The First Three Games of the World Championship Match: Gukesh vs. Ding Liren

Game 1: Ding's Deep Thought and Gukesh's Boldness

The opening game set the tone for the match, with Ding Liren taking an unusually long think early in the game.

On move 7, in a well-known theoretical position, Ding spent over 30 minutes deliberating his plan before choosing the ambitious sequence a5, a4, Qa5. This approach targeted the base of White's pawn chain with an eventual ...a3, creating dynamic counterplay. Despite the time investment, Ding's plan yielded a comfortable position.

However, Gukesh's youthful optimism was both a strength and a weakness. On move 20, instead of the accurate Be1, Gukesh opted for Rac1, allowing Ding to equalize with the queen trade sequence Qc4-d3. Gukesh declined the trade with Qe1, but this decision left him in a precarious position. Ding capitalized with precise play to score the first win of the match.

Watch my video Part 1 of Game 1 here: Game 1 Part 1
See my video Part 2 recap of Game 1 here: Game 1 Part 2

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Game 2: A Quiet Draw

The second game was a calmer affair. Both players seemed to tread cautiously, perhaps influenced by the high stakes of the championship. After navigating a balanced opening, the players agreed to a draw in a relatively even position. This pause in the fireworks only heightened the anticipation for Game 3.

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Game 3: Time Trouble Strikes Again

Game 3 saw a return of Ding's time management issues. Once again, he spent excessive time in the opening, despite playing into a relatively standard position. By move 10, he made a critical and committal decision with Bc2, effectively trapping his own bishop in White's camp. This was a questionable choice compared to the safer Be6, which would have kept the game balanced.

Gukesh responded with his characteristic optimism, pushing with 15.g5, a move that weakened his f5 square but created attacking chances. Ding had the opportunity to reposition his bishop to safety with Bf5-e6. Unfortunately for Ding, his clock was ticking dangerously low, and he failed to address the vulnerability of his bishop on c2.

The game turned decisively when Gukesh played 19.e4!, trapping the bishop. Ding eventually lost the game on time, giving Gukesh his first win of the match.
Dive into my Game 3 analysis here: Game 3 Recap

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What Lies Ahead?

With the score now tied, the momentum seems to favor Gukesh. His aggressive and uncompromising style is creating problems for Ding, whose time trouble is proving to be his Achilles' heel. If Ding cannot adjust his pace and play faster in the openings, he will face significant challenges in retaining his title.
For Gukesh, the strategy is clear: maintain the pressure with creative and complex positions. His bold play has already delivered results, and the fans can expect many more thrilling games in the coming rounds.

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Follow the Action

Stay tuned for more updates on this electrifying World Championship match. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for in-depth analysis of every game: Linus Chess Channel.
Who will emerge victorious in this clash of styles—Ding's experience and precision or Gukesh's youthful vigor? The chess world is watching with bated breath!