Vishy Anand vs 15-Year-Old GM Shreyas Royal: When One Aggressive Move Backfires
When One Aggressive Move Backfires
Vishy Anand vs 15-Year-Old GM Shreyas Royal: When One Aggressive Move Backfires
Hey everyone,
Today, I want to share an exciting game between the legendary Viswanathan Anand and the young talent, 15-year-old GM Shreyas Royal. This match took place on October 14, 2024, in the Round of 16 at the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. It's a great example of how one aggressive move can change the outcome of a game.
The Game
Shreyas had the white pieces and started with 1. d4, leading to the Slav Defense after 1... d5 2. c4 c6. Both players developed their pieces naturally:
- 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4
- 5. a4 Bf5 6. Ne5 Nbd7 7. Nxc4 Nb6 8. Ne5 a5
By move 9, the position was balanced, and both players were setting up their strategies. Shreyas opted for 9. g3, preparing to fianchetto his bishop, and both players castled soon after.
The Middlegame
The game remained even until move 16, where Shreyas played 16. e4, aiming to open up the center. Anand responded with 16... e5, leading to exchanges that simplified the position:
- 17. Nxe5 Nxe5 18. dxe5 Qxe5
After some more moves, the queens were exchanged, and the game seemed headed toward a draw.
The Turning Point
The critical moment came at move 26 when Shreyas played 26. Nd6?!. This aggressive knight move looked promising but was actually an inaccuracy. Anand seized the opportunity with 26... Rxd6!, and after a series of exchanges, he gained the upper hand.
From this point, Anand displayed his endgame mastery. He maneuvered his pieces expertly, and his passed a-pawn became a significant threat. Shreyas tried to find counterplay but couldn't turn the tide.
The Endgame
Anand's precise play in the endgame showcased his experience. He advanced his pawns and coordinated his rooks effectively. Shreyas made a few more attempts but eventually blundered with 55. g4??, after which the game was lost.
What We Can Learn
This game teaches us several important lessons:
- Be Careful with Aggressive Moves: Shreyas's 26. Nd6 looked aggressive but didn't hold up tactically. Always double-check whether such moves are sound.
- Seize Opportunities: Anand immediately took advantage of the inaccuracy. Recognizing and capitalizing on your opponent's mistakes is crucial.
- Endgame Skills Matter: Anand's endgame technique was superb. Improving your endgame play can significantly impact your results.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Even when the game got complicated, Anand remained composed. Keeping a clear head helps you find the best moves.
Final thoughts
This match between experience and youth reminds us that one move can change everything. While aggression is important in chess, it must be backed by solid calculation. Shreyas will undoubtedly learn from this game, and it's exciting to see his growth as a player.
For all of us, the key takeaway is to balance aggression with caution and always be mindful of the potential consequences of our moves.
Link to the game: WR Chess Masters Cup 2024 • Round of 16 | Game 2 • lichess.org
Thanks for reading!
