Dear YouTube, I Won On Demand!

[@scottshaffer5205]

"The Candidates is no holiday!" - Judit Polgar. "I'm on vacation." - Hikaru Nakamura

[@Devilfish6666]

Its no holiday for Judit: She has to do commentary and be an ambassador^^

[@figa5567]

Hikaru always on point with the memes

[@Speedster___]

Where did she commentate?

[@Liamalaing]

Did you see the Madrid street chess match against Polgar and Magnus?!

[@jrb5077]

@@Speedster___ Chess24 coverage. She and Gustafsson are the main commentators.

[@GM7550.]

Regardless of what happens tomorrow or what Carlsen decides, you've done so much for the chess world. And you've shown the whole world that you're still fighting at the top.

[@JustAPokemonCommentingOnVideos]

FeelsStrongMan

[@willsmith124]

Indeex Nepo is a beast but he also got a little lucky in this candidate

[@waltgrisly509]

@@willsmith124 every winner of candidates ever was a bit lucky

[@autosemimatic6071]

@@willsmith124 yea 100%, 2 free wins from alireza and a freebie from rapport, was also dead lost in the naka game and if he had drawn those games like he shouldve (apart from maybe the 2nd alireza game) and lost to naka then he wouldnt be close to first

[@PivotStickmanAnimations]

@@willsmith124 This carlsen fangirl probably forgot carlus magsen in candidates 2013 totally relied on Kramnik losing in the last round lol

[@dannyb763]

2nd place would be a big achievement, considering the immense quality of the field and how many people dismissed your chances. Keep it going against Ding.

[@Mentaljedi]

Yeah, Nepo arguably playing better than last year as well. Hikaru has had his ups and downs but overall he's played great

[@CoopMauKona]

Hikaru showing a new way to stay on top of the chess world. Playing tons of games online in all formats, doing gambit speedruns, taking time away from over the board chess keeps him fresh and motivated. You can see all the other players (except for Ian) are burned out.

[@DeeJayPancakes]

Everyone is playing much better this year than the past few years and magnus is losing slightly more often. I would respect someone less of they choose to back out and not play one final game before retirement. It would be the perfect way to complete the legacy. If you really think you'll crush anyone, this would be the time to prove it

[@barbwireboy2]

@@CoopMauKona i think the only exception is Ding who is suffering from the opposite of burn-out, he just hasn't played enough against the top players recently.

[@hairtoss7975]

@@DeeJayPancakes If by slightly more often you mean online short time controls or the stupid Armageddon format, yea he's losing some of those; classical, not so much.

[@GarciaPics]

After being "discarded" by some in the chess world, a likely second place in the candidates is an outstanding result. Well done Hikaru!

[@greense65]

Is Hikaru now the best American OTB classical chess player?

[@dulnakajalath9697]

@@greense65 no Fabi still is based on rating

[@greense65]

@@dulnakajalath9697 Thanks for the info!

[@przemysawszaata141]

@@greense65 Hikaru is 4th after Fabi, Levon and Wesley

[@writamchatterjee4676]

@@greense65 it's not all about ratings bro... American OTB hands down Sir Bobby Fisher

[@ramachandra776]

"Why not try and be like Anish?" - Anish will be jumping with joy at this statement . he wouldn't mind being second in this candidates tournament . Also , Hikaru just needs a draw with Ding for clear second place .

[@kudzem]

Anish sort of trolled Hikaru today and made him laugh during the game. He later apologized on twitter for distracting

[@astana2853]

Ding with white can beat hikaru.

[@justarandomanimegirlpassin5341]

@@astana2853 true but odds are quite low since in order to push you quite need to put yourself at disadvantageous position otherwise you run into overanalyzed drawish main lines and at that level its just giving too much seen game where ding got destroyed by radja and pretty much many others where people were trying to overpush against nepo

[@דודמזון-י7ז]

@@justarandomanimegirlpassin5341 the point is that with good prep and good ideas you can make every thing hard for black it dosnt have to be the best move to trick your oponent, this is why when white want a draw it will probably gona be a draw sence he start the game and if black wont play the best move he will lose but when black must play the best move against white ideas its harder this is why you will have more wining chances as white

[@theblaze2294]

@@priceofiron6900 you have to realize the importance with white, a super gm seeking for a draw with white can easily draw, you can't go actively seeking out a easy draw with black if the other doesn't want it

[@sharkam69]

My man, congratulation! You were excellent during the whole competition. And your face, your lovely beautiful face during the whole competition creating memes just for us (lovely duets with Nepo). Love from France (and by all commentaries before me, from worldwide). I loved when you tried clicking during the competition. My only regret, we could not send you a donation during the match to cheer you up! But doing this competition and content at night to explain to us your parties, you are the GOAT. See you soon, pal!

[@Sphenn]

Regardless of whether Magnus plays in the WCC or not I think this Candidates has showed that Naka is absolutely capable of competing with the best! Say what you want but Naka probably had the most consistent performance outside of Nepo. Well done!

[@ancientrinity9344]

Well I mean he proven himself capable man is one of the best chess players in the world 😭😭

[@Gilvids]

Wasnt he world #2 at one point?

[@temirlanshildebayev2451]

@@Gilvids blitz

[@mylixmaximus3901]

@@temirlanshildebayev2451 peak ranking no. 2 in October 2015 Classical on wikipedia

[@Imeanhi_]

@@temirlanshildebayev2451 nah, he is still top in blitz and rapid, but somewhere around 2016 he was 2nd classical behind magnus

[@movdqa]

That smile in the first four seconds. Hikaru is happy today.

[@mariuspuiu9555]

and the last few seconds too :)

[@Patrick462]

He had the same smile in his recap of his loss to Radjabov. That smile surprised me, but I'm not Hikaru and he really enjoys firing up the stream and talking.

[@unattendedcandle]

I noticed that too.

[@paulmosca6315]

Hikaru is simply amazing! Played his heart out today and brought home the win! Although I believe Magnus will play, tomorrow Hikaru becomes the #3 or #4 in the world. That is an amazing accomplishment. Good luck tomorrow Hikaru!

[@Cecil_Augus]

How is he making 20 points in a game to be #3? :p

[@MrIsrael2015]

​@@Cecil_Augus rating is recalculated at the end of the tournament and not only has he gained a lot of points Ding and Fabi lost some too.

[@nopeyt3387]

@@vercot7000 After candidates his rating will jump. As with Ian.

[@HMBartleby]

This is best recap yet in terms of explaining many of the general ideas and what you were thinking at the board (though they have all been great). Good luck against Ding! I hope you get the needed draw, at least.

[@kenoliver8913]

"I might as well play like a human" - 3:10. Wetware beats software again!

[@xxge]

That anish plug is probably the best advert for an openings course ever.

[@kennethnewman5522]

What it really shows is although Hikaru keeps it low key most of the time, he's actually pretty aware of what his chess peers are up to.

[@stuart314]

Dear Hikaru, I am so proud of you for how you’ve performed in the Candidates Tournament. I watch every single video you post to KZbin and I knew in my heart you belonged in the candidates. It’s such a joy to see you in second place. Well done, dude!!

[@Entropy825]

I was so happy to see your win today, Hikaru. Congratulations!

[@garaged]

So proud of being your fan! You have done great, and you also enjoyed it all, thanks for the recaps and all the best for tomorrow!

[@hughandreisasil5893]

This dude literally the 3rd best chess player in the world while streaming. Pogchamp

[@SpiceWeazel]

Idk if that's quite accurate. He has a way to go before being #3 in the rankings.

[@invisibleplayscoc2423]

@@SpiceWeazel ranking is not skill

[@alerted0]

@@SpiceWeazel he’s like 3 points off 5th I wouldn’t say “a long way”

[@strategicsage7694]

@@invisibleplayscoc2423 It's as good a representation of it as anything. There's very little difference between the #2 to #10 or #15 and they constantly shuffle around for a reason. Also for good reason, the gap between Carlsen and #2 is just as large as the range of that whole next group. It really comes down to who is on form, playing their best at the moment, when the players are so close in ability.

[@krowncast9987]

Started playing chess in late 2019. Watching game recaps back then was extremely confusing and I hardly understood any of it. But now 3 years later I am finally understanding the concepts when people go over their games. But you've always seemed to review your games with such simple explanations to complex positions, making it very easy to understand and improve! Thank you for being such a great ambassador and teacher to the game of chess. Congratulations on a brilliant candidates performance and much luck against Ding, tomorrow!

[@misteratoz]

Same man. I've gotten like a 100 elo better by just trying to figure out what Hikaru is talking about

[@andriuscibas]

Hikaru's games, especially in the candidates were extremely simple and straightforward. No wonder it's easier to follow

[@LoffysDomain]

Agree 110 percent. The man is a didactical machine.

[@misteratoz]

@@andriuscibas watch out guys we have a badass over here.

[@chesscrush]

@@andriuscibas well not really it's simple because he explains everything if you would just get the game and sit there you probably wouldn't be able to figure out why he played all his moves. + He's also not going in depth about variations he calculated over the board.

[@jryer1]

The Samurai lives, and we can confidently say, a very good tournament for Hikaru. Even a draw tomorrow secures 2nd place, which just "may" be significant if Magnus decides poker, water polo, and square dancing are more exciting than another chess world championship match. Ian played lights out, so congrats to him, but I honestly think Hikaru under any other circumstance would have been the candidates winner. Exciting times, Hikaru is playing the best he's ever played!

[@jryer1]

12:47 - A mature statement and something to improve on. And not if, but when Hikaru does improve, he'll beat the world champ!

[@deepthroatedcow]

Great job today, Hikaru and good luck tomorrow against Ding. You only need a draw to secure second place.

[@mdb831]

Play for a win and push for 2800 classical rating.

[@MC-ep8cu]

@@mdb831 no that's dumb 2nd in candidates is more important and he is black

[@adityavv96]

@@MC-ep8cu there’s nothing called 2nd place in candidates, winner takes all . And yes , MC will play !

[@puzzLEGO]

Lmao he probably plays Catalan and trades everything or that one line with two queen repetition to secure the easy draw

[@mr.bumble-bee3749]

@@MC-ep8cu why is 2nd place important ?

[@johndoe9604]

12:47 I personally think Hikaru is always great with finding best moves in bad or even losing positions

[@Shome2049]

Botez gambit paid off

[@GuerraSkyz]

GMs Krikor and Leitão just praised your recaps and how well you express yourself in the videos, congrats for your win and for them tournament 👏👏

[@shiroskull2029]

Was a blast following your journey in the candidates. All the best Hikaru!

[@valinorean4816]

he's not done yet, he shouldn't lose tomorrow

[@ignis6144]

@@valinorean4816 ian guaranteed first

[@valinorean4816]

@@ignis6144 we're talking about hikaru and his battle with ding for the second place tomorrow

[@joshuabuena8049]

11:00 that is called Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga is on your side. You are on the edge of glory.

[@teedomeowgi7959]

3:11 "So, I thought after a deep tank, I might as well play like a human" lol what did I just hear?

[@marklondon9004]

"He's just a streamer" "He retired from real chess" "Blitz isn't real chess" Now the 3rd best chess player on the planet.

[@volfgankamei5348]

Dear KZbin, Ding crushed me: Incoming

[@daveopie1234]

I was disappointed with the quick draw against Nepo, but I understood your reasoning. So let's see how you play with White against Duda .... and BOOM!!! Great win! Good luck tomorrow and I hope you finish strong.

[@Requinix17]

It wouldn't have mattered anyway because Nepo is up by more than a full point

[@slayer8780]

@@Requinix17?

[@Requinix17]

@@slayer8780 the standings

[@slayer8780]

@@Requinix17 ye, if magnus doesnt play then second is still important

[@potzysk2]

Naka made a whole video giving examples of how going for a win with Black against a very strong player who only wants a draw with White is almost always a bad idea, and you end up losing. Then he wouldn't be second.

[@3patevra]

Congratulations on your 4th win, loving the recaps

[@ojazzista]

Unfortunately Nepo was far more prepared for this candidates, but Hikaru getting the second place is a huge achievement and should be greatly appreciated! I was cheering for Hikaru but I’m very happy with the results. Still proved a lot of people wrong about his shape and ability to get to the top.

[@greense65]

Hikaru reveals a lot about the psychological calculations he does during these games. I'm sure the other players do similar, and it would be interesting to see their sides. Maybe be among the older players gives Hikaru some advantage in this aspect of the game.

[@NJ-wb1cz]

Second place was a great achievement, and Radjabov finishing third was a great achievement as well! They totally deserved their places this tournament

[@shawncarter7188]

This has been a great tournament! Thank you Hikaru for the recaps !

[@venkateshs1214]

Congratulations Hikaru, this has been an amazing tournament for you considering you have been primarily into streaming. Kudos and thanks for the amazing recaps.

[@okeizh]

Beautiful recaps as always. At 17:45 it’s actually called the hook mate with knight & rook, because the Arabian mate is the one with knight on f6.

[@Unlikely_Hero]

Dude, you're doing better than many expected! You've shown some tenacity and fortitude in this tournament which several of the candidates are lacking. I love that a blitz boss streamer is performing so well at this level in classical! Good stuff!

[@abraham1331]

You're the best for uploading these recaps. Thanks man

[@aashisha2316]

My guy is a full-time streamer and is likely going to get 2nd place in the candidates tmrw. Mad respect

[@giovanni_7191]

Mr. Nakamura has done really great in this tournament. One thing to mention is that in almost every game he has more time than his opponent. That could be 2 things:either better opening preparation/choices or simply calculating the same things as the opponent, but faster! :) Congratulations again mr. Nakamura and thank you very much. You are a real treasure for the chess world.

[@kainicolagain]

He’s not calculating faster than the others, he’s just playing faster, that’s his style. It pays off often times, but he usually has more time even when he loses so yeah.

[@AlexWyattDrums]

A third thing to add to your options: focusing on clock management is part of his style. For example, as Naka said in the video, he noticed Duda got flustered after making a mistake, so he decided to play a little faster to put more time pressure and psychological pressure on Duda.

[@giovanni_7191]

@@AlexWyattDrums it is nice he added the time comments to the video, but this is something most players do or have done in rated games, regardless the rating level. I mean I myself have done it, and I'm only a 1900.

[@AlexWyattDrums]

@@giovanni_7191 I know this, I am also 1900. Doesn’t change the fact that Naka generally plays faster as part of his style.

[@AlexWyattDrums]

@@giovanni_7191 also it was just an example to illustrate my point. All players at that level do everything well: attack, defense, every phase of the game, clock pressure. But each top player slightly pushes harder in certain areas more than others.

[@justinkeefe3456]

Great job brother! What an amazing group to be playing against. Looking forward to the games tomorrow, rooting for ya for second place. Beyond everything have fun on your last day!

[@michaelrocke5721]

I love Hikaru's recap. He really shows how dynamic chess really is. The battle of the mind over the chess pieces. (Factoring yourself into the equation, adds another dimension. )

[@tikoog7568]

Nepo was just lucky. Rapport and alireza threw their games against nepo. Hikaru is a true winner of Candidates who played brilliant chess with a free mind, accepted both defeats and victories with grace, continued entertaining audience, keeping high level chess intact !! Hats off hikaru. You are a true winner of candidates and in general for Chess!!

[@markosborn3079]

Fantastic game, really enjoyed watching this one play out! Great win!

[@Jonny_Haas]

I'm quite sure if you have been last in the tournament everyone would have said "he is now only an streamer"... But actually the fact of being an streamer, and show youlself in front of everyone to speak about the game has given you an extra motivation to win!

[@michaelhughes6634]

Hikaru the more I look at your games the more I think your a genius and you have played super well in the candidates. Your on the road to second place which is probably one of your best results. I think I speak to everyone that you have become better at chess not because of hard work but your attitude has changed you come across as more chilled.

[@pilzz03]

It's amazing what you've done and continue to do for the world of chess! Keep having a great event and show them what a professional streamer can do :)

[@mbarrett99]

“Be like Anish” - 10/10 troll, Anish is Mr Draw.

[@zanshibumi]

A great game and an extremely interesting recap. Thank you very much.

[@dm_nimbus]

I really appreciate the insights into the psychology of the game. Thank you, and good luck tomorrow!

[@samanthalee7863]

I’m super proud of you! Great performance, entertaining games. You’re a winner to me. Take care and good luck tomorrow!

[@carnivalism1042]

12:21 magnus said the exact same thing about hikaru in a video with david howell

[@melo8246]

Having the second strongest outing & analyzing your game for us is a pleasure to watch. Thank you for everything you do for chess!

[@paddymac7303]

Congratulations on the win and thanks for a cracking recap - good luck today!

[@villeneuvesamuel7088]

Congrats! Yeah, I don't believe either that second place will mean anything for the world championship match alas but hey, for a streamer, you sure rocked!

[@nicknavid]

Yeah i can‘t believe a streamer got this good

[@charlesburgess933]

Great job in tbe tournament!! Thanks for the recaps. You made it fun for many, many chess fans.

[@andre_dck]

Thanks for sharing so many great insights and analyses for the last two weeks. You have a great and strong mind! Good luck tomorrow with the last game!

[@sprcow]

These recaps are really great. Thanks for taking the time to make these!

[@ferristhoughts2186]

Amazing tournament, Hikaru! Can’t deny fantastic play and the story behind it.

[@greatpariscars]

Nice product placement with the Anish Giri Chessable course plug.

[@davidwhite2949]

“I don’t expect second-place to mean a lot“ little did he know!

[@wuwei1846]

With Nepo being the challenger again I am not so sure Magnus will defend his title again. So that second place is something to secure. And what better match then Ding versus Nakamura to decide it. That will be one to watch!!

[@thewizardmelon7280]

Yes! I knew we’d get the win and put pressure on Ding tomorrow! Now it’s Hikaru’s turn to only need a draw! Great work Hikaru - thanks again for the recap! Can’t wait to see what Round 14 brings us! 💪🏼

[@rbnn]

Thanks!

[@gangmang1]

So proud of Hikaru, doing amazing in the candidates! Secure that 2nd position!!!

[@LeoAr37]

0:58 GIGACHAD "played this move because it was on Anish's course on chessable"

[@thediscbrothers5797]

Without Further Aduda, lets jump into the game

[@Trippze]

If he beats ding tmrw Hikaru will be #5 in the world, wow

[@anthonyferrari711]

Great game Hikaru. Very good tournament, despite the 2 losses. The 4 wins were quite impressive and fun to watch. Overall, I enjoyed your games the most out of anyone in the tournament.

[@agin1519]

Thanks this is a great insight into how chess is still a fascinating human game, with mistakes, pressure and frustration being a factor the way it is in all top level sport. Also congratulations on your return to the top tier of classical chess, showing those doubters who considered that in your past.

[@alexvanee9115]

Hikaru thank you so much for these recaps! You are playing outstanding chess, and I'm sure you happily exceeding your goals for this tournament. It's a pleasure watching your stream and your recaps, selfishly I'd like Magnus to say nevermind and see you and Nepo battle it out. Not likely I know :). Either way, you've had a great tourney. Congrats!

[@crew_the3rd]

12:12 🤔🔥😀 Moments like these of high level chess lore makes Hikaru's story telling so satisfying.

[@metekucukkose4044]

I was waiting for this. Thank you 😊

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

Duda really nailed the Homelander look

[@theologosleousis7779]

No matter what the outcome is going to be only your chess games have convinced me so far that you are a world champion material

[@ifixfridges7792]

Great commentary today with the OGs that got me through the pandemic. Thank you!

[@F3RNANDOCORR3A]

Parabéns Hikaru! Torcendo por vc desde o ínicio, vc é simplesmente magnífico!

[@PhoenixBlade538]

You my good sir, are a badass. Win or lose, you’ve taught us all so much about chess and grown the game immensely! Thank you!

[@tomtsu5923]

What an awesome game... Hikaru in clear 2nd with one game to go! Gotta love it, what a great performance by Naka!

[@tehmpus]

Hikaru, I'm rooting for you. I love how fast you think. It's the opposite of a Caruana where he has to prepare and trap his opponent. On the board, he's lost without preparation. You, on the other hand, are ready to fight no matter what is played on the board. I respect it.

[@castergamingtv2416]

Nepo in this tournament has an advantage. Because he already played in wcc, there he had a lot of seconds and preparations who'd helped him a lot in this tournament. But I wish you GM HIKARU a good luck you were so great I rooting for you.

[@fujiapple9675]

Xqc would be so proud of the wooden shield at 19:19

[@firmanimad]

Imagine Tal or Petrosian broadcasting his games and cracking jokes on the radio as he was playing on the candidates. The internet is a blessing.

[@SwiddyDiddy]

Getting insight from a active participant in the candidates has been a real treat. Congratulations today and good luck tomorrow!

[@pwrOverwhelming]

Hi Hikaru, Thank you for doing these recap videos!

[@srip7331]

you are a LEGEND man.... you literally showed the Chess world that how much you are into the game than these regular onboard Grand Masters..... Take a BOW

[@danno915]

Well played Hikaru! Fantastic win! Congrats!

[@ukaszgreda9582]

Greetings from Poland, it was painful tonwatch JKD losing, but you played great

[@AlexWyattDrums]

Great recaps, thank you for a very educational Candidates, and taking chess fans and fans of yours inside your thought process!

[@henschelemerson8645]

Bro like before the tournament started everyone was downplaying you some people were saying you'd finish 6th after not playing for such a long time and with great players like Ali, Fabi and Ding but here you are crushing the tournament and just behind nepo. You've really shown class in this Candidates. Well done 👏

[@gorkemgulan]

2:51 glad even super gm’s dont always agree with computer moves 😬😬

[@douglasvanbenthuysen442]

Chess is not so much about the moves you make as it is how effectively you can stun your opponent at the right moment. Hikaru moved that bishop like a wizard.

[@mattburton7469]

when I saw the white knight land on g6 I just had a strong feeling Duda would be the first to slip. when I saw h5 I felt it was over. nothing to do with any sort of calculation or engine eval- just a feeling. Wild game

[@diamondxpres-diamondpainting]

Amazing performance!! Bravo Hikaru!

[@Stefan-xh1hi]

Even though you literally don’t care Hikaru I think you should win the last round of the Fide candidates 2022, best of luck!

[@Flowrounder]

Yes, exactly my thoughts during the game!

[@ineed8800GT]

*Serious Thumbnail* Hikaru: aand welcome back everyone. ☺️

[@AlexanderHL1919]

Absolute legend. We're cheering for you. Best of luck Hikaru!

[@colingore9918]

Play this at 2x speed and watch your head spin I love how Hikaru explained the psychological aspect... Chess is much more than the position on the board!

[@atyrchyk2110]

Much love from Ukraine!! Great game!

[@TheMg49]

Great game! Thanks for the entertaining and instructive recap. Congrats!

[@FaresFares-re8ew]

You’re the best We support you whenever Keep going number one

[@dfchang813]

Form comes and goes but class never dies. Jesus what an ass kicking performance. If you hadn’t screwed the pooch against Fabi in round one and converted against Nepo you would be in lead! Don’t do anything weird tomorrow, just hold against Ding and there is a chance Magnus may choose not to defend. As much as Ian deserves a rematch I’m not sure if there is any appetite for another 14 games between the two. I’d much rather see you and Nepo.