D Gukesh vs Ding Liren: What was the opening played in World Chess Championship 2024 Round 14?
India’s D Gukesh and China’s D Gukesh played out a Reversed Grunfeld opening pattern in the 14th round of the World Chess Championship final in Singapore on Thursday. ‘
Wielding the white pieces, Ding started with Nf3, to which Gukesh responded with d5, setting the stage for a Reversed Grunfeld game.
Opening Moves
1. Nf3 d5
2. g3 c5
3. Bg2 Nc6
4. d4 e6
5. O-O cxd4
6. Nxd4 Nge7
This opening is a variation of the Grunfield Defense, first employed in 1855 by Moheschunder Bannerjee, an Indian chess player against John Cochrane in Calcutta.
With 4. d4, White enters the reversed Grünfeld where play can be very sharp. The d-pawn immediately confronts Black’s centre and forces a response.
Gukesh and Ding headed into the game level on points, after having traded wins in the 11th and 12th rounds.