The everything CHESS thread

[TheIronMaiden]

Gukesh is the Youngest Chess World Champion!

[mrkajz44]

Did I see that right? Ding basically just blundered away a very likely draw in the final game to lose the whole thing? What a finish to a fairly exciting match (yes, a few boring draws in there).

Wild conspiracy theory: Ding hated being world champion due to the pressure and exposure it gave him. He used the entire match to show he could still be champion, but then graciously handed it away in the final game.

Either that, or he finally let his time troubles catch up to him

[FireGilbert]

Wow I thought that was definitely a draw and didn’t stay up to watch the ending.

Had to be time trouble and fatigue. Can’t see Ding turning down an opportunity to make $1 million for three weeks of work. Do understand what he was trying. If the Rooks are traded it removes some tactical complications and forces a drawn bishop end game. Didn’t realise it also forced a bishop trade and a winning pawn end game.

Is a good end game lesson for us. Bishop and pawn vs Bishop and 2 pawns should be a draw because you can sac the Bishop for the extra pawn. Without the bishops it’s more than likely a winning end game because of the extra pawn.

[chemgear]