Praggnanandhaa Outplays Gukesh to Rise to World #3! | 2025 Sinquefield Cup

This is an instructive chess game between Praggnanandhaa R and Gukesh D from round 1 of the 2025 Sinquefield Cup. Out of a Nimzo-Indian Defense, the c- and d-files become fully open in a symmetrical structure after 11 moves. The critical phase begins with Praggnanandhaa’s 13th move b4, after which Gukesh concedes small but important inaccuracies. By move 17, Praggnanandhaa had built a decisive advantage of +1.5. With a 97% accuracy performance, Praggnanandhaa not only defeated the reigning World Chess Champion, but also climbed to World #3 in the live ratings!

R Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh D | 2025 Sinquefield Cup

Below the video, there is a pop quiz with three questions. If you are interested in improving your game, devote some time to answering them before watching the video.
https://youtu.be/wsid5CmrcnA

Question 1 of 3: What is black's best reply to 13. b4?

Question 2 of 3: Why is it better to recapture on d7 with the rook instead of the knight?

Question 3 of 3: What is white's best reply to 20...Rc8?

Closing words

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-Jerry