D Gukesh vs Ding Liren: What was the opening played in World Chess Championship Final Round 10?

D Gukesh vs Ding Liren: What was the opening played in World Chess Championship Final Round 10?

India’s D Gukesh and China’s D Gukesh played out a London System opening pattern in the 10th round of the World Chess Championship final in Singapore on Saturday. ‘

Wielding the white pieces, Ding started with d4, to which Gukesh responded with Nf6, setting the stage for the London game.

White’s early Nf3 Quick development advantages include the ability to gain a development lead by quickly deploying the knight and bishop. This enables quicker control of the middle squares and a quicker kingside castle.

Black may choose to attack the bishop with Nh5 in certain lines versus the London System when e3 and Bd3 are played. In this configuration, such strategies are not possible.

Misses the Typical Solid Structure: The conventional London System’s stable and reliable pawn structure on c3-d4-e3 is one of its key benefits. If Black reacts aggressively, White might not have enough time to set up this structure in this sequence.

Potential Isolated Pawn: White may end up with an isolated d4 piece, which could prove to be a handicap in the endgame, if they finally push c4 to attack Black’s d5 pawn and exchanges take place.

Gukesh and Ding headed into the game level on points, after having played six consecutive draws before the 10th round.