Round 3 Drama: Ding Self-Destructs, Gukesh Strikes Back

Predictions and Context: A Game Worth Watching

Before diving into the details of the game, let me remind readers of my earlier insights. In my second blog, I mentioned that we could expect dynamic battles starting from Round 3. On X (formerly Twitter), I predicted around move 8 that this game would not end in a draw—it looked decisive. A few hours later, I was proven correct as Gukesh emerged victorious.

Photo: Maria Emelianova

See the full game here: https://lichess.org/study/cpFtNhCu/OrpTRxmw

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Congratulations to Gukesh

First, a big congratulations to Gukesh on this significant victory. This win not only equalizes the score but also calms his nerves after a tough start in Round 1. Knowing that you can beat your opponent in a World Championship match instills confidence—if you can do it once, you can do it again. This creates momentum, which Gukesh must now maintain by playing quality games with solid and favorable positions, regardless of the result.

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Gukesh’s Areas for Improvement

While Gukesh’s win is commendable, there are still areas where he needs to refine his play. Based on the first three games and his post-game press conferences, here are key areas of focus:

1. Queen Movements (Game 1)

   • Wasteful queen moves cost valuable tempo and weakened his position. Eliminating such inefficiencies is crucial for stronger play in future games.

     

2. Errors in Pawn Structures

   • In Game 1: Moves like b4, the backward pawn on c3, and the untapped potential of the g4 pawn created structural weaknesses without sufficient compensation.

   • In Game 3: The doubled pawns on b3 and b2 and the overextended g5 pawn further highlighted a lack of solidity that needs to be addressed.

     
     

3. Underestimating Opponent’s Resources
   • In Game 1, Gukesh misjudged Ding’s queenside initiative.
   • In Game 3, there was a similar underestimation in the center, giving Ding counterplay opportunities that he almost capitalized on.
4. Inactive Bishops (Game 1 and Game 3)

   • The bishop on f1 in Game 1 was completely ineffective. Similarly, in Game 3, the same bishop failed to contribute actively. Had Ding utilized his time better, this passivity could have led to a different result.

     
     

Gukesh is still young—a diamond in the rough. With these refinements, his potential is limitless.

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Ding: Missed Opportunities and Areas to Fix

Susan Polgar aptly summarized Ding’s loss as “completely self-inflicted.” There was a point, before Rh5, where many—including commentators—felt that Ding might win again or draw. The position was dynamic, with a clear opportunity for Ding to gain an edge.

Key Moments of the Game

1. Move 17: A Promising Position
   • At this point, Black’s position looked superior with better pawn structure, active development opportunities, an open h-file, and the potential to maneuver the knight to e6/f5 with tempo. There were also future tactical opportunities with Be7 targeting the advanced g5 pawn. If Black could successfully navigate the position, particularly avoiding a trap for the bishop on c2, the advantage could have been significant. However, Ding blundered with Rh5, turning this promising scenario into a missed opportunity.

1. White Missed: Prophylactic Play

   • Before White Move g5, White could have played Be3 or Rc1 then Be3, a prophylactic move that would have regained the initiative and complicated Black’s plans. Gukesh missed this, opting for g5, which gave Ding temporary initiative.

     

2. Time Management and Lack of Confidence

   • Ding’s struggles with the clock stemmed from self-doubt. As Hikaru Nakamura noted, the evaluation of a position isn’t just about the board but also about the time remaining. Ding’s moves like Ne5, Rd8, and a6 lacked strategic depth, allowing Gukesh to regroup and activate his pieces.

     

3. Move 25: A Better Plan

   • Ding missed a critical opportunity with ...a5, which could have created counterplay and made Gukesh’s path to victory much more challenging. Instead, passive moves gave Gukesh the breathing room he needed.

     

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Why Did Ding Miss These Opportunities?

1. Psychological Struggles
   • Ding’s moves suggest a lack of deep desire to win—a trait that champions like Kasparov and Carlsen possess in abundance. Without that burning desire, creative ideas are harder to find. As Carlsen himself noted, Ding lacks the desire to win - in round 2.
2. Self-Doubt
   • Overthinking led to inefficient time usage. Doubt breeds chaos, making it hard to focus on the main variations. Ding must rebuild his confidence to avoid these pitfalls in future rounds.

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Lessons for All Players

As I often tell my students:

• “You can only be courageous when you are afraid; only confident when you are unsure.”
• The dichotomy of emotions in chess is what makes champions. Ding may not feel confident, but he must act confidently and take calculated risks to play the kind of chess we expect from a World Champion.

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Ding: What He Can Learn from Gukesh

In this championship, there’s an unexpected dynamic that echoes a lesson from chess history: just as Kasparov learned from Karpov during their World Championship matches, Ding has an opportunity to learn from Gukesh. One of Gukesh’s most striking traits is his sheer confidence. His posture and the fire in his eyes radiate a deep desire to win—a quality that fuels his gameplay and makes him a formidable opponent.

Posture affects your state of mind, fix your posture | Photo: Eng Chin An

Photo: Eng Chin An

This burning ambition is what sets Gukesh apart and makes him a favorite in this match. For Ding, adopting these traits could be transformative. By channeling a similar hunger for victory and projecting confidence, he can overcome the psychological challenges that have hampered his play so far. As Kasparov’s example shows, great champions not only learn from their opponents’ strengths but also use them to elevate their own performance.

Karpov Vs Kasparov 1985

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Final Thoughts

Fans want to see incredible, instructive games from both players—games that teach us and inspire us. With Round 3 delivering a decisive result, the championship is heating up. Both Gukesh and Ding have much to prove, and I, for one, can’t wait for what tomorrow brings.

Good luck to both players!

By Sai Prahlad K
AGM (Arena Grandmaster) | Chess Coach
Founder, Seed Succeed Academy
Chennai, India