2024 FIDE Candidates Toronto April 3-23

[Graham Borrowdale]

Yes, still all to play for. I have a sneaking feeling that Nakamura might just continue the roll he is on, but no result would surprise me, even Caruana beating a, possibly tiring, Pragg in Rd 13, to set up a last round showdown with Nepo, who might have used up all his luck. If Gukesh beats Firouzja in Rd 13 his fate will be in his own hands going into the last round.
In terms of the games, I clearly do not understand modern chess, or more particularly, opening choices. We have had quite a few Petroff’s, effectively black choosing an exchange French, then in Rd 12 we had two French Defences, and in both games white chose the exchange variation. I presume this is all about avoiding opening preparation, but I have to say, I thought the French was under a bit of a cloud?

[Roger de Coverly]

I presume this is all about avoiding opening preparation, but I have to say, I thought the French was under a bit of a cloud?

Leonard Barden's Guardian column today mentions the game Tan v Rameshbabu from the Women's event. He writes

The opening is well worth a look as Tan secured easy equality with an unusual counter to the 2 c3 Sicilian, which is popular in English club chess and online games.

It was 1. e4 c5 2. c3 e6 3. d4 d5 with Rameshbabu continuing with 4. exd5. However 4. e5 transposes to an Advance French which may be why the line isn't seen so much.


https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/ ... end-climax

[Nick Burrows]

I thought the French was under a bit of a cloud?

There was the Giri Chessable course on the French, when he played it in many of his own games. Since then over the past few years my impression is that we have seen much more of the French at the top level.

[LawrenceCooper]

I thought the French was under a bit of a cloud?

There was the Giri Chessable course on the French, when he played it in many of his own games. Since then over the past few years my impression is that we have seen much more of the French at the top level.

It seems to be used more as a surprise weapon than being the main part of a top player's range of openings. Most seem to accept that 1 e4 e5 is the best choice but when wanting to win they will consider all the other options.

[Nick Burrows]

It seems to be used more as a surprise weapon than being the main part of a top player's range of openings. Most seem to accept that 1 e4 e5 is the best choice but when wanting to win they will consider all the other options.

Yes, the clear trend seems to be that surprise is much more valuable than objective strength when seeking chances to win.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I presume this is all about avoiding opening preparation, but I have to say, I thought the French was under a bit of a cloud?

Leonard Barden's Guardian column today mentions the game Tan v Rameshbabu from the Women's event. He writes

The opening is well worth a look as Tan secured easy equality with an unusual counter to the 2 c3 Sicilian, which is popular in English club chess and online games.

It was 1. e4 c5 2. c3 e6 3. d4 d5 with Rameshbabu continuing with 4. exd5. However 4. e5 transposes to an Advance French which may be why the line isn't seen so much.

Perhaps wouldn't exaggerate how "unusual" it is though - maybe the third most popular response to 2 c3 after 2....Nf6 and 2....d5. Though it is surely no coincidence that many of we c3 Sicilian aficionados also play the Advance French as White.....

[Christopher Kreuzer]

From Leonard's column:

Nepomniachtchi, who won the 2020-21 and 2022 Candidates, holds the unique record of having led, alone or jointly, in all 40 rounds of the three events. If the 33-year-old can complete the job and qualify for a third world title match, it would be a remarkable achievement.

If you thought Jonathan Rogers was putting pressure on Nepomniachtchi to win, this takes it to another level! Imagine if he fell out of the lead or joint lead right at the end?

[Tim Harding]

The world eagerly awaits Ding vs Nepo II

I don't. I would much rather see Ding v Gukesh or Hikaru.

[Matt Mackenzie]

I think that post maybe wasn't being 100% serious.

Personally not really keen on a Naka win either.

[LawrenceCooper]

Nepo-Nakamura and Vidit-Abasov already drawn.

[Jonathan Rogers]

The engines are using ChatGPT and are calling this round "the calm before the storm"

[Christopher Kreuzer]

I quite like Gukesh's position at move 40. A golden opportunity surely to put pressure on Firouzja and take the outright lead for the first time.

[LawrenceCooper]

I quite like Gukesh's position at move 40. A golden opportunity surely to put pressure on Firouzja and take the outright lead for the first time.

Yes, it certainly improved from around move 25-30 as Alireza got lower on time.

[Christopher Kreuzer]

Even better now at move 49. Gukesh a clear pawn up and 1.5 advantage according to the online Lichess engine. Massive opportunity now, and really sets up the clash with Nakamura in last round. Would force Nepo to go all out against Caruana (who would be out of the running if Gukesh wins, as Caruana looking likely to draw his round 13 game).

[LawrenceCooper]

Gukesh wins. Caruana also looking likely to win.