I Can Only Do So Much

[@FocusBeam]

Nothing you can do if he wants a draw with white, rooting for you tomorrow

[@hareldavidson738]

I disagree hikaru could have played a more fighting opening rather than the Slav, since Abasov is the lowest player by far he could have done it

[@bastianstieg819]

Completely wrong. He invited the draw with a horrible opening choice. It is 100% clear since months that Abassov will be happy with a draw in every single game. So he just threw away a game.

[@certifiedchickennuggets4145]

The more sad thing is that hikaru said on his kick after the game that absov apologised to him because of the draw and said that he was sick and even contacted the organisers to postpone the games.

[@Overkill9991]

@@hareldavidson738 I think it’s sort of that Hikaru did not want to reveal all of his tournament prep in only the 3rd round. Probably wanted to save it for some of the stronger competition like Pragg, Gukesh, Nepo just to name some.

[@pushingyourownagenda9889]

He should have played something like the Dutch defense which is not too crazy but also not easily drawable for white.. Imbalanced and a long game.. I'm sure Hikaru would have tried a dutch if he knew abasov was sick

[@AnHonestDoubter]

3:53 winning the tournament would be great content. 😄

[@worsethanjoerogan8061]

Hikaru ain't winning

[@AnHonestDoubter]

@worsethanjoerogan8061 I'm rooting for him, good luck @Gmhikaru!

[@bionicbubble23]

ya the "in it for content thing" feels like cope and is kinda annoying when other people would kill to be in his position. although i know he is better than whoever would replace him it seems kinda disrespectful to his competitors

[@lostblue5651]

kings indian, budapest, grunfeld would also be a great content... greater than exchange slav

[@BofaDeezKnights]

Unironically yes. Also, the WC title would multiply his subscriber count and income.

[@u4d18]

Felt for you yesterday, made me realise how much I am rooting for you. All the best, thanks for your energy & content.

[@brianwhiterman8438]

The fans don’t want to see you play fun moves for content. The fans wanna see you win.

[@Jashwan_Karthi]

You are right

[@davidjones88]

Kidding yourself if you actually think he's playing 'for content' and not to win the tournament. It's just that if he loses or draws, he can laugh it off and cope easier as it's still 'content'.

[@byuidan]

Some of the fans… Maybe most of the fans, but I share his disappointment that a double bong cloud didn’t hit the candidates tournament. With that said I also share the perspective that thoughts outside of what is happening on the board seem like a dangerous leak of mental energy and focus.

[@cakedupkevin]

“I’m doing this for content” line is just a coping mechanism

[@sycariummoonshine7134]

I'm pretty sure his fun for content and his chance to win a dry game go pretty hand in hand.

[@saelaird]

He's got this. Imagine the comeback for the C O N T E N T!!

[@dns4060]

Come on Hikaru, we dont care about content. You winning is the best content we could get. Play like you did last year and start winning my guy.

[@quincunx1443]

I think he was being sarcastic. Were you?

[@dns4060]

@@quincunx1443 Hikaru is obviously not being sarcastic.

[@HarpreetSingh-xg2zm]

@@dns4060he is trying to win. He had one bad round and an opponent that forced a draw with white

[@dns4060]

@@HarpreetSingh-xg2zm Bro is trying to sacrifice the rook twice and playing dubios openings

[@thewingedone1172]

@@HarpreetSingh-xg2zm there wasnt a forced draw. Opponent blundered a sharp game with fork on bishop and queen

[@mjad7]

Hikaru is using the “I do it for content” as a coping mechanism for the pressure and anxiety he faces with actually really wanting to win. You can see it all over his face during the games, this is his best chance to be world champion.

[@ramunasstulga8264]

bro makes a living from streaming not from playing chess. So he is trying to give exciting games to fans 💀

[@smildob2776]

​@@ramunasstulga8264give exciting games while entering the most drawish line? Hes 100% coping.

[@lashaxoperia5917]

People really believe Hikaru can win candidates. Nepo will 3 peat this. you will see

[@bedic96]

​@@lashaxoperia5917neither will, its gonna be caruana

[@norbertaspapirtis2002]

he just sarcasticly states "doing for content" ofcouse he is not doing it for content as it can give him unplayable positions.

[@SadCrabMan23]

Be prepared for Pragg with his crazy prep with black

[@bastianstieg819]

I just hope he avoids the ruy lopez or he will be in for a terrible game

[@sanjithd3343]

today's match was something else...

[@Grannyknockers]

Pragg’s crazy prep or Vidit recklessly sacking pawns?

[@matta5749]

@@Grannyknockers yeah I'm sure you know better than a 2730 rated super gm

[@Jisooee]

​@@matta5749 savage😂

[@akshaykumarbaruah3816]

16:30 best bye 🔥

[@stanleyw5410]

We’re all rooting for you! Watching all of your games and know a come back is coming!

[@leagueplays2100]

you know Hikaru, some of us still prefer seeing you actually play solid chess and winning rather than some of the memes

[@artificercreator]

Man, the Candidates is Super interesting! Thanks for the recaps!

[@derbarenschander7737]

Hikaru, I am a really big fan of you and I really wanna see a comeback from you. I know that it will be hard, but please give your best and dont make moves only for content, when you think that they are not the best. The best content you could deliver for us, is to see u win, no matter how.

[@HowThatHappen]

6:47 someone is going to have to update stockfish to not only calculate the best move in the position, but the moves that will generate the most views.

[@thefruit]

you seem to be talented at chess, keep it going young man

[@saralvigneshwarradhakrishn4339]

😂😂😂 young man ,😂😂😂😂😂 ,he is 39 to 40 years old

[@factious6943]

​@@saralvigneshwarradhakrishn4339 Bro u might not know this but this person who comment is 87years so, he is still a young man to this old man

[@saralvigneshwarradhakrishn4339]

@@factious6943 😅 I am 18 bro 🤣🤣 old according to me 😁

[@aryandubey4393]

you needs to start playing seriously dude, we want you to win the candidates. the loss against vidit still haunts me. it was absurd even for me being 1100 rated player

[@garaged]

Hikaru counting in Spanish always sets a big proud smile in my face

[@LuisFernando-ot9yv]

Hikaru, there is no price point for valuing the stamping of your legacy on the chess world. It is only missing the opportunity to become a world champion by playing in the championship. Trust that your fans would prefer to watch you concentrate on preparing and winning then to receive a daily recap of your games. Sending you best wishes so that you have a great rest of the tournament.

[@Patrick462]

TV Announcer: why did you play a6? Hikaru: I did it for YOU!

[@aryandubey4393]

he needs to start playing seriously dude, we want him to win the candidates. the loss against vidit still haunts me. it was absurd even for me being 1100 rated player

[@Automotib]

What happened in that game? Not aware ​@@aryandubey4393

[@genesis_blizzard]

​@@aryandubey4393 he IS playing seriously.. "content" is nothing more than an excuse. And it's very sad to see someone like Hikaru doing something like this as he is one of my favs

[@johndeaux8815]

​@@genesis_blizzardhe's always used the "content" cope so that he can go into the next games with a fresh mind. The viewers might not like that he pretends to not care, but hes not doing the act for chat, hes doing it to convince himself he doesn't care so he doesnt overthink past games while he plays

[@aryandubey4393]

@@genesis_blizzard exactly bro exactly😭

[@anteurovic7142]

As a chess idiot my advice is to believe in your ideas and moves and you'll beat them all. GO NAKA.

[@amirrezashamsehkohan8629]

- Comes to the tournament. - Thinks about the content in the most important moment of the game. - Makes content. - Stays in the tournament and doesn't leave. (GIGACHAD VARIATION)

[@themodernTAL]

I really thought we would see you win today. The pairings was great considering yesterday's loss but i still believe in you to win the candidates even if the intital phase seems to start not going very Hiki way. Sending you wishes for tomorrows match against Pragg and for your other games as well.

[@isabelhart6116]

'Playing for the content' is just a psychological pre-excuse for when he doesn't perform according to his expectations. Reminds me of the great players who play dodgy openings so they can blame the opening for when they lose. Naka is a great player and needs to man up.

[@tanishvora7392]

TRUE

[@gregorymorse8423]

It's strategic. But it can be fatal. It's part of his persona now though, he just has to avoid over thinking things as that's his temptation in big events.

[@Joe-og6br]

Pretty sure it's a jokey throwaway line.

[@CountJas]

Bro quit it with the content jargon we want to see you win, whether you win or lose you’re going to get content either way so you might as well play seriously

[@potzysk2]

You don't realize he's just saying that he's playing for content for content! He tricked you.

[@AI-xi4jk]

For me personally I would watch your recaps no matter what position you have in the tournament. There is entertainment part but also learning part which is present in any high level game even if it’s a draw. ❤

[@AlephThree]

Thanks for the content. Prag played very well today but was visibly shaking towards the end of yesterday’s game. Worth trying to put him under some pressure as he is so young to deal with the expectations on him. Good luck! ❤

[@30.swagatamdebnath66]

You saw Pragg's game against Vidit? I wonder who'll be the first to surprise the other player - Hikaru or Pragg?

[@averagepersiandude]

8:01 Hikaru spends 27 minutes admiring double bongcloud view 11:30 Hikaru spends 24 seconds calculating an entire endgame

[@DemoniqueLewis]

Never stop recording! "Great chess is always great content!"

[@akshatmishra35]

0:48 I loved that reference hikaru

[@dvides89]

Daaaaaaayummmm Hikaru , the Round 3 just finished 5min ago…….having the energy to do this walkthrough so good is really amazing. Best of luck tomorrow, a very tough and interesting opponent. I’m also a Pragg fan so, I’m sad on any result tomorrow:😢..

[@yotamjo297]

"forsen endgame" 13:01

[@plet774]

Winning is the best content. Common man. We all super rooting for you.

[@MichaelAndrewHiggins]

This setup makes your vocal delivery pop moreso than with the neon sign and bright shirt arrangement

[@Abs123-g5q]

You can do it its not hard for our streamer and best player in the world The World Championship calls for Hikaru

[@Bolu-mg2ki]

Magnus Carlson 😅

[@mutatabib]

@@Bolu-mg2ki magnus is not there with them !

[@Bolu-mg2ki]

@@mutatabib best player in the world?

[@AAAronix]

Don't play for content Hikaru, play to win this thing. THAT would be the best content we could ask for

[@EternalBreton82]

Play proper chess and win this thing Hikaru, that is the best content.

[@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClub]

Winning the tournament would be the best content for us if that’s what you’re so concerned with

[@michaelsolomon8871]

4:55 Why does white usually avoid the trade of the dark squared bishops? Black's bishop is at least as good as white's, and a Bxf4 Qxf4 doesn't ruin the pawn structure.

[@Getexposedddddd]

I personally like the content, stop trying to pressure the guy or tell him how to think. He’s been playing for a long time, is a legend in the sport across several dimensions, and can do what he wants for his own reasons. Do ur thing bro, many of us support u win or lose and enjoy the content equally the same. We are lucky to be getting videos and insights during a tournament like this, it’s dope, and I can say I’d personally be way too stressed to be able to make videos while in a major tournament. Glad ur able to do what u enjoy and balance your interests under any circumstance. It’s something I wish I was personally better at. Keep on smiling and keep on defining what’s important to you, it’s inspiring. The try hard armchair psychologist internet warriors think they are masters of the universe but ironically don’t know anything about others’ motivations that differ from their own view of living. They are a self selecting datapoint.

[@jinjocat]

Very insightful. Thank you; you don't often see these kinds of games analysed.

[@Blitz1413]

Abasov: I wonder what he thinking Hikaru: I see forced mate in 12839475033200857..................................................... but en passant and a bongcloud would make great content

[@muddy0048]

Hikaru, real talk: I can see it in your eyes, the pain of the huckster. Step back for a sec, know we love you no matter what, forget the money, if she just wants more money, it’s not right. All our hopes are on you and that’s pressure. Let it all go and just play. Everything else comes from this. We at least need you to do your best at the game. Thanks for the great times.

[@jusawahub6790]

“for tadaaayysss “🔥idk why its so funny 😂

[@SachaAlary]

Man is crazy on content.

[@brianmcgee127]

I realize his channel is extremely popular and profitable, but I feel Hikaru cares more about the content than being world champ (just the impression I get). Maybe that's merely what he is projecting in order to keep his composure and not let the moment get to him. But I would love to finally see him as a world champ and he's got no better opportunity than this with Magnus out of the picture. Wish he would put the streaming to the back burner for now and concentrate on taking this thing down.

[@andresstadelmann7583]

Hikaru I really think you have a good chance to win this tournament and it's definitely a once in a lifetime experience, there's no need to do this for content bro

[@quincunx1443]

I don't think he is doing it for content per se

[@30.swagatamdebnath66]

He is just saying that to cover his sadness of losing the games. Ofc he is the taking the tournament as seriously as others.

[@TheRealRussell]

I'm not trying to be rude, but on your point about the later rounds, it's always seemed like something about your personality causes you to crumble, personally I think you overthink things in those moments. I honestly think your best strategy is to come out swinging for the fences in every early game and be more risk averse in the later stages after you've built up a lead. Aggressive Hikaru wins this tournament imo.

[@AnthonyBrticevic]

Positive vibes from Sydney, down under. Enjoy the channel, the analysis, enthusiasm and excitement. The thumbnails, also, are extraordinary, imaginative and fun

[@aniabib6547]

I don't know why, but I feel this strange tension. I watch Hikatu's videos or streams every day and I have become very attached. When Hikaru doesn't do well in the tournament, I feel sad and think about it throughout the day. I can't look at some of the comments about Hikaru on KZbin and Twitter where he is criticized. I think he played a great game against Fabiano, a bad one against Vidit and a good one against Abasov. There wasn't much he could do with Abasov, he played an interesting opening and tried to create imbalance, but Abasov played terribly to draw. I still see that this is the same Hikau who has achieved so much, who is amazing in classical chess games. I'm afraid that he will stop believing in himself. Hikaru, don't forget who you are.

[@rigobertosolorzano8568]

You can do it Hikaru! We believe in you! You're my fave!

[@luisalbertogutierrez1882]

Let's go Hikaru!!!

[@messiesque]

Hikaru gotta take chances. Abasov is happy with the draw but Hikaru deserves much more than a simple draw against Abasov. I am looking at other candidates who are constantly fighting and trying to make situations complicated. Hikaru has to start some trouble.

[@BurhanAijaz]

Hikaru is faster than an F1 car

[@risanduhettiarachchi]

Come on Hikaru, we have no issue without contents in between this tournament. So be prepared and win the tournament. That is the best content you giving Us. ❤Love you From Sri Lanka😊

[@jryer1]

I'll say what others won't say; Hikaru should play the candidates with the sole intent to win, not for content. In other words in the endeavor to win the candidates, the content will take care of itself. There's a difference between being honest and being full of truth. Even a bank robber can be honest when he admits he robs banks. He's honest, but he is not living a life of truth. My honest assessment is Hikaru gets a little conflicted, and double mindedness is not a good direction. There I said it, let the criticism begin.

[@davidmasse2829]

We have to change your mindset. You did well last time because you were loose. Let go and play freely. Stop thinking about what people prepared or not. That’s what you did in 2016 and it cost you. You are good enough to handle anything. That’s how Nepo plays. He doesn’t care about prep because he can deal with whatever. And you’re better than Nepo. Let your spirit loose Hikaru. Trust your years of instincts and play with confidence.

[@1rrawas]

Stay steadfast, one loss doesn't ruined the tournament

[@stevenshanklin1096]

Hikaru, wake up! Don’t worry about content or you tube. Get your crap together and win the tournament!

[@Alterasia]

maybe he should taking this candidate seriously, and not just for the content. the best content you can bring to us is when you're winning games even though he is just a streamer, we are still hoping for him to win the championship

[@dantralius9269]

The good thing is that you are only 1 behind the top and with a few results going your way as well as a win, you are right back in the mix and considering there are still 11 more games to go that is likely to happen at some point if you play well from this point.

[@TheGoldslash]

i can read the future, hikaru wins round 4, firouzja wins, nepo draws, caruana draws with gukesh new ranking: caruana 2,5 nepo 2,5 gukesh 2,5 hikaru 2 firouzja 2 pragg 1,5 abasov 1

[@zachmorgan6982]

Hikaru really says a lot of funny ass shit off the cuff. Calls em pin the tail on donkey, classic juicer and counts in spanish while dropping Latin Turns of phrase

[@zenflare]

You have to play for a winning position in chess. Otherwise, the games lose all of their value, especially for spectators. To turn your situation around, you should be playing for a win instead of playing conservatively.

[@dennisl1303]

Other GM: I gotta win the Candidates to show I am the best. Naka : Time to upload KZbin and farm contetn.

[@oscar7646]

Hikaru cares more about content and being a streamer than the respect for the title of WC, which is why Fabiano deserves it more. Fabiano cares more about the aesthetics of the game itself.

[@alienskin8175]

You got an excellent chance to finish in the upper section of the bottom half (say 5th or 6th). These are TOUGH players, world class, and as you say, there's only so much you can do against them. Good luck!

[@strawmoon9963]

Man I smashed that subscribe button for you keep up the good work never give up You got it Champ

[@alexeylebedev5350]

Does hikaru ever makes pauses in his speech? I mean it's just unstoppable river flowing. I'm not native English speaker so sometimes it's hard to follow that river, when i understand a word he sad he already has spoken 10 more

[@ayanabhomaitra591]

HAve fallen in love with his so chilly personality

[@cbelchev]

If u could win a tournament with draws... Drawkamura would be unbeatable 😂

[@otonielginarte3689]

Grande Hikaru 🥰... Saludos desde CUBA 🇨🇺 🔥 ♟️

[@DevelopArmed]

hikaru, you trying to play like G is itself a good content for us.

[@ankit_pundir]

Bro casually playing candidates just for CONTENT.

[@Stokkeland23]

Kind of a cop out when playing in the Candidates and saying stuff like playing for content. You playing a World Championship match would be fullfilling your potential. That would be the best content. Always wanted a World Championship match between you and Carlsen. Feels abit like a robbery that we never got it.

[@TheGoldslash]

comeback makes the best content ever, the story of the underdog

[@dpgedward5947]

Did you know that there is no such quote as " mirror mirror on the wall" it has been supernaturally changed, It is now " magic mirror on the wall" check it out, crazy shit

[@harounyasine8679]

Mandella Effect.

[@mistmine7441]

Dude you still can make a comeback. You have our support !

[@randomgeographer4410]

I think, you need to start with some pretty bizarre opening against Pragnanantha. Standard things like Spanish, Sicilian and Berlin openings wouldn't work against him.

[@saralvigneshwarradhakrishn4339]

All people playing to win the candidates, mean while hikaru playing for content 😂😂😂 ,even though i am an indian i felt bad when hikaru was defeated by gujrati

[@kieranczyzniejewski2178]

If Hikaru quick draws tomorrow vs Prag, he will not win this tournament. He has to start showing some life

[@preBLANK]

Feels like a war leader analyzing his war and posting it on internet. Showing mental prowess on a different level

[@robmilnejazz]

"I started this war for content"

[@afshin6148]

"Deeeezzzz knights"😂😂😂😂

[@xenofonkarykis8417]

Don't worry about it, it's still all to play for, just try to enjoy the tournament don't get too much into results until the last round.

[@vitaliimakarov6181]

Prag is a dangerous opponent. Good luck Hikaru!

[@FlameingSlayer]

Magnus loses: Hikaru: ahahahahaha Hikaru loses: Hikaru: I can only do so much

[@michelefaragalli]

As someone who likes to watch your recaps, I always prefeer seeing you having a boring win (or a boring draw), playing the best chess you can, rather than seeing you playing a slightly unusual and inaccurate move "for content" and then lose a game. I think a lot of you fans feel the same :) Wish you the best for your tournament!

[@daphnesuarez5924]

I just subscribed & I'm rooting for you to WIN! I hope you're having a good time in my City, Toronto & it's great to have you! I want you to smash your opponent tomorrow Hikaru! Best of luck!

[@deputyvillageidiot]

If Kramnik were here, he’d find the miracle run of Abasov “interesting,” but he also already thinks Hikaru is “interesting”-which means both players here are doing “interesting” things. Such is the logic in Kramnik-world, where he is compelled to run the “procedure” on the players of both sides of the board.

[@zekesneaks]

gl big man, i cant wait to see your insane prep with white in upcoming games

[@goyf9095]

Good choice not going for something crazy and risking losing this! I'll be cheering for you during your next game!

[@savitar8545]

I have a hope on You.. Man show Your full potential in upcoming matches 👍 Show ur takes takes takes..... Rock and rule the tournament Hikaru And its will be show hikaru is nonstopable monster.. Go NAKA

[@xedwyn6244]

Incredible to be living in this timeline where top GMs commentate their own games

[@biniyamd4709]

0:13 "I lost to the idiot player"

[@PS-pb3qy]

Hikaru comeback is coming strong❤❤

[@compositeur8455]

Why did he play the slav defense rather than d5?

[@tonysu8860]

Was surprised you played a Slav since its reputation is like the French, if White is in a fighting mood Black has great winning chances but if White is going to try to make a draw from the start the Exchange variation can be very hard to win with the symmetrical pawn structures and fully open file that results in rook exchanges Only positional virtuosos win these kinds of games That is, unless you happen to have some special line in your pocket. And, as you describe usually any risks taken aren't worth the return.

[@RacerTTT]

Your chess knowledge is obviously vast..😮. And the speed at which you deliver that knowledge is unbelievable

[@ffwinners6388]

Wake up!. You are Carlsen-Anand-Kasparov rolled into one. Start playing at a world championship level. Don't let these other players mediocrity take you down. You are the force they all fear!

[@BBeowulf]

😂

[@kzrr]

I'm a casual fan but I think I'd still rather see the you playing the best possible moves rather than the content moves. One good performing video bc of the "content move" is cool, but as a viewer, it kinda cheapens the stakes which is kinda counter-productive when the main appeal is that it's a high-stakes game between two grandmasters.

[@theprotheboss]

you're the fastest content creators I know bro prag just won 😭

[@switchblad333]

can someone explain what it is with this happy jolly voice i havent hikaru in a few years