,16,25,19,36,10,16,6,22,32,16,43,53,-7,40,10,17,17,70,-1,0,6,82,23,23,11,11,11,5,-84,38,38,23,45,0,-4,43,37,46,37,48,26,15,31,74,66,162,132,190,184,184,179,352,355,370]} 1. e4 e6 {Yesterday it was the London System and today it's the French Defense, which was missing for a long time in world championship matches. Did Ding Liren finally show the best opening repertoire for chess players of all levels $2} 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 {Nepomniachtchi decides not to test his opponent in the most critical lines, instead aiming for a small and safe advantage.} c5 {Definitely Black's best move in this position.} 4. Ngf3 cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 (5... Nc6 {is more popular, but Ding's move has been tried by many strong players.}) 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. N2f3 Be7 (7... Bb4+ {is also frequently played.}) 8. Bc4 Nc6 {This is a new move in this position, although there will be a move transposition later on. In any case, the position becomes unfamiliar very soon, something of a trend in this match. Although Black now gets three \"pawn islands,\" he gets the b-file and good piece development in return. The usually bad French bishop now can be developed on b7.} (8... O-O 9. O-O Bf6 10. c3 Nc6 {later ended in a draw in Kramnik-Illescas Cordoba, Dos Hermanas 1996.}) 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O O-O 11. Qe2 Bb7 12. Bd3 $146 {This sensible move, preparing the typical queen and bishop battery, is a novelty.} (12. Ne5 Qc7 13. Bd2 Bd6 14. f4 c5 {This was played in Kruppa-Dokhoian, Uzhgorod 1987. At the press conference, Ding said he didn't know this game.}) 12... Qc7 13. Qe4 {This is the idea. Black has to either allow the queen to h4 or give the h6-square to the bishop.} Nf6 (13... g6 {is the option.} 14. Bh6 Rfe8 {with a complicated game.}) 14. Qh4 c5 15. Bf4 Qb6 16. Ne5 Rad8 17. Rae1 {It's not clear whether this is the right square for the rook.} (17. Rad1 {Without some hours of analysis it's impossible to determine whether the rook is better placed here. Black's options are, just like in the game, 17...g6 or 17...Ba6.} g6 (17... Ba6 18. c4 {In this case Black cannot sacrifice the exchange on d3.} Rd4 {with a complex game.}) 18. Qh3) (17. Ng4 {Asked about his intentions against this move, Ding said he would reply with 17...h5. Not a bad move, but the exchange sacrifice on d3 is better.} Rxd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (17... h5 18. Nxf6+ Bxf6 19. Qxh5 g6 20. Qg4 Rd4 {Black has decent compensation for the pawn.}) 18. cxd3 Nd5 19. Qg3 h5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 20. Ne3 h4 21. Nxd5 Bxd5 22. Qe3 Qb7 23. f3 h3 $5 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] with excellent compensation for the exchange.}) 17... g6 (17... Ba6 $1 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is a very good move, exchanging White's dangerous bishop. The main point is that after} 18. c4 (18. Bxa6 {is not dangerous for Black, as without this bishop there's no attack.}) 18... Rxd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 19. Nxd3 Nd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An important move. The immediate capture on c4 meets a pretty refutation.} (19... Bxc4 $2 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 20. Bd6 $3 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] A wonderful move that seems taken from Dvoretsky's exercises card. I'd say this is a level four exercise (five was the maximum and it usually meant the exercise was impossible to solve, at least for me).} Qxd6 (20... Bxd3 21. Bxe7 Bxf1 22. Bxf8 Kxf8 23. Rxf1 Qxb2 24. Qc4 {with an easy win for White.}) 21. Qxc4 {Black's compensation is not enough for the exchange.}) 20. Bg5 Bxg5 21. Qxg5 Bxc4 22. Rd1 {Black has a good position and many possibilities now.}) 18. Bg5 $6 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This doesn't look very impressive due to Black's next move.} (18. Ng4 {is very tempting, but enough only for equality.} Nd5 19. Bg5 (19. Be5 $5 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} f6 (19... Bxh4 $4 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 20. Nh6#) 20. Qh6 fxe5 (20... Rf7 {Black can also play for a win with this move.}) 21. Bxg6 hxg6 22. Qxg6+ Kh8 {There's no more than perpetual check.}) 19... f6 20. Qh6 fxg5 21. Bxg6 hxg6 22. Qxg6+ Kh8 {with a draw.}) (18. Bh6 {is possible:} Rfe8 19. Qh3 {White retains some initiative.}) (18. Qh3 $5 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This is probably the most cunning move, preventing Rd4, eyeing the pawn on e6, and retaining all options open.}) 18... Rd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Forced and good. The f-pawn naturally cannot move due to the problems with the king on the diagonal, so the queen has to move.} 19. Qh3 (19. Qh6 {The queen is not as dangerous here as it looks. A possible variation, if the reader doesn't mind its obvious computer nature, is:} Ng4 {This now starts a fantastic line with many forced moves for both sides.} 20. Nxg4 Rxg4 21. Bxe7 Rxg2+ 22. Kh1 {The windmill is not decisive this time.} Rxf2+ 23. Be4 Rxf1+ 24. Rxf1 Bxe4+ 25. Kg1 c4+ (25... Rd8 $5 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 26. Rf2 Rd8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Otherwise Black is mated on the dark squares.} 27. Bxd8 Qxd8 {And again the machine laughs at us, showing the 0.00 evaluation.}) 19... Qc7 {The queen returns to protect the bishop on e7, freeing the knight. It also prepares the c5-c4 advance.} (19... Nd5 {leads to equality, thanks to a nice tactical detail.} 20. Nd7 (20. Bxe7 Nxe7 {is roughly equal.}) 20... Nf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is it.} 21. Bxf4 Rxd7) 20. b3 {Nepomniachtchi avoids c5-c4. The position is extremely complex and there are many possibilities for both sides on each move.} (20. Bh6 $2 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This is a mistake. After} c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 21. Bxf8 Kxf8 22. Bxc4 (22. Be2 Qxe5) 22... Rxc4 23. Nxc4 Qxc4 {The three pieces are much stronger than two rooks.}) (20. c3 {is very natural.} Rd5 21. f4 c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is an important move according to the machine. Black has to sacrifice a pawn to get counterplay.} 22. Nxc4 (22. Bxc4 $2 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Rd2) 22... Rfd8 23. Ne5 Nh5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 24. Bxe7 Qxe7 {With adequate compensation for the pawn, since Black's pieces are very active and f7-f6 is a threat.}) 20... Nh5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 21. f4 {A double-edged move typical of Nepomniachtchi's dynamic style.} (21. Bxe7 $6 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] plays into Black's hands.} Qxe7 {The knight is going to f4 and Black's position is preferable.}) (21. Bh6 Re8 {The position remains complicated. I'm a big fan of pretty drawing lines, so here I offer one:} (21... Rh4 {is also possible, with a tense position after} 22. Qe3) 22. Bc4 (22. Nxf7 $2 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This typical sacrifice has a tactical refutation.} Rh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] winning immediately.}) 22... Rh4 23. Qxe6 fxe6 24. Bxe6+ Kh8 25. Nf7+ Kg8 {with perpetual check.}) 21... Bd6 $5 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This move is based on some very accurate calculation.} (21... Bxg5 {is interesting and leads to a draw after a nice forcing variation.} 22. fxg5 Nf4 23. Qh6 (23. Rxf4 Rxf4 {White's dark-square compensation is not enough for the exchange, although even so it looks a bit scary after} 24. Qe3 Rd4 25. c3 Rdd8 26. Ng4) 23... c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Maybe this difficult move was missed.} (23... Nxg2 $2 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 24. Bxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) (23... Bxg2 24. Rxf4 Rxf4 25. Kxg2 {is better for White.}) 24. Ng4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White has to be fast.} (24. bxc4 $2 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Qc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with a winning attack.}) 24... f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only defense.} 25. Nf6+ Rxf6 26. gxf6 cxd3 27. Rxf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rxf4 28. f7+ $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxf7 (28... Kxf7 $2 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 29. Qxh7+) 29. Qxf4 dxc2 {The bishop will come to e4 and the c2-pawn gives enough compensation for the exchange. The game will likely end in a draw.}) 22. c3 Nxf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the justification of the previous move.} 23. Bxf4 (23. Rxf4 {is safer. It's not clear to me whether Nepomniachtchi was still trying to win, but most probably he missed White's next move, 24.Bxg6, in his analysis.} Bxe5 24. Bxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This difficult resource is forced.} hxg6 (24... fxg6 $2 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 25. Qxe6+) 25. cxd4 cxd4 {with chances for both sides. Again I offer the reader a nice drawing variation:} (25... Bxf4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 26. Bf6) 26. Rxe5 Qxe5 27. Bf6 Qe1+ 28. Rf1 Qe3+ {Black is saved by the queen exchange.} 29. Qxe3 dxe3 30. Re1 Rc8 31. Rxe3 Rc1+ 32. Kf2 Rc2+ 33. Re2 (33. Ke1 Bxg2) 33... Rxe2+ 34. Kxe2 Bxg2 {with a drawn endgame.}) 23... Rxf4 24. Rxf4 Bxe5 {Black has excellent compensation for the exchange: a pawn, active bishops, and mobile pawns on the kingside.} 25. Rh4 Rd8 (25... h5 $2 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is tactically refuted by} 26. Bxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 26. Be4 {The best strategy when your opponent has the bishop pair is trying to exchange one of them. The sum is greater than the parts.} Bxe4 {It's interesting to retain this bishop even at the cost of the h-pawn.} (26... Bc8 $5 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 27. Rxh7 Bg7) (26... Ba6 $5 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 27. Rxh7 Bg7 {In both cases, the rook is out of place on h7 and Black's initiative might become dangerous. Maybe White should just give the exchange back by taking on g7 at some point, playing for equality.}) 27. Rhxe4 Rd5 28. Rh4 {Other moves are possible.} (28. R4e2) (28. Rf1) 28... Qd6 29. Qe3 (29. Rxh7 $2 {[%c_effect h7;square;h7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is suicide as you can´t misplace such a piece just for the sake of capturing a pawn.} Rd1) 29... h5 {Black has a comfortable position, with adequate compensation for the exchange. His position is slightly better, but from now on the main character of the game will be the clock and not the pieces.} 30. g3 Bf6 31. Rc4 h4 {Ding burned a lot of time on this move. Maybe it would be wiser to play a simple move like 31...Kg7. But let's be honest: it's always easier to give advice once the game is over.} (31... Kg7) (31... Bg5) (31... Re5 32. Qf2 Rf5) 32. gxh4 (32. Qf4 {is also possible, fighting for equality.}) 32... Rd2 $2 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A step in the wrong direction.} (32... Be5 $1 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] gives Black some unpleasant pressure.} 33. Qf2 (33. Qe2 Bf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] preparing Rd2.}) 33... Rd2 34. Re2 Rd3 {Preparing Rh3 or simply taking on c3. Black has the initiative. It's important to note that the c5-pawn is immune.} 35. Qxc5 $2 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (35. Rxc5 $2 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Bxh2+) 35... Bxh2+ $1 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 36. Rxh2 Qg3+ 37. Rg2 Rd1#) 33. Re2 (33. Qg3 $5 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 33... Rd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The rook had to go back to d5. In deep time trouble, Ding completely loses the thread of the game.} (33... Rd1+ 34. Kg2 Rd5) (33... Rd5 {The position is still balanced.}) 34. Qxc5 {There's no attack and the game is over after losing this important pawn with only a few seconds on the clock.} Rd1+ (34... Qxc5+ 35. Rxc5 Bxc3 36. Kg2 {The endgame is easily winning.}) 35. Kg2 Qd3 36. Rf2 {White's king is well protected.} Kg7 37. Rcf4 Qxc3 {Ding resigned. A heartbreaking loss and another decisive game in one of the bloodiest matches in chess history. The point might be argued that the level of defense has been poor and this is the main reason why there are so many decisive games. I agree with this argument, but that's exactly what I like to see as a spectator. Tense games where one of the players can crack under pressure. I'd rather watch this than a streak of perfect games all leading to a draw.} (37... Qxc3 38. Qxc3 Bxc3 39. Rxf7+ Kh6 40. Rxa7 Bd4 41. Rd7) * [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.18"] [Round "7.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C07"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "74"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,74,28,25,31,22,24,26,30,20,39,11,6,1,30,26,36,19,19,15,15,18,18,17,12,14,14,0,0,16,26,20,36,76,75,12,24,-2,0,0,0,0,0,4,19,28,28,31,31,27,26,-80,-4,-4,0,0,0,0,36,36,21,20,20,20,20,0,70,70,127,130,192,192,188,185,349,399,392]} 1. e4 e6 $1 {Another surprise.} 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 {3.Nc3 is regarded as the major test of the French. 3.Nd2 is more controlled.} c5 4. Ngf3 (4. exd5 Qxd5 {has a very good theoretical reputation.}) 4... cxd4 5. Nxd4 Nf6 6. exd5 Nxd5 7. N2f3 {Nepomniachtchi has had this position a few times online.} Be7 8. Bc4 Nc6 {A novelty, black mostly castles here.} 9. Nxc6 bxc6 10. O-O O-O {Both players seem to have been on their own here.} 11. Qe2 Bb7 {After a 17 minute thought.} (11... Qc7) (11... c5) 12. Bd3 Qc7 13. Qe4 Nf6 {Was preferred by the engines, there's not much in it.} (13... g6 14. Bh6 Rfd8) 14. Qh4 c5 $5 {Probably best but costing 21 minutes on the clock.} 15. Bf4 Qb6 {Another 5 minute thought.} (15... Qd8 {is seen by the engine as best but putting it on the open file is just not at all human.}) 16. Ne5 Rad8 {16 minutes thought and now just 43 minutes left for Ding to reach move 40.} 17. Rae1 g6 18. Bg5 $6 (18. Qh3 {is better.}) 18... Rd4 {Played very quickly.} 19. Qh3 Qc7 20. b3 (20. c3) 20... Nh5 21. f4 Bd6 {Nepomniachtchi praised this move but it's not even clear it's best.} (21... Bf6) 22. c3 Nxf4 23. Bxf4 Rxf4 24. Rxf4 Bxe5 {Black has full compensation for the exchange. 20 minutes left for 16 moves. Already this is quite serious for black.} 25. Rh4 Rd8 26. Be4 Bxe4 (26... Ba6) 27. Rhxe4 Rd5 (27... Bf4 $5) 28. Rh4 Qd6 29. Qe3 h5 $1 {Black is the one with the initiative but it's not so very much still objextively and with 11 minutes left black doesn't have much time.} 30. g3 Bf6 31. Rc4 h4 $6 {Not yet losing but based on a miscalculation that completely undoes Ding. In time trouble he more solid ways of playing. Most likely he'd already lost his composure here.} (31... Bd8 {is best probably.}) (31... Kg7) 32. gxh4 {It seems Ding didn't think this was possible.} Rd2 $2 {The question mark is mostly for the 5 minutes Ding took over this leaving himself 44 seconds for 8 moves. The chances of an accident are now so high that this can be regarded as nearly losing for black.} (32... Be5 {is the best move.}) 33. Re2 Rd3 $2 {Judging from Ding's comments he was playing for a win, he'd found Rd1+ didn't work but in fact it's OK in terms of holding the game.} (33... Rd1+ 34. Kg2 Rd5 35. Rf2 Qe7 {is still OK for black.}) (33... Rd5) 34. Qxc5 {It's already over. Black's position falls apart.} Rd1+ 35. Kg2 Qd3 36. Rf2 Kg7 37. Rcf4 Qxc3 {Played with 3 seconds remaining. Ding resigned before he lost on time. His position is in ruins.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.09"] [Round "1.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Liren, Ding"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C85"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Awonder Liang"] [PlyCount "98"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {A more action-packed game compared to the rather tame draw that I was expecting. Nepo got in the first surprise with a delayed Exchange Ruy Lopez, and Ding reacted rather poorly, in my opinion. There were definitely a lot of nerves at play in this game, and I think moreso on Ding's part, as he made several serious inaccuracies and was under a good amount of pressure on the board and the clock. As for Nepo, he never had an objectively winning advantage, although he could have posed more difficult problems to Ding right before the time control. Annotations by GM Awonder Liang} 1. e4 {Most pundits suggested 1. e4 as Ian's most likely choice for the first game, and they were correct. Still, it was interesting to see the idea prepared against Ding's Marshall, which has long been his main weapon as Black.} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 (4. Bxc6 {To compare with the delayed Exchange Variation, we can see the difference most clearly in the following line:} dxc6 5. O-O f6 6. Re1 (6. d3 Ne7 7. Nc3 Ng6 8. Be3 Bd6 {And Black is very harmonious in this structure, supporting the e5-pawn, preparing against the f2-f4 break, and preparing ...Bc8-e6, and ... Qd8-c7, when castling on either side would be reasonable.}) (6. d4 {is the main move, with approximate equality in the ensuing endgame.}) 6... g5 $1 $15 {and White is already getting quite a bit worse.}) 4... Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Bxc6 $5 {An opening I've tried once or twice as White. Essentially white takes advantage of the fact that the Be7 and Nf6 are (somewhat) misplaced.} dxc6 7. Re1 $5 {Delaying d2-d3 temporarily, and now there are a wide range of options for Black. I doubt Nepomniatchi will repeat this line, as there are a few clear ways to equality.} (7. d3 Nd7 8. Nbd2 (8. Nc3 {was played in the bullet portion of the SCC, and Ding eventually won this game} O-O 9. Be3 Re8 10. Nd2 Nf8 11. a4 Ng6 {0-1 (26) Grischuk,A (2745) -Ding,L (2811) Chess.com INT 2022}) 8... f6 9. Nc4 (9. Nh4 g6 10. f4 exf4 11. Rxf4 Ne5) 9... Nc5 10. Nh4 Be6 11. Nf5 Bf8 $15) 7... Nd7 {Ding played this after a good think, probably trying to understand Ian's idea. ...Bc8-g4 was not a realistic attempt if he didn't know the line.} (7... Bg4 8. h3 Bh5 (8... Bxf3 9. Qxf3 Nd7 10. d3 {and White has a clear advantage with the better pawn structure, as Black has given up the bishop pair.}) 9. g4 Nxg4 (9... Bg6 $5 10. Nxe5 Qd4 11. Nxg6 hxg6 12. Qf3 Nh7 (12... O-O-O 13. Nc3 Rh4 14. Kg2 {is fine for White, although the line continues} Rdh8 15. Ne2 Qc5 16. Ng1 Nxg4 $5 {and some mess at the end.}) 13. d3 Ng5 14. Bxg5 Bxg5 15. Nc3 Bd2 16. Re2 Bxc3 17. bxc3 Qxc3 {and it's hard to imagine Black suffering too much here, despite the lack of center. White just has a lot of weaknesses.}) 10. hxg4 Bxg4 {and here there are many ideas for White, and I've thrown in a few sample lines to get us started.} 11. d3 (11. d4 exd4 12. Qd3 (12. Bf4 $5 Bc5 (12... c5 13. Nbd2 Qd7 14. Qe2 O-O-O 15. Ne5 Bxe2 16. Nxd7 Bg4 17. Ne5 Be6) 13. Kg2 g5 14. Bh2 h5 15. Qd3 Qe7 16. Nbd2 $132) 12... c5 13. Nbd2 (13. c3 c4 14. Qe2 d3 15. Qe3 a5 16. Nbd2 Ra6) 13... Qd6 14. c3 Bd7 15. Nf1 $13) 11... f5 12. d4 $5 {is kind of cute, but not very serious.} (12. exf5 O-O 13. Qe2 Bb4 {is some kind of draw at the end.}) 12... Rf8 (12... exd4 13. Qd3 O-O 14. exf5 (14. Nbd2) 14... Bd6 15. Ne5 Qh4 16. Qb3+ Kh8 17. Qg3 Qxg3+ 18. fxg3 Bxf5 19. c3 {and with three pawns for the piece, Black should be alright.}) 13. Nbd2 f4 14. Nc4 exd4 15. Qd3 {is a big mess though}) (7... Qd6 $5 {is somehow not losing on the spot to d2-d4 and is also playable.}) 8. d4 $5 {It is somewhat counter-intuitive to open up the center with bishops on the board, but the position is pretty concrete.} exd4 9. Qxd4 O-O 10. Bf4 {This is basically the idea: White targets the weak black c7-pawn, which will haunt Black for the entire game.} Nc5 11. Qe3 (11. Qxd8 Bxd8 12. Nc3 Ne6 {is not serious for White.}) 11... Bg4 $6 {Ding's first inaccuracy of this game. The idea — to bring the bishop out before playing Ne6 — is natural, but Black's position is somewhat loose here.} (11... Ne6 12. Bg3 (12. Nc3 Nxf4 13. Qxf4 Qd6 14. e5 Qg6) 12... Bc5 $1 {I like this concrete way of solving the issue by harassing White's queen.} (12... Re8 13. Nc3 Bf8 14. Rad1 Qe7 15. Ne5 f6 16. Nd3 {If Black plays passively, it can be somewhat hard to develop, with f2-f4 coming soon.}) (12... b5 {This was Giri's suggestion in commentary, with a very complex position.} 13. Nbd2 (13. Nc3 Bc5 14. Qe2 Qe7) 13... c5 14. Rad1 Qe8 {was Lanin-Khairullin (2004), and there are many ideas here for both players.}) 13. Qc3 (13. Qe2 Qf6 14. Nc3 (14. e5 Qg6) 14... Re8 15. Rad1 b5 {and with Bb6 coming to defend c7, White's pressure has dissipated a little bit.}) 13... a5 $1 14. Nbd2 (14. a3 Bb4 $17) 14... Bb4 15. Qe3 Bc5 16. Qe2 Re8 17. Rad1 Qf6 18. c3 a4 19. a3 b6 {and Black has pretty good counterplay here.}) 12. Nd4 {This was probably also preparation, although it's hard to tell exactly.} (12. Ne5 Bh5 13. g4 Bg6 14. Nc3 f6 15. Nxg6 hxg6 16. Rad1 $13) 12... Qd7 13. Nc3 {Here Nepo had his first long think, as Black's last move was undoubtedly not part of his preparation. On the other hand, it's not super clear where White's advantage lies. As it happens with these types of lines, Black often makes a small inaccuracy, and White needs to be very accurate to put on the pressure.} (13. h3 $5 Rad8 (13... Ne6 14. Nxe6 Bxe6 15. Nc3 Bd6 16. Rad1 Bxf4 17. Qxf4 Qe7 18. Nd5 cxd5 19. exd5 Qc5 20. dxe6 fxe6) 14. Nc3 (14. Nb3 Nxb3 15. Qxb3 Be6 16. Qxb7 Rb8 17. Qxa6 Rxb2 {with very good compensation.}) 14... Rfe8 $1 {is very weird but somewhat forced.} (14... Qxd4 15. Nd5 $1 {was mentioned by Giri (and, separately, by Anand) in commentary as a nice trick.}) 15. hxg4 (15. Qg3 Qxd4 16. Bxc7 Rd7 17. hxg4 Bf8 18. Rad1 Qb4 19. Rxd7 Nxd7 20. Rb1 Nf6 {is a pretty unrealistic line, but anyway, Black has enough compensation here.}) 15... Qxd4 16. Qxd4 Rxd4 17. Bxc7 Ne6 18. Be5 Rd2 19. Rac1 Bg5 20. Kf1 h6 $44) 13... Rad8 14. Nf5 Ne6 $6 {I think this move shows a bit of nerves from Ding's part, as there was a clear path to equality. Of course, everything is easier behind the computer screen, but this was definitely findable for a player of Ding's caliber.} (14... Bxf5 {I can't quite understand what was missed here, as Black goes for the patented and true strategy of "trade everything."} 15. exf5 Rfe8 16. g4 (16. Rad1 Bd6 {is not really working for White.}) (16. f6 Bf8 17. Qg3 g6 18. Bxc7 Qd2 $1 {and Black is fine.}) 16... Bd6 17. Qf3 Bxf4 18. Qxf4 Qd6 {with a draw soon to come.}) 15. Nxe7+ {318} Qxe7 16. Bg3 Bh5 {Keeping in line with his previous play, Ding prefers to defend somewhat passively.} (16... f5 $5 17. Ne2 fxe4 (17... Qf6 18. f3 f4 19. e5 fxe3 20. exf6 Bf5 21. fxg7 Rfe8 22. Be5 Nxg7 23. f4 $14) 18. Qxe4 Bf5 19. Qc4 Qf7 20. Rad1 c5 $132 {Sometimes such structures can appear in the Berlin endgame, and there can be some pressure. But here Black is kind of okay, in my opinion.}) 17. f3 f6 18. h3 h6 19. Kh2 Bf7 20. Rad1 b6 21. a3 {Both sides play natural improving moves as the position settles down. White has made their king a bit safer, getting out of the way of any checks, and has also prevented ...Qe7-b4 ideas. Black has also created some luft and now seeks to gain a bit of space on the queenside.} a5 22. Ne2 {Just keeping the tension, without making any committal moves.} (22. f4 {Intuitively I feel this is the way to press as White, threatening f4-f5 with a dangerous strategic hold. Black has some randomness to keep the equality as follows:} Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Bh5 {gaining a tempo while avoiding f5-xe6 in the future.} (23... Rd8 24. f5 Nc5 25. Re1 $16 {with the threat of e4-e5 and a dangerous attack on the queenside.}) 24. Re1 (24. Rd2 Rd8 25. f5 Rxd2 {and in the other line, f5-xe6 with e6-xf7 would have been possible.} 26. Qxd2 Ng5 27. Qf4 b5 28. Qxc7 Qxc7 29. Bxc7 b4 30. axb4) 24... Qd7 $1 25. f5 Nd4 26. Qf2 Re8 {and Black controls the activity in the center.} 27. e5 fxe5 28. Rxe5 c5 29. f6 Rxe5 30. Bxe5 g5) 22... Rxd1 23. Rxd1 Rd8 24. Rd3 {Very clever! White wants to play Qe3-d2, forcing ...Rd8-xd3 after which White has inroads into Black's queenside.} c5 $6 {A bit panicky, in my opinion. At the risk of excessively criticizing Ding's play, there was a more natural way to deal with the problem of the c7-pawn:} (24... Kf8 $1 25. Qd2 (25. Rxd8+ Qxd8 26. f4 c5 27. f5 Nd4 28. Qd3 Qd7 29. Nf4 Ke7 30. c3 Nc6 31. Qa6 Ne5) 25... Ke8 26. Qc3 Rxd3 (26... c5 27. Rd5 Rd7 28. Qd3) 27. Qxd3 Qd7 28. Qa6 Qd2 29. Qc8+ Ke7 30. Nf4 Nd4 31. Qxc7+ Ke8) (24... Rxd3 25. Qxd3 b5 26. Qd2 a4 27. Nc3 Kh7 {Somehow this is also okay, but I would think there is some strategic risk here as Black has no active plan.}) 25. Qd2 c6 (25... Rxd3 26. Qxd3 Be8 {is the computer's preferred method, but it's all a bit unpleasant.}) 26. Rxd8+ Nxd8 27. Qf4 {Now this is Nepo's first serious advantage of the game, and Black needs to be very careful to hold.} b5 (27... Qb7 28. Qc7) 28. Qb8 Kh7 29. Bd6 $6 {Ian spent a lot of time here, and goes for a typical Ian move, keeping a lot of tension on the board and not simplifying the position. I think he was probably trying to play on Ding's time pressure, but when it really mattered, Ding was completely up to the task. I've spent some time analyzing the position after 29. Bc7, and it's objectively still not winning for White. Thus, we cannot criticize Ian's decision too much, because it's not easy to say which move posed stronger practical problems. As a side note, here I briefly switch into analyzing from a practical perspective into a purely objective perspective, so many lines are just for entertainment only.} (29. Bc7 $1 {As mentioned by every random person with an engine, this was by far the best try. The position is still objectively holdable for Black, however. As a quick aisde, I will try my best to abstract away from evaluations like "+1," which are basically completely meaningless, and provide some reasoning for White's best tries in this endgame.} Ne6 30. Bxa5 Qd7 $1 {taking control of the d-file.} (30... Nd4 $2 {This endgame is objectively losing, and in fact, many opposite colored bishop endgames are, which makes this position quite tricky to navigate.} 31. Nxd4 cxd4 32. Bb6 $1 Qd7 (32... c5 33. Kg1 $1 {getting out of any checks, and threatening Qc8.} Bg6 34. Qa7 Qe5 35. Bxc5 Qf4 36. Bxd4 Qc1+ 37. Kh2 Qf4+ 38. Kh1 Qc1+ 39. Bg1 Qxb2 40. Qb8 {and with two extra pawns, this is a technical win.}) 33. Qa7 $1 Qxa7 (33... Qd6+ 34. Kh1 Qf4 35. Bxd4 Qc1+ 36. Bg1 Bg8 37. a4 bxa4 38. Qxa4 c5 39. e5 $1 fxe5 40. Qe4+ Kh8 41. Qxe5 $18 {and two extra pawns combined with Black's weak king means White is winning here.}) 34. Bxa7 Ba2 35. Bxd4 Bb1 36. c4 $18) 31. Nf4 {Here's the key in this endgame: White has the possibility to create an outside passed pawn with b2-b3 and a2-a4, which means most pure opposite colored bishop endgames will be winning. White creates some threats with a passed pawns on the kingside to distract Black's king, then creates an outside passer on the queenside to win the game. Thus, Black's entire game revolves around either provoking c2-c3, or avoiding the trade of knights.} Nd4 $1 {To understand why this move is played, it's useful to look at the lines after ...Ne6-xf4. Suffice it to say, Black needs to force White to play c2-c3, and otherwise, Black generates sufficient counterplay.} (31... Nxf4 $2 {Avoiding this somewhat tempting simplifying move, which loses for Black. Although these lines are pretty long, I think a lot of them contain instructive value and are interesting from an analytical perspective.} 32. Qxf4 Be6 $1 {The best try, setting up a devilish trap.} (32... Kg8 33. Qc7 Qxc7+ 34. Bxc7 c4 (34... Ba2 35. b3 c4 (35... b4 36. a4 {White now promotes with check, so this doesn't work.}) 36. a4 cxb3 37. cxb3) 35. Kg3 Be6 36. Bb6 Kf7 37. Kf4 Ke7 38. Bc5+ Ke8 (38... Kf7 39. Ke3) 39. Ke3 f5 40. Kf4 fxe4 41. fxe4 Bg8 42. g4 Bh7 (42... Kf7 43. Ke5 Ke8 44. Kd6) 43. Ke5 Bg6 44. h4 h5 45. g5 Bh7 46. b3 $18) (32... Qd4 {White tries to provoke either c2-c3 or Ba5-c3, after which Black can avoid the trade of queens. However, White wins by force in this position with a long line:} 33. Qc7 $1 b4 $1 {An absolutely insane try, but White wins in the end.} (33... Be8 34. Bc3 Qd7 35. Qxd7 Bxd7 36. Kg3 {and White wins in the following manner:} Kg6 37. Kf4 Kf7 38. Ke3 Be6 39. b3 c4 40. a4 cxb3 41. cxb3 bxa4 42. bxa4 c5 43. h4 h5 44. Kf4 Bc8 45. a5 g6 46. g4 hxg4 47. fxg4 Ba6 48. Bd2 (48. h5 g5+ 49. Kg3 Kg7) 48... Bb7 (48... Ke6) 49. h5 g5+ 50. Kg3 Bxe4 51. a6 Bc6 52. a7) (33... Kg8 34. Bc3 Qe3 35. h4 $1 c4 36. Qxc6 Qf4+ 37. Kg1 Qe3+ 38. Kf1 Qc1+ 39. Kf2 Qxc2+ 40. Kg3 $18) 34. axb4 (34. Qxf7 Qd6+ $1 35. Kg1 Qd1+ 36. Kf2 Qd2+ {was the point of ...b5-b4!}) 34... Qxb2 35. Qxf7 (35. bxc5 Bc4 36. Qf4 Qxc2 37. Bd2 Bf7 38. Qd6 Qa2 39. Bc3 Qe6) 35... Qe5+ 36. g3 Qd4 $1 (36... cxb4 37. Qa7 Qb2 38. Qc5 b3 39. Bb4 (39. e5) 39... Qa2 40. Qc4) 37. h4 $1 Qf2+ 38. Kh3 Qxf3 39. Qc4 h5 40. Kh2 Qf2+ 41. Kh1 Qf3+ 42. Kg1 Qxg3+ 43. Kf1 cxb4 44. Bxb4 Qh3+ 45. Ke2 Qxh4 46. Bd6 Qg4+ 47. Kd2 h4 48. Qxc6 h3 49. Qb5 Qg2+ 50. Qe2 {Although these were far from the only moves, White's extra bishop should be enough to avoid perpetual in all lines.}) (32... c4 33. Qc7 $1 $18) 33. Qd2 $1 (33. Qc7 $2 {The naive approach doesn't work here.} Qxc7+ 34. Bxc7 Ba2 $3 35. b3 (35. Kg3 {A serious try, but not quite enough.} Bb1 36. c4 Bd3 37. cxb5 (37. Bd6 Bxc4 38. Kf2 Kg6 39. Bxc5 f5 40. h4 fxe4 41. fxe4) 37... cxb5 38. Kf2 g5 $3 {Black needs to stop White's kingside advance.} (38... Kg6 39. Bd6 c4 40. g3 Kf7 41. Ke3 Bf1 42. h4 h5 (42... g5 43. Kd4) 43. Kd4 Bg2 44. f4 Ke6 45. Bb4 g6 (45... Bf1 46. f5+ Kf7 47. Kc5 Bd3 48. Bc3 Bxe4 49. Kxb5 Bd3 50. Kc5 Ke7 51. Kd5 Kd7 52. Be1 Bxf5 53. Kxc4 Kc6 54. Kb4 Bg4 55. Ka5) 46. Kc5 Bxe4 47. Kxb5 Bd3 48. Kc5 {Here white wins in the following instructive way:} f5 49. Bc3 Be2 50. Bd4 Kd7 (50... Bd3 51. a4 Kd7 52. Kd5 Bc2 53. a5) 51. Kd5 Kc7 52. Ke6 Bd1 53. Kf6 Kd7 54. Kxg6 Bg4 55. Bc3 Kc6 56. a4 Kc5 57. Kf7 Kd5 58. Bb4 Bd1 59. Kf6 Bg4 {Here white forces zugzwang and boxes Black out:} 60. Ke7 Bd1 61. Kf7 Bg4 62. Kf6 Bh3 63. Ke7 {with a threat of Ke7-d7, so:} Kc6 64. Ke6 Bg4 65. Ke5 Bh3 66. Kd4 Bf1 67. g4 $1 fxg4 68. Be1 $18) 39. g3 Kg6 40. Ke3 Bf1 41. h4 gxh4 42. gxh4 f5 43. e5 Bc4 44. Kf4 Be6 45. Ba5 h5 46. Ke3 Kf7 47. Bb6 c4 48. Kd4 Ke7 49. Bc5+ Kd7 50. Bf8 Kc6 51. Ke3 Kd7 52. Kf4 Bd5 $1 {and Black holds.}) 35... b4 $3 {Absolutely stunning! Black survives just in the nick of time.} 36. a4 Bxb3 37. a5 (37. cxb3 c4 38. Bf4 cxb3 39. Bc1 c5 40. a5 c4 41. a6 c3 42. a7 b2 43. Bxb2 cxb2 44. a8=Q b1=Q) 37... Bxc2 38. a6 b3 39. a7 b2 40. a8=Q) 33... Qa7 {Preventing Ba5-b6 for the time being, but now White has a direct win:} (33... Qe7 {After taking the d-file, White wins slowly, eventually forcing an exchange of queens.} 34. Bb6 h5 35. Qf4 c4 36. Ba5 Qd7 37. Bb4 Qd4 38. Bc3 Qd8 39. Kg3 Kg6 40. Bb4 Qd4 41. Qd6 Qxd6+ 42. Bxd6 {The win here is still quite complicated, so I show the exact path for White here.} Kf7 43. Kf2 g5 44. Ke3 f5 45. Kd4 fxe4 46. fxe4 Ke8 (46... h4 47. Kc5 c3 48. bxc3 Ba2 49. Bc7 Bb1 50. Kxc6 Bxc2 51. Kxb5 Bxe4 52. c4 Bxg2 53. c5 Bxh3 54. c6 {and White promotes the a-pawn.}) 47. Bb4 Kd7 48. Bd2 g4 49. h4 g3 $3 {Black has a very serious try here to set up a blockade, but it doesn't quite work.} 50. Be1 Bg4 51. Bxg3 Bd1 52. c3 (52. Kc3 c5 53. Kd2 Bg4 54. Bf4 Ke6) 52... Ke6 53. Kc5 Kd7 54. Bh2 Be2 55. e5 Bd1 56. Bf4 {Zugzwang! Black's bishop can't keep an eye on a4 and g4 at the same time.} (56. e6+ Kxe6 57. Kxc6 Ba4) 56... Bg4 57. a4 $1 bxa4 58. Kxc4 Ke7 59. Kc5 Kd7 60. Kb4 Bd1 61. g4 $1 hxg4 62. Bg3 Ke6 63. Kc5 Bf3 64. h5 Be4 65. h6 Kd7 66. c4 Ke6 67. Kb6 Kd7 68. c5 Kd8 69. h7 Bxh7 70. Kxc6 $18) 34. Qd8 f5 35. Qb6 {Here White wins. Here are some sample lines:} Qxb6 (35... Qe7 36. Qxc6 Bd7 37. Qc7 fxe4 38. fxe4) (35... Qd7 36. Qxc5 fxe4 37. f4 $3 {Really a beautiful conceptual idea, and the only winning move. White shuts out Black's bishop and prepares an outside passer. There are some details which I provide below.} (37. fxe4 Ba2 38. Bc3 Bb1 39. Qf2 Qd6+ 40. e5 Qg6) 37... Qd5 (37... Bd5 38. Qe3 Qf5 39. Bb6 Qf6 40. Bd4 Qe7 41. Bc5 Qc7 42. Kg1 Qf7 43. b3 Qf6 (43... Qe6 44. a4 bxa4 45. bxa4 $18) 44. Kh2 Qb2 45. c4 Bf7 46. Qxe4+ Bg6 47. f5) (37... Qf7 38. Bd2 (38. Qe3 c5 39. Bb6 c4 40. Bd4) 38... e3 39. Bxe3 Bd5 40. c4 Bxc4 (40... bxc4 41. Qd4) 41. Qxc6 h5 (41... Qe6 42. Qxe6 Bxe6 43. g4) 42. a4 bxa4 43. Qxa4 $18) 38. Qxd5 Bxd5 39. Bb6 Ba2 40. g4 Bb1 41. c3 g6 42. Kg3 Kg7 43. Bd4+ Kf7 44. f5 gxf5 (44... g5 45. Kf2 Bd3 46. Bb6 Kg7 47. Bd8 Kf7 48. h4 gxh4 49. Bxh4 Kg7 50. Ke3 Kf7 51. Kd4 Ke8 52. Kc5 Kd7 53. f6 Bc4 54. a4 {and wins.}) 45. gxf5 Bc2 46. Kf4 $18) 36. Bxb6 {As we've seen in some other lines, White wins in this endgame (Black is unable to force c2-c3).} c4 37. Kg3 g5 38. Kf2 fxe4 39. fxe4 Kg6 40. Ke3 Bg8 41. Kd4 Kf6 42. Ba5 Ke6 43. Bc3 Bf7 (43... Kd6 44. Bb4+ Kd7 45. Ke5 h5 46. Bd2 g4 47. h4) 44. b3 cxb3 45. cxb3 Kd6 46. Bb4+ Kc7 47. a4 Bxb3 48. a5) 32. Bb6 (32. c3 Ne6 $1 33. Nxe6 Bxe6 {and as White can no longer play on the queenside, White must advance on the kingside. However, Black is perfectly situated, as White must trade lots of pawns to make progress, which will open up his king.}) 32... c4 (32... Nxc2 {also holds, with the following variations:} 33. Bxc5 Ne1 34. Qa7 (34. Bd6 Bc4 $1 35. h4 Bf1 $1 {preparing Bxg2!} 36. Qc7 (36. h5 Bxg2 37. Nxg2 Nxf3+ 38. Kg3 Ng5 $1) 36... Qxc7 37. Bxc7 g5 38. Kg1 Bc4 39. Kf2 Nxf3 40. gxf3 gxf4 41. Bxf4 Bb3 42. Ke3 Kg6 {This endgame is very similar to some that we've seen, although here Black holds in an easier way, as there isn't a weakness on b5.} 43. Bc7 Bd1 44. f4 f5 45. e5 Kf7 46. Kd4 Ke6 47. Kc5 Kd7 48. Bb6 h5 49. Kb4 Ke6 50. b3 Kd5 51. a4 bxa4 52. bxa4 Bf3 53. a5 Be2) 34... Qxa7 35. Bxa7 g5 36. Ne2 Nd3 37. b4 Kg6 38. Be3 Be8 39. Nd4 Bd7 40. Kg1 c5 41. bxc5 Nxc5 42. Nxb5 Nxe4 43. a4 {This is White's best try, and White is still pressing, although objectively, Black should hold (I'll spare the details).}) 33. e5 $5 {Very sharp, playing against Black's king. Black has a path to equality here, however.} (33. c3 Ne6 34. Kg3 Nxf4 35. Qxf4 Be6 36. Bd4 f5 $1 37. Kf2 Qf7 38. Qe5 (38. e5 g5) 38... h5 39. exf5 Bxf5 40. Qf4 Qg6 $14 {This is still a long battle, but Black should objectively hold.}) 33... Nxc2 34. exf6 (34. Qd6 Qf5 35. e6 Be8 36. Bf2 Qe5 37. Qd2 g5 38. Qxc2+ Kg7 39. Qd1 gxf4 40. Qd8 Qxe6) 34... gxf6 35. Ne2 (35. Bc5 Ne1 36. Bb4 Nd3 37. Bc3 Qe7 38. Nxd3 cxd3 39. Qf4 Kg7 40. g4 c5 41. h4 b4) 35... Qe8 36. Qb7 Kg6 37. Ng3 h5 38. h4 {And although there is still enormous practical pressure here, White cannot claim a decisive advantage.}) 29... Qd7 30. Ng3 $1 {Ian's concept: he wants to put Black into a bind and advance on the kingside.} Ne6 31. f4 (31. c3 c4 32. f4 Qd8 33. Qxd8 Nxd8 {and Black should still be able to defend here.}) 31... h5 (31... Nd4 32. c3 Nb3 33. Qf8 Nd2 34. Bxc5 h5 {with good counterplay, although it is understandable that Ding was focused on trading off the queens.}) 32. c3 c4 {Preparing ...Qd7-d8, and somehow White doesn't really have a way to prevent this.} (32... h4 33. Nf1 Bh5 34. Ne3 c4 35. Nf5 Bg6 {with some dynamic equality.}) 33. h4 (33. f5 h4 34. Nf1 Ng5 35. Nd2 Be8 {and Black doesn't seem to have real problems here, although practically it could be difficult still after e.g.} 36. Bf4 Bh5 37. Qc7 Qxc7 38. Bxc7 Bd1 39. Bf4 Nf7 40. Kg1 {where White is advancing strongly in the center. However, the opposite colored bishops provide black a lot of drawing chances.}) 33... Qd8 34. Qb7 Be8 35. Nf5 Qd7 36. Qb8 Qd8 37. Qxd8 Nxd8 {The worst is over: Ding can breathe a sigh of relief.} 38. Nd4 Nb7 39. e5 Kg8 40. Kg3 Bd7 41. Bc7 Nc5 $1 {Accurately calculated. Basically the game is drawn now, as there is equal material and Black no longer has any weaknesses.} 42. Bxa5 Kf7 43. Bb4 Nd3 44. e6+ Bxe6 45. Nxc6 Bd7 46. Nd4 Nxb2 47. Kf3 Nd3 48. g3 Nc1 49. Ke3 Nb3 {Overall, Nepomniatchi came prepared with a somewhat innocuous but annoying idea. Ding didn't defend in the best way and Ian created some very dangerous pressure. It's hard to draw so many conclusions from the first game, but my impression is that Ding has some nerves to settle - especially not playing 14. ...Bxf5 seems to show a little too much respect for Ian. I think Ian has good reason to be pleased with the outcome of this game, while Ding is also somewhat fortunate to have survived a dangerous time trouble phase.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.11"] [Round "2.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "D30"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "GM Elshan Moradiabadi"] [PlyCount "58"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,58,19,34,29,0,-11,6,6,-27,2,21,42,15,26,16,10,6,-3,-3,42,37,31,52,40,-16,-26,-34,-13,-1,-9,1,5,7,40,-45,-45,-38,-44,-56,6,-51,-71,-92,12,-28,0,-114,-191,-213,-162,-280,-295,-385,-419,-419,-412,-431,-469,-469,-458] A disappointing day for chess lovers and fans of Ding Liren, as the Chinese GM proved to be a mere shadow of his usual self. After yesterday's post-game conference, it was apparent that Ding is somewhat "tilted." I thought that perhaps he would "take the day off" by playing something prosaic, taking the draw, and using the rest day to collect himself. However, perhaps feeling compelled to show something with the white pieces, Ding sprung the first surprise with 4.h3. Nepomniachtchi was visibly amused, but he was not adversely affected by this h-pawn shove, and he responded confidently by entering a QGA setting where White's h2-h3 is hardly useful. In the ensuing fight, as you will see, Ding missed a number of ideas, and Nepomniachtchi deservedly picked up the full point without really breaking a sweat. To me, coming back from such a start would be equal to Korchnoi's comeback against Karpov in Baguio 1978, when the maverick GM equalized the match after being down 2-5. Let's hope that Ding can return to his usual level of play after the rest day. Annotations by WGM Elshan Moradiabadi} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 $5 {[#] Not a popular move in high-level events, to say the least.} dxc4 $1 {A very sensible response. Nepo decides to play a QGA where h2-h3 is hardly of any harm.} 5. e3 c5 6. Bxc4 a6 7. O-O Nc6 8. Nc3 (8. dxc5 {has been tried in correspondence games:} Qxd1 9. Rxd1 Bxc5 10. b3 (10. Be2 O-O 11. a3 Be7 12. b4 Bd7 13. Bb2 Rfd8 14. Nbd2 Be8 15. Nb3 Rac8 {Is absolutely balanced and leads to not much of a practical difficulty for Black.} 16. Rdc1 Ne4 17. g4 Kf8 18. Rc4 Nd6 19. Rcc1 {Nichols - Ozen, LSS 2022.}) 10... O-O 11. Bb2 b5 {This surely could have given something to Ding, had he chosen to play this but I doubt that Nepo would have even considered such a reckless move.} (11... Be7 12. Be2 Bd7 13. Nbd2 Rfd8 14. Rac1 Rac8 {Dutra Neto - Dziedzina, LSS email 2009, when White has a microscopic advantage. In all these discussions, one can hardly tell what does h2-h3 did for White, except encouraging a good version of QGA for Black!}) 12. Be2 Be7 13. a4 b4 $2 {This is surely a mistake. I guess we all know that the engines weren't exactly accurate back in 2009.} 14. Ne5 Nxe5 15. Bxe5 Bb7 16. Nd2 $14 {Hladecek - Kuta, ICCF 2009.}) 8... b5 9. Bd3 Bb7 {The best move. Again, Nepo avoids some reckless play that appeared in correspondence games.} (9... c4 10. Bc2 Bb7 11. e4 Be7 12. Bf4 O-O 13. d5 Nb4 14. d6 Bxd6 15. Bxd6 Nxc2 16. Rc1 b4 17. Bxf8 bxc3 18. Qxc2 Qxf8 19. Qxc3 Nxe4 20. Qxc4 $18 {Boehme - Hannig, freechess.de 2020.}) 10. a4 {So far, the players are following the engine's top choice at as high of a depth as 74!} b4 {This is a must as ...c5-c4 would have left White with a strong center. Not to mention that the in-between move a4xb5 is also annoying.} (10... c4 $2 11. axb5 axb5 12. Rxa8 Bxa8 13. Bb1 b4 14. Ne4 $14) 11. Ne4 Na5 $1 (11... cxd4 12. exd4 Be7 13. Re1 O-O 14. Be3 $1 {leaves White with some initiative.}) 12. Nxf6+ $6 {A psychological inaccuracy, especially in light of Ding's admission that he had not considered Black's next move! It's clear that White had to pull the ripcord and play} (12. Nxc5 Bxc5 13. dxc5 {, although the positions after} Be4 (13... Nd7 14. c6 Bxc6 15. Nd4 Nc5 16. Bc2 Bd5 17. Qg4 Qf6 18. Bd2 Rb8) 14. Bxe4 Qxd1 15. Rxd1 Nxe4 16. c6 Nb3 17. Rb1 Rd8 18. Nd4 Ke7 19. f3 Nec5 20. Bd2 a5 21. c7 Rd6 {may not have been to Ding's liking.}) 12... gxf6 $1 {[#] Natural and strong. The alternative} (12... Qxf6 13. e4 h6 14. Re1 cxd4 15. e5 Qd8 {is totally playable, but the two-times winner of the Candidates does not miss a chance of getting an even and balanced fight. After 12...Qxf6 the position is practically very convenient for White.}) 13. e4 $6 {Already playing with fire.} (13. dxc5 {is the only testing move.} Qd7 $1 (13... Bxc5 $6 14. e4 Qd6 15. Qe2 O-O-O 16. Rd1 Qb6 17. Bf4 e5 18. Bg3 Rd7 19. Kh2 {and White is more comfortable.}) 14. c6 Bxc6 (14... Nxc6 $2 15. Qe2 $16)) 13... c4 $1 {Nepo confidently seizes the initiative.} 14. Bc2 Qc7 15. Bd2 Rg8 $6 {Engines do not like this move, but I find it hard to believe this 'microscopic' inaccuracy matters much in any practical sense. Black is preparing long castle and ... f6-f5, and that is good enough to scare anyone.} (15... O-O-O 16. Rc1 Kb8 17. Qe1 Qb6 {White cannot play Bc2-d3 now.}) 16. Rc1 $6 {Ding misses his chance. He is surely out of sorts. After} (16. Qe1 f5 (16... Qb6 17. Rc1 {and Black cannot castle due to Bc2-d3.}) 17. Qe2 O-O-O 18. Rad1 {And White is back in maintaining practical balance.}) 16... O-O-O 17. Bd3 $2 {This is the losing blunder.} (17. Qe1 {is a must.} f5 (17... Qb6 18. Bd3 {and Black's king is not on b8 yet}) 18. Kh1 Nc6 19. Qe2 Nxd4 20. Nxd4 Rxd4 21. f3 Kb8 22. Be3 Bc5 $1 {[#] The engines give a 0.00 evaluation here, but at least 7 out of 10 GMs would tell you that it is not comfortable to play this as White.}) 17... Kb8 18. Re1 $6 {Making things worse.} (18. Bxc4 Nxc4 19. b3 Nb2 20. Qe2 Qd6 $1 {is the only winning move.} 21. Rc2 f5 {and Black is winning.}) (18. Qe1 f5 19. Kh1 Qb6 20. Bc2 Bd6 21. Rg1 {puts up far better resistance. After} Nc6 (21... Ka8 {seems to be a killer move, but it is a bit inhuman}) 22. d5 exd5 23. exd5 Ne7 24. Bd1 Bxd5 25. Ne5 {Black is much better, but it is messy enough to present Black with practical difficulties.}) 18... f5 19. Bc2 Nc6 20. Bg5 {[#]} (20. d5 {is the last try. Nevertheless it loses to} Bc5 $1 21. Kh1 (21. dxc6 Qg3) 21... exd5 22. e5 Bc8 {and Black is a healthy pawn up.}) 20... Rxg5 $1 {Well, it is kind of an obvious move, but we should compliment Nepo for getting the kind of position from which this move flows!} 21. Nxg5 Nxd4 22. Qh5 f6 23. Nf3 $4 {Resigning already. Ding doesn't even try to hope for some 'cheapos' with Ng5xh7, although it must be said that Black is still crushing after} (23. Nxh7 Bc5) 23... Nxc2 24. Rxc2 Bxe4 {The rest is, as they say, just a matter of technique.} 25. Rd2 Bd6 26. Kh1 $2 c3 {Push 'em!} 27. bxc3 bxc3 28. Rd4 c2 29. Qh6 e5 {After two rounds, Nepo is confident and calm, while Ding is dealing with a lot of emotions. I personally hope that the Chinese super-GM manages to find his usual form after a rest day.} 0-1 [Event "World Chess Championship"] [Site "chess24.com"] [Date "2023.04.13"] [Round "3.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D36"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Nemcova"] [PlyCount "60"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [WhiteTeam "FID"] [BlackTeam "China"] [BlackTeamCountry "CHN"] {Annotations by WGM Katerina Nemcova} 1. d4 {Surprise! Right in the first move we see that Nepomniachtchi is not going for his main weapon 1. e4 and instead chooses the queen's pawn. Even Ding mentioned this move came out as a "total surprise."} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 (3. Nf3 d5 4. h3 {This position occured only a few days ago in round two, in the only decisive game so far.}) 3... d5 {Black is going into the waters of Queen's Gambit declined.} (3... Bb4 {Ding could have tried to go for the very complex Nimzo Indian Defense here to test Nepomniachtchi's preparation for this match. Given Nepo's lower familiarity with 1. d4 compared to 1. e4, it would be quite interesting to see what he had planned for this game.}) 4. cxd5 exd5 (4... Nxd5 {A rather risky alternative for Black. White can opt for a number of aggressive plans here, and the database shows that Nepomniachtchi has experience with them. His game against Wesley So went as follows:} 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bxc3 c5 7. Rb1 Be7 8. Nf3 O-O 9. h4 $5 {0-1 (40) Nepomniachtchi,I (2792)-So,W (2770) chess24.com INT 2021}) 5. Bg5 c6 6. e3 {Players have now reached the well-known, solid, and thoroughly analysed Carlsbad structure. This pawn formation offers several strategic plans for both colors and we can expect both contenders to be familiar with them. The two most common plans for White include the so-called minority attack (b2-b4-b5) to create weaknesses on the queenside or the f2-f3 and e3-e4 push to gain space in the center. Depending on White's plan, Black will react.} h6 (6... Bf5 {This move is also quite popular and was recently played in a noteworthy game between Aronian and Dominguez. White goes to trade queens quickly and keeps a slight edge in the endgame.} 7. Qf3 Bg6 8. Bxf6 Qxf6 9. Qxf6 gxf6 10. Nf3 Nd7 11. Nh4 Be7 12. Ne2 f5 13. Nf3 Bb4+ 14. Kd1 Bd6 15. Ne1 Ke7 16. Nd3 Bh5 17. f3 {1/2-1/2 (103) Aronian,L (2745) -Dominguez Perez,L (2743) Saint Louis 2023}) 7. Bh4 Be7 8. Bd3 O-O {Both players are naturally developing their pieces.} 9. Qc2 (9. Nge2 {is Ding's go-to move here with games from both the white and black sides. It's interesting to see the power of the ...b7-b5 move, which not only gets space for Black but also allows for ...b5-b4 attacking the knight. For example:} Re8 10. O-O Nbd7 (10... a5 11. Rc1 Nbd7 12. f3 b5 13. Bf2 {1-0 (49) Ding,L (2799) -Artemiev,V (2700) chess24.com INT 2022}) 11. f3 (11. a4 $5 {The idea is to stop the ...b7-b5 plan.} Nh5 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. a5 Nf8 14. Nc1 Nf6 15. Nb3 Rb8 16. Qc2 b6 17. axb6 axb6 18. Nd2 c5 {0-1 (42) Praggnanandhaa,R (2642)-Ding,L (2806) chess24.com INT 2022}) 11... b5 $5 12. Bf2 (12. e4 b4 $1 13. Na4 $2 dxe4 14. fxe4 Nxe4 $1 $17) 12... a5 13. Ng3 Ba6 14. Kh1 b4 15. Nce2 Bxd3 16. Qxd3 c5 17. dxc5 Nxc5 {1/2-1/2 (82) Grischuk,A (2745)-Ding,L (2811) Chess.com INT 2022}) 9... Re8 10. Nge2 Nbd7 11. O-O a5 {Black is gaining space on the queen-side and preparing for either the ...b7-b5 or the ...c6-c5 break.} (11... Nh5 {is another logical option for Black.} 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 13. Rab1 {White is going for the first plan — the minority attack — to create a weakness on the queenside.} a5 {Black will delay the attack and later develop his pieces. Results show a lot of draws in these positions.}) (11... b5 {may be a little premature here. White will attack the pawn with} 12. a4 b4 13. Na2 {transferring this knight via Na2-c1-b3. White will also control the c-file and enjoy a nice positional advantage.}) 12. a3 Nh5 {A typical move in the Carlsbad structure offering a bishop trade. Black needs to free up his rook on the e-file to pressure e3-pawn. Moving the black bishop to f8 would allow White to keep the annoying pin.} (12... b5 13. f3 b4 14. axb4 {is not that powerful because Black cannot recapture with his pawn.} Bxb4) 13. Bxe7 Qxe7 14. Rae1 {At first look, this move may appear strange beacuse it locks the other rook on f1. However, when we understand the plan of playing f2-f3 and e3-e4, it suddenly makes sense to have both rooks on potentially open files.} Nf8 {Black is transferring the knight to a better square, such as e6, while allowing the c8-bishop to get out.} 15. Nc1 {White needs to remove the knight to defend the e3-pawn with this rook. Then he can be serious about pushing his pawns to the center.} Nf6 16. f3 {The pawns are ready to go!} Ne6 {Black is pressuring the pawn on d4 and not allowing further advance in the center. As a sidenote, it is very interesting that we are still in the game Giri - Ding (2022) yet Ding has already spent one hour on his clock.} 17. N1e2 $146 {Nepomniachtchi confirmed that he was familiar with the previously mentioned game. However, here he decided to deviate. The knight is getting back to the game and is likely to aim for the luxurious f5-square where it create discomfort for Black.} (17. Qf2 c5 (17... b5 $1 {The best reply according to the computer, as well as Giri's live commentary, and a possible reason why Ding would have preferred for his opponent to copy Giri's moves. Black is ready to counterattack White's plan of e4 with his ...b5-b4 attack.}) 18. Bb5 Rd8 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Nb3 Qb6 21. Rd1 Bd7 22. Bxd7 Rxd7 23. Nd4 Re8 {1/2-1/2 (40) Giri,A (2761)-Ding,L (2806) chess24.com INT 2022}) 17... c5 {Ding continues with the same approach as in his game against Giri. He targets the pawn on d4. Caruana noted that "this move may be an inaccruate continuation."} (17... b5 $5 {An interesting alternative for Black, mentioned by Giri during the game, that may look risky at first sight, but is not that bad after a deeper look.} 18. Ng3 Rb8 19. Nf5 Qf8 {Although White looks well here and had achieved that fancy square for his knight, it is unclear whether the knight really poses a serious challange to Black. The knight needs to be careful of .. .g7-g6 forcing it back. Black could also plan for the ...b5-b4 break followed by c6-c5. Overall, it's a complicated position for both colors.}) 18. Bb5 {Definitely not the only move here and probably not the best move. However, it keeps the spirit of the Ding - Giri game alive.} (18. dxc5 {is not recommended. After} Qxc5 19. Ng3 {Black can get rid of his potentially weak pawn and go for a pawn break with} d4 $5 20. Nge4 Nxe4 21. Nxe4 Qb6 22. Qf2 Bd7 23. exd4 Nxd4 {and the position is equal.}) (18. Nf4 $5 {The best move, metioned by Caruana.} cxd4 (18... Nxf4 19. exf4 Qf8 20. dxc5 Qxc5+ 21. Qf2 Qxf2+ 22. Kxf2 {Surprisingly, White is doing quite well here. White's pieces are well-deveoped and there is a clear target on d5.} Bd7 23. Rxe8+ Rxe8 24. Rd1 $14 {Now, White can rerout his bishop to the a2-g8 diagonal and use his doubled f-pawns. The goal would be to create a strong pawn avalache on the kingside, pressure the f6-knight and further attack the d5-pawn.}) 19. exd4 Qd8 20. Nxe6 Bxe6 $14 {With a comfortable position for White. Black has some issues with the light squares on both sides and his bishop is staring at his own d5-pawn. However, Ding is an extremely strong player and it is likely that he would be able to hold this position.}) 18... Rd8 (18... Bd7 {This move looks logical but it may create unnecessary problems for Black.} 19. Bxd7 Qxd7 (19... Nxd7 20. Nxd5 $1 Qd6 21. Ndc3 cxd4 22. Rd1 $14) 20. Na4) 19. dxc5 Qxc5 20. Qd2 Bd7 {Black is not forgetting about his piece development. Finally it's time for the bishop to get out.} (20... d4 $5 {This move looks both reasonable and risky. Black is happy to get rid of his pawn weakenss; however, his underdeveloped pieces may struggle in an open position.} 21. exd4 Nxd4 22. Nxd4 Rxd4 23. Qf2 {Black has to be laser-focused here and not make a normal-looking yet terrible move:} Bf5 $4 24. Rd1 $1 {Black is loosing a piece!} Rad8 25. Ne2 $18) 21. Bxd7 $6 (21. Nd4 {is a safer option for White. It leads to an equal position.} Nxd4 22. Qxd4 Qxd4 23. exd4) 21... Nxd7 $1 {A big surprise from Ding! Nepomniachtchi called it “quite a move” at the press conference. This move works tactically and its power lies in the transfer of a somewhat useless f6-knight to much better pastures.} 22. Nd4 (22. Qxd5 $2 Qxe3+ 23. Kh1 Ndc5 {and White's queen will be in big trouble.}) (22. Nxd5 $4 Nb6 $1 {loses a knight immediately. There is no e3-e4 resource beacuse of the pin.}) 22... Nb6 {Black's plan is pretty straigtforward now: transfer the knight to c4 to attack the pawns on e3 and b2 as well as the queen on d2.} 23. Rd1 {An interesting move choice by Nepo.} Nc4 24. Qf2 Rac8 {A natural move. Black got his last piece into the game and is not threatening Nxb2.} (24... Nxa3 $5 {An interesting but also risky idea for Black} 25. e4 $1 {White is a pawn down but ready to attack in the center. Black needs to be very accurate with his following moves.} dxe4 $4 26. Nxe6 Qxf2+ 27. Kxf2 fxe6 28. bxa3 $18) (24... b5 {is a nice positional sacrifice.} 25. Ncxb5 (25. Ndxb5 Nxe3 $19) 25... a4) 25. Na4 {White is forcing the queen to go away from her active square.} Qe7 26. Rfe1 $5 {White is also concerned with his pieces, improving the last one! The rook on f1 was somewhat bored while now it is guarding the e3-pawn.} Qf6 {attacking the knight on d4.} (26... Qe8 $5 27. Nc3 Nxa3 28. Nf5 $5 {attacking the pawn on d5 and allowing counterplay on the kindgside with the idea of Qf2-g3.} (28. bxa3 Rxc3) 28... Rc5 29. Qg3 {threating to chop on h6 with the knight, and after} Kf8 {there is a complicated game ahead.}) (26... Nxd4 $5 {This may have been the best choice for Black. Althought to me it looks like a transformation to an equal endgame, the computer feels that Black is doing better.} 27. exd4 (27. Rxd4 b5 $1 28. Nc3 Qc5 {with some chances for Black.}) 27... Qf6 28. Nc5 b6 29. Nd3 Re8 $15) 27. Nb5 $1 {A strong move that keeps the position in balance (according to the computer). Given the previous analysis, it is clear that White is happy to keep both knights on the board and not allowing the trads on d4. White's a4-knight also gets some credit now for defending the b2-pawn.} Nc7 (27... d4 $5 {Ding mentioned that he also considered this move but found it too risky.} 28. exd4 Nf4 {The idea behind this pawn sacrifice is that Black gets excellent squares for his pieces. Black's activity should be enough for one pawn, but this decision is still risky. Given that Ding was just recovering from a loss, making a draw may have been a better practical decision in this World Championship match.}) 28. Nd4 Ne6 29. Nb5 Nc7 30. Nd4 Ne6 {1/2-1/2 The game is a draw.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.14"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "GM Elshan"] [PlyCount "93"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {I am glad CLO allowed me to cover rounds two and four of the World Championship match, because now I can talk about the very different stories these players create through their moves. After a disastrous first two days, I compared coming back from such a start to being down three points in a match. Ding proved it was not the case as he managed to collect himself and be a different 'beast' in games three and four. Today he played ambitiously with a lot of willpower. Nepo collapsed under pressure, and Ding again showed his flawless technique and won convincingly. Annotations by GM Elshan Moradiabadi} 1. c4 {As mentioned by Nepo in the post-game conference, he did not think there was a high probability of Ding playing the English in this game. We all remember how Nepo had a crucial victory against Ding in the first round of 2022 Candidates in Spain.} Nf6 (1... e5 2. g3 c6 3. Nf3 e4 4. Nd4 d5 5. cxd5 Qxd5 6. Nc2 Nf6 7. Nc3 Qe5 8. Bg2 Na6 9. O-O Be7 10. Ne3 O-O 11. a3 Re8 12. b4 Ng4 13. Bb2 Qh5 14. h4 Bf6 15. Qc2 Nxe3 16. dxe3 Bf5 17. Na4 Bxb2 18. Nxb2 Nc7 19. Nc4 Re6 20. Rfd1 Nd5 21. Rd4 h6 22. Qd2 Rae8 23. Kh2 Bg4 24. Na5 Rf6 25. Kg1 g5 26. Nxb7 gxh4 27. Nc5 h3 28. Rxe4 hxg2 29. Rxe8+ Kg7 30. f4 Qh1+ 31. Kf2 Qxa1 32. Kxg2 Bh3+ {0-1 (32) Ding, L (2806)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2766) Madrid 2022}) 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 {This is a good sign! Ding is playing for a win, after all. I am personally connected to this position, as I won from the Black side against GM Ilya Nyzhnyk in the last round of the 2022 U.S. Open. Despite my positive feelings for this position, Black has a few plans against White's ambitious move.} (6. Qxc3 {This move has proven to be too easy to handle these days. See Chapter 7.}) 6... d6 {The engine's favorite move.} (6... O-O {This was my choice when I was trying to play for a win. See Chapter 8.}) (6... e4 {This leads to a forced sharp line, in which Black has few problems. This is also covered in Chapter 8.}) 7. e4 O-O 8. Be2 Nh5 {Nepo committed to this rather quickly. I suspect he had some in-depth analysis (dah!) and he was confident that he would recall it as he played through the next few moves. For better alternatives, see Chapter 9.} 9. d4 Nf4 10. Bxf4 exf4 11. O-O Qf6 12. Rfe1 Re8 13. Bd3 {Ding mentioned that he was already out of his preparation. Yet, he continued with energetic play and clear plans. This is what he is known for: crystal clear plans!} Bg4 14. Nd2 $1 {Without hesitations.} (14. e5 dxe5 15. Bxh7+ Kf8 {only hands over the initiative to Black.}) 14... Na5 15. c5 $1 {Ding plays enthusiastically. This does not worry the engines a bit, but in a practical sense, White has something to play for now.} dxc5 16. e5 Qh6 17. d5 Rad8 18. c4 b6 19. h3 Bh5 20. Be4 $1 {Another excellent idea, though engines like Qc2-c3 follow by retreating the bishop to c2 a tad better. This move keeps the knight on a5 at bay. Also, the e5-pawn is tactically protected thanks to the Be4xh7+ idea.} Re7 21. Qc3 Rde8 22. Bf3 Nb7 23. Re2 f6 {The knight needs the d6-square. However, this leaves White with a monstrous center.} 24. e6 Nd6 25. Rae1 Nf5 $6 {This is the beginning of a strategic catastrophe.} (25... Bg6 26. Ra1 $1 {An odd move, suggested by the engines.} Qg5 27. a4 a5 28. Ree1 $1 {Some Ra1-a3, Bf3-g4, or Bf3-Be4 are suggested by the engines and it appears that White is maintaining long-term pressure by 'dillydallying' his pieces around Black's queen. I am not convinced White is even that much better, but it is certainly unpleasant for Black.} Qh6 29. Bg4 Kf8 30. Qb3 Qg5 31. Nf3 Qh6) 26. Bxh5 Qxh5 27. Re4 Qh6 28. Qf3 Nd4 $4 {Nepo walks into a strategically losing position where White dominates the board with his knight. It reminds me of the game Hort-Kurajica where Hort played 20.Rd6! and dominated the dark squares. See Chapter 10.} (28... g5) 29. Rxd4 $1 {Ding returns the "favor" of Nepo's second-round exchange sacrifice. The remainder is an immaculate technical display by Ding.} cxd4 30. Nb3 g5 $6 {Bad but it really does not matter.} 31. Nxd4 Qg6 32. g4 $1 {securing the f5-square.} fxg3 33. fxg3 h5 34. Nf5 Rh7 35. Qe4 Kh8 36. e7 {(Around here, several commentators were debating whether White could “slow play” the position. One possibility was even walking the king over to the queenside, reminiscent of Karpov – Jussupow (1993) as shown in Chapter 11 - JJL)} Qf7 37. d6 $1 {Taking advantage of the move ...Kg8-h8.} cxd6 38. Nxd6 Qg8 (38... Rxe7 39. Nxf7+ $18) 39. Nxe8 Qxe8 40. Qe6 Kg7 41. Rf1 Rh6 42. Rd1 f5 43. Qe5+ Kf7 44. Qxf5+ Rf6 45. Qh7+ Ke6 46. Qg7 Rg6 47. Qf8 {A neat victory for Ding. A step-by-step execution of his plans, tailored to perfection! It is amazing how fast he managed to come back from a barely recognizable shadow of himself to the man who won this game in style.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.14"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "GM Elshan"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r1bqk2r/pppp1ppp/2n2n2/4p3/2P5/2P1PN2/P1QP1PPP/R1B1KB1R b KQkq - 0 6"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] 6... O-O {This was my choice when I was trying to play for a win. I personally consider this move more flexible and easier to play. Black has four plans after White's e3-e4: 1. Going for ... a7-a6 and ...b7-b5 on the queenside 2. Playing d7-d6 and rerouting the knight from c6 to g6 3. Playing d7-d6 and follow up with ... Nf6-h5-f4, like Nepo did. 4. After ...d7-d6, playing for the the plan of ... h7-h6 and ...Nf6-h7 followed by ...f7-f5.} (6... e4 {This leads to a forced sharp line, in which Black has few problems. However, Nepo was already surprised, and recalling such a sharp line in a critical game would require an in-depth review right before the game, which Nepo clearly had not done.} 7. Ng5 Qe7 8. f3 exf3 9. Nxf3 O-O 10. Be2 (10. d4 {This was tried just a day before this game in the Saint Louis Spring Classic in the game between Yakubboev and Sevian, where Black went astray. Nevertheless, Black can continue on a sharp path with ... b7-b6 and ...Bc8-Ba6 while letting White castle and go for Nf3-h4-f5. I do not wish to make this analysis more complicated, so I leave that to you and your engine.} d6 (10... b6 11. Bd3 Ba6 12. O-O Rae8 13. Nh4 g6 14. e4 $1 Nxe4 15. Nf3 Na5 $1 16. Bh6 Bxc4 17. Bxf8 Bxd3 18. Qxd3 Rxf8 19. c4 f5 20. g4 $132) 11. Bd3 Bd7 12. O-O Rae8 13. Ng5 h6 14. Nh7 Nxh7 15. Bxh7+ Kh8 16. Bd3 Na5 17. e4 f6 18. Bf4 Be6 19. Qe2 b6 20. Rae1 Qd7 $13 {[%csl Yc4,Gd3,Gf4]}) 10... d6 {This could have been a choice too. Here, Nepo could still opt for the plan of getting the bishop to the b7-square, where we would have another sharp line as well.} 11. O-O Bd7 12. Rb1 b6 13. Nd4 Rae8 14. d3 Nxd4 15. cxd4 Ng4 16. Bxg4 Bxg4 17. d5 Qg5 18. Rf4 Qg6 19. Qd2 Re5 20. Bb2 Rf5 21. e4 Rxf4 22. Qxf4 f6 23. Re1 Bd7 24. Qf2 f5 25. e5 dxe5 26. Rxe5 f4 27. Re7 Rf7 28. Rxf7 Qxf7 29. Be5 Bf5 30. Qf3 Qe7 31. d4 Qb4 32. h3 Qe1+ 33. Kh2 g5 34. Bxc7 h5 35. d6 Kg7 36. Qxh5 {1/2-1/2 (36) Neto,H (2615)-Schwenck,M (2519) ICCF email 2012}) 7. d3 a6 8. Be2 b5 9. d4 e4 10. Nd2 bxc4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Qxe4 d5 13. Qf4 Re8 14. Bd1 Na7 15. a4 Rb8 16. Bc2 Rb6 17. Rb1 Rxb1 18. Bxb1 Bd7 19. Bc2 Nc8 20. Ba3 a5 21. Kd2 Nb6 22. Rb1 h6 23. h4 Bxa4 24. Bxa4 Nxa4 25. Rb7 Re6 26. g4 Rb6 27. Rxb6 cxb6 28. g5 hxg5 29. hxg5 Qe8 30. g6 fxg6 31. f3 b5 32. Qg5 Nxc3 33. Kxc3 b4+ 34. Bxb4 axb4+ 35. Kxb4 Qb8+ 36. Ka5 Qd6 37. Qg4 Qc6 38. Qg2 Kf7 39. Qc2 Qb7 40. Ka4 Qd7+ 41. Ka5 Qf5 42. Qg2 c3 43. Qh2 Qc8 44. Qc2 Qc4 {0-1 (44) Nyzhnyk, I (2686) -Moradiabadi,E (2539) Rancho Mirage 2022} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.14"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "GM Elshan"] [SetUp "1"] [FEN "r1bq1rk1/ppp2ppp/2np1n2/4p3/2P1P3/2P2N2/P1QPBPPP/R1B1K2R b KQ - 0 8"] [PlyCount "5"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] 8... b6 (8... a6 {This plan is slow now.} 9. O-O Rb8 10. a4 h6 11. a5 $1 $14 {[%csl Rb8][%CAl Gf1e1,Gd2d4,Ra7a6]} Nh7 12. Re1 f5 13. d4 Kh8 14. Bf1 {[%CAl Gc4c5,Gc1a3] Engines eventually show some balanced middlegames, but practically this is very good for White.}) 9. O-O (9. d3 Ne7 10. O-O h6 11. Nh4 (11. a4 a5 12. d4 Bb7 13. Nd2 Ng6 $1 $13 {[%CAl Gf6h7,Gd8f6]} (13... c5 $2 14. dxe5 dxe5 15. Rd1 Ng6 16. g3 Qc8 17. Rb1 Qc6 18. f3 h5 19. Nf1 h4 20. Ne3 Qe6 21. Bf1 Rad8 22. Nd5 Rd6 23. Be3 Bc8 24. Rb2 Nxd5 25. cxd5 Qf6 26. Qf2 Bd7 27. f4 hxg3 28. hxg3 exf4 29. gxf4 Nh4 {1/2-1/2 (29) Shtembuliak,E (2600)-Hevia Alejano,C (2465) Charlotte 2019})) 11... g5 12. Nf3 Ng6 13. Re1 Nf4 14. Bf1 Nh7 15. d4 Qf6 16. Nd2 c5 17. a4 a5 18. Nb1 g4 19. Bxf4 Qxf4 20. Na3 Ra7 21. Nb5 Rd7 22. dxe5 dxe5 23. Rad1 Rxd1 24. Qxd1 Ng5 25. Nc7 Nxe4 26. Qc2 Bb7 27. Nd5 Bxd5 28. cxd5 Nd6 29. g3 Qg5 30. Qe2 e4 31. Rb1 Rb8 32. Rd1 f5 33. Qe3 Qxe3 34. fxe3 c4 35. h3 h5 36. Be2 Kg7 37. Kf2 b5 38. hxg4 hxg4 39. axb5 Rxb5 40. Rd4 Rb2 41. Ke1 a4 42. Bxc4 a3 {0-1 (42) Shtembuliak,E (2620)-Hevia Alejano,C (2467) Chess.com INT 2021}) 9... h6 10. d3 Ne7 $1 {1-0 White wins.} 1-0 [Event "Nepomniachtchi-Ding World Chess Champio"] [Site "chess24.com"] [Date "2023.04.17"] [Round "5.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Tatev"] [PlyCount "95"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [WhiteTeam "FID"] [BlackTeam "China"] [BlackTeamCountry "CHN"] {Annotations by WGM Tatev Abrahamyan} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 {Nepomniachtchi deviates from his experiment in game one, but still avoids the Marshall Attack.} (6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. Re1 {was tried in game one, which eventually ended in a draw.}) (6. Re1 {is the main move, and after} b5 7. Bb3 O-O 8. c3 d5 {we have reached the fearsome Marshall Attack.} 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 c6 {This pawn sacrifice has proven to be theoretically sound. Black gets counterplay on the kingside with moves like ...Bd6-e7 and ...Qd8-h4, provoking g2-g3 and weakening the light squares around White's king in the process.} 12. d4 Bd6 13. Re1 Qh4 14. g3 Qh3 $13 {This unclear position has been played thousands of times, and has long been a main part of Ding's repertoire.}) 6... b5 7. Bb3 d6 {Black is ready to play ...Nc6-a5 and force a trade of the b3-bishop for a knight, so White usually reacts in a way that preserves the powerful bishop.} (7... d5 {here doesn't make as much sense as after} 8. exd5 Nxd5 9. Re1 O-O 10. Nxe5 Nxe5 11. Rxe5 c6 {the d2-d3 move proves to be more useful than 8. c3 as it allows for quicker development from White.} 12. Nd2 Bd6 13. Re1 Qh4 {is not as venemous because of White's quick development:} 14. g3 Qh3 15. Ne4 $14) 8. c3 (8. a3 {is the move Nepomniactchi successfully tried again Ding during the 2020 Candidates. The idea is to preserve the bishop and keep it on the a2-g8 diagonal in order to then fight for the key d5-square with Nb1-c3.} O-O 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Ba2 Be6 11. b4 Bxa2 12. Rxa2 Nc6 13. Bg5 Qd7 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Nd5 a5 16. Rb2 axb4 17. axb4 Bd8 18. c4 Nd4 19. Nxd4 exd4 20. Qc2 Re8 21. g3 bxc4 22. Qxc4 c6 23. Nf4 Bg5 24. Ne2 d5 25. exd5 cxd5 26. Qb3 h5 27. b5 h4 28. b6 h3 29. Kh1 Reb8 30. Rfb1 Bd8 31. Qb5 Qg4 32. Qxd5 Ra5 33. Qc6 Rc5 34. Qe8+ Kh7 35. Ng1 Rxb6 36. Qxd8 Rxb2 37. Rxb2 Rc1 38. Qh4+ Qxh4 39. gxh4 Rd1 40. f3 {1-0 (40) Nepomniachtchi,I (2774)-Ding,L (2805) Ekaterinburg 2020}) 8... O-O 9. h3 {This is a topical line that has been played by GM Alireza Firouzja several times. The idea is to avoid Black's ...Bc8-g4 in certain lines.} Bb7 (9... Na5 {is another option for Black as it forces the bishop to retreat to c2.} 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 {and now the usefulness of 9. h3 becomes clear as Black would love to capture on d4 and then play ...Bc8-g4. The most recent top-level classical game here is from the Tata Steel Masters from earlier this year between Caruana and Keymer.} d5 12. dxe5 Nxe4 13. Nbd2 Bf5 14. Re1 Nc6 15. Nf1 c4 16. Be3 Bg6 17. Ng3 b4 18. Nxe4 dxe4 19. Ba4 bxc3 20. bxc3 Nb4 21. Qxd8 Rfxd8 22. Nd4 Nd3 23. Nc6 Re8 24. Nxe7+ Rxe7 25. Reb1 Nxe5 26. Rb6 f6 27. Rab1 Be8 28. Bc5 Rc7 29. Bd6 Rcc8 30. Bd1 Nd7 31. Rb7 Rc6 32. Ba3 Nc5 33. Rb8 Rxb8 34. Rxb8 Kf7 35. Be2 Bd7 36. Ra8 Nd3 37. Ra7 Ke8 38. Ra8+ Kf7 39. Ra7 Ke8 40. Ra8+ {1/2-1/2 (40) Caruana,F (2766)-Keymer,V (2696) Wijk aan Zee 2023}) 10. a4 {One of the least-explored moves in this position. The only top-level game in this position is from Firouzja - Giri 2022.} Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Bg5 {While this is not a pin, White's idea is to eventually capture the f6-knight and thus have better control of the d5-square. This is a common idea in the Sveshikov Sicilian, where Black also has pawns on the dark d6- and e5-squares.} (12. Na3 Qd7 13. Bg5 bxa4 14. Nh4 Rab8 15. Nf5 Bd8 16. f4 exf4 17. Rxf4 Nb3 18. Bxb3 axb3 19. Qf3 Ne8 20. Bxd8 Rxd8 21. Qg3 f6 22. Raf1 Bc8 23. Nc4 Qb7 24. Nce3 Be6 25. R4f3 a5 26. Ra1 Qc7 27. d4 cxd4 28. Nxd4 Bf7 29. Nd5 Bxd5 30. exd5 Qc5 31. Kh2 Qxd5 32. Rf5 Qf7 33. Rfxa5 Rd7 34. Nf5 Kh8 35. Re1 g6 36. Nd4 Ng7 37. Qf3 d5 38. Ra6 Rb8 39. Rxf6 Qg8 40. Rf1 Rdd8 41. Nc6 Nf5 42. Nxb8 Rxb8 43. g4 Qd8 44. Re6 Ng7 45. Re5 Qd6 46. Qxd5 Qc7 47. Qc5 Qd8 48. Rd5 Qe8 49. Qf2 Ra8 50. Re1 Qb8+ 51. Rde5 Qg8 52. Qe2 Ra2 53. Re4 Qb8+ 54. Kg2 Qc8 55. Rf1 Kg8 56. Rd4 Qxc3 57. Rd8+ {1-0 (57) Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) Miami 2022}) 12... h6 {Ding spent 13 minutes on this move.} (12... Qd7 {is another move that Ding was considering in the position. However, he figured that after} 13. axb5 axb5 14. Nbd2 {he would play ...h7-h6 at some point anyways.}) 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 {There has been some clarification in the position. Now that the f6-knight is gone, White's idea is to play Rf1-e1 followed by Nd2-f1-e3-d5. Ideally, White would trade all the other minor pieces, leaving himself with a knight on d5 against Black's dark-squared bishop.} Nc6 {The knight no longer has anything to do on a5 so it returns to c6, with the idea of ...Nc6-e7-g6.} 16. Bd5 (16. Re1 {immediately is inaccurate here as} Ne7 {takes control of d5.} 17. Nf1 {Now, the immediate} d5 $1 {works out for Black because after} 18. exd5 Nxd5 19. Nxe5 {the pawn capture will be costly.} Bxe5 20. Rxe5 Nf4 {Black is doing great here, attacking both the g2- and d3-pawns.}) 16... Rxa1 {Black temporarily gives up the open a-file.} 17. Qxa1 Qd7 18. Re1 Ra8 {Now, Black regains the open file.} 19. Qd1 Bd8 {Black reroutes the "bad" bishop to the queenside, where it will prove useful.} (19... Ne7 {is similar to what happened in the game however after} 20. Bxb7 Qxb7 21. Nf1 {perhaps Ding was worried about g2-g4, h2-h4 and then g4-g5, which would give the f6-bishop some real problems.}) 20. Nf1 Ne7 21. Bxb7 Qxb7 22. Ne3 Bb6 23. h4 $1 {A typical move for these structures. White will put the pawn on h5, fixing Black's kingside pawns. The idea is to build an attack with Nf3-h4-f5 and Qd1-g4.} Qc6 (23... h5 {, which stops White from playing h4-h5, is risky. After} 24. Ng5 g6 25. Qf3 Rf8 26. g4 {the Black king comes under a huge attack.}) 24. h5 {During the press conference, Nepomniachtchi shared that he was unsure of what to do here, as indicated by his 15-minute think.} (24. c4 {is another move he was considering.} Ba5 25. Re2 {Now, he felt that this is clearly good for him, but Black is in time to play . ..h6-h5 as the queen is not going to active squares such as f3 or g4.} h5 $1) 24... c4 {This is a logical way for Black to look for counterplay, opening the diagonal of the bishop. Now we see the idea behind ...Bf6-d8-b6 and ...Qb7-c6.} 25. d4 (25. dxc4 {will be met with} Bxe3 26. Rxe3 bxc4 {. It may feel counterintuitive to exchange the bishop for a knight after such a long journey, but this puts an end to White's entire idea of controlling the d5-square. Black will get plenty of counterplay against the b2-pawn and it is hard to imagine the f3-knight ever landing on d5.}) 25... exd4 (25... Qxe4 26. Nxc4 Qc6 27. Nxb6 Qxb6 28. dxe5 {leaves White up a pawn.}) (25... Rd8 {is another option for Black, keeping the central tension.} 26. Nh4 exd4 (26... d5 {This is the top suggestion by the computer. Now that the knight has moved away from the center and the e5-pawn isn't pressured, Black can try to open the center. This shift of the position would force Nepomniachtchi make a major decision.} 27. Nf3 (27. exd5 Qf6 $1 {was the whole idea behind pushing ... d6-d5. Now the knight will no longer land on the f5-square!}) (27. dxe5 dxe4 28. Qg4 Bxe3 {Again, the bishop should trade itself for the annoying knight.} 29. Rxe3 Qd5 {with the idea of both ...Qd5-d1 and ...Qd5xe5 was strong, and after} 30. Rxe4 Qd1+ 31. Qxd1 Rxd1+ 32. Kh2 Rd2 {Black should be equal.}) 27... exd4 28. Nxd4 Qd7 29. e5 {In my opinion, the position still looks more pleasant for White as the ideas of e5-e6 or f4-f5 are still in the air.}) 27. Nef5 Nxf5 28. Nxf5 {looks extremely dangerous for Black as it is hard to imagine a way to defend the g7-square with the dark-squared bishop on the other side of the board, but the computer finds a clever way.} Qe8 29. cxd4 (29. Qg4 Qe5 $1) 29... Qe6 30. Qg4 Qf6 {Black managed to defend the kingside and can now create counterplay via ...b5-b4 and ...c4-c3.}) 26. Nxd4 (26. cxd4 {This capture looks logical as it allows White to grab the center, but it gives Black clear counterplay associated with creating a passed pawn.} b4 (26... Qxe4 27. Nxc4 {and Black's pieces begin to hang.}) 27. Qc2 Rc8 {Black will play ...c4-c3 creating a passed pawn, which will tie White down.}) 26... Qc5 {A multipurpose move, eyeing the h5-pawn as well as bringing the queen quickly to aid her king.} (26... Qd7 {would be much better, as it leaves the a7-g1 diagonal open for the dark-squared bishop and also stops Qd1-g4.} 27. Ndf5 {There is a slight difference in each knight jump to f5.} (27. Nef5 Bxd4 28. Nxd4 {While the knight looks better on the centralized d4-square, I like the potential of the e3-knight more. Even so, I prefer White's position here as Black's counterplay is not so clear.}) 27... Bxe3 28. Nxe3 {and we see a similar position to the one where Black had captured on d4 immediately.}) (26... Bxd4 {The bishop can still capture a knight as a way to avoid facing a knight on f5.} 27. Qxd4 {However, unlike in some other lines we saw, the e3-knight is still well-placed, as White still has control of the d5- and f5-squares. This means that Black's e7-knight could not move, and also that the d6-pawn is a bigger target as the e4-pawn is easy to defend. But, most of all, there is no clear counterplay for Black as the ...b5-b4 pawn push is more difficult here, and White can still try ideas such as a rook lift via Re1-e3 or a kingside expansion with g2-g4-g5.}) 27. Qg4 Qe5 28. Nf3 (28. Qd7 {White can completely shift gears and start targetting the queenside. This move leads to some concrete lines and, given how quickly Nepomniachtchi played his move, it is safe to assume this was not a major consideration for him.} Bxd4 29. cxd4 Qxe4 30. f3 {Black's position is extremly loose here after} Qe6 {.} (30... Qh4 {This active move runs into a problem.} 31. Nc2 {and Black has only one move to defend the knight!} Kf8 (31... Nd5 32. Qb7)) 31. Qb7 Re8 32. Nc2 Qf6 33. Qxb5 $13 {There has been a major shift in the structure and flow of the game, but Black is still under some pressure on the e-file.}) 28... Qe6 29. Nf5 {We reach the critical moment of the game.} Nxf5 {During the press conference, Ding admitted that he did not see White's plan associated with this move.} (29... Qf6 {would have been the better option, putting the burden on White to prove that he has anything in the position. Black can always capture the f5-knight, thus it is not a decision he has to commit to at this moment.}) 30. exf5 Qf6 {Placing the queen on this square is very logical, but it was a mistake.} (30... Qd7 {was more accurate, which we can understand when comparing to what happened in the game. Commentator GM Irina Krush asked Ding during the press conference if he was trying to make this move work. Ding admitted that he was a bit impatient here as he thought he was already close to equalizing.} 31. Qe4 d5 {Unlike in the game, this move is now possible.} 32. Qe7 Qxe7 33. Rxe7 b4 {The idea is to look for immediate counterplay. In the long run, Black is still in trouble as his king's position is worse, and the d5- and b5-pawns are both weak. If we give White two free moves to play g2-g3 and Kg1-g2, then Black is in a lot of trouble as Re7-d7, Re7-b7 and Nf3-e5 are now all threats.} 34. cxb4 Kf8 {It turns out that this works out for Black for concrete reasons.} 35. Re1 (35. Rb7 {runs into} Ra1+ 36. Kh2 Bxf2 {. Note that this is why I wanted to give White the free moves of g2-g3 and K1-g2 to illustrate my point, as then this pawn-grab would be impossible!} 37. Ne5 f6 {still looks a bit scary for Black, but he can either start to quickly push his d-pawn or play ...d5-d4 and ...c4-c3, as the f2-bishop can easily stop White's passed b-pawn.}) 35... Bc7 {was Black's best try, stopping Nf3-e5 and preparing ...Ra8-a2.}) 31. Qe4 {This move is quite annoying to face as the queen can move to c6 and b7, harrassing the queenside.} Rb8 32. Re2 {This is a prophylactic move that prevents ...b5-b4 by defending the b2-pawn.} Bc5 {This is the position Ding was aiming for when he played 30...Qf6.} 33. g4 {And this is the move that Ding missed. We will see the strength of this idea play out in the game.} Qd8 (33... b4 34. Qxc4 {White can now grab this pawn as his f5-pawn is defended.}) 34. Qd5 {White centralizes the queen while stopping Black from ever playing ...d6-d5 and ...b5-b4.} Kf8 35. Kf1 Rc8 (35... Qc8 36. f6 {and the g4-pawn is not hanging with check!} gxf6 {The computer captures this pawn in a cold-blooded manner, but this would be incredibly difficult to play for a human, especially since the knight will later land on the key f5-square.} 37. Qe4 Kg8 {is necessary, preventing Qe4-h7.} 38. Nh4 Qb7 {Black can force a trade of queens.} 39. Qxb7 Rxb7 40. Nf5 {Now, this endgame looks great for White but Black does get quick counterplay with} b4 {as long as Black really senses the danger and goes for this, as he has better drawing chances here.}) 36. Re4 {Not a particularly spectacular move by White, but I do enjoy a rook lift!} Rb8 {Black's "nothing moves" are about to get punished.} 37. g5 $1 hxg5 {This is just "game over" for Black, as demonstrated in the game.} (37... Qd7 {Again, a cold-blooded move by the computer. The following line is all computer analysis.} 38. gxh6 gxh6 39. f6 {with the idea of Re4-e7 is highly effective, as after} Qh3+ 40. Ke2 Qg2 41. Re7 {White can play a cold-blooded response in return, ignoring Black's threats entirely.} Qxf2+ 42. Kd1 Qf1+ 43. Kc2 Qd3+ {This move is forced, otherwise Black will get mated on f7} 44. Qxd3 cxd3+ 45. Kxd3 {We have reached a close-to-winning endgame for White, as every single piece is better, especially the king, and all of Black's pawns are easy targets. For example} Re8 46. Rxe8+ Kxe8 47. Ke4 Kd7 48. Ng5 $3 {is a thematic sacrifice that should be familiar for Caro-Kann players.} hxg5 49. h6 d5+ 50. Kxd5 Bf8 51. h7 $18 {and the pawn queens!}) 38. Rg4 {This was White's whole idea.} Ra8 (38... f6 {loses to} 39. Nh4 $3 gxh4 40. h6 $1 {which leads to either checkmate or the h-pawn getting a promotion.} Qe7 (40... gxh6 41. Qg8+ Ke7 42. Rg7#) 41. h7 {There is no way to stop the pawn!}) 39. Nxg5 Ra1+ 40. Ke2 {The king is perfectly safe here!} Qe7+ 41. Ne4 {A strong move, with threats of pushing both h5-h6 and f5-f6 still in the air.} Qe8 42. Kf3 {White frees the knight.} Qa8 {Unfortunately, the queen-trade doesn't offer salvation for Black, as his many problems don't all suddenly disappear.} 43. Qxa8+ Rxa8 44. f6 {An excellent move!} g6 (44... gxf6 45. Nxf6 {wins, with the idea of promoting the h-pawn:} Ke7 46. Ng8+ Kf8 47. h6 {and the pawn marches forward.}) 45. hxg6 fxg6 46. Rxg6 Ra2 47. Kg4 {Black is still getting checkmated!} Rxb2 48. Rh6 {Ding resigned in view of Kg4-f5-g6 or Ne4-g5 followed by f6-f7, promoting the f-pawn and finally checkmate. A great game by Nepomniachtchi!} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.17"] [Round "6"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Jennifer Yu"] [PlyCount "87"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {It was tough to guess what would happen heading into the sixth round of the match. Ding has proven that he can quickly come back from a loss, and many people were excited to see whether he would push to equalize the score as the match neared the halfway mark. Annotations by WGM Jennifer Yu} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 {London enthusiasts must be thrilled! Surprisingly this is the first time that the London has been played in any world championship match, although it isn't unexpected for this to be in Ding's repertoire.} c5 4. e3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 cxd4 6. exd4 Bf5 7. c3 e6 8. Bb5 {Ding diverges from the most popular options.} (8. Qb3 Qc8 9. Nh4 Be4 {.}) 8... Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. O-O O-O {We are only ten moves into the game, and yet there are few games left in the database. Interestingly, the majority of them are blitz games by GM Gata Kamsky, who has been a longtime proponent of the London. The position is calm and playable for both sides, with many different options and plans. Some ideas for White are to centralize the knight on e5 and to push on the queenside to create weaknesses.} 11. Re1 h6 {The two previous moves are commonly seen in these types of pawn structures, with the rook creating support for a knight on e5 and the h-pawn push allowing for a timely bishop retreat.} 12. Ne5 Ne7 {Avoiding a knight exchange. The position might become uncomfortable for Black if the bishop is allowed to capture the c6-knight. Black's dark squares are weak and the d2-knight can relocate to the tempting c5-square via Nd2-b3-c5. It's understandable why Nepo would want to avoid the long-term repercussions of the trade.} 13. a4 {A multifunctional move that defends the bishop from any ... Qd6-b6 ideas while opening up the possibility of pushing the a-pawn up the board to create queenside weaknesses in Black's camp. This idea is crucial to creating a stronghold on c5 for the knight, as it locks in the b7-pawn, which is a weakness White exploits later in the game.} a6 (13... Qb6 {This would be an interesting idea to avoid the creation of weaknesses on the queenside, which Black instead played after White's a-pawn was traded off.By playing it now, Black would momentarily halt White's queenside push and threaten ...a7-a6.} 14. Nb3 a6 15. Bf1 a5 {Stopping White's a4-a5 push. Although Black gives up the b5-square, preventing the loss of space and loss of control over the c5-square that would've occurred once White pushed a4-a5 is worth it. Black also has the option to take his time and manouvre his minor pieces such as with ...Ne7-c8-d6, where it has control over the center as well as ideas to jump onto the c4-square.}) 14. Bf1 Nd7 15. Nxd7 Qxd7 16. a5 $1 {This fixes the queenside and creates the permanent b-pawn target for White to attack. This is a common idea when there's a pawn push like ...a7-a6, as it prevents the b-pawn from moving forward, in turn allowing White to take control of the c5-square since there are no more possibilities of Black pushing ...b7-b6 to kick the knight off of its quasi-outpost.} Qc7 17. Qf3 Rfc8 18. Ra3 {Although this move looks strange, there's several different ideas behind it. One is that White has the option to add extra support to the a5-pawn, such as in the case of a Nd2-b3 manouvre to get to c5, when Black might play ...Ne7-c6 and White can now play, e.g., Qd1-a1 to provide backup for the rook on the a-file. The rook has other useful functions on the third rank as well, which we will see later on in the game with Ra3-b3, adding extra pressure on the b7-pawn. This also opens the possibility of a b2-b4 pawn push.} (18. Rec1 {Another reasonable idea would be to prepare b2-b4 and then manouvre the knight to c5, with a clamp on the queenside.} Bg6 19. b4 Nf5 20. Nb3) 18... Bg6 {A smart "waiting move" that opens up the f5-square for the knight and preemptively responds to any attacks on the bishop such as g2-g4 pushes that now will no longer come with tempo.} 19. Nb3 Nc6 20. Qg3 Qe7 {Although the position is evaluated as only slightly better for White, it's hard for Black to find productive moves here. This move avoids the queen trade, after which White could have maintained his pressure on Black's queenside. However, now Ding has time to improve on his position further.} 21. h4 {No rush! Ding takes the time to grab space on the kingside.} Re8 22. Nc5 e5 {An active move hoping to create some counterplay and chances.} (22... Rac8 23. b4 {White can comfortably push on for the rest of the game.}) (22... Nxa5 $4 {doesn't work because} 23. Rxa5 b6 {and then} 24. h5 $1 {would illustrate another reason why the h4-pawn push was useful.} Bxh5 (24... bxa5 25. hxg6 {and Black's kingside will fall apart soon.}) (24... Bh7 25. Nxe6 fxe6 26. Rxd5 exd5 27. Rxe7 Rxe7 28. Qd6 $18) 25. Nxe6 fxe6 26. Rxd5 $1 exd5 $2 27. Rxe7 Rxe7 28. Qh4 $18 {The tactics work out in White's favor.}) 23. Rb3 {White forces an exchange of pieces that opens up the center.} (23. b4 $1 {This is a clever move that defends the c5-knight, threatening to capture on e5. After} e4 {White can put pressure on Black's center without allowing chances of counterplay on the queenside like in the White allowed in the game.} (23... Bf5 {then} 24. dxe5 Nxe5 25. Raa1 {and Black has too many weaknesses to defend, as White is threatening Nc5xb7 and f2-f4.}) 24. f3 e3 25. Ra2 $16 {The e3-pawn will fall at some point.}) 23... Nxa5 24. Rxe5 Qf6 25. Ra3 Nc4 (25... b6 26. Nd7 Qc6 27. Rxe8+ Rxe8 28. Ne5 $16) 26. Bxc4 dxc4 27. h5 $6 (27. Nxb7 {is a good alternative. After} Qb6 28. Nd6 Rxe5 29. Qxe5 Qxb2 30. Nxc4 {White has a solid extra pawn.}) 27... Bc2 (27... Rxe5 $1 28. dxe5 Qd8 $1 {This is the clever idea behind the trade of rooks, creating counterplay. This move takes advantage of the now-awkward position of the a3-rook that would much rather be on the back rank defending against a possible perpetual check.} 29. Qf3 (29. hxg6 Qd1+ 30. Kh2 Qh5+ 31. Kg1 Qd1+ 32. Kh2 Qh5+ 33. Qh3) 29... Bc2 30. Ra1 (30. Nxb7 $2 Qd2 $1 31. Ra1 Bd3 {With good chances of holding a draw due to Black's active pieces.}) 30... b6 31. Nb7 Qd3) 28. Nxb7 {The b7-pawn finally goes down. At a quick glance, it looks like Black can get the material back quickly, but some clever tactical ideas work out in White's favor, keeping the advantage.} Qb6 29. Nd6 $1 {A monster square for the knight, attacking the c4-pawn and creating ideas of a kingside attack.} Rxe5 (29... Qxd6 $4 30. Rxe8+ $18) 30. Qxe5 Qxb2 31. Ra5 {White's rook is getting back into the game and now he is threatening the deadly Nd6-e8.} (31. Ne8 $2 {right away doesn't work because of} Rxe8 $1 32. Qxe8+ Kh7 {and there is no way for White to prevent the perpetual check while still defending the rook.} 33. Ra5 Qc1+ 34. Kh2 Qf4+) 31... Kh7 {A useful move to get the king off the back rank and out of some tactical troubles. Ding uses this time to improve his pieces further.} (31... Qxc3 $4 32. Ne8 $1 f6 33. Nxf6+ $1 gxf6 34. Qd5+ Kg7 35. Qb7+) 32. Rc5 $6 (32. Ne8 Rxe8 33. Qxe8 {no longer comes with check} Qc1+ 34. Kh2 Qf4+) (32. Nxf7 $4 Rf8 33. Nd6 Qb1+ 34. Kh2 Rxf2 {and Black is back in the game.}) (32. Qe1 $1 {Going backwards in this position is the correct idea. Now that Black has multiple weaknesses that can't be simultaneously covered, White has the time to defend his own weaknesses.} Bd3 33. Nxc4 $1 Qb7 (33... Bxc4 34. Qe4+) 34. Ne5 {with a solid advantage.}) 32... Qc1+ $2 {After this, Black loses his opportunities for counterplay. White's superior pieces and Black's weak king will be the deciding factor. Nepomniachtchi did spend nine minutes on this decision, but he still had 36 minutes remaining to Ding's 19 after he played it.} (32... Qxc3 $1 {It won't be easy, but Black has some good ideas that may hold the position.} 33. Nxf7 (33. Rc7 Qd2 $1 34. Rxf7 Qc1+ 35. Kh2 Qg5 {Everything is defended for now, and in the upcoming moves, Black can push his a-pawn to create some counterplay. After a queen trade, there are good chances for Black to hold the endgame.}) 33... Bd3 34. Rc7 Qc1+ 35. Kh2 Re8 $3 {This is the idea! The activated black rook is a game-changer.} 36. Qg3 (36. Qxe8 Qf4+ 37. Kg1 Qc1+) 36... Re1) 33. Kh2 f6 34. Qg3 a5 35. Nxc4 a4 36. Ne3 Bb1 37. Rc7 $1 Rg8 38. Nd5 Kh8 39. Ra7 a3 40. Ne7 Rf8 41. d5 {Preparing a very sneaky idea...} a2 42. Qc7 $1 {Forced mate is incoming! The d5-pawn takes away the escape square on e6 for Black's king in the situation where White sacrifices the queen for the rook.} Kh7 43. Ng6 Rg8 44. Qf7 $1 {Qf7xg8 is coming with a beautiful forced mate. This concludes the first six-game stretch of the world championship match! Thoughts on whether the chaos will continue?} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.20"] [Round "8"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {Anish Giri, lors de la présentation de la huitième partie : « Je pense qu'à un moment donné, le sang et la violence doivent cesser. »} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 {La défense Nimzo-Indienne ; une nouvelle ouverture dans ce match ! « la différence essentielle entre la défense Indienne et 1...d5 réside dans l'élasticité de la position des pions noirs. Par exemple, si les Blancs font des efforts immédiats pour se créer de nouveaux points forts sur cases blanches et forcer e4, les Noirs ne sont pas obligés de persister dans leur plan, mais doivent s'adapter à la nouvelle situation et se concentrer cette fois sur les cases noires pour jouer d6 et e5. » Richard Réti} 4. e3 {Le système Rubinstein.} O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Ne2 (7. Bd3 e5 8. Ne2 e4 9. Bb1 Be6 10. Ng3 Bxc4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Bxe4 Nc6 {0-1 (58) Gupta,A (2628)-Gukesh,D (2614) 19th Delhi Open 2022 New Delhi IND}) 7... c5 (7... e5 8. Ng3 Re8 9. Bd3 e4 10. Bb1 b6 11. f3 Ba6 12. Nxe4 Nxe4 13. Bxe4 Rxe4 14. fxe4 Qh4+ 15. g3 Qxe4 16. O-O {½-½ (58) Shomoev,A (2579)-Vitiugov,N (2729) RUS-ch 66th Nizhnij Novgorod 2013}) 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 $5 {La préparation de Ding Liren, un coup joué surtout par Aram Hakobian, un Arménien de 22 ans.} b6 (9... Na5 10. e4 Nd7 11. Bd3 Nb6 12. O-O Nbxc4 13. Qe2 d5 14. Nh5 f5 15. exf5 exf5 16. dxc5 {1-0 (61) Hakobyan,A (2620)-Balakrishnan,P (2510) SPICE Cup Open 2022 Chesterfield MO USA}) (9... e5 10. d5 Na5 (10... Ne7 11. e4 Ng6 12. Bd3 Nf4 13. O-O Qe7 14. Bb1 Ng6 15. f3 {1-0 (39) Hakobyan,A (2608)-Lazavik,D (2544) Titled Tue INT blitz 2023}) 11. e4 Nd7 12. Bd3 Re8 (12... Nb6 13. O-O Nbxc4 14. f4 exf4 15. Bxf4 f6 16. Nh5 Ne5 17. h3 Bd7 18. Raf2 Qe7 19. Be2 Rae8 20. Qc1 {1-0 (94) Hakobyan,A (2608)-Zhigalko,S (2572) Titled Tue INT blitz 2023}) 13. O-O Nf8 14. f4 exf4 15. Bxf4 Ng6 16. Raf2 Nxf4 17. Rxf4 f6 18. Nh5 Re5 19. Nxf6+ gxf6 20. Rxf6 Bd7 21. Qf3 Ba4 22. Rf7 Kh8 23. Qh3 Qg8 24. Qh6 Rg5 25. e5 Rxg2+ 26. Kh1 Rg1+ 27. Rxg1 Qxf7 28. Bxh7 Qf3+ 29. Rg2 Qf1+ 30. Rg1 Qf3+ 31. Rg2 Qf1+ 32. Rg1 Qf3+ {½-½ Hakobyan,A (2620)-Maghsoodloo,P (2728) Airthings Masters Play-In chess.com INT rapid 2023 (7)}) 10. e4 Ba6 {Autant vous le dire tout de suite, l'ordinateur n'est pas convaincu par le jeu des Blancs dans l'ouverture.} 11. Bg5 {Toutefois, comme Ding Liren joue très vite, le Chinois a forcément une idée précise de ce qu'il veut obtenir.} h6 12. h4 $5 {Voilà où Ding voulait en venir.} hxg5 ({Possible était aussi} 12... cxd4 $5 13. cxd4 hxg5 14. hxg5 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 {À comparer avec la position au 15e coup.} 16. e5 $2 dxe5 17. Ne4 Qf4 $19) 13. hxg5 {« En attaquant votre adversaire, ne cherchez pas à le convaincre, mais à le surprendre. » Saviely Tartakower} g6 {La position critique de la partie, qui pourrait aussi pratiquement décider de l'issue du match. Si Ding Liren perd cette huitième partie, c'est fini !} ({Le Cavalier ne peut évidemment pas fuir à cause du mat.} 13... Nd7 $4 14. Qh5 f5 15. g6) 14. gxf6 {« Un joueur d'échecs prend véritablement un risque seulement quand il sait ce qu'il risque. » Mikhail Tal} (14. f4 $5 {était une alternative envisagée par Sesse.net.}) 14... Qxf6 {Avec une première longue réflexion de Ding Liren.} 15. e5 {La théorie de Anish Giri pour expliquer pourquoi Nepomniachtchi prend du temps ici, alors que 15...dxe5! est le seul bon coup, est que la préparation de Ian comprenait 12...cxd4. Et dans ce cas le coup e5 ne serait pas un problème.} dxe5 {Le seul bon coup. Daniil Dubov a estimé que le joueur russe et son équipe n'auraient pas dû permettre à Ding Liren de jouer une ligne aussi dangereuse à ce stade du match.} 16. d5 {Joué en moins d'une minute.} ({La nulle par répétition s'obtenait avec} 16. Ne4 Qf5 17. Nd6 Qf6 18. Ne4 Qf5 19. Nd6 Qf6 20. Ne4) 16... Ne7 $5 {Avec des pendules à 1h27 et 1h17. Nous avons ici un autre exemple d'une position évaluée à 0.00 par Sesse.net, mais qui peut prendre la direction d'un 1-0 ou 0-1 au premier coup imprécis !} ({La machine aurait intercalé} 16... Rad8 17. Rd2 {avant de jouer} Ne7 {avec la suite} 18. d6 Nf5 19. Ne4 Qg7 20. g4 Bb7 $1 21. Bg2) 17. d6 {Joué après 33 minutes !} Nf5 {Joué en 1 minute. 0h54-1h16.} 18. Ne4 {Anish Giri : « Le problème c'est que les bons coups sont logiques et naturels, mais que les mauvais coups sont aussi très souvent naturels et logiques. »} Qd8 {Ici, selon les machines, les Blancs ont plusieurs coups possibles à leur disposition.} 19. Qd3 $5 {Avec la simple idée 20.Dg3 et 1-0.} (19. Qe2 $5) (19. Rd2 $5) (19. g4 $5) ({Et même le risqué} 19. Qf3 $5 {envisagé par Daniil Dubov avec des variantes très tactiques un peu partout.}) 19... Kg7 $1 {Le seul coup.} 20. g4 $1 {Le meilleur, joué a tempo.} Bb7 $1 {Le seul coup.} 21. Rh3 $1 {À nouveau la meilleure façon de maintenir l'attaque. Ce sont maintenant les Noirs qui ont plusieurs coups, plus ou moins équivalents en évaluation informatique, pour continuer.} Nh4 {0h36-0h51} ({L'alternative principale était} 21... Rh8) 22. g5 {A tempo ! Le prochain coup de Ian Nepomniachtchi est encore une fois unique, mais le Russe prend malgré tout du temps.} Bxe4 $2 {Et Nepo se trompe !} (22... Rh8 $1 {était la seule manière de rester dans la partie !} 23. f4 $5 (23. Qg3 $5 Bxe4 24. Rxh4 Bc6 25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Rxh8 fxe5 27. Rxd8 Rxd8 28. Rd2 $11) 23... Bxe4 24. Qxe4 Qxd6 25. fxe5 Qc7 $11) 23. Qxe4 {« Lentement mais sûrement, les contours d'un chef-d'œuvre se dessinent » Anish Giri} Nf5 {Ding Liren n'a qu'un coup pour obtenir une position gagnante.} 24. Rd2 $1 {En seulement 49 secondes. Ding est sur le point d'égaliser à 4 points partout ! Sesse.net est à +4.91 !} Rh8 {Ding Liren doit bien entendu trouver la suite gagnante.} 25. Rxh8 Qxh8 26. d7 $6 (26. Rd3 $1 {C'est surtout ce coup que Ding Liren aurait dû avoir pour gagner plus rapidement.} Rd8 27. Rh3 Qf8 28. Qxe5+ f6 29. gxf6+ Qxf6 (29... Kf7 30. Rh7+ Kg8 31. Re7 $18 Rxd6 32. f7+ {gagne la Dame noire.}) 30. Rh7+ $18 {gagne aussi la Dame noire.}) 26... Rd8 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ $1 {Ding Liren répète deux fois pour s'approcher du contrôle du temps du 40e coup.} Kh7 30. Qh2+ Kg7 31. Qc7 $1 Qh4 $6 {Ian Nepomniachtchi abandonne sa Tour, à la recherche d'un perpétuel qui n'existe pas, mais qui pourrait déstabiliser Ding Liren.} (31... Qf8 $5 {était meilleure.} 32. Kd1 $1 {Pas facile à voir.} Qe7 33. Kc2) 32. Kd1 $2 {Et ça marche !} (32. Qxd8 $1 Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qa2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2 Qxf1+ 37. Kd2 Qxf2+ 38. Kc1 Qf4+ 39. Kb1 $18 {« Ding a raté un gain inhumain ! » Viswanathan Anand}) 32... Qxg5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi est revenu dans la partie !} 33. Kc2 Qe7 $6 (33... Qh4 $1 $11) 34. Bg2 (34. Kb3 $1 Nd4+ 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qf4 cxd4 37. Rxd4 Rxd4 38. Qxd4+ e5 39. Qc3 $14) 34... e5 $6 (34... Nd4+ $1 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qf4 cxd4 37. Rxd4 Qxa3 $11) 35. Be4 $1 {Ding reprend un avantage, mais rien n'est fait.} Nh6 36. Qxa7 {Après une défense du pion d7 et la prise du pion b6, le pion blanc en a3 est le maître du monde !} Ng4 37. Bf3 $2 {Ding Liren cède sous la pression et rate la bonne variante.} (37. Bc6 $1 e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 39. Bb5 Nf3 40. Rd1 $18) 37... Nxf2 $1 {Alors que le pragmatique Ian Nepomniachtchi, en donnant une pièce, trouve la bonne défense.} 38. Rxf2 e4 39. Re2 f5 40. Qxb6 $5 {Avec seulement 4 secondes à la pendule.} (40. Bxe4 $5 fxe4 41. Qxb6 Qxd7 42. Kb2 Qe7 $11) 40... Rxd7 41. Qb8 Qd6 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bxe4 {Les trois pions noirs passés et liés étaient trop dangereux.} fxe4 44. Rxe4 Kf6 {La nulle se profile.} 45. Re8 {L'attaque directe de Ding Liren sur le Roi adverse pousse Ian Nepomniachtchi à la faute, mais le Russe déstabilise son adversaire sur un coup de bluff et sauve le demi-point. Le score est de 4,5 à 3,5 en faveur du Russe après la huitième partie.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 8 - Liren v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.20"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "84"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,84,19,31,14,-14,3,-10,16,34,34,-1,-16,-9,-1,-34,-11,3,9,-19,-39,-46,-42,-84,-107,-94,-14,-87,-89,-79,-93,-113,-113,-76,-16,-56,-26,24,26,39,10,-16,-19,-28,19,0,48,83,75,95,108,108,106,88,0,0,0,73,102,118,120,118,96,110,312,31,31,28,31,73,73,95,93,109,78,31,13,0,7,-17,-17,0,69,73,0,9,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 (4. a3 Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 {Sometimes here black doesn't castle so early (white is gearing for a kingside attack), one of the main lines goes} c5 6. f3 Nc6 7. e4 d6 8. Be3 b6 9. Bd3 e5 10. Ne2) 4... O-O 5. a3 {A relatively new idea, played a lot by Caruana and Grischuk} Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 {The position resembles a Samisch (4.a3) but white has spent a tempo on e3 and if this pawn advances later to e4 white will have lost a tempo.} d6 7. Ne2 (7. Bd3 {Is the more obvious harmonious move} e5 8. e4 (8. Ne2 e4 9. Bb1 {Leads to another interesting structure}) 8... exd4 9. cxd4 Nxe4 10. Ne2 {Is an interesting pawn sacrifice, white has the bishop pair to compensate for the pawn} (10. Bxe4 $2 Re8 $17)) 7... c5 (7... e5 8. Ng3 Re8 9. Bd3 e4 10. Bb1 {Was also possible}) 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 $5 {Very odd looking move but also quite classical - the rook can swing along the 2nd rank to support play in the centre and kingside potentially} b6 {Black continues to play in the most principled way} 10. e4 (10. Bd3 {Is too slow in conjunction with Ra2} Ba6 11. O-O Na5 12. Qe2 d5) 10... Ba6 11. Bg5 h6 12. h4 $1 hxg5 13. hxg5 g6 (13... cxd4 14. cxd4 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 16. Rd2 (16. e5 dxe5 17. Ne4 Qf4 {and white's centre is falling apart})) 14. gxf6 Qxf6 15. e5 (15. Qg4) 15... dxe5 16. d5 $5 (16. Ne4 {Was expected, when black has a number if choices of queen moves} Qf4 (16... Qe7 {This looks too risky leaving the king looking a bit bare}) (16... Qg7 17. Qf3 f5 18. Ng5 e4 19. Qg3 cxd4 20. Nxe6 Qf6 21. Rh6 Ne7 {with more complications, black is apparently ok}) (16... Qf5 17. f3 (17. Nd6 Qf6 18. Ne4 {could finish in an early repetition}) 17... Kg7 (17... exd4 18. Qd2 {[%CAl Gd2h6]} g5 19. g4 Qf4 20. Qh2 Qxh2 21. Raxh2 $36 {The a2 rook gains a purpose !}) 18. d5 $13) 17. Bd3 Bxc4 18. g3 Qf5 19. f3 Bxa2 20. Qd2 Qxf3 21. Qh6 Qxh1+ 22. Qxh1 {With a messy looking position which the engine says should end in a repetition soon} Kg7 23. Ng5 Bd5 24. Qh7+ Kf6 25. Qh4 Kg7 $10) 16... Ne7 $5 (16... exd5 17. cxd5 Bxf1 18. Kxf1 Rad8) 17. d6 {The best move - but it took 33 minutes !} Nf5 18. Ne4 Qd8 19. Qd3 {[%CAl Gd3h3]} Kg7 20. g4 Bb7 $1 21. Rh3 (21. d7 $5 Nh4 (21... Qe7 22. f3 {[%csl Ga2][%CAl Ga2h2]}) 22. g5 Rh8 $13) 21... Nh4 (21... Bxe4 22. Qxe4 Nxd6 23. Qxe5+ f6 24. Qh2 Nf7 {Important to have seen this from afar. Black is holding the fort for now but it is certainly scary for black as white can keep making pressing moves - pushing kingside pawns or swinging the a2 rook into the game. The white king however is also exposed.} 25. Rh7+ Kg8 26. Bg2 Qd3 27. Rd2 Qxc3 28. Rxf7 Qc1+ 29. Ke2 Qxc4+ 30. Kd1 Rxf7 31. Bxa8 Qf1+ 32. Kc2 Qc4+ {should finish in perpeptual}) (21... Rh8 22. Rxh8 Qxh8 23. gxf5 exf5 24. Ng5 $13 {looks a bit shaky for black but computer is calm :}) 22. g5 $1 Bxe4 $2 (22... Nf5 $2) (22... Rh8 $1 23. Qg3 (23. f4)) 23. Qxe4 Nf5 24. Rd2 $3 {Played instantly by Ding! A supremely powerful 'quiet move'. White defends the d-pawn and strengthens his position retaining all the threats. Black is suddenly helpless} (24. Qxe5+ f6 25. gxf6+ Qxf6 {is exactly what black wants}) 24... Rh8 (24... Qxg5 25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Qh2 Rh8 (26... Nh6 27. f4 {[%csl Rh6] the knight falls}) 27. Rxh8 Rxh8 28. Qxh8+ $1 Kxh8 29. d7 $18) (24... f6 25. Qb7+ Rf7 26. Rh7+ Kxh7 27. Qxf7+ Kh8 28. Rd3 $18 {[%CAl Gd3h3]}) (24... Rb8 {If black waits then} 25. f4 $1 {[%CAl Gd2h2] the rook enters the game with decisive effect}) 25. Rxh8 (25. d7 $1 Qxg5 26. Qxe5+ Qf6 (26... f6 27. Rxh8 Rxh8 28. d8=Q {Other moves also work} Rxd8 29. Qc7+ $18) 27. Qxf6+ Kxf6 28. Rxh8 Rxh8 29. d8=Q+ $18) (25. Qxe5+ $6 f6 26. Qe4 {Loses the initiative for white} Qd7 {holds for now}) 25... Qxh8 26. d7 (26. Qxe5+ $2 {It is very interesting to me how often taking this pawn with check turns out to be wrong !} Kg8 {and black is back !}) (26. Rd3 $1 Rd8 27. Rh3) 26... Rd8 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ Kh7 30. Qh2+ {Ding repeats once helping with the time trouble} Kg7 31. Qc7 Qh4 $2 32. Kd1 $2 (32. Qxd8 $1 Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qb2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2 Qd1+ (36... Qxf1+ 37. Kd2 Qxf2+ 38. Kc1 Qf4+ 39. Kb2 $18) 37. Ke4 $1 Qxc2+ 38. Bd3 Nd6+ 39. Ke5) 32... Qxg5 33. Kc2 Qe7 34. Bg2 (34. Kb3 $1 {A useful move in general and also defends the a3 pawn anticipating the ...Nd4+ tactic}) 34... e5 $6 (34... Nd4+ $1 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qf4 (36. Qe5+ f6 37. Qe3 cxd4 38. Rxd4 Rxd4 39. Qxd4 Qxa3 {With a likely draw}) 36... cxd4 37. Rxd4 Qxa3 $1 38. Rxd7 Qa4+ {[%CAl Ga4c2,Ga4d7] The final point - not easy at all of course from move 34}) 35. Be4 $1 {Black wanted ...e4...e3 with counterplay} Nh6 36. Qxa7 Ng4 37. Bf3 $2 {Trying to be too cute} (37. Bc6 e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 (38... e3 $2 39. fxe3 Nxe3+ 40. Kb3 $18 {[%CAl Ga3a4,Ga4a5] and white's king is safe and the -pawn should decide}) 39. Bb5 Nd3 40. Qc7 f5 41. a4 Qg5 {[%CAl Gg5g1]} 42. Qd6 Qg1 43. Qe7+ Kh6 44. Qh4+ Kg7) (37. Qxb6 {looks wrong to give away the strong d7 pawn but computer things it is good as well} Rxd7 38. Rxd7 Qxd7 39. Qxc5 Qa4+ 40. Kd2 Qb3 41. f3 $1 Nf6 42. Bc2 Qb7 43. Qxe5 Qxf3 44. a4 {looks extremely dangerous for black}) 37... Nxf2 $1 (37... Nf6 38. Bc6 {This must be what Ding wanted forcing the knight back to a more passive square on f6}) 38. Rxf2 e4 39. Re2 f5 40. Qxb6 Rxd7 {Played quickly by Nepo but ...Qxd7 looks like it would have put more pressure on Ding} (40... Qxd7 41. Rg2 $1 {only move} Qd6 $6 {this is worse than checking first} (41... Qd3+ 42. Kb3 Qd6 43. Qxd6 Rxd6 {Still looks like a tricky endgame} 44. Bxe4 (44. Bh5 Kh6 45. Rxg6+ Rxg6 46. Bxg6 Kxg6 47. a4 Kh5 48. a5 Kg4 49. a6 e3 50. a7 e2 51. a8=Q e1=Q {Should be a draw}) 44... fxe4 45. Kc2 Kf6 46. Rd2 $1 {White just about hangs on}) 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bh5) 41. Bg2 Rb7 42. Qc6 Rc7 $10 {With a funny perpeptual attack on the white queen which cannot escape} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.20"] [Round "8.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,89,19,31,14,-14,-11,-3,33,33,25,-3,-18,-11,5,-23,13,7,7,-25,-5,-39,-39,-69,-90,-191,-14,-14,-74,-74,-74,-94,-119,-117,-6,-64,9,9,30,39,39,14,12,-20,-20,-40,20,58,108,113,106,108,110,83,101,98,101,76,63,80,77,85,80,10,10,6,6,23,67,71,55,85,73,85,83,33,13,13,13,0,0,0,55,25,21,24,16,22,26,33,33,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Ne2 c5 ({Relevant:} 7... e5 8. Ng3 Re8 9. Bd3 Nc6 10. O-O b6 11. d5 e4 12. dxc6 exd3 13. Qxd3 Ng4 14. e4 Qh4 15. h3 Ne5 16. Qd1 Be6 17. Re1 Nxc6 18. Be3 Ne5 19. Bd4 Nxc4 20. Qd3 c5 21. Be3 Rad8 22. Qc2 h6 23. a4 d5 24. Rad1 dxe4 25. Rxd8 Rxd8 26. Qxe4 Qxe4 27. Nxe4 Bf5 28. Ng3 Bc2 29. Bf4 Bxa4 30. Re7 a5 31. Ra7 Bc6 32. Nf5 Be4 33. Ne7+ Kh7 34. f3 Ra8 35. Rc7 Bg6 {0-1 (35) Hakobyan,A (2620) -Caruana,F (2766) Saint Louis 2023}) 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 {Not quite new but Ding played this move and then immediately left the board. "Take that" he seemed to be saying.} b6 $146 {The general structure can hardly have come as a surprise to Nepomniachtchi and he didn't take that long to reply. This has to be the most natural plan for black here.} ({Predecessor:} 9... e5 10. d5 Na5 11. e4 Nd7 12. Bd3 Re8 13. O-O Nf8 14. f4 exf4 15. Bxf4 Ng6 16. Raf2 Nxf4 17. Rxf4 f6 18. Nh5 Re5 19. Nxf6+ gxf6 20. Rxf6 Bd7 21. Qf3 Ba4 22. Rf7 Kh8 23. Qh3 Qg8 24. Qh6 Rg5 25. e5 Rxg2+ 26. Kh1 Rg1+ 27. Rxg1 Qxf7 28. Bxh7 Qf3+ 29. Rg2 Qf1+ 30. Rg1 Qf3+ 31. Rg2 Qf1+ 32. Rg1 Qf3+ {?-? (32) Hakobyan,A (2620)-Maghsoodloo,P (2728) Chess.com INT 2023}) 10. e4 Ba6 11. Bg5 {Implying already a willingness to sacrifice.} h6 12. h4 {Really white has no choice.} hxg5 13. hxg5 g6 {Again this seems the most natural..} 14. gxf6 {Other moves don't seem to convince.} Qxf6 15. e5 {Played after a 14 minute think.} dxe5 16. d5 Ne7 (16... Rfd8 {is preferred by the engines.}) 17. d6 {Ding thought for 33 minutes here.} Nf5 18. Ne4 Qd8 19. Qd3 {Played after 14 minutes thought.} Kg7 {Black needs to be able to meet Qh3.} 20. g4 $1 {This position is now very dangerous for black, the computer thinks it level.} Bb7 21. Rh3 {With more powerful threats.} Nh4 22. g5 {Played instantly.} Bxe4 $2 {This should lose. Nepomniachtchi played this after just two minutes thought.} (22... Rh8 {is strictly the only move.}) (22... Nf5 23. f4 {is also winning for white.}) 23. Qxe4 Nf5 24. Rd2 {This will be what Nepomniachtchi missed. Played very quickly by Ding. Yet he obviously didn't have all the details worked out.} Rh8 25. Rxh8 (25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Qe4 {is not so clear.}) 25... Qxh8 26. d7 (26. Rd3 $1 {is the most accurate way of winning. I think this is quite a tricky move to find.}) 26... Rd8 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ Kh7 30. Qh2+ Kg7 31. Qc7 Qh4 $5 {Losing but really asking a lot of white to calculate it out.} (31... Qf8) 32. Kd1 {Played after 2 minutes 40 seconds of thought.} (32. Qxd8 Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qb2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2) (32. Qe5+ $11) 32... Qxg5 33. Kc2 Qe7 $6 {Black starts to get back in trouble.} (33... Qh4) 34. Bg2 e5 $2 {This should be losing.} (34... Nd4+ {is the computer move that leads to a draw.} 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qf4 cxd4) (34... Kf8 35. Bc6 {is good for black.}) 35. Be4 Nh6 36. Qxa7 Ng4 37. Bf3 $2 {Played after 5 minutes thought.} (37. Bc6 {is the way to keep winning chances.} e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 39. Bb5 Nd3 40. Qc7 Ne1+ 41. Kb3 Nd3 42. Bc6) (37. Kb3 Nxf2 38. Rxf2 Rxd7 39. Qxb6 {also gives chances to win.}) 37... Nxf2 $1 {and now the game will be drawn.} 38. Rxf2 e4 39. Re2 f5 40. Qxb6 Rxd7 41. Qb8 Qd6 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bxe4 fxe4 44. Rxe4 Kf6 45. Re8 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.20"] [Round "8"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,89,45,15,27,20,6,20,34,32,26,-15,-15,-15,2,-45,6,6,11,-25,-36,-53,-62,-107,-111,-101,-85,-85,-85,-89,-81,-63,-106,-77,7,-73,20,13,49,26,16,16,15,38,0,37,76,68,55,62,178,91,92,87,87,93,93,93,101,86,86,84,86,84,314,24,24,48,66,93,73,81,87,93,93,71,71,65,11,0,0,0,67,15,15,4,30,30,21,21,21,16]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 {Another interesting feature of this duel is that, contrary to what usually happens in matches, the openings are not being repeated, which makes the games even more fun.} O-O 5. a3 {A move Ding has never played and Nepomniachtchi has never faced, at least in the database I searched. But it's a hot line in current theory, so Nepomniachtchi was prepared.} Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Ne2 (7. Bd3 $5 {[%CAl Rd3h7] is more popular.}) 7... c5 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 $5 {[%CAl Ga2f2,Ga2d2] [%c_effect a2;square;a2;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A very interesting idea that was played in two recent games. This can be called \"a mysterious rook move,\" something that is not uncommon in chess, and there's even a chapter in one of Dvoretsky's books with this title. But what is the point of this idea that Ding was clearly so proud of $2 White makes a useful move, since the rook can travel through the second rank, before committing himself to playing e3-e4, which is premature at this point. As I understand it from the press conference, this move came as no surprise to Nepomniachtchi.} (9. Bd3 b6 {Here White has to play at a slower pace since e3-e4 leaves the d4-pawn hanging.}) (9. e4 $6 {[%CAl Gc1g5] This is inaccurate since now Black can play in the center.} d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move has never been played, but it's the best.} 10. e5 Ne4 $132 {[%CAl Re4c3,Gd5e4,Re4d3,Re4f3] with good counterplay.}) 9... b6 {The most natural move and also a novelty. Again in the match, opening theory ends early.} (9... e5 10. d5 Na5 11. e4 Nd7 12. Bd3 Re8 13. O-O Nf8 14. f4 {and White is already close to winning. We can see here how the rook on f2 can quickly go to the kingside, an idea that will happen many times during the game. Hakobyan-Maghsoodloo, Airthings Masters 2023.}) (9... Na5 10. e4 Nd7 11. Bd3 {is good for White. Burke-Nyzhnyk, Spice Cup 2022.}) 10. e4 Ba6 {Black follows the standard plan, based on an attack on the c4-pawn.} 11. Bg5 h6 12. h4 $1 {[%CAl Rh6g5,Rh4g5,Rh1h8] [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The bishop is not going anywhere. This is all part of Ding's preparation.} ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 12. Bf4 Na5 13. dxc5 e5 14. Bc1 dxc5 15. Qf3 Bc8 16. h3 Be6 17. Be2 Ne8 18. Nf5 Nxc4 19. h4 Ncd6 20. Rd2 Qc7 21. O-O Rd8 22. g4 f6 $17) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 12. Bc1 cxd4 13. cxd4 Rc8 14. f3 Na5 15. Rf2 Qd7 16. d5 Nxc4 17. dxe6 Qxe6 18. Be2 Rfd8 19. O-O d5 20. Qa4 b5 21. Qb3 Re8 22. Rd1 Rcd8 $17) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 12. Be3 Na5 13. Bd3 Bxc4 14. Rd2 Bb3 15. Qb1 Rc8 16. h3 Bc4 17. dxc5 bxc5 18. O-O Rb8 19. Qd1 Bxd3 20. Rxd3 Nc4 21. Bc1 Rb1 $17) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 12. Bd2 Na5 13. Bd3 Bxc4 14. Bxc4 Nxc4 15. Bc1 b5 16. O-O Qb6 17. Re2 cxd4 18. cxd4 a5 19. Rc2 Rfc8 20. d5 Rc5 21. dxe6 fxe6 22. Bb2 Rf8 23. Bd4 Nxa3 $1 {[%csl Gc2][%CAl Gc2b2,Gc2a2,Gc2c3,Gc2d2,Gc2e2,Rc2c1,Gd4c5]} 24. Re2 ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 24. Ra2 Nc4 25. Qe2 a4 26. h3 Qc6 27. Bxc5 dxc5 28. f4 Kh8 29. Rb1 Rd8 30. Kh2 Rd4 31. Rd1 e5 32. fxe5 Nxe5 33. Rxd4 cxd4 34. Qb2 Qc4 35. Ra1 Qc5 36. Rb1 d3 37. Qxb5 Neg4+ $1 38. hxg4 Nxg4+ 39. Kh3 Qxb5 40. Rxb5 d2 $17 {[%eval -154,30][%CAl Gg4f2,Gd2d1,Ga4a3]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 24. Rb2 Nc4 25. Rb1 a4 26. Qe2 Qc6 27. Bxc5 Qxc5 28. Rfc1 Qe5 29. f3 Nd7 30. Kh1 a3 31. Qa2 Qc5 32. Ne2 Nde5 33. Rd1 Nc6 34. Nc1 b4 35. Nb3 Qb5 36. Rbc1 N6e5 37. Nd4 Qa4 38. h3 Kh8 39. Ra1 Rb8 40. Nb3 Kh7 $17 {[%eval -155,30]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 24. Rc3 b4 25. Rf3 Nb5 26. Bxf6 Rxf6 27. Rxf6 gxf6 28. h4 Kf7 29. Qd2 Qd8 30. Qxh6 Qf8 31. Qd2 Nc3 32. h5 a4 33. Qd3 a3 34. e5 Rxe5 35. Qg6+ Ke7 36. h6 a2 37. Qh7+ Kd8 38. Qd3 Ke8 39. f4 Rd5 40. Qc4 Qxh6 41. Qc8+ Kf7 42. Qd7+ Kf8 43. Qc8+ Kg7 44. Qd7+ Kg6 $17 {[%eval -157,30][%CAl Rd7e6,Ge6g4]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 24. Rd2 Nc4 25. Rc2 a4 26. h3 Qc6 27. Bxc5 Qxc5 28. Re1 a3 29. Nf1 Qb6 30. Qd3 Nd7 31. Rb1 Rb8 32. Kh2 Nde5 33. Qb3 Qd4 34. f4 Nc6 35. Ng3 Qc5 36. Rcc1 Kh8 $17 37. f5 {[%eval -161,30]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 24. Bxc5 $4 dxc5 25. Ra2 Nc4 26. h3 a4 27. Kh2 Qb8 28. Re1 Rd8 29. Qe2 Rd4 30. Rb1 Qe8 31. f4 Qd7 32. Rc1 Kh7 33. Rb1 Kh8 34. Qf2 Nd6 35. e5 Nfe4 36. Qe1 Nxg3 37. exd6 Nf5 38. Rd2 Rxd6 39. Rxd6 Nxd6 $17 {[%eval -165,30]}) 24... Nc4 $17 25. e5 dxe5 26. Bxc5 Qxc5 27. Ne4 Qd5 28. Nxf6+ Rxf6 $17 {[%eval -132,31]}) 12... hxg5 {A good move and possibly also prepared beforehand.} (12... Re8 {We will still hear many stories about the possible leak of secret games from Ding's preparation. In one of them, this move was played. Its idea is not very clear to me and I prefer the move played in the game.} 13. Rd2 $11 {[%csl Rd2,Gd6][%CAl Rd2d8,Rd4c5,Rd6c5,Rd2d6]}) (12... cxd4 {Here and on the next move, Black has the option to capture on d4 first. It seems that it's also enough to retain a balanced game in a complex position.} 13. cxd4 hxg5 14. hxg5 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 16. Rd2 $11 {[%CAl Gf8d8,Ga8d8,Ge6e5] and here Black has many possible ideas, but the position is not so easy: White can lift the rook to the attack via d3, sacrificing the knight in some variations. Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} Rfd8 ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 16... Qg5 17. Rh3 e5 18. Nf5 {[%csl Rg3][%CAl Gh3g3,Rg3g8]} Nxd4 19. Nxd4 exd4 20. Rxd4 Rac8 21. Qd2 Qxd2+ 22. Kxd2 Rc5 23. Rxd6 Bxc4 24. Bxc4 Rxc4 25. Rd7 Rxe4 26. Rxa7 Rg4 $11) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 16... Rfc8 17. Rd3 Bxc4 18. e5 dxe5 19. Rf3 Qg7 20. Nh5 Bxf1 21. Nf6+ Qxf6 22. Rxf6 Bxg2 23. Rh2 Kg7 24. Rxg6+ fxg6 25. Rxg2 Nxd4 26. f4 Kf7 27. fxe5 Rc4 28. Qd3 Rc1+ 29. Kf2 Rc2+ 30. Kg1 Rc1+ $11 {[%eval 0,31]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 16... Rad8 17. Qg4 Qg7 18. Qh4 f5 19. f4 Ne7 20. Be2 Bb7 21. exf5 Nxf5 22. Nxf5 exf5 23. Kf2 Kf7 24. c5 Rh8 25. Qg5 bxc5 26. Rc1 Qf6 27. dxc5 dxc5 28. Qxf6+ Kxf6 29. Rxd8 Rxd8 30. Rxc5 Rd4 31. Rc4 $11) 17. Rd3 Rab8 18. Qd2 b5 19. e5 dxe5 20. Rf3 Qg7 21. Nh5 Rxd4 22. Nxg7 Rxd2 23. Kxd2 Kxg7 24. Rc3 Nd4 25. cxb5 Bxb5 26. Bxb5 Rxb5 27. Kd3 Ra5 28. Rhc1 g5 29. Rc5 Rxa3+ 30. R1c3 Ra2 31. Rxe5 f6 32. Rec5 Ne2 33. Rc2 Nf4+ 34. Kd2 Rxc2+ 35. Rxc2 Nxg2 36. Rc7+ Kg6 37. Rxa7 $11) 13. hxg5 g6 ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 13... cxd4 14. cxd4 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 16. Rd2 Rfd8 17. Qg4 Kf8 18. e5 dxe5 19. Rh7 Qf4 20. Qxf4 exf4 21. Ne4 Ke7 22. Ng5 Rf8 23. d5 exd5 24. cxd5 Bxf1 25. dxc6 Bc4 26. Rd4 Ba2 27. Rd7+ Kf6 28. Ne4+ Ke5 29. Ng5 Rae8 30. f3 Kf6+ 31. Ne4+ Rxe4+ 32. fxe4 Rc8 33. Kd2 Bc4 $11) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 13... Nh7 $4 14. Qh5 {[%csl Rh1,Rh5][%CAl Rh5h7,Rh1h7]} Re8 15. Qxh7+ Kf8 16. f4 cxd4 17. Nh5 Ke7 18. Qxg7 Rg8 19. Qf6+ Kf8 20. cxd4 Qxf6 21. Nxf6 Nxd4 22. Nxg8 Kxg8 23. Rd2 e5 24. f5 $18) (13... Nd7 $4 14. Qh5 f5 15. g6 {Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} Qh4 16. Rxh4 Nf6 17. Qh8# {[%eval 32764,245]}) 14. gxf6 Qxf6 15. e5 $5 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A very interesting and bold idea, sacrificing a pawn in order free the e4-square for the knight. It's not the first time that Ding plays a creative pawn sacrifice in this match.} (15. Rd2 {is natural.}) 15... dxe5 16. d5 $1 (16. Ne4 {is also a critical move, but not so dangerous for Black.} Qf5 {The simplest.} (16... Qg7 $6 {is dubious because of} 17. d5 ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 17. Qf3 f5 18. Ng5 e4 19. Qg3 cxd4 20. Nxe6 Qf6 21. Nxf8 Rxf8 22. cxd4 Nxd4 23. Qh4 Qg7 24. c5 g5 25. Qh6 Nf3+ 26. gxf3 Qc3+ 27. Rd2 Qc1+ 28. Rd1 Qc3+ 29. Rd2 $11 {[%eval 0,31]})) (16... Qf4 {[%CAl Rf4e4] is also fine.} 17. Bd3 (17. f3 exd4 18. g3 Qe5 19. Rah2 f5 20. Rh8+ Qxh8 21. Rxh8+ Kxh8 $11 {Black is OK.}) 17... Bxc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) (16... Qe7 $6 {[%csl Gg8][%CAl Rh1h8,Re4f6,Rd1g4]}) 17. Nd6 (17. f3 Kg7) 17... Qf6 18. Ne4 {with move repetition.}) 16... Ne7 {This is a difficult moment of the game, as both players have many options on every move.} (16... exd5 17. cxd5 Bxf1 18. Kxf1 Ne7 {White has compensation for the pawn but not enough for an advantage. Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 19. d6 ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 19. Rh3 Rad8 20. Rd2 Qf4 21. d6 Nf5 22. Nxf5 Qxf5 23. d7 Kg7 24. Rd6 Rh8 25. Rxh8 Kxh8 26. g4 Qe4 27. f3 Qb7 28. Kf2 Kg7 29. Qd2 Kf8 30. c4 Ke7 31. Rd5 Rxd7 32. Qg5+ Ke8 33. Qxe5+ Kd8 34. Qh8+ Kc7 35. Qe5+ {[%eval 0,34]}) ({Stockfish dev-20230412-acb0d204:} 19. Rd2 Nf5 20. Rd3 Nxg3+ 21. Rxg3 e4 22. Qh5 Rfe8 23. Qh6 e3 24. Rxe3 Rxe3 25. Qxe3 Qf5 26. g3 Qxd5 27. Qh6 Qd3+ 28. Kg2 Qe4+ 29. Kf1 Qb1+ 30. Kg2 {[%eval 0,34]}) 19... Nf5 20. Ne4 Qe6 21. Re2 Rad8 22. Qd2 f6 23. g4 Nxd6 24. Qh6 Kf7 25. Qh7+ Ke8 26. Qxg6+ Ke7 27. Rh7+ Rf7 28. g5 Rxh7 29. Qxh7+ Qf7 30. gxf6+ Kd7 31. Qh3+ Qe6 32. Qh7+ Qf7 {[%eval 0,34]}) (16... Rad8 17. Rd2 exd5 18. cxd5 Bxf1 19. Kxf1 Ne7 20. Rh3 {again with enough compensation, but not more.}) (16... Na5 {is scary, as it puts the knight away from the defense. Even so, the computer defends Black's position after} 17. Ne4 Qf5 18. f3 Kg7) 17. d6 $1 (17. Ne4 $6 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is not good:} Qf4 18. Bd3 Bxc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 19. g3 Qf5 {with an advantage for Black.}) 17... Nf5 (17... Rad8 {During the game, I thought this move just loses as piece as White can attack the bishop and unpin the d-pawn with 18.Qa4, but as it turns out there's compensation for the piece.} 18. Ne4 (18. Qa4 {[%CAl Rd6e7]} Bb7 19. dxe7 Qxe7 {The computer indicates compensation, as now white's king is insecure in the center.}) 18... Qg7 19. Qa4 f5 {with an insanely complicated position.}) (17... Nc6 {is also playable:} 18. Ne4 Qf5 {The only move.} (18... Qf4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 19. f3 {Followed by g3 and the rook comes to the game.}) (18... Qg7 $2 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 19. g4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} f5 20. gxf5 gxf5 21. f3 $18 {[%CAl Ga2g2] again the rook joins the party.}) 19. f3 Kg7 20. g3 Rh8 21. Rah2 Rxh2 22. Rxh2 Rh8) 18. Ne4 Qd8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The right square. It's important to keep an eye on the d5-pawn and on the h4-square.} (18... Qg7 19. g4 Bb7 20. Bg2 {with the initiative.}) 19. Qd3 (19. g4 Bb7 20. Bg2 $2 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Now we can see why the queen is useful on d8.}) 19... Kg7 $1 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 20. g4 Bb7 $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black's two last moves are forced.} 21. Rh3 $1 (21. gxf5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} exf5 {[%csl Ge4][%CAl Rb7h1] The knight is pinned.}) 21... Nh4 {Black has two worthy options.} (21... Rh8 $5 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is an interesting piece sacrifice.} 22. Rxh8 Qxh8 23. gxf5 exf5 {Black has excellent compensation for the piece with a mobile center and a safe king.}) (21... Bxe4 $5 22. Qxe4 Nxd6 23. Qxe5+ f6 24. Qh2 Nf7 $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is absolutely forced, but it's enough.} 25. Bg2 (25. Rh7+ Kg8 26. Bg2 Qd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Here the game likely ends in perpetual check.} (26... Rc8 27. Be4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is dangerous.})) 25... Rh8 $1 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 26. Bxa8 Rxh3 27. Qxh3 Qxa8 $44 {with good compensation for the exchange.}) 22. g5 Bxe4 $4 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Blunder;persistent;true] A blunder that leads to a lost position.} (22... Nf5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is also bad:} 23. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rh8 (23... Bxe4 24. Rah2 $1 {[%c_effect h2;square;h2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxd3 25. Rh7+ Kg8 26. Rh8+ Kg7 27. R2h7#) 24. Rah2 Rxh3 25. Qxh3 Qh8 26. Qxh8+ Rxh8 27. Rxh8 Kxh8 28. d7 {The pawn decides the game.}) (22... Rh8 $1 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the right move.} 23. Qg3 {[%csl Gh4][%CAl Rg3h4,Rh3h4,Gh8h4]} (23. Nf6 $2 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} e4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 24. Nxe4 Bxe4 25. Qxe4 Qxg5 $19) 23... Bxe4 24. Rxh4 (24. Qxe5+ f6 25. Qxe4 fxg5 $11 {leads to a roughly equal position.}) 24... Rxh4 25. Qxh4 Bf3 26. Qg3 e4 27. Rd2 {The position looks dangerous for Black, but the computer is not worried.} Qh8 28. d7 Rd8 $11 {with adequate defense.}) 23. Qxe4 Nf5 (23... Qxg5 24. Rxh4 {Black has no compensation for the piece.}) 24. Rd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move was missed by Nepomniachtchi.} (24. Qxe5+ f6 $11 {[%CAl Rg5f6]}) 24... Rh8 (24... Qxg5 25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Qe4 Rad8 27. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qg4 28. Rdh2 {[%csl Rh2,Rh3][%CAl Rh3h7,Rh2h7] with a winning attack on the h-file.}) 25. Rxh8 Qxh8 26. d7 $2 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (26. Rd3 $1 {[%CAl Gd3h3] [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] wins immediately. It would be a fitting end to this game, with the rook completing its journey and scoring the goal.} Rd8 27. Rh3 Qf8 28. Qxe5+ f6 29. gxf6+ Kf7 (29... Qxf6 30. Rh7+ $3 $18 {[%CAl Re5f6]}) (29... Kg8 30. Qxe6+ Qf7 31. Rh8+ $18) 30. Rh7+ Kg8 31. Re7 {[%csl Rd6,Re5,Re7,Rf6] with a crushing position. What a hard-working rook.}) 26... Rd8 {Black is still lost, but not as lost as before.} 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ Kh7 30. Qh2+ Kg7 31. Qc7 Qh4 $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Half blunder, half bluff.} (31... Qf8 {gives better chances, but White should win without big problems.} 32. Qxa7 (32. Kd1 {is my machine's favorite move.}) 32... Qe7 33. Qxb6 Rxd7 34. Rxd7 Qxd7 35. Qxc5 {the passed pawns decide the game.}) 32. Kd1 $4 {[%c_effect d1;square;d1;type;Blunder;persistent;true] Ding calculated a few lines, but probably believed his opponent more than he should have.} (32. Qxd8 {There's no perpetual check.} Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qb2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2 Qd1+ (36... Qxf1+ 37. Kd2 $18 Qxf2+ 38. Kc1 $18 {[%CAl Gc1b2]}) 37. Ke4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxc2+ (37... Nd6+ 38. Ke5) 38. Bd3 Nd6+ 39. Ke5 Qxd3 40. Qf6+ Kh7 41. d8=Q Nxc4+ 42. Kf4 e5+ 43. Kg4 {The checks will soon be over and the extra queen will remain.}) 32... Qxg5 33. Kc2 Qe7 $6 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (33... Qh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better, keeping the queen active.}) 34. Bg2 $6 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This allows a nice saving resource.} (34. Kb3) (34. Bh3) 34... e5 $2 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (34... Nd4+ $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This wonderful move saves the game, as Black gets three pawns for the piece and eliminates the dangerous d-pawn.} 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qf4 (36. Qe5+ f6) 36... cxd4 37. Rxd4 Qxa3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 38. Rxd7 Qa4+ 39. Kc3 Qxd7 {with a drawn position.}) 35. Be4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nh6 36. Qxa7 {Ding is winning again.} Ng4 {A desperate move that will work well.} (36... f5 37. Bc6 e4 38. Qxb6 f4 {The pawns are not fast enough.} 39. Qc7 e3 40. fxe3 fxe3 41. Re2) 37. Bf3 $4 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Blunder;persistent;true] Missing Black's reply.} (37. Bc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best, defending the d7-pawn. The position is trickier than the computer evaluation suggests, but White should eventually win.} e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 (38... e3 39. fxe3 Nxe3+ 40. Kb3 {The king is safe.}) 39. Bb5 Nd3 40. Qc7 {The computer is not overly impressed by the d3-knight and prepares the final pawn march with Bc6-a4-a5 and so on.}) 37... Nxf2 $1 {[%c_effect f2;square;f2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 38. Rxf2 e4 {Black has excellent counterplay now and may even think of playing for a win.} 39. Re2 f5 40. Qxb6 {Ding nearly lost on time before making this move. It almost generated a heart attack for many people watching the broadcast.} (40. Bxe4 fxe4 41. Qxb6 Qxd7 42. Kb2 {leads to an equal position.}) 40... Rxd7 (40... Qxd7 41. Rg2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the tactical justification of the previous move. White must still play carefully to guarantee the draw.} Qd3+ 42. Kb2 Qd6 43. Qxd6 Rxd6 44. Bxe4 fxe4 45. Kc2 Kf6 46. Rd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This important move activates the rook and prepares the king walk, with a drawn endgame.}) 41. Qb8 (41. Bxe4 fxe4 42. Qc6 {The e4-pawn falls and we get a similar endgame to the game.}) 41... Qd6 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bxe4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] It's better to sacrifice the bishop before black's king arrives on e5 and the pawns become unstoppable.} (43. Bg2 Kf6) 43... fxe4 44. Rxe4 Kf6 45. Re8 {Exhausted by all the tension, the players agreed a draw at this point. This is certainly one of the most dramatic world championship games ever.} (45. Re8 g5 {Many variations lead to a draw. Let me show one of them.} 46. Rf8+ Ke5 47. Rc8 g4 48. Rxc5+ Kf4 49. Rd5 Rg6 50. Rd1 g3 51. Kb3 g2 52. Rg1 Kf3 53. c5 Kf2 54. Rxg2+ Kxg2 55. Kc4 Kf3 56. Kd5 Ke3 57. c6 Kd3 58. c7 Rg8 59. Kd6 Kxc3 60. Kd7 Kb3 61. c8=Q Rxc8 62. Kxc8 Kxa3) 1/2-1/2 [Event "???? ?? ?????? ??????Ð"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.20"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Ian Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [WhiteElo "2789"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Egrnegr200"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,89,28,20,15,-4,-2,-2,22,30,23,-10,-18,-19,8,-30,8,7,7,-36,-47,-35,-49,-84,-99,-92,-89,-90,-90,-88,-88,-116,-92,-114,-38,-38,14,0,0,0,-4,-46,-21,-15,-15,0,79,61,61,61,141,126,124,92,84,71,71,79,71,71,71,71,71,113,319,16,18,32,78,78,83,97,97,95,118,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,46,22,26,33,33,27,27,27,26,13]} 1. d4 {[%eval 0,0]} Nf6 {[%eval 28,0]} 2. c4 {[%eval 16,0]} e6 {[%eval 23,0]} 3. Nc3 {[%eval 5,0]} Bb4 {[%eval 25,0] ?? ????? ?????? ?????????.} 4. e3 {[%eval 0,0]} O-O {[%eval 21,0]} 5. a3 {[%eval 15,0]} Bxc3+ {[%eval 25,0]} 6. bxc3 {[%eval 7,0]} d6 {[%eval 1,0]} 7. Ne2 {[%eval 37,0] ????? ????? ???? ??????? ?????? ?????????? ??????? ????? ??-?? ????, ??? ???? ?????????????? ?????.} c5 {[%eval 44,0]} 8. Ng3 {[%eval 29,0]} Nc6 {[%eval 26,0]} 9. Ra2 {[%eval 48,0][%CAl Gb7b6,Gc8b7,Gb7g2] ???????? ???????? ???????! ?????????, ??? ????? ?????. ?????? -0.6} b6 $1 {[%eval 5,0] ?????????! ????? ????????????? ?????. ??????? ?????? ??????? ????? ?? ???? ????????? ???? ?????? ? ??????.} 10. e4 {[%eval 57,0] ???-??? ???????????. ????????, ????? ????? ?????????? ????? ? ??????? ?????.} Ba6 {[%eval 51,0][%CAl Ga6f1,Ga2e2] ????? ????????? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ????? ?? ?2, ??? ??? ??? ????? ???????????? ?????? ????? ?4.} 11. Bg5 {[%eval 62,0]} h6 {[%eval 62,0] ?????? ???! ?????? ????? ????? ??????? h4 ? ??????? ???????? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ?????!} 12. h4 $3 {[%eval 73,0] ? ??? ?????? ???? ???! ?? ??? ???????? ?????? ??????? ??????.} hxg5 {[%eval 5,0]} 13. hxg5 {[%eval 66,0]} g6 $3 {[%eval 63,0] ?????? ???! ????? ???.} 14. gxf6 {[%eval 44,0]} Qxf6 {[%eval 63,0] ?????? ??? ??????, ?? ?????? ????? ?? ?????...} 15. e5 {[%eval 27,0] ??? ???????? ?????!} dxe5 {[%eval 4,0] ? ?? ????????? ??????!} 16. d5 $2 {[%eval -83,0][%CAl Ga8d8,Gd8d1,Ge6d5,Gc4d5,Ga6f1] ? ??????? ????? ??????! ????? ?? ??????!} (16. Ne4) 16... Ne7 $2 {[%eval 0,0][%CAl Gd5d6] ?? ????? ????????? ? ?? ?????????.} (16... Na5 17. Bd3) 17. d6 {[%eval 0,0] ?????? ????? ????????? ??????, ?? ?????? ???? ???? ?????????? 1.????? ?????? ?????? ????????. 2.????? ????????? ??????? ???? ??????, ?? ??? ??? ??? ???? ? ????.} Nf5 {[%eval 15,0]} 18. Ne4 {[%eval 13,0]} Qd8 {[%eval 2,0]} 19. Qd3 {[%eval 1,0][%CAl Gd3h3,Gh3h8]} Kg7 {[%eval 22,0][%csl Gh8][%CAl Gf8h8,Gh8h1]} 20. g4 {[%eval 2,0][%CAl Gg4f5]} Bb7 {[%eval 0,0]} 21. Rh3 {[%eval 9,0]} (21. gxf5 $4 exf5 22. f3 fxe4 23. fxe4 f5) 21... Nh4 {[%eval 3,0]} 22. g5 {[%eval 0,0] ???? ????????, ??? ???????? ????? ? ?????? ??????, ????????? ???????? ????????? ????? ??????.} Bxe4 $4 {[%eval 187,0] ????? ????! ????????? ??????!!} (22... Rh8 23. Qg3 Bxe4 24. Qxe5+ f6 25. Qxe4 fxg5 26. Rd3 Qf6 27. Re2 Raf8 28. d7 Qf5 29. Qxf5) 23. Qxe4 {[%eval 163,0]} Nf5 {[%eval 97,0]} 24. Rd2 {[%eval 187,0] ???, ?? ? ????? ???????? ????????????.} Rh8 $2 {[%eval 342,0] ?????? ????? ????? ?????? ????? ????? ?? ?5.} (24... Rb8 25. f4 Rh8 26. Qxe5+ f6 27. Rxh8 fxe5 28. Rxd8 Rxd8 29. fxe5 Rh8 30. Rd3 Kf7 31. Bh3) 25. Rxh8 {[%eval 413,0]} Qxh8 {[%eval 407,0]} 26. d7 $4 {[%eval 138,0] ??? ???????? ???????????? ????? ?? +1.9! ????? ?????? ????????!} (26. Rd3 Rd8 27. Rh3 Qxh3 28. Bxh3 Nxd6 29. Qxe5+ Kf8 30. Bg2 Ne8 31. Bc6 Ke7 32. Ba4 Rc8) 26... Rd8 {[%eval 136,0]} 27. Qxe5+ {[%eval 119,0]} Kh7 {[%eval 128,0]} 28. Qh2+ {[%eval 106,0]} Kg7 {[%eval 151,0]} 29. Qe5+ {[%eval 123,0]} Kh7 {[%eval 104,0]} 30. Qh2+ {[%eval 106,0]} Kg7 {[%eval 102,0]} 31. Qc7 {[%eval 109,0][%csl Gd8][%CAl Gc7d8,Gh8d8] ??? ???????? ????, ????? ?????????? ????????, ? ????? ?????? ? ?????.} Qh4 $4 {[%eval 418,0][%csl Gh4,Gd8][%CAl Gh8h4,Gc7d8] ??? ??? ?? ???? ? ????? ??? ???????? ??????} (31... Qf8 32. Qxa7) 32. Kd1 $4 {[%eval 5,0][%csl Gd8][%CAl Gc7d8]} (32. Qxd8) 32... Qxg5 {[%eval 63,0]} 33. Kc2 {[%eval 33,0]} Qe7 {[%eval 4,0]} 34. Bg2 $2 {[%eval 29,0] ????? 0.0!!!! ????? ?????? ??????? ???????!} e5 $6 {[%eval 132,0][%CAl Ge6e5] ????? ???????? ?????...} (34... Nd4+) 35. Be4 {[%eval 143,0]} Nh6 $2 {[%eval 174,0][%CAl Ga7a6,Gb6b5] ???? ???? ?????? ?6, ?????? ????????? ????? ??? ????.} 36. Qxa7 {[%eval 173,0]} Ng4 {[%eval 207,0][%CAl Gg4f2] ???????? ????? ?????? ?????????????, ?? ???????? ????????? ?? ???????????.} 37. Bf3 $4 {[%eval 0,0] ????? 0.0! ??? ????? ????????? ??2??} (37. Kb3) 37... Nxf2 $3 {[%eval 0,0][%CAl Gd2f2,Gd8d7,Ga7b6,Ge5e4,Ge4e3,Ge3e2,Ge2e1,Gf7f1,Gg6g1] ????!!! ?????? ???? ???????!!} 38. Rxf2 {[%eval 0,0]} e4 $1 {[%eval 0,0] ?????????! ??????????, ??? ?????? ?? ??????? ????? ?????? ???!} 39. Re2 {[%eval 0,0]} f5 {[%eval 0,0][%CAl Gf7f1,Gg6g1,Ge4e1] ????? ???? ?????????? ?????, ? ??????,??? ????? ?????} 40. Qxb6 {[%eval 17,0]} Rxd7 $6 {[%eval 0,0] ????? ???? ??7.} (40... Qxd7 41. Rg2 Qd3+ 42. Kb3 Qd6 43. Qxd6 Rxd6 44. Bxe4 fxe4 $10 {??? ??????? ?????, ?? ??? ?? ???? ???????? ????? ?? ??????.}) 41. Qb8 {[%eval 0,0][%CAl Ge7d6,Gb8d6,Gd7d6,Gf3e4,Gf5e4,Ge2e4,Gd6a6] ????????? ????????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?????. ?? ?????? ????? ??????????.} Qd6 {[%eval 0,0]} 42. Qxd6 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxd6 {[%eval 0,0] ????? ?????????, ??????? ?????.} 43. Bxe4 $1 {[%eval 3,0]} fxe4 {[%eval 0,0]} 44. Rxe4 {[%eval 3,0]} Kf6 {[%eval 1,0]} 45. Re8 {[%eval 0,0] ????? ???????? ?????. ??????? ??? ??? ??? ????????! ?? ????? ??????.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "9"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,163,33,29,29,25,25,13,26,14,26,-2,-1,-1,18,26,18,6,10,-7,-5,0,0,4,-13,-13,16,16,3,16,16,15,21,14,5,-10,-21,-9,35,8,68,-7,19,-31,-16,-16,-16,17,24,24,31,60,66,52,54,-6,-20,-25,-14,-14,-17,0,14,0,0,0,10,17,37,32,31,31,32,32,26,31,23,28,108,113,99,90,92,95,95,89,93,85,139,77,92,72,75,81,89,84,90,88,101,96,101,105,105,94,109,114,137,125,129,111,97,97,150,144,155,122,120,120,102,101,101,87,87,88,101,101,101,101,101,101,103,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,82,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,122,101,101,35,101,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0] C'est la partie de tous les dangers pour Ding Liren. Après avoir laissé échapper un gain qui lui aurait permis d'égaliser le match dans la huitième partie, une défaite dans la neuvième lui porterait sans aucun doute un coup fatal.} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {La troisième partie Espagnole du match.} Nf6 {La variante berlinoise. Une surprise de la part de Ding Liren. La Pléiade berlinoise est le nom donné à un groupe de sept champions d'échecs constitué à Berlin au milieu du XIXe siècle avec Ludwig Bledow (1795-1846), Karl Schorn (1803-1850), Bernhard Horwitz (1808-1885), Carl Mayet (1810-1868), Wilhelm Hanstein (1811-1850), Paul Rudolf von Bilguer (1815-1840) et Tassilo von der Lasa (1817-1899), qui ont élaboré une nouvelle ouverture, la célèbre défense berlinoise, basée sur la contre-attaque du pion-roi des blancs par le Cavalier en f6 dans la partie espagnole.} 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. Nbd2 dxe4 8. dxe4 {Le choix de cette Berlinoise démontre que le Chinois joue seulement pour le demi-point.} a5 ({La principale alternative est} 8... Qe7 9. b4 Bd6 10. Bb2 a5 11. a3 Be6 12. Qc2 h6 13. Rac1 Rfd8 14. Rfd1 {½-½ (80) Nakamura,H (2736)-Ding Liren (2799) Speed 2021 INT blitz}) 9. a4 $5 (9. Qe2 {donne l'égalité aux Noirs. Par exemple :} Qe7 10. Nh4 Bg4 11. Ndf3 Nh5 12. Qc4 Na7 13. Bg5 Qd6 14. Nf5 Bxf5 15. exf5 h6 {½-½ (32) Vachier Lagrave,M (2757)-Giri,A (2768) Tashkent FIDE GP 2014}) (9. Bxc6 {est connu pour faire nulle.} bxc6 10. Nxe5 Re8 11. Nb3 Qxd1 12. Rxd1 Bb6 13. Nc4 Nxe4 14. Nxb6 cxb6 15. f3 Nc5 16. Nxc5 bxc5 17. Rd6 {½-½ (32) Anand,V (2779)-Grischuk,A (2771) Gashimov Memorial 2019}) 9... Qe7 10. Qc2 {Viswanathan Anand : « La différence entre 10.Dc2 et 10.De2 est que le Fou peut reculer en f1. »} Nb8 {Jusqu'ici, « à l'est rien de nouveau ».} 11. Re1 (11. Be2 Nbd7 12. Nc4 b6 13. h3 Bb7 14. Bd3 Rfd8 15. Re1 h6 16. b3 Qe8 17. Be3 Bxe3 18. Rxe3 Qe6 19. Rae1 Ba6 20. Bf1 Bb7 21. Ncd2 Ne8 22. Nc4 Nd6 23. Rd1 Nc5 24. Nxd6 Rxd6 {0-1 So,W (2773)-Nakamura,H (2760) RCC INT rapid 2022}) 11... Rd8 12. h3 (12. Nf1 c6 13. Bc4 h6 14. Ng3 Ng4 15. Rf1 Be6 16. Bxe6 Qxe6 17. h3 {½-½ (35) So,W (2771)-Nakamura,H (2768) CGC KO 2022 INT rapid}) 12... h6 13. Nf1 (13. Bf1 Nbd7 14. Nc4 b6 15. Be3 Bb7 16. Bxc5 Qxc5 17. Rab1 Qe7 18. b4 Bc6 {½-½ (51) Nakamura,H (2768)-So,W (2771) CGC KO 2022 INT rapid}) 13... c6 (13... Nh5 14. Ne3 c6 15. Bc4 Qf6 16. Nf5 Bxf5 17. exf5 Nd7 18. Be3 Bxe3 19. Rxe3 {1-0 (45) Gopal,G (2580)-Gupta,A (2625) Pardubice Czech op-A 28th 2017}) 14. Bc4 Na6 {Viswanathan Anand : « La préparation de Ding semble en effet très efficace. »} 15. Ng3 Qc7 {Il ne reste qu'une partie dans les bases, jouée par email. Comme Ding Liren a blitzé ce coup et que Ian Nepomniachtchi prend une première respiration, le Russe est donc hors préparation.} 16. Ba2 $5 {Après 20 minutes de réflexion ; une éternité pour Ian. 1h42-1h23. Ce type de positions, très positionnelles, avec toutes les pièces encore sur l'échiquier, pourrait plutôt correspondre au stratège Ding Liren.} (16. Qe2 Bf8 17. Be3 Nc5 18. b4 Ncxe4 19. Nxe4 Nxe4 20. Bb6 Qxb6 21. Qxe4 Re8 22. Nxe5 Be6 23. Bd3 f5 24. Qf3 axb4 25. Bxf5 Bxf5 26. Qxf5 Qc7 27. Nd7 Rxe1+ 28. Rxe1 bxc3 29. Qe6+ Kh7 30. Qe4+ Kh8 31. Ne5 Bd6 {½-½ De la Rosa Solorzano,J (2426)-Genga,S (2424) W-ch ICCF email 2021}) 16... b5 {Selon Vladislav Tkachiev : « L'équipe chinoise a dominé [dans la préparation] l'équipe russe. »} 17. Qe2 {Attaque le pion b5, mais pour l'entraîneur Tom Rendle : « ... les Noirs peuvent simplement sacrifier le pion avec ...Ff8!, car prendre b5 permettrait alors ...Cc5 avec un excellent jeu pour le pion. » De son côté, Viswanathan Anand : « 17.De2 et Ch4, suivi de Df3, est un plan sérieux maintenant pour Ian. »} Rb8 $6 {Après 16 minutes de réflexion, le Chinois choisit un coup inattendu.} ({La ligne critique était} 17... Bf8 $1 18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 Nc5 20. b4 Nd3 21. Rd1 Ba6 22. Qxa5 Qxc3 23. Bd2 Qc2) 18. Nh4 $1 {Comme prévu par Viswanathan Anand, le Russe se tourne vers l'aile-Roi noire. Viswanathan Anand : « Je n'aime pas 17...Tb8. Il y a des lignes où le Cavalier en a6 n'est pas défendu. De plus, les coups des Blancs comme 18.Ch4 sont faciles. »} Bf8 $5 {En 13 minutes.} ({Bien que laid,} 18... Be6 $5 {pour se débarrasser du Fou blanc de cases blanches, était sans doute supérieur.} 19. Bxe6 fxe6 20. Nh5) 19. Qf3 {[%csl Ga2,Gc1,Gf3,Gg3,Yg8,Gh4] En moins de 2 minutes. Toujours le pragmatisme de Ian. La menace est simplement de prendre en h6.} (19. Ng6 $5 Nc5 20. Nxf8 Kxf8) 19... bxa4 {Après 15 minutes. Cinq pièces blanches visent le Roi noir ; Ding Liren est en grand danger.} 20. Bxh6 Nc5 {[%csl Rb2,Gb8,Gd8,Yf3,Yh6][%CAl Yb8b2,Yd8d3,Yd3f3] Menace de prendre en b2 et aussi de faire irruption en d3 avec l'autre Tour.} 21. Ng6 $5 ({Stockfish 15.1 préférait} 21. Bg5 $5 Rd3 22. Qe2 Nh7 $1 23. Be3 Rxe3 $5 24. Qxe3 Rxb2) 21... Rxb2 $5 {Avec la menace de prendre en a2 puis en g6, sans oublier l'irruption de l'autre Tour en d3..} (21... Rd3 $5 22. Re3 Rxe3 23. Qxe3 Qd6 $1 24. Nxe5 Be6) (21... gxh6 $2 22. Qxf6 Bg7 23. Ne7+ Kh7 24. Qxf7 $18) 22. Nxf8 {Difficile d'envisager autre chose que cette prise en f8, affaiblissant les cases noires autour du Roi adverse.} Rxf8 {0h50-0h48} ({Surtout pas} 22... Kxf8 $4 {à cause de} 23. Qxf6 {et 1-0.}) 23. Bg5 $6 {C'est avec cette manière de jouer, quelque peu nonchalante et rapide (2 minutes) que ce trouve sans doute le principal défaut de Ian Nepomniachtchi.} (23. Bc4 $1 {était le coup de la machine, avec avantage blanc.}) 23... Nh7 $1 {Simple et bon.} 24. Bc1 Rb5 $6 {A tempo, mais imprécis !} ({Ding Liren rate} 24... Rc2 $1 {qui maintenait l'égalité.}) 25. Ba3 $1 Re8 {Ian Nepomniachtchi a maintenant l'occasion de gagner une qualité.} 26. Bc4 {Après 15 minutes de réflexion.} (26. Bxc5 $5 Rxc5 27. c4 {[%csl Yc5] et si la Tour n'a pas de case, on ne voit pas comment elle pourrait être capturée.}) (26. Rad1 {était une alternative plus ou moins équivalente du point de vue de l'évaluation informatique.}) 26... Be6 $1 {0h32-0h39} 27. Bxe6 $5 {Inattendu !} ({Les Blancs n'ont sans doute pas aimé} 27. Bxb5 cxb5 {et la qualité a coûté le Fou de cases blanches, et les Blancs doivent se méfier des pions noirs de l'aile-Dame.}) ({La machine envisageait aussi} 27. Qe2 $5 Bxc4 28. Qxc4 Qe7 29. Nf5 Qe6 30. Qe2) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 c5 29. Qe2 {Et Sesse.net affiche son 0.00 !} (29. Bc1 $5) 29... Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 {0h27-0h28} 31. Bc1 Nf6 32. Qxa4 {Ian Nepomniachtchi récupère son pion, mais il n'est plus question d'un avantage pour les Blancs.} Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 Rb4 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 {La partie prend le chemin de la nulle.} 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 Nd4 {Ding Liren a pris son temps pour jouer ce coup liquidateur au prix d'un pion.} 39. Bxd4 cxd4 40. Rxd4 {Et le Chinois a raison, cette finale est nulle.} g6 {Le contrôle du 40e coup est atteint et les joueurs se voient attribuer une heure supplémentaire pour les 20 prochains coups.} 41. Ne3 Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 $5 {Fabiano Caruana : « C'est juste un coup amusant, parce que vous pouviez déplacer le Cavalier n'importe où et vous le mettez en g3. Cela ressemble presque à une blague, une taquinerie. Mais il n'y a aucune raison particulière de le mettre en g3, ça n'aide pas à la tâche défensive. »} 43. Rb7 Nf5 44. Ng4 {Évidemment, Ian Nepomniachtchi, avec un pion de plus, ne prend aucun risque à continuer de jouer.} Re7 $5 {Alors que l'échange des Cavaliers menait directement au demi-point, proposer l'échange des Tours exige de savoir exactement où l'on met les pieds.} 45. Rb5 {Ian Nepomniachtchi refuse le troc.} Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 47. Rb7 Nd6 {Avec tous les pions sur la même aile, cette position doit se terminer par la nulle. Toutefois, il est indispensable de jouer avec précision.} 48. Ra7 Kf8 49. Kg3 f5 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ {Apparemment Ian Nepomniachtchi veut faire payer à son adversaire le fait d'avoir voulu jouer au malin avec son 42.Cg3!?.} Re8 {Force l'échange des Tours.} 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 {Et nous obtenons ainsi la finale de Cavalier avec un pion de plus pour le Russe. Le Chinois va maintenant devoir démontrer que sa vision était correcte.} 53. Ne5 g5 $1 {Seul coup évidemment. Fabiano Caruana a souligné que Magnus Carlsen a réussi à battre Vishy Anand dans une finale de Cavalier à 3 contre 2 lors du Tata Steel Masters 2019.} 54. h4 $5 {Même si les échanges de pions facilitent la défense. Cependant, Ian Nepomniachtchi a pris 20 minutes pour ce coup, il a donc forcément une idée.} gxh4 {A tempo, bien entendu.} 55. Kf4 {On pouvait lire de l'inquiétude sur le visage de Ding Liren et nous commencions à craindre qu'une gaffe vienne mettre un terme à cette partie. Et à ce moment-là, Daniil Dubov : « Ding semble bouleversé. Son langage corporel est comme s'il se sentait perdu. »} h3 $1 {0h37-0h16} (55... Ne4 $2 {Perdait sur} 56. Nd3 Nd6 57. Ke5 Ke7 58. Nf4 Ne4 59. f3 Ng3 60. Ng6+ Kf7 61. Nxh4 $18) 56. gxh3 Ke7 {Viswanathan Anand : « Ayant perdu une finale de Cavalier avec 2 pions contre 3, je ne me serais pas précipité pour échanger les Tours. Ding connaît peut-être simplement ses finales. »} 57. Nc6+ Kf6 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ {Avec un ajout de 15 minutes pour le reste de la partie, et maintenant un incrément de 30 secondes par coup.} 61. Kg3 Kg6 {C'est la première fois du match que les joueurs dépassent les 60 coups.} 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 {Daniil Dubov : « Il suffit de mettre le Roi noir en h6 et il n'y a plus rien à craindre. »} 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 {La fin approche, les joueurs ne vont pas tarder à se séparer bons amis.} 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ {Mal embarqué dans cette Espagnole variante berlinoise, le Chinois a néanmoins obtenu le demi-point avec les pièces noires. Mené par le Russe Ian Nepomniachtchi 5 points à 4 avec encore cinq parties à jouer, Ding Liren aura trois fois les Blancs et tout reste donc possible dans ce match. Repos samedi 22 avril, rendez-vous dimanche à partir de 11h00.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 9 - Nepo v L"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,163,29,16,16,25,26,13,14,14,26,-1,-1,-1,25,22,21,-3,0,-5,0,0,0,-13,14,0,16,15,16,15,3,24,14,-1,-21,-5,-4,-9,29,8,31,-31,19,-16,-16,17,17,24,21,37,60,60,52,54,56,-13,-13,-14,-17,-17,-31,-17,0,0,17,14,25,25,32,26,26,31,23,28,28,28,28,39,95,100,100,95,95,97,98,90,85,86,139,81,94,73,81,83,89,73,85,92,98,97,110,98,98,100,119,113,125,132,130,97,104,102,148,143,144,127,121,102,104,101,101,89,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,101,120,101,101,39,101,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 {Ding switches to the Berlin - arguably THE top choice amongst professionals} 4. d3 {The most fighting approach keeping all the tension in the position. This shows to me that Nepo is fighting for a win in this game and not yet looking to draw his way to the title} (4. O-O Nxe4 5. Re1 {I was sort of expecting this approach from Nepo leading to quiet positions where white isn't carrying any risks (though the draw ration is high)}) 4... Bc5 5. c3 (5. Bxc6 {This has become a major option}) 5... O-O 6. O-O d5 (6... d6 7. Nbd2 (7. Bg5)) 7. Nbd2 (7. exd5) 7... dxe4 8. dxe4 a5 $5 {Preventing queenside expansion from black} (8... Qe7 9. b4 Bd6 10. a3) 9. a4 (9. Bxc6 bxc6 10. Nxe5 {Grabbing the pawn is of course the critical test} Re8 11. Nb3 Qxd1 12. Rxd1 Bb6 13. Nc4 {This line has been tested a few times at high level} (13. Nxc6 Bb7 14. Ncd4 Bxe4 {With the usual 2 bishop compensation for the pawn being sufficient}) 13... Nxe4 14. Nxb6 cxb6 15. f3 Nc5 16. Nxc5 bxc5 {With some small advantage for white but black should make a draw}) 9... Qe7 10. Qc2 {The players are following a game Radjabov - Nakamura from the 2022 Candidates (at which both Nepo and Ding were present)} Nb8 {The most played move. This is the 'Breyer' manoeuvre} (10... Na7 {Radjabov, T. - Nakamura, Hi, 1-0, FIDE Candidates 2022, https://lichess.org/payNb8D6}) 11. Re1 Rd8 (11... c6 12. Bf1 {Gives white extra option of Bf1 which he doesn't have after Nf1}) 12. h3 h6 (12... Nbd7 {Anand, V. - Vidit, S., 0-1, Tata Steel India Blitz, 2019, https://lichess.org/xj4iUoeW}) 13. Nf1 c6 14. Bc4 (14. Bd3) 14... Na6 $5 {Usually the knight goes to d7 after b8.} (14... Nbd7) 15. Ng3 {Some ideas for white include Nh4 (aiming at f5 or even g6 if the bishop goes to f8), Qe2/Be3} Qc7 {Ding was playing quickly and seemingly following the top choice of the engine and some correspondence games. ...Qc7 hints at ...Bf8...Nc5. another factor here is that by defending the e-pawn ...Be6 becomes an option in some lines} (15... Nc7 16. Qe2 {and it 's slightly annoying for black that he can't play ...Be6 yet} (16. Nh4 Be6 17. Nhf5 Qf8 $10) 16... Be6) 16. Ba2 (16. Nh4 Bf8 (16... Re8 $5 {Top choice of the engine hinting at ...Be6}) 17. Be3 Nc5 18. Ng6 Bd6 19. Nxe5 {is something black should avoid}) 16... b5 17. Qe2 Rb8 $6 {Not liked by Anand or the engine} (17... Bf8 18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 Nc5 {With good activity for black compensating the pawn deficit. Ding was worried here about b4} 20. b4 Nd3 21. Rd1 Ba6 22. Qxa5 Qxc3 23. Bd2 Qc2) 18. Nh4 $1 Bf8 19. Qf3 (19. Ng6 $5) 19... bxa4 20. Bxh6 (20. Ng6 $5) 20... Nc5 21. Ng6 (21. Bg5 $5 Rd3 22. Qe2 Nh7 23. Be3) 21... Rxb2 {Ding bravely grabs the pawn!} 22. Nxf8 Rxf8 (22... Kxf8 $4 23. Qxf6 $18) (22... Rd3 $5 {This interim move avoids the Qe3 lines - but it seems very computerish and messy} 23. Be3 Nb3 24. Bxb3 axb3 25. Nh5 Qd6 $1 {with strange complications}) 23. Bg5 $6 {White chases the knight to h7 before playing Bc1, which seems like a nice subtlety but in a critical line the knight is actually better on h7 than f6 !} (23. Qe3 $5 {[%CAl Ge3g5]} gxh6 24. Qxc5 (24. Qxh6 Ne8 {[%CAl Gc7d6] and now white should take the perpeptual}) 24... Qb6 25. Qxb6 Rxb6 26. Bc4 $14 {This looks like a nice endgame for white with some pawn weaknesses}) (23. Bc1 {This is stronger immediately} Rc2 24. Ba3 Nb3 25. Bxf8 Kxf8 {In this line the king has to take on f8 which makes a difference} 26. Bxb3 axb3 27. Qe3 $1 {[%CAl Ge3c5]} Be6 28. c4 Bxc4 29. Nf5 {With tactical issues for black on the kingside}) 23... Nh7 24. Bc1 Rb5 $6 (24... Rc2 $1 {Weird looking move but it works!} 25. Ba3 $2 {This natural move is a mistake} (25. Bb1 $2 Rxc1 26. Rxc1 Nb3) 25... Nb3 $1 26. Bxf8 Nxf8 {The knight taking on f8 makes a difference} 27. Bxb3 axb3 $17 {Black is on top with the connected passed pawns} 28. Qe3 Be6 29. c4 Bxc4 30. Nf5 {Here with the knight on f8 this is an empty shot compared to 23.Bc1 line}) 25. Ba3 Re8 26. Bc4 Be6 27. Bxe6 (27. Bxb5 cxb5 {Looks unclear and perhaps Nepo didn't want to allow any counter-chances. Still this was perhaps the way to go to press for a win}) (27. Qe2 Bxc4 28. Qxc4 Ne6 29. Nf5 Rd8 30. Qxa4 $14 {Was perhaps a better way to try and press}) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 c5 29. Qe2 Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 {The position is now pretty even} 31. Bc1 Nf6 32. Qxa4 Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 Rb4 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 Nd4 $1 {Ding decides to give up a pawn to simplify the position. i think this is a good practical decision as the other lines were complicated and white may have ended up with better winning chances there} (38... Nd2 {Is playable but looks a bit loose and there is certainly stuff to calculate here} 39. Bxg7 $4 (39. Rg4 Nf4 $1 (39... g6 40. Bc3 {Looks a bit tricky for black} (40. Rh4 $2 f6 $1 41. Bc3 Nb1 42. Nd6 Rd8 43. Ne4 Nxc3 44. Nxc3 $15 {[%csl Gc5]}) 40... Rd8 41. Rh4 f6 {forced} 42. Bxf6 Nf3+ $1 43. gxf3 Rd1+ 44. Kg2 gxf5 {maybe white can still press here}) 40. Nh6+ (40. Rxg7+ Kh8 {this is the most accurate way for black but looks scary at least from afar} 41. Bxf4 Re1+ 42. Kh2 Nf1+ $10) (40. Bxf4 Re1+ 41. Kh2 Nf1+ $10) 40... Kh7 41. Nxf7 Ng6 42. f4 Nxe5 43. Nxe5 (43. fxe5 Kg8 $10) 43... c4 {with counterplay}) 39... Nxg7 40. Rg4 Re1+ 41. Kh2 Nf1+ 42. Kg1 Ne3+ $19) (38... N4g5 39. f4 (39. h4 f6 40. hxg5 fxe5 41. g6 {Black has some problems to solve here as well}) 39... f6 40. fxg5 fxe5 41. g6 {with problems for black to solve}) (38... f6 39. Rxe4 Ng5 40. Nxg7 Nxe4 41. Nxe8 fxe5 42. Nc7 c4 43. Nd5 c3 44. Nb4 {could be a draw - but it is clear all these lines are more dangerous than 38...Nd4!}) 39. Bxd4 cxd4 40. Rxd4 g6 {White has won a pawn but black's defensive task is relatively straightforward and both players are obviously aware that this should be a draw. However a long defence could be in store for black} 41. Ne3 Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 43. Rb7 (43. fxg3 Rxe3 {is a draw}) 43... Nf5 $5 44. Ng4 {No hesitation from Nepo} (44. Nxf5+ gxf5 {Ding is confident that even this rook endgame is an easy draw}) 44... Re7 45. Rb5 {Again no hesitation} (45. Rxe7 Nxe7 {In this endgame there are more winning chances than the Rook endgame. Dvoretsky mentions that 4v3 is usually winning but there are far more defensive resources in 3 v 2 knight endgames. Still some white players may choose to go this way}) 45... Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 47. Rb7 {Prevents ...Nh6. White wants to keep all the pieces on the board, for now black is making it harder for white to move the knight back into the game} (47. g3 Nh6 $10) 47... Nd6 48. Ra7 Kf8 (48... Ne4 {was possible again trying to exchange knights} 49. f3 (49. Re7 Nc3) 49... Nf2 $10) 49. Kg3 (49. Rd7 f5 $4 50. Rxd6 fxg4 51. h4 $1 {white wins} Rxf2 (51... Kf7 52. Kg3 Re4 53. Rd5 {[%CAl Gd5g5,Gg5g4]}) 52. Rxg6 $18 {[%csl Rg4]}) 49... f5 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ Re8 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 {Ding gets his rook exchange but looks like he did it in quite a risky way. Nepo's facial expressions indicated he was surprised though he often does this} 53. Ne5 g5 {If the white king were on e3 here then f4 would be winning which perhaps indicates that this was a risky choice from Ding - perhaps he had calculated everything in advance?} 54. h4 {Nepo goes for one of the direct choices} gxh4 {only move} 55. Kf4 {Now black only has 2 moves which hold} h3 $1 {The most practical move} (55... Ke7 {This is the most natural of the two} 56. Ng6+ Kf6 57. Nxh4 Ne4 58. f3 Nd6 59. g3 Ke6 60. Kg5 Nf7+ 61. Kg6 Ne5+ 62. Kg7 {This was the position being discussed in commentary with the view that it looks quite scary for black if you can't force an immediate draw. Here tablebase indicates two ways to draw - but they are both quite difficult I think} Nd3 (62... Nc4 $2 63. f4 {black will be zugzwanged} Ne3 (63... Kd5 64. Nxf5) 64. Kg6 $18) (62... Nc6 63. f4 Ne7 64. Nf3 Nc6 65. Kg6 Ne7+ 66. Kg5 Nc6 {and black holds}) 63. f4 Kd5 $1 {only drawing move} 64. Kf6 (64. Nxf5 Nxf4 65. gxf4 Ke4 $10) 64... Ke4 65. Kg5 {and black still needs to be accurate here!} Nf2 (65... Nc5 {even draws in a more unique way} 66. Nxf5 Kf3 {with a study-like draw!}) 66. Nxf5 Nh3+ 67. Kg4 Nf2+ $10) (55... Ne4 $2 {This natural move loses} 56. Nd3 $1 {the black knight has to go back} (56. f3 $2 Nf2 57. Kxf5 (57. Ke3 h3 $10 58. Kxf2 $4 h2 $19) 57... h3 $10) 56... Nd6 (56... Kf7 57. Kxf5 h3 58. gxh3 {is a win for white according to tablebases}) 57. Ke5 Ke7 58. Nf4 Ne4 (58... Kd7 59. Ng6 Ne4 60. f4 $1 $18 (60. f3 $4 h3 $1 61. gxh3 Ng5 $10)) 59. f3 Nd6 (59... Ng3 60. Ng6+ Kf7 61. Nxh4 $18) (59... h3 60. Nxh3 Ng3 61. Nf2 Kf7 62. Kf4 Nf1 63. Nd1 $1 (63. Kxf5 $4 Ne3+ $10) 63... Kf6 64. Ne3 $18) 60. Ng6+ Kd7 61. Nxh4 $18) 56. gxh3 Ke7 57. Nc6+ (57. Kg5 Ne4+ $10) 57... Kf6 (57... Ke6 $4 58. Nd4+ Kf6 59. h4 (59. f3 $2 Nf7 $1 60. Nxf5 Ng5 61. h4 Nxf3 $10) 59... Kg6 60. f3 Kf6 61. h5 $18 {zugzwang}) 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ 61. Kg3 Kg6 {Ding has survived the hardest phase} 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 (66... Kxf4 67. Kxc2 Kxf3 68. h5 Kg2 69. h6 f4 70. h7 f3 71. h8=Q f2 {is a theoretical draw but understandable that ding didn't want to check this as he is holding easily as it is}) 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ {draw agreed} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "9.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,163,19,31,34,42,20,27,32,10,7,22,10,-24,-8,6,28,1,0,-15,-8,-8,15,-8,-7,-19,-6,-20,-5,-5,0,16,23,0,-1,-3,9,-16,34,15,41,-17,-14,-67,-50,-46,-3,21,-17,3,53,40,67,56,59,-11,-43,-19,-15,-45,-31,-21,-5,-5,-5,0,0,7,62,49,39,42,32,42,34,45,27,32,107,101,100,100,97,89,103,89,86,85,140,70,87,68,78,74,74,78,85,89,89,98,116,103,98,104,116,115,113,112,118,129,113,100,142,149,162,127,127,126,127,95,109,105,109,105,110,109,103,108,108,91,90,122,121,122,108,108,108,108,108,104,104,104,109,106,104,113,122,104,120,104,104,55,104,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 O-O 6. O-O d5 (6... d6) (6... Re8) ({Relevant:} 6... Re8 7. Bg5 a6 8. Bxc6 dxc6 9. Bh4 Be7 10. Bg3 Bd6 11. Nbd2 Nh5 12. Bh4 Qd7 13. Nc4 Qg4 14. Bg5 Nf4 15. Ne3 Qh5 16. Bxf4 exf4 17. Nc4 Bg4 18. h3 Bxh3 19. gxh3 Qxh3 20. Nxd6 cxd6 21. Ng5 Qh4 22. Nf3 Qh3 23. Ng5 Qh4 24. Nf3 Qh3 {?-? (24) Firouzja,A (2778)-Aronian,L (2775) Saint Louis 2022}) 7. Nbd2 dxe4 8. dxe4 a5 9. a4 {A slightly unusual move but still played at the very top level.} (9. Qe2) 9... Qe7 10. Qc2 Nb8 {The top scoring move.} 11. Re1 Rd8 12. h3 h6 13. Nf1 c6 {This has been played before but perhaps surprised Nepomniachtchi.} 14. Bc4 Na6 $146 (14... Nbd7 15. Ng3 Nb6 16. Bf1 Re8 17. Nh4 Nh7 18. Nhf5 Bxf5 19. Nxf5 Qf6 20. Be3 Bxe3 21. Rxe3 Qe6 22. Rg3 g6 23. Nxh6+ Kh8 24. Re1 Kg7 25. Nf5+ Kh8 26. Ne3 Rad8 27. b3 Rd6 28. c4 Nd7 29. c5 Rd4 30. Nc4 Nxc5 31. Nxa5 Qe7 {Morkunas,G (1905)-Krivonosov,O (2378) Panevezys op-A 2022 (9) ?-?}) 15. Ng3 Qc7 {[#] Probably still prep from Ding.} 16. Ba2 $146 {A very good waiting move.} ({Predecessor:} 16. Qe2 Bf8 17. Be3 Nc5 18. b4 Ncxe4 19. Nxe4 Nxe4 20. Bb6 Qxb6 21. Qxe4 Re8 22. Nxe5 Be6 23. Bd3 f5 24. Qf3 axb4 25. Bxf5 Bxf5 26. Qxf5 Qc7 27. Nd7 Rxe1+ 28. Rxe1 bxc3 29. Qe6+ Kh7 30. Qe4+ Kh8 31. Ne5 Bd6 {?-? (31) De la Rosa Solorzano,J (2426)-Genga,S (2424) ICCF email 2021}) 16... b5 (16... Bf8 17. Be3) 17. Qe2 Rb8 $6 {White seems a bit better after this.} (17... Bf8 18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 Nc5 {and black has full compensation for the pawn.}) 18. Nh4 $1 {Immediately putting black under pressure.} Bf8 19. Qf3 (19. Ng6 $5) 19... bxa4 {Probably had to be tried but black's pawn structure is very ugly.} 20. Bxh6 Nc5 21. Ng6 (21. Bg5) 21... Rxb2 (21... Rd3 $5 {Is interesting.}) 22. Nxf8 Rxf8 (22... Rd3 {is a try.} 23. Be3 Nb3 24. Nh5 Qe7 25. Bxb3 axb3 26. Nxg7 Rxe3 27. Qxe3) 23. Bg5 (23. Bc4 $5 Be6 24. Nf5 Bxf5 (24... Bxc4 25. Bxg7 {isn't playable.}) 25. exf5) 23... Nh7 24. Bc1 Rb5 (24... Rc2 {is best according the the engines. But the rook looks like it might get trapped.}) 25. Ba3 Re8 26. Bc4 Be6 {This offer of the exchange is strictly necessary.} 27. Bxe6 (27. Bxb5 {is obviously critical.} cxb5 28. Qe3) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 c5 29. Qe2 (29. Bc1) 29... Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 31. Bc1 Nf6 32. Qxa4 {This liquidates to an endgame a pawn up.} Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 Rb4 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 Nd4 {Black goes into an endgame which he should hold but he's signing up for a bit of suffering.} (38... Nd2 {The engines make this work but it's not surprising Ding couldn't make it work.} 39. Rg4 Nf4 $11) 39. Bxd4 cxd4 40. Rxd4 g6 41. Ne3 Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 43. Rb7 Nf5 44. Ng4 (44. Nxf5+ gxf5 {looks ugly but probably is holdable.}) 44... Re7 45. Rb5 Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 47. Rb7 Nd6 {Ding spent quite a bit of time on this.} 48. Ra7 Kf8 49. Kg3 f5 {This starts to get tricky now.} (49... Rb2) 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ Re8 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 53. Ne5 g5 54. h4 gxh4 55. Kf4 h3 $1 {Ding thought this was the only way to draw.} (55... Ne4 56. Nd3 {and white wins.}) 56. gxh3 Ke7 57. Nc6+ Kf6 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ 61. Kg3 Kg6 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ {The worst is over for Ding now.} 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "9"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,163,32,23,23,23,23,22,19,13,17,7,-11,6,8,30,25,6,12,12,12,0,5,-6,-14,-8,0,12,16,9,15,24,24,-2,0,-5,-5,2,29,17,15,-11,26,0,0,0,0,11,11,-13,24,48,64,75,56,-16,-4,-15,-17,-30,-21,0,17,-9,0,0,0,0,47,31,46,36,36,39,33,33,33,33,103,105,105,97,93,99,99,86,89,89,137,81,94,67,81,78,84,84,90,82,86,87,101,97,97,92,118,124,119,129,137,103,107,105,153,146,146,120,130,121,118,104,103,104,104,108,108,108,107,108,103,103,92,104,103,104,103,103,108,108,108,103,108,108,108,108,108,108,108,103,112,108,108,38,108,38,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 {The Berlin Defense, widely considered Black's most reliable option against 1.e4, makes its first appearance in this duel. This is impressive, as a feature of world championship matches is that the openings are usually repeated. This is yet another feature that makes this match unique.} 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 O-O 6. O-O d5 7. Nbd2 dxe4 8. dxe4 a5 {All of this is a critical variation of the Anti-Berlin and was played in an important game of the Candidates Tournament. The idea of this move is to gain space on the queenside and prevent b2-b4.} (8... Qe7 {was played by Ding in a blitz game.} 9. b4 Bd6 10. Bb2 a5 11. a3 Be6 12. Qc2 h6 {Nakamura-Ding, Speed Chess (blitz) 2021.}) 9. a4 {A good option, fixing the pawn structure on the queenside.} (9. Bxc6 {is a critical move, but this has been worked out by the computers, as it often happens in forcing lines in the opening.} bxc6 10. Nxe5 Re8 {and some games by elite players prove that Black manages to equalize.}) 9... Qe7 10. Qc2 Nb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is a typical maneuver, improving the knight's position. The pawn will go to c6, and the knight can choose whether to go to a6 or d7.} (10... Na7 {was played by Nakamura in the Candidates Tournament, but it's less accurate.} 11. Be2 Nc6 12. Nb3 Ba7 $6 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 13. Bb5 {with an advantage for White in Radjabov-Nakamura, Candidates Tournament Madrid 2022.}) 11. Re1 Rd8 {Not the easiest move to play since Black has natural alternatives, but Ding surely was still following his preparation.} 12. h3 {A typical move, avoiding problems with Bg4 or Ng4.} h6 13. Nf1 c6 14. Bc4 Na6 $5 {[%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A surprising route for the knight, as Nd7-b6 is a simple alternative. But Ding's plan is more active and better.} (14... Nbd7) 15. Ng3 Qc7 $1 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black's plan becomes clear. He wants to retreat the bishop to f8, protect the king, and bring the knight to c5.} 16. Ba2 {Nepo thought for a long time before playing this mysterious and not very convincing move.} (16. Qe2 {was tried in a recent correspondence game. The plan is to bring the queen to the attack with Nh4-Qf3, but Black is in time.} Bf8 17. Be3 (17. Nh4 Nc5 18. Qf3 Nh7 $5 {[%c_effect h7;square;h7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Other moves are possible as well.}) 17... Nc5 18. b4 Ncxe4 19. Nxe4 Nxe4 20. Bb6 Qxb6 21. Qxe4 Re8 22. Nxe5 Be6 23. Bd3 f5 {De la Rosa Solorzano-Genga, email 2021.}) (16. Nh4 Bf8 17. Ng6 Bd6 {is not dangerous for Black, despite the intruding knight.}) 16... b5 (16... Bf8 {is also natural and good, following the plan.} 17. Be3 Nc5 18. Rad1 Rxd1 (18... Be6 $2 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] as Caruana showed during the broadcast, here we can see a possible idea of the Ba2 move.} 19. Bxc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxc5 (19... Bxa2 $2 {[%c_effect a2;square;a2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 20. Bxf8 Kxf8 21. b3 {the bishop is trapped.}) 20. Bxe6 fxe6 {Black's pawn structure is spoiled.}) 19. Rxd1 b5 20. axb5 cxb5 {Black has a good position.}) 17. Qe2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White attacks the b5-pawn while preparing the attack with Nh4-Qf3. This is a critical moment in the game.} Rb8 $6 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An inaccuracy that leads to a difficult position for Black. This move is too slow.} (17... b4 $6 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is a positional mistake, giving up control of the important c4-square.} 18. Bc4) (17... bxa4 {is possible, although it's a move one usually wants to avoid, as it may weaken the queenside.} 18. Bc4 Bf8 (18... a3 19. b3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qe7 20. Nh4 {with the initiative for White.}) 19. Rxa4 Nc5 20. Ra2 {White's position is more comfortable due to the better pawn structure.}) (17... Bf8 $1 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best move. A dynamic pawn sacrifice to activate the pieces.} 18. Be3 {It's better not to accept the pawn.} (18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 Nc5 {with excellent compensation, as the knight is going to d3 and the bishop to a6.}) 18... Nc5 (18... bxa4 19. Bc4 Nc5 20. Bxc5 Bxc5 21. Rxa4 {with a roughly equal game.}) 19. axb5 cxb5 20. Bxc5 Bxc5 21. b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Ba7 $1 {[%c_effect a7;square;a7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (21... axb4 $2 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 22. Bxf7+ {loses material.}) 22. Qxb5 Qxc3 {with enough counterplay for a balanced game.}) 18. Nh4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Suddenly, the attack on the kingside gets serious.} Bf8 19. Qf3 (19. axb5 {This capture is a move White generally wants to avoid, as now it's easier for Black to defend the kingside through the sixth rank.} cxb5 20. Qf3 Rb6 $5 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (20... b4 {The computer prefers this move, defying my positional explanation for not capturing on b5.}) 21. Be3 Bc5 {with an acceptable position.}) 19... bxa4 {It's necessary to go for some counterplay, as defensive moves are not enough.} (19... Nh7 $6 {[%c_effect h7;square;h7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 20. Ng6 {with a dangerous attack.}) (19... Kh7 $6 {[%c_effect h7;square;h7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 20. Ngf5 Ng8 21. Qh5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} g6 22. Nxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} fxg6 23. Bxg8+ Kxg8 24. Qxg6+ Kh8 25. Nxh6 {with a decisive attack.}) (19... Nc5 {is also possible, likely transposing to the game after} 20. Bxh6 bxa4) 20. Bxh6 $1 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nc5 (20... gxh6 $2 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 21. Qxf6) (20... Rxb2 $2 {[%c_effect b2;square;b2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 21. Bg5) 21. Ng6 $5 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (21. Bg5 {is very tempting and enough for an advantage.} Rd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the only possible defense.} 22. Qe2 Nh7 23. Be3 {Black is suffering in this position.}) 21... Rxb2 22. Nxf8 Rxf8 {White has many interesting options now.} 23. Bg5 $6 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Not the best one.} (23. Bxg7 {is a direct attempt to mate, but it backfires.} Kxg7 24. Qe3 Ne6 $1 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 25. Nf5+ Kh8 26. Qh6+ Nh7 27. Bxe6 fxe6 {Everything is defended by miracle.}) (23. Bc1 Rb5 24. Ba3 {is similar to the game, but it's an improved version for Black with the knight on f6.} Rd8 25. Bc4 Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 26. Bxb5 cxb5 {with compensation for the exchange.}) (23. Qe3 $5 {[%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is natural and good.} gxh6 (23... Ne6 24. Bxe6 (24. Nf5 {is also very dangerous.}) 24... fxe6 (24... Bxe6 $2 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 25. Bxg7 Kxg7 26. Qg5+ {wins.}) 25. Qc1 $1 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rb3 26. Be3 {with a much better position for White due to Black's horrible pawn structure.}) 24. Qxc5 (24. Qxh6 {is enough only for a draw.} Ne8 25. Qg6+ (25. Re3 Qd6 $1 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 25... Kh8 26. Qh6+ {with perpetual check.}) 24... Qb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black manages to exchange queens.} 25. Qxb6 Rxb6 26. Bc4 Be6 27. Bxe6 fxe6 28. Rxa4 Ra8 {Black has good drawing chances, despite the bad pawn structure.}) (23. Bc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is an unpleasant move to face. White avoids the threat of Nb3 and maintains all the advantages of his position.} Be6 24. Nf5 Bxf5 25. Qxf5 {with a strong initiative.}) 23... Nh7 24. Bc1 Rb5 $6 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (24... Rc2 $1 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best move, although it's really difficult to place the rook on such a strange square.} 25. Bc4 (25. Ba3 $6 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Nb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 25... Nb3 26. Rxa4 Nxc1 27. Qe3 Be6 28. Rxc1 Rxc1+ 29. Qxc1 Bxc4 30. Rxc4 Ra8 {with a likely draw.}) 25. Ba3 Re8 {Ding prepares an exchange sacrifice.} 26. Bc4 Be6 {Another critical moment of the game.} 27. Bxe6 $6 {[%c_effect e6;square;e6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This makes things easier for Ding.} (27. Bxb5 cxb5 28. Qe3 Nd7 {Black has some compensation for the exchange, but the position is still dangerous.}) (27. Qe2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is an interesting way to continue, playing for a positional advantage instead of material.} Bxc4 28. Qxc4 {The queenside pawns are weak, and White's knight is ready to jump to f5. Black has a tough defense ahead.}) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 c5 {Necessary to protect the d6-square.} 29. Qe2 (29. Bc1 {is more accurate, preparing to take on a4 immediately.}) 29... Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 31. Bc1 Nf6 32. Qxa4 Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 Rb4 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 {The game simplified a lot and it's clear that a draw is on the way.} Nd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A practical and safe option, leading to an ending that is easily defensible for a player of Ding's stature.} (38... Nf6 $2 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses to} 39. Nxg7 Kxg7 40. Rg4+ {winning a pawn.}) (38... N4g5 39. h4 f6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (39... Nh7 40. Bxg7 $1 {[%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxg7 41. Rg4 {loses a pawn.}) 40. hxg5 fxe5 41. g6 {Black should make a draw, but it's not so easy.}) (38... Nd2 {is objectively the best, according to the machine, but it's necessary to foresee some brilliant and inhuman variations.} 39. Rg4 Nf4 $3 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] This wonderful resource leads to a draw. No human can play this and calculate the following variations.} (39... g6 $6 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 40. Bc3 {is dangerous.}) 40. Nh6+ (40. Rxg7+ Kh8 $1 {[%c_effect h8;square;h8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] No fear $1} 41. Bxf4 Re1+ 42. Kh2 Nf1+ {with perpetual check.}) 40... Kh7 41. Nxf7 Ne2+ 42. Kh2 Kg8 43. Nh6+ Kh7 44. Bxg7 Nf1+ 45. Kh1 Nd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 46. Bxd4 Re1 {The computer claims a draw is inevitable.}) 39. Bxd4 cxd4 40. Rxd4 g6 41. Ne3 {The presence of the knights gives some winning chances, but it's still a safe draw since there are not many pawns remaining.} Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 $5 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} 43. Rb7 Nf5 44. Ng4 (44. Nxf5+ gxf5 {leads to an easy draw in the rook endgame.}) 44... Re7 45. Rb5 (45. Rxe7 Nxe7 {If this was a four-against-three-pawns endgame, the winning chances would be considerable. But one pawn less makes the task much easier.}) 45... Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 47. Rb7 Nd6 48. Ra7 Kf8 49. Kg3 f5 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ Re8 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 {Finally we get to the knight endgame.} 53. Ne5 g5 54. h4 gxh4 55. Kf4 h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 56. gxh3 Ke7 57. Nc6+ Kf6 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ 61. Kg3 Kg6 {Now the draw is simple, since White cannot make progress.} 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ {A well-played game with interesting ideas in all its phases, leading to a fighting draw. This match is as good as it gets.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "8.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Liang,Awonder"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,89,19,31,14,1,16,15,21,20,30,-9,-4,-13,1,-27,-10,-12,3,-24,-24,-39,-31,-72,-100,-77,-82,-82,-65,-88,-80,-61,-110,-136,-60,-66,7,7,0,0,0,-34,-21,0,0,0,54,104,95,95,106,112,101,80,80,80,100,105,83,83,83,83,83,87,328,34,1,14,68,68,69,88,85,80,88,31,13,0,0,-40,11,11,69,49,33,27,22,6,10,29,18,22] If there is one game to summarize this match thus far, it must be this one. The mighty struggle of titans continues, exposing all their strengths and weaknesses. From Ding's preparation to Nepo's incredible practical decisions, I see this game as the pinnacle of what both players are able to bring to the table, for both good and for bad. It is true the moves are far from perfect, but then, humans rarely are.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Ne2 c5 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 $5 {[#] An invention of the tricky GM Aram Hakobyan. I first saw this idea live at the 2022 SPICE Cup, where he used it to tragic effect against my friend and fellow GM, Praveen Balakrishnan. It is definitely a poisonous line, but prior to this game, not one that I thought merited a serious try at the top level. Clearly I was wrong! White tries to delay both e3-e4 and Bf1-d3, instead playing a useful move to prepare e3-e4. In many lines the rook can swing to either d2 or (as in the game) even h2.} (9. e4 d5 $1 10. e5 Ne4 $15 {and}) (9. Bd3 b6 10. e4 $2 cxd4 $15 {.}) 9... b6 (9... Na5 10. e4 Nd7 $2 {missing the point somewhat - black loses too many tempi grabbing the c4 pawn, and loses another defender on the kingside.} 11. Bd3 Nb6 12. O-O Nbxc4 13. Qe2 d5 14. Nh5 (14. exd5 $1 exd5 15. Qh5 f5 16. Nxf5 $18) 14... f5 15. exf5 exf5 16. dxc5 {For some reason this is attributed to Burke - Nyzhnyk in MegaBase, but I can assure our readers that this is in fact Hakobyan - Balakrishnan! (Note: TWIC has the correct attribution. ~ed.) After a much closer game than it should have been, Aram took home the full point.}) 10. e4 Ba6 $5 {A bit early, in my opinion. The move is objectively fine, but there was an easier way to shut down White's main idea.} (10... Na5 $1 {I'm not saying this solves all of black's problems (as surely there are more lines than I give below) but it would have simplified the defensive task.} 11. Bg5 (11. Bd3 {is ok, but now the idea connected with 9.Ra2 seems a little less effective:} cxd4 12. cxd4 Ba6 13. Bg5 (13. Rc2 Rc8 14. Qe2 Nb3 15. Bb2 e5 {and Black is quite comfortable here, for instance:} 16. Nf5 Nxd4 17. Nxd4 exd4 18. Bxd4 Nd7 19. O-O Ne5 20. f4 Nxd3 21. Qxd3 f6) 13... h6 14. h4 Bxc4 {and here White should already bail out with a draw:} 15. Nh5 (15. Rd2 Bb3 16. Bc2 Bxc2 17. Rxc2 hxg5 18. hxg5 Rc8 19. Rxc8 Qxc8 20. gxf6 Qc3+ 21. Kf1 Rc8 $15 {and Black has a pleasant endgame ahead}) 15... hxg5 16. hxg5 Nh7 17. Nf6+ Nxf6 18. gxf6 Qxf6 19. e5 Qg5 20. Bh7+ Kh8) 11... h6 12. h4 e5 $1 {[#] This is the key idea - now Black now threatens ...h6xg5 and ...Nf6-g4, picking up the whole piece. In general, the c8-bishop finds good work on this diagonal, keeping an eye on the h3-square as well.} 13. dxe5 $5 {A major concession, and it's a bad sign if this is White's best move.} (13. Rd2 $4 hxg5 14. hxg5 Ng4 $19) (13. Bd2 exd4 14. cxd4 Qe7 15. f3 cxd4 16. Bxa5 Qe5 17. Kf2 bxa5 $15) 13... dxe5 14. Rd2 Qe7 15. Qf3 Be6 {and here White doesn't really have all that much; in fact, he's a bit lucky not to be worse after} (15... hxg5 16. hxg5 Ng4 17. Nf5 Qxg5 18. Qxg4 $18 {is the point}) 16. Bxf6 (16. Nf5 Bxf5 17. Qxf5 Rfd8 18. Rd5 Qe6) (16. Nh5 hxg5 17. hxg5 Nh7 $19) 16... Qxf6 17. Qxf6 gxf6 18. Nh5 f5) (10... Qe7 11. Bg5 h6 12. h4 cxd4 13. cxd4 e5 14. d5 Na5 15. Bd2) 11. Bg5 h6 (11... cxd4 12. Nh5 $1 $16) 12. h4 {[#] Now the position becomes really unclear. Black has an abundance of choices, but none of them simplify the position.} hxg5 {The most natural moves were this, or ...c5xd4 and then ...h6xg5, although Black did have some choice. With the text, Black removes all threats of Ng3-h5/e5, but White gets an open h-file to work with.} (12... cxd4 {was deemed preferable in many post-mortems, but I think it's still pretty unclear. After} 13. cxd4 hxg5 14. hxg5 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 16. Rd2 {[#] The main difference is that Black has a more open position to work with, while White still maintains ideas of Rd2-d3, Rh1-h3, or Ng3-h5 to attack the black king. I think Black's best is} Qg5 $1 (16... e5 17. Rd3 exd4 (17... Nxd4 18. Nh5) 18. Nh5 Qe5 19. f4 Qxe4+ 20. Kf2 f5 21. Rg3 Qe6 22. Bd3 $13 {with a massive mess}) 17. Rh3 (17. Nh5 gxh5 18. Rxh5 Qf4 19. Rd3) 17... e5 18. Nf5 {and the board is aflame.}) (12... Rc8 $2 {was played Ilyasli - Samani, Chess.com, 2021, but now} 13. e5 dxe5 14. Ne4 $1 {and Black should give up the queen, albeit with decent compensation.}) (12... Re8 $5 {was somewhat interesting (if not very realistic) if Black wants to play a bit more ambitiously. Here let me cite the now famous game between "FVitelli" and "opqrstuv" from earlier this year:} 13. Rd2 (13. e5 $2 dxe5 14. Ne4 hxg5 $19) 13... Qe7 (13... cxd4 14. cxd4 e5 15. dxe5 hxg5 16. exf6 Qxf6 17. hxg5 Qxg5) 14. e5 dxe5 15. Ne4 Nxe4 16. Bxe7 Nxd2 $2 17. Bf6 $1 Nxf1 $2 18. Qg4 g6 19. dxe5 Rad8 20. Qf4 {and Black resigned in FVitelli - opqrstuv, lichess. org, 2023.}) 13. hxg5 g6 14. gxf6 Qxf6 15. e5 $5 {Ding spent a good amount of time on this move, so I'm not sure if this was still preparation or not. I believe that Aram was still in prep here, so I would be surprised if Ding was completely out of ideas. Even so, he began to spend a large amount of time on the following moves, which came back to haunt him later.} (15. Rd2 {would likely transpose back to the ...c5xd4 line, while after}) (15. Qg4 Qg7 {it's not super clear where the attack is.}) 15... dxe5 16. d5 $1 {[#]} (16. Ne4 Qf5 17. Nd6 Qf6) 16... Ne7 {A critical position. Black had perhaps five decent options, but Nepo chooses a very natural one, bringing the knight closer to the kingside. White's compensation is mainly connected with the powerful d-pawn as well as the nice e4-square for the knight. Here's a sketch of the other moves:} (16... Rfd8 17. Rd2 Na5 18. dxe6 Rxd2 19. exf7+ Kg7 20. Qxd2 Qf4 $44) (16... Rad8 17. Rd2 exd5 18. cxd5 Bxf1 19. Kxf1 Ne7 20. Rh3 $44) (16... exd5 17. cxd5 Bxf1 18. Kxf1 Na5 19. Kg1 $44) (16... Na5 17. Ne4 Qf5 18. f3 Kg7 19. g3 Rh8 20. Rah2 Rxh2 21. Rxh2 {again, white has good compensation, but not more}) 17. d6 Nf5 18. Ne4 Qd8 $1 (18... Qg7 19. g4 Bb7 20. Bg2 Rad8 {was another option, but what Nepo did was stronger.}) 19. Qd3 Kg7 20. g4 Bb7 $1 21. Rh3 Nh4 (21... Rh8 $1 {[#] was a nice way to get out of danger. Probably Nepo still thought his position was fine, and was not really considering bailouts here. Play continues} 22. Rxh8 Qxh8 23. gxf5 exf5 24. Ng5 Qh4 {and White will probably need to trade queens with} 25. Qg3 Qxg3 26. fxg3 Rd8 {. With White's damaged pawn structure, Black is not really as risk here, and will soon be picking up the d6-pawn.}) 22. g5 {[#]} Bxe4 $2 {A potentially decisive mistake, but one that went unpunished.} (22... Rh8 $1 {was Black's only try, and here White has a few dangerous options:} 23. f4 (23. Qg3 Bxe4 24. Qxe5+ f6 25. Qxe4 fxg5 26. Rd3 Qf6 27. Re2 $13) 23... Bxe4 (23... exf4 24. Nf6 Nf3+ 25. Rxf3 Bxf3 26. d7 Bh5 27. Bg2 Qb8 28. Bxa8 Qxa8 29. Rh2 Rd8) 24. Qxe4 Qxd6 25. fxe5 Qc7 26. Rxh4 Rxh4 27. Qxh4 Qxe5+ $44 {with enough compensation for equality.}) 23. Qxe4 Nf5 24. Rd2 $1 {[#] Here Black suffers from lack of coordination - the a8-rook, the e5-pawn, and the whilte d-pawn are all a bit too much for Black to handle.} (24. Qxe5+ {fizzles out to a draw after} f6 25. Qh2 Qxd6 26. Rh7+ Kg8 27. Rh8+ Kf7 {.}) 24... Rh8 {Best, forcing White to find the win. The alternatives are grim:} (24... f6 25. Qb7+ Rf7 26. Rh7+) (24... Qxg5 25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Qh2 Rh8 27. Rxh8 Rxh8 28. Qxh8+ $1 Kxh8 29. d7 $18) (24... a5 {is the top engine choice - not inspiring too much confidence!}) 25. Rxh8 (25. d7 $5 Qc7 26. Qh1 $3 Nd4 (26... Rxh3 27. Qxa8) 27. Rh6 $1 Qxd7 28. cxd4 exd4 29. Rd3 {was the inhuman way to win this game}) 25... Qxh8 {[#]} 26. d7 $2 (26. Rd3 $1 {is not an easy move to find, but once you see it, the game is over. Black has no way to stop Rd3-h3. The big idea is} Rd8 27. Rh3 Qf8 28. Qxe5+ f6 29. gxf6+ Kf7 30. Rh7+ Kg8 31. Re7 $18 {Black will lose everything and then some more. I believe that Ding has been calculating at a slightly subpar level during this match, at least compared to his best days. In any case, this miss will surely haunt him if the match doesn't go his way.}) 26... Rd8 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ Kh7 30. Qh2+ Kg7 31. Qc7 {[#]} Qh4 $3 {An astonishing bluff, or a stroke of genius? In either case, Nepo's strength as an incredible practical player comes into full force as he brings about a fantastic save.} (31... Qf8 {was the normal way to play, but White is basically getting the game with an extra tempo:} 32. Kd1 Qe7 33. Kc2 Qxg5 (33... e5 34. Rd5 e4 35. Bh3) (33... Nh4 34. f4 e5 35. Bh3 exf4 36. Qxf4) 34. Qxa7 Qe7 35. Qc7 $18 {and White stops ...Nf5-d6, while Black is running short on ideas.}) 32. Kd1 {In the post-game interviews, Nepo revealed he didn't see} (32. Qxd8 $1 {[#] when playing his 31st move, so he definitely rode his luck in this game! As everyone knows by now, this wins for White, and the lines are not particularly difficult to calculate. If Ding had spent a minute to work it out, I'm sure he would have seen the way. Here are the main ideas:} Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qb2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2 Qd1+ (36... Qxf1+ 37. Kd2 Nd6 38. Qh8+ Kxh8 39. d8=Q+) 37. Ke4 Qxc2+ (37... Nd6+ 38. Ke5 Nb7 39. Qc7) 38. Bd3 Nd6+ 39. Ke3 Qc1+ (39... Nxc4+ 40. Bxc4 Qxc3+ 41. Bd3 Qd4+ 42. Ke2 Qe5+ 43. Kf1 Qa1+ 44. Kg2) 40. Ke2 Qb2+ 41. Kf3 {and White wins.}) 32... Qxg5 33. Kc2 Qe7 34. Bg2 {[#] White prepares Bg2-c6 before taking on a7; otherwise, Black has .. .Nf5-d6.} (34. Kb3 e5 35. Rd5 f6 36. Bg2 Nh6 37. Qxa7 Qe6 38. Be4 Nf7 39. Qc7 Qg4 40. f3 Qe6) (34. Qxa7 Nd6 $1 35. Qxb6 Ne4 $1 {and black wins the d7 pawn and a bit more.}) 34... e5 (34... Nd4+ $1 {was fine, although with mutual time pressure, it's understandable that Nepo didn't want to take such decisions. After} 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qe5+ f6 37. Qg3 Rxd4 {Black is alright, with three pawns for the piece.}) 35. Be4 $1 {Precise, kicking away black's knight before mopping up the queenside.} Nh6 36. Qxa7 Ng4 $1 {Straining to find counterplay. Other ideas are no better, i.e.,} (36... Qe6 37. Qc7 Qe7 38. Bc6 {and}) (36... f6 37. Qxb6 Nf7 38. Bc6) 37. Bf3 $4 {[#] A moment of carelessness, and an inexplicable blunder. Was it nerves or all the pressure? In contrast to the previous wins we've analyzed, here Ding needed to just check carefully for Black's ideas. Of course conversion wouldn't have been easy, but with Bf3-g6, the game would have been all but over.} (37. Qxb6 Rxd7 38. Rxd7 Qxd7 39. Qxc5 Qa4+ 40. Kd2 $1 Qb3 41. f3 $18) (37. Bc6 e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 39. Bb5 Nd3 40. Qc7 Qg5 (40... f5 41. a4) 41. Qg3 Qh5 42. a4 Qh1 43. Rd1 $18) 37... Nxf2 $1 {You don't need to ask Ian twice!} 38. Rxf2 e4 $1 {[#] The point - if White managed to secure the bishop on d5, the game would soon be over, but now the bishop is locked behind Black's phalanx of pawns.} 39. Re2 (39. Bg4 e3 $19) 39... f5 40. Qxb6 Rxd7 41. Qb8 Qd6 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bxe4 fxe4 44. Rxe4 Kf6 45. Re8 {A clear miss for Ding, and a game he'd like to have back. Still, from a spectator's point of view, this was a fantastic battle. If Ding had come back for the third game in a row, the online pundits would have had an absolute field day. Instead, Nepo keeps his slight buffer, but the way the match is going, it's not clear if it'll last.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "World Chess Championship: Game 7: Nepomn"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.19"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "C07"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "74"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,74,15,23,54,38,38,35,46,46,11,17,12,-16,50,40,45,34,34,34,23,31,32,27,18,18,10,-11,28,18,6,34,21,10,53,40,31,29,79,5,70,5,0,-88,60,10,10,9,17,42,21,-30,30,21,28,4,0,0,49,29,42,55,41,17,18,0,43,56,153,144,221,220,224,207,345,368,379] The score before Game 7 is tied at 3-3 with as many as four decisive games. Both players have thrown punches at each other and believe they can beat the other. So far, we have seen Nepo taking the lead and Ding hitting back. But we have yet to witness how Nepo would react had Ding taken the lead.} 1. e4 {[%eval 36,0] It's not a surprise anymore that Nepo feels comfortable with 1.e4, and his team can sense that Ding does not feel so confident with his openings against Nepo's 1.e4} e6 {[%eval 0,0] After a brief pause, Ding goes for it! It's the French defence!! My pet opening until I became a grandmaster, and occasionally I used it as a surprise weapon. Never could I have imagined that I would be witnessing the French defence in a World Championship match!} 2. d4 {[%eval 3,0]} d5 {[%eval 25,0]} 3. Nd2 {[%eval 17,0] This move poses the least problems to Black compared to 3.e5 or 3.Nc3. At the same time, this is a good choice when your opponent surprises you with the French defence, and you are unable to remember all the complex variations in 3.e5 and 3.Nc3} (3. e5 $5) (3. Nc3 $5) 3... c5 {[%eval 0,0]} (3... dxe4 {Not an easy move to crack and mostly employed by players who want to keep it simple as they can play 3. Nc3- de4. So it reduces studying a lot of theory.}) (3... Nf6 4. e5 Nfd7 {It leads to a complex position, but with good preparation, white will have an easy game.}) 4. Ngf3 {[%eval 0,0]} (4. exd5 $5 {is another move which has been played at the top numerous times.}) 4... cxd4 {[%eval 21,0]} (4... Nc6 $5 {I had a couple of battles in this direction against Mamedov Rauf. Readers can check this direction with the help of my games.} 5. exd5 exd5 6. Bb5 Qe7+ $13) 5. Nxd4 {[%eval 13,0]} Nf6 {[%eval 12,0]} 6. exd5 {[%eval 9,0]} Nxd5 {[%eval 19,0]} (6... Qxd5 $5 {Used to be a main variation. The top players no longer play it.}) 7. N2f3 {[%eval 29,0]} Be7 {[%eval 24,0]} (7... Bb4+ $5 {When I was playing French, this was my choice. We can see that Nepo has significant experience here with a couple of games he played in 2022. This could explain why Ding chose 7...Be7}) 8. Bc4 {[%eval 19,0]} Nc6 {[%eval 13,0] That is a very interesting choice by Ding. He offers to trade the knight at the cost of spoiling his pawn structure.} 9. Nxc6 {[%eval 5,0]} bxc6 {[%eval 9,0]} 10. O-O {[%eval 3,0]} O-O {[%eval 5,0]} 11. Qe2 {[%eval 0,0] After several logical moves by both sides, We have reached an interesting position. Structurally White appears to be doing well. White has nice control of the e5 square, and his pawn structure is better than Black's due to fewer pawn islands. So why did Ding choose to enter here? Black will bring his c8 bishop into play by playing Bb7 and c5. Black's light square bishop might appear innocent, but combined with other pieces, it is one of the monsters in the French defence.} Bb7 {[%eval 15,0]} 12. Bd3 {[%eval 6,0]} Qc7 {[%eval 6,0] While Ding found natural and healthy moves, His time management was quite poor with spending a lot of time on moves 11... Bb7 and 12... Qc7} 13. Qe4 {[%eval 0,0]} Nf6 {[%eval 22,0]} (13... g6 $5 {Also a quite interesting way to stop the checkmate on h7. Both are equally interesting.}) 14. Qh4 {[%eval 19,0]} (14. Bf4 {Calmer approach and certainly not inferior to 14. Qh4. This might be something which Magnus [Carlsen] would consider it, but Nepo would never go for this idea.} Nxe4 15. Bxc7 c5 $13 {Position remains equal as Black solved all the problems.}) 14... c5 {[%eval 27,0] Opening the diagonal for the light square bishop.} 15. Bf4 {[%eval 3,0] White is asking questions about where the queen would be moved.} (15. Bg5 {Leads nowhere as White is not yet ready to sacrifice on h6. Let's take a look at what will be Black's response.} h6 16. Bxh6 gxh6 17. Qxh6 {This position would be winning if it is White to move. But then, that one move makes a lot of difference in chess.} c4 18. Qg5+ Kh8 19. Qh6+ {White has nothing better than to go for perpetual checks and save half a point.}) 15... Qb6 {[%eval 42,0]} (15... Qd8 {This is the engine's top choice, and I think it is unlikely any human will play it fearing the Queen will come under attack after a simple move like 16. Rad1. Below I give how the engine wants to continue.} 16. Rad1 Bxf3 17. gxf3 c4 18. Bxh7+ {It feels like White is winning Black's Queen, but White is losing here!} Nxh7 $19 {White's Queen comes under attack due to the Bishop on e7, and it cannot be captured as Black's Queen is protecting. White remains a piece down.}) 16. Ne5 {[%eval 29,0] Not only did White centralise the Knight, but he also created a deadly threat of Nd7} Rad8 {[%eval 16,0] Ding plays more or less forced after 16 minutes thought. Overall, he spent a lot of time on the moves he normally would play at once.} (16... a6 {I made a random move to illustrate the threat of Nd7.} 17. Nd7 Nxd7 (17... Qc6 18. Nxf6+ Bxf6 19. Qxh7#) 18. Qxh7#) 17. Rae1 {[%eval 4,0]} (17. Rfe1 Rd4 18. Ng4 Rfd8 19. Nxf6+ Bxf6 20. Qxh7+ Kf8 21. Bg3 c4 $13 {White is up a pawn, but if you see the pieces of Black, you will agree that Black has full control of the position with both Bishops controlling many squares.}) (17. Bg5 Rd4 18. Qh3 g6 $13 {It seems like White could exploit the weak dark squares but Black's pieces are nicely taking control of the centre and ready to launch an attack on White's King.}) 17... g6 {[%eval 33,0]} 18. Bg5 {[%eval 2,0] White is threatening to capture on f6. Therefore:} Rd4 {[%eval 11,0] is the only move and a good one. Attacking the queen on h4.} 19. Qh3 {[%eval 13,0]} Qc7 {[%eval 1,0] Another nice move. Black can exchange the dark square Bishop anytime. Black threatens c4 here.} (19... Nd5 $5 20. Bxe7 Nxe7 21. c3 Rd5 22. Ng4 $13 {Black is not losing here after Rdd8, but it feels much easier to play from the White side here.}) 20. b3 {[%eval 22,0]} (20. c3 Rd5 21. f4 c4 $3 {Engine finds this in a second! The concept is beautiful. Once we see the move, We can figure out the point behind it. Black is disturbing the Bishop, which is preventing the Black Rook from entering the 2nd rank. It also opens the a7-g1 diagonal, which either Bishop or Queen can use.} (21... Nh5 22. Bh6 Ng7 $13 {With unclear game.}) 22. Nxc4 (22. Bxc4 Rd2 $19) 22... Rfd8 23. Ne5 Nh5 $13) 20... Nh5 $5 {[%eval 9,0]} (20... Nd5 $5 {Interesting alternative for Black.}) 21. f4 $5 {[%eval 37,0]} (21. Bh6 Nf4 22. Bxf4 Rxf4 23. Qg3 g5 24. Qh3 Rh4 25. Qg3 Rf4) 21... Bd6 $5 {[%eval 0,0] This is a classy move showing excellent understanding of the position.} 22. c3 {[%eval 23,0]} Nxf4 {[%eval 3,0]} 23. Bxf4 {[%eval 17,0]} Rxf4 {[%eval 11,0]} 24. Rxf4 {[%eval 22,0]} Bxe5 {[%eval 13,0] Ding saw the following forced variation before playing 21... Bd6. He rightly assessed that Black has an excellent compensation for the sacrificed exchange.} 25. Rh4 {[%eval 11,0]} Rd8 {[%eval 16,0]} 26. Be4 {[%eval 18,0] A pair of Bishops are always dangerous, and Nepo rightly offers to trade light square Bishops.} (26. Rxh7 $4 Rxd3 $19) 26... Bxe4 {[%eval 2,0]} (26... Ba6 {The engine screams that this is slightly more accurate. From a practical point of view, I like Ding's choice of exchanging the light square Bishops.} 27. Rxh7 Bg7 28. Rxg7+ Kxg7 29. Qe3) 27. Rhxe4 {[%eval 18,0] Attacking the Bishop on e5} (27. Rexe4 $4 Rd1+ 28. Kf2 Qd8 $19 {With all of Black's pieces joining the party, loss of material is inevitable.}) 27... Rd5 {[%eval 15,0]} 28. Rh4 {[%eval 37,0] Nepo wants to activate his Queen, but the pawn on h2 is under attack and will lose if he moves the Queen. Therefore Nepo brought his Rook to h4 to defend the h2 pawn, and allow moving the Queen from h3.} Qd6 {[%eval 37,0] Rd3 is a serious threat as White will lose the c3 pawn.} 29. Qe3 {[%eval 44,0]} (29. Rxh7 $4 Rd1 $19) 29... h5 {[%eval 41,0]} 30. g3 {[%eval 56,0] Now that the Queen has reached a better square than h3, It is time to bring the Rook on h4 into action. To do that, the White has to protect the h2 pawn.} Bf6 {[%eval 42,0]} 31. Rc4 {[%eval 52,0]} h4 {[%eval 45,0] Played after 3 and a half minutes of thought. Frankly, from here, Ding's time management and what went through his head were hard to explain. It is as if he just froze. Since there are nine moves to make to pass the 40 move time control, He could have chosen to move his King around a bit.} (31... Kg7 $5) 32. gxh4 {[%eval 64,0]} Rd2 $6 {[%eval 17,0] Inaccuracy. Be5 was best.} (32... Be5 33. Qf2 (33. Qe2 Kg7 34. Kh1 Bf4 35. Rf1 e5 36. Qg4 f5 37. Qf3 Rd3 38. Qb7+ Kh6 39. Qa8) 33... Rd2 $13 {Position remains unclear. Here the moves for Black aren't that hard to make as the Bishop is joining the attack.}) 33. Re2 {[%eval 0,0]} Rd3 $4 {[%eval 191,0] Blunder. Rd5 was best. The main reason for this blunder is poor time management in this game. Ding was spending time at every move. Nepo maintained a nice balance as to when to think and when to make moves.} (33... Rd5 34. Rf2 Be5 35. Kg2 Bxh2 36. Rg4 Re5 37. Qd2 Rd5) 34. Qxc5 {[%eval 195,0]} Rd1+ $6 {[%eval 309,0] Inaccuracy. Qxc5+ was best.} (34... Bd4+ {Of course, there is no time to calculate such complicated stuff. In any case, it doesn't work for Black.} 35. cxd4 Rd1+ 36. Kg2 Qf4 37. Qe5 $1 {White's queen is closer to the King, and Black will have a few checks but no more. The following variation is interesting. It is pretty much forced and not for White to find it.} Qf1+ 38. Kg3 Rd3+ 39. Re3 Qg1+ 40. Kf3 Qf1+ 41. Kg4 Qg1+ 42. Rg3 Qd1+ 43. Kg5) (34... Qxc5+ 35. Rxc5 Bxc3 36. Rc7 Bd4+ 37. Kg2 e5 38. Rec2 Rd1 39. Rd7 Rg1+ 40. Kh3 Re1 41. Rg2) 35. Kg2 {[%eval 305,0]} Qd3 {[%eval 194,0]} 36. Rf2 {[%eval 288,0]} Kg7 $2 {[%eval 463,0] Mistake. Qb1 was best.} (36... Qb1 37. Qe3) 37. Rcf4 {[%eval 453,0]} Qxc3 {[%eval 447,0] Ding played this move and resigned. He still needs to make three more moves to make it to 40 moves (and get an extra hour on his clock). His main problem is that the position is completely lost here. While I'm not a specialist in chess history, I can't recall a similar incident at a game of this level. From today's game, We can learn that it is crucial to manage our time correctly. When the moves are forced, you make them, and then you can think.} 1-0 [Event "World Chess Championship: Game 8 Ding,L"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E28"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "89"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,89,25,17,18,-17,-11,-11,10,17,20,-15,-7,-8,-8,-13,7,7,3,-19,-38,-47,-38,-69,-93,-160,-33,-55,-95,-81,-87,-102,-92,-143,-15,-55,-5,29,32,33,-13,48,42,-45,-27,-28,45,65,47,58,76,93,83,105,107,107,107,0,73,103,103,103,82,109,328,48,47,31,47,70,72,82,93,83,83,24,41,21,41,0,0,0,67,33,34,17,49,34,48,46,31,17] So far, we have witnessed one rest day after every two games. After Game 7, There appeared another rest day which was unusual. I assume it is to not give one player white after every rest day. In such a highly tense match, this can lead to tiredness as players tend to think a lot about the match, even during rest days. In some sense, fewer rest days are better for players!} 1. d4 {No surprises here. Ding goes for his main weapon.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 {Ding goes for the Nimzo Indian defense. Nimzo Indian defense has a reputation for solid yet long-lasting games. Another beauty of the Nimzo Indian defense is White can choose ultra-sharp setups like Sameisch or solid setups like 4. Qc2. So whoever likes to keep the flexibility should consider adding Nimzo Indian to their repertoire.} Bb4 4. e3 (4. Qc2 $5) (4. f3 $5) 4... O-O 5. a3 (5. Bd3 $5 {This is my preferred choice as it allows developing the knight to f3 e2 depending on the setup black chooses.}) 5... Bxc3+ (5... Be7 {Gives away the control of e4 square and allows White to push} 6. e4 d5 7. e5 $14) 6. bxc3 d6 $5 {Black keeps the option of playing either e5 or c5. It largely depends on the square where the knight on g1 will be developed onto.} (6... b6 7. Bd3 Bb7 8. f3 $13 {White's idea is bringing the knight e2-g3. Slowly White can push the e and f pawns and launch an attack on the Black's king.}) (6... c5 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. Nf3 d6 9. e4 $13 {This is another setup that black can choose, leading to a complex game.}) 7. Ne2 c5 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 {This is the first new move. White doesn't want to commit the f1 bishop to any square. At the same time it allows waiting for Black to go for the b6 plan.} b6 (9... e5 10. d5 Ne7 11. Bd3 {White can delay pushing the e3 pawn to e4. Having the pawn on e3 has 2 advantages. Stopping the knight from e7 coming to f4 via g6. When white plans to play f4, it can be captured by e3, keeping the white structure compact.}) 10. e4 Ba6 11. Bg5 {Pinning the knight on f6 and creating a dangerous threat of Nh5.} h6 12. h4 {Not an unusual way. We will also see such motifs in other variations where one side castles and the other side sacrifices a piece to open the file for the rook.} hxg5 (12... cxd4 {It is interesting to include the exchange of c5 and c3 pawns.} 13. cxd4 hxg5 14. hxg5 g6 15. gxf6 Qxf6 16. Rd2 (16. e5 {With the exchange of c5 and c3 pawns, This won't work as the d4 pawn is no longer protected by c3.} dxe5 17. d5 Nd4 $19 {That is the main difference, and Black is a healthy pawn up.}) 16... Rfd8) 13. hxg5 g6 (13... Nd7 {I am making this move to show the idea of White. Of course, no one will be greedy to save the knight this way!} 14. Qh5 f6 15. g6 {Mate is inevitable.}) 14. gxf6 (14. f4 {White could try this. Perhaps Ding's team have checked it}) 14... Qxf6 15. e5 {White must play energetically, else black would play e5 and black has complete control over the position. It is the white king who won't be safe anymore.} dxe5 16. d5 (16. Ne4 {I am showing this funny draw suggested by the engine. Funnily enough, this was analysed in one of the camps by our second for the chess olympiad.} Qf4 17. Bd3 Bxc4 18. g3 Qf5 19. f3 Bxa2 20. Qd2 Qxf3 21. Qh6 Qxh1+ 22. Qxh1 Bd5 23. Qh6 Bxe4 24. Bxe4 Rfc8 25. Bxg6 {Leads to a perpetual. Something along these lines was part of the preparation. I am giving this variation to give small input as to how deep preparation is nowadays, and each detail plays an important role.}) 16... Ne7 (16... Rad8 $5 {Another interesting alternative. Keeping the tension at the center.} 17. Rd2 exd5 18. cxd5 Bxf1 19. Kxf1 Ne7 $13 {White has excellent compensation for the sacrificed pawn. It is important to note that the black knight does not control any important squares. On the other hand, the white knight can jump to e4 and disturb the black queen.}) 17. d6 (17. Ne4 {This move is quite interesting as well. Of course, with the engine in front of us, we don't fear. During the game, no one will scream the evaluation of the positions. Players must calculate as many relative variations as possible in a limited time. I am giving the following variation for the audience's joy. Highly unlikely someone will go for this knowingly when you have a quieter move, as played in the game.} Qf4 18. Bd3 Bxc4 $1 19. g3 Qf5 20. f3 Bxa2 21. Qd2 Qxf3 22. Rf1 Qxf1+ 23. Kxf1 f5 24. Ng5 Bxd5 25. c4 Bb7 $13) 17... Nf5 18. Ne4 {White cannot exchange the knights. Then d6 pawn will be a target. To understand that white needs to keep the knight, there is no need to calculate anything. A simple concept of estimating whose knight is controlling more or more important squares.} Qd8 (18... Qg7 {Funny to see the queen going to g7 square. Usually, this is square for the dark square bishop. On the other hand, Black is safeguarding the king from any checkmate ideas.} 19. g4 Bb7 20. Bg2 (20. gxf5 Bxe4 $17) 20... Rad8 21. d7 (21. gxf5 {We all like material a lot! But keep in mind that the knight does not have any activity. While winning a piece, White gives away the d6 pawn plus nice control in the center with the knight on e4.} exf5 22. Nf6+ Qxf6 23. Bxb7 Rxd6 $13 {Even thought white is up a piece, Black has three pawns, and the position remains unclear.}) 21... f6 22. Rd2 $16) 19. Qd3 {White is developing the queen and transferring it to h3, thereby creating a mate threat.} Kg7 20. g4 (20. Qh3 Rh8 $19) 20... Bb7 (20... Nh4 21. g5 Nf5 22. f4 $18 {White brings the a2 rook into play, and the position of the Black is completely lost here.}) 21. Rh3 (21. gxf5 {Once again, white should not hurry with this capture as it allows Black to activate his pieces and gain more space, as shown in the following variation.} exf5 22. Ng3 Bxh1 23. Nxh1 e4 $19) 21... Nh4 (21... Rh8 $5 {We can see how Black is happy to sacrifice the knight on f5. I don't want to bore you with the engine variations here again. But the point of Black is to get activity in the center.}) 22. g5 Bxe4 $4 {Removing the monster from e4 seems like an excellent idea. However, this is a horrible blunder by Nepo.} (22... Rh8 $1 {This is the only move that does not lose for black. Hard for me to guess what Nepo did not like here. Black is threatening to take the e4 knight.}) 23. Qxe4 Nf5 24. Rd2 $1 {Nepo missed this move, as stated at the press conference.} Rh8 (24... Qxg5 {This natural capture does not help as the monster pawn on d6 decides the game. There are many nice ways to win. I give below a slightly funky variation.} 25. Qxe5+ f6 26. Qh2 Rh8 27. Rxh8 Rxh8 28. Qxh8+ Kxh8 29. d7 $18 {White has an extra rook here.}) 25. Rxh8 Qxh8 26. d7 (26. Rd3 $1 {While the move played by Ding in the game keeps the advantage, This move wins on the spot. Let's see why it is so powerful.} Rd8 27. Rh3 {We can see that rook joins the attack with the queen, who will join by capturing the e5 pawn. Black is defenceless here.} Qf8 28. Qxe5+ f6 29. gxf6+ Qxf6 30. Rh7+ {Wins the queen.}) 26... Rd8 27. Qxe5+ Kh7 28. Qh2+ Kg7 29. Qe5+ Kh7 30. Qh2+ Kg7 31. Qc7 {Ding repeated moves to avoid time pressure.} Qh4 {This is one of the moves where you don't mind losing at once, but you test your opponent's calculation skills.} 32. Kd1 $2 {Throws away a clear winning plan for White.} (32. Qxd8 {The Bluff of nepo should have been called by Ding. The following variation wasn't a hard one to calculate once you start seeing that there are not many ways for White to go wrong. But it was more important for Ding to trust himself than Nepo.} Qe4+ 33. Re2 Qb1+ 34. Kd2 Qa2+ 35. Kd3 Qb1+ 36. Rc2 Qd1+ (36... Qxf1+ 37. Kd2) 37. Ke4 Qxc2+ 38. Bd3 $18 Nd6+ 39. Ke5 Qxd3 40. Qf6+ Kh7 41. d8=Q Nxc4+ 42. Kf4 e5+ 43. Kg4 $18) 32... Qxg5 33. Kc2 Qe7 34. Bg2 e5 $2 {Nepo wants to shut the light square bishop. In this process, he gives away some important squares.} (34... Nd4+ $1 {Nice way to eliminate the d7 pawn.} 35. cxd4 Rxd7 36. Qe5+ f6 $44 {Black has sufficient pawns for the sacrificed piece.}) 35. Be4 Nh6 36. Qxa7 Ng4 37. Bf3 $2 {Ding throws away all the advantages in one move.} (37. Bc6 {This is one of the many winning moves for White. White can plant the bishop on b5 if necessary and the queen on b6} e4 38. Qxb6 Ne5 39. Bb5 $18) 37... Nxf2 {Excellent resource found by Nepo at once. Probably he saw this trick from afar.} 38. Rxf2 e4 {Shutting the White's light square bishop. d7 pawn can be captured at any point.} 39. Re2 f5 40. Qxb6 {Played with 4 seconds on the clock. Ding completes his 40th move. Unfortunately for him, There are no more winning chances. If someone has to be careful, white has to be careful.} Rxd7 41. Qb8 Qd6 {Cleanest way to equalise the game.} 42. Qxd6 Rxd6 43. Bxe4 fxe4 44. Rxe4 Kf6 45. Re8 {Players had enough and decided to split the point. Yes, there were some mistakes from both players. But we have to realise that when players are in a tense match, mistakes are normal. Although the result is a draw, this is a fighting game. Not a boring draw. Ding will be quite disappointed not to utilise his chances in the game. While Nepo can be happy to have survived this game. We might see the level of the games going down as players get tired in the second half of the match.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Chess World Championship: Game 9 : Nepom"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,163,25,25,25,31,33,5,25,1,21,-2,-2,-16,12,23,36,7,3,-5,-15,0,22,22,-9,5,-4,-24,9,-1,-9,-13,17,3,9,1,9,-16,35,8,36,-18,3,-38,-3,-3,-8,-46,2,14,38,35,65,65,75,-6,-6,-12,-24,-31,-15,-11,0,0,0,0,0,-9,59,52,57,46,37,44,25,31,24,19,99,107,112,98,94,96,95,84,93,88,144,72,94,68,73,75,86,74,83,90,87,82,99,104,101,101,108,111,121,126,125,106,106,106,158,158,149,132,130,118,122,111,110,105,108,92,112,97,107,105,102,105,102,122,102,122,102,108,102,102,102,71,108,102,118,118,110,110,121,102,118,110,110,39,98,39,33,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0] After missing several chances in Game 8, Ding had to deal with rumoured discovery of his training games against Rapport. Although Ding denied having any knowledge of these games, one can only imagine which sane player would accept that the games truly were part of their preparation. Psychologically it must be quite hard for Ding to choose the opening from the Black side.} 1. e4 {I expect Nepo to go for 1.e4 for his remaining white games in the match.} e5 {After trying out the French defense in Game 7, Ding returns to his main choice against 1.e4. Although it was a good surprise, the French defense can hardly be repeated. The team of Nepo would have checked by now.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 {So finally, the Berlin Defense. One important thing we can notice is that Ding keeps jumping and trying new openings in all the games. While Nepo has stuck to his main openings. We can conclude that both Ding and Nepo trust in the opening preparation of Nepo! The Berlin defense is considered a solid opening with considerably less theory to remember than the Sicilian defense or the Marshal. Decades ago, The Berlin defense was mainly played by GM Aleksandrov. At that time, players used to criticise the early trade of queens, and it was considered a lazy opening due to the little theory one has to study. In 2001, GM Vladimir Kramnik successfully employed the Berlin defense to win the match against GM Garry Kasparov. From thereon, we can witness enormous development in the Berlin defense. Some top players employ only the Berlin defense, which shows how solid opening it is for Black.} 4. d3 {Keeping the tension in the center. The most challenging option for White. White intends to capture on c6, followed by the e5 pawn.} (4. O-O Nxe4 5. d4 (5. Re1 {This is one of those moves where White controls everything and tries out small ideas to pressure Black.} Nd6 6. Nxe5 Be7 7. Bf1 {Many games at the top level have been played here. I had some nice victories here against strong players.}) 5... Nd6 6. Bxc6 dxc6 7. dxe5 Nf5 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 {Those who like to play the endgames can check this and analyse this direction. Thousands of top-level games have been played here with various interesting ideas.}) 4... Bc5 5. c3 (5. Bxc6 {Even though this is one of the main moves, it is not possible to capture the pawn on e5 as it would lead to losing the piece.} dxc6 6. Nxe5 (6. Nbd2 $5) (6. O-O $5 {With the idea to capture the e5 pawn.}) 6... Qd4 $1 {attacking both the Knight on e5 and pawn on f2. White cannot defend both of them at once. This is a typical idea to defend the e5 pawn.}) 5... O-O (5... d5 $5 {Also an interesting option for Black. Do check out the games from the Lichess Database!}) 6. O-O d5 7. Nbd2 dxe4 8. dxe4 a5 {Black is preventing white from playing b4.} 9. a4 (9. Bxc6 {Leads nowhere due to the following variation. I faced it once in 2018 against Peter Leko.} bxc6 10. Nxe5 Re8 11. Nb3 (11. Nxc6 Qd6 12. Nd4 Bxd4 13. cxd4 Qxd4 $44 {White will give up the e4 pawn to develop the pieces.}) 11... Qxd1 12. Rxd1 Bb6 13. Nc4 (13. Nxc6 Nxe4 {with excellent compensation for the sacrificed pawn.}) 13... Nxe4 14. Nxb6 cxb6 15. f3 Nf6 16. Bg5 Nh5 {This is not the only way to equalise but most efficient one.}) 9... Qe7 10. Qc2 Nb8 {rerouting the Knight to g6 via d7-f8 or c5 via a6. Black's Knight is not doing anything useful on c6, so it is a good idea to bring it into play.} (10... Nd8 $5) 11. Re1 {moving the rook from f1 to allow the Knight to reach g3 square via f1.} Rd8 12. h3 {Preventing both Ng4 attacking the f2 and Bg4, threatening to shatter the kingside pawn structure by capturing on f3 Knight.} h6 13. Nf1 c6 14. Bc4 Na6 (14... Nbd7 15. Ng3 Nf8 {We can see that the position is quite balanced. Black will play Be6 next.}) 15. Ng3 {With the Knight manoeuvres, it is clear that white feels he has the upper hand on the king's side, While black feels that they can create counter chances on the queen's side.} Qc7 {Bringing the bishop to f8 to protect the kingside if white were to launch an attack on the g7 pawn.} 16. Ba2 (16. Qe2 $5 Bf8 17. Nh4 Nc5 18. Qf3 b5 $5) 16... b5 $5 (16... Bf8 $5 {Now that the white Knight is on g3, Black need not hurry to open the queenside. The most annoying piece for black is whites bishop a2. By moving the bishop on c5, Black intends to play Nc5 followed by Be6. Once the light square bishops are exchanged, Black can push pawns on the queenside.}) 17. Qe2 Rb8 $6 {Inaccuracy. Giving the initiative to White.it is important to have the option of Be6 when White is launching an attack with both the knights.} (17... Bf8 $5 18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 Nc5 {With the idea Ba6 and trapping the queen. Black has an excellent compensation as all the pieces are well coordinated.}) 18. Nh4 Bf8 19. Qf3 bxa4 20. Bxh6 Nc5 (20... gxh6 $2 21. Qxf6 $18 {Black's position falls apart as white will play ngf5 followed by re3-g3}) (20... Rxb2 $2 21. Bg5 $18) 21. Ng6 {This is a fancy move which is, in fact, not necessary.} (21. Bg5 $1 Rd3 22. Qe2 $16 {White won an important pawn compared to the a4 pawn black won even though the material is equal. The attack on Black's king will continue.}) 21... Rxb2 (21... Rd3 $5 {counter attack. Moving the white queen from f3 would mean black capturing on h6.}) 22. Nxf8 Rxf8 23. Bg5 (23. Bc4 $1 Be6 24. Nf5 Bxf5 25. Qxf5 $14) 23... Nh7 24. Bc1 Rb5 $6 (24... Rc2 $1 {This move spoils the entire plan of Nepo.} 25. Qd1 (25. Ba3 Nb3 $17) 25... Rxc1 26. Rxc1 Rd8 {With Nd3 coming next, Black recaptures the exchange.}) 25. Ba3 Re8 {Mysterious move. Why not take the d file at once?} (25... Rd8 26. Bc4 Be6 27. Bxb5 cxb5 $44) 26. Bc4 Be6 27. Bxe6 (27. Bxb5 cxb5 $44 {Engine claims that white has a significant advantage. But White has to find some crucial moves. Else this can go either way. Due to the match situation, it is understandable that Nepo did not go for this option and instead chose a solid option.}) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 {Threatening to fork both rooks by playing Nd6} c5 29. Qe2 Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 31. Bc1 Nf6 32. Qxa4 Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 {Both players have made logical moves, and we reached a roughly equal position. If someone can put pressure, it is White.} 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 {As the pawn on d5 can be captured at any point, Nepo win important e5 pawn.} Rb4 $1 {professional approach. exchanging the a5 pawn for important e4 pawn.} (35... Nd7 36. Ba1 Ra8 {Engine claims that black can continue this way. It is better to force things when you can and not to suffer for the draw this way. Small error from Black could cost the game here.}) 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 Nd4 $1 {I gave the exclamation mark due to the professional approach by Ding. One has to notice his confidence in drawing the position with a pawn down.} (38... Nd2 {Engines top choice. I wonder if this move and the connecting idea is an easy one. I gave a few variations. They don't seem like easy variations. If this is the 41st move, With an hour extra on the clock, it would be possible to calculate.} 39. Rg4 Nf4 $1 40. Rxg7+ (40. Nh6+ Kh7 41. Nxf7 Ne2+ 42. Kh1 Kg8 43. Rxg7+ Kf8) 40... Kh8) 39. Bxd4 (39. Nxd4 Rxe5) 39... cxd4 40. Rxd4 g6 {Note that the 40 moves have been completed, Both the players have additional time.} 41. Ne3 Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 43. Rb7 Nf5 44. Ng4 Re7 {This is one critical movement where I felt white could exchange the rooks and try in Knight endgame. In the rook endgame, White has no chance whatsoever.} 45. Rb5 {Aiming to bring the Knight to e5} Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 {Ding attacks on f2 and is threatening to exchange the g4 knight by playing nh6} 47. Rb7 Nd6 (47... Nh6 $2 48. Nxh6 Kxh6 49. Rxf7 $16 {Defending f2 pawn.}) 48. Ra7 Kf8 {Now f5 is threatened.} 49. Kg3 f5 {Forcing matters. If Knight were to move from g4, Black would play Ne4+ and capture the f2 pawn.} 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ (51. Rxe7 fxg4+) 51... Re8 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 53. Ne5 g5 {Until here, it is forced after 49...f5. Ding correctly estimates that he is in no danger as black pawns on g5 and f5 stop whites king from advancing.} 54. h4 {Last try from White.} gxh4 55. Kf4 h3 {Once again precise. Ke7 was also possible to play.} (55... Ke7 56. Ng6+ Kf6 57. Nxh4 Ne4 58. f3 Nd6 59. g3 Ke6 60. Kg5 Nf7+ {There is no need to go here!}) 56. gxh3 Ke7 {Nepo tried for more moves before agreeing to a draw. As there were no real chances, There was no point in analysing all the moves. Ding played accurately in the endgame.} 57. Nc6+ Kf6 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ 61. Kg3 Kg6 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ {It remains to be seen how Ding would fight back in Game 10. Will he play the openings from the games he allegedly had in training, or will he come up with completely new openings? This remains to be seen. In this game, the players showed that many ideas could be tried in the Berlin defense.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "???? ?? ?????? ??????Ð"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.22"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Ian Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2789"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Egrnegr200"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,90,19,-12,-9,-12,-13,-13,-35,-19,4,26,31,36,42,26,26,3,39,29,28,24,56,19,33,15,29,30,59,45,43,35,78,79,91,84,87,79,76,63,78,70,75,88,69,65,66,55,54,54,51,53,44,53,53,51,63,67,40,36,31,10,82,79,80,83,47,53,63,52,63,67,75,79,69,40,38,40,38,38,18,13,11,6,5,3,3,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. c4 {[%eval 23,0]} Nf6 {[%eval 29,0]} 2. Nc3 {[%eval 3,0]} e5 {[%eval 32,0]} 3. Nf3 {[%eval 0,0]} Nc6 {[%eval 18,0]} 4. e4 {[%eval 3,0]} Bc5 {[%eval 14,0]} 5. Nxe5 {[%eval 5,0]} Nxe5 {[%eval 6,0]} 6. d4 {[%eval 11,0]} Bb4 {[%eval 0,0]} 7. dxe5 {[%eval 0,0]} Nxe4 {[%eval 8,0]} 8. Qf3 {[%eval 9,0]} Nxc3 {[%eval 4,0]} 9. bxc3 {[%eval 19,0]} Bc5 {[%eval 75,0][%csl Gc4,Gc3,Ge5,Gg7][%CAl Gf3g3,Gg3g7] Inaccuracy. Ba5 was best. ????, ?? ????? ?????????? ??????. ???? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????, ??? ????????? ???????. ? ? ?????, ? ? ?????? ???? ???? ???????? ? ???? ??????. ? ????? ?????? ?????, ? ? ?????? ???? ???????????? ? ???????? ?????? g7.} (9... Ba5) 10. Qg3 {[%eval 65,0] ??? ?????? ???. ??? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? g7. ?????? ?????? ???? ????? ??f8, ??????? ?????.} Kf8 $1 {[%eval 5,0][%CAl Gg3g7,Gf8g7] ?????? ???! ?????? ?????? ???? ??????????, ??? ???????? ??? ?????. ???????? ???????, ??? ?????? ?????????? ???????????, ?? ????????????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ? ?????????.} 11. Be2 {[%eval 33,0][%CAl Gc1f4,Ga1d1,Gd1d8] ?? ?????? ???????, ?????? ????? ????????? ????? ?? ?2, ? ?? ?? d3.????? ???? ????? ????????, ??? ?? d3. ????????, ????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ????? d ??? ?????.} d6 {[%eval 38,0]} 12. Bf4 {[%eval 16,0] ????? ???????? ????????? ??????, ? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ????????. ?????? ???????? h5 c ?????? ?? ??????????? ??????.} Qe7 {[%eval 43,0] ?? ????? ?? ????????? ? ???? ????????? ?? ????? E. ????? ???? ???????????? ? ??????????.} 13. Rd1 {[%eval 39,0][%CAl Gd1d8,Gd8e7] ??? ? ? ???????, ????? ????????? ????? ?? d1. ?? ??? ??? ?????? ????? ????? ? ????? d, ?? ?????? ??? ?? ????????????.} h5 $1 {[%eval 4,0][%CAl Ge7e1,Gh5h4,Gg7g2,Gc5f2] ?????? ???????? ????? ?? ??????????? ??????! ?????? ????? ????????? ??? ????? ???????: ?? ???????????? ?????? ? ?? ????? E.} 14. O-O {[%eval 37,0] ??? ????? ????????????. ??? ?????????, ??? ??? ?????????? ?? ????? ? ?????? ???? ??????.} h4 $1 {[%eval 42,0] ?????????? ?????! ?????? ????????? ????? ???????????? ?? ??????????? ??????.} 15. Qd3 {[%eval 39,0] ??? ?????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ????. ?????????????, ??? ?????? ???????? ????? ?? d6( ? ?????? ???????????? ?????). ??? ????????, ??? ?????? ???????? ?????, ?????? ??? ?? ?????????? ????????! ?????? ???????? ?? ?? ????? ??????, ???????? ????? ?? ????? ???????? ??? ????? ???? ? ?????? ?????? ??-?? ?????? ?????.} g5 {[%eval 41,0] ?? ????? ????? ? ?????, ?? ??????????, ???????? ?? ???? ????. ????????? ????????? ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ?????? ??? ?????.} 16. exd6 {[%eval 49,0] ? ??? ?????! ?????? ??????? ????.} cxd6 {[%eval 44,0] ? ??? ?????? ???? ?????- ???????????? ??????? ??? ?????. ??????? ?????? ????? ????? ??????, ????? ???? ?????????? ? ????????.} 17. Bxd6 {[%eval 5,0] ???? ????????? ? ????????.} Qxd6 {[%eval 5,0]} 18. Qxd6+ {[%eval 41,0]} Bxd6 {[%eval 56,0]} 19. Rxd6 {[%eval 62,0]} Be6 {[%eval 32,0][%csl Gc4,Gc3,Ga2][%CAl Ge6c4,Ga8c8,Gc8c4,Gc4a2,Gc5c3] ??????? ???? ??????- ????????? ?????? ????? ?????.} 20. f4 {[%eval 36,0] ????? ????????? ?????? ????? ? ????????? ????? F.} Ke7 {[%eval 39,0]} 21. Rd4 {[%eval 4,0]} gxf4 {[%eval 37,0]} 22. Rfxf4 {[%eval 26,0]} h3 {[%eval 5,0]} 23. g4 {[%eval 26,0] ????? ???? ???????? ????? ????? ????????????????, ??????? ???????? ??????? ? ?????? ?????.} Rac8 {[%eval 35,0]} 24. Kf2 {[%eval 33,0] ??? ??????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????, ?????? +0.2} Rc5 {[%eval 5,0]} 25. a4 {[%eval 22,0] ????? ??????????? ????????????.} Ra5 {[%eval 33,0]} 26. Bd1 {[%eval 43,0] ?????? ????????? ???????? ?? ????? ?????, ?? ????? ????????.} b6 {[%eval 39,0] ?????? ???????????. ??? ????? ??????, ?? ?????????, ??? ???.} 27. Kg3 {[%eval 36,0] ??? ?? ?????? ?????. ???? ???? ??????? ?? ????? h3, ?? ???? ??? ?????????? ??-?? ????????????? ???????? ????? ?4.} Rh6 {[%eval 28,0] ??????? ?????.} 28. Rfe4 {[%eval 14,0]} Kf8 {[%eval 22,0] ?????? ?????? ????????, ????? ?? ????? ??????? ??.} 29. Rd8+ {[%eval 8,0]} Kg7 {[%eval 16,0]} 30. Ra8 {[%eval 0,0] ?????? ?????? ????? ?????? ??????? ?? ????? ?4 ? ???????? ??, ?????? ????? ????? ? ????? ?????? ????? ?7.} Rc5 {[%eval 8,0] ?????? ?????????? ?????? ?????.} 31. Rxa7 {[%eval 5,0]} Bxc4 {[%eval 5,0][%CAl Gc5c3,Gc4e6] ????? ?????????, ??????? ?????.} 32. Rae7 {[%eval 0,0] ??? ????? ??????? ??????? ? ???? ? ???????.} Rhc6 {[%eval 0,0]} 33. R7e5 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxe5 {[%eval 0,0]} 34. Rxe5 {[%eval 0,0]} Bb3 {[%eval 0,0]} 35. Bxb3 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxc3+ {[%eval 0,0]} 36. Kh4 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxb3 {[%eval 0,0]} 37. Rb5 {[%eval 0,0]} Ra3 {[%eval 0,0]} 38. Rxb6 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxa4 {[%eval 0,0]} 39. Kxh3 {[%eval 0,0] ????? ???????????? ????????? ???????? ???? ???????? ????????? ????????.} f5 {[%eval 0,0]} 40. gxf5 {[%eval 0,0]} Rf4 {[%eval 0,0] ???????? ?????? ??????? ?????, ??? ?????????? ?????} 41. Rb5 {[%eval 0,0]} Kf6 {[%eval 0,0]} 42. Kg3 {[%eval 0,0]} Rxf5 {[%eval 0,0]} 43. Rxf5+ {[%eval 0,0]} Kxf5 {[%eval 0,0]} 44. h4 {[%eval 0,0]} Kg6 {[%eval 0,0]} 45. h5+ {[%eval 0,0]} Kxh5 {[%eval 0,0] ?????.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 10 - Liren v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.23"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Ian Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,90,15,-13,-12,-35,-35,-24,-16,-16,31,25,34,34,26,51,36,24,18,31,31,36,56,15,19,32,31,30,51,43,35,40,87,85,70,79,69,69,69,69,66,66,66,66,66,66,66,61,54,58,54,53,53,53,53,51,51,43,53,31,29,3,83,83,86,71,72,63,75,79,50,42,43,40,40,30,15,19,15,8,6,6,3,3,3,3,3,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e4 (4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 d6 7. e4 O-O 8. Be2 {[%emt 0:00:04] Was game}) 4... Bc5 (4... Bb4 5. d3 d6 6. a3 Bc5 (6... Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 {[%emt 0:00:04] leads to a similar structure from game}) 7. b4 Bb6 {Has been a high-level battle ground recently}) 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. d4 Bb4 7. dxe5 Nxe4 8. Qf3 (8. Qd4) 8... Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 $5 {Seemingly a surprise to Ding} (9... Ba5 {Is the main line. Caruana was speculating that Ding was intending to castle queenside} 10. Bf4 O-O 11. O-O-O $5 {Carlsen, M. - Caruana, F., 1/2-1/2, FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss, 2019, https://lichess.org/1OdQ8CAQ} (11. Be2 d6 12. Rd1 Bd7 {has been fairly reliable for black})) (9... Be7 10. Qg3 g6 {Carlsen, M. - Nepomniachtchi, I., 1/2-1/2, Cote d'Ivoire Blitz 2019, https://lichess.org/H3kWf8rs Was surely checked by team Ding} (10... Kf8 {Appears to be a worse version for black as in the game - the bishop is more passive on e7})) 10. Qg3 Kf8 {Ding was clearly out of preparation here. Quite a direct approach from team Nepo. Black has ideas of ...d6 to free the position and also ...h5!?} (10... O-O $6 11. Bg5 (11. Bh6 g6 12. Bxf8 Bxf8 {Gives reasonable compensation for the exchange}) 11... Be7 12. Bh6 g6 13. h4 $36) 11. Be2 {In this completely fresh position there are alternatives at every juncture. Developing the kings bishop immediately is natural as white wants to evacuate the king from the centre} (11. Bd3 d6 12. Bf4 dxe5 13. Bxe5 f6 14. Bxc7 Qe7+ 15. Kf1 {Was an interesting line discussed by Caruana}) 11... d6 (11... h5 12. Bg5 Qe8 13. O-O h4 $5 14. Bxh4 d6 {With a messy position}) 12. Bf4 Qe7 (12... h5 13. exd6 cxd6 14. Rd1 h4 15. Bxd6+ Bxd6 16. Qxd6+ Qxd6 17. Rxd6 Ke7 {Is a typical endgame that could arise where the question is does white have chances to press with the extra doubled c-pawn}) 13. Rd1 h5 14. O-O (14. exd6 {Heading directly to the endgame is certainly a valid option} cxd6 (14... Bxd6 $4 15. Rxd6 cxd6 16. Bxd6 $18) 15. Bxd6 Bxd6 16. Qxd6 Qxd6 17. Rxd6 Ke7 18. Rd4 Be6 19. Kd2 {White can try and exploit the fact he hasn't castled yet to use the king on the queenside} Rac8 20. Re1 Rc5 $14 {White has what winning chances there are - I'm not sure how significant these are especially against a well prepared opponent} 21. Bf3 b6 22. Kc2 Kf6 23. Bd5 {Does look very pleasant for white}) 14... h4 15. Qd3 g5 {Trying to force the typical endgame} 16. exd6 (16. Be3 Qxe5 {looks good for black}) 16... cxd6 17. Bxd6 Qxd6 18. Qxd6+ Bxd6 19. Rxd6 Be6 $14 {White is a pawn up but clearly has a weak queenside structure and black is nicely centralised and solid. Ding doesn't really manage to pose many problems from here} 20. f4 Ke7 21. Rd4 gxf4 22. Rfxf4 h3 23. g4 Rac8 24. Kf2 (24. Bf3 Rhd8 $1 (24... b6 $6 25. Bd5) 25. Bxb7 Rxd4 26. Rxd4 Rb8) 24... Rc5 25. a4 Ra5 26. Bd1 b6 27. Kg3 Rh6 28. Rfe4 Kf8 29. Rd8+ Kg7 30. Ra8 Rc5 31. Rxa7 Bxc4 32. Rae7 Rhc6 33. R7e5 Rxe5 34. Rxe5 Bb3 $1 35. Bxb3 Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rxb3 37. Rb5 Ra3 38. Rxb6 Rxa4 39. Kxh3 f5 $1 {The simplest immediately liquidating} 40. gxf5 Rf4 41. Rb5 Kf6 42. Kg3 Rxf5 43. Rxf5+ Kxf5 44. h4 Kg6 45. h5+ Kxh5 {A very high quality game and a confident hold with the black pieces for Nepo who edges one step closer to the title. Nepo chose a relatively rare line with 9...Bc5!? which Ding seemed not to be prepared for. Despite this Ding made some good logical moves and the position reached an endgame where white was a pawn up but had a poor pawn structure and it seemed that black was never really in great danger. Somewhat disappointing for Ding that he couldn't put more pressure on with the white pieces but there are still 4 games remaining and the tension is likely to increase from here} 1/2-1/2 [Event "2023 FIDE World Championship"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.22"] [Round "9.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C65"] [Annotator "FM Carsten Hansen"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,163,34,15,24,31,31,-2,25,16,14,-2,-5,-16,11,9,59,-10,25,-14,-7,-11,35,-4,-14,-8,-14,5,7,6,23,5,20,6,5,9,2,-16,28,-2,42,-4,9,-21,-49,-16,0,-35,15,12,39,33,58,61,62,-24,-30,-41,-12,-31,-16,-16,20,20,11,9,0,17,46,34,28,28,33,31,37,46,36,25,107,105,108,96,101,91,93,84,92,89,134,87,81,71,63,74,70,74,91,80,96,96,101,97,101,94,107,114,126,121,128,108,107,104,154,157,144,119,125,112,121,98,108,97,97,97,110,110,110,110,100,100,93,113,112,104,112,106,106,106,106,88,106,100,106,100,100,110,112,100,111,100,110,58,58,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0] Annotations by FM Carsten Hansen} 1. e4 e5 {At least for now, Ding's experiment with the French Defense, as he played in the previous game, is over.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 {The Berlin Defense. A choice that was widely applauded by the live commentators, including Fabiana Caruana. Of course,the Berlin has been played before, including by Ding against Nepo, and it was also the choice in one of the games in the alleged data leak of "Ding's preparation" that rocked the internet during the previous game.} 4. d3 Bc5 5. c3 (5. Bxc6 dxc6 6. Nbd2 O-O 7. Nc4 {.} (7. Qe2 Re8 8. Nc4 Nd7 9. Bd2 Bf8 10. h4 b5 11. Ne3 Nc5 12. h5 a5 {and Black had a comfortable position in Nepomniachtchi,I (2784) -Ding,L (2791) chess24.com INT 2020}) 7... Re8 8. a4 a5 9. Bd2 b6 10. Bc3 Ng4 11. O-O f6 12. Bd2 g5 $2 (12... f5 {the chances would have been about balanced}) 13. h3 Nh6 14. h4 $6 (14. Nh2 $1) 14... Nf7 15. hxg5 fxg5 16. Nh2 Re6 17. Ne3 Rg6 18. Nf5 Bxf5 $6 19. exf5 Rf6 20. Qg4 h6 $6 21. Qh3 Qd7 $6 22. Ng4 Rxf5 $4 23. Nf6+ {and, losing the queen, Ding resigned, 1-0, Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)-Ding,L (2791) chess24.com INT 2020.}) 5... O-O 6. O-O d5 (6... d6 {which has used by countless top grandmasters, including Caruana, So, and some Norwegian called Carlsen.}) 7. Nbd2 dxe4 8. dxe4 a5 (8... Qe7 {has been tested by Ding, albeit only in an online blitz game:} 9. b4 Bd6 10. Bb2 a5 11. a3 Be6 12. Qc2 h6 13. Rac1 Rfd8 {and Black had just about equalized. Nakamura, H (2736)-Ding,L (2799) Chess.com INT 2021.}) 9. a4 Qe7 10. Qc2 Nb8 $1 (10... Na7 $6 11. Be2 Nc6 12. Nb3 Ba7 13. Bb5 Bg4 14. Bxc6 $1 Bxf3 15. gxf3 bxc6 16. Nxa5 Qe6 17. Qe2 {and White had a clear advantage in Radjabov,T (2753)-Nakamura,H (2760) Madrid 2022, a game that White eventually won.}) 11. Re1 (11. Bd3 h6 12. Nc4 Nc6 13. h3 Rd8 14. Re1 Nh5 15. Bf1 Qf6 16. Be3 {with a tiny edge for White, Carlsen,M (2832)-Kramnik, V (2808) Leuven 2017}) (11. Be2 Nbd7 12. Nc4 b6 13. h3 Bb7 14. Bd3 Rfd8 15. Re1 h6 16. b3 Qe8 17. Be3 Bxe3 18. Rxe3 Qe6 {and Black had a comfortable position in So,W (2773)-Nakamura,H (2760) Chess.com INT 2022.}) 11... Rd8 (11... h6 12. h3 Be6 13. Bf1 Nbd7 14. Nc4 Rfd8 15. Ncxe5 Nxe5 16. Nxe5 Bxh3 17. Nd3 Be6 18. Nxc5 Qxc5 19. Be3 {with a slight advantage for White in Villarreal,B (2332)-Barkov,K ICCF email 2015.}) 12. h3 h6 13. Nf1 c6 14. Bc4 Na6 15. Ng3 Qc7 16. Ba2 (16. Qe2 {had been tried in a correspondence game, although Black in this line too does not have any problems:} Bf8 17. Be3 Nc5 18. b4 Ncxe4 19. Nxe4 Nxe4 20. Bb6 Qxb6 21. Qxe4 Re8 22. Nxe5 Be6 23. Bd3 f5 {with equal chances in De la Rosa Solorzano,J (2426)-Genga,S (2424) ICCF email 2021.}) 16... b5 17. Qe2 Rb8 $6 (17... Bf8 $1 18. Be3 (18. axb5 cxb5 19. Qxb5 {, Black gains more than sufficient compensation after} Nc5 {when all of Black's pieces have come to life}) 18... bxa4 (18... Rb8 $5 {, now that White's dark-squared bishop is no longer guarding the b2-pawn/square}) 19. Bc4 (19. Qc4 c5 20. Nd2 (20. Qxa4 $2 Bd7 21. Qc4 Be6 22. Qe2 c4 {and Black has taken command of the game}) 20... a3 21. bxa3 Be6 {and Black has equalized}) 19... a3 20. bxa3 Nc5 {, and Black has comfortable equality.}) 18. Nh4 $1 {This strong knight leap is the first step in the attack on the kingside; an attack that White has been hoping for ever since the queen was put on e2 and the bishop was parked on a2. White's knights are dreaming of jumping to f5 and g6.} Bf8 (18... Be6 19. Bxe6 fxe6 {, killing off White's bishop and taking the f5-square away from White's knights, but the long-term consequences for Black, having messed up his pawn structure, are difficult to assess, but the both the advantage and fun is decidedly on White's side.}) 19. Qf3 $5 (19. Ng6 $5 {possibly threatening to eliminate Black's darks-squared bishop but, more importantly, open up the box of tricks with a threat like f2-f4 as illustrated by} Bd6 20. f4 $1 exf4 $2 21. e5 Bc5+ 22. Kh1 Nd5 23. Nxf4 {and Black will probably not survive.}) 19... bxa4 $1 {An ugly move that Black would rather not have played, but Black needs counterplay and he needs it pronto! Therefore, the a-file had to be opened.} (19... Qe7 $2 {, e.g.,} 20. Ngf5 {followed by Nxh6+ and White is already completely winning.}) 20. Bxh6 Nc5 (20... gxh6 $2 21. Qxf6 {is completely out of the question for Black.}) (20... Rxb2 $2 21. Bg5 {is a nightmare for Black.}) 21. Ng6 $6 (21. Bg5 $5 {after which Black must play} Rd3 {but after} 22. Qe2 Nh7 23. Be3 {, it is clear that Black's sufferings are far from over.}) 21... Rxb2 (21... Rd3 22. Re3 Rxe3 23. Qxe3 Qd6 24. Nxe5 $1 Be6 (24... gxh6 $2 25. Nxf7 {is massively better for White}) 25. Bf4 {and White has an edge.}) 22. Nxf8 Rxf8 (22... Rd3 $6 23. Be3 Nb3 24. Nh5 $1) (22... Nb3 $2 23. Bg5 {, Black's problems only seem to have gotten bigger.}) 23. Bg5 $6 (23. Bxg7 $2 Kxg7 24. Qe3 {, it promptly backfires after} Ne6 25. Nf5+ Kh8 26. Qh6+ Nh7 27. Bxe6 fxe6 {and White is a piece down with nothing to show for it.}) (23. Bc4 $5 Be6 24. Nf5 Bxf5 25. Qxf5 Qe7 26. Qg6 Ne8 27. Bc1 {and White has a reasonable advantage with bishop pair against knight pair plus the initiative in hand.}) 23... Nh7 $1 24. Bc1 Rb5 $6 (24... Rc2 25. Bc4 $5 (25. Ba3 $2 Nb3 $1 {and Black is clearly better}) 25... Nb3 $1 26. Rxa4 Nxc1 27. Qe3 Be6 28. Rxc1 (28. Bxe6 fxe6 29. Rxc1 Rfxf2 $1 {and Black is better because White cannot capture on f2 with the queen:} 30. Qxf2 Rxf2 31. Kxf2 Qb6+ 32. Ke1 Qe3+ 33. Ne2 Ng5 {and Black is winning.}) 28... Rxc1+ 29. Qxc1 Bxc4 30. Rxc4 Ra8 {, Black has solved his problems.}) 25. Ba3 Re8 26. Bc4 Be6 $1 {Ding was forced to sacrifice the exchange; fortunately it is rather good.} 27. Bxe6 (27. Bxb5 cxb5 28. Qe3 Nd7 {, Black seems to have reasonable compensation but his troubles are far from over.}) (27. Qe2 $1 Bxc4 28. Qxc4 {which leaves Black with a long-term positional nightmare.}) 27... Nxe6 28. Nf5 c5 {Black has an extra pawn but the a4-pawn is bound to drop as soon as White is interested in capturing it. During the game, I thought White was still confortably better thanks to his strong knight on f5 (which may leap via e3 to d5) and Black's light-squared weaknesses and loose queenside pawns. However, the engines are less convinced, only granting White a minimal edge.} 29. Qe2 $6 (29. Qg3 Nf6 30. Bc1 g6 31. Qh4 Qd8 32. Ne3 {which looks unpleasant for Black, but, once more, Stockfish and its friends remain unimpressed, claiming Black to be more or less okay.}) 29... Rb3 30. Qc4 Qc6 $6 (30... Reb8 {, proclaiming all of Black's problems to be over, yet White's position still looks easier to play.}) 31. Bc1 Nf6 {This is the starting position of the annual Berlin woodchopping festival.} 32. Qxa4 Qxa4 33. Rxa4 Rxc3 34. Bb2 Rb3 35. Bxe5 Rb4 36. Rxa5 Rxe4 37. Rxe4 Nxe4 38. Ra4 Nd4 $1 {A good practical choice which loses a pawn but takes the endgame into something that Black should not lose, especially for someone as strong as Ding.} (38... Nd2 $5 39. Rg4 (39. Bc3 Nb3 40. Rg4 Nbd4 {and Black is okay}) 39... Nf4 $3 (39... g6 40. Bc3 {is still unpleasant for Black}) 40. Rxg7+ (40. Nh6+ Kh7 41. Nxf7 Ng6 42. Bc3 Re1+ 43. Kh2 Nf1+ 44. Kg1 Nd2+) 40... Kf8 41. Bxf4 Re1+ 42. Kh2 Nf1+ 43. Kg1 Nd2+ {with a draw by perpetual check.}) 39. Bxd4 cxd4 40. Rxd4 {White is a pawn up. It should end in a draw, but Nepo isn't just going to hand Ding a draw in this position. If he could convert this into a win, it could decide the match, breaking Ding once and for all.} g6 41. Ne3 Kg7 42. Rb4 Ng3 $5 43. Rb7 Nf5 $1 {This is a gutsy move, but Ding knows his endgames and therefore knows this rook ending to be drawn; obviously, you don't offer such a trade unless you are 100% sure that it is a sound decision.} 44. Ng4 {Nepo played this almost instantaneously; he too knows his endgames.} Re7 {All exchanges lighten Black's defensive burden.} 45. Rb5 {Nope, still not interested!} Re1+ 46. Kh2 Re2 47. Rb7 Nd6 48. Ra7 Kf8 49. Kg3 f5 $5 {This pawn push is not the most logical choice as it makes Black's pawn a lot more vulnerable. However, Ding seemed relatively confident that it would work and possibly speed up the path toward the draw result he was angling for.} 50. Kf3 Re7 51. Ra8+ Re8 (51... Kg7 52. Ne3 Ne4 {was also entirely possible.}) 52. Rxe8+ Kxe8 53. Ne5 g5 54. h4 gxh4 55. Kf4 h3 $5 (55... Ke7 {and he may be right, for instance,} 56. Ng6+ Kf6 57. Nxh4 Ne4 58. f3 (58. Ke3 Ng5) 58... Nd6 {which should end in a draw, but White can carry on for a lot longer.}) 56. gxh3 Ke7 57. Nc6+ Kf6 58. Nd4 Ne4 59. f3 (59. Ke3 Kg5 60. f3 Nd6 61. Kf2 Kh4 62. Kg2 f4 $1 63. Ne6 Nf5 64. Nxf4 {(White wins a second pawn, but, unfortunately for him, they are of no use)} Ne3+ 65. Kf2 (65. Kh2 Nf1+ 66. Kg1 Ne3 {is a draw}) 65... Nf5 {and White cannot make progress.}) 59... Nf2 60. h4 Nd3+ 61. Kg3 Kg6 {It is obvious that this endgame is drawn as White cannot make any worthwhile progress. Of course, that didn't stop Nepo from trying a bit longer.} 62. Ne6 Kf6 63. Nf4 Nb4 64. Kf2 Ke5 65. Ke3 Nc2+ 66. Kd2 Nd4 67. Nd3+ Kf6 68. Ke3 Nc2+ 69. Kf4 Nd4 70. Kg3 Ne2+ 71. Kf2 Nd4 72. Nf4 Ke5 73. Ne2 Ne6 74. Kg3 Kf6 75. Kg2 Kg7 76. Kf2 f4 77. Kg1 Kg6 78. Kg2 Kh6 79. Nc1 Kh5 80. Kh3 Nd4 81. Nd3 Nxf3 82. Nxf4+ {And draw agreed. The longest game of the match so far and one filled with interesting ideas from both sides.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.23"] [Round "10"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,90,19,-12,-9,-12,-13,-13,-35,-19,4,26,31,36,42,26,26,3,41,39,40,43,67,7,20,53,38,22,58,27,37,21,78,85,83,86,86,86,86,77,79,75,79,82,80,65,59,58,55,62,63,63,51,44,51,38,67,48,55,47,37,6,96,77,82,68,57,42,46,57,56,52,58,75,75,38,40,40,40,42,19,17,9,9,11,9,4,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e4 ({Au lieu de} 4. e3 Bb4 5. Qc2 Bxc3 6. bxc3 d6 7. e4 {1-0 Ding,L (2788)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2795) FIDE World Championship 2023 Astana (4) comme dans la quatrième partie.}) 4... Bc5 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. d4 Bb4 7. dxe5 Nxe4 8. Qf3 Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 $5 {9...Fc5 change de 9...Fa5 que Fabiano Caruana mentionne que Magnus Carlsen a été le premier joueur à jouer, contre lui. — Le placement du Fou en c5 a surpris Ding Liren.} (9... Ba5 10. Bf4 O-O 11. O-O-O Qe7 12. Kb2 Rb8 13. Bd3 b5 14. cxb5 Bb7 15. Qh3 g6 16. Qe3 Rfe8 17. Rhe1 Bc6 18. a4 a6 19. Bg5 Bxc3+ 20. Kxc3 Qa3+ 21. Kd2 Qb4+ 22. Ke2 Qg4+ 23. Kd2 Qb4+ 24. Ke2 Qg4+ 25. Kd2 Qb4+ {½-½ Carlsen,M (2876)-Caruana,F (2812) FIDE Grand Swiss ENG 2019}) 10. Qg3 {Après 11 minutes.} Kf8 {Ian Nepomniachtchi est dans sa préparation.} (10... O-O $6 11. Bh6 g6 12. Bxf8 Qxf8 13. Bd3 d6 14. O-O Be6 {et les Noirs ont à peine des compensations suffisantes pour la qualité.}) (10... g6 $5 {affaiblit trop les cases noires.} 11. Bd3 d5 $6 (11... d6 $5 12. Bg5) 12. Bg5 Be7 13. Bxe7 Kxe7 14. Qh4+ Kd7 15. Qf4 Ke8 16. cxd5 Qxd5 17. Bc4 Qd7 18. Rd1 $18 {1-0 (34) Leitao,R (2592)-Svane,R (2615) Titled Tuesday INT blitz 2021}) 11. Be2 {Après 14 minutes.} (11. Bf4 d6 12. Rd1 Qe7 13. Be2 h5 {1-0 (49) Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)-Cardoso Cardoso,J (2414) Titled Tuesday INT blitz 2020}) 11... d6 {A tempo.} 12. Bf4 Qe7 $5 {Après 10 minutes. Ian Nepomniachtchi serait-il arrivé au bout de sa préparation ? La question se pose parce que si les Blancs jouent ici 13.Td1, après 13...h5, qui semble nécessaire à un moment ou un autre, le Russe retrouverait sa partie contre Cardoso, mais avec un tempo de moins dans la finale !} (12... h5 $1 13. exd6 Bxd6 14. Rd1 h4 15. Bxd6+ cxd6 16. Qxd6+ Qxd6 17. Rxd6 Ke7 (17... Be6 18. Rd4 Rc8 19. O-O g6 20. Rb1 b6 21. a4 {½-½ (21) Tseng,W (2484)-Panitevsky,I (2551) W-ch40 ICCF email 2020}) 18. Rd4 Be6 19. Kd2 Rac8 20. Re1 Rhd8 21. Kc2 h3 22. gxh3 Kf6 23. h4 Rxd4 24. cxd4 Bxc4 25. Bxc4 Rxc4+ 26. Kd3 {½- (49) ½ (49) Davies,G (2491)-Mousessian,J (2471) Atlantic corr ICCF 2001}) 13. Rd1 h5 {Selon Étienne Bacrot, Ian Nepomniachtchi a joué 12...De7!? trop vite.} 14. O-O $5 {Un nouveau coup.} (14. h4 dxe5 15. Bxe5 Bg4 16. Bxg4 $6 hxg4 17. Kd2 $6 Re8 18. Rhe1 Qd7+ 19. Kc1 {avec avantage noir, même si 1-0 (49) Nepomniachtchi,I (2784) - Cardoso,Jose Gabriel (2414), Titled Tuesday INT, 2020}) 14... h4 {Logique après 13...h5, mais la poussée a coûté 14 minutes. 1h20-1h29.} 15. Qd3 {En moins de 2 minutes.} g5 {Force l'entrée en finale.} 16. exd6 cxd6 17. Bxd6 Bxd6 18. Qxd6 Qxd6 19. Rxd6 {Et nous obtenons pratiquement la même position que dans les deux parties par email, mais avec un pion noir en g5 et le petit roque des Blancs.} Be6 $1 {La machine n'accorde qu'un insignifiant 0.22 aux Blancs ; le pion de plus de Ding Liren étant doublé.} 20. f4 $5 ({L'alternative était} 20. Rb1 Ke7 21. Rd4 b6 22. Rb5 Rag8) 20... Ke7 21. Rd4 gxf4 22. Rfxf4 h3 $1 23. g4 {La nécrologie de Jacques Chamouillet (1783-1873), publiée dans « La Stratégie » nous apprend qu'il était un joueur solide, peu aventureux, et qu'il serait l'auteur de la célèbre maxime « un pion est un pion ».} Rac8 {Boris Gelfand : « Les joueurs jouent bien dans les positions supérieures et moins bien dans les positions inférieures, c'est pourquoi nous voyons beaucoup de parties décisives. »} 24. Kf2 {Daniil Dubov [sur la finale de la dixième partie] : « Ce genre de parties montre vraiment votre mentalité et à quel point vous êtes déterminé à tout gagner. C'est exactement le genre de parties où Magnus [Carlsen] s'est avéré être le meilleur. »} Rc5 25. a4 Ra5 26. Bd1 b6 {Kateryna Lagno : « C'est un match très étrange... Je crois que Ian est clairement le favori maintenant, mais rien n'est encore décidé. »} 27. Kg3 {Après 22 minutes.} Rh6 {A tempo. 0h36-1h00.} 28. Rfe4 Kf8 29. Rd8+ Kg7 $1 ({Surtout pas} 29... Ke7 $2 {à cause de} 30. Rd5 $1 {avec un avantage décisif !} Ra6 31. c5 bxc5 32. Rxc5 $18) 30. Ra8 {Il faudrait une grosse faute de Ian Nepomniachtchi pour que Ding Liren gagne cette partie, mais le Chinois ne court aucun risque à presser autant que possible.} Rc5 {Une Tour doit absolument être active.} 31. Rxa7 Bxc4 (31... Rxc4 $2 32. Rxc4 Bxc4 33. Rc7 {serait pratiquement gagnant pour les Blancs après} Bd5 34. c4 Be4 35. c5 bxc5 36. Rxc5 {[%csl Ga4,Rh3]}) 32. Rae7 Rhc6 $1 {Le coup de Sesse.net, pas du tout évident à voir !} 33. R7e5 (33. Kxh3 Be6 34. Be2 Rxc3+ 35. Kh4 Kf8 36. Ra7 Ra3 $11 {ne donnait que l'égalité.}) 33... Rxe5 34. Rxe5 Bb3 $1 35. Bxb3 Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rxb3 37. Rb5 Ra3 38. Rxb6 Rxa4 39. Kxh3 f5 40. gxf5 {Et nous obtenons la fameuse finale avec deux pions de plus, mais nulle parce que les pions sont sur les colonnes « f » et « g ».} Rf4 41. Rb5 Kf6 42. Kg3 Rxf5 43. Rxf5+ Kxf5 44. h4 Kg6 45. h5+ Kxh5 {« Si nous considérons les deux camps au début d'une partie, nous voyons un exact équilibre de la position, du rapport de force, du territoire et de la liberté d'action. Le joueur en premier menace généralement de détruire l'équilibre, tandis que le joueur en second cherche constamment à le maintenir, aucune des parties n'y gagnant un avantage tant qu'il est conservé. On reconnaît ainsi la loi de l'égalité ou du match nul. Toute partie conduite logiquement, combien même le jeu peut être prolongé, ou aussi varié soit-il, doit se terminer par un match nul. » William Cluley en 1857 (The Philosophy of Chess)} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.23"] [Round "10.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,90,36,-13,-12,-35,-35,-9,-16,-15,31,38,30,34,21,14,46,31,43,43,36,32,54,22,22,22,58,22,59,37,37,53,86,86,75,65,65,66,68,68,68,68,68,80,82,66,66,62,51,47,77,51,51,51,40,53,53,47,37,50,46,7,57,60,64,54,46,56,75,75,75,47,42,42,42,39,28,28,28,11,6,5,4,4,4,5,3,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e4 Bc5 {Allowing a fork trick but it turns out this isn't too bad for black.} 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. d4 Bb4 7. dxe5 Nxe4 8. Qf3 {is recently more successful than 8.Qd4.} Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 {This move seemed to come as a surprise to Ding.} ({Relevant:} 9... Ba5 10. Bf4 O-O 11. O-O-O Qe7 12. Kb2 Rb8 13. Qe3 b6 14. Bd3 Qe6 15. Qg3 Re8 16. Rhe1 b5 17. c5 b4 18. c4 b3 19. axb3 Bxe1 20. Rxe1 a5 21. Bd2 Ba6 22. Qh4 g6 23. Qd4 Rb7 24. Bxa5 Reb8 25. b4 Rxb4+ 26. Bxb4 Rxb4+ 27. Kc3 Rb8 28. Be4 Qe8 29. Bd5 Bb7 30. Rb1 Ba8 31. Rxb8 Qxb8 32. Bxa8 Qxa8 33. Qxd7 Qa1+ 34. Kb4 Qxe5 35. Kb5 h5 36. Kc6 Qxh2 37. Qd8+ Kh7 38. Qf6 Qxg2+ 39. Kxc7 {Niemann,H (2688)-Mamedyarov,S (2757) Saint Louis 2022 1-0}) 10. Qg3 Kf8 11. Be2 d6 {Played after some thought. Nepomniachtchi was probably just checking he recalled things correctly. This whole variation is a sharp attempt at getting equality. But black has taken some risks the might rebound on him later.} 12. Bf4 Qe7 13. Rd1 h5 {[#]} 14. O-O $146 ({Predecessor:} 14. h4 dxe5 15. Bxe5 Bg4 16. Bxg4 hxg4 17. Kd2 Re8 18. Rhe1 Qd7+ 19. Kc1 Ba3+ 20. Kb1 Qf5+ 21. Ka1 Qc2 22. Rb1 f6 23. Rb3 Rxe5 24. Reb1 Re2 25. Rxa3 Rd2 26. Qxc7 Rd1 27. Qb8+ Kf7 28. Qxb7+ Kg6 29. Qb3 Rxb1+ 30. Qxb1 Qxb1+ 31. Kxb1 Rxh4 32. c5 g3 33. fxg3 Rc4 34. Kc2 Rxc5 35. Rxa7 Rg5 36. Rd7 Rxg3 37. Rd2 Kf7 38. a4 Rg4 39. Kb3 Re4 40. a5 f5 41. a6 f4 42. a7 Re8 43. Kb4 Ra8 {Nepomniachtchi,I (2784)-Cardoso Cardoso,J (2414) Chess.com INT 2020 1-0}) 14... h4 15. Qd3 g5 {Nepomniachtchi wasn't sure he had this in his preparation but this idea was certainly there.} (15... h3) 16. exd6 cxd6 17. Bxd6 {This is probably the best but this isn't much, if anything at all, for white.} (17. Bc1) (17. Be3 Bxe3 18. fxe3) 17... Qxd6 18. Qxd6+ Bxd6 19. Rxd6 Be6 20. f4 Ke7 21. Rd4 gxf4 22. Rfxf4 (22. h3) 22... h3 23. g4 Rac8 24. Kf2 Rc5 25. a4 (25. Bf3) 25... Ra5 26. Bd1 b6 (26... Ra6 {was another try but not better than b6.} 27. Rd3) 27. Kg3 Rh6 28. Rfe4 Kf8 {This position is equal and black has a huge margin for error. Only the situation of this being a match for the World Championship added jeopardy.} 29. Rd8+ Kg7 30. Ra8 Rc5 31. Rxa7 Bxc4 32. Rae7 Rhc6 33. R7e5 {Basically the players decide to call this off.} Rxe5 34. Rxe5 Bb3 35. Bxb3 Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rxb3 37. Rb5 Ra3 38. Rxb6 Rxa4 39. Kxh3 f5 40. gxf5 Rf4 41. Rb5 Kf6 42. Kg3 Rxf5 43. Rxf5+ Kxf5 44. h4 Kg6 45. h5+ Kxh5 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.23"] [Round "10"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,90,21,-10,-9,-18,-14,-3,-3,-1,37,26,31,31,23,34,34,18,11,31,40,50,57,30,56,43,47,15,62,23,38,36,78,78,71,78,78,78,70,65,65,66,84,90,70,60,67,58,45,57,53,51,57,57,60,55,52,51,51,37,35,36,65,71,75,75,61,53,83,83,64,41,41,39,37,24,24,17,15,12,7,8,8,5,3,2,2,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e4 {Another new opening in the match. This is a popular line in the English these days and one of my favorites for playing with White. A curious feature of modern chess is that you can quickly become an opening specialist just by playing online. It's my case with this English System: despite never having played it over the board, I've already played it in 61 online games, facing Caruana, Nakamura, and Kamsky, among other notable grandmasters. Maybe after so many games, my charm with this line has been a little broken, but the truth is that I don't consider it good enough to be used in the world championship.} Bc5 (4... Bb4 {is the main line and it leads to a more positional game after} 5. d3 d6 6. a3 Bc5 7. b4 Bb6) 5. Nxe5 {This is White's only decent attempt, and it leads to forcing play.} Nxe5 6. d4 Bb4 7. dxe5 Nxe4 8. Qf3 {Nowadays nearly everyone plays this move.} (8. Qd4 {is also possible, but after} Nxc3 9. bxc3 Be7 {Grandmaster practice shows that Black has no problems.} (9... Ba5 {is dubious because of} 10. Ba3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]})) 8... Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 $5 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Ding confessed to being surprised by this move; even so it has been seen several times, even in a blitz game by Nepomniachtchi with the white pieces.} (9... Ba5 {is the main move, when the critical position from the modern theory standpoint arrives after} 10. Bf4 O-O 11. O-O-O $5 {[%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 10. Qg3 {The critical move: Black cannot castle, so how to defend the g7-pawn $2} Kf8 $1 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Another move that took Ding by surprise. He was expecting 10...g6.} (10... O-O $2 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is clearly bad due to} 11. Bg5 (11. Bh6 {is also good.}) 11... Be7 12. Bh6) (10... g6 $6 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Ding said in the press conference that he expected this move, but it's clearly worse than the move played in the game. I have faced 10...g6 twice on Titled Tuesday and won both games, a true testament of how bad Black's position is after it.} 11. Bd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The most accurate.} (11. Bh6 Bf8 12. Bg5 Be7 {was not so clear in Leitao-Pesotskiy, Titled Tuesday 2022.}) 11... d5 (11... d6 12. Bg5 {White is already nearly winning: Sarana-Ognean, Titled Tuesday 2021.}) 12. Bg5 {with an overwhelming advantage in Leitao-Svane, Titled Tuesday 2021.}) 11. Be2 (11. Bf4 {This is the move Nepomniachtchi played when he had this position, but we will have a move order transposition.} d6 12. Rd1 Qe7 13. Be2 h5) 11... d6 12. Bf4 Qe7 {Other options are available and certainly Nepomniachtchi considered them, but this move seems the most precise road to equality.} (12... dxe5 13. Bxe5 f6 14. Bxc7 Qe7 {This is another version of the c7-pawn sacrifice and is also enough to hold the game.} 15. Rd1 Bf5 16. Bd6 Bxd6 17. Qxd6 {Black should make a draw without problems in the endgame.}) (12... h5 {This dynamic advance is also possible immediately.}) 13. Rd1 h5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black wants to bother the white queen with h5-h4. In some lines the rook can be developed through the h6-square. Nepomniachtchi knew this well, as when he played the white side of this position, he soon got a lost position after this move. But to me it's very surprising that Ding was out of book at this point. Shouldn't he study all of his opponent's recent games, including the blitz ones $2} 14. O-O {This novelty is the best attempt to achieve an advantage.} (14. h4 $6 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} dxe5 15. Bxe5 Bg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is another interesting idea of the h5-move. Black gets a fine position, for instance:} 16. O-O (16. Bxg4 $6 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} hxg4 {was unpleasant for White in Nepomniachtchi-Cardoso Cardoso, Titled Tuesday 2020.}) (16. f3 Re8 17. fxg4 Qxe5 18. Qxe5 Rxe5 19. Rd8+ Re8 20. Rxe8+ Kxe8 21. gxh5 Rh6 {with a likely draw in this endgame with opposite-colored bishops.}) 16... Rh6 $5 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (16... Re8 17. Rd5 {and now} c6 $2 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is a mistake due to} 18. Rxc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxc5 19. Bd6+) 17. Bxg4 hxg4 (17... Rg6 $2 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This is bad after} 18. Rd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 18. Bxc7 Rc8 19. Bf4 Qxh4 20. Qxh4 Rxh4 {with an equal endgame.}) 14... h4 15. Qd3 g5 {It's always difficult to advance the pawns in front of the king, but this is a decent move since it invites White to go to an endgame a pawn up, but with excellent drawing chances.} (15... h3 {is also possible, although it doesn't change the character of the game after 16.g3 and it also gives White other options.} 16. Bf3 $5 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Interesting;persistent;true]} (16. g3 Be6 {is more or less equal.}) 16... hxg2 17. Rfe1 {with big complications.}) (15... Be6 {is also an option.}) 16. exd6 cxd6 17. Bxd6 (17. Be3 {White can play this to keep the queens on the board, but it doesn't lead to an advantage after} Bxe3 18. fxe3 Be6) 17... Qxd6 18. Qxd6+ Bxd6 19. Rxd6 {White wins a pawn, but his queenside pawn structure is weak.} Be6 20. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the only chance, trying to exploit Black's kingside. But Nepomniachtchi defends with confidence.} Ke7 21. Rd4 gxf4 22. Rfxf4 h3 23. g4 Rac8 24. Kf2 {The king heads to g3, keeping the h3-pawn under pressure.} Rc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preparing to attack the queenside.} 25. a4 (25. Bf3 $5 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is a possible plan, trying to bring the bishop to d5. Black should be careful, but a draw is in sight after} Ra5 26. Rd2 Ra3 $1 {[%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 27. Bxb7 (27. Rc2 Rc8) 27... Rxc3 28. Bd5 Rg8 29. Bxe6 fxe6 {White is unable to exploit the material advantage because Black's rooks are very active.}) 25... Ra5 26. Bd1 b6 27. Kg3 Rh6 {Black has a fortress. White is unable to improve the position.} 28. Rfe4 Kf8 29. Rd8+ Kg7 30. Ra8 Rc5 31. Rxa7 (31. Be2 Ra5) (31. Bb3 Rc7) 31... Bxc4 32. Rae7 Rhc6 (32... Be6 33. Re3 Rc4 {is also good enough for a draw.}) 33. R7e5 (33. Kxh3 Be6 34. Re3 Rxc3 35. Rxc3 Rxc3+ 36. Kg2 Rd3 37. Bf3 Rd4 {is also a draw as White cannot keep a material advantage.}) 33... Rxe5 34. Rxe5 Bb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The final touch.} 35. Bxb3 Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rxb3 37. Rb5 Ra3 38. Rxb6 Rxa4 39. Kxh3 f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 40. gxf5 Rf4 41. Rb5 Kf6 42. Kg3 Rxf5 43. Rxf5+ Kxf5 44. h4 Kg6 45. h5+ Kxh5 {A good result for Nepomniachtchi, showing once again his excellent preparation and drawing without major problems. Time is running out for Ding, but a lot can happen in four games.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.24"] [Round "11"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,77,29,34,21,34,34,17,12,2,-12,0,20,9,13,9,24,-6,30,30,38,31,26,38,34,35,35,30,31,23,13,0,2,30,0,14,3,24,43,42,61,51,52,21,38,46,51,42,40,40,38,48,41,45,45,45,52,48,48,49,52,28,27,15,15,15,16,16,65,65,67,65,67,67,65,64,65,65,64,65] Aujourd'hui, pour Ding Liren, c'est « Objectif nulle ».} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Ding Liren renonce à une nouvelle Berlinoise.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 {Viswanathan Anand : « L'ouverture principale de Ding, celle avec laquelle il est plus à l'aise que dans toute autre. »} 8. a3 {Avec l'idée de maintenir le Fou sur la diagonale, tout en laissant la case c3 au Cavalier en b1 pour lutter pour la case d5.} Na5 9. Ba2 c5 10. Nc3 Be6 11. Bg5 O-O (11... c4 12. Nd2 O-O 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. Nd5 Bxd5 15. exd5 {½-½ (34) Anand,V (2803)-Ding,L (2782) Grand Slam Final 8th Bilbao 2015}) 12. Bxf6 {La suite de la lutte pour la case d5.} Bxf6 13. Nd5 g6 14. Qd2 {Viswanathan Anand : « Cela reflète probablement mon parti pris, mais j'aime beaucoup la position des Blancs ; elle me semble facile à jouer. »} (14. c3 Bg7 15. Qd2 c4 16. Ne3 Bh6 17. Qe2 cxd3 18. Qxd3 Bxa2 19. Rxa2 Bxe3 20. Qxe3 Nc4 {1-0 (47) Nihal,S (2670)-Ding Liren (2811) SpeedChess 2022 INT blitz}) 14... Bg7 {Première réflexion de Ding Liren. Fabiano Caruana note que la façon de gérer la menace de Cxf6 et Dxa5 est une « décision stratégique importante » pour Ding Liren.} 15. Ng5 {Un nouveau coup ; première ligne de la machine. Fabiano Caruana : « C'est un peu troublant de voir combien de parties dans ce match suivent des blitz joués sur des zones de jeu, parfois même par des anonymes. »} (15. Qg5 f6 16. Qe3 Re8 $6 17. b4 $1 Nb7 18. Bb3 Rc8 19. c3 Kh8 20. Nd2 Bg8 21. a4 Ra8 22. axb5 a5 23. b6 Rf8 24. Nc7 Rb8 25. Bxg8 Rxg8 26. bxa5 Qd7 27. a6 {1-0 Naroditsky,D (2617)-Tang,A (2505) Titled Tue INT blitz 2022}) 15... c4 $5 {Après plus de 12 minutes.} ({Viswanathan Anand : « Si les Noirs jouent} 15... Bd7 {alors} 16. f4 {semble dangereux, donc ramener le Cavalier en c6 est le meilleur. »}) (15... Ra7 $5 {était une autre des suggestions de Sesse.net.}) {Viswanathan Anand : « Que peut-il vouloir après 15...c4 ? »} 16. Nxe6 fxe6 17. Ne3 {Fabiano Caruana : « Je pense que c'est un succès d'ouverture pour Ian. Il a de la pression et de la sécurité. Même si les choses tournent un peu mal et que les Noirs consolident complètement, c'est suffisant pour l'égalité. »} Bh6 (17... d5 $2 {échoue à cause de} 18. exd5 exd5 19. Nxd5 $1 Qxd5 20. Qxa5) 18. Rad1 Rb8 {1h40-1h17. Si certains sites de retransmission affichent des +0.50, voire +0.67, Sesse.net se contente d'un petit +0.17.} 19. dxc4 $5 {Peu ambitieux, puisque ce coup permet aux Noirs de se débarrasser de leur Cavalier en a5 qui ne faisait pas grand-chose.} ({Toutes les machines jouaient plutôt} 19. Qe2 Bxe3 20. Qxe3) 19... Nxc4 20. Bxc4 bxc4 {Et l'avantage blanc s'est évaporé.} 21. Qxd6 {Tout va s'échanger et le partage du point se profile déjà à l'horizon.} Qxd6 22. Rxd6 Bxe3 23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 Rxb2 25. Rxe6 Rxc2 26. Rxa6 Ra2 27. Rc6 Rxa3 28. Rxc4 Rxe3 29. Kf2 Ra3 30. Rc5 Ra2+ 31. Kf3 Ra3+ 32. Kg4 Ra2 33. Kh3 {Ding Liren marque une pause. La perte du pion e5 ne comporte aucun danger, mais il vaut mieux calculer pour trouver la meilleure formation défensive.} Re2 34. Rxe5 Kf7 35. Kg3 Kf6 36. Re8 Kf7 37. Re5 Kf6 38. Re8 Kf7 39. Re5 {À l'issue de cette onzième partie du match, qui s'est achevée sur le partage du point, le Russe Ian Nepomniachtchi mène toujours d'un point ; 6 à 5, face à Ding Liren. Il reste trois parties à jouer et le Chinois aura deux fois les pièces blanches. Repos mardi 25 avril.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 11 - Nepo v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.24"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "48"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,48,34,21,32,28,18,17,22,12,12,12,24,7,6,32,34,-6,30,34,38,38,35,27,27,24,24,24,27,14,16,-2,14,3,8,0,20,7,40,40,40,38,45,45,45,45,45,45,45,45,52]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Back to the Marshall system for Ding, no Berlin today} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 {[%emt 0:00:05] Nepo repeats the closed variation from game} b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3 {A big main line. White prepares a retreat square for the Bishop and intends to follow up with Nc3 and sometimes Nd5, c3 etc} (8. c3 {[%emt 0:00:05] Was game}) 8... Na5 (8... O-O 9. Nc3 Bg4 (9... Na5 10. Ba2 Be6 11. b4 Bxa2 12. Rxa2 Nc6 13. Bg5 Qd7 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Nd5 a5 {Nepomniachtchi, Ian - Ding, Liren, 1-0, Candidates Tournament, 2020, https://lichess.org/YqNhCJyd}) 10. Be3 Nd4 11. Bxd4 exd4 12. Nd5 {Has been played many times}) 9. Ba2 c5 10. Nc3 Be6 11. Bg5 {Some similarities to Nepo's strategy from game 5. Perhaps he likes these types of positions} (11. Nh4 c4 12. Nf5 Bxf5 13. exf5 O-O {Caruana, F. - Ding Liren, 1-0, 78th Tata Steel GpA, 2016, https://lichess.org/VhsAE038}) 11... O-O (11... c4 {Anand, V. - Ding Liren, 1/2-1/2, 8th Grand Slam Masters, 2015, https://lichess.org/rZ2PtmDv}) 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 13. Nd5 {This line has scored quite nicely for white and well suits Nepo's match situation. It is too early in the match to directly head for draws with the white pieces, but he won't want to risk too much either} g6 {Preparing ...Bg7} 14. Qd2 Bg7 15. Ng5 c4 16. Nxe6 fxe6 17. Ne3 Bh6 18. Rad1 Rb8 19. dxc4 (19. Qe2) 19... Nxc4 20. Bxc4 bxc4 21. Qxd6 (21. Qc3) 21... Qxd6 22. Rxd6 Bxe3 23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 Rxb2 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.24"] [Round "11.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,77,19,38,25,7,30,29,18,-1,-1,-10,15,-4,19,19,17,8,31,30,50,31,31,31,31,30,28,23,27,18,18,-6,4,6,6,6,1,14,21,54,54,46,45,41,45,39,39,38,44,39,38,37,38,38,28,48,38,40,39,49,49,39,40,38,40,40,40,39,65,65,65,67,66,66,66,66,66,66,66,66]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3 ({Relevant:} 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Nd7 12. d5 Nb6 13. Qe2 f5 14. exf5 Bxf5 15. Bxf5 Rxf5 16. Rd1 Qd7 17. Nbd2 Raf8 18. Nf1 Rxf3 19. gxf3 Qxh3 20. f4 exf4 21. Nh2 f3 22. Qe6+ Qxe6 23. dxe6 Nac4 24. b3 Ne5 25. Bb2 c4 26. Ba3 Nd3 27. Rxd3 cxd3 28. Rd1 Nd5 29. Rxd3 Nf4 30. Rxf3 Nxe6 31. Re3 Kf7 32. Nf3 Rc8 33. Kf1 Bf6 34. Bb4 Nf4 35. Bxd6 Nd5 36. Rd3 Nxc3 37. Ne5+ Ke6 {Najer,E (2676)-Tomashevsky,E (2700) Poikovsky 2022 0-1 (68)}) 8... Na5 (8... O-O 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Ba2 Be6 11. b4 Nc6 12. Bg5 Bxa2 13. Rxa2 Qd7 14. Bxf6 Bxf6 15. Nd5 a5 16. Rb2 axb4 17. axb4 Bd8 18. c4 Nd4 19. Nxd4 exd4 20. Qc2 c6 21. Nf4 Qb7 22. cxb5 Qxb5 23. Ne2 Bf6 24. g3 Ra3 25. Rb3 Rxb3 26. Qxb3 Ra8 27. Rc1 g6 28. Qc4 Qxc4 29. Rxc4 Ra2 30. Kf1 Ra1+ 31. Kg2 Ra2 32. Nxd4 Bxd4 33. Rxd4 c5 34. bxc5 dxc5 35. Rd8+ Kg7 36. Kf3 Kf6 37. Rc8 Rc2 38. h4 h5 39. Ke3 Ke6 40. Rc7 Kf6 41. Rc6+ Ke7 42. e5 Kd7 43. Rf6 Ke7 44. Ke4 Rd2 45. f4 Rg2 46. Rc6 Re2+ 47. Kf3 Rd2 48. Ke3 Rg2 49. Rxc5 Rxg3+ 50. Ke4 Rh3 51. Rc7+ Ke8 52. d4 Rxh4 53. Rc8+ Kd7 54. Rg8 Rh1 55. d5 Re1+ 56. Kf3 Rf1+ 57. Ke3 Re1+ 58. Kf2 Rd1 59. d6 h4 60. Rh8 g5 61. Rh7 gxf4 62. Rxf7+ Ke6 63. Rxf4 Kxe5 64. Rxh4 Rxd6 65. Rh3 Rf6+ 66. Rf3 Rxf3+ 67. Kxf3 {?-? (67) Nepomniachtchi,I (2773)-Ding,L (2799) chess24.com INT 2022}) 9. Ba2 c5 10. Nc3 Be6 11. Bg5 O-O 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 13. Nd5 g6 (13... Nc6 {is a major topic of discussion.}) 14. Qd2 {This has been played before but not quite at the highest levels.} (14. b4) 14... Bg7 $146 {And now this is new.} ({Predecessor:} 14... Nc6 15. c3 Bg7 16. b4 Ne7 17. Ne3 Qd7 18. Ng5 Bxa2 19. Qxa2 h6 20. Nf3 a5 21. Qb3 Rfb8 22. Rfc1 Qb7 23. Rc2 Ra6 24. h4 d5 25. bxc5 dxe4 26. dxe4 Qxe4 27. Rd1 Rc6 28. Rd7 Bf8 29. Nd5 Nxd5 30. Qxd5 Qxd5 31. Rxd5 Rxc5 32. Rxc5 Bxc5 33. Nxe5 Bxa3 34. Nc6 Rc8 35. Nxa5 Bb4 36. Nb3 Rxc3 37. Rxc3 Bxc3 38. g4 h5 39. gxh5 gxh5 40. Kg2 Kf8 41. Kf3 Bf6 {0-1 (41) Matrahalmi,T (2278)-Borosova,Z (2284) Hungary 2018}) 15. Ng5 c4 $5 {There was some concern black might eventually drift into trouble here. This is a sharp way of going for equality.} (15... Nc6) 16. Nxe6 fxe6 17. Ne3 Bh6 18. Rad1 Rb8 {The top choice of the engines.} 19. dxc4 {Playing it safe. After the game Nepomniachtchi said that he expected to get a small 3 vs 2 advantage in the endgame. As it turned out he didn't even get that.} (19. Qe2 {Was more challenging.}) 19... Nxc4 20. Bxc4 bxc4 21. Qxd6 {There were other choices. This leads to a drawn endgame.} (21. Qc3) (21. Qe2) 21... Qxd6 22. Rxd6 Bxe3 23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 Rxb2 {Already it's clear the game is going to finish in a draw.} 25. Rxe6 Rxc2 26. Rxa6 Ra2 27. Rc6 Rxa3 28. Rxc4 Rxe3 {Ding spent a little time calculating to the finish here.} 29. Kf2 Ra3 30. Rc5 Ra2+ 31. Kf3 Ra3+ 32. Kg4 Ra2 33. Kh3 {A pretty natural sequence leading to a quick draw.} Re2 34. Rxe5 Kf7 35. Kg3 Kf6 {Just in time, now there's nothing to play for.} 36. Re8 Kf7 37. Re5 Kf6 38. Re8 Kf7 39. Re5 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.24"] [Round "11"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] {[%evp 0,77,25,16,10,25,17,16,31,-6,3,8,20,-2,36,30,12,0,30,29,32,31,32,33,33,30,14,25,26,17,8,-1,6,2,14,0,14,2,38,54,39,47,51,40,40,38,47,47,50,54,40,45,38,32,48,51,39,39,42,27,41,30,28,30,28,28,28,28,67,57,57,64,64,64,57,53,57,57,57,57]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 {Together with 8.a4 and 8.c3, this is one the main lines of this Ruy Lopez system.} 8. a3 Na5 {A known move, but much rarer than the most natural castling.} (8... O-O {This was played in a game by the same opponents in the Candidates Tournament in 2020, when Nepomniachtchi scored an important victory after} 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Ba2 Be6 11. b4 Nc6 12. Bg5 Bxa2 13. Rxa2 {Nepomniachtchi-Ding, Ekaterinburg 2020.}) 9. Ba2 c5 10. Nc3 Be6 11. Bg5 {A solid and typical move. The plan is to capture the knight and gain control of the d5-square.} (11. Nh4 {Nepomniachtchi has played this move a few times before, one of them against Carlsen.} O-O 12. Nf5 Bxf5 13. exf5 d5 14. Qf3 c4 {The game later ended in a draw in Nepomniachtchi-Carlsen, Skilling op (rapid) 2020.}) 11... O-O 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 13. Nd5 g6 (13... Nc6 {is more popular.}) 14. Qd2 Bg7 {A new move, but as usual in this match, it's never clear to me if Ding has the position prepared or if he's improvising on the board.} (14... Nc6) 15. Ng5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the problem. Now this unpleasant knight move is possible.} c4 {Quite a risky move, unless it was prepared beforehand; as I wrote before, this is not clear to me.} (15... Nc6 {During the game I expected this.} 16. f4 {This looks like a scary move to meet, but the computer finds a good defense.} (16. c3 {is possible, but after} Ne7 {Black will simplify the position.}) 16... Ne7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] and Black is fine since} (16... exf4 $6 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 17. Nxe6 fxe6 18. Nxf4) (16... Bh6 17. h4 $1 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] keeping the strong knight on g5.}) 17. Nxe7+ Qxe7 18. Nxe6 fxe6 19. f5 gxf5 20. exf5 d5 {is not dangerous.}) 16. Nxe6 fxe6 17. Ne3 {Black's position looks a bit shaky with some potential weaknesses.} Bh6 18. Rad1 Rb8 {Anticipating an exchange on c4, as the rook can now capture on b2.} 19. dxc4 $6 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move takes the game into a drawing line. Nepomniachtchi's decision is understandable, as each draw brings him closer to winning the match, but perhaps it was possible to press without too much risk with 19.Qe2.} (19. Qe2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A possible continuation is:} Qc7 20. dxc4 Bxe3 21. Qxe3 Nxc4 (21... bxc4 $6 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] is worse:} 22. b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} cxb3 23. cxb3 {followed by 24.b4, with a clear advantage.}) 22. Bxc4 bxc4 23. b4 $1 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} cxb3 24. cxb3 {White's pawn structure is better and there is an attacking plan on the kingside with h4-h5. It's possible to play for two results.}) 19... Nxc4 20. Bxc4 bxc4 21. Qxd6 {Now a draw is inevitable.} (21. Qe2 {is the only chance to keep some fight on the board.} Bxe3 22. Qxe3 Rxb2 23. Qc3 Rb6 (23... Rb5 24. Qxc4 d5 {This is the computer suggestion, but advancing this pawn and damaging the structure has its dangers. The machine is not so worried and evaluates the position as equal.}) 24. Qxc4 Qc8 25. Qe2 {Followed by h4-h5 and trying some attack on the kingside.}) 21... Qxd6 22. Rxd6 Bxe3 23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 Rxb2 25. Rxe6 Rxc2 26. Rxa6 Ra2 27. Rc6 Rxa3 28. Rxc4 Rxe3 29. Kf2 Ra3 30. Rc5 Ra2+ 31. Kf3 Ra3+ 32. Kg4 Ra2 33. Kh3 Re2 34. Rxe5 Kf7 $1 {[%c_effect f7;square;f7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White is unable to hold the extra pawn.} 35. Kg3 Kf6 36. Re8 Kf7 37. Re5 Kf6 38. Re8 Kf7 39. Re5 {Certainly the dullest game of the match. The players now have a rest day, and we will certainly have fireworks again in the final part of the duel, as Ding is forced to take risks.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.21"] [Round "12.1"] [White "Liren, Ding"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/loepare"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,75,28,28,28,28,23,12,37,-5,6,0,19,13,40,42,42,35,48,13,7,7,7,24,9,-2,-5,17,25,25,53,49,16,14,9,7,0,45,40,-35,0,0,13,20,-20,-9,54,-6,29,-65,-65,-65,-65,-62,18,-4,-8,-87,54,-46,160,161,146,126,149,133,135,130,140,155,608,624,821,939,1047,1275,1293,1386]} 1. d4 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} Nf6 {[%eval 28,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} 2. Nf3 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} d5 {[%eval 25,0] [%emt 0:00:09]} 3. e3 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:17]} c5 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:00:58]} 4. Nbd2 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:09]} cxd4 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:01:13]} 5. exd4 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} Qc7 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:21]} 6. c3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:01:07]} Bd7 $6 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:09:42] Inaccuracy. Nc6 was best.} (6... Nc6 7. Be2 Bg4 8. O-O e6 9. h3 Bf5 10. Nh4 Be4 11. Nxe4) 7. Bd3 {[%eval 52,0] [%emt 0:01:43]} Nc6 {[%eval 39,0] [%emt 0:00:43]} 8. O-O {[%eval 26,0] [%emt 0:01:15]} Bg4 {[%eval 3,0] [%emt 0:01:57]} 9. Re1 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:06:32]} e6 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:01:54]} 10. Nf1 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:26]} Bd6 {[%eval 21,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} 11. Bg5 {[%eval 3,0] [%emt 0:01:08]} O-O {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:04:07]} 12. Bxf6 {[%eval 33,0] [%emt 0:28:14]} gxf6 {[%eval 4,0] [%emt 0:00:34]} 13. Ng3 {[%eval 7,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} f5 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:21:53]} 14. h3 {[%eval 2,0] [%emt 0:00:32]} Bxf3 {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:01:57]} 15. Qxf3 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:01:51]} Ne7 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:12]} 16. Nh5 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:00:39]} Kh8 {[%eval 14,0] [%emt 0:00:31]} 17. g4 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:01:34]} Rg8 {[%eval 18,0] [%emt 0:00:56]} 18. Kh1 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:02:53]} Ng6 {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:04:46]} 19. Bc2 $6 {[%eval -73,0] [%emt 0:13:16] Inaccuracy. Rg1 was best.} (19. Rg1 Nh4) 19... Nh4 {[%eval -81,0] [%emt 0:04:29]} 20. Qe3 {[%eval -81,0] [%emt 0:04:24]} Rg6 {[%eval -100,0] [%emt 0:05:54]} 21. Rg1 $6 {[%eval -38,0] [%emt 0:04:41] Inaccuracy. Qe2 was best.} (21. Qe2 Rf8) 21... f4 {[%eval -36,0] [%emt 0:04:29]} 22. Qd3 {[%eval -31,0] [%emt 0:02:02]} Qe7 {[%eval -78,0] [%emt 0:00:34]} 23. Rae1 {[%eval -55,0] [%emt 0:04:03]} Qg5 {[%eval -41,0] [%emt 0:02:59]} 24. c4 $6 {[%eval -162,0] [%emt 0:02:52] Inaccuracy. Bd1 was best.} (24. Bd1 Rc8 25. Qb5 Rc7 26. Qe8+ Rg8 27. Qb5 a6 28. Qb6 Qd8 29. Qb3 Rg6 30. Qb6 Qe7) 24... dxc4 {[%eval -2,0] [%emt 0:04:06]} 25. Qc3 {[%eval -198,0] [%emt 0:01:30]} b5 {[%eval -152,0] [%emt 0:02:40]} 26. a4 {[%eval -138,0] [%emt 0:07:53]} b4 $4 {[%eval 75,0] [%emt 0:04:00] Blunder. a6 was best.} (26... a6) 27. Qxc4 {[%eval -86,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} Rag8 {[%eval -83,0] [%emt 0:00:27]} 28. Qc6 {[%eval -26,0] [%emt 0:01:54]} Bb8 $4 {[%eval 272,0] [%emt 0:01:23] Blunder. Nf5 was best.} (28... Nf5) 29. Qb7 $4 {[%eval -62,0] [%emt 0:05:01] Blunder. Bxg6 was best.} (29. Bxg6 Qxg6) 29... Rh6 $2 {[%eval 7,0] [%emt 0:01:10] Mistake. Nf5 was best.} (29... Nf5 30. Rd1) 30. Be4 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:00:21]} Rf8 $6 {[%eval 46,0] [%emt 0:10:27] Inaccuracy. f3 was best.} (30... f3) 31. Qxb4 {[%eval 79,0] [%emt 0:00:51]} Qd8 {[%eval 84,0] [%emt 0:00:42]} 32. Qc3 $6 {[%eval 21,0] [%emt 0:03:02] Inaccuracy. d5 was best.} (32. d5 e5 33. Rc1 a5 34. Qb5 Bd6 35. Qb7 Ng6 36. Kh2 Ne7 37. Bf3 Ng6 38. g5 Nh4) 32... Ng6 {[%eval 38,0] [%emt 0:00:24]} 33. Bg2 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:05:48]} Qh4 $6 {[%eval 53,0] [%emt 0:01:52] Inaccuracy. Qe7 was best.} (33... Qe7 34. Bf3 Qh4 35. Kg2 Bd6 36. Re4 Qg5 37. Kh1 a5 38. d5+ e5 39. Rc4 Qh4 40. Kg2) 34. Re2 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} f5 $4 {[%eval 842,0] [%emt 0:02:56] Blunder. Bd6 was best.} (34... Bd6 35. a5) 35. Rxe6 {[%eval 838,0] [%emt 0:01:14]} Rxh5 {[%eval 1007,0] [%emt 0:16:35]} 36. gxh5 {[%eval 1016,0] [%emt 0:00:12]} Qxh5 {[%eval 1405,0] [%emt 0:00:25]} 37. d5+ {[%eval 1414,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} Kg8 {[%eval 1541,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} 38. d6 {[%eval 1705,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2026.04.23"] [Round "12"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,75,23,19,23,24,30,12,43,-5,0,0,31,13,42,45,45,35,37,24,24,22,23,25,18,-3,1,-22,25,25,22,18,18,9,5,0,40,40,12,-5,0,0,20,17,-13,-35,35,44,38,-62,-62,-62,-62,-80,-8,-13,-1,-87,54,-46,160,126,133,133,133,133,130,138,131,130,608,609,950,938,1240,1386,1514,1623]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 {Ding Liren s'est tourné vers l'approche silencieuse. L'effet est principalement psychologique - vous montrez que vous êtes prêt à jouer une longue partie et laissez votre adversaire combattre ses démons.} c5 4. Nbd2 cxd4 5. exd4 {Avec une structure « Karlsbad » avec les plans blancs possibles : a) Attaque de minorité sur l'aile-Dame ; b) Attaque au centre par e3-e4 ; c) Attaque sur l'aile-Roi quand les deux camps ont fait le petit roque ; d) Attaque sur l'aile-Roi quand les Blancs font le grand roque.} Qc7 $5 {Irina Krush : « Ian a joué 5...Dc7 qui n'est pas nécessairement le coup le plus évident. Personne ne jouerait ce coup à moins que ce ne soit dans sa préparation. »} 6. c3 Bd7 $5 {Alors que 5...Dc7!? n'avait pris que 21 secondes, ce coup de Fou a coûté 10 minutes.} (6... Nc6 7. Qc2 (7. Bd3 Bg4 8. O-O e6 9. Re1 Bd6 10. Nf1 O-O 11. Bg5 Nd7 12. Bh4 Bf4 13. Bg3 Nf6 14. Bxf4 Qxf4 15. Qd2 {½-½ (15) Jussupow,A (2595)-Gustafsson,J (2615) Bundesliga 2005}) 7... a6 8. Bd3 Bg4 9. h3 Bh5 10. Nh4 O-O-O 11. Nb3 e6 12. Be3 Bd6 13. g4 Bg6 14. Nxg6 hxg6 15. O-O-O Rh7 16. Qe2 Nb4 17. Bb1 Rdh8 18. Qf3 Bh2 19. Rxh2 Qxh2 20. cxb4 Qxh3 21. Qe2 Qxg4 22. Qd3 Rh1 23. Bc2 Ne4 24. Nc5 Rxd1+ 25. Bxd1 Rh1 26. Nxe4 Qxe4 27. Qe2 Qg2 28. b5 axb5 29. Qxb5 Qf1 30. Qe8+ Kc7 {½-½ (30) Roesch M,H (2460)-Shpakovsky,A (2544) W-ch40 email ICCF 2020}) 7. Bd3 {Fabiano Caruana sur le 6...Fd7 de Ian Nepomniachtchi : « Peut-être que c'est super subtil et que je ne comprends pas. »} Nc6 8. O-O Bg4 {Fabiano Caruana, sur le ton de l'humour : « Je pense que la seule explication à ce coup, c'est qu'il a pris le Fou, et alors qu'il le déplaçait, il a soudainement ressenti le besoin d'éternuer, et avant qu'il ne puisse aller en f5 ou g4, une case utile, sa main l'a relâché en d7, où il ne fait absolument rien. »} 9. Re1 e6 {Les Blancs ont un tempo de plus que dans la partie ½-½ (15) Jussupow,A (2595)-Gustafsson,J (2615) Bundesliga 2005} 10. Nf1 (10. Qa4 $5 {était une alternative très intéressante.}) 10... Bd6 {Irina Krush sur le déplacement du Fou en d7 puis en g4 : « N'est-ce pas un peu étrange ? Vous déplacez votre Fou une fois, puis vous le déplacez à nouveau quelques coups plus tard. Ce n'est pas comme ça qu'on nous a appris à jouer aux échecs. » Daniil Dubov : « Ça doit être une préparation. »} 11. Bg5 {Viswanathan Anand : « Au moins, Ding a de quoi faire durer la partie. »} O-O $1 {Un très bon coup qui a poussé Ding Liren a une longue réflexion.} 12. Bxf6 $6 {Après 28 minutes.} (12. Bh4 $5 {avec l'idée d'échanger le bon Fou des Noirs était à envisager.} Nd7 $2 13. Bxh7+ $1 $18) 12... gxf6 {Rappelle la partie numéro 2 avec la victoire de Ian Nepomniachtchi. Ding Liren a-t-il à nouveau sous-estimé l'ouverture de la colonne « g » ?} 13. Ng3 {Et c'est au tour de Ian Nepomniachtchi de prendre du temps.} f5 {Après 22 minutes. On remarque que le Fou des Blancs est limité par les pions noirs sur cases blanches, et que si les cases noires autour du Roi noir sont faibles, les Blancs n'ont plus le Fou de cette couleur.} 14. h3 Bxf3 15. Qxf3 Ne7 16. Nh5 Kh8 {Sesse.net voit des 0.00 partout.} 17. g4 $5 {Mais les machines n'avaient envisagé sérieusement (dans leurs premières suggestions), ce coup responsable.} (17. Nf6 Kg7 18. Nh5+ Kh8 19. Nf6 Kg7 20. Nh5+ $11 {était la première ligne de la machine.}) 17... Rg8 18. Kh1 {Le texte de Viswanathan Anand est parfaitement juste : « Après tout, il [le joueur qui mène] veut juste que ça se termine et il pourrait voir du danger partout. »} Ng6 $1 {Le meilleur. Viswanathan Anand : « Peut-être que les Blancs n'auraient pas dû se précipiter avec 17.g4. »} (18... Rg5 $6 19. Rg1 Rag8 20. Nf6 R8g6 21. Ne8 Qd8 22. Nxd6 Qxd6 23. gxf5 exf5 24. Rxg5 Rxg5 25. Rg1 Rxg1+ 26. Kxg1 Qf6 $16) 19. Bc2 $2 {Une faute, mais surtout on ne voit pas l'idée d'un tel coup, après 13 minutes de réflexion.} ({La variante des machines et des commentateurs était :} 19. Rg1 Nh4 20. Qe2 Bh2 $5 21. Rg3 $1 {Pas facile à voir.} Bxg3 22. fxg3 Ng6 {avec une égalité approximative.}) 19... Nh4 $1 {Avec un clair avantage noir. Ian Nepomniachtchi peut commencer à entrevoir la ligne d'arrivée.} 20. Qe3 Rg6 $1 {Alors que Ding Liren semble complètement abattu sur la retransmission, Ian Nepomniachtchi enchaîne les meilleurs coups. Selon Sesse.net, la position est évaluée à -0.91 ; ce n'est pas encore définitif, mais le Chinois est sur la mauvaise pente.} 21. Rg1 $5 {Le bon plan, mais deux coups trop tard. « Trop tard... savez-vous ce que ça signifie ? Il y a plus d'horreur là-dedans que dans le mot "jamais". » Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931)} f4 $1 {Ian Nepomniachtchi ne laisse pas passer sa chance avec ce « seul coup » qui conserve un grand avantage.} 22. Qd3 Qe7 {0h46-0h52. Viswanathan Anand : « Nepo joue avec une grande précision. Les Blancs sont totalement bloqués sur l'aile-Roi. »} 23. Rae1 Qg5 {La suite logique de 22...De7.} 24. c4 $5 {Ding Liren opte pour 24.c4!?, que Fabiano Caruana venait de suggérer comme une possible tentative désespérée d'obtenir du contre-jeu. « Tout joueur sait à quel point il est désagréable de défendre des positions passives sans aucun contre-jeu. Mais il est aussi de notoriété publique que, quand on en recherche un à tout prix, on obtient en général des résultats lamentables. » Paul Kérès (1916-1975)} dxc4 25. Qc3 b5 $1 {Avec un avantage noir désormais décisif.} 26. a4 {Plus rien ne peut sauver les Blancs, à part une énorme gaffe de Ian Nepomniachtchi.} b4 (26... a6 $1 {était encore plus fort.}) 27. Qxc4 Rag8 $2 {Une faute de Ian Nepomniachtchi jouée a tempo et tout redevient possible pour Ding Liren.} (27... Nf3 $1 28. Qc6 Nxe1 29. Qxa8+ Rg8 30. Qe4 Nxc2 31. Qxc2 Qh4 32. Qd3 f5 33. Qf3 fxg4 34. Rxg4 Rxg4 35. Qxg4 Qxg4 36. hxg4 b3 $3 $19 {[%CAl Yd6a3]}) 28. Qc6 $2 {Ding Liren n'en profite pas !} (28. Bxg6 $1 hxg6 29. Qc6 gxh5 30. Qxd6 Nf3 31. Qc5 $1 {et ça joue encore !}) 28... Bb8 $2 {Ian Nepomniachtchi gaffe !} 29. Qb7 $2 {Et Ding Liren rate à nouveau le bon coup !} ({Le Chinois était gagnant avec} 29. Bxg6 $1 Nxg6 30. Qb7) 29... Rh6 $2 {Fabiano Caruana : « Je pense que Ian est en danger malgré ce que dit la barre d'évaluation. Je ne comprends pas sa décision de jouer les coups si vite. Vous avez peut-être une chance dans votre vie... Comment pouvez-vous jouer chaque coup comme si c'était un blitz ? »} (29... Nf5 $1 {Les nerfs de Ian Nepomniachtchi et Ding Liren ont complètement lâché !} 30. Rd1 Ne7 31. Bxg6 hxg6 32. d5 Qh4 33. Rd3 gxh5 34. dxe6 fxe6) 30. Be4 $1 Rf8 (30... f3 $5 31. Qxf7 Ng2 32. Qxf3 Nxe1 33. Rxe1 Qh4 {était la ligne de l'ordinateur.}) 31. Qxb4 Qd8 {Et les Blancs restent avec un pion de plus !} 32. Qc3 (32. d5 $5 exd5 33. Qd4+ f6 34. Qxd5) 32... Ng6 {Daniil Dubov : « Il est impossible que les Blancs ne gagnent pas ici. » Les pièces noires ont perdu toute leur coordination.} 33. Bg2 Qh4 34. Re2 {Ding Liren chercher à reprendre le contrôle de la partie avant de mettre en route sa majorité de pions sur l'aile-Dame.} f5 $4 {La dernière gaffe ! « Qu'il faut, pour être le veinard, des gaffes aux échecs, faire l'avant dernière. » Xavier Tartakover (1887-1956) Ian Nepomniachtchi a craqué nerveusement.} 35. Rxe6 $1 $18 {La machine est passée à +8.00 ! La menace est simplement de pousser le pion « d ». « Les échecs sont un conte de fées de 1001 gaffes. » Xavier Tartakover (1887-1956)} Rxh5 36. gxh5 Qxh5 37. d5+ Kg8 38. d6 {Il savait que c'était possible, alors il l'a fait ! Ding Liren l'a emporté sur le Russe Ian Nepomniachtchi dans une douzième partie complètement folle ! Désormais à égalité avec 6 points chacun, les cartes sont totalement rebattues. Rendez-vous demain jeudi à partir de 11h00.} 1-0 [Event "Chess World Championship: Game 10 Ding,"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.25"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A28"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "90"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,90,19,-14,-6,-35,-18,-25,-14,-32,16,-2,33,19,31,38,42,3,25,29,45,42,55,41,6,42,46,33,59,41,39,46,78,78,88,86,86,79,79,79,79,70,70,73,74,76,70,60,58,62,60,50,57,45,44,46,72,67,64,60,42,12,71,69,59,50,66,52,56,56,56,57,67,51,81,39,39,37,37,38,17,15,12,9,4,2,3,0,0,0,0,0,0] With five rounds go, the pressure is mounting on Ding as he trails by a point. While Nepo stuck to his main choice of openings barring game 3, Ding has been switching openings. So naturally, chess fans, including myself, were curious to see how Ding would approach his openings after the rather unexpected discovery of his team training games came out in public - although of course, we can only assume that they were between Ding and Rapport. I am surprised by his choice. I expected Ding to try 1.e4 at some point during the match, as it would make Nepo's team work on it and make Nepo remember more.} 1. c4 {Despite winning in game six and close to winning game 8, Ding decided to switch back to 1.c4, which he successfully played in game 4. During a match, switching openings from the white side is a good idea to make your opponent remember.} Nf6 2. Nc3 e5 3. Nf3 Nc6 4. e4 (4. e3 $5 {Game 4 went in this direction. Naturally, Ding did not repeat it.}) 4... Bc5 {This was a natural choice for Nepo. Unlike in 4. ..Bb4, white is obliged to enter, forcing variations and having many choices for black makes it harder for white to prepare all the details. Black intends to take control of d4 square. Therefore white challenges it by playing...} (4... Bb4 $5 {An equally popular move at the top level.}) 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. d4 Bb4 7. dxe5 Nxe4 {Until here, both of the players have chosen logical moves. Here white has a couple of queen moves. Now white has to pick one which will pose the maximum problems for black.} 8. Qf3 (8. Qd4 $5 {The reason for placing the queen on d4 is to control the c5 square. The disadvantage of this move is, it can't go to g3 square but to g4, where white has to waste a move due to d5 square.} Nxc3 9. bxc3 Be7 10. Qg4 g6 $13) (8. Qg4 $6 Nxc3 9. a3 Bf8 10. bxc3 d6 $17 {Black successfully managed to destroy the whites pawn structure and yet not lost the right to castle.}) (8. Qd3 Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 10. Qg3 {Transposes into the game.}) 8... Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bc5 {I am surprised that Ding started to think after this move. It was not hard to guess that Nepo would go for 4...Bc5, and all team had to analyse was 9... Ba5,Bc5 and Be7. It was either a poor choice of opening, or this opening was checked just on the rest day. Either way, it is a psychological advantage for Nepo in the match.} (9... Ba5 $5 {From the press conference, Ding's team has analysed this move in detail. Nepo has a lot of experience here from the white side. This could be one reason Nepo's team cleverly did not go for this option.} 10. Bf4 O-O 11. O-O-O $13) (9... Be7 10. Qg3 Kf8 11. Be2 $13) 10. Qg3 {White must play energetically and ruin the option of black to castle. Now black has to move the king.} Kf8 (10... g6 $2 11. Bd3 $16 {Sooner or later, Black will find it hard to develop the pieces due to weak dark squares.}) 11. Be2 d6 12. Bf4 (12. Bg5 $5 {Another interesting direction. As Ding is playing on his own, and I can't imagine him going into a variation where sacrificing material for the initiative is important.}) 12... Qe7 (12... h5 $5 {We would see a similar endgame with this move.}) 13. Rd1 h5 14. O-O (14. h4 {Played by Nepo in an online game. Even though Nepo won this game from the white side, He was completely lost. Probably from this game, He analysed this in-depth variation.} dxe5 15. Bxe5 Bg4 {A key move which equalises at once. Black is threatening to play Re8 next.}) 14... h4 15. Qd3 (15. exd6 $4 Qxe2 $19) 15... g5 (15... dxe5 {This greedy move loses as White's queen becomes active and able to put pressure on the Black's king.} 16. Qd8+ Qe8 17. Qxc7 $18) 16. exd6 cxd6 17. Bxd6 Qxd6 18. Qxd6+ Bxd6 19. Rxd6 {While Nepo was in his preparation, Ding had to find until here on his own. One positive for Ding is that the position is no longer a danger, even if it is part of Nepo's preparation. Unfortunately, the position is too dry to create any real chances. White's doubled pawn can hardly be considered an extra pawn.} Be6 20. f4 {Breaking the pawn chain to weaken the h4 pawn.} Ke7 21. Rd4 gxf4 22. Rfxf4 h3 23. g4 {It was a difficult choice to play 23.g4 or g3. As leaving the pawn protected on h3 can lead to problems if Black's rook were to enter White's territory.} (23. g3 $5) 23... Rac8 {Naturally Black is going after the weak a-file pawn.} 24. Kf2 Rc5 25. a4 (25. Bf3 {With the idea to exchange by placing it on d5. However, Black has good attacking chances and poses no real danger.}) 25... Ra5 26. Bd1 b6 27. Kg3 Rh6 {One of the positions where we can see all the pieces occupied the squares nicely, and each piece is doing its job of either controlling or attacking the opponent's pieces.} 28. Rfe4 {With the idea to play Rd5 as the rook pins Black's bishop on e4.} Kf8 {Moving the king away from the pin.} (28... Rc5 29. Rd5 Rxc4) 29. Rd8+ Kg7 {Both the players by now must have realised it is a draw. It is a matter of some moves to show the public. Next few moves were made to complete the required number of moves for agreeing to a draw.} 30. Ra8 Rc5 31. Rxa7 Bxc4 32. Rae7 Rhc6 33. R7e5 Rxe5 34. Rxe5 Bb3 35. Bxb3 Rxc3+ 36. Kh4 Rxb3 37. Rb5 Ra3 38. Rxb6 Rxa4 39. Kxh3 f5 40. gxf5 Rf4 41. Rb5 Kf6 42. Kg3 Rxf5 43. Rxf5+ Kxf5 44. h4 Kg6 45. h5+ Kxh5 {Maybe the last 10-15 moves were unimportant as there was no danger for either side. Mostly it was trading off pieces. We can't expect every game to have fireworks. On the other hand, the player who is trailing should put pressure from the white side. For Nepo, this game can be seen as a success. He came well-prepared and played the endgame well. I can only imagine what kind of pressure the players are going through. Nepo will not go for anything crazy in the next four games.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Chess World Championship: Game 11 Nepomn"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.25"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "77"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,77,19,31,31,24,21,8,23,5,0,-9,20,3,20,32,26,-6,34,27,58,50,35,34,30,18,30,23,20,11,18,-7,0,3,-9,-9,-9,-3,-3,29,49,52,52,41,47,51,51,51,50,42,34,33,31,34,37,48,47,33,38,37,46,50,47,46,46,46,46,32,66,63,64,64,64,64,65,65,65,65,66,66] As there are fewer games left, With a one point deficit, I can't imagine Ding going for a completely new opening. Ding is not in a must-win situation yet. So we probably won't see any Sicilian defense or Caro-Kann.} 1. e4 {Nepo's main weapon and Ding hasn't been able to solve opening problems against Nepo's 1.e4. We could see that he has been struggling from the black side. While we have to give credit to Ding for finding difficult moves, It came with a price which is time pressure. Ding's response to Nepo's 1.e4 wasn't up to mark in this match.} e5 {Main weapon of Ding in the match.} 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Change from the Berlin defense which was played in game 9.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a3 {In game 5, Nepo chose 8.c3 and won a nice game. Here he chose to change a bit to surprise Ding.} Na5 {Black is delaying castling to take control of the center and developing light square bishop. Ding played several games in this direction back in 2015-2016. I analysed this direction back in 2019 and I find it quite interesting.} (8... O-O $5 9. Nc3 Na5 10. Ba2 Be6 {Many top players played this way, including an online game between Nepo-Ding in 2022.}) 9. Ba2 c5 10. Nc3 Be6 11. Bg5 {Threatening to exchange the knight on f6 and get control of d5 square by placing the knight on d5.} (11. Nh4 $5 O-O 12. Nf5 Bxf5 13. exf5 d5 $13 {As we can see, black took control of the center at the expense of exchanging the light square bishop. White here must try to destabilise the Black's pawns in the center by playing 14.Bg5 or 14.Qf3}) 11... O-O 12. Bxf6 Bxf6 13. Nd5 g6 {Ding played an online game against Nihal in December 2022. I am quite surprised that Ding has decided to repeat it.} 14. Qd2 {Engine's top recommendation. GM Naroditsky has already played it.} Bg7 15. Ng5 {Is the first new move in the game and quite logical. Here Ding sank into deep thought. To a certain extent, it is puzzling and worrisome as this is the top recommendation of the engine.} (15. Qg5 $5) 15... c4 {Ding probably felt it is important to close the diagonal a2-g8 as it restricts the activity of White's light square bishop.} (15... Bh6 {Doesn't win a piece as white captures on e6 and attacks the queen on d8} 16. Nxe6 Bxd2 17. Nxd8 Rfxd8 18. f4 $16 {White has an excellent position as all the pieces are nicely placed. Once the f file is opened, black would find it hard to defend the f7 pawn.}) (15... Nc6 $5 16. c3 Rb8 $13) 16. Nxe6 fxe6 17. Ne3 Bh6 {Pinning the knight and defending the c4 pawn.} 18. Rad1 {Threatening to take on d6 pawn after the capture on c4.} Rb8 {Well you can take my d6 pawn, but once you open the file, I will take your b2 pawn. A nice way of defending the c4 pawn.} 19. dxc4 {This is the crucial moment in this game. With this move, it is clear that in the next few moves, many pieces will be traded, leading to a rook endgame with no chances for White. Did the match situation influence Nepo to go for this? Maybe yes. White has a nice advantage and could keep putting pressure on c4 by moving the queen from d2-e2. White doesn't risk anything by playing on.} Nxc4 20. Bxc4 bxc4 21. Qxd6 Qxd6 22. Rxd6 Bxe3 23. fxe3 Rxf1+ 24. Kxf1 Rxb2 25. Rxe6 Rxc2 26. Rxa6 Ra2 27. Rc6 Rxa3 28. Rxc4 Rxe3 29. Kf2 Ra3 30. Rc5 {I am certain that both the players have seen until here. Nepo thought he could get rook three vs two endgame and push a while. Ding rightly estimates that this is an easy draw and White is not able to keep the e4 pawn.} Ra2+ 31. Kf3 Ra3+ 32. Kg4 Ra2 33. Kh3 Re2 {Now that Black managed to move White's king away from the e4 pawn, Ding can attack the e4 pawn.} 34. Rxe5 Kf7 35. Kg3 Kf6 36. Re8 Kf7 37. Re5 (37. Kf3 Rxg2) 37... Kf6 38. Re8 (38. Kf3 Kxe5 39. Kxe2 Kxe4) 38... Kf7 39. Re5 {1/2-1/2 The game is a draw.} (39. Rh8 {This move could lead to either three vs 2 or 2 vs one rook endgame. Of course, it is an easy draw for a player like Ding. At the same time, thats the best White can hope for here! After a deserved rest day, Ding will be looking to strike with the white pieces. Whereas Nepo will try to equalise out of the opening. Game 12 might be the turning point of the match.}) 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 12 - Ding v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.26"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "73"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,73,31,19,30,24,30,19,48,-6,6,8,31,18,45,45,45,39,40,22,22,14,14,18,13,-7,-7,-29,20,20,15,22,22,9,14,40,12,12,12,0,0,0,17,23,-35,-35,27,23,38,-70,-78,-71,-71,-72,-22,-22,-21,-87,12,-14,126,133,133,133,133,133,131,131,130,130,608,607,480,803,29999,-30000]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 {Ding tries the Colle - another 'old fashioned' solid system which is being given a modern twist (similar to Ding's London in game 4)} c5 {White has lots of options here!} (3... e6 4. Bd3 c5 5. b3 {Carlsen, M. - Karjakin, Sergey, 0-1, WCh 2016, https://lichess.org/TTOqflCh}) 4. Nbd2 cxd4 {The most popular move releasing the tension immediately} (4... Nc6 5. dxc5 {Is now an interesting option for white} e6 6. Nb3 (6. a3 a5 7. b3 Bxc5 8. Bb2 O-O 9. Bb5 {Carlsen, M. - So, W., 1-0, chess.com Speed 5m+2spm 2017, https://lichess.org/6ujFs0dJ}) 6... Ne4 7. c4) 5. exd4 Qc7 {Computers top choice, but why. In the Exchange Caro black often plays this but there it is to prevent Bf4 which isn't an option for white here.} (5... Nc6 6. Bb5 {Carlsen has played this way a couple of times.}) 6. c3 Bd7 $6 {Difficult to understand the idea behind this move} (6... Nc6 {Looked completely natural} 7. Bb5 {Maybe Nepo just wanted to avoid any of these Bb5 positions} a6 8. Bxc6+ bxc6 9. O-O {Leads to an interesting strategic struggle} Bf5 10. Ne5 e6 11. Qa4) (6... a6 {If Nepo just wanted to avoid Bb5 was ...a6 a more useful move. Difficult to understand black's opening play here}) 7. Bd3 (7. Ne5 $1 {Seems a good way to punish black's move order} Nc6 8. Ndf3 e6 9. Bd3 {Looks very pleasant for white !}) 7... Nc6 8. O-O (8. h3 $5 {Was mentioned by Caruana preventing the light square bishop from coming to g4. I'm sure Ding assumed black wouldn't be moving the bishop again so soon...} e6 9. O-O Bd6 10. Re1 O-O 11. Qe2 Nh5 12. Nb3 Nf4 13. Bxf4 Bxf4) 8... Bg4 {What is Nepo doing? Either this is super-subtle prep or perhaps he has mixed something up} 9. Re1 (9. Qe1 $1 {[%CAl Gf3e5] Looks more potent} e6 10. Ne5 Nxe5 11. dxe5 Nd7 12. f4 {With interesting play}) 9... e6 10. Nf1 Bd6 {Despite black losing a tempo with ...Bd7...Bg4 he seems to have achieved a very sound solid position. It feels like Ding has missed a chance to extract more out of black's extravagent ...Bd7} 11. Bg5 $5 {Ding was playing so fast and surely this is no-one's prep! I guess he was determined not to burn time early on in this game. The move played certainly gives black a decision to make - the main question is whether to castle kingside or queenside. Given Nepo's match position castling kingside seems prudent} (11. Ng3 O-O (11... h5 $5) 12. h3 Bxf3 13. Qxf3 e5 {Looks attractive for black at first but white has some tactics to keep things interesting} 14. Nf5 e4 15. Qe3 exd3 $2 (15... Ne7 16. Nxd6 Qxd6 17. Be2 $13) 16. Qg5) 11... O-O 12. Bxf6 {Played after a 28 minute thought (the 2nd time in the match Ding has spent more than 25 minutes on move 12 before capturing a knight on f6)!} (12. Bh4 {Intending Bg3 was another option}) (12. Ng3 Nh5 {Ding said he was mostly analysing this option}) 12... gxf6 {Creates an imbalance which is somewhat reminiscent of game 2 although there black had the opportunity to castle queenside} 13. Ng3 (13. Ne3 Bh5) 13... f5 (13... Kh8 {Was a very serious alternative and I'm sure Nepo was analysing the piece sacrifice options here} 14. h3 Bxh3 $5 (14... Bxf3 15. Qxf3 f5 {Transposes to 13...f5 14.h3 Bxf3 15.Qxf3 Kh8}) 15. gxh3 {and here black can either go for lines taking on g3 with the queen or rook. The computer indicates that chances are even} Rg8 (15... Bxg3 16. fxg3 Qxg3+ 17. Kh1 Rg8 18. Qe2 Qxh3+ 19. Nh2 Rg3 20. Bc2 Rag8 21. Rg1 Ne7) 16. Kh1 Bxg3 17. fxg3 Rxg3 18. Nh2 Rxh3 19. Qe2 Rg8 20. Rg1) 14. h3 Bxf3 (14... f4 {Was an alternative leading to sharp variations} 15. hxg4 (15. Bxh7+ Kg7 16. Nf1 Bxf3 17. Qxf3 Kxh7 18. Qh5+ $10) 15... fxg3 $13) 15. Qxf3 Ne7 (15... Kh8 16. Nxf5 exf5 17. Qxf5 f6 $13 {Was an interesting idea being analysed by the commentary team who preferred white}) (15... Bxg3 $6 16. fxg3 {[%CAl Gg3g4]}) 16. Nh5 Kh8 17. g4 {Ding spices things up} (17. Nf6 {Was an alternative, though black seems fine here}) 17... Rg8 (17... Ng6 18. gxf5 $2 Nh4 19. Qe3 Rg8+ 20. Kh1 Rg2 (20... exf5) 21. Qh6 Rh2+ 22. Kg1 Rg8+ 23. Kf1 {was a fun line being analysed by the commentary team, and now blacks winning line is very impressive} Be7 $1 {Simply defending against Qf6+ and preparing ...Rgg2} 24. f6 Nf5 $3 25. Bxf5 (25. Qf4 Bd6 $19 {and with the white queen chased away black's attack will come crashing through}) 25... Qc4+ 26. Re2 Rh1#) 18. Kh1 Ng6 (18... Rg5 19. Rg1 Rag8 20. Nf6 R8g6 21. Ne8 Qd7 22. Nxd6 Qxd6 23. gxf5 exf5 24. Rxg5 Rxg5 {is more pleasant for white}) 19. Bc2 $2 {It feels like Ding has completely lost the thread of the game} (19. Rg1 Bh2 {Potentially annoying for white} (19... Nh4 20. Qe2 f4 21. f3 {Caruana was wondering about whether this would be a good move}) 20. Rg3 $5 {Is an interesting option} (20. Rge1 Bd6 {Black can just repeat, especially given the match situation}) (20. Rgf1 Bd6 21. gxf5 Nh4 22. Qe3 exf5 23. f4 {is apparently playable now for white with the rook on f1}) 20... Bxg3 21. fxg3) (19. gxf5 $2 Nh4 20. Qe3 exf5 {Stops everything for white} 21. f4 Ng2) 19... Nh4 20. Qe3 Rg6 21. Rg1 f4 (21... Rag8 22. gxf5) 22. Qd3 Qe7 23. Rae1 (23. g5 h6 $1 $17 (23... Nf5 $2 24. Qf3 $1 $16)) 23... Qg5 24. c4 {Ding tries to create counterplay} (24. Bd1 {it was possible to try and grimly cling on but not particularly attractive} Rag8 25. a3 (25. c4 dxc4 {now the bishop is covering f3} 26. Qxc4) 25... f5 26. f3 fxg4 27. fxg4 Nf5) 24... dxc4 (24... Rc8 {Nepo considered that this was a critical moment and that ...dxc4 was wrong and this ...Rc8 would keep things more under control} 25. c5 Bb8 26. b4 {But here}) 25. Qc3 (25. Qxc4 Nf3 $19) 25... b5 $1 {Nepo just defends the pawn and ignores whites idea to play d5+} 26. a4 (26. d5+ e5 27. Bxg6 hxg6 28. Ng3 fxg3 29. fxg3 b4 $1 {The key move which makes everything work tactically as the knight will be saved}) 26... b4 $2 {Objectively not bad but requires very accurate followup - very surprising decision not to play ...a6. In fact Nepo's play here between moves 26-29 was fast and bad - surely nerves.} (26... a6 {Seems to keep all of black's advantages. In the press conference Ding said he was intending} 27. axb5 axb5 28. d5+ e5 29. Ra1 {Which does look as though white gets some counterplay, though the computer is not impressed} Rag8 30. Ra6 b4 {this tactical device (decoy) crops up in a lot of variations} 31. Qxc4 Qxh5 $1) 27. Qxc4 Rag8 $6 {We can't fault Nepo for not seeing the winning variation after 27...Nf3 but it is surprising he chose this line ahead of 26...a6} (27... Nf3 $1 28. Qc6 Nxe1 29. Qxa8+ Rg8 30. Qe4 Nxc2 31. Qxc2 Qh4 (31... Qd5+ {isn't clear after Kh2} 32. Kh2) 32. Qd3 f5 33. Qf3 fxg4 34. Rxg4 Rxg4 35. Qxg4 Qxg4 36. hxg4 b3 $1 $19 {[%CAl Gd6a3] and at the end of this very long line this move carries the deadly threat of ...Ba3}) 28. Qc6 $6 Bb8 $2 (28... Nf5 $1 {[%csl Rd4] Both players seemingly underestimated or missed this resource}) 29. Qb7 $2 (29. Bxg6 $1 hxg6 (29... Nxg6 {The best according to the engine, agreeing to try and defend this position an exchange down}) 30. d5 $3 {Not an easy move to see in advance but certainly Ding is capable. White wins in all lines} (30. Ng3 $2 fxg3 31. fxg3 {looks at first as though it wins back the knight on h4 but black has a defence} Qd2 $1 32. Qe4 Qxb2 33. Re2 $10) 30... gxh5 (30... exd5 31. Nf6 $18) 31. dxe6 (31. gxh5 $2 Qf5 $1) 31... fxe6 32. gxh5 $18) 29... Rh6 $6 {Another quick and poor move - Caruana claimed it was like both players had stopped calculating and were just moving too quickly relying mainly on intuition. Especially for Nepo it seems to me this is how he handles his nerves in these situations} (29... Nf5 $1) 30. Be4 $1 {Defending against ...Nf3. The improvement in white's position compared to 26...a6 is immense (gained a pawn and activated the queen and bishop)!} (30. Qxf7 Nf3 $19 {[%CAl Gg5h4]}) 30... Rf8 {A huge admission of his previous mistakes! So far black has been moving forward and now plays a passive defensive move} (30... f3 $1 31. Qxf7 Ng2 32. Qxf3 (32. Rc1 Nf4 {Black wins})) 31. Qxb4 Qd8 32. Qc3 (32. d5 {is the engines top choice}) (32. Rc1 {Dubov was discussing this move and said it felt like white should be winning}) 32... Ng6 {The position is still extremely complex and non-standard, with the pieces on strange squares. White of course is a pawn up but the king is permanently a bit exposed} 33. Bg2 Qh4 34. Re2 f5 $4 35. Rxe6 $1 {Here Nepo of course realised what he had done and began remonstrating with himself. Not sure what he missed, perhaps Qg7# ?} fxg4 (35... Rxh5) 36. d5+ $18 Kg8 37. Qg7# 1-0 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.26"] [Round "12.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,75,19,31,14,30,28,18,57,-10,21,13,39,28,40,23,30,16,63,37,39,16,13,7,7,1,12,6,43,11,28,31,42,21,17,42,13,1,45,-27,0,-5,14,9,-32,-24,56,30,68,-9,-57,-57,-51,-61,53,-19,-11,-54,105,-38,144,164,195,165,165,148,164,132,151,130,367,583,738,678,718,986,986,1344]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nbd2 cxd4 5. exd4 Qc7 $5 {A rare move that scores quite well for black.} ({Relevant:} 5... Nc6 6. Bb5 Bf5 7. Ne5 Rc8 8. c3 Qb6 9. a4 a6 10. Bxc6+ bxc6 11. a5 Qb5 12. b3 e6 13. c4 Qb7 14. O-O Bb4 15. Ndf3 h6 16. Ba3 Bxa3 17. Rxa3 O-O 18. Qe2 Ne4 19. h3 Rfd8 20. Rc1 c5 21. cxd5 cxd4 22. Rxc8 Rxc8 23. dxe6 Rc1+ 24. Kh2 fxe6 25. Nxd4 Qc7 26. f4 Qc5 27. Ra4 Nc3 28. Qd2 Nxa4 29. bxa4 Ra1 30. Nb3 Qg1+ 31. Kg3 Rd1 32. Qb4 Kh7 33. Nd4 Rxd4 {0-1 (33) Grandelius,N (2655)-Salem,A (2679) Chess.com INT 2022}) 6. c3 {[#]} Bd7 $146 {What an interesting concept. It's almost certain this was something Nepomniachtchi knew.} ({Predecessor:} 6... Nc6 7. Qc2 a6 8. Bd3 Bg4 9. h3 Bh5 10. Nh4 O-O-O 11. Nb3 e6 12. Be3 Bd6 13. g4 Bg6 14. Nxg6 hxg6 15. O-O-O Rh7 16. Qe2 Nb4 17. Bb1 Rdh8 18. Qf3 Bh2 19. Rxh2 Qxh2 20. cxb4 Qxh3 21. Qe2 Qxg4 22. Qd3 Rh1 23. Bc2 Ne4 24. Nc5 Rxd1+ 25. Bxd1 Rh1 26. Nxe4 Qxe4 27. Qe2 Qg2 28. b5 axb5 29. Qxb5 Qf1 30. Qe8+ Kc7 {?-? (30) Roesch M,H (2460)-Shpakovsky,A (2544) ICCF email 2020}) 7. Bd3 (7. Ne5 {was the critical try that we will know doubt see at some point in the future.}) 7... Nc6 8. O-O Bg4 $1 {Played after only a couple of minutes of thought. Black is arguing that white can't prevent a good setup.} 9. Re1 (9. Qa4 $5) 9... e6 10. Nf1 Bd6 11. Bg5 (11. Ng3) 11... O-O 12. Bxf6 gxf6 {Ding thought he won the opening battle, I'm not sure where he thought he was better but this is equal.} 13. Ng3 {Not really a mistake but the engine gives black a minute edge here, at least suggesting white's attacking ideas are a long way from working.} (13. Ne3) 13... f5 14. h3 Bxf3 15. Qxf3 Ne7 16. Nh5 Kh8 17. g4 {Ramping up the tension, Ding needs a win.} (17. Kh1) 17... Rg8 18. Kh1 Ng6 19. Bc2 $2 {Played after 13 minutes thought but this move is quite bad. Ding might have thought he was on the attack but black has played very well and it is white that has to be careful.} (19. Rg1 {Is about equal as pointed out by Ding after the game.}) 19... Nh4 $1 {Played after four and a half minutes of thought.} 20. Qe3 Rg6 21. Rg1 f4 22. Qd3 Qe7 23. Rae1 Qg5 24. c4 $5 {White needs to try something at least.} dxc4 25. Qc3 b5 26. a4 b4 {There isn't anything wrong with this but black had safer ways to play.} (26... a6) 27. Qxc4 Rag8 $2 {Played after 27 seconds of thought. A sign that Nepomniachtchi is starting to lose his composure perhaps. He had plenty of time and should have used some of it here.} (27... Nf3 $1) 28. Qc6 Bb8 $2 {1 minute 23 second of thought for another poor move. Again Nepomniachtchi should have thought longer.} (28... Nf5 $1 29. gxf5 Qxh5) 29. Qb7 $2 {White had a couple of moves better than this. Ding did at least spend 5 minutes on it. Not a huge think but enough to at least consider other moves.} (29. Bxg6 $1) (29. d5) 29... Rh6 $11 {Another 1 minute 10 second thought. Too little.} (29... Nf5 $1) 30. Be4 $11 Rf8 {After 10 minutes thought.} (30... f3 $1 31. Qxf7 Ng2 $11) 31. Qxb4 {The tables have turned and white is slightly better.} Qd8 {Played after a few seconds.} 32. Qc3 Ng6 33. Bg2 Qh4 34. Re2 f5 $4 {The position has got hard to play for black but this just loses. Played after 3 minutes of thought. Nepomniachtchi had a tonne of time, this mistake can only be explained by nerves, he knew he was lost after Ding's reply.} (34... Qg5) (34... Rg8) 35. Rxe6 {Played after just a minute of thought. It's the only winning move but crushing.} Rxh5 {Nepomniachtchi could hardly bear to look here. He could have resigned but after 16 minutes he continued but there is nothing to be done.} 36. gxh5 Qxh5 37. d5+ Kg8 38. d6 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.26"] [Round "12"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nbd2 {After the London System and the French Defense, now Ding tries the Colle. Fair enough. Nepomniachtchi said in the press conference that he wasn't surprised.} cxd4 5. exd4 Qc7 (5... Nc6 {is also possible, but as it will become clear, Nepomniachtchi wanted to avoid the chance of White's bishop being developed on b5.} 6. Bb5) 6. c3 Bd7 {This is a new move in this position and it's hard to understand its merits, although it was clearly part of the preparation.} (6... Nc6 7. Bb5 {The only point I can see in the way Nepomniachtchi plays the opening is that he wanted to avoid this move. In any case, from my interpretation of Ding's words in the press conference, he would just play 7.Bd3 and play in the same way as the game, a tempo down.} (7. Bd3 Bg4 8. O-O {It's the same position we will have in the game, but here it's Black to move.})) 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. O-O Bg4 {I don't want to sound harsh, but the fact that Black can play this position even a tempo down says a lot about the merits of White's opening.} 9. Re1 (9. Qa4 {with the idea of playing Ne5. This is an attempt to explore Black's move order, but it's not a big deal.} e6 10. Ne5 Bd6 11. Nxg4 Nxg4 12. h3 Bh2+ (12... Nf6 {There's also nothing wrong with this move.}) 13. Kh1 Bg1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 14. f4 Nf2+ 15. Kxg1 Nxd3 16. f5 O-O {with approximate equality.}) 9... e6 10. Nf1 Bd6 11. Bg5 O-O $1 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Not afraid of doubling pawns.} 12. Bxf6 {Ding thought for half an hour before taking the knight. He was evaluating the consequences of 12.Ng3.} (12. Ng3 Nh5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Otherwise White plays 13.h3 and gets a comfortable position.} 13. h3 Bxf3 14. Qxf3 Nxg3 15. fxg3 Bxg3 16. Re3 Bd6 {White's compensation for the pawn is not good enough.}) 12... gxf6 13. Ng3 f5 14. h3 Bxf3 15. Qxf3 Ne7 {A nice maneuver, bringing the knight to the kingside, where it protects the king and also helps a potential attack on the g-file.} 16. Nh5 Kh8 17. g4 {A double-edged move, but risks are necessary when one desperately needs to win.} (17. Nf6 {The game might end in a draw after this move, a result that obviously didn't suit Ding.} Ng8 (17... Kg7 18. Nh5+ Kh8) 18. Nh5 Ne7) 17... Rg8 18. Kh1 Ng6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi reacts very well. To be fair, he played the first part of the game excellently.} 19. Bc2 $2 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Black gets a clear advantage after this slow move.} (19. Nf6 $2 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is bad after} Nh4 20. Qe2 Rg6) (19. gxf5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Nh4 20. Qe3 exf5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The point is that if now} 21. Rg1 f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black is winning, for instance:} 22. Qe2 f3 23. Qe3 Rg2 24. Rxg2 fxg2+ 25. Kg1 Bh2#) (19. Rg1 $1 {[%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best move.} Nh4 20. Qe2 {with a balanced game.}) 19... Nh4 20. Qe3 (20. Qd3 Rg6) 20... Rg6 {Nepomniachtchi prepares to double rooks on the g-file. The attack is very strong.} 21. Rg1 (21. gxf5 $2 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses on the spot after} Rg2) 21... f4 22. Qd3 Qe7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Another strong move. Black's plan is to bring the queen to g5, the rooks to g8 and h6, and then to play f5 with a crushing attack.} 23. Rae1 Qg5 24. c4 {Desperation. Ding seeks counterplay. It's incredible to even think that he ended up winning this game.} dxc4 (24... Rc8 {Nepomniachtchi mentioned this move at the press conference, but the move he played is even better.} 25. c5 Bb8 {His idea is to keep the queenside closed so he can turn his attention to the kingside.}) 25. Qc3 (25. Qxc4 {The pawn cannot be recaptured:} Nf3 26. Bxg6 hxg6 {winning material.}) 25... b5 {Now Black is a clean pawn up and the attack persists.} 26. a4 (26. Bxg6 hxg6 {The h5-knight is lost almost everytime the rook on g6 is taken.}) 26... b4 $6 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An impractical decision, although Black is still winning.} (26... a6 {is much simpler.}) 27. Qxc4 Rag8 $4 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;Blunder;persistent;true] The game begins a tense phase where every move is a blunder.} (27... Nf3 {is winning but it requires accurate play.} 28. Qc6 Nxe1 $1 {[%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only way.} 29. Qxa8+ (29. Rxe1 Rd8 30. Bxg6 hxg6 {wins the knight.}) (29. Bxg6 Rd8 $1 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 30. Bxf7 Qh4 {with a decisive attack.}) 29... Rg8 30. Qe4 Nxc2 31. Qxc2 Qh4 32. Qd3 f5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 33. Qf3 fxg4 $1 {[%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 34. Rxg4 Rxg4 35. Qxg4 Qxg4 36. hxg4 b3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only winning move.} 37. Nf6 Ba3 {The b-pawn decides the game.}) 28. Qc6 $4 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (28. Bxg6 hxg6 29. Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} gxh5 (29... Bb8 $2 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 30. d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is a line we will see later on.}) 30. Qxd6 Nf3 31. Qc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with drawing chances for White.}) 28... Bb8 $4 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (28... Nf5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This difficult move leads to a winning position.} 29. Bxf5 (29. Rd1 Qh4 30. Qf3 Ng3+ $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 31. fxg3 Qxh3#) (29. gxf5 Qxh5 (29... Qxg1+ {is also good.}) 30. Rxg6 Qxh3+ 31. Kg1 hxg6 {winning.}) 29... exf5 {with a decisive attack.}) 29. Qb7 $4 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (29. Bxg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} hxg6 30. d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move certainly was missed by both players.} gxh5 (30... exd5 31. Nf6) (30... Qxd5+ 31. Qxd5 exd5 32. Nf6) 31. dxe6 fxe6 32. gxh5 Qxh5 33. Rxg8+ Kxg8 34. Qxe6+ {White wins easily.}) 29... Rh6 $4 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} (29... Nf5 $1 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Again this move leads to a big advantage for Black.}) 30. Be4 {White’s position is more pleasant now.} Rf8 $2 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The mistakes continue.} (30... f3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best:} 31. Qxf7 Ng2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 32. Qxf3 Nxe1 33. Rxe1 {with chances for both sides. The computer evaluates it as 0.00, as usual.}) 31. Qxb4 Qd8 32. Qc3 $6 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (32. d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is more accurate.}) 32... Ng6 33. Bg2 Qh4 34. Re2 f5 $4 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Blunder;persistent;true] The final blunder. It's hard to understand what Nepomniachtchi missed.} (34... Qg5) 35. Rxe6 {Ding simply takes the pawn and Black's position collapses.} Rxh5 (35... fxg4 {loses to} 36. d5+ Be5 37. Rxe5) 36. gxh5 Qxh5 37. d5+ Kg8 38. d6 {A dramatic turn of events in both this game and the match. To make things worse, Nepomniachtchi doesn't have a free day to recover from this loss.} 1-0 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana, Kazakhstan"] [Date "2023.04.27"] [Round "13.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Liren, Ding"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/loepare"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,78,19,31,34,19,13,4,13,-2,-9,0,7,7,20,30,40,-10,-10,-22,-7,-1,-6,17,7,4,8,-4,-7,4,25,18,37,25,30,-26,-24,-49,8,-45,-35,-35,-7,-5,68,66,14,-25,14,46,35,33,33,22,38,38,34,28,-19,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} e5 {[%eval 35,0] [%emt 0:00:08]} 2. Nf3 {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} Nc6 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} 3. Bb5 {[%eval 34,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} a6 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:00:37]} 4. Ba4 {[%eval 31,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} Nf6 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 5. O-O {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} Be7 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 6. d3 {[%eval 27,0] [%emt 0:00:13]} b5 {[%eval 23,0] [%emt 0:00:08]} 7. Bb3 {[%eval 17,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} d6 {[%eval 21,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} 8. c3 {[%eval 25,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} O-O {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:00:09]} 9. h3 {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} Bb7 {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:00:27]} 10. Be3 {[%eval 14,0] [%emt 0:01:34]} Na5 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:02:09]} 11. Bc2 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} c5 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} 12. Nbd2 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} Re8 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:06:39]} 13. a4 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} h6 {[%eval 1,0] [%emt 0:05:50]} 14. d4 {[%eval 1,0] [%emt 0:13:58]} exd4 {[%eval 6,0] [%emt 0:05:26]} 15. cxd4 {[%eval 3,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} cxd4 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:08:27]} 16. Nxd4 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:03:16]} Nc4 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:00:10]} 17. Nxc4 {[%eval 19,0] [%emt 0:09:03]} bxc4 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} 18. f3 $6 {[%eval 75,0] [%emt 0:06:14] Inaccuracy. b3 was best.} (18. b3 cxb3 19. Bxb3 Bxe4 20. a5 Nd5 21. Bxd5 Bxd5 22. Nf5 Be4 23. Bb6 Qd7 24. Nxe7+ Rxe7) 18... Bf8 {[%eval 64,0] [%emt 0:00:39]} 19. Bf2 {[%eval 77,0] [%emt 0:08:57]} d5 {[%eval 86,0] [%emt 0:01:11]} 20. exd5 {[%eval 83,0] [%emt 0:00:47]} Nxd5 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:00:30]} 21. Be4 {[%eval 73,0] [%emt 0:00:41]} Re5 {[%eval 39,0] [%emt 0:25:35]} 22. Rc1 {[%eval 44,0] [%emt 0:02:26]} Rc8 {[%eval 49,0] [%emt 0:02:16]} 23. Ne2 {[%eval 65,0] [%emt 0:04:00]} Qe7 $6 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:04:26] Inaccuracy. Qe8 was best.} (23... Qe8 24. Re1 Rd8 25. Nd4 Bb4 26. Rf1 f5 27. Nxf5 Nc3 28. Qc2 Nxe4 29. Qxc4+ Bd5 30. Qxb4) 24. Qd4 {[%eval 7,0] [%emt 0:05:09]} f5 {[%eval 14,0] [%emt 0:09:11]} 25. Bg3 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:04:00]} Rxe4 {[%eval 34,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} 26. fxe4 {[%eval 27,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} Qxe4 {[%eval 38,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 27. Qxe4 {[%eval 41,0] [%emt 0:01:55]} fxe4 {[%eval 27,0] [%emt 0:00:43]} 28. Rfd1 {[%eval 1,0] [%emt 0:07:05]} Nb4 {[%eval 5,0] [%emt 0:04:42]} 29. Rd7 {[%eval 5,0] [%emt 0:01:54]} Bc5+ {[%eval 46,0] [%emt 0:02:27]} 30. Kh2 {[%eval 57,0] [%emt 0:00:59]} Bc6 {[%eval 45,0] [%emt 0:01:41]} 31. Rc7 {[%eval 6,0] [%emt 0:00:47]} Rxc7 {[%eval 5,0] [%emt 0:01:11]} 32. Bxc7 {[%eval 53,0] [%emt 0:01:00]} Bd5 {[%eval 45,0] [%emt 0:00:21]} 33. Nc3 {[%eval 54,0] [%emt 0:04:34]} Nd3 {[%eval 49,0] [%emt 0:00:22]} 34. Rc2 {[%eval 42,0] [%emt 0:01:37]} Bc6 {[%eval 47,0] [%emt 0:00:29]} 35. a5 {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:02:14]} Kf7 {[%eval 78,0] [%emt 0:02:35]} 36. Re2 $6 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:08:13] Inaccuracy. Ne2 was best.} (36. Ne2 Bd5 37. Nf4 Nxf4 38. Bxf4 Bb4 39. Be5 Bxa5 40. Rf2+ Kg6 41. Bd4 Bb4 42. g4 e3) 36... Nc1 $6 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:01:09] Inaccuracy. Ke6 was best.} (36... Ke6 37. Bb6 Bd6+ 38. Kg1 Nc1 39. Re1 Nd3 40. Rb1 Be5 41. Be3 Kd7 42. g4 Nxb2 43. Rxb2) 37. Re1 $6 {[%eval 3,0] [%emt 0:03:39] Inaccuracy. Rc2 was best.} (37. Rc2) 37... Nd3 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 38. Re2 {[%eval 6,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} Nc1 $6 {[%eval 65,0] [%emt 0:03:22] Inaccuracy. Ke6 was best.} (38... Ke6) 39. Re1 $6 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:13] Inaccuracy. Rc2 was best.} (39. Rc2 Nd3 40. Ne2 Bd5 41. Nf4 Nxf4 42. Bxf4 Bb4 43. Be3 Bxa5 44. Bd4 h5 45. Kg1 Ke6) 39... Nd3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.27"] [Round "13"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 {La partie Espagnole, avec un instant d'hésitation de Ding Liren avant de continuer.} a6 {Pas de Berlinoise aujourd'hui.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. Be3 $5 {La nouveauté, à haut niveau, de cette partie. Il n'est pas nécessaire d'être 2800 Elo pour se rendre compte que ce coup simple ne va pas révolutionner la variante.} (10. a4 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 Nc6 16. Bd5 {1-0 (48) Nepomniachtchi,I (2795)-Ding Liren (2788) WCh 2023 Astana}) 10... Na5 11. Bc2 c5 12. Nbd2 {Pavel Eljanov pense que Ian Nepomniachtchi a tort de jouer pour le gain : « Étrange décision selon moi de se battre après la catastrophe d'hier. J'ai le sentiment que le match pourrait se terminer aujourd'hui. »} Re8 13. a4 {Viswanathan Anand : « Je ne sais pas si 13...Ff8 14.Fg5 marche ici, mais Ding en a assez des Fg5 dans ces lignes ! Maintenant, si 14.d4 exd4 15.cxd4 cxd4 16.Cd4 Cc4 pourrait être raisonnable. »} h6 {Avec une première réflexion de Ian Nepomniachtchi.} 14. d4 $5 {Après 14 minutes. Logique après avoir posté un Fou en e3 pour supporter cette poussée. Même si jouer d4 aussi tôt dans la partie est inhabituel dans l'Espagnole.} exd4 15. cxd4 {Pour ceux que ça intéresse, Ian Nepomniachtchi a délaissé sa chemise rose pour une blanche aujourd'hui.} cxd4 {Après 8 minutes et 27 secondes.} 16. Nxd4 Nc4 {On voit mieux maintenant le côté négatif de 10.Fe3!?.} 17. Nxc4 $5 {Une idée peu appréciée par les machines.} bxc4 {Le GM américain Robert Hess : « Je commence à m'inquiéter pour Ian Nepomniachtchi. » Viswanathan Anand : «} 18. f3 $6 ({ou} 18. Nf5 $5 Bf8 $1) {est contré par} 18... Bf8 $1 {» Et les Noirs sont mieux ! « Avec h3, le coup f3 ne va pas à cause de l'affaiblissement des cases noires. » GM Fabien Libiszewski} 19. Bf2 $6 {La nouveauté est finalement la cause des problèmes du Russe.} d5 $1 {Le coup que les Blancs cherchent à éviter dans l'Espagnole !} 20. exd5 {Fabiano Caruana : « En fait, je pense que Ian pourrait être déprimé. Et il pourrait s'incliner dans cette position. »} Nxd5 {En revanche, Ding Liren joue libéré et vite : 1h14-1h26} 21. Be4 {Ian Nepomniachtchi semble dépité. L'avantage des Noirs consiste en un meilleur bouclier de pions autour de leur Roi et des cases noires affaiblies chez les Blancs en b2, e3 et g3. Le coup b3 des Blancs est généralement contré par ...c3.} Re5 $5 {Ding Liren a pris son temps - 25 minutes - avant de continuer. Il faut reconnaître que le Chinois ne pouvait rêver d'une meilleure position avec les pièces noires au sortir de l'ouverture.} ({Les alternatives informatiques étaient} 21... Rb8 $1) ({et} 21... Qg5 $5) 22. Rc1 {En seulement 2 minutes et 26 secondes. Incompréhensible après un coup noir inattendu. Daniil Dubov : « C'est juste fou de jouer aussi vite. ». Viswanathan Anand : « Plus je regarde, plus la position des Blancs semble mauvaise. Nepo va devoir faire un gros effort pour défendre ça. »} Rc8 23. Ne2 $5 Qe7 $6 {La bonne pièce mais pas la meilleure case.} (23... Qe8 $1 {conservait l'avantage noir.}) 24. Qd4 $1 {Avec égalité selon les machines.} f5 25. Bg3 $1 {Le seul bon coup, qui force Ding Liren à sacrifier la qualité..} Rxe4 ({Le Chinois pouvait sacrifier temporairement la qualité dans un autre sens.} 25... fxe4 26. Bxe5 exf3 27. Rxf3 Qe6 {avec la menace 27...Fc5.} 28. Rxf8+ $1 {Forcé.} Rxf8 29. Ng3) 26. fxe4 Qxe4 {Viswanathan Anand : « Les Noirs ont peut-être une compensation suffisante, mais est-il mieux ? Je ne le pense pas. Pourquoi Ding a-t-il emprunté cette voie ? »} 27. Qxe4 fxe4 {On voit apparaître toute l'idée des Noirs : implanter le Cavalier en d3.} 28. Rfd1 Nb4 $5 29. Rd7 $1 {Avec maintenant un avantage pour les Blancs.} Bc5+ 30. Kh2 Bc6 31. Rc7 $1 {La bonne idée est en effet d'échanger la Tour restante de l'adversaire.} Rxc7 32. Bxc7 Bd5 {Daniil Dubov : « Je n'aime pas pour les Noirs. Je sais que le moteur dirait que c'est égal, mais il faut être prudent ici. »} 33. Nc3 {Fabiano Caruana : « C'est proche de la nulle. La seule raison pour laquelle ce n'est pas un succès pour Ding, c'est parce qu'il avait une bonne position et qu'il ne devrait pas avoir à se battre pour un match nul. »} Nd3 {Et le Cavalier est finalement arrivé sur la case tant désirée.} 34. Rc2 Bc6 {Avec des pendules à 0h38 et 0h33, les joueurs n'auront aucun problème de temps.} 35. a5 {Viswanathan Anand : « 35.a5 est fort. Le Fou des blancs peut être très utile en b6, et après le contrôle du temps, Ian peut élaborer un plan. Ding a une longue journée devant lui. »} Kf7 {Viswanathan Anand : « L'élément crucial pourrait être le Roi des Noirs. Centralisé, il pourrait facilement maintenir la position des Noirs. »} 36. Re2 Nc1 {Le coup humain.} ({La machine donne le surprenant} 36... Ke6 $1 37. Nxe4 Bxe4 38. Rxe4+ Kd5 39. Re8 Nxb2 {avec 0.00.}) 37. Re1 Nd3 38. Re2 Nc1 39. Re1 Nd3 {Après une ouverture insipide avec les pièces blanches, Ian Nepomniachtchi a profité des imprécisions de Ding Liren pour obtenir un léger avantage, insuffisant toutefois pour le gain. Jour de repos vendredi 28 avril. Rendez-vous samedi pour la dernière partie classique du match.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 13 - Nepo v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.27"] [Round "13"] [White "Nepomniachtchi"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "78"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,78,34,26,25,25,35,13,16,-2,-4,-4,30,4,30,20,23,-1,-15,-7,-1,-1,-5,8,-5,1,13,18,8,3,-13,-5,30,30,8,-23,-20,-29,-7,-46,-30,-43,-6,-9,68,-3,0,6,35,35,22,38,38,34,38,38,38,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 {Nepo returns to the 8.c3 of game 5 having tried 8.a3 in game 11.} O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. Be3 {A new move at this level.} (10. a4 Na5 11. Ba2 c5 12. Bg5 h6 13. Bxf6 Bxf6 14. axb5 axb5 15. Nbd2 Nc6 16. Bd5 Rxa1 17. Qxa1 Qd7 18. Re1 Ra8 19. Qd1 {Was game 5 with some mild pressure for white. Nepo of course won a brilliant game}) (10. Re1 {transposes to well explored systems}) (10. Bc2 {Is another move which Nepo has faced as black in 2022} Re8 11. Re1 Bf8 12. Nbd2 Ne7 13. a4 Ng6 14. Nf1 d5 {Esipenko, Andrey - Nepomniachtchi, I., 0-1, Airthings Masters KO 2022, https://lichess.org/74OIDqqa}) 10... Na5 (10... d5 11. Nbd2 Qd6 12. Nh4 $14) (10... Nb8 {Going for the Breyer manoeuvre} 11. c4 $5) 11. Bc2 c5 {Ding didn't seem phased and played this natural continuation quite quickly} 12. Nbd2 Re8 13. a4 (13. d4 $6 {Black is well setup to face this and the bishop on e3 isn't ideally placed for this} cxd4 14. cxd4 exd4 15. Bxd4 (15. Nxd4 Bf8 {[%csl Re4] White faces some problems defending the centre - not the bishop on e3 gets in the rid of Re1 defending the pawn}) 15... Nc6 16. Be3 Bf8 $15) 13... h6 {Ding cuts out any Bg5 ideas} (13... Bf8 14. Bg5 $5 {Nepo showed a penchant for losing a tempo with the bishop in the previous game - so it is certainly possible this idea was in his prep} h6 15. Bh4 Be7) 14. d4 $6 {Objectively this seems to be already an inaccuracy - going from a line where white might be able to press to a line where it is white who has to be accurate to equalise} (14. axb5 {was more accurate according to the engine} axb5 15. d4 cxd4 (15... exd4 16. cxd4 Nc6 $5) 16. cxd4 exd4 17. Nxd4 {Here the weakness of b5 is an important factor} Nc4 {The first idea mentioned by Caruana} (17... Bf8 18. Nxb5 d5 (18... Nxe4 $6 {Black regains the pawn but at the cost of a passive position} 19. Nxe4 Bxe4 20. Bxe4 Rxe4 {[%csl Ra5,Rf8]} 21. Qd3 $14 {[%csl Ga5,Gf8]}) (18... Ba6) 19. e5 {White gives the pawn back} Rxe5) (17... Qd7 {Also suggested by Caruana but felt it was a little risky for black}) 18. Rxa8 (18. Nxc4 Rxa1 19. Qxa1 bxc4 20. Ba4 Rf8 21. Bc6 Bxc6 22. Nxc6 Qd7 23. Qa6 $14) 18... Bxa8 (18... Qxa8 {is a serious alternative} 19. Nxc4 bxc4 20. f3) 19. Nxc4 bxc4 20. f3 Bf8 {and now a big difference compared to the game is that white has an immediate Ba4} 21. Ba4 Re5 $14 {looks somewhat awkward for black - white has various interesting options and is for choice}) 14... exd4 15. cxd4 cxd4 (15... Nc6 {Is another interesting option} 16. d5 Nb4 17. Bb1 Nd7 {Here the position seriously resembles a Zaitsev except with the white bishop on e3 - this would be quite a risky approach for black}) 16. Nxd4 (16. Bxd4 {was an alternative but black is very comfortable} Nc6) 16... Nc4 17. Nxc4 (17. axb5 Nxe3 18. fxe3 axb5 {Black is clearly more than fine here despite the pawn deficit}) (17. Qe2 Nxe3 18. Qxe3 Bf8 19. axb5 axb5 20. Rxa8 Bxa8 {Also looks easier for black}) 17... bxc4 {Apparently this is a better version of this position for black compared to where the a-pawns were exchanged. One important factor is without the a-pawns Ba4 was an important resource for white hitting the rook on e8 and perhaps putting a piece on c6} 18. f3 $6 (18. Qe2 Rc8 19. f3 Bf8 20. Nf5 d5 21. Rad1) 18... Bf8 19. Bf2 {Strategic capitulation - Nepo tries to minimise the damage. To be fair other more direct tries were not working tactically} (19. a5 d5 20. Ba4 dxe4 $1 21. Bxe8 Qxe8) (19. Nf5 d5 20. Bd4 dxe4 21. fxe4 Nxe4 22. Qf3 Qd5 $17) (19. Bf4 d5 20. e5 Nd7 21. Re1 Bc5 22. Kh1 Nf8 $15) 19... d5 20. exd5 Nxd5 21. Be4 Re5 $2 {Very direct! Played after a 25 minute thought. A bit mysterious. In hindsight it is easy to say this was a significant mistake as not only is it objectively inferior to alternatives, it also allows Nepo some active defensive ideas/counterplay which he excels in. I think it would be extremely depressing for Nepo to play the position after 21...Rb8 and we could have seen a collapse there} (21... Rb8 $1 {Simply defending the bishop allowing the knight to move - looks strong. It's hard to say why Ding didn't go for this natural move} 22. Qd2 {Preventing ...Nf4} (22. Bxd5 {Preventing any ...Nf4 ideas} Qxd5 $17 {Black is just much better}) (22. Qc2 Nf4 {is just extremely bad for white} 23. Kh1 Qf6) 22... Nb4 $1 {If the bishops are exchanged on b7 the knight comes to d3} (22... Bb4 23. Qc2 {This mysterious shuffle has a hidden point - the bishop is worse placed on b4 as it blocks the the rooks pressure on b2 in some lines} Nf4 24. Kh1 {and the position is still good for black but white is still in the game})) (21... Nf4 $2 {is flashy but white defends} 22. Bxb7 Qg5 23. g3 Nxh3+ 24. Kg2 Nxf2 25. Rxf2 Rad8 26. Rc1 Rxd4 27. Qxd4 Qxc1 28. Bxa6 {is fine for white}) 22. Rc1 Rc8 23. Ne2 {Played after just 4 minutes. Nepo's time management just seems to fast given the critical nature of the position. This move is objectively dubious but very natural (according to Caruana) and it works out well in the game. The computer gives some alternaives but they are difficult to assess} Qe7 $2 {Tactically inferior to ...Qe8 and also looks more awkward as blocks the ...f8 bishop} (23... Qe8 $1 {This move really makes sense of the ...Re5 move} 24. Bd4 (24. Qd4 f5 {and here white doesn't have Bg3 due to ...Bc5}) 24... Ne3 $3 25. Bxe3 Bxe4 26. fxe4 Rxe4) 24. Qd4 $1 {Nepo finally makes a really good move. This could be met by ...Bc5 if 23...Qe8. the tables have turned somewhat and it is black now who needs to be more careful} (24. Bd4 Re6) 24... f5 (24... Qe8 {may be the best - accepting that ...Qe7 was inaccurate} 25. Rxc4 Rxc4 26. Qxc4 Ne3 $1 27. Bxe3 Bxe4 28. fxe4 Rxe4 29. Bd4 Rxe2 30. Rxf7 Rxg2+ 31. Kxg2 Qxf7 32. Qxf7+ Kxf7 $10) 25. Bg3 $1 {Now black doesn't have...Bc5} Rxe4 {This decision was a bit surprising} (25... fxe4 {would be a much more complex choice - here white has a choice of capture} 26. Bxe5 (26. Qxe5 Qxe5 27. Bxe5 exf3 28. Rxf3 (28. gxf3 Re8 29. f4 Nxf4 30. Rxf4 Rxe5 {with enough compensation for black}) 28... Re8 29. Rxf8+ Kxf8 30. Bd6+ $10) 26... exf3 27. Rxf3 Qe6 {[%CAl Gf8c5] black appears to have enough activity} 28. Rxf8+ {is a way to bail out} Rxf8 $10) 26. fxe4 Qxe4 27. Qxe4 fxe4 {Things have certainly gone wrong for black between moves 21-27, similar to Nepo's collapse yesterday though not quite as dramatic. Perhaps white has some advantage here but black is very active and has a pawn and bishop pair for the exchange} 28. Rfd1 Nb4 {Allows the rook to d7 - quite a responsible decision made fairly quickly} (28... Be7 {[%CAl Ge7g5]}) 29. Rd7 Bc5+ 30. Kh2 Bc6 31. Rc7 Rxc7 32. Bxc7 Bd5 33. Nc3 (33. Rd1 Nd3 34. a5 $1 {Introduces the idea of Bb6} Kf7 35. Bb6 Bd6+ 36. Kg1 Be5 37. Bd4 Ke6 (37... Bc7) 38. Bxe5 Kxe5 39. Rf1 Nxb2 40. Kf2 Nd3+ 41. Ke3 {and at the cost of the b2 pawn white has consolidated and black's position is dangerous}) 33... Nd3 34. Rc2 Bc6 35. a5 Kf7 36. Re2 (36. Ne2 $1 {[%csl Rc4]} Bd5 37. Nf4 Nxf4 38. Bxf4 {A significant achievement to exchange this knight on d3 - still the position might remain a fortress}) 36... Nc1 (36... Ke6 $5 37. Nxe4 {white can avoid this and play something else keeping the status quo} Bxe4 38. Rxe4+ Kd5 {here it seems that white is risking more as the b2 pawn is going to drop after which the c-pawn will be very dangerous - however as Ding pointed out in the press conference he saw there was a perpetual} 39. Re8 Nxb2 40. Rd8+ Ke4 41. Re8+ $10 {black should take the repetition} Kd3 $2 42. Be5 $1 {and white is better}) 37. Re1 (37. Rc2 Nd3 38. Ne2 {white could go back to this variation}) 37... Nd3 38. Re2 Nc1 39. Re1 Nd3 {Draw} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.27"] [Round "13.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "79"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,79,19,31,31,38,21,5,25,1,0,2,16,1,12,10,29,-8,-5,-35,-9,-5,3,17,4,-8,23,3,14,6,14,3,32,42,25,-8,3,-58,-7,-44,-49,-49,-10,-23,34,11,6,0,22,27,26,20,21,21,14,26,23,12,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,7,7,0,0,0,0,23,23,23,23]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Bb7 ({Relevant:} 9... Na5 10. Bc2 c5 11. d4 Qc7 12. d5 Nc4 13. a4 Nb6 14. b3 Bd7 15. Be3 bxa4 16. bxa4 Nc4 17. Bc1 Rfb8 18. Qe2 Na5 19. Nbd2 Be8 20. Ra2 Nd7 21. Re1 Nb6 22. Nf1 c4 23. Ne3 Nb3 24. a5 Na4 25. Bd2 Rc8 26. Ra3 Rab8 27. Nxc4 Nxc3 28. Bxc3 Qxc4 29. Qxc4 Rxc4 30. Re3 Nd4 31. Bd3 Nxf3+ 32. Rxf3 Ra4 33. Rxa4 Bxa4 34. Bxa6 Rb1+ 35. Kh2 Bd1 36. Re3 Bg5 37. Re1 Rb3 38. Rxd1 Rxc3 39. Ra1 {Firouzja,A (2785)-Alekseenko,K (2686) chess.com INT 2023 1-0}) 10. Be3 {This hasn't been played at elite level before.} Na5 {Ding didn't take too long over executing standard play.} 11. Bc2 c5 12. Nbd2 Re8 {[#]} 13. a4 $146 ({Predecessor:} 13. Qe2 Rc8 14. b3 Qc7 15. c4 b4 16. Rfd1 Bf8 17. Nf1 g6 18. Qd2 Bg7 19. Bh6 Nh5 20. N1h2 Qe7 21. Bxg7 Kxg7 22. Ng4 f6 23. Qh6+ Kg8 24. Re1 Qg7 25. Qxg7+ Kxg7 26. g3 f5 27. Ngh2 h6 28. Rad1 Rcd8 29. g4 fxe4 30. gxh5 exf3 31. hxg6 Rf8 32. Re3 Rf6 33. Kh1 Nc6 34. Rg1 Nd4 35. Bd1 Rdf8 36. Rg4 Rxg6 37. Rxg6+ Kxg6 38. Nf1 Rf4 39. Kh2 Rh4 40. Kg3 Nf5+ 41. Kh2 Nxe3 42. fxe3 Bc8 {Koay,Y (1154)-Tan,J (1901) Penang 2017 0-1}) 13... h6 14. d4 (14. axb5 axb5 15. d4 {was suggested by Caruana as being more accurate.}) 14... exd4 15. cxd4 cxd4 16. Nxd4 Nc4 $1 {Black seems to have excellent play now.} 17. Nxc4 bxc4 18. f3 $6 {This seems to be a fairly serious inaccuracy.} (18. Qe2) (18. Nf5 Bf8 19. Re1) 18... Bf8 19. Bf2 {Nepomniachtchi admitted he really didn't like his position here. It was actually pretty obvious just by looking at him that he thought that.} d5 20. exd5 Nxd5 21. Be4 Re5 $6 {Played after a 25 minute thought. Ding admitted after the game he missed 24.Qd4. Here black has a lot of options two of them are:} (21... Rb8 {is the computer's choice setting up a lot of threats. It's probably not the first move you look at.}) (21... Qg5 {is also very interesting.}) 22. Rc1 {Nepomniachtchi started playing a bit more confidently.} Rc8 23. Ne2 Qe7 $6 (23... Qe8 {was far more accurate not limiting the scope of the bishop but still having the advantages of Qe7.}) 24. Qd4 $1 {Now it's black that's under pressure to find good moves.} f5 25. Bg3 Rxe4 {an exchange sacrifice, probably necessary by now.} (25... fxe4 {was another way and it may have been slightly more accurate.}) 26. fxe4 Qxe4 27. Qxe4 fxe4 28. Rfd1 Nb4 29. Rd7 Bc5+ 30. Kh2 Bc6 31. Rc7 Rxc7 32. Bxc7 Bd5 {This last sequence of moves are all computer approved and Bd5 was necessary.} 33. Nc3 (33. a5) (33. Rd1) 33... Nd3 34. Rc2 Bc6 35. a5 Kf7 36. Re2 $11 (36. Ne2 Bd5 37. Nf4 Nxf4 38. Bxf4 {and white may still be pressing.}) 36... Nc1 37. Re1 Nd3 38. Re2 Nc1 39. Re1 Nd3 40. Re2 {Neither side has any reason to play on here.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.27"] [Round "13"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "7200+30"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 {Nepomniachtchi returns to the variation he employed in the fifth game of the match.} O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. Be3 {This natural development move is rare and has never been played in grandmaster games. It deviates from conventional opening theory at the same moment as in their previous duel in this line.} (10. Re1 {is the main move.}) (10. a4 {was played in game five of the match.}) 10... Na5 11. Bc2 c5 {This is the standard Spanish plan.} 12. Nbd2 Re8 13. a4 {This move is officially a novelty. Once again we see one of the hallmarks of this match: a battle outside the most well-known opening lines. It's quite a feat to find a new position in the Ruy Lopez so early without playing any eccentric move.} h6 {A usual move, avoiding a possible pin with the bishop on g5 after the planned Be7-f8.} 14. d4 {It's debatable whether it's better to capture on b5 before playing this.} (14. axb5 axb5 15. d4 {Let's suppose Black plays in the same way as in the game, although this is not forced at all.} exd4 16. cxd4 cxd4 17. Nxd4 Nc4 18. Nxc4 bxc4 {Now White has an interesting option available:} 19. Ba4 {Although it seems not even this is enough for an advantage after ?Rf8}) 14... exd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (14... Bf8 $2 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;Mistake;persistent;true] is a clear positional mistake, as after} 15. d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White gets a dream position, shutting the b7-bishop from the game.}) 15. cxd4 cxd4 16. Nxd4 Nc4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This accurate move gives Black a good position.} 17. Nxc4 {The computer also considers other moves, but for a human, it's almost automatic to capture such a knight.} bxc4 18. f3 $6 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This leads to an unpleasant position.} (18. Qe2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rc8 19. f3 {is similar to the game but an improved version for White.}) 18... Bf8 {Now Black is ready to play ?d6-d5.} 19. Bf2 (19. Bf4 {Nepomniachtchi mentioned he wanted to make this work but didn't like the position after} d5 20. e5 Nd7 21. Re1 Qc7) (19. Nf5 {this move was also discussed in the press conference.} d5 20. Bd4 dxe4 21. fxe4 Nxe4 {The compensation for the pawn is not enough.}) 19... d5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 20. exd5 Nxd5 {White's pawn structure is not good, especially on the kingside, as the knight can jump to f4 and attack the king. Careful play is necessary.} 21. Be4 {A natural move, pinning the unpleasant knight.} Re5 $6 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A strange move.} (21... Nf4 {is interesting, but the sacrifice is not enough for an advantage.} 22. Bxb7 Qg5 23. g3 Nxh3+ 24. Kg2 Nxf2 25. Rxf2 Rad8 26. Qc1 {The simplest.} Rxd4 27. Qxg5 hxg5 28. Bxa6 {Obviously Black didn't sacrifice a piece to go into this endgame.}) (21... Rb8 {is a good move. The knight gets ready to go to f4, so it must be captured.} 22. Bxd5 Bxd5 23. Qd2 {Black has some advantage due to the pair of bishops.}) (21... Qg5 22. Bxd5 Bxd5 {is also slightly better for Black.}) 22. Rc1 Rc8 23. Ne2 $6 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] The knight offers the d4-square to the king or bishop while getting ready to go to c3. But the move is a bit passive.} (23. Qd2 $5 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is a better option.}) 23... Qe7 $6 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This is an important moment, as the move played throws away the advantage. It's likely that Ding missed White's next move.} (23... f5 {is not dangerous since White can remove the bishop.} 24. Bb1) (23... Qe8 $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the best way to keep the initiative. The queen is better placed here as it doesn't interfere with the bishop on f8. The position is dangerous for White, as he can't play in the same ways as the game since the queen is lost after} 24. Qd4 f5 25. Bg3 $4 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} Bc5) 24. Qd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} f5 {The natural followup, but now White has a forced saving move.} 25. Bg3 $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rxe4 (25... fxe4 {This way of capturing is also possible.} 26. Qxe5 (26. Bxe5 {is also possible, although it's scary to leave the queen on d4 with the danger of ?Bf8-c5 coming.} exf3 27. Rxf3 Qe6 28. Rxf8+ $1 {[%c_effect f8;square;f8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] One of the advantages of being up an exchange is that you can give it back at the right moment.} Rxf8 29. Ng3 {with an equal position.}) 26... Qxe5 27. Bxe5 Bc5+ 28. Kh2 (28. Bd4 $2 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] loses to} Nf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 28... Ne3 29. Rfe1 exf3 30. gxf3 Rd8 {Black has good compensation, enough for equality.}) 26. fxe4 Qxe4 27. Qxe4 fxe4 {Black has good compensation for the exchange, but it's clear that he didn't get the most out of the promising position achieved before.} 28. Rfd1 Nb4 $6 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This makes things a bit harder for Black.} (28... Bc5+) (28... Be7 $5 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Interesting;persistent;true]}) 29. Rd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bc5+ 30. Kh2 Bc6 31. Rc7 {Exchanging a pair of rooks is usually a good strategy when you are an exchange up.} Rxc7 32. Bxc7 Bd5 {The computer is initially quite happy with White's position, but for human eyes, the compensation is decent with a knight coming to d3, the king ready to be centralized, and two strong bishops.} 33. Nc3 (33. a5 $1 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is a good possibility, giving the b6-square to the bishop. The game can continue:} Nd3 34. Rb1 Kf7 35. Bb6 Bd6+ 36. Kg1 {and my machine continues to claim an advantage for White.}) 33... Nd3 34. Rc2 Bc6 35. a5 Kf7 36. Re2 (36. Ne2 {is a way to keep fighting for an advantage.} Bd5 37. Nf4 Nxf4 38. Bxf4 Ke6 {Black should be able to make a comfortable draw.}) 36... Nc1 {The players decide to repeat moves and this is an understandable decision.} (36... Ke6 {is also possible, playing for a win. If White captures on e4 the game may end in perpetual check after} 37. Nxe4 Bxe4 38. Rxe4+ Kd5 39. Re8 Nxb2 40. Rd8+ Ke4 (40... Kc6 $2 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 41. Be5) 41. Re8+ Kd5 (41... Kd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 42. Be5 c3 43. Rd8+ Kc4 44. Bxg7) 42. Rd8+) 37. Re1 Nd3 38. Re2 {A nervous game in which both players had some chances, but Ding probably could have pushed harder from the position he got in the opening. The tension grows and now we have a rest day before the final classical game. Will Ding play aggressively to fight for a win with White or is it better not to risk it and continue the battle in the tiebreaks $2 We'll know soon enough.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Chess World Championship: Game 12 : Ding"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.28"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "D04"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "75"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,75,39,25,25,27,30,20,53,6,14,17,34,20,40,32,31,20,69,17,9,6,9,21,7,10,-3,-30,34,43,17,15,15,9,12,42,14,13,8,-1,-5,0,16,24,15,-25,31,34,65,-9,-57,-57,-22,-63,5,17,-10,-43,115,-38,144,164,195,146,146,144,164,149,158,119,367,583,728,833,960,977,977,1296] As the match is near the end, one can expect Ding to take his chances from the white side in this game. At the same time, the real question is about the strategy in choosing the opening. As we saw in game ten, when Ding chose a principled opening, Nepo managed to equalise quite easily. Therefore, Ding will likely go for an unexpected variation.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. e3 {Known as the Colle system, named after Belgian Master Edgard Colle. A quiet system where white intends to develop pieces before opening the centre. While there is a tendency to believe that this opening is played by players who do not like to familiarise themselves with mainstream theory, On the contrary, it is one of the openings where theory has developed enormously and is no longer to be taken lightly.} c5 (3... e6 $5 {One of the main moves. Black will be playing the same moves as white.}) (3... Bf5 $5 4. c4 c6 {Transposes into Slav defense}) (3... Bg4 $5 4. c4 c6 {Transposes into the Slav defense}) 4. Nbd2 cxd4 5. exd4 Qc7 {Controlling the f4 square and waiting to see how White will develop pieces.} (5... Nc6 $5 {Is the move which was played the most.}) 6. c3 Bd7 {annotators and commentators will usually try to come up with a reason for the player's moves as it is the World championship. But I cannot find any reason for this move. Bg4 or just Nc6 is much more normal.} 7. Bd3 (7. Ne5 $1 {Surprisingly, Ding did not go for this natural move, which would punish Nepo's inaccuracy of 6...Bd7} Nc6 {Challenging White's knight on e5.} 8. Ndf3 $14 {Keeping firm control over the centre. White has the upper hand here.} (8. Nxd7 $5 {Simply capturing the bishop gives white pair of bishops with a nice position.})) 7... Nc6 8. O-O (8. h3 $5 $14 {Stopping the development of Black's light square bishop.}) 8... Bg4 9. Re1 e6 10. Nf1 Bd6 11. Bg5 {Ding so far played natural moves instead of taking the upper hand, by going for a slightly aggressive way. Black wasted a move by moving the light square bishop to d7 and later to g4. The position remains tense. Here Ding plans to shatter Black's pawn structure.} O-O {Nepo accepts the challenge. In a normal scenario, it is not advisable to allow the trade of the f6 knight with the g5 bishop. However, general principles in chess can be overridden by the dynamics of activity and coordination of pieces. While knowing general principles in chess are important, It is equally important to learn the principles where you can ignore the general principles. This gives us an upper hand as we can be flexible and unpredictable.} 12. Bxf6 gxf6 13. Ng3 {White is stopping the light square bishop from falling back to g6 via h5.} f5 {Intending to play f4 and moving the knight away from g3, which makes it easy for Black to attack White's king.} 14. h3 Bxf3 (14... f4 $5 {It is possible to play this way. But when you have Bf3 as played in the game, There is no need to waste time calculating all the complicated variations arising after this move.}) 15. Qxf3 Ne7 {This move is clever as it stops any sacrifices on f5. Black has sufficient time to regroup and is in no hurry.} (15... Kh8 $5 {stepping away from the g file so Rook can occupy the open g file. Here, Black must remember the sacrifice on f5 square.} 16. Nxf5 exf5 17. Qxf5 f6 18. Re6 $13 {[%CAl Ga1e1,Re6f6] White won two pawns for the sacrificed knight and will win either the f6 pawn or d5 pawn.}) 16. Nh5 {With the idea to push g4 and challenge the f5 pawn, hindering the White's attack on black's king.} Kh8 17. g4 Rg8 18. Kh1 Ng6 {An important move. Black temporarily sacrifices the f5 pawn to occupy the important h4 square with the knight. The knight on h4 controls important squares such as f3 and g2.} 19. Bc2 $2 {The idea of moving the bishop from d3 has an idea to make room for the queen, occupy d3 square, and create a mate threat on h7. Ding should have realised that he only has a little time for regrouping, and play is quite dynamic here.} (19. gxf5 {It is essential to think about the opponent's counter chances. A careless capture here could cost you an entire point as Black's pieces occupy important squares, and all of a sudden, White's king is in danger.} Nh4 20. Qe3 exf5 {With the idea to play f4. Knight on h5, untouchable two moves ago, is vulnerable and will be attacked by either queen or the Rook.} 21. Qh6 Rg6 $19) (19. Rg1 {A natural move but will be played only if you realise Black has no more than a repetition after bh2. Once you see that with the bishop on h2, Black can never push the f5 pawn to f4. Rg1 is an obvious choice.} Bh2 20. Rge1 Bd6) 19... Nh4 20. Qe3 Rg6 21. Rg1 f4 $1 {Rightly assessing the dynamics of the position. Nepo outplayed Ding from a seemingly equal position. Black has the initiative, and the knight on h5 is out of play.} 22. Qd3 Qe7 23. Rae1 Qg5 24. c4 $5 {Ding had enough of the position and decided to change the dynamics of the position by creating some imbalance. If Ding were to stay without progress, Black would push f5 and open the White's kingside.} dxc4 25. Qc3 {Controlling the f3 fork by the knight on h4.} (25. Qxc4 Nf3 $19 {wins an exchange. One important point to be noted is in almost all the cases, when White captures the Rook on g6 with the light square bishop, Black recaptures with the h pawn and wins the knight on h5. For this reason, white will be an exchange down.}) 25... b5 {Protecting the c4 pawn.} 26. a4 (26. Bxg6 $2 hxg6 27. d5+ e5 28. Ng3 fxg3 29. fxg3 b4 $1 {Disturbing the queen on c3, which protects f3 square.} 30. gxh4 (30. Qxc4 Nf3 {Black remains pieced up.}) 30... bxc3 31. hxg5 cxb2 $19 {Look at those monstrous pawns on c4 and b2. White can resign from this position. Of course, this is not such a difficult variation to see.}) 26... b4 (26... a6 $1 $19 {Although there is nothing wrong with what Nepo chose, Why not simply keep everything under control?}) 27. Qxc4 Rag8 (27... Nf3 {This requires some calculation. It is, in fact, a simple sequence of moves. Strangely both the players have been blitzing out their moves as if this is the Blitz world chess championship, and they are left with a minute or so. Had Nepo taken 10 minutes to calculate, He would have won the game in the next 10-15 moves. I am giving the forcing variation.} 28. Qc6 Nxe1 29. Qxa8+ (29. Bxg6 Rd8 30. Be4 (30. Rxe1 hxg6) 30... Qh4 $19) 29... Rg8 30. Qe4 Nxc2 31. Qxc2 Qh4 32. Qd3 f5 33. Qf3 fxg4 34. Rxg4 Rxg4 35. Qxg4 Qxg4 36. hxg4 b3 $3 {Nepo would have seen this move had he sat on the board and tried to finish off at once. With the idea of Ba3 coming, there is no way White can save this position.} 37. Nf6 Ba3 $19) 28. Qc6 $2 (28. Bxg6 $1 {Ding misses the chance to escape from defeat.} hxg6 29. Qc6 gxh5 30. Qxd6 $13) 28... Bb8 $4 {Unexplainable blunder from Nepo. While watching live, like many other chess fans, I failed to understand why Nepo did not spend time.} (28... Nf5 $3 {Capturing the knight on f5 with g4 pawn and c2 bishop does not work for white. Black intends to play Qh4.} 29. gxf5 (29. Bxf5 exf5 {Defends the bishop on d6 and threatens to play Qh4.}) 29... Qxh5 $19) 29. Qb7 $2 {Both the players ignored the threat of capturing the Rook on g6 with the bishop on c2.} (29. Bxg6 hxg6 30. d5 gxh5 31. dxe6 $18) 29... Rh6 {This is not a mistake or blunder from here on. I needed help understanding the moves Nepo was playing. None of the moves corresponded to the idea of the previous move. This is often a sign of being extremely nervous and under tremendous pressure.} (29... Nf5 $1 {Once again, this option is available, and black is doing quite well here.}) 30. Be4 Rf8 $2 {Defending the pawn on f7 but forgetting that white can capture the b4 and attack the Rook on f8} (30... f3 $1) 31. Qxb4 Qd8 32. Qc3 Ng6 33. Bg2 {Despite being a pawn down, Nepo still has the position under control. The main problem is nerves and is no longer about the position.} Qh4 34. Re2 f5 {Final blunder. With this move, Ding wins the game without effort after capturing the e6 pawn.} 35. Rxe6 Rxh5 36. gxh5 Qxh5 37. d5+ Kg8 38. d6 {Nepo resigned here. If it weren't the world championship match, he would have done it after 35.Re6. This is one of the games where players were playing way below their usual level. Call it the nerves, fatigue, or both; it is unprecedented in a world championship match to have so many mistakes in a single game. It is hard to understand why both of the players were blitzing out the moves where both had to take their time to give their best. Nepo had everything under control, and suddenly, he tilted despite getting many chances to stay in the game.} 1-0 [Event "Chess World Championship: Game 13 : Nepo"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.28"] [Round "?"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "Harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "79"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,79,39,26,11,29,15,4,15,15,0,8,9,9,21,36,16,-1,0,-15,5,3,5,3,-7,10,30,3,16,12,23,31,36,11,31,-31,-30,-53,1,-39,-43,-43,-18,-38,41,19,-24,-38,28,36,25,41,16,34,48,44,21,11,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0] After a rather unexplainable loss in game twelve, It must have been pretty hard for Nepo to recover for Game 13. As there are just two games left in the match, it can backfire if you go all in.} 1. e4 {The last white game for Nepo in the classical part. No surprises with the first move. So far, he did not get into any issues from 1.e4. So why change? I can't help but not to notice the change in his pink shirt. That was a good change for the game!} e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 {Ding, too, sticks to his main weapon. No more Berlin or French. When two games are remaining, It would be suicidal to play something unusual and get into trouble early in the game.} 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 {Nepo tried 8.c3 and 8.a3 in one game each. He decided to switch back to c3.} O-O 9. h3 Bb7 10. Be3 {10.a4 was played in-game 5. Nepo probably chose this rare move to get a game. Clearly, he did not prepare for the game as much as he did for the previous games. It appeared that he decided to play something and fight over the board.} Na5 11. Bc2 c5 {A natural expansion from a black point of view. Black would also like to get d5 and occupy more space.} 12. Nbd2 Re8 13. a4 {First new move in the game. We have reached a typical Ruy Lopez structure where white is creating some weakness on the queenside to slow the expansion and, in the meantime, create some kingside attack, possibly with nh2-g4 or nh2-Qf3 etc.} h6 {Ding wants to play Bf8 defending the e5 with the rook on e8. Which gives him the chance to play d5 next. Had he played Bf8 without h6, Nepo would have gone for Bg5 and created an unpleasant pin.} (13... Bf8 14. axb5 axb5 15. Bg5 $13) 14. d4 (14. axb5 axb5 15. d4 $13 {Exchanging the pawns and opening the file for the rook on a1 benefits white.}) 14... exd4 15. cxd4 cxd4 16. Nxd4 (16. Bxd4 $5 Nc6 17. Be3) 16... Nc4 17. Nxc4 {Even though this is not a mistake, It makes Black's life is a lot easier. Moves are so easy to make, and the pressure on e4 pawn is scary for White.} (17. Bf4 $5 Nxd2 18. Qxd2 Nxe4 19. Bxe4 Bxe4 20. axb5) 17... bxc4 18. f3 $2 {Serious error. In a seemingly equal-looking position, White is giving excellent chances for Black to take over. The pawns on f3 and h3 are making the dark squares quite weak. The moment Black can bring the dark square bishop into the attack, it can be deadly.} (18. b3 $5 cxb3 19. Bxb3 Bxe4 20. a5 {White has excellent compensation for the sacrificed pawn.}) (18. Qe2 $5) 18... Bf8 19. Bf2 d5 $1 {Nice breakthrough, and we will see how black's pieces are active compared to White's.} 20. exd5 Nxd5 {Threatening Nf4-Qg5} 21. Be4 {Pinning the knight on d5 so that black won't be able to jump to f4} Re5 $6 {This was a strange move. Protecting the knight on d5 doesn't make it any better as the knight is pinned, and it was important to defend the bishop on b7, which would help the Black to move the knight.} (21... Rb8 $1 {Defending the Bishop on b7 and reinforcing the threat of Nf4-Qg5.} 22. Bxd5 {No one likes to give away this nice bishop. But it is necessary to stop the knight from reaching f4 square.} Bxd5 $15) 22. Rc1 Rc8 23. Ne2 $6 {Hard to explain the reasoning behind this move.} Qe7 (23... Qe8 $1 24. Qd4 f5 25. Bxd5+ (25. Bg3 Bc5 $19 {I am illustrating this variation to show the difference between having the queen on e8 and not on e7 as in the game.}) 25... Rxd5 $17) 24. Qd4 f5 25. Bg3 {As there is no Bc5, Bg3 is possible to play for White.} Rxe4 (25... fxe4 $5 26. Qxe5 Qxe5 27. Bxe5 exf3 28. gxf3 Bc5+ $13) 26. fxe4 Qxe4 27. Qxe4 fxe4 {After some inaccuracies by both the players, we landed in a rather balanced position. White can put some pressure, but the position remains equal.} 28. Rfd1 Nb4 $6 {Intending to place the knight on d3 but letting the d1 rook enter the 7th rank.} (28... Be7 $1 {With the idea to bring the bishop to g5 and hit on the c1 rook.}) 29. Rd7 Bc5+ 30. Kh2 Bc6 31. Rc7 Rxc7 32. Bxc7 Bd5 {We reach this position after a forcing sequence of moves after 28...Nb4} 33. Nc3 Nd3 (33... Bc6 $4 {Careless move like this would have cost the game for Black.} 34. Nxe4 Bxe4 35. Rxc4 $18 {Black cannot defend both the e4 and c5 bishops.}) 34. Rc2 Bc6 35. a5 (35. Nxe4 {Doesn't work now as the knight on d3 is protecting the bishop on c5} Bxe4 36. Rxc4 Bf5) 35... Kf7 {Activate your king in the endgames!} 36. Re2 (36. Ne2 $5 Bd5 37. Nf4 Nxf4 38. Bxf4 $13 {While the engine claims this variation gives white some chances to play for a win, I find it hard to believe that with such strong bishops and an active king, Black is in any danger.}) 36... Nc1 37. Re1 Nd3 38. Re2 Nc1 (38... Ke6 {Black can play on, but the result was never in doubt. Besides, black is not the one who is playing for a win by avoiding the repetition of the moves.}) 39. Re1 Nd3 40. Re2 {A peace treaty was signed after the repetition of the moves. Game 14 would be quite interesting, and we can expect ups and downs. With a nail-biting finish waiting ahead, Chess fans can expect a thriller in the last game. It is natural for the players to get tired after many days of intense games. But the ups and downs we have seen in the last two games are quite surprising. Like every chess fan, I eagerly await the last game in the classical part of the match.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "WCh 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.29"] [Round "14.1"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E46"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "180"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] {[%evp 0,180,29,29,14,-4,-6,-11,16,33,28,35,16,11,39,42,34,40,30,13,39,38,33,33,60,-12,22,-20,-62,-71,-42,-21,27,21,-26,-28,-48,-33,-12,-38,-46,-55,-57,-88,-88,-88,-42,-42,-47,-37,-46,-46,-46,-46,-46,-46,-46,-46,-46,-63,-63,-95,-84,-84,-92,-89,-96,-96,-69,-88,-74,-112,-112,-112,-64,-77,-49,-74,-74,-74,-74,-74,-74,-74,-84,-74,-74,-74,-69,-73,-74,-73,-61,-77,-42,-48,-85,-137,-117,-125,-118,-164,-127,-140,-125,-179,-139,-250,-250,-250,-232,-232,-232,-250,-223,-233,-232,-252,-232,-252,-223,-232,-149,-250,-176,-175,-106,-123,-129,-165,-165,-165,-168,-165,-160,-160,-160,-165,-160,-160,-160,-160,-160,-250,-160,-160,-160,-160,-160,-160,-152,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-133,-133,-118,-139,-112,-133,-2,-2,-2,-2,-2,-2,-2,-4,-2,-2,-3,-3,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd2 d5 6. a3 Be7 7. Nf3 c5 ({Relevant:} 7... Nbd7 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Bd3 c6 10. Qc2 Bd6 11. g4 g6 12. h4 Nxg4 13. h5 Qf6 14. Ke2 Nb6 15. Rag1 c5 16. dxc5 Bxc5 17. Rh4 Ne5 18. Rf4 Qe7 19. Nb5 Nbc4 20. Ng5 Nxd2 21. Qxd2 Bd7 22. Nc7 Rad8 23. Nxd5 Bg4+ 24. Rfxg4 Rxd5 25. hxg6 hxg6 26. Re4 Qf6 27. Qc3 Rfd8 28. Rxe5 Rxe5 29. Bc4 Rd7 30. Ne4 Qf5 31. Rxg6+ Qxg6 32. Qxe5 Qg4+ 33. f3 Qg2+ 34. Nf2 Bf8 35. Qf5 Re7 36. Bd3 Qg7 37. Ng4 {Firouzja,A (2778)-Giri,A (2760) Miami 2022 1/2-1/2}) 8. dxc5 Bxc5 9. Qc2 {[#]} dxc4 $146 {An excellent move. Black has equalised.} ({Predecessor:} 9... Nc6 10. Rd1 Qe7 11. b4 Bd6 12. cxd5 exd5 13. Be2 Be6 14. Nb5 Bb8 15. Bc3 Ne4 16. Ba1 a6 17. Qb2 f6 18. Nbd4 Nxd4 19. Nxd4 Bf7 20. O-O Qc7 21. g3 Qd7 22. Bf3 Be5 23. Qe2 Rfe8 24. Bb2 Nd6 25. Nb3 Qb5 26. Bxe5 Qxe2 27. Bxe2 fxe5 28. Bf3 d4 29. Nc5 Ra7 30. exd4 e4 31. Bg4 h5 32. Bh3 b6 33. Nd7 Nc4 34. Rfe1 Nxa3 35. d5 Nc2 36. Re2 Nxb4 37. d6 Rb7 38. f4 Nd5 39. Rc1 {Donchenko,A (2645) -Wojtaszek,R (2700) Terme Catez 2021 1/2-1/2 (72)}) 10. Bxc4 Nbd7 11. Rd1 Be7 12. Ng5 $2 {Ding got a bit over-excited. Nepomniachtchi didn't believe a word of this. What's black done wrong?} (12. e4) 12... h6 13. h4 Qc7 $1 {The one good move black has, but now white is already in trouble. This completely refutes white's conception and now he has to go right on the back foot.} 14. Be2 (14. Bb3) (14. Nce4 Nxe4 15. Qxe4 Nf6 16. Qc2) 14... Rd8 {Not bad but also definitely second best.} (14... b6 $1 15. Rc1 Qb8 16. Nge4 Bb7 17. O-O Rc8) 15. Rc1 Nf8 $11 (15... Qb8 {is the computer suggestion but not at all human.}) 16. Nge4 (16. Nf3 $11) 16... Nxe4 (16... Ne8) 17. Nxe4 Qxc2 18. Rxc2 Bd7 (18... b6) 19. Bb4 $6 {Absolutely no-one liked this move and the engines don't like it either.} (19. Rc7 Rab8 20. h5) 19... Bxb4+ 20. axb4 Bc6 21. Nc5 $6 {This was presumably Ding's idea but according to the engines there's a problem.} (21. Bf3) 21... Bxg2 22. Rg1 Bd5 (22... Bc6 23. b5 Bd5 24. e4 b6 $1 {Anand thought it was at least possible to find this at the board.}) 23. e4 {Now follows a good sequence of moves from both players.} Bc6 24. b5 Be8 25. Nxb7 Rd4 26. Rc4 Rd7 27. Nc5 Rc7 (27... Rd6 $5 28. e5 Rd5) 28. Rc3 Rac8 29. b4 (29. Nb7 $1 $11) 29... Nd7 30. Rcg3 $2 {Another move really disliked by commentators.} (30. Kd2) 30... Nxc5 (30... g6 {might be even better.}) 31. bxc5 Rxc5 {It turns out white is in a huge amount of trouble here.} 32. Rxg7+ Kf8 33. Bd3 Rd8 34. Ke2 $2 {This is losing.} (34. Rg8+ Ke7 35. Kd2 Bxb5 36. Rxd8 Kxd8 37. Bxb5 Rxb5 {with similar to the game.}) 34... Rc3 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. R1g3 e5 $2 {Nepomniachtchi didn't think this could spoil anything. Unluckily for him white is almost forced to find the equalising idea by elimination, everything else is horrid.} (36... Rb3 {Just attacking the pawn wins.}) (36... Rd4 $5 37. b6 axb6 38. Rxe8+ Kxe8 39. Bb5+ Kf8 40. Rxc3 Rxe4+ 41. Kf1 Rxh4) 37. Rh8 Rd6 38. b6 $1 {and with one bound Ding gets to an endgame that's not very nice but objectively drawn.} Rxb6 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rxb5 41. Rxc3 {Time control made and people were confidently predicting this would be a draw. It is drawn but white does have to show quite a bit of care.} Kd7 42. Rf3 Ke7 43. Rc3 a5 44. Rc7+ Kf6 45. Rc6+ Kg7 46. Ra6 (46. f4 exf4 47. Kf3 {might well have simplified matters.}) 46... Rb2+ 47. Kf3 Ra2 48. Kg3 {Ding has it all worked out. Things to note, f3 likely losing and h5 is probably bad too. Keeping the pawn on f3 stops the black king walking in on the black squares via e3 and f4 to take the h-pawn eventually. It's as deep as that.} h5 49. Ra8 Ra1 50. Kg2 a4 51. Ra5 f6 52. Kf3 a3 53. Ra6 Kf7 54. Ke3 Ke8 55. Ke2 Ke7 56. Kf3 Ra2 57. Ke3 Ra1 58. Ke2 Kf7 59. Kf3 Ra2 60. Ke3 Ke7 61. Kf3 Kd7 {Black has already decided that Ra1 and a2 doesn't win, now he wants to try getting in with the king, it costs him his extra pawn.} 62. Rxf6 Rb2 63. Ra6 Rb3+ 64. Kg2 Kc7 65. f4 $1 {Confidently played.} exf4 66. e5 Kb7 67. Ra4 Kc6 68. Ra6+ Kb5 69. Ra7 Kb6 70. Ra8 Kc5 71. Ra6 Kb5 72. Ra7 Kb6 73. Ra8 Kc6 74. Ra6+ Kd7 {Having discovered that the e-pawn offers enough counterplay if black goes forward to protect his a-pawn with the king he goes back. One last try.} 75. Kf2 Ke7 76. Kg2 Re3 77. Kf2 Rg3 78. Kf1 Rc3 79. Kf2 Re3 80. Kg2 Kd7 81. Kf2 Kc7 82. e6 {Again a positive drawing idea.} Kd8 83. Ra7 Ke8 84. Kg2 Rxe6 85. Rxa3 {Once the a-pawn has gone all winning chances have gone too.} Rg6+ 86. Kf2 Rg4 87. Ra5 Rxh4 88. Kf3 Ke7 89. Rf5 Ke6 90. Rxf4 Rxf4+ {They could have played to King vs King but Nepomniachtchi offered the draw here.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.29"] [Round "14"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E46"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "180"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {[%evp 0,180,19,31,14,-14,3,-11,33,33,26,35,34,19,36,40,45,30,33,25,76,32,26,36,21,-1,-6,-59,-21,-89,-68,-44,-3,18,20,-27,-42,-35,-35,-52,-62,-52,-53,-91,-110,-104,-46,-50,-50,-32,-44,-44,-49,-53,-52,-67,-68,-62,-28,-72,-64,-99,-79,-72,-86,-89,-95,-84,-70,-75,-84,-87,-82,-91,-15,-49,-64,-114,-116,-90,-73,-79,-77,-74,-75,-75,-74,-75,-63,-63,-70,-75,-83,-67,-68,-85,-93,-117,-125,-115,-132,-154,-164,-170,-164,-167,-202,-248,-237,-248,-192,-248,-221,-265,-221,-227,-236,-265,-221,-265,-221,-236,-147,-265,-166,-187,-145,-137,-122,-151,-166,-192,-186,-186,-186,-198,-205,-205,-205,-205,-205,-150,-136,-256,-205,-205,-167,-154,-154,-205,-154,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-132,-172,-132,-132,-132,-132,-127,-132,-11,-5,0,0,0,-9,-11,-10,-5,-3,-2,-3,0] Fabiano Caruana : « Je pense que la prédiction la plus raisonnable est que ça va être un match nul et se jouer aux départages. »} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd2 $5 {Un nouveau coup comparé à la huitième partie du match.} (5. a3 Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 d6 7. Ne2 c5 8. Ng3 Nc6 9. Ra2 b6 10. e4 Ba6 {½-½ (45) Ding Liren (2788)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2795) WCh 2023 Astana}) 5... d5 6. a3 Be7 7. Nf3 c5 $5 {Joué en seulement 26 secondes, Nepomniachtchi n'est apparemment pas surpris par la ligne choisie par Ding Liren.} ({On rencontre plus souvent le développement avec} 7... b6 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Rc1 c5 10. dxc5 bxc5 11. Bd3 Bg4 12. h3 Bh5 {1-0 (49) Ding Liren (2806)-Praggnanandhaa,R (2642) Chessable Masters KO 2022 INT rapid}) 8. dxc5 {Selon Anish Giri : « Ding joue pour le gain. »} Bxc5 {Le maître international indien Venkat Saravanan remarquait : « C'est la deuxième fois d'affilée que Nepo joue une ouverture avec un tempo de moins !? »} 9. Qc2 {Viswanathan Anand : « Puisque les Blancs ont gagné le coup Fd2 gratuitement, peut-être qu'ils peuvent faire 9.Dc2 et 10.0-0-0!? »} dxc4 (9... Nc6 10. Rd1 (10. cxd5 exd5 11. Be2 Bg4 12. Rd1 Qe7 13. b4 Bb6 14. Na4 Ne4 15. O-O Bc7 16. Nc3 Rad8 17. Bc1 Bxf3 18. Bxf3 Qe5 19. g3 Nxc3 20. Bb2 d4 21. Bxc6 Nxd1 22. Bxd4 Nxe3 {0-1 Norman,G-Sergeant,E Christmas Congress 1926/27-07 Premier Hastings Town Hall (2)}) 10... Qe7 11. b4 Bd6 12. cxd5 exd5 13. Be2 Be6 14. Nb5 Bb8 15. Bc3 {½-½ (72) Donchenko,A (2645)-Wojtaszek,R (2700) 23rd European Teams Terme Catez SLO 2021}) 10. Bxc4 Nbd7 {Fabiano Caruana : « On dirait que Ian a égalisé sans aucun problème. »} 11. Rd1 {Ding renonce au grand roque, et donc aux idées avec un h4 quelque part.} Be7 {Avec l'idée de continuer par 12...b6, même si c'est le quatrième coup de ce Fou.} ({L'immédiat} 11... b6 {permettait} 12. Ne4 Bb7 (12... Be7 $6 13. Nfg5 $1 {avec avantage blanc.}) 13. Nxc5 {et les Blancs seraient restés avec la paire de Fous. C'est certainement ce que Ian a voulu éviter.}) 12. Ng5 $5 {Avec une question : Ding Liren veut-il tout échanger, ou tenter le tout pour le tout avec un sacrifice de pièce, en cas de 12...h6, avec 13.h4!?} (12. e4 $1 {était le coup de la machine, avec une position blanche agréable.}) 12... h6 {Si les logiciels doutent d'une telle attaque primitive, Ian Nepomniachtchi a pris son temps avant de continuer ; 10 minutes. 1h27-1h39.} 13. h4 $5 {Et Ding Liren joue son va-tout ! Fabiano Caruana : « Ding a vu dans son esprit une image de lui sacrifiant des pièces pour devenir champion du monde avec un échec et mat ! » — Anish Giri : « Ce match est complètement fou. »} Qc7 $1 {Viswanathan Anand : « Je ne suis pas fan des Cg5 et h4 de Ding. » — Romain Édouard : « Je maintiens mon pronostic : Ding va faire tapis et Nepo va gagner. Je me souviens, lorsque j'ai demandé à Topalov pourquoi il avait forcé une position nulle avec les Blancs contre Anand lors de la dernière partie de leur match, pour finir par perdre, il a simplement répondu qu'Anand était un bien meilleur joueur que lui en rapide et blitz. »} ({Le Cavalier est bien entendu imprenable pour le moment.} 13... hxg5 $2 14. hxg5 Qc7 15. gxf6 Nxf6 16. Ne4 $1 $18) 14. Be2 $5 {Après 21 minutes. 0h57-1h30. Ding Liren aurait dû prendre en compte la phrase de Nikolai Vladimirovich Krogius (1930-2022) : « Il ne faut pas laisser sa propre ambition faire des Échecs un jeu de hasard. » parce que même si tout peut encore arriver, sa position n'est pas très bonne.} (14. Bb3 Qc6 {était la suite de Sesse.net avec un petit -0.33.}) 14... Rd8 {L'idée est de placer un Cavalier en f8 et d'éliminer tous les mats en h7.} (14... b6 $1 {était plus précis selon Sesse.net.}) 15. Rc1 {Avec la menace 16.Cd5!.} Nf8 ({La première ligne de la machine était ici :} 15... Qb8 16. g4 b6 17. Nxf7 $1 Kxf7 18. g5 {avec de grandes complications.}) 16. Nge4 Nxe4 17. Nxe4 $5 (17. Qxe4 {était sans doute meilleur, avec une position proche de l'égalité selon Fabiano Caruana.}) 17... Qxc2 18. Rxc2 Bd7 {La menace d'un orage est passée et la position est égale.} 19. Bb4 $5 {Un coup inattendu, alors que le placement de la Tour en c7 semblait plus logique.} Bxb4+ 20. axb4 {Une décision audacieuse de Ding d'échanger les Fous de cases noires au prix des pions doublés. Fabiano Caruana pense que les dommages structurels sont supportables, mais s'inquiète de savoir si Ding aura le temps de consolider.} Bc6 {0h41-1h07} 21. Nc5 $5 {[%csl Gc6,Rg2] Ding Liren refuse de se contenter d'une position équilibrée et jette de l'huile sur le feu. Fabiano Caruana : « Ding prend des décisions folles et responsables alors qu'une défaite signifie la perte du match. »} Bxg2 {Ian Nepomniachtchi n'a pas hésité longtemps avant de prendre le pion généreusement offert.} 22. Rg1 Bd5 $5 {En 12 secondes seulement.} (22... Bc6 $1 {était plus précis.}) 23. e4 {En 21 secondes. Viswanathan Anand : « Les deux joueurs ont été très fragiles avec les Blancs dans les parties 13 et 14. Selon moi, il semble que le problème c'est de s'installer devant l'échiquier avec deux esprits, comme l'a si bien dit Mikhail Tal. C'est comme si votre tête voulait faire un match nul, mais que votre main décide de jouer une partie normale. »} Bc6 24. b5 {La décision de Ding Liren de jouer de manière aussi agressive semble avoir été prise avant la partie. Coûte que coûte, le Chinois cherche à maintenir la pression. Une attitude très risquée, même si Sesse.net n'accorde qu'un insignifiant -0.07 aux Noirs.} Be8 {0h40-0h43} 25. Nxb7 {Et Ding Liren récupère le pion sacrifié a tempo.} Rd4 26. Rc4 ({La machine aurait joué un « truc » bizarre par} 26. h5 $5 Rxe4 27. Nd6 Rd4 28. Nc8) 26... Rd7 27. Nc5 Rc7 (27... Rdd8 {aurait pu mener à une répétition.}) ({La variante des machines était} 27... Rd6 28. e5 Rd5 29. Ne4 $1 Rxe5 (29... Rxb5 30. Nf6+ Kh8 31. Nxe8 Rxe8 32. Rc7 Rxb2 33. Rxf7 Rb1+ 34. Bd1 g6 35. Rxa7 $11) 30. Nf6+ Kh8 31. Nxe8 Rxe8 32. Rc7 $11) 28. Rc3 {Simple et fort pour défendre le pion b5.} Rac8 29. b4 $5 (29. Nb7 $1 {était difficile à envisager pour un humain.} Rxc3 30. bxc3 Rxc3 31. Kd2 Rc7 32. Nd6 Bd7 33. h5 $11) 29... Nd7 30. Rcg3 $5 {Ding Liren prend tous les risques !} Nxc5 $5 (30... g6 $1 {était meilleur.} 31. h5 Nxc5 32. bxc5 Rxc5 33. hxg6 fxg6 $17 34. Rxg6+ $5 Bxg6 35. Rxg6+ Kf7 36. Rxh6) 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rxg7+ Kf8 33. Bd3 Rd8 34. Ke2 $2 {Une faute qui va coûter très cher au Chinois.} (34. Kd2 $1 {était le bon coup.} Bxb5 $6 (34... Rxb5 $2 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. Rxe8+ Kxe8 37. Rg8+ Ke7 38. Rxd8 Rb2+ 39. Kc3 Rxf2 40. Rh8 $16) 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. Rxd8 Kxd8 37. Bxb5 Rxb5 38. Rg8+ Ke7 39. Ra8 $11) 34... Rc3 $1 {Et Sesse.net affiche un terrible -2.50 !} 35. Rg8+ Ke7 {Ian Nepomniachtchi a remis sa veste.} 36. R1g3 e5 $2 {« Chassez le naturel, il revient au galop. » Une imprécision jouée en seulement 1 minute et 45 secondes, qui perd une grande partie de l'avantage. Une erreur récurrente chez le Russe. Fabiano Caruana : « Je pense que Ian aurait beaucoup profité d'avoir quelqu'un pour lui rappeler pendant la partie que c'est un match de championnat du monde. »} (36... Rb3 $1 37. Rh8 Rd4 38. Bc2 Rb2 39. Rc3 Rxe4+ $19 {et le Russe pouvait se préparer à être couronné champion du monde d'échecs.}) 37. Rh8 $1 Rd6 38. b6 $1 {Avec seulement 3 minutes et 21 secondes à le pendule contre 13 minutes pour les Noirs.} Rxb6 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rxb5 41. Rxc3 {Le contrôle du temps est passé, avec une heure supplémentaire. Viswanathan Anand : « Maintenant, Ding devrait pouvoir tenir assez simplement. »} Kd7 42. Rf3 Ke7 43. Rc3 a5 44. Rc7+ Kf6 45. Rc6+ Kg7 46. Ra6 Rb2+ 47. Kf3 Ra2 48. Kg3 $6 (48. h5 $1 $11 {était le plus précis.}) 48... h5 $1 49. Ra8 Ra1 {Avec, ici, une longue et inquiétante réflexion de Ding Liren.} 50. Kg2 {Après 22 minutes et 36 secondes. Ding Liren décide de ne rien faire ; c'est sans doute le mieux.} a4 51. Ra5 f6 {On remarque que si les Blancs avaient joué 48.h5!, le Roi noir serait confiné sur deux rangées. 0h18-0h50. Malgré l'infime avantage accordé aux Noirs par les machines, cette finale n'est pas si facile à défendre.} 52. Kf3 a3 53. Ra6 {Susan Polgar : « Je ne comprends vraiment pas. Même dans une position relativement inoffensive, Ding se complique la vie sans raison. C'est encore une nulle technique mais plus difficile. »} Kf7 54. Ke3 Ke8 55. Ke2 {Sans les treize parties qui ont précédé, nous serions tous convaincus de la nulle. Cependant, dans le cas présent, après plusieurs retournements de situation, nous ne sommes sûrs de rien et nous avons même l'impression que les deux joueurs peuvent gaffer horriblement.} ({Évidemment pas} 55. Rxf6 $4 a2 56. Ra6 Re1+ 57. Kd2 a1=Q {0-1}) 55... Ke7 56. Kf3 Ra2 57. Ke3 {Viswanathan Anand : « La position est toujours nulle, mais Nepo va faire en sorte que Ding prouve qu'il sait comment faire. »} Ra1 58. Ke2 Kf7 59. Kf3 Ra2 60. Ke3 Ke7 {Dans cette position en apparence anodine, les Blancs n'ont qu'un seul coup pour maintenir l'égalité.} 61. Kf3 $1 {Et c'est celui-là.} Kd7 {Cette fois il faut prendre le pion f6.} 62. Rxf6 Rb2 63. Ra6 Rb3+ {On voit à nouveau l'inconvénient pour les Blancs de ne pas avoir joué le pion en h5. L'activité de leur Roi est limité.} 64. Kg2 Kc7 {Avec encore un « seul coup » à trouver pour Ding.} 65. f4 $1 {Et c'est aussi celui-là.} (65. Ra5 $4 Kb6 66. Ra8 Kc5 $19 {et les Noirs gagnent.}) 65... exf4 66. e5 $1 {Encore un « seul coup ». « Les finales de Tours sont toujours nulles. » a dit Xavier Tartakover (1887-1956), sans doute, mais à condition de les jouer correctement.} Kb7 67. Ra4 {Fabiano Caruana : « Je ne pense pas que ce soit garanti que Ding fasse match nul dans cette partie... Les Blancs sont pratiquement au bord du gouffre !} Kc6 {Viswanathan Anand : « S'il y a un départage, cela sera sans jour de repos. Lors des matchs précédents il y avait une journée de repos avant. On peut donc ajouter l'épuisement au bilan que ce match a dû imposer aux deux joueurs. »} 68. Ra6+ $5 {Avec seulement 5 minutes (+ 30 secondes par coup) contre plus de 30 minutes pour Ian.} ({Et non pas} 68. Rxf4 $4 Kd5 69. Ra4 Kxe5 70. Kf2 Kd5 71. Ke2 Rg3 72. Kd2 a2 73. Kc2 Rg2+ 74. Kb3 Ke5 $19) ({Viswanathan Anand après 68.Ta6+!? : « Pourquoi s'embêter ?} 68. e6 $1 {et 69.Ta6+ étaient si simples. Le Roi blanc a suffisamment de cases sur la 2e rangée. La fatigue des joueurs est constamment affichée. »}) 68... Kb5 69. Ra7 Kb6 70. Ra8 Kc5 71. Ra6 {Viswanathan Anand : « Je suis épuisé rien qu'à les regarder ! »} Kb5 72. Ra7 Kb6 73. Ra8 Kc6 74. Ra6+ (74. e6 Kd6 75. Ra6+ $11) 74... Kd7 75. Kf2 Ke7 76. Kg2 Re3 77. Kf2 Rg3 78. Kf1 Rc3 79. Kf2 Re3 80. Kg2 Kd7 81. Kf2 Kc7 82. e6 {Depuis plusieurs coups Ding Liren joue très vite et remonte au temps avec 8 minutes contre 13 pour Ian Nepomniachtchi.} Kd8 83. Ra7 Ke8 84. Kg2 Rxe6 85. Rxa3 Rg6+ 86. Kf2 Rg4 87. Ra5 Rxh4 88. Kf3 Ke7 89. Rf5 Ke6 90. Rxf4 Rxf4+ {Il ne fait aucun doute que Ian Nepomniachtchi, emporté par son élan, a joué de manière désinvolte et a laissé passer une occasion d'être sacré champion du monde avec son 36...e5?. La dernière partie classique entre le Russe Ian Nepomniachtchi et le Chinois Ding Liren s'étant achevée sur un match nul, le titre de champion du monde se jouera donc dimanche 30 avril en quatre parties rapides, voire en blitz si affinités.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.29"] [Round "14"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E46"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "rafael"] [PlyCount "180"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,180,19,21,25,-7,10,10,33,26,26,34,31,19,33,28,28,28,28,14,36,27,24,18,40,-6,-9,-21,-67,-78,-43,-43,20,17,-37,-33,-28,-27,-26,-47,-50,-51,-52,-102,-102,-102,-52,-52,-52,-39,-44,-37,-43,-39,-40,-28,-28,-46,-44,-66,-68,-93,-84,-89,-85,-85,-93,-103,-58,-82,-85,-86,-86,-91,-64,-50,-72,-79,-77,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-74,-75,-75,-74,-75,-67,-67,-65,-74,-81,-81,-95,-94,-115,-134,-134,-142,-164,-167,-167,-212,-248,-248,-265,-265,-265,-166,-265,-221,-265,-236,-225,-224,-265,-224,-265,-224,-224,-147,-265,-178,-177,-122,-129,-136,-169,-169,-186,-167,-167,-167,-167,-154,-205,-167,-154,-154,-154,-154,-244,-154,-154,-153,-153,-154,-154,-154,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-132,-172,-132,-132,-131,-132,-126,-132,0,0,0,0,0,-10,-3,-3,-2,-3,-3,-2,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd2 {Once again a new opening is played in the match.} d5 6. a3 {A somewhat offbeat move order, but it has been played by Ding and other elite players. 6.Nf3 is more popular.} (6. Nf3) 6... Be7 7. Nf3 c5 {Nepomniachtchi chooses the second most popular move, immediately hitting the center and inviting exchanges.} (7... b6 {was played against Ding in a rapid game in 2022.} 8. cxd5 exd5 9. Rc1 c5 10. dxc5 bxc5 11. Bd3 Bg4 {Black has a good position, but White eventually won the game. Ding-Praggnanandhaa, Chessable Masters (rapid) 2022.}) 8. dxc5 Bxc5 {This is a typical position from the Queen's Gambit when White's bishop is on f4, obviously a better square. With the bishop on d2, the chances of an advantage are more limited.} 9. Qc2 dxc4 {This natural move is a new one. The trend of the match is seen once again: the game is out of the known theoretical paths early on, even when a major opening is played.} (9... Nc6 10. Rd1 Qe7 {was played in Donchenko-Wojtaszek, Terme Catez 2021.}) 10. Bxc4 Nbd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An accurate move. This is the best way to develop the pieces.} (10... b6 $6 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 11. Ne4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is unpleasant.}) (10... Nc6 $6 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 11. Rd1 Qe7 12. Ne4 {is better for White. This plan with Ne4-Bc3 is a good way to give life to the bishop on d2.}) 11. Rd1 Be7 $6 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move is not the best. Black should not lose time before finishing development.} (11... b6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better.} 12. Ne4 Bb7 $1 {[%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black allows the bishop to be captured in order to accelerate the development.} 13. Nxc5 Nxc5 14. Bc3 Qe7 {The knight goes to e4 and the position is equal.}) 12. Ng5 $6 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] The start of a superficial plan. The best way to fight for the initiative is to play with e3-e4, either immediately or after castling.} (12. e4 {White opens the diagonal of the bishop and prepares e4-e5.} Qc7 {This is nearly forced, in order to avoid the advance of the e-pawn.} 13. Nb5 Qb8 {Here White has many possible ways to play. The position is very rich.}) (12. O-O {Maybe this is even more accurate, following my motto: \"when in doubt, just castle.\" The plan is e3-e4 next.}) 12... h6 13. h4 {Ding has already played a similar plan in this match, when in the eighth game, also a Nimzo-Indian, he left a bishop hanging on g5. In that game, the h4-move was more dangerous. Here the knight on g5 is not particularly dangerous and Black can develop the pieces without major worries.} (13. Nge4 b6 {is good for Black as well.}) 13... Qc7 14. Be2 (14. Bb3 {looks more natural, keeping some pressure on e6 and threatening some Nd5 tricks. However, after} Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black has a good position.} (14... b6 $4 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 15. Nd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]})) 14... Rd8 $6 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A natural defending move, planning to bring the knight to f8 and to protect the king. But there's a better option.} (14... b6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 15. Rc1 Qb8 $1 {[%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is an important and difficult move since it places the queen in an unnatural square. If White follows the attack with} 16. Nce4 Bb7 17. Nxf6+ Nxf6 18. Bc3 {Black gets a good position after} Rc8 $1 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 15. Rc1 {Unpinning the c3-knight.} Nf8 {Following the plan started with the previous move.} (15... b6 $6 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 16. Nd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 16. Nge4 Nxe4 17. Nxe4 (17. Qxe4 {Capturing with the queen is also possible.} Qd6 18. Rc2 Bd7 19. Qxb7 Bc6 20. Qa6 Bxg2 21. Qxd6 Bxd6 22. Rg1 Bb7 {with an equal endgame.}) 17... Qxc2 18. Rxc2 Bd7 19. Bb4 $6 {[%c_effect b4;square;b4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (19. Rc7 Rab8 20. Nc5 Rbc8 $1 {[%c_effect c8;square;c8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 21. Rxc8 Bxc8 {is close to a draw, but Black has the more comfortable position.}) 19... Bxb4+ 20. axb4 Bc6 21. Nc5 $6 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] White is in trouble after this move.} (21. Bf3 Ng6 22. Nd2 Ne5 23. Bxc6 Nxc6 24. b5 {The position is better for Black and it looks dangerous to the human eyes, but the machine shows a draw can be achieved.}) 21... Bxg2 22. Rg1 Bd5 (22... Bc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is the most precise way to continue.} 23. b5 Bd5 24. e4 b6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the point.} 25. exd5 bxc5 26. Rxc5 exd5 {with good winning chances for Black.}) 23. e4 Bc6 24. b5 Be8 25. Nxb7 Rd4 {White has not equalized yet and the position is still dangerous.} 26. Rc4 (26. Nc5 $2 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Rb4 {loses a pawn.}) 26... Rd7 27. Nc5 Rc7 (27... Rd6 $5 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is also possible.} 28. e5 (28. Rc3 Ng6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 28... Rd5 29. Ne4 $1 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] with good drawing chances, for instance:} Ng6 (29... Rxe5 30. Nf6+ Kh8 31. Nxe8 Rxe8 32. Rc7) 30. h5 Nxe5 31. Nf6+ Kf8 32. Nxd5 Nxc4 33. Nc7 $1 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rc8 34. Nxe8 Kxe8 35. Rxg7) 28. Rc3 Rac8 29. b4 Nd7 30. Rcg3 $2 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] A serious mistake.} (30. Kd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nxc5 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rgc1 Rxc3 33. Rxc3 Rb8 (33... Rxc3 34. Kxc3 {White's king is too active and guarantees a draw.}) 34. Rc5 {White can continue with f4,e5,Kc3 with an active position and a likely draw.}) 30... Nxc5 $6 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (30... g6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better. Black wins a pawn and gets serious chances in the endgame. If White decides to exchange knights, then after} 31. Nxd7 Rxd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 32. Bd3 Rd4 {the position falls apart.}) 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rxg7+ Kf8 33. Bd3 Rd8 $6 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (33... Ke7 {is a natural way to play.} 34. Rg8 Rc3 35. Kd2 Ra3 {White still has to solve some problems before getting a draw.}) 34. Ke2 $2 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This mistake places Ding on the verge of defeat.} (34. Kd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Bxb5 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. Rxd8 Kxd8 37. Bxb5 Rxb5 38. Rg8+ Ke7 39. Ra8 {with the same ending we will see later in the game.}) 34... Rc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. R1g3 e5 $2 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This throws away a big portion of the advantage.} (36... Rdxd3 $2 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The idea is to capture on b5 on the next move, but it doesn't work due to} 37. Rxe8+ $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Kxe8 38. Rxd3 {with a draw.}) (36... Rb3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black improves the rook and prepares to bring the other one with Rd4. The position is probably lost for White, for example:} 37. Rh8 Rd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 38. Rxh6 $2 {[%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Rdxd3 39. Rxd3 Bxb5) 37. Rh8 Rd6 (37... Rb3 38. Rgg8 $1 {[%c_effect g8;square;g8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rb2+ 39. Ke3 Rb3 40. Ke2 {White is saved.}) 38. b6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent move, forcing a rook endgame that should be a draw.} Rxb6 (38... axb6 {is possible, but also a draw.} 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rcc6 41. Rg8+ Ke7 42. Bxc6 Rxc6 43. Rb8 {White's rook is too active.}) 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rxb5 41. Rxc3 {With an active rook and some weaknesses to attack, White should be able to make a draw. This is never very easy in practice, but Ding certainly was relieved when this endgame arrived on the board.} Kd7 42. Rf3 Ke7 43. Rc3 a5 44. Rc7+ Kf6 45. Rc6+ Kg7 46. Ra6 {As every schoolboy knows, the rook should be placed behind the passed pawn.} Rb2+ 47. Kf3 Ra2 48. Kg3 (48. h5 {Deserves consideration.}) 48... h5 49. Ra8 Ra1 50. Kg2 a4 51. Ra5 f6 52. Kf3 a3 53. Ra6 Kf7 54. Ke3 (54. Kg2 {I expected the king to go back to this file, but I guess it doesn't make much difference.}) 54... Ke8 (54... Rh1 55. Rxa3 Rxh4 56. Ra8 {This endgame is very easy for White to defend.}) 55. Ke2 Ke7 56. Kf3 Ra2 57. Ke3 Ra1 58. Ke2 Kf7 59. Kf3 Ra2 60. Ke3 Ke7 61. Kf3 {At this moment I thought the game wouldn´t last long, but there are some practical chances left.} Kd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi gives the f6-pawn as a last attempt to create winning chances.} 62. Rxf6 Rb2 63. Ra6 Rb3+ 64. Kg2 Kc7 65. f4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only drawing move. White must create counterplay before the opponent's king comes to the queenside.} exf4 66. e5 Kb7 67. Ra4 Kc6 68. Ra6+ {Also leads to a draw. A possible continuation is:} (68. Rxf4 $2 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Kd5 {is winning for Black.}) (68. e6 Kd6 69. Ra6+ Ke7 70. Kf2 Kf6 71. Kg2 Re3 72. Kf2 Kf5 73. e7 Rxe7 74. Rxa3 Kg4 75. Ra8 Kxh4 76. Rg8 {with a theoretical draw.}) 68... Kb5 69. Ra7 Kb6 70. Ra8 Kc5 71. Ra6 Kb5 72. Ra7 Kb6 73. Ra8 Kc6 74. Ra6+ Kd7 75. Kf2 Ke7 76. Kg2 Re3 77. Kf2 {Black is unable to make progress.} Rg3 78. Kf1 Rc3 79. Kf2 Re3 80. Kg2 Kd7 81. Kf2 Kc7 82. e6 Kd8 83. Ra7 Ke8 84. Kg2 {The draw is clear now.} Rxe6 85. Rxa3 Rg6+ 86. Kf2 Rg4 87. Ra5 Rxh4 88. Kf3 Ke7 89. Rf5 Ke6 90. Rxf4 Rxf4+ {A fitting end to the magnificent classical part of the match. The games had many mistakes, this is true, but both players went for the win in every game, they gave their hearts and won many fans around the world during this duel. To me it's a pity that all this will come to an end with rapid games, but I suppose there's no better way to decide the winner. I'm sure tomorrow will be full of thrillers and I want to say thanks and good luck to both players.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Nepo - Ding, WCC 2023: Game 14 - Liren v"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.29"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E46"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/rowrulz"] [PlyCount "163"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,163,25,32,38,26,4,4,31,31,23,17,17,21,28,30,29,26,18,24,24,18,14,16,51,0,0,-24,-31,-43,-43,-37,-7,-12,-12,-32,-27,-27,-20,-53,-52,-52,-52,-105,-101,-83,-44,-44,-44,-46,-44,-44,-44,-44,-44,-44,-49,-61,-31,-65,-74,-86,-101,-101,-101,-101,-106,-106,-58,-81,-95,-103,-88,-117,-72,-72,-72,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-75,-67,-69,-81,-78,-69,-78,-81,-102,-110,-124,-123,-124,-123,-193,-183,-183,-180,-265,-265,-265,-265,-265,-197,-265,-232,-265,-233,-236,-235,-265,-220,-265,-233,-235,-147,-265,-169,-164,-136,-136,-137,-166,-158,-154,-154,-154,-153,-153,-154,-154,-153,-153,-154,-153,-157,-244,-154,-154,-153,-153,-153,-154,-153,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-172,-132,-126]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 {[%emt 0:00:08] Ding returns to the Nimzo which he tested in game} Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd2 {No 5.a3 this time. 5.Bd2 is a quiet looking move which I think used to be considered a bit naive, but is now considered a fighting choice} d5 6. a3 (6. Nf3 {Is much more common} b6 7. cxd5 exd5 8. Bd3 Bb7 9. O-O Nbd7 10. Rc1 a6 11. Ne5 {Is a typical line}) 6... Be7 (6... Bxc3 7. Bxc3 Ne4 8. Rc1 $14) 7. Nf3 c5 {Black forces the issue} (7... b6 {Would lead to very tense fighting positions}) 8. dxc5 (8. cxd5 cxd4 9. Nxd4 exd5 10. Bd3 Nc6 11. O-O {Would be one natural continuation}) 8... Bxc5 9. Qc2 (9. b4 Be7 10. cxd5 exd5 11. Bd3 Nc6 12. b5 Na5 13. Nd4 Nc4 14. O-O Bg4 {Looks fine for black}) 9... dxc4 10. Bxc4 Nbd7 {Caruana: Nepo has equalised very comfortably.} 11. Rd1 Be7 {Played after 3 minutes} (11... b6 12. Ne4 Bb7 13. Nxc5 Nxc5 14. Bc3 Qe7 {Black's pieces are active enough to compensate for the bishop pair}) 12. Ng5 $2 {This just doesn't seem to work} (12. e4 {This appears to be the way to go but requires white to play sharply and accurately after ...Qc7} Qc7 13. Nb5 Qb8 14. O-O Ne5 15. Be2) 12... h6 13. h4 (13. Nge4 {This operation makes no sense} b6 14. O-O Bb7 {[%csl Rd2] With white's misplaced d2 bishop black could take over the initiative}) 13... Qc7 $1 (13... b6 $2 14. Nce4 Bb7 15. Nxf6+ Nxf6 16. Bc3 $18 {[%CAl Gc3f6,Gc2h7]}) 14. Be2 {Ding abandons any attacking play and looks to minimise the damage} (14. Bb3 Qc6 {Defending against Nd5 ideas and attacking g2} (14... b6 $2 15. Nd5 $1) 15. e4 (15. Nf3 {Would be strategic defeat though perhaps not objectively a complete disaster yet !})) (14. Ba2 b6 15. Bb1 Qc6 {cutting out Nd5. If white can't attack here then his position risks becoming a shambles with the king in the centre and black ready to play a bunch of natural strengthening moves, not to mention the pressure on g2} (15... Bb7 $2 16. Nd5 $1) 16. Nge4 Ba6 $17) 14... Rd8 15. Rc1 {Protecting the queen} Nf8 (15... Qb8 {The engine prefers to keep queens on the board - here things could get a bit wild after} 16. g4 b6 17. Nxf7 $1 Kxf7 18. g5) 16. Nge4 Nxe4 17. Nxe4 (17. Qxe4) 17... Qxc2 18. Rxc2 Bd7 {The position is perhaps slightly easier for black to play} 19. Bb4 $6 {This doesn't seem necessary} (19. h5 {Prepares castles now the h-pawn is not attacked} Bc6 (19... Rac8 20. Rxc8 Rxc8 21. Bc3 f5 22. Nd2 Nh7) 20. Bf3 Nd7 21. Bc3 Rac8 22. O-O) (19. Rc7 Rab8) 19... Bxb4+ 20. axb4 Bc6 21. Nc5 (21. Bf3 Ng6 {is a bit awkward for white with ...Ne5 in the air}) 21... Bxg2 22. Rg1 Bd5 (22... Bc6 $5 {contains an interesting tactical point} 23. b5 Bd5 24. e4 b6 $1 25. exd5 bxc5 26. Rxc5 Rxd5 27. Rxd5 exd5 $17 {White faces an uphill battle to draw} 28. Kd2 {[%CAl Gg1a1]} Rb8 $1 {Black prepares to defend the pawn from the side} 29. Ra1 Rb7 30. Ra6 Ne6) 23. e4 Bc6 (23... b6 24. exd5 bxc5 25. bxc5 exd5 26. b4 {white gets compensation for the pawn}) 24. b5 Be8 {after a 13 minute think} (24... Bd7 25. Nxb7 Rdc8 26. Rxc8 Rxc8 27. Kd2 {White could end up better here if white stabilises a knight on d6}) 25. Nxb7 Rd4 {White has several ways to sacrifice a pawn here or can choose the more solid Rc4} (25... Rd7 26. Na5 Ng6) 26. Rc4 (26. h5 Rxe4 27. Nd6 Rd4 28. Nc8 {with a curious position!}) (26. f3 $2 Rb8 27. Nc5 Bxb5 $17) (26. e5 Rxh4 27. Rg3 Ng6 28. Rc5 {white's pieces are becoming active, but everything is very comcrete}) 26... Rd7 {...Rc4...Rd7 is quite subtle and the engine's choice. The white rook has been dragged to c4 which makes some differences} (26... Rxc4 27. Bxc4 {Looks fine for white}) 27. Nc5 Rc7 28. Rc3 Rac8 (28... Ng6 29. Na6 (29. Rxg6 $5 fxg6 30. Nxe6)) 29. b4 (29. Nb7 Rxc3 30. bxc3 Rxc3 31. Kd2) 29... Nd7 30. Rcg3 (30. Kd2 Nxc5 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rgc1 Rxc3 33. Rxc3 Rb8 34. Rc5 Kf8 35. e5 Bd7) 30... Nxc5 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rxg7+ Kf8 33. Bd3 Rd8 34. Ke2 $6 (34. Kd2 $1) 34... Rc3 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. R1g3 e5 $6 (36... Rb3 $1 {would have left white on the brink}) 37. Rh8 Rd6 (37... Rb3 38. Rgg8 $10) 38. b6 Rxb6 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rxb5 41. Rxc3 {The commentary was frankly annoying at this stage talking about the position like it is an easy draw. The game shows it was anything but} Kd7 42. Rf3 Ke7 43. Rc3 a5 44. Rc7+ Kf6 45. Rc6+ Kg7 46. Ra6 (46. h5) 46... Rb2+ 47. Kf3 Ra2 48. Kg3 h5 49. Ra8 Ra1 50. Kg2 a4 51. Ra5 f6 52. Kf3 a3 53. Ra6 Kf7 54. Ke3 Ke8 55. Ke2 Ke7 56. Kf3 Ra2 57. Ke3 Ra1 58. Ke2 Kf7 59. Kf3 Ra2 60. Ke3 Ke7 61. Kf3 {only move, though an obvious one} (61. Ra7+ $2 Kd6 62. Ra6+ Kc5 63. Rxf6 Rc2 64. Ra6 a2 {[%CAl Gc5b4,Gb4b3] black wins}) (61. f3 $2 Kd7 62. Kd3 Ra1 63. Kc2 a2 64. Kb2 Rf1 65. Rxa2 Rxf3 $19) 61... Kd7 62. Rxf6 Rb2 63. Ra6 Rb3+ 64. Kg2 Kc7 65. f4 $1 {only move !} exf4 66. e5 Kb7 67. Ra4 Kc6 68. Ra6+ (68. e6 {also draws} Kd6 69. Ra6+ Ke7 70. Kf2 Kf6 71. Kg2 Re3 72. Kf2 Kf5 73. e7 Kg4 74. Rxa3 Rxe7 {is a tablebase draw but defending this f+h endgame 2 pawns down is no-one's idea of fun !}) (68. Rxf4 $2 Kd5 {seems to be winning for black - thought it's still tricky} 69. Kf2 Kxe5 70. Ra4 Rb2+ 71. Ke3 a2 72. Ra7 Kd5 73. Kd3 Rh2 74. Ra5+ Kd6 75. Kc3 Ke6 76. Kb3 Kf6 77. Kc3 Rh3+ 78. Kb2 Rxh4 79. Kxa2 Kg6) 68... Kb5 (68... Kd5 69. e6 Re3 70. Kf2) 69. Ra7 Kb6 (69... Kc4 70. e6 Re3 71. e7 Kb3 72. Rb7+ Ka2 73. Kf2 {looks scary for white but black can't make progress}) 70. Ra8 Kc5 71. Ra6 Kb5 72. Ra7 Kb6 73. Ra8 Kc6 {Nepo sets a trap} 74. Ra6+ (74. Ra7 $2 Kd5 75. Ra5+ Ke6 76. Kf2 Kf5 {is winning for black}) 74... Kd7 75. Kf2 Ke7 76. Kg2 Re3 77. Kf2 Rg3 78. Kf1 Rh3 79. Kf2 Re3 80. Kg2 Kd7 81. Kf2 Kc7 82. e6 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "15.1"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c3 $5 c5 4. dxc5 e6 5. Be3 Be7 6. g3 Nc6 (6... a5 7. c4 O-O 8. Bg2 Na6 9. Nc3 Ng4 10. Bd4 {0-1 Tabatabaei,M (2623)-Donchenko,A (2636) Rapid Swiss INT 2022}) (6... O-O 7. Bg2 a5 8. O-O Na6 9. c4 Nxc5 (9... dxc4 10. Na3 Nd5 11. Bd4 f6 12. e4 Ndb4 13. e5 Nd3 14. exf6 Bxf6 15. Bxf6 Qxf6 {0-1 Rapport,R (2735)-Shankland,S (2731) Saint Louis Champions Showdown rapid 2019}) 10. Nc3 b6 (10... dxc4 11. Ne5 Bd7 12. Qd4 {1-0 Kramnik,V (2753)-Gelfand,B (2669) Levitov Chess 2022 INT blitz}) 11. cxd5 Nxd5 12. Nxd5 exd5 13. Nd4 Bb7 14. Rc1 Rc8 15. Nf5 Bf6 16. Bd4 Re8 17. Ne3 {½-½ Nogerbek,K (2474)-Dubov,D (2708) Titled Tue INT blitz 2023}) 7. Bg2 O-O 8. b4 Ng4 9. Bd4 Qc7 (9... e5 10. h3 $16) 10. O-O e5 11. h3 exd4 12. hxg4 dxc3 13. Nxc3 Nxb4 {Ding Liren joue pratiquement tout a tempo. Le Chinois doit sans doute être dans sa préparation ou, dans tous les cas, dans des positions qu'il connait.} 14. a3 Bf6 {0h24-0h20} 15. Rc1 Bxc3 16. Rxc3 Nc6 {[%csl Rd5,Rg4][%CAl Yc8g4,Yd1d5] Avec une première longue réflexion de Ding.} 17. Qxd5 $5 (17. g5 $1 Rd8 18. Qa4 $14) 17... Bxg4 18. Ng5 {0h16-0h20, mais Nepo marque à son tour une pause dans cette position. Les Blancs rêvent de jouer leur Fou, placer le Roi en g2 et mettre la Tour en h1.} h6 {0h16-0h16} 19. Ne4 Rae8 (19... Bxe2 20. Re1 Bg4 21. Nd6 $16) 20. e3 Re5 21. Qd2 Rd8 $6 {Avec un avantage pour les Blancs.} (21... Bh3 $1 {Un superbe coup défensif !} 22. Nd6 Bxg2 23. Kxg2 $11) 22. Nd6 $1 {Nepomniachtchi fait la grimace.} Rh5 23. Rb1 $2 {La position se retourne après cette faute.} (23. Qc2 $1 $16) (23. Rfc1 $5 $14) 23... Ne5 $1 {Ce sont les Noirs qui attaquent maintenant !} 24. e4 b6 $1 25. cxb6 axb6 26. Nb5 $1 {La meilleure défense.} ({La prise de la Dame perd sur} 26. Rxc7 $4 Nf3+ 27. Bxf3 (27. Kf1 Nxd2+ 28. Ke1 Nxb1 $19) 27... Bxf3 {[%CAl Yh5h1] et mat à suivre.}) 26... Rxd2 {Avec 6 minutes pour les Blancs et 9 minutes pour les Noirs.} 27. Nxc7 {[%csl Yf2][%CAl Yc7d5,Yd5e3,Ye3g4,Ye3f5,Ye5d3,Yd3f2,Yd2f2]} Bh3 (27... Nd3 $5) 28. Bxh3 Rxh3 $11 29. Kg2 {Avec 3 minutes et 24 secondes.} (29. Rxb6 $4 Rd1+ 30. Kg2 Rdh1 {[%csl Ge5,Rf3]} 31. g4 R1h2+ 32. Kg1 Rxc3 $19) 29... Rh5 {Avec 7 minutes et 22 secondes.} 30. Rb5 Rd1 31. Nd5 Rdh1 32. Ne7+ Kh7 33. Rxe5 $1 R1h2+ 34. Kg1 Rh1+ 35. Kg2 {Une belle partie où les deux joueurs ont des chances de prendre l'avantage.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "15.2"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "94"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "eurpe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 {Une anti-Marshall que nous avons déjà vue dans le match.} b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 Bd7 9. h3 O-O 10. Be3 $5 Na5 11. Ba2 bxa4 12. Bd2 $5 {Un nouveau coup.} (12. Nc3 Rb8 13. Bb1 c5 14. Nxa4 Nc6 15. Bc1 c4 16. Nc3 cxd3 17. cxd3 Nb4 18. d4 Qc7 19. Bg5 h6 20. Bh4 Rfe8 21. Bg3 Bf8 22. Qd2 Rb7 23. Rc1 Qb8 24. Qd1 Bc6 25. Ra5 Qd8 26. Ra1 Qb8 27. Ra5 Qd8 28. Ra1 {½-½ Safarli,E (2694)-Tomashevsky,E (2722) EU-Cup 32nd Novi Sad 2016 (4.4)}) 12... Nc6 13. Nc3 {Menace de récupérer son pion en a4. Ding Liren prend une longue respiration et Ian Nepomniachtchi va faire un tour.} Rb8 $5 {0h25-0h20.} (13... Nd4 14. Bc4 Qe8 {était la ligne informatique avec égalité.}) 14. Nxa4 {[%csl Yb2]} Nd4 {[%csl Ra4,Ya6,Gd7][%CAl Yd7a4] Daniil Dubov à propos du choix d'ouverture de Ding : « 1...e5 est juste une ouverture solide qu'il a appris à jouer, mais je n'ai pas l'impression qu'il se sente chez lui avec ce coup. »} 15. Bc4 {[%csl Ya6] Alors que Ding Liren cherche ses coups, Nepo joue avec une grande facilité.} c6 {0h22-0h16 et une première réflexion du Russe. Faut-il prendre en a6 ?} 16. Nxd4 exd4 17. Bf4 {Les Blancs ont une bonne position ; seul le Cavalier en a4 est mal placé.} Be6 $5 {0h18-0h14} (17... c5 $5 18. b3 Bc6 19. Nb2 $14) 18. Re1 a5 {Pour éviter d'avoir à calculer sans cesse la prise en a6.} 19. Qf3 Rb7 {Retire la Tour de la diagonale du Fou.} 20. e5 Nd5 $6 (20... Bd5 $1 {était le coup de la machine, avec une position proche de l'égalité.}) 21. exd6 $6 {Ce n'est pas le plus précis.} (21. Bg3 $1 $16) 21... Bxd6 22. Bxd6 Qxd6 23. Qe4 Nf4 {0h13-0h10} (23... Nb4 $5 $11) 24. Qe5 Qxe5 25. Rxe5 Bxc4 26. dxc4 {Avec égalité selon Sesse.net.} Rb4 $1 {La bonne idée !} 27. Rc5 d3 $1 {La suite. Ian n'a qu'un seul coup.} 28. cxd3 $1 Nxd3 {Tous les pions de l'aile-Dame vont disparaitre et la partie se diriger vers la nulle.} 29. Rxc6 Ne5 30. Rc7 Nxc4 31. Nc5 Nxb2 (31... Rxb2 $4 32. Nd7 $18) 32. Nd7 Re8 33. Rxa5 {Viswanathan Anand : « L'avantage était soigneusement caché. Nepo avait besoin de beaucoup plus de précision pour extraire quelque chose. »} Nd3 {Avec 6 minutes chacun.} 34. Rg5 {[%csl Re8,Gg5,Rg8][%CAl Yd7f6,Yf6e8,Yf6g8]} Rf4 {[%csl Rf2] Attaque et défend à la fois.} 35. f3 h6 36. Rd5 Nb4 37. Rd6 Rf5 $1 {[%CAl Yf5d7] Prépare le retour de son Cavalier ou l'échange des Tours.} 38. Rb7 Rd5 39. Rdb6 Rd8 40. Nf6+ gxf6 41. Rxb4 Rd4 42. Rxd4 Rxd4 43. Kh2 Kg7 44. Rb2 Rd5 45. Ra2 Rd4 46. Rb2 Rd5 47. Ra2 Rd4 {Une belle défense de la part de Ding Liren.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "15.3"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A14"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 e6 4. O-O Be7 5. c4 O-O 6. b3 c5 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Bb2 Nc6 9. d4 cxd4 10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. Qxd4 Bf6 12. Qd2 Nf4 {Tout est connu et a été joué plusieurs fois.} 13. gxf4 Qxd2 14. Nxd2 Bxb2 15. Rad1 Bf6 $5 (15... Rb8 {est généralement préféré.} 16. Nc4 Bf6 17. Nd6 b6 18. Be4 Rd8 19. Nxc8 Rbxc8 20. Rxd8+ Bxd8 21. Rd1 Bf6 22. Rd7 a5 23. e3 g6 24. Rb7 Bd8 25. Bd3 Kf8 26. Bc4 a4 27. Kg2 axb3 28. axb3 {½-½ Nakamura,H (2768)-So,W (2766) Airthings Masters INT rapid 2023}) 16. Nc4 {Selon Kevin Bordi et Fabien Libiszewski, Ding Liren est très fort dans ce type de positions.} Rb8 17. Ne5 {Bien que les machines affichent 0.00, il ne faut pas négliger la force du Fou en g2, alors que le Fou en c8 ne joue pas pour l'instant.} Rd8 {Nigel Short : « Un peu désagréable. Je n'aimerais pas avoir cette position face à Ulf Andersson. »} 18. Rxd8+ Bxd8 19. Rd1 Be7 20. Nd7 {Après ce coup, Ding Liren a quitté la table. Apparemment il a confiance en sa position.} Bxd7 21. Rxd7 Kf8 22. Bxb7 {Les Blancs ont gagné un pion, même si avec les Fous de couleur opposée, en cas d'échange des Tours, il ne servirait à rien.} Rd8 {Nigel Short : « Je ne l'aimerais pas non plus face à Anatoly Karpov, Vladimir Kramnik, Magnus Carlsen ou Ding Liren. »} 23. Rc7 a5 {Tant que les Tours restent sur l'échiquier les Blancs conservent de petites chances de gain.} 24. Rc4 {Après 6 minutes et 42 secondes.} Bb4 {En 14 secondes. 0h12-0h15} 25. Rc2 Rd2 26. Rxd2 Bxd2 27. e3 Bb4 28. Kf1 Ke7 29. Ke2 Kd6 30. Kd3 {La nulle se profile.} Be1 31. Ke2 Bb4 32. Kd3 Be1 33. Ke2 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Championship 2023"] [Site "Astana"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "15.4"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Europe-Echecs"] [PlyCount "136"] [EventDate "2023.04.09"] [EventType "match"] [EventCountry "KAZ"] [SourceTitle "europe-echecs.com"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceQuality "1"] {Quatrième et dernière partie rapide en 25 minutes + 10 secondes par coup. — Viswanathan Anand : « Ce serait un excellent moment pour Ding pour naviguer avec succès dans l'ouverture. Il a travaillé assez dur avec les Noirs. »} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 Bd7 9. h3 O-O 10. Be3 Na5 11. Ba2 bxa4 12. Nc3 $5 Rb8 13. Bb1 $5 {Un peu étrange, mais déjà joué.} Qe8 $5 {Surpris par le coup précédent du Russe, le Chinois innove avec la première ligne de l'ordinateur.} (13... c5 14. Nxa4 Nc6 (14... Qc7 15. Nd2 (15. Bd2 Nc6 16. Ba2 Nd4 17. Nxd4 cxd4 18. Bc4 Nxe4 19. Ba5 Qxa5 20. dxe4 Qc7 {½-½ Sutovsky,E (2673)-Wagner,D (2487) EU-ch 14th Legnica 2013}) 15... d5 16. Bg5 d4 17. c3 Bb5 18. Qf3 h6 19. Bh4 Rfc8 20. Rc1 Qd8 21. Bg3 {1-0 Guseinov,G (2634)-Matlakov,M (2689) FIDE World Cup Baku 2015}) 15. Bc1 c4 16. Nc3 cxd3 17. cxd3 Nb4 18. d4 Qc7 19. Bg5 h6 20. Bh4 Rfe8 21. Bg3 Bf8 22. Qd2 Rb7 23. Rc1 Qb8 24. Qd1 Bc6 25. Ra5 Qd8 26. Ra1 Qb8 27. Ra5 Qd8 28. Ra1 {½-½ Safarli,E (2694)-Tomashevsky,E (2722) EU-Cup Novi Sad 2016}) 14. b3 c5 15. Nxa4 Nc6 16. Nc3 $6 (16. c3 $5) 16... a5 $5 (16... Qc8 $1 {et la machine préférait les Noirs.}) 17. Nd2 {Les pièces blanches semblent se marcher dessus, mais ce ne devrait être que temporaire.} Be6 {Avec un -0.50.} 18. Nc4 d5 $6 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Bd2 $2 {A tempo, mais faux ! La pression devient sans doute trop forte à supporter.} (20. Nxd5 $1 Bxd5 21. c3 {avec égalité.}) 20... Nxc3 $6 (20... Nf4 $1 {et -1.22 !} 21. Bxf4 exf4) 21. Bxc3 Bxc4 22. bxc4 {Quelle tristesse pour le Fou en b1.} Bd8 23. Bd2 {Les Noirs sont bien.} Bc7 24. c3 {Nepo tente de ressusciter son Fou en b1.} f5 {Nous serions étonnés que cette partie s'achève par la nulle.} 25. Re1 $5 Rd8 {Plutôt que la Dame, les Noirs envisagent peut-être de passer leur Tour sur l'aile-Roi.} 26. Ra2 {Daniil Dubov : « La bonne nouvelle pour Ding, c'est que la plupart des choses qu'il aurait pu faire de mal, il les a déjà faites. En pratique, ici vous prenez les Noirs. Vos coup sont simples. »} Qg6 27. Qe2 Qd6 {[%csl Gc7,Gd6][%CAl Yd6h2] 0h15-0h13} 28. g3 Rde8 29. Qf3 $1 {Menace d'échanger les Dames en d5.} e4 $5 {Logique même si les machines doutent de cette idée.} 30. dxe4 {Le Fou en b1 revient à la vie !} Ne5 31. Qg2 {Sesse.net donne un avantage de +0.30 à Nepo.} Nd3 {Est-ce que Nepo va accepter de se séparer du Fou qui retrouvait une belle diagonale ?} (31... Kh8 $1 32. f4 Nxc4 33. e5 Qb6 {était la ligne informatique avec un très léger avantage blanc.}) 32. Bxd3 $1 Qxd3 33. exf5 Rxe1+ 34. Bxe1 Qxc4 35. Ra1 Rxf5 {Et l'équilibre matériel est rétabli. 0h12-0h06} 36. Bd2 h6 37. Qc6 {Le calme est revenu, mais la position conserve du venin ; les Noirs possèdent un pion en a5 qui compte.} Rf7 {Avec 10 minutes contre 3 minutes et 43 secondes.} 38. Re1 Kh7 39. Be3 Be5 {6 minutes et 30 secondes vs 3 minutes et 17 secondes.} 40. Qe8 Bxc3 41. Rc1 Rf6 $1 {Ding Liren est sur le fil du rasoir. — Daniil Dubov : « C'est l'un des moments les plus brillants de Ding : jouer ...Fxc3 suivi du seul coup ...Tf6. »} 42. Qd7 Qe2 $1 {Seul coup de défense qui menace de plus 43...Fe1! qui gagne.} 43. Qd5 $1 Bb4 {Avec 1 minute et 33 secondes.} 44. Qe4+ Kg8 45. Qd5+ {Avec un pion de moins, Nepo n'a peut-être pas d'autres choix que de répéter la position.} Kh7 46. Qe4+ Rg6 $5 {Quelle prise de risque de la part de Ding !} 47. Qf5 $6 c4 $1 {Ding Liren tente sa chance, certainement pour éviter les blitz.} 48. h4 $2 {La faute !} Qd3 $1 {Avec -3.30 ! Ding Liren est sur le point d'être champion du monde !} 49. Qf3 Rf6 50. Qg4 c3 51. Rd1 Qg6 {Sesse.net accorde -4.81 !} 52. Qc8 Rc6 53. Qa8 Rd6 $2 {Ding Liren rate le K.O. !} (53... c2 $1 54. Rc1 Rd6 $19) 54. Rxd6 Qxd6 55. Qe4+ Qg6 56. Qc4 Qb1+ 57. Kh2 a4 58. Bd4 a3 59. Qc7 $2 (59. Bxg7 $1 Kxg7 60. Qc7+ $11) 59... Qg6 $19 60. Qc4 c2 61. Be3 Bd6 62. Kg2 h5 $1 63. Kf1 Be5 $19 64. g4 hxg4 65. h5 Qf5 66. Qd5 g3 67. f4 a2 $1 68. Qxa2 Bxf4 {Ne l'appelez plus Ding, mais « King Liren » ! Le Chinois Ding Liren remporte le match de départage du championnat du monde d'échecs 2023 face au Russe Ian Nepomniachtchi au terme de quatre parties rapides, sur le score de 2,5 à 1,5.} 0-1 [Event "WCh Rapid TB 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "4.1"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Crowther,Mark"] [PlyCount "136"] [EventDate "2023.04.30"] [EventType "rapid"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 Bd7 9. h3 ({Relevant:} 9. c3 O-O 10. Nbd2 Na5 11. Bc2 c5 12. Re1 Qc7 13. Nf1 Rfb8 14. Bg5 h6 15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. axb5 axb5 17. Ne3 Be6 18. b4 cxb4 19. cxb4 Nc6 20. Rxa8 Rxa8 21. Bb3 Ra3 22. Bxe6 fxe6 23. Qc2 Qd7 24. Rc1 Nxb4 25. Qb2 Ra4 26. Qd2 Bd8 27. h4 Bb6 28. Rb1 Bc5 29. d4 exd4 30. Nxd4 Ra2 31. Qc3 Qf7 32. Nf3 Nc6 33. Qb3 Ra5 34. Rc1 b4 35. Nc4 Ra6 36. Qd3 Ra2 37. Nxd6 Qf4 38. Qb1 Bxf2+ {Vachier Lagrave,M (2737)-Erigaisi,A (2701) Chess.com INT 2023 0-1}) 9... O-O 10. Be3 Na5 11. Ba2 bxa4 12. Nc3 Rb8 13. Bb1 {[#]} Qe8 $5 $146 {[%mdl 8] An interesting novelty.} ({Predecessor:} 13... c5 14. Nxa4 Nc6 15. Bc1 c4 16. Nc3 cxd3 17. cxd3 Nb4 18. d4 Qc7 19. Bg5 h6 20. Bh4 Rfe8 21. Bg3 Bf8 22. Qd2 Rb7 23. Rc1 Qb8 24. Qd1 Bc6 25. Ra5 Qd8 26. Ra1 Qb8 27. Ra5 Qd8 28. Ra1 {½-½ (28) Safarli,E (2694)-Tomashevsky,E (2722) Novi Sad 2016}) 14. b3 c5 15. Nxa4 Nc6 16. Nc3 (16. c3) 16... a5 17. Nd2 Be6 18. Nc4 d5 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Bd2 (20. Nxd5 Bxd5 21. c3) 20... Nxc3 21. Bxc3 Bxc4 22. bxc4 Bd8 23. Bd2 Bc7 24. c3 f5 25. Re1 Rd8 26. Ra2 Qg6 27. Qe2 Qd6 28. g3 Rde8 29. Qf3 e4 $6 (29... Ne7) 30. dxe4 Ne5 31. Qg2 Nd3 32. Bxd3 Qxd3 33. exf5 Rxe1+ 34. Bxe1 Qxc4 35. Ra1 (35. Rd2 {is the better move.}) 35... Rxf5 {Black is about equal.} 36. Bd2 h6 37. Qc6 Rf7 38. Re1 Kh7 39. Be3 Be5 40. Qe8 Bxc3 $1 41. Rc1 Rf6 $1 {Black is now completely equal.} 42. Qd7 Qe2 43. Qd5 Bb4 44. Qe4+ Kg8 45. Qd5+ Kh7 46. Qe4+ Rg6 $3 {For boldness. The game is still equal and this involves some risk.} 47. Qf5 (47. h4 h5 48. Rc2 $11) 47... c4 $1 {Now Qd3 will free the rook.} 48. h4 $2 (48. Qf4 {Seems the best move.}) 48... Qd3 49. Qf3 Rf6 $6 {Black is still better but this isn't the most precise.} (49... Bd2 $1 {is very strong.}) 50. Qg4 c3 51. Rd1 Qg6 52. Qc8 Rc6 53. Qa8 Rd6 $6 {It's hard to criticise this but it loses a lot of black's advantage.} (53... c2 {Just Queening the pawn does work.} 54. Rd8 c1=Q+ 55. Bxc1 Rxc1+ 56. Kg2 (56. Kh2)) 54. Rxd6 Qxd6 55. Qe4+ Qg6 56. Qc4 Qb1+ {It's not at all easy for black to make progress now.} (56... Qf5) 57. Kh2 a4 (57... Qf5) 58. Bd4 a3 $6 $11 {Of course Nepomniachtchi is still under pressure but he can now hold with best play.} (58... Qb3) 59. Qc7 $2 {This is the final mistake after which there is no coming back.} (59. h5 $1 Bf8 60. Qf7 Qe4 61. Bxc3 Qe7) (59. Bxg7 {This also holds with best play. Nepomniachtchi might have played this if he was certain his own move lost.} Kxg7 60. Qd4+) 59... Qg6 60. Qc4 c2 61. Be3 Bd6 62. Kg2 h5 $1 {This move ends the techical problems.} 63. Kf1 Be5 64. g4 hxg4 65. h5 Qf5 66. Qd5 g3 67. f4 a2 68. Qxa2 Bxf4 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "18"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "136"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,63,22,15,15,15,15,22,22,7,9,16,3,8,9,9,23,10,8,0,0,0,-3,-3,-11,0,0,-2,4,11,33,40,33,0,41,32,32,17,16,15,15,5,17,17,44,3,20,7,7,1,7,7,52,26,28,15,31,23,43,37,60,60,44,44,57,42]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 Bd7 9. h3 O-O 10. Be3 Na5 11. Ba2 bxa4 12. Nc3 {Deviating from 12.Bd2, played in the second rapid game.} Rb8 13. Bb1 $5 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A weird move, with the simple idea of attacking the a4-pawn. This has been played before by strong GMs.} Qe8 {A new move.} (13... c5 {was played in all the three games I found.}) (13... Rxb2 14. Nxa4 Rb8 15. Nc5 $1 {[%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nc6 16. Nxd7 Qxd7 17. Rxa6 {White has the bishop pair and some chances of an advantage.}) 14. b3 $1 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} c5 15. Nxa4 Nc6 16. Nc3 $6 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (16. c3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better, giving some life to the bishop.} Be6 17. Bc2) 16... a5 17. Nd2 Be6 18. Nc4 d5 $6 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (18... Qd7 $1 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is stronger, since White cannot capture the pawn.} 19. Nxa5 $2 {[%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Ra8 {loses the exchange.}) 19. exd5 Nxd5 20. Bd2 $2 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (20. Nxd5 {White should exploit the chance to exchange knights and again play c2-c3 to free the bishop.} Bxd5 21. c3) 20... Nxc3 $6 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (20... Nf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better. Black has strong threats on the kingside, and the b1-bishop is just a passive spectator.}) 21. Bxc3 Bxc4 22. bxc4 Bd8 23. Bd2 Bc7 24. c3 f5 {The position is more pleasant for Black, especially in a rapid game.} 25. Re1 Rd8 26. Ra2 Qg6 (26... e4 $5 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] The computer is not impressed by this move, but it looks interesting to my human eyes.} 27. dxe4 f4 28. e5 Nxe5 {With the initiative.}) 27. Qe2 Qd6 28. g3 Rde8 29. Qf3 $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi manages to hold everything.} e4 $6 {[%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A bold decision, although I think the move should have been played before.} (29... Ne7 {is the machine's suggestion, avoiding Qd5.}) 30. dxe4 Ne5 31. Qg2 $1 {[%c_effect g2;square;g2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Nd3 32. Bxd3 Qxd3 33. exf5 Rxe1+ 34. Bxe1 Qxc4 35. Ra1 $6 {[%c_effect a1;square;a1;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (35. Rd2 $1 {[%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is more accurate. In this case, White can fight for the advantage, since capturing on f5 is dangerous for Black after} Rxf5 36. Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 35... Rxf5 36. Bd2 h6 37. Qc6 Rf7 38. Re1 {The a-pawn is always dangerous, but it's well controlled, and the game is equal.} Kh7 39. Be3 Be5 (39... Qxc3 {leads to an immediate draw after} 40. Qe4+ Kg8 41. Rc1 Qe5 42. Qxe5 Bxe5 43. Rxc5 Bc7) 40. Qe8 (40. Qxc5 Qxc5 41. Bxc5 Bxc3 {This also leads to a draw.}) 40... Bxc3 {A mark of Ding's play is that he is never afraid of calculating variations. I suppose most players would not bother capturing this pawn.} 41. Rc1 Rf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only move to justify the capture on c3. White cannot exploit the pin due to tactical reasons.} 42. Qd7 $5 {[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting practical try.} (42. Bd2 {ends in perpetual check after} Qd4 43. Bxc3 Qxf2+ 44. Kh1 Qf3+ 45. Kh2) 42... Qe2 $1 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only move.} 43. Qd5 (43. Rxc3 $2 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} Qe1+) 43... Bb4 44. Qe4+ Kg8 45. Qd5+ Kh7 46. Qe4+ Rg6 $1 {[%c_effect g6;square;g6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This may be the decision that gave Ding the title. Nobody expected him to play for a win in this position, and this probably also took Nepomniachtchi by surprise.} 47. Qf5 $6 {[%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] White is in danger now, as this allows Black to advance the c-pawn.} (47. h4 {is a good move.} h5 (47... a4 48. Qf5 Qg4 49. Qc2 a3 50. Rd1 {with good counterplay.}) 48. Rc2 Qg4 (48... Qd1+ 49. Kh2) 49. Qd3 {White has enough compensation for the pawn.}) (47. Rc2 Qd1+ 48. Kh2 Qd6 49. h4 {is also enough for a draw.}) 47... c4 $1 {[%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 48. h4 $2 {[%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (48. Qf4 {The computer points out this is the only move, but it's totally not human, and I don't even understand it.}) 48... Qd3 $1 {[%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 49. Qf3 Rf6 50. Qg4 c3 51. Rd1 Qg6 52. Qc8 Rc6 53. Qa8 Rd6 $2 {[%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (53... c2 {wins on the spot:} 54. Rd8 c1=Q+ 55. Bxc1 Rxc1+ 56. Kh2 Qc6 $1 {[%c_effect c6;square;c6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 57. Rh8+ Kg6) 54. Rxd6 Qxd6 55. Qe4+ Qg6 56. Qc4 Qb1+ 57. Kh2 a4 $2 {[%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} 58. Bd4 $1 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} a3 59. Qc7 $2 {[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The final part of the game is full of drama, and this is the last mistake.} (59. Bxg7 {I couldn't believe my eyes when the computer suggested this move.} Kxg7 60. Qc7+ Kf6 61. Qc6+ {It's unbelievable, but White has perpetual check.} Ke5 62. Qe8+ Kd5 63. Qa8+ Kc4 64. Qg8+ Kb5 65. Qe8+) (59. h5 {Maybe the most human, taking the g6-square from the queen.} Bf8 (59... a2 $2 {[%c_effect a2;square;a2;type;Mistake;persistent;true] even loses after} 60. Qf7) 60. Qf7 Qd3 61. Be5 Qe4 62. Bxc3 Qe7 63. Qd5 {with a draw.}) 59... Qg6 {Now the game is over. The pawns are unstoppable.} 60. Qc4 c2 61. Be3 Bd6 62. Kg2 h5 $1 {[%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 63. Kf1 Be5 64. g4 hxg4 65. h5 Qf5 66. Qd5 g3 67. f4 a2 68. Qxa2 Bxf4 {0-} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "15"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "D02"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "69"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,69,23,19,16,22,27,-5,23,6,6,0,18,8,8,12,8,16,19,8,11,10,10,10,10,10,10,9,7,7,7,11,11,11,8,-28,-24,-29,22,13,32,43,22,43,43,43,55,33,-32,-32,-32,-35,-35,-14,-35,-29,0,14,14,0,0,0,0,-6,-7,-7,0,0,0,0,0,0]} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c3 {Another interesting try by Ding to escape from mainstream theory when playing with White.} c5 4. dxc5 e6 5. Be3 (5. b4 a5 6. e3 axb4 7. cxb4 b6 {leads to the Noteboom Variation with reversed colors.}) 5... Be7 {Black has interesting alternatives that have been tried in grandmaster practice.} (5... a5) (5... Nc6) (5... Qc7) 6. g3 {When searching my database for games in this position, it becomes clear who is the mind behind this opening choice, as this has been played before by Richard Rapport.} Nc6 (6... O-O 7. Bg2 a5 8. O-O Na6 9. c4 dxc4 10. Na3 {led to a small advantage for White in Rapport-Shankland, St.Louis (rapid) 2019.}) 7. Bg2 O-O (7... Ng4 8. Bd4 e5 9. h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the idea, a pattern that is also very common in some lines of the Grunfeld Defense. As I like to say to my students, a chess player should study games from all openings, as the ideas can be repeated even in very different situations.}) 8. b4 Ng4 9. Bd4 Qc7 (9... e5 $6 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} 10. h3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} exd4 11. hxg4 dxc3 12. b5 {with the initiative for White.}) (9... b6 {was played in an email game and is probably the best move.}) 10. O-O e5 11. h3 exd4 $6 {[%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (11... Nf6 {is better, leading to a double-edged position after} 12. Be3) 12. hxg4 dxc3 13. Nxc3 $1 {[%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (13. b5 $6 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} Bf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 14. bxc6 c2 15. Qxc2 Bxa1 {White has some compensation for the exchange, but the move played in the game is much better.}) 13... Nxb4 14. a3 Bf6 $1 {[%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 15. Rc1 Bxc3 16. Rxc3 Nc6 17. Qxd5 Bxg4 18. Ng5 $1 {[%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A very strong move, attacking the kingside and also preparing to bring the knight to d6.} h6 (18... Bxe2 $4 {[%c_effect e2;square;e2;type;Blunder;persistent;true]} 19. Qe4 {loses a piece.}) 19. Ne4 (19. Qe4 hxg5 20. Qxg4 {leads to a slightly better position for White.}) 19... Rae8 (19... Bxe2 20. Re1 Bg4 21. Nd6 {This looks very unpleasant for Black.}) 20. e3 Re5 21. Qd2 Rd8 $6 {[%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true]} (21... Bh3 $1 {[%c_effect h3;square;h3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This difficult move is the best.} 22. Bxh3 (22. Nd6 Bxg2 23. Kxg2 Ne7 {is OK for Black.}) 22... Rxe4 {with only a tiny advantage for White.}) 22. Nd6 Rh5 23. Rb1 $2 {[%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (23. Qc2 $1 {[%c_effect c2;square;c2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move removes the queen from the pin and prepares to centralize it on e4. White is clearly better.}) 23... Ne5 24. e4 b6 $3 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] Ding most certainly missed this brilliant move.} 25. cxb6 (25. f4 Nf3+ $1 {[%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} 26. Bxf3 Rxc5 (26... Bxf3 27. cxb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Qxd6 28. Qxd6 Rxd6 29. Rxf3 Rxb6 {with a draw.}) 27. Rxc5 Qxc5+ 28. Qf2 Qxf2+ 29. Kxf2 Bxf3 30. e5 {with a slightly better endgame for Black.}) 25... axb6 $1 {[%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is the point.} (25... Qxd6 26. Qxd6 Rxd6 27. bxa7 $18) 26. Nb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} (26. Rxc7 {The queen cannot be captured.} Nf3+ 27. Bxf3 Bxf3 {With mate.}) 26... Rxd2 (26... Qe7 {is an interesting option, preserving the queens.}) 27. Nxc7 Bh3 (27... Nd3 {is the last chance to pose some problems.}) 28. Bxh3 Rxh3 29. Kg2 Rh5 30. Rb5 $1 {[%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Rd1 31. Nd5 Rdh1 32. Ne7+ Kh7 33. Rxe5 R1h2+ 34. Kg1 Rh1+ 35. Kg2 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "16"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "94"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,94,22,22,22,7,15,17,34,8,7,16,16,12,15,11,8,9,11,7,0,0,-3,-3,-3,-18,0,0,25,31,31,31,54,56,56,56,72,49,43,24,34,27,79,43,28,50,50,23,50,39,47,60,60,60,60,35,32,34,34,24,29,35,40,40,26,5,5,2,2,0,33,29,28,30,29,19,18,0,0,0,36,42,40,40,53,54,51,25,51,25,37,32,46,25,32,32,40]} 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. d3 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. a4 {Nepomniachtchi had played 8.c3 and 8.a3 before in the match. For the rapid games, he was armed with the main move, 6.a4.} Bd7 9. h3 {A very rare option.} O-O 10. Be3 Na5 11. Ba2 bxa4 12. Bd2 (12. Nc3 {was played in the decisive game of the match.}) 12... Nc6 {Already a new move.} (12... c5 13. Bxa5 Qxa5 14. Nc3 Qb6 {was played in the correspondence game Silin-Biedermann, email 2013.}) 13. Nc3 Rb8 (13... Nd4 {is more natural, although White fights for the advantage with} 14. Bc4) 14. Nxa4 Nd4 15. Bc4 {Nepomniachtchi's opening experiment is a success: White has the more comfortable game.} c6 16. Nxd4 exd4 17. Bf4 $1 {[%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]} Be6 18. Re1 a5 19. Qf3 {White has many promising continuations.} (19. Bg3 {is a good prophylactic move.}) (19. e5 Nd5 20. Bg3 {leads to an advantage similar to the game.}) 19... Rb7 20. e5 Nd5 (20... Bd5 $1 {[%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The computer indicates this move as the best.}) 21. exd6 (21. Bg3 $1 {[%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is more accurate, not allowing too many exchanges.}) 21... Bxd6 22. Bxd6 Qxd6 23. Qe4 Nf4 (23... Nb4 {is enough for equality.} 24. Bxe6 Re7 $1 {[%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]}) 24. Qe5 (24. b3 $5 {[%c_effect b3;square;b3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] is the last chance to try for some advantage.} Bxc4 25. bxc4 Ne6 26. Qe5) 24... Qxe5 25. Rxe5 Bxc4 26. dxc4 Rb4 27. Rc5 (27. g3 Ne6 28. b3 d3 29. cxd3 Rxb3 30. Nc5 Nxc5 31. Rxc5 Rxd3 32. Rxc6 {White wins the a-pawn, but Black should have no problems holding this endgame.}) 27... d3 28. cxd3 Nxd3 29. Rxc6 Ne5 30. Rc7 Nxc4 {Now a draw is inevitable.} 31. Nc5 Nxb2 32. Nd7 Re8 33. Rxa5 Nd3 34. Rg5 Rf4 35. f3 h6 36. Rd5 Nb4 37. Rd6 Rf5 38. Rb7 Rd5 39. Rdb6 Rd8 40. Nf6+ gxf6 41. Rxb4 Rd4 42. Rxd4 Rxd4 43. Kh2 Kg7 44. Rb2 Rd5 45. Ra2 Rd4 46. Rb2 Rd5 47. Ra2 Rd4 1/2-1/2 [Event "FIDE World Chess Championship 2023"] [Site "Chess.com"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "17"] [White "Ding, Liren"] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "A14"] [WhiteElo "2788"] [BlackElo "2795"] [Annotator "Rafael"] [PlyCount "65"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [TimeControl "40/7200:20/3600:900+30"] {[%evp 0,65,22,16,23,-10,-7,-7,9,6,6,9,9,-13,-7,3,3,3,25,25,19,22,32,38,38,44,53,56,48,44,49,24,54,19,23,18,42,38,40,45,48,48,43,44,43,45,45,41,44,41,44,40,39,42,42,42,42,41,36,33,36,33,39,33,32,34,41,33]} 1. Nf3 d5 2. g3 Nf6 3. Bg2 e6 4. O-O Be7 5. c4 O-O 6. b3 c5 (6... d4 {is a more aggressive option.}) 7. cxd5 Nxd5 8. Bb2 Nc6 9. d4 cxd4 10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. Qxd4 Bf6 12. Qd2 Nf4 {The opening strategies for both sides during the match were pretty clear. Ding was the one trying to run away from mainstream theory and searching for some offbeat variations even if there's no advantage, as long as there's something to play for. Nepomniachtchi, on the other hand, is not against an opening battle in the main lines and is ready to go with forcing, computer variations.} 13. gxf4 Qxd2 14. Nxd2 Bxb2 15. Rad1 Bf6 (15... Rb8 16. Nc4 Bf6 {transposes to the game.}) 16. Nc4 {White has some slight pressure, but if Black knows what to do, a draw is very likely.} Rb8 17. Ne5 Rd8 18. Rxd8+ (18. e3 Kf8 19. Rxd8+ Bxd8 20. Rd1 Bf6 21. Rc1 Bxe5 $2 {[%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Mistake;persistent;true]} (21... Ke8 $1 {[%c_effect e8;square;e8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] is better.}) 22. fxe5 {White had the advantage in Artemiev-Duda, Pepe Cuenca Invitational 2020.}) 18... Bxd8 19. Rd1 Be7 20. Nd7 Bxd7 21. Rxd7 Kf8 22. Bxb7 Rd8 23. Rc7 a5 {White is a pawn up, but due to the presence of opposite-colored bishops, there are no realistic winning chances. The game soon ends in a draw.} 24. Rc4 Bb4 25. Rc2 Rd2 26. Rxd2 Bxd2 27. e3 Bb4 28. Kf1 Ke7 29. Ke2 Kd6 30. Kd3 Be1 31. Ke2 Bb4 32. Kd3 Be1 33. Ke2 1/2-1/2 [Event "Chess World Championship 2023: Round 14:"] [Site "lichess.org"] [Date "2023.05.01"] [Round "?"] [White "Ding Liren"] [Black "Ian Nepomniachtchi"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "E46"] [Annotator "harikrishnapentala"] [PlyCount "180"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,180,19,31,14,-14,-11,-3,33,33,26,35,32,30,32,38,40,49,24,8,59,34,47,42,39,-15,-35,-26,-7,-80,-70,-44,33,40,66,-30,-42,-33,-16,-51,-54,-50,-62,-94,-109,-100,-53,-51,-53,-49,-49,-49,-49,-61,-62,-66,-41,-41,-36,-65,-59,-60,-80,-87,-82,-79,-94,-97,-59,-62,-71,-89,-82,-90,-38,-23,-60,-95,-97,-75,-87,-86,-77,-78,-81,-81,-81,-81,-66,-73,-78,-63,-66,-75,-65,-89,-89,-92,-126,-120,-126,-138,-163,-125,-173,-214,-231,-231,-231,-237,-209,-237,-216,-251,-223,-219,-237,-251,-225,-259,-219,-237,-153,-259,-175,-176,-128,-129,-134,-147,-176,-204,-194,-204,-189,-189,-189,-191,-189,-189,-189,-189,-152,-258,-189,-189,-167,-152,-159,-159,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-164,-156,-156,-156,-137,-137,-137,-8,-1,0,0,0,-3,-2,-10,-2,-2,-2,-2,0] This is the final game in the classical portion. Playing with the white pieces, Ding will try to put pressure on Nepo. One of the interesting things about this match so far is Black has scored only one victory (Game 2). This gives a lot of confidence to Ding as he has the last opportunity with the white pieces.} 1. d4 {Ding has not tried 1.e4 in the match at all. Quite possibly, he could be afraid of the Petroff defence.} Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Bb4 4. e3 O-O 5. Bd2 {This move is one of the modern ways of handling the Nimzo Indian. White is preventing Black from doubling the white pawns by capturing the knight on c3.} d5 (5... b6 $5 6. Nf3 Bb7 7. Bd3 d5 {Another interesting way Black approaches against 5.Bd2.}) 6. a3 Be7 (6... Bxc3 $5 {While this move is interesting, I am not a big fan of this move as the rising position is easier to play from the White side.} 7. Bxc3 b6 8. Nf3 $13) 7. Nf3 c5 8. dxc5 Bxc5 {A funny thing about this position is, from the queen's gambit Bf4 variation, White's Bishop is on f4 instead of d2.} 9. Qc2 {With the idea to play g4-g5} dxc4 {When your opponent plans to launch an attack on the flank, open the centre of the board!} 10. Bxc4 Nbd7 {In almost all the cases in symmetrical structures like these, Black's knight is better placed on d7. It protects the knight on f6 and the bishop on c5. Simultaneously, it can go to f8 and defend the h7 pawn. The knight on c6 is less flexible and limits the scope of the light square bishop, which will come to b7.} 11. Rd1 (11. Ne4 Nxe4 12. Qxe4 Nf6 13. Qh4 Bd7 {Doesn't offer much for White. Black will keep the bishop on c6 followed by Ne4.}) 11... Be7 (11... b6 $5 {This is a logical move, planning to play Bb7 next.} 12. Ne4 {Probably Nepo did not like giving the bishop pair advantage to Ding.} Bb7 13. Nxc5 Nxc5 14. Bc3 Qe7 {Usually, such positions with a pair of bishops can be considered a success from the opening point of view. However, here it is quite concrete, and Black can exchange the dark square bishop of White for one of the knights.}) 12. Ng5 $6 {White will not achieve anything significant or make any weakness with this move. Even the attack is speculative. It is strange, that Ding did this in such a crucial game.} (12. e4 Qc7) 12... h6 13. h4 $6 {Sometimes it is better to admit your mistakes!} (13. Nf3 $5 {Black stands slightly better as the knight on c3 is blocking the activity of the bishop on d2.} b6 $15) 13... Qc7 $1 {Nepo is playing logical moves. Forcing the bishop to choose the diagonal it is going to occupy. Moving away from the d file.} 14. Be2 (14. Ba2 b6 15. Bb1 {With the idea to play crushing Nd5!} Qc6 $17 {Black has a large advantage due to better piece placement and coordination. White has no way to continue the attack.}) 14... Rd8 (14... b6 $1 15. Rc1 {With the idea to play Nd5!} Qb8 $17 {With no more tricks, Black is better here.}) 15. Rc1 {Idea to play Nd5} Nf8 {Protecting the h7 square and threatening to capture the g5 knight and also preventing the threat of Nd5} 16. Nge4 Nxe4 17. Nxe4 {It is clear that white did not achieve any advantage out of the opening. By playing Ng5 and h4, white weakened his kingside significantly. When such things happen, we should apply the brakes and try to liquidate. This could be why Ding did not capture the knight with the queen.} (17. Qxe4 {White will move his knight from c3 and get the bishop on d2-c3}) 17... Qxc2 18. Rxc2 Bd7 19. Bb4 {Ding's idea is to remove the dark square bishop, which is eyeing on h4 pawn. But in this process, the structure of White becomes quite fragile on the queenside.} (19. h5 $5 {Freeing the rook on h1 from protecting the h4 pawn so White can castle and develop the rook on h1.} Bc6 20. Bf3 $13 {While Black still has the upper hand, White is not far from equalising completely.}) 19... Bxb4+ 20. axb4 Bc6 21. Nc5 $2 {Ding is forcing things due to pressure.} (21. Bf3 $5 $15 {Sadly this is necessary.}) 21... Bxg2 22. Rg1 Bd5 (22... Bc6 {This is the right square for the bishop. Provoking b5 and then moving the bishop to d5 is maybe unusual. It is easy to calculate as the position is rather simple.} 23. b5 Bd5 24. e4 b6 $17 {Black remains a pawn up.}) 23. e4 Bc6 24. b5 Be8 25. Nxb7 Rd4 26. Rc4 Rd7 27. Nc5 Rc7 28. Rc3 Rac8 29. b4 $6 (29. Nb7 $5 {In endgames, often, you should look for active defence.} Rxc3 30. bxc3 Rxc3 31. Kd2 {Even though White is down a pawn, There is sufficient counterplay as the pawn on a7 is weak.}) 29... Nd7 30. Rcg3 (30. Kd2 Nxc5 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rgc1 $15 {White is surviving here thanks to the active king.}) 30... Nxc5 (30... g6 $19 {This is the turning point of this game. I don't understand what prevented Nepo from protecting the g pawn. White has no counterplay, and Black can move the knight from c5.}) 31. bxc5 Rxc5 32. Rxg7+ Kf8 33. Bd3 Rd8 34. Ke2 $2 {Allowing Rc3. It was important to control the c3 square.} (34. Rg8+ {Ding had to see this forcing variation before playing 35.Kd2} Ke7 35. Kd2 Bxb5 (35... Rxb5 36. Rxe8+ $18) 36. Rxd8 Kxd8 37. Bxb5 Rxb5 38. Rg8+) 34... Rc3 35. Rg8+ Ke7 36. R1g3 e5 $6 (36... Rb3 $1 {Final chance for Nepo. The point of moving the rook to b3 is controlling the b5 square.} 37. Rh8 Rd4 38. b6 axb6 $19) 37. Rh8 $1 {Idea is to play Rgg8} Rd6 38. b6 $1 Rxb6 39. Rxe8+ Kxe8 40. Bb5+ Rxb5 41. Rxc3 {Due to the inaccuracy on move 36, Ding managed to escape the worst. He remains a pawn down and should defend accurately to hold the game.} Kd7 42. Rf3 Ke7 43. Rc3 a5 44. Rc7+ Kf6 45. Rc6+ Kg7 46. Ra6 {White has pushed the king back and stays behind the pawn. This is the best way of defending against a passed pawn in the rook endgame.} Rb2+ 47. Kf3 Ra2 {This is the best way for Black. Now Black can push the pawn.} 48. Kg3 (48. h5 $5 {Simpler as it keeps the h6 pawn under attack by the rook on a6.}) 48... h5 49. Ra8 Ra1 50. Kg2 a4 51. Ra5 f6 52. Kf3 a3 53. Ra6 Kf7 (53... a2 {As the rook on a1 is tied down, White checks whenever the Black king reaches to support the a2 pawn.}) 54. Ke3 Ke8 55. Ke2 Ke7 56. Kf3 Ra2 57. Ke3 Ra1 58. Ke2 Kf7 59. Kf3 Ra2 60. Ke3 Ke7 61. Kf3 Kd7 {Executing the best winning plan by sacrificing the f6 pawn.} 62. Rxf6 Rb2 63. Ra6 Rb3+ (63... a2 64. Ke3 {Idea to play f4 and create an e passed pawn.}) 64. Kg2 Kc7 65. f4 $3 {This is the final accurate move. White should not stay passive.} (65. Ra8 {I am showing this line below to illustrate the winning plan of black.} Kb7 66. Ra4 Kc6 67. Ra8 Kc5 $19) 65... exf4 66. e5 {After this move, the Black king can longer go to support the a3 pawn.} Kb7 67. Ra4 Kc6 68. Ra6+ Kb5 69. Ra7 Kb6 70. Ra8 Kc5 71. Ra6 Kb5 72. Ra7 Kb6 73. Ra8 Kc6 74. Ra6+ Kd7 75. Kf2 Ke7 76. Kg2 Re3 77. Kf2 Rg3 78. Kf1 Rc3 79. Kf2 Re3 80. Kg2 Kd7 81. Kf2 Kc7 82. e6 Kd8 83. Ra7 Ke8 84. Kg2 Rxe6 85. Rxa3 Rg6+ 86. Kf2 Rg4 87. Ra5 Rxh4 88. Kf3 Ke7 89. Rf5 Ke6 90. Rxf4 Rxf4+ {As expected, this game is full of ups and downs. Ding had given many chances in this game, but Nepo was keen on controlling everything and missed some simple winning chances. Playing too quickly when the position demands precise calculation has been the main problem for Nepo in this match. Now we move on to the tie breaks. In the rapid portion, the match should be balanced. However, if it were to proceed to the blitz, I rate Nepo as the favourite.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "Round: Ian Nepomniachtchi - Ding Liren"] [Site "https://lichess.org"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "?"] [White "Ian Nepomniachtchi"] [Black "Ding Liren"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C84"] [Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/broadcaster"] [PlyCount "136"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] {[%evp 0,136,16,18,24,14,14,7,15,6,-2,-2,20,1,25,25,40,7,25,13,5,0,0,0,-4,5,-15,-28,-3,10,25,42,37,2,37,33,35,-2,16,9,9,-3,24,12,30,9,33,9,-10,-14,20,24,40,1,17,23,12,37,47,23,-7,36,28,5,22,47,49,55,62,62,62,0,0,6,69,12,17,12,19,0,-3,-4,0,0,0,-23,-23,-59,0,0,0,-15,-15,-15,0,-111,-122,-166,-156,-167,-196,-192,-192,-187,-201,-228,-267,-302,-179,-208,-159,-162,-162,-157,-158,-158,-102,-102,-102,-211,-230,-219,-230,-230,-216,-231,-255,-402,-326,-394,-500,-564,-658,-788,-1002,-1060,-1060,-1446,-2144]} 1. e4 {[%eval 36,0]} e5 {[%eval 35,0]} 2. Nf3 {[%eval 29,0]} Nc6 {[%eval 32,0]} 3. Bb5 {[%eval 34,0]} a6 {[%eval 37,0]} 4. Ba4 {[%eval 31,0]} Nf6 {[%eval 37,0]} 5. O-O {[%eval 29,0]} Be7 {[%eval 36,0]} 6. d3 {[%eval 27,0]} b5 {[%eval 23,0]} 7. Bb3 {[%eval 17,0]} d6 {[%eval 21,0]} 8. a4 {[%eval 32,0]} Bd7 {[%eval 31,0]} 9. h3 {[%eval 28,0]} O-O {[%eval 28,0]} 10. Be3 {[%eval 1,0]} Na5 {[%eval 0,0]} 11. Ba2 {[%eval 6,0]} bxa4 {[%eval 8,0]} 12. Nc3 {[%eval 13,0]} Rb8 {[%eval 12,0]} 13. Bb1 {[%eval 21,0]} Qe8 {[%eval 15,0]} 14. b3 {[%eval 9,0]} c5 {[%eval 39,0]} 15. Nxa4 {[%eval 29,0]} Nc6 {[%eval 39,0]} 16. Nc3 $6 {[%eval 37,0] Inaccuracy. c3 was best.} (16. c3 Be6 17. Bc2 Nd7 18. d4 cxd4 19. cxd4 exd4 20. Nxd4 Nxd4 21. Bxd4 Bf6 22. Re1 Bxd4) 16... a5 {[%eval 41,0]} 17. Nd2 {[%eval 42,0]} Be6 {[%eval 4,0]} 18. Nc4 {[%eval 36,0]} d5 $6 {[%eval 42,0] Inaccuracy. Qd7 was best.} (18... Qd7 19. f4 exf4 20. Bxf4 g6 21. Bh2 Nh5 22. Ne2 Bxc4 23. dxc4 Bf6 24. Ra2 Be5 25. Bxe5) 19. exd5 {[%eval 39,0]} Nxd5 {[%eval 36,0]} 20. Bd2 $2 {[%eval -97,0] Mistake. Nxd5 was best.} (20. Nxd5 Bxd5 21. c3 Qd8 22. Bc2 g6 23. Qe2 Re8 24. Ra4 Ra8 25. Rfa1 Bf8 26. Qd2 h5) 20... Nxc3 $6 {[%eval 13,0] Inaccuracy. Nf4 was best.} (20... Nf4 21. Bxf4) 21. Bxc3 {[%eval 28,0]} Bxc4 {[%eval 27,0]} 22. bxc4 {[%eval 19,0]} Bd8 {[%eval 14,0]} 23. Bd2 {[%eval 2,0]} Bc7 {[%eval 5,0]} 24. c3 {[%eval 3,0]} f5 {[%eval 2,0]} 25. Re1 {[%eval 48,0]} Rd8 {[%eval 0,0]} 26. Ra2 {[%eval 26,0]} Qg6 {[%eval 19,0]} 27. Qe2 {[%eval 4,0]} Qd6 {[%eval 31,0]} 28. g3 {[%eval 32,0]} Rde8 {[%eval 15,0]} 29. Qf3 {[%eval 22,0]} e4 $6 {[%eval 6,0] Inaccuracy. Kh8 was best.} (29... Kh8 30. Qd5 Qf6 31. Be3 Ne7 32. Qxc5 Bd6 33. Qxa5 f4 34. Bc5 Bxc5 35. Qxc5 Nf5 36. d4) 30. dxe4 {[%eval 76,0]} Ne5 {[%eval 55,0]} 31. Qg2 {[%eval 42,0]} Nd3 {[%eval 57,0]} 32. Bxd3 {[%eval 77,0]} Qxd3 {[%eval 7,0]} 33. exf5 {[%eval 82,0]} Rxe1+ {[%eval 69,0]} 34. Bxe1 {[%eval 75,0]} Qxc4 {[%eval 77,0]} 35. Ra1 $6 {[%eval 14,0] Inaccuracy. Rd2 was best.} (35. Rd2) 35... Rxf5 {[%eval 12,0]} 36. Bd2 {[%eval 11,0]} h6 {[%eval 13,0]} 37. Qc6 {[%eval 7,0]} Rf7 {[%eval 24,0]} 38. Re1 {[%eval 2,0]} Kh7 {[%eval 16,0]} 39. Be3 {[%eval 0,0]} Be5 {[%eval 0,0]} 40. Qe8 {[%eval 0,0]} Bxc3 {[%eval 0,0]} 41. Rc1 {[%eval 0,0]} Rf6 {[%eval 0,0]} 42. Qd7 {[%eval 0,0]} Qe2 {[%eval 0,0]} 43. Qd5 {[%eval 0,0]} Bb4 {[%eval 0,0]} 44. Qe4+ {[%eval 0,0]} Kg8 {[%eval 0,0]} 45. Qd5+ {[%eval 0,0]} Kh7 {[%eval 0,0]} 46. Qe4+ {[%eval 0,0]} Rg6 {[%eval 0,0]} 47. Qf5 {[%eval 54,0]} c4 {[%eval 48,0]} 48. h4 $4 {[%eval -191,0] Blunder. Qf4 was best.} (48. Qf4 c3) 48... Qd3 {[%eval -107,0]} 49. Qf3 $6 {[%eval -291,0] Inaccuracy. Qh3 was best.} (49. Qh3 c3) 49... Rf6 $6 {[%eval -147,0] Inaccuracy. Bd2 was best.} (49... Bd2 50. Rd1 c3 51. Kh2 a4 52. h5 Rf6 53. Qa8 a3 54. Qa4 Qd5 55. Kg1 Qf5 56. Bd4) 50. Qg4 {[%eval -144,0]} c3 {[%eval -146,0]} 51. Rd1 {[%eval -128,0]} Qg6 {[%eval -142,0]} 52. Qc8 $6 {[%eval -266,0] Inaccuracy. Qe2 was best.} (52. Qe2 Re6 53. h5 Qe4 54. Qa2 c2 55. Rd4 Qxd4 56. Qxe6 Qd3 57. Kg2 a4 58. Bc1 a3) 52... Rc6 {[%eval -295,0]} 53. Qa8 {[%eval -234,0]} Rd6 $4 {[%eval -48,0] Blunder. c2 was best.} (53... c2 54. Rc1 Ba3 55. Ra1 Bc5 56. Bf4 Bb6 57. Rc1 Qe4 58. Kh2 a4 59. Re1 Qf3 60. Qxa4) 54. Rxd6 {[%eval -21,0]} Qxd6 {[%eval -65,0]} 55. Qe4+ {[%eval -43,0]} Qg6 {[%eval -79,0]} 56. Qc4 {[%eval -51,0]} Qb1+ {[%eval -99,0]} 57. Kh2 {[%eval -99,0]} a4 {[%eval 46,0]} 58. Bd4 {[%eval 33,0]} a3 {[%eval 0,0]} 59. Qc7 $4 {[%eval -268,0] Blunder. Bxg7 was best.} (59. Bxg7 Kxg7 60. Qc7+ Kf8 61. Qc8+ Kf7 62. Qb7+ Kf6 63. Qb6+ Ke5 64. Qb8+ Kd4 65. Qd8+ Kc4) 59... Qg6 {[%eval -191,0]} 60. Qc4 {[%eval -158,0]} c2 {[%eval -134,0]} 61. Be3 {[%eval -139,0]} Bd6 {[%eval -193,0]} 62. Kg2 $6 {[%eval -271,0] Inaccuracy. Qd5 was best.} (62. Qd5) 62... h5 {[%eval -274,0]} 63. Kf1 $4 {[%eval -696,0] Blunder. Qd5 was best.} (63. Qd5 a2 64. Qxa2 Qe4+ 65. Kh2 Qxh4+ 66. Kg1 Qe4 67. Qa7 c1=Q+ 68. Bxc1 Qe1+ 69. Kh2 Qxc1) 63... Be5 $2 {[%eval -227,0] Mistake. a2 was best.} (63... a2 64. Qa4 Qd3+ 65. Kg2 Ba3 66. Qd4 Qxd4 67. Bxd4 c1=Q 68. Be5 Qd1 69. Kh2 Bd6) 64. g4 $2 {[%eval -594,0] Mistake. Kg2 was best.} (64. Kg2 Bb2) 64... hxg4 {[%eval -575,0]} 65. h5 {[%eval -541,0]} Qf5 {[%eval -645,0]} 66. Qd5 {[%eval -713,0]} g3 {[%eval -984,0]} 67. f4 {[%eval -1277,0]} a2 {[%eval -1536,0]} 68. Qxa2 $6 {[%eval -32749,0] Checkmate is now unavoidable. Kg2 was best.} (68. Kg2 a1=Q) 68... Bxf4 {[%eval -32751,0]} 0-1 [Event "FIDE World Championship Match 2023"] [Site "Astana KAZ"] [Date "2023.04.30"] [Round "2.4"] [White "Nepomniachtchi, Ian"] [Black "Ding, Liren"] [Result "0-1"] [ECO "C84"] [WhiteElo "2795"] [BlackElo "2788"] [Annotator "RealDiamondMax"] [PlyCount "136"] [EventDate "2023.??.??"] [WhiteTeam "RUS"] [BlackTeam "CHN"] [TimeControl "1510+10"] {[%evp 0,136,16,14,7,17,7,28,28,-2,7,0,25,3,21,30,33,7,13,16,2,-15,-15,-11,-10,-11,-9,-33,10,-1,33,33,35,8,35,23,29,9,13,13,9,5,25,20,35,27,25,-7,16,-1,14,5,37,35,23,12,37,15,38,36,26,21,49,47,62,41,52,64,38,50,38,6,14,23,17,17,37,0,-3,-4,-4,0,0,0,0,-28,-24,-46,-15,-15,-15,-30,-30,-30,0,-90,-105,-156,-182,-192,-182,-187,-187,-199,-216,-226,-243,-322,-208,-196,-162,-158,-147,-147,-158,-165,-102,-102,-82,-230,-230,-230,-235,-235,-235,-235,-238,-431,-354,-496,-714,-633,-527,-1062,-1016,-1016,-1016,-2144,-2144]} 1. e4 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:00:13]} e5 {[%eval 35,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} 2. Nf3 {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} Nc6 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 3. Bb5 {[%eval 34,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} a6 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 4. Ba4 {[%eval 31,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} Nf6 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 5. O-O {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} Be7 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 6. d3 {[%eval 27,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} b5 {[%eval 23,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 7. Bb3 {[%eval 17,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} d6 {[%eval 21,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 8. a4 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} Bd7 {[%eval 31,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 9. h3 {[%eval 28,0] [%emt 0:00:09]} O-O {[%eval 28,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 10. Be3 {[%eval 1,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} Na5 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 11. Ba2 {[%eval 6,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} bxa4 {[%eval 8,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 12. Nc3 {[%eval 13,0] [%emt 0:00:05]} Rb8 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:34]} 13. Bb1 {[%eval 21,0] [%emt 0:00:10]} Qe8 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:04:16]} 14. b3 {[%eval 9,0] [%emt 0:01:02]} c5 {[%eval 39,0] [%emt 0:02:14]} 15. Nxa4 {[%eval 29,0] [%emt 0:01:50]} Nc6 {[%eval 39,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 16. Nc3 $6 {[%eval 37,0] [%emt 0:00:21] Inaccuracy. c3 was best.} (16. c3 Be6 17. Bc2 Nd7 18. d4 cxd4 19. cxd4 exd4 20. Nxd4 Nxd4 21. Bxd4 Bf6 22. Re1 Bxd4) 16... a5 {[%eval 41,0] [%emt 0:00:12]} 17. Nd2 {[%eval 42,0] [%emt 0:00:54]} Be6 {[%eval 4,0] [%emt 0:00:45]} 18. Nc4 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:01:10]} d5 $6 {[%eval 42,0] [%emt 0:00:11] Inaccuracy. Qd7 was best.} (18... Qd7 19. f4 exf4 20. Bxf4 g6 21. Bh2 Nh5 22. Ne2 Bxc4 23. dxc4 Bf6 24. Ra2 Be5 25. Bxe5) 19. exd5 {[%eval 39,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} Nxd5 {[%eval 36,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 20. Bd2 $2 {[%eval -97,0] [%emt 0:00:07] Mistake. Nxd5 was best.} (20. Nxd5 Bxd5 21. c3 Qd8 22. Bc2 g6 23. Qe2 Re8 24. Ra4 Ra8 25. Rfa1 Bf8 26. Qd2 h5) 20... Nxc3 $6 {[%eval 13,0] [%emt 0:01:44] Inaccuracy. Nf4 was best.} (20... Nf4 21. Bxf4) 21. Bxc3 {[%eval 28,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} Bxc4 {[%eval 27,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 22. bxc4 {[%eval 19,0] [%emt 0:00:36]} Bd8 {[%eval 14,0] [%emt 0:00:46]} 23. Bd2 {[%eval 2,0] [%emt 0:00:29]} Bc7 {[%eval 5,0] [%emt 0:01:06]} 24. c3 {[%eval 3,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} f5 {[%eval 2,0] [%emt 0:00:55]} 25. Re1 {[%eval 48,0] [%emt 0:03:57]} Rd8 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:53]} 26. Ra2 {[%eval 26,0] [%emt 0:02:07]} Qg6 {[%eval 19,0] [%emt 0:01:02]} 27. Qe2 {[%eval 4,0] [%emt 0:00:27]} Qd6 {[%eval 31,0] [%emt 0:01:26]} 28. g3 {[%eval 32,0] [%emt 0:00:47]} Rde8 {[%eval 15,0] [%emt 0:01:18]} 29. Qf3 {[%eval 22,0] [%emt 0:01:14]} e4 $6 {[%eval 6,0] [%emt 0:00:28] Inaccuracy. Kh8 was best.} (29... Kh8 30. Qd5 Qf6 31. Be3 Ne7 32. Qxc5 Bd6 33. Qxa5 f4 34. Bc5 Bxc5 35. Qxc5 Nf5 36. d4) 30. dxe4 {[%eval 76,0] [%emt 0:00:21]} Ne5 {[%eval 55,0] [%emt 0:02:46]} 31. Qg2 {[%eval 42,0] [%emt 0:00:37]} Nd3 {[%eval 57,0] [%emt 0:03:20]} 32. Bxd3 {[%eval 77,0] [%emt 0:01:21]} Qxd3 {[%eval 7,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 33. exf5 {[%eval 82,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} Rxe1+ {[%eval 69,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 34. Bxe1 {[%eval 75,0] [%emt 0:00:00]} Qxc4 {[%eval 77,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} 35. Ra1 $6 {[%eval 14,0] [%emt 0:00:26] Inaccuracy. Rd2 was best.} (35. Rd2) 35... Rxf5 {[%eval 12,0] [%emt 0:00:55]} 36. Bd2 {[%eval 11,0] [%emt 0:01:38]} h6 {[%eval 13,0] [%emt 0:00:16]} 37. Qc6 {[%eval 7,0] [%emt 0:00:27]} Rf7 {[%eval 24,0] [%emt 0:02:02]} 38. Re1 {[%eval 2,0] [%emt 0:01:13]} Kh7 {[%eval 16,0] [%emt 0:00:08]} 39. Be3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:02:45]} Be5 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:38]} 40. Qe8 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:41]} Bxc3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:54]} 41. Rc1 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} Rf6 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} 42. Qd7 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:45]} Qe2 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} 43. Qd5 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:01:29]} Bb4 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:01:05]} 44. Qe4+ {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:58]} Kg8 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:06]} 45. Qd5+ {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:18]} Kh7 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 46. Qe4+ {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:59]} Rg6 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:33]} 47. Qf5 {[%eval 54,0] [%emt 0:00:25]} c4 {[%eval 48,0] [%emt 0:00:17]} 48. h4 $4 {[%eval -191,0] [%emt 0:01:20] Blunder. Qf4 was best.} (48. Qf4 c3) 48... Qd3 {[%eval -107,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 49. Qf3 $6 {[%eval -291,0] [%emt 0:00:27] Inaccuracy. Qh3 was best.} (49. Qh3 c3) 49... Rf6 $6 {[%eval -147,0] [%emt 0:00:13] Inaccuracy. Bd2 was best.} (49... Bd2 50. Rd1 c3 51. Kh2 a4 52. h5 Rf6 53. Qa8 a3 54. Qa4 Qd5 55. Kg1 Qf5 56. Bd4) 50. Qg4 {[%eval -144,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} c3 {[%eval -146,0] [%emt 0:00:15]} 51. Rd1 {[%eval -128,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} Qg6 {[%eval -142,0] [%emt 0:00:10]} 52. Qc8 $6 {[%eval -266,0] [%emt 0:00:45] Inaccuracy. Qe2 was best.} (52. Qe2 Re6 53. h5 Qe4 54. Qa2 c2 55. Rd4 Qxd4 56. Qxe6 Qd3 57. Kg2 a4 58. Bc1 a3) 52... Rc6 {[%eval -295,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 53. Qa8 {[%eval -234,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} Rd6 $4 {[%eval -48,0] [%emt 0:00:24] Blunder. c2 was best.} (53... c2 54. Rc1 Ba3 55. Ra1 Bc5 56. Bf4 Bb6 57. Rc1 Qe4 58. Kh2 a4 59. Re1 Qf3 60. Qxa4) 54. Rxd6 {[%eval -21,0] [%emt 0:00:23]} Qxd6 {[%eval -65,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 55. Qe4+ {[%eval -43,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} Qg6 {[%eval -79,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 56. Qc4 {[%eval -51,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} Qb1+ {[%eval -99,0] [%emt 0:00:26]} 57. Kh2 {[%eval -99,0] [%emt 0:00:17]} a4 {[%eval 46,0] [%emt 0:00:01]} 58. Bd4 {[%eval 33,0] [%emt 0:00:28]} a3 {[%eval 0,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 59. Qc7 $4 {[%eval -268,0] [%emt 0:00:14] Blunder. Bxg7 was best.} (59. Bxg7 Kxg7 60. Qc7+ Kf8 61. Qc8+ Kf7 62. Qb7+ Kf6 63. Qb6+ Ke5 64. Qb8+ Kd4 65. Qd8+ Kc4) 59... Qg6 {[%eval -191,0] [%emt 0:00:08]} 60. Qc4 {[%eval -158,0] [%emt 0:00:20]} c2 {[%eval -134,0] [%emt 0:00:03]} 61. Be3 {[%eval -139,0] [%emt 0:00:00]} Bd6 {[%eval -193,0] [%emt 0:00:09]} 62. Kg2 $6 {[%eval -271,0] [%emt 0:00:04] Inaccuracy. Qd5 was best.} (62. Qd5) 62... h5 {[%eval -274,0] [%emt 0:00:49]} 63. Kf1 $4 {[%eval -696,0] [%emt 0:00:01] Blunder. Qd5 was best.} (63. Qd5 a2 64. Qxa2 Qe4+ 65. Kh2 Qxh4+ 66. Kg1 Qe4 67. Qa7 c1=Q+ 68. Bxc1 Qe1+ 69. Kh2 Qxc1) 63... Be5 $2 {[%eval -227,0] [%emt 0:00:03] Mistake. a2 was best.} (63... a2 64. Qa4 Qd3+ 65. Kg2 Ba3 66. Qd4 Qxd4 67. Bxd4 c1=Q 68. Be5 Qd1 69. Kh2 Bd6) 64. g4 $2 {[%eval -594,0] [%emt 0:00:18] Mistake. Kg2 was best.} (64. Kg2 Bb2) 64... hxg4 {[%eval -575,0] [%emt 0:00:04]} 65. h5 {[%eval -541,0] [%emt 0:00:07]} Qf5 {[%eval -645,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} 66. Qd5 {[%eval -713,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} g3 {[%eval -984,0] [%emt 0:00:11]} 67. f4 {[%eval -1277,0] [%emt 0:00:02]} a2 {[%eval -1536,0] [%emt 0:00:16]} 68. Qxa2 $6 {[%eval -32749,0] [%emt 0:00:17] Checkmate is now unavoidable. Kg2 was best.} (68. Kg2 a1=Q) 68... Bxf4 {[%eval -32751,0] [%emt 0:00:04] normal 0-1 White resigns.} 0-1