You Got The Silver | Ding Liren vs Hikaru Nakamura | FIDE Candidates 2022

[@PowerPlayChess]

My Kalashnikov course is on sale at Chessable! The offer lasts till the end of the Candidates tournament! www.chessable.com/kings-kalashnikov-sicilian/course/78873/ You can get the book here: www.newinchess.com/king-s-kalashnikov-sicilian

[@Matthew-bu7fg]

Magnus was in Madrid, he's now flying off to Las Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker! Not sure we'll know whether he defends or not until FIDE make an announcement. Bonkers tournament. I need to eat a lot of humble pie for saying there's no way that Nepo wins it. I honestly cannot believe Nepo never choked once and, even more staggering for me, I cannot believe what happened to Fabiano in the second half of the tournament. Basically I expected Nepo to do what Fabi did and Fabi to do what Nepo did. I'm delighted Ding finished ahead of Hikaru. For me, you should always look to play positively. After the last match Ding said how he went for it against Radjabov in Round 12 and, though he ultimately lost, I think it's a better strategy in the long run. I don't like how Nakamura approached that match against Nepo at all and I think he could definitely do with Ding's mentality at the crucial points of tournaments. Thanks for covering the tournament Danny! Hopefully you'll have time for some Olympiad coverage at the end of the month too !

[@stueym100]

The crowning glory of the 'Rolling Stones title' series - could not be a more perfect strapline. Thanks as always for the fantastic coverage.

[@JacobGran]

Too true, it's like he planned this from the beginning!

[@ChromaticTempest]

Hah. Ding is a beast. He reminds me of Kramnik at times, even the poor play that finds its way in every now and then. I must admit, I'd much prefer Carlsen v Liren. I think their styles are so similar at times that Carlsen would be pressed to perhaps play a bit outside himself. I'd find it interesting. Carlsen v Nepo will be a repeat.

[@luaraguiar819]

100k is just coming... What a channel!

[@mpeterll]

I really enjoyed your coverage of the tournament. Thank-you.

[@davidblue819]

Over the past few years, Ding Liren has had trouble missing chances. The problem was in the endgame. Of course you can say all these players are great and none of them have any weaknesses, but in comparison to his rivals, especially Magnus Carlsen, Ding Liren was not coming off as the player who was going to finish strong. Ding Liren was aware of his problem. In a previous candidates tournament he said that he didn't need to change his style, to play more aggressively, because he was getting enough chances but he wasn't able to go on with the job. Over the past two years, you can see in Ding Liren's games that he was working on his big weakness and trying very hard to become a more dominating endgame player. You can see this even in the special match Ding Liren played to get enough games to qualify for this candidates tournament. His play was very rough compared to Magnus Carlsen's standard, but Ding Liren was emphasizing the endgame, and making a big effort every time. And Ding Liren did get wins, though not in a manner that suggested he was ready to play endgames against Magnus Carlsen for the world chess championship. Chess is hard. We struggle to get better, and usually we struggle in vain. We read all these books, and watch the videos, and do the courses, and -- nothing happens. I've been watching (from the cheap seats) with great sympathy, as Ding Liren has struggled against his weakness, as we all must do. Could an ambitious, hard-working young man who knew where he was less strong remove that weakness thought diligent study, or could he not? He could. After all the difficulty of even getting to this tournament, Ding Liren displayed a flawless mastery of the endgame to seize his chance and finish strong. BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! WELL DONE DING LIREN!

[@onghock377]

All in place to be WC

[@jonbaker2102]

In this game Ding reminded me of Anatoly Karpov in his prime. It is not for nothing that Karpov once predicted Ding would one day be world champion. But i hope enough money can be raised to entice another magnus/nepo match.

[@PowerPlayChess]

I don't think it is a question of money. It is a question of the format, and also the fact that the World Championship match rolls round every two years. It dominates a player's life for too long. I would certainly favour every three years.

[@jeffwads]

Naka not fighting in the Nepo game comes back to bite him. Good. Well done Ding.

[@geonerd]

Naka's character doesn't lend itself to winning the W.C.

[@sigurdurthorisson6896]

Wow Ding! Alone in the Candidates, without assistants. Pulling this ...

[@grigoryaleksin271]

Thank you for your coverage, it was really enjoyable watching these recaps every evening! I was wondering whether had you seen (or perhaps read) about Kramnik's critique of the tournament? He argues that the play has been of much lower quality than previous events, in that players often make completely illogical or absurd moves when they do blunder.

[@markregev1651]

No subtitles on Levitov :(

[@sciencefaction2646]

Candidate tournaments are notoriously low quality. Not sure where this one ranks on blunders, but it did seem like some players just imploded no good reason, so Vladimir has a point it seems. Maybe not but it does feel like it.

[@PowerPlayChess]

There is enormous pressure at the Candidates, not just for those in front, but for those desperately chasing and trying to find a way back in - which is possible as Ding proved! It was always like this. It's just a great scrap. Attempting to judge whether there are more blunders than in other Candidates tournaments I find a fruitless exercise. It's just a tense and competitive tournament with players who are really going for it. And dare I say it, with Kramnik, there is a touch of 'It was all much better when I was playing.'

[@grigoryaleksin271]

@@PowerPlayChess I completely agree, though I think Kramnik's point was not so much that there were fewer blunders previously, but that the blunders here were of a different type. He says that blundering a tactic in a complex position is normal but some of the mistakes here were particularly strange as the moves seemed to him completely illogical. In other words, the mistakes were more logical that simply a matter of over-looking a tactic. Of the ones he gives, two examples, are instructive. First, Firouzja's Ra1 against Rapport, which obviously allowed White to double rooks on the 7th rank, and Ian's Qg4 against Nakamura, which obviously gives White a simply better position. In either case, if such a blunder had been a singular occurrence it would not have been a big deal, but, the argument goes, there have been a large number of similar strange mistakes. Though I tend to agree with you that comparing quality is not a great idea due to the pressure on the players, even Grischuk yesterday expressed surprise that sometimes the players decision, in this particular tournament, to him were quite perplexing. It is quite a unique line if criticism, but there is talk that Kramnik will post another video with his thoughts about the second half of the event. It will be interesting to see what he says there too. Thanks again though! Hope you can get some rest before the next big event!

[@CaradhrasAiguo49]

5:50 one point of 1... Bd6 was to prevent the tactic 2. Rxc6 Bxc6 3. Ne5+ winning two pieces for the Rook

[@jjm1970]

A great Keef tune from a great album. And fitting for Ding’s finish. Thanks for all the great coverage!

[@andrewhaldenby4949]

One of my favourite Stones songs - ty Daniel and for all your great coverage of this tournament

[@LateCloser]

Excellent coverage as usual GM King. Fascinating event for sure. I found Naka's game to be a microcosm of his career. He finds himself close to achieving the ultimate goal but instead falls short due to both his over confidence in his position and his reliance on leaving only one path to victory. I didn't watch his YT video, but it sure looked like he thought he would draw this game in his sleep with how the opening went. He knew he had a very even, playable position but he slowly but surely gave it away to Ding. His facial expressions said it all. He had the classic "I got this" look for most of the game. And only after it had been lost for several moves did the "Oh no, I'm lost" look hit his face. With how playable and seemingly straight forward the position was, I would normally be shocked that he blew this game. I think in situations like this, he's his own worst enemy, however. His nerves got to him and with no parachute, he crashed and burned. They did mention during the broadcast that Sutkovsky gave Magnus a deadline of July 20th to make his decision. We should know soon if he defends his title. I'm hoping he doesn't do well at the WSOP so he has fewer reasons to decline. Regardless, a Nepo-Ding WC match would probably be much more entertaining.

[@changotucumano]

I very enjoyed your coverage of this tournament as always, Mr. King. And yes, the Candidates is my favorite one in the chess tour. This edition I found especially exciting, maybe because of the outstanding preparation by the players, maybe because of the time control without increment, which pushed the players often in time trouble.

[@williamhk1847]

Magnificent game from Ding. Who says chess is dead when players can create winning chances like that against black playing for a draw?

[@joseraulcapablanca8564]

Indeed a thoroughy professional performance from Nepo a well deserved winner. Bit of a dog fight for the other places. Nice win for Ding here, i hope we get to see Nepo magnus 2.0 will be fun. Thanks Daniel and keep up the good work.

[@nickjackson6962]

Powerplay to 100k!!!

[@charlesburgess933]

Great tournament, great coverage. Thanks

[@lenz6293]

56 games from the highest level with lots of exciting moments. The decisive ones presented and brilliantly analysed. Thanks so much, Mr.King You're a wonderful person !

[@MrFluidwill]

Really lovely high end game beautifully explained, thanks Daniel

[@skakdosmer]

Thanks for your coverage! Personally I think Magnus is going to play. Nobody's going to admire him for not doing so. So as much as I love Ding's play in this last round, I don't think it's likely to give him a title match.

[@Forest_Knight]

Great commentaries, thank you!

[@Andha1]

Thanks for covering this tournament. I watched all your videos.

[@jbarryirl]

Thanks a mil Daniel for some excellent commentary on this tournament!

[@davidcopson5800]

Another good one Daniel.

[@woodensurfer]

This is a very good for situation for Ding, after so many vicissitudes, having to participle in this tournament in short notice and with little prep. The chances of beating Carlsen and him not wanting to defend his title are not vastly different.

[@kencusick6311]

Well played by Ding. Reminds me of what Fischer once said if such positions; it’s like basketball. You pass the ball around until there’s an opening.

[@horvathliviu2101]

I enjoy your series, Courses on Chessable, I am looking to have a copy of your new book . Fantastic chess out here.

[@PowerPlayChess]

If you ❤ my videos do *subscribe* bit.ly/powerplaysubscription and do checkout the *supporting* *options* through Patreon: bit.ly/patreondanielking or through *PayPal* (links in the description)

[@issamelsayd]

Thank you so so much Sir for your coverage of this tournament

[@skakdosmer]

Caruana played two extremely different tournaments: 7 rounds on +3 followed by 7 rounds on -4! Curious to know the reasons: Did he receive some very bad news between round 7 and round 8? Or was he not in top shape physically? Or did the Spanish food play nasty tricks on his stomach? Or did he simply not make sure to take water (and salt) enough for the Spanish climate?

[@bunhead8]

one thing is clear, you are a Stones fan, lol. This is the second such reference that I know of in your videos (though there may be more), very cool!

[@PowerPlayChess]

There's more :)

[@paulsontag9233]

I think Nakamura's "I'm too cool to care" vibe catches up with him in tourneys like this. Bad psychology. Rapport surprised me with HIS attitude in this tournament and not in a good way.

[@geonerd]

Naka's brittle ego will always do him in.

[@horrortackleharry]

What do you mean about Rapport? [I'm not arguing, I'm just interested to find out what you mean...]

[@geonerd]

If Carlsen abdicates, a Ding / Nepo playoff actually sounds much more compelling than another traditional match.

[@walterk.3576]

rocking and rolling, thx. 4 cover

[@FoxonFriday]

You Can't Always Get What You Want. Got to feel for Nakamura but c'est la vie; I'm only a 100 days to my Spanish Duolingo course so it will have to be in French for now! The PowerPLay Chess coverage has been great and I've enjoyed the tournament. Firouzja will learn, a painful lesson; often the best ones in my experience. By the way, do you know what 'tweaks" Magnus is seeking to change for the forthcoming World Championship match? Let's hope he's doesn't go fully Bobby Fischer in the Wilderness as he started down the same path prior to not playing Karpov in the 70s.

[@robinesperoza]

Thanks for the coverage of the candidates!!! This game by Ding has some Carlsenesque qualities if you ask me. It shows why Ding is rated 2800+. I'm still hoping for a Ding-Carlsen match someday, but Nepo deserves the second chance for world champion by playing so brilliantly this tournament. This whole 'Carlsen not playing spiel' seems a big bluff to me. Having said that, I wouldn't mind if the rules changed. Gimme a 16 player knock-out tournament to decide the world Champion and I would be very pleased indeed. Also for every time you became World Champion 15 minutes will be deduced from your starting time, this way eventually Carlsen will lose.

[@DeElSendero]

Excellent analysis of what to me was a highly technical endgame played by two of the worlds best. You showed what playing at the highest level really means with this one. Great job with it Daniel and very much appreciated!

[@PowerPlayChess]

Thank you!

[@ohorok2]

Suffocation by Ling. He was like an anaconda and Naka stayed without any oxygen. Every move less and less until death. Brutal game. Good video. 😜

[@arkadiuszjandylewski152]

To be honest, I expected more draws. But it was a great tournament and very entertaining, with its ups and downs for nearly anyone.

[@robinesperoza]

It helps Giri wasn't playing. ;)

[@maleltringham8157]

Excellent coverage as usual. Maybe chill and watch some women's football @ Brentford soon. 😂

[@sam-lz6pi]

I know it's only rooks and pawns but I like it...

[@danjeory3659]

After Rd2, was Bb6 not possible? (Bxb6 Nxb6, Rxd7 Nxd7) Or is it too dangerous to allow white to play Rc7 at the end of that line?

[@paulsontag9233]

" Let it Bleed" 1969

[@AllThisOverASliceOfGabagool]

I think Naka's remaining bishop was singing 'Gimme Shelter'. Well, it certainly was sheltered by White's pieces 😉

[@dorgeshuun]

13:32 A DECENT moment for a DECENT player 🙃

[@bobdole7292]

23:32 what about in final position.. black plays Nxe4, fxe4, Rxe4, and depending on whites next move black can win b or h pawn ? 3 pawns for piece

[@PowerPlayChess]

Not enough. It's a simple win.

[@strong8705]

Great coverage of outstanding game. The Champion is bluffing on two fronts? Why would you negotiate rules of something you don't intend to play?

[@kaynthomas7357]

Ty DK

[@nikolalalev732]

Endgame sorcery by Ding.

[@ulrichulrich5810]

Is there a chance that after a wcm match Ding vs Nepo with Ding winning that Carlsen will win the candiates and play Ding?

[@ronniemacdonald2768]

All the more decisive now that Carlsen has confirmed he's not defending his championship.

[@ewan8913]

Naka always plays the Berlin (when facing top level opponents) and if you play the Berlin you can’t really avoid the draw line so I don’t think he should be criticized for playing his repertoire and getting a draw with black

[@guest_informant]

World Championship dividend? I wonder did Vishy benefit similarly; he unexpectedly won his second Candidates after his first loss to Magnus.

[@taljechin]

Hmm, Caruana won the Candidates when he was playing the Petroff, Nepo has now won it twice in a row by playing the Petroff...

[@huddunlap3999]

Rumor has it --- Nakamura is becoming the wealthiest chess player in history

[@balazsio]

Those who are satisfied with draw, deserved to lose.

[@astroNexx]

nakamura is so talented but he's terrible in clutch

[@peterhavord5984]

Carlsen must feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog day - the prospect of crushing Nepo again would be as appealing as watching mushrooms grow. It's time for Carlsen to move on to do something more challenging like solve climate change.

[@arwanpawar419]

I am still assumed Ding is the best player where show us several time he conqured magnus in internasional chess event. But now I my self doubt of his consistent performance. He knocked down by Nepo whoes elo below Ding. Ding is the highest elo on this event while the others are all below him.